V26I1 (Winter 2023-24)

ANIMAL

For a long, healthy life!

WELLNESS HEALTHY

WIN

Holiday Recipes

A year ’s supp ly of Air-Dr ied Do g Food worth 5K!

See Pg . 15

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

7

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

50

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

68

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

Nutrition videos, recipes and more!

Animal Wellness Magazine

Tips, pet photos, and more!

AnimalWellnessMagazine

Crafts, laughs, and more!

AnimalWellness

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

5

ANIMAL

For a long, healthy life!

WELLNESS VOLUME 26 ISSUE 1

EDITORIAL/CREATIVE DEPARTMENT: Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Content Editor: Ashley Tonkens Senior Content Editor: Belinda Rose-Innes Graphic Design Lead: Ethan Vorstenbosch Graphic Designer: Joy Sunga Web Design & Development: Lace Imson Cover Photo Photographer: Katho Menden

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Nadia Ali Sally E. Bahner Karen Elizabeth Baril Suzi Beber, Honoris causa Christine Caplan, CVT Linda Caradine Lynne Fedorick, CPDT-KA, CTDI, BCSPCA Abigail Jane Sara Jordan-Heintz Patrick Kuklinski Shawn Messonnier, DVM Jared Mitchell, DVM, CVMA, CVA, CVFT Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT Sandra Murphy Lorena Lloret Nadal, DVM, MSTCVM Kristina Newman Carol Osborne, DVM Michel Roy Robert J. Silver, DVM, MS Amy Snow Tonya Wilhelm Kaila Young Nancy Zidonis

ADMINISTRATION & SALES:

President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Circulation & Office Manager: Libby Sinden Subscription Services: Simone Beimbrink Customer Satisfaction Coordinator: Rebecca Veigas HR/Finance: Rosme Mandal

SUBMISSIONS:

ON THE COVER Cover photo by:

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.

Katho Menden These two sweeties look relaxed and happy, so they likely both enjoy good dental health!

Problems with teeth and gums cause animals a lot of pain, but it doesn’t have to be that way. This issue helps you support your best friend’s dental wellness with articles and products to keep his pearly whites clean and healthy.

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 Business Development Representative: Luke Pigeon, (866) 764-1212 ext 228 luke.pigeon@redstonemediagroup.com Classified Advertising: Libby Sinden, (866) 764-1212 ext 114 classifiedads@animalwellnessmagazine.com Customer Satisfaction Coordinator: Rebecca Veigas, (866) 764-1212 ext. 225 Rebecca@redstonemediagroup.com

TO SUBSCRIBE:

Subscription price at time of this issue is $24.00 in the U.S. and Canada, including taxes for four 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

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published four times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2023. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: December 2023. proudly supporting

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Animal Wellness

CANADA

FROM THE EDITOR

So much to

Smile About When I was a kid back in the 1900s (as my teen son likes to say), we didn’t really think about daily dental care for our animals. Every couple of years, the critters would visit the vet for a deep cleaning. It wasn’t until decades later that brushing became a nightly ritual for our husky, right after my husband and I brushed our own teeth.

Now, many dogs and cats later, dental care is as much a priority as good nutrition. Still, while our bigger dogs have tended to fare better on the dental front, we have struggled with Muffie, our little Shih Poo rescue. Her puppy mill breeding hasn’t helped, and over the years, she’s had teeth so loose the veterinarian could easily pop them out, in addition to dental surgery to remove a couple others. Now, due to her advanced age (16 years), they’re hesitant to anesthetize her, so we continue to do our best with the brushes, wipes and sprays. Part of the issue is the size of her jaw, which makes it hard to effectively get to those back molars. I’ve recently added homeopathy to her water to help as well. It’s not a perfect science and I’ve learned each animal is different in terms of their dental health. The important thing is to ensure you factor dental care into your four-legged friend’s healthcare regimen.

This issue helps you do just that. Be sure to check out our article on natural products that support good dental health — they make it much easier to keep your dog or cat’s gums healthy and his teeth clean and white! We also take a look at dental extractions in animals, why and when they might be necessary, and what to expect from the procedure.

This issue focuses on the endocrine system too, and the profound impact it has on canine and feline wellness.

Read up on some of the most common endocrine diseases in dogs and cats, and how an integrative approach can be used to treat them. You’ll also find articles on pancreatitis in dogs, and how a medicinal mushroom called Cordyceps may help your best friend’s adrenal glands deal more effectively with stress.

As you gear up for the holiday season, why not try some of the flavorful festive recipes included in these pages — these goodies are not only delicious, but they’re also super-healthy! And there’s lots more topical wintertime reading — find out how to choose the best litter for your cat, and how enrichment helps dogs recover from surgery. We also cover sleep disorders in dogs, provide tips on getting your cat to take her pills, and examine how technology and AI are changing the way we care for our animal companions.

Last but not least, this issue features our first ever Innovative Products Guide. Check out the latest supercool products that can help your dog or cat live a longer, happier life!

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

Visit our facebook page at facebook.com/AnimalWellnessMagazine 8

Animal Wellness

CONTRIBUTORS Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier wrote The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He’s the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite Radio, and creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics. His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (pawsandclawsanimalhospital.com) is in Plano, Texas. p. 35

Dr. Suzi Beber creates special needs diets for animals. 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 a 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. 20

Veterinarian Dr. Jared Mitchell graduated from Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2004, and owns Mitchell Animal Clinic in Mobile, Alabama. He has advanced training in essential oils through the VMAA. Dr. Mitchell is certified in veterinary acupuncture and veterinary food therapy through Chi University, and is enrolled in their Masters of TCVM program. p. 72

Christine Caplan is a Certified Vet Tech, and a long-time PR veteran and content marketing expert who brings her unique understanding of social and digital media to connect dog lovers to brands both on and offline. (mylifewithdogspdx.com). p. 42

Veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. She is certified in Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation, and in Acupuncture and Food Therapy from the Chi Institute, as well as 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. 12 Veterinarian Dr. Lorena Lloret Nadal obtained her degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Murcia, Spain, in 2002. She also obtained degrees in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, food therapy, Tui-Na, and chiropractic. Dr Lorena is the founding member/director of the Chi Institute of Europe, and teaches vets about TCVM in eight European countries. She is on the Board of Directors of WATCVM and runs the integrative veterinary medicine service at Veterinary Specialists Ireland (vetspecialists.ie). p. 78 Veterinarian Dr. Carol Osborne is an integrative veterinarian and leader, speaker and educator in functional medicine. She is the founder/director of Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic (chagrinfallspetclinic.com) and an Emmy-nominated television journalist. Her books, Naturally Healthy Dogs and Naturally Healthy Cats, were international bestsellers. Dr. Carol contributes to FOX & Friends, The Today Show, Discovery’s Animal Planet, and Good Day LA. She is board certified in anti-aging medicine and developed PAAWS: Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System. p. 30 Veterinarian Dr. Robert Silver graduated from Colorado State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and established one of the first US integrative vet clinics in Boulder, CO in 1993. He is a nationally recognized expert in veterinary herbal medicine and veterinary CBD and cannabis therapeutics.

He wrote A Guide to Pet CBD and Cannabis, shares a blog site (NurseYourPet.com) and owns the Well-Pet Dispensary (wellpetdispensary.com). p. 50 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. 40 Sally Bahner specializes in cat-related issues, specifically behavior, nutrition, and holistic care. She is author of The Art of Raising a Kitten. Sally is an award-winning member of the Cat Writers’ Association and the Society of Professional Journalists, and a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants p. 86 Karen Elizabeth Baril is a pet blogger, author, and magazine writer.

Her work has appeared in numerous animal and equine publications (karenelizabethbaril.com). She lives on her farm in the northwestern hills of Connecticut with her three horses, two dogs, and whatever animals may trundle through during the night. p. 80

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Animal Wellness

Linda Caradine is a Portland, Oregon-based writer and Executive Director of Other Mothers Animal Rescue, founded in 2005 to give pregnant dogs and cats a second chance at a good life. Linda's work has appeared in a variety of publications and she has completed a memoir about starting and running her rescue organization. Her book, Lying Down with Dogs, is seet for publication in April 2024. p. 48 Lynne Fedorick has been a professional dog trainer at Go Dog Go! Dog Training (mydoggeek.com) for nearly 30 years. When she isn't helping people get the best out of their dogs, she writes dog training books and articles for magazines. Lynne lives, works, and travels extensively with her two pointers, Jolene and Annabelle. p. 24 Abigail Jane is a writer and animal lover. One day, she thought: why not do both? She has combined her two passions while helping other animal guardians to navigate the world of caring for their furry companions. p. 68 Sara Jordan-Heintz is a newspaper and magazine journalist. Her articles have appeared in Equine Wellness, Antique Trader, Farm Collector and others.

She is a recipient of the Genevieve Mauck Stoufer Outstanding Young Iowa Journalists Award. Her work is regularly published through the USA Today Network. She is also the author of the classic cinema book Going Hollywood: Midwesterners in Movieland. p. 88 Patrick Kuklinski is a longtime writer living in Concord, New Hampshire with an array of animals, including his Australian Shepherd, Rory. You can find him at todaysbird.tumblr.com. p. 84 Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of ACU-DOG: A Guide to Canine Acupressure, ACU-CAT: A Guide to Feline Acupressure, and ACUHORSE: A Guide to Equine Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources, which offers books, manuals, online training courses, DVDs, apps, meridian charts, consulting, and many more acupressure learning tools and opportuities (animalacupressure.com; tallgrass@animalacupressure.com). p. 92 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. 16 Kaila Young is a writer and animal welfare advocate whose work focuses on our non-human friends, especially dogs, and the natural world. She holds an MFA in Nature Writing and has previously worked for an animal shelter where she now volunteers. Kaila lives in Pennsylvania with her two dogs, Cali and Wren, and the occasional foster. p. 76 Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she's not writing, she works as a pet sitter. p. 90

by Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT

From Cushing’s to hypothyroidism, a variety of diseases can affect your dog or cat’s endocrine system. This two-part article looks at the most common endocrine diseases affecting our animal companions.

Your dog or cat’s endocrine system is made up of glands that secrete hormones to affect her body in various ways. The glands of the endocrine system regulate a range of functions, including metabolism, hair growth, muscle strength, digestion, and reproduction. Like other systems of the body, your dog or cat’s endocrine system can develop various disorders, the most common of which include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease.

This two-part article takes a closer look at these endocrine disorders, and how they can be treated using an alternative approach. Let’s start with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing’s disease.

FAST FACT: Most of these diseases have symptoms that overlap. One of the earliest and most common symptoms is increased thirst.

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Animal Wellness

HYPOTHYROIDISM – MOST COMMON IN DOGS Hypothyroid disease, or an underactive thyroid gland, is the most common hormone imbalance in dogs, but is extremely rare in cats. The thyroid gland is responsible for metabolism; when it doesn’t function properly, the body slows down, leading to lethargy and obesity. The cycle of hair growth and shedding is interrupted, and many dogs develop bald patches, particularly along the flanks. The hair will become dry and brittle and lack shine. Skin and ear infections are commonplace. Some dogs become anxious, depressed, aggressive, or develop seizures.

Primary hypothyroidism is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

Decreased production of thyroid hormones may also occur with age. Large breeds seem to be affected more often, with Dobermans, Labradors, and greyhounds leading the list.

Eggs

Kelp

Treatment •

Ashwagandha Root

Supplemental synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) — given twice daily, starting at 0.05 to 0.1 mg per 10 to 15 pounds body weight. It should be given one hour prior to or two hours after feeding (not with meals) to ensure proper absorption.

Some supplements contain ground thyroid gland, which can add thyroid hormone without synthetic supplementation.

Symptoms may include hyperactivity, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite with weight loss, excessive vocalization, racing heart rate, high blood pressure, and possibly a palpably enlarged thyroid gland.

FAST FACT: The average age of hyperthyroid cats at diagnosis is eight to 13 years.

Treatment •

High quality, high moisture diet — frozen raw, homecooked, or rehydrated freeze-dried raw.

•

Healthy, minimally-processed, species-appropriate whole food diet — more protein, less carbs.

•

Yin tonifying (cooling) meats — e.g. rabbit, duck, grass-fed beef, liver, and clams.

•

Decreased (or stopped) vaccines.

•

•

Vitamin D — found in cod liver oil, sardines, eggs, kefir, and beef liver, to support the immune system.

Milk thistle (5 to 10 mg per pound twice daily) and/or SAM-e (90 mg daily) — liver enzymes are commonly elevated with this disease so liver support is essential.

•

Kelp — a source of iodine, which is required for thyroid function; 1/4 teaspoon for small dogs, ½ teaspoon for medium dogs, 1 teaspoon for large dogs.

•

Foods high in vitamin A — e.g. carrots, kale, spinach, and barley grass; add in small amounts if the cat will eat them; they can be cooked and minced or fed raw.

•

Omega-3 fatty acids — 20 to 30 mg per pound of body weight daily of EPA and DHA combined.

•

L-carnitine — 250 to 500 mg twice daily for cardiac support; also found in high quantities in red meats.

•

Herbal thyroid supplements containing licorice root, rehmannia, and ashwagandha.

•

•

Vitamin A — 50 to 100 IU per pound of body weight daily).

Taurine — 250 to 500 mg two to three times daily for cardiac support; also found in high quantities in red meats, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and fish.

•

Ester-C — 100 to 500 mg daily, dosed to bowel tolerance – use lower dose if diarrhea develops).

•

•

Vitamin E — 400 to 1,000 IU per day to support endocrine function.

Herbs to balance thyroid function — bugleweed, which has been shown to decrease thyroid hormone output; and hawthorn, which can help lower blood pressure and decrease the work the heart is doing.

•

Acupuncture — can help balance the immune system and lower blood pressure, as well as support the kidneys and liver.

•

No more vaccines.

Thyroid hormone levels should be closely monitored, as over or under-supplementation can have dire consequences. Be sure to work closely with your veterinarian.

Carrrots

Kale

Freeze-Dried Treats

FAST FACT: Hypothyroidism, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease commonly occur together.

HYPERTHYROIDISM – A DISEASE OF CATS Hyperthyroidism, which refers to an overactive thyroid gland, is a disease of cats. When seen in dogs, it is almost always related to a malignant functional thyroid tumor (but has also been seen in dogs fed diets containing thyroid glands). Cats develop benign adenomas of the thyroid gland; only 2% to 3% have malignant thyroid tumors. See sidebar on page 14 for potential causes of hyperthyroidism in cats.

BE SURE TO WORK WITH A VETERINARIAN If you suspect your dog or cat might have one of the endocrine disorders discussed in this article, it’s vital to take her to a holistic or integrative veterinarian for a proper diagnosis, and to follow his or her guidance when it comes to treatment. Do not give your dog or cat any new supplement or remedy without first discussing it with your vet. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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HYPERADRENOCORTICISM – BETTER KNOWN AS CUSHING’S DISEASE Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s disease, occurs in dogs but is rarely seen in cats. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, excessive panting, hair loss, muscle weakness, pot belly, liver enlargement, and chronic skin or urinary tract infections. Hormones released from the adrenal gland include cortisol as well as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

This disease can be caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland (may be more common in large breeds), a tumor in the pituitary gland (may be more common in small breeds), or by over-administration of steroids. If testing reveals primary adrenal production, an abdominal ultrasound is recommended to rule out an adrenal gland tumor; these can be highly malignant and aggressive and difficult to remove surgically.

FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM – IS PBDE A CULPRIT? The causes of hyperthyroidism in cats are still not completely known. PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether), a chemical flame retardant used in many industries; and BPA (bisphenol-A), used to coat the inside of pet food cans, have both been incriminated.

However, BPA may not be the cause of the problem. PBDE is found in ocean fish due to pollution, so the association may actually be with the chemicals in the fish, not the can.

The amount of iodine in cat foods (too much or too little) may also play a role, as well as the addition of soy, which can disrupt thyroid function.

FAST FACT: Pituitary gland tumors are much more common, occurring in about 85% of dogs with Cushing’s. These benign, slow-growing tumors usually do not spread to other areas of the body.

Dogs with Cushing’s disease commonly have high blood pressure, which should be monitored and treated. They may also have elevated calcium levels which can lead to the production of bladder and kidney stones. Pancreatitis is a common complication.

Treatment •

Melatonin — 3 mg twice daily for small dogs, and up to 6 mg twice daily for large dogs; decrease dose if animal is too sleepy or lethargic.

•

Flax seed lignans or HMR lignans — 20 to 40 mg once daily.

•

Glandular products — including ground adrenal, pancreas, and thymus glands.

•

Antioxidant vitamins — vitamin A (50 to 100 IU per pound of body weight daily); ester C (100 to 500 mg daily dosed to bowel tolerance – decrease dose if diarrhea develops), and E (400 to 1,000 IU per day).

•

CoQ10 — 100 to 400 mg daily as an antioxidant.

•

Chinese herbal formulas — Si Maio San, Ophiopogon, Liu Wei Di Wang, or Rehmannia at 0.5 gm per 10 to 20 pounds body weight twice daily; your holistic veterinarian will choose the herbal formula that best suits your animal.

•

Acupuncture — lowers blood pressure and increases energy and muscle strength.

•

Hawthorn berry — lowers blood pressure; feed 1 teaspoon of ground berry per one pound of food or ½ teaspoon of hawthorn tincture daily.

•

Milk thistle (5 to 10 mg per pound of body weight twice daily) and/or SAMe (90 mg for small dogs, 225 mg for medium dogs, and 400 mg for large dogs) – liver function should always be supported.

•

Healthy, high quality diet — good quality protein sources, minimal or no carbohydrates, plenty of leafy green Milk Thistle vegetables, lower calcium levels to prevent formation of bladder stones.

•

No more vaccines.

•

Minimal stress.

Hawthorn Berries

Part 2 of this article, which will appear in the Spring 2024 issue of Animal Wellness, (V26I2), will focus on hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) and diabetes mellitus.

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Animal Wellness

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

Healthy holiday recipes

you can share with your dog or cat

BY DR. SUZI BEBER, HONORIS CAUSA

D gs Cats

Include your dog or cat in your holiday celebrations with these festive recipes made from healthy ingredients.

T

he holiday season is almost upon us again! Along with all the gift shopping and decorating, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to serve family and friends —including your four-legged companions — at holiday meals and parties.

Looping your dog or cat into the celebrations by treating them

to a special meal or treat will help them feel included during this busy and sometimes stressful time of year. Try to choose organic ingredients whenever possible for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. As a bonus, you can also enjoy a few of these recipes yourself!

Simple Savory Soup Ingredients 1 cup home prepared or store-bought onion-free stock

(organic soup bases are readily available at grocery and health food stores) 2 cups pureéd red apples, with skin 1 tablespoon first pressed/extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground ginger Instructions This recipe can be served “raw” or “cooked.”

Raw: Combine all ingredients, and use as a topper for regular meals. You can also pour the raw soup into ice cube trays and freeze for future use.

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Cooked: Combine all ingredients in a mediumsized saucepan, and bring to a boil. As soon as you see bubbles, turn down the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Cool completely before serving to your animal.

Feline Fish Fondue Ingredients

Instructions

1 can wild salmon

Finely chop catnip or parsley with a knife, or whirl in a food processor or blender.

Whisk in olive oil. Arrange salmon on a special serving dish for your kitty, then drizzle with catnip/parsley and olive oil.

¼ cup first pressed/extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup fresh catnip or parsley

Poached Fish Bits Ingredients

Instructions

¼ pound pollock, tilapia, cod, or other fish of your choice 1 cup onion-free stock or filtered water 3 sprigs of fresh catnip or 1 teaspoon dried catnip 2 sprigs of fresh parsley, flat or curly

Place 1 cup filtered water in saucepan. Add parsley and catnip and combine well. Bring mixture to a boil, then turn down to a low simmer for 15 minutes. Add pieces of fish to the simmering broth, and cook for 15 minutes.

Remove fish from saucepan and place on serving dish.

Break up fish into tiny tantalizing pieces, and cover with broth. Remember to cool to room temperature before serving.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Loaf Ingredients 1 pound ground turkey thigh 1 cup shredded sweet potatoes or yams 1 egg, lightly beaten

½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped ½ cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup homemade onion-free chicken or vegetable stock

Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a loaf pan or special holiday cake pan. Line with shredded sweet potatoes or yams. Add ½ cup stock and pour lightly beaten egg on top. Sprinkle ¼ cup of parsley over the mixture, then add ¼ cup of the cranberries. Distribute ground turkey evenly over mixture and add the remaining ½ cup of stock. Sprinkle sea salt over top.

Add the remaining parsley and cranberries.

Gently press down mixture with a spatula, and bake for one hour. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

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Carob Liver Brownies Ingredients 1 cup home prepared or store-bought onion-free stock

(organic soup bases are readily available at grocery and health food stores) 1 cup goat yogurt or Balkan style yogurt 1 cup fresh liver, pureéd (chicken, turkey, beef, or try a novel protein, like ostrich) ½ cup hemp seed flour 1½ cups whole oat flour cup filtered water 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 tablespoon carob powder 1 teaspoon baking powder

you have a smooth consistency. Add the yogurt and liver and mix well. Add remaining ingredients, making sure that they are thoroughly blended.

Pour into cake pan, and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is dry to the touch and springs back when you touch it with a finger. Cool completely before serving. Store in refrigerator or cut into small squares and freeze.

For extra holiday cheer, ice the cake with low-fat cream cheese or yogurt, and decorate with fresh cranberries and parsley.

NOTE:

Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a square cake pan or line with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the whole oat flour and hemp seed flour with water, until

If you would like to serve this special holiday dish to your animal raw, simply combine ingredients rather than layering for baking as a loaf.

Carob Truffles Ingredients 1 cup peanut butter or almond butter, with no added

salt or sugar 1 cup oatmeal ½ cup carob powder ½ cup goat milk or goat milk yogurt Oatmeal and/or unsweetened coconut for rolling

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Instructions Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine peanut butter, oatmeal, and carob powder. Form into small balls. Lightly dip in goat milk or yogurt, and roll in oatmeal and/or coconut, and place on cookie sheet.

Place in refrigerator until serving. For extra holiday flair, top each truffle with a sun-dried cranberry. These truffles freeze beautifully in Ziplock bags.

Packed with nutrition The ingredients in these recipes are not only tasty — they also offer your dog or cat a lot of health benefits!

• C arob contains all the principal vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, silicon, vitamins A, B1, and B2, niacin, and protein. Carob is considered an ideal “survival food” because it requires no preparation, lasts a long time, and has no special storage requirements.

• C atnip is a rich source of vitamins A, B, and C. It stimulates appetite, aids digestion, helps calm nervous animals, and encourages restful sleep. Catnip goes way beyond being a simple “kitty aphrodisiac!”

• C innamon has a long history of helping treat gastrointestinal problems, including nausea and flatulence. It is known as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

• C oconut is rich is digestible oils and provides an excellent source of fiber, which helps remove worm eggs from our animals. The use of unsweetened desiccated coconut was pioneered by Juliette de Bairacli Levy, author of The Complete Handbook for the Dog and Cat, first published in 1955. She suggested one dessert spoon of desiccated coconut be given to average-sized dogs, three or four times a week.

• C ranberries are considered one of the world’s healthiest foods.

They contain a variety of bioactive components, including the antioxidants proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. o Anthocyanins are the pigments that give cranberries their rich red color, and have been found to have the strongest antioxidant power of 150 flavonoids tested, including vitamin E. Anthocyanins also have an anti-inflammatory action that can even help lessen allergic reactions — 50 to 80 mg of this powerful antioxidant are found in a 100 g serving of cranberries. o Proanthocyanidins belong to the bioflavonoid family and help strengthen blood vessels and improve the delivery of oxygen to cell membranes. o Ellagic acid has been found to cause apoptosis or “cell death” in cancer cells in laboratory settings.

Cranberries also contain dietary fiber, manganese, and vitamin K, and are rich in vitamin C and tannins, which help keep bacteria like E. coli, the most common cause of urinary tract infections, from adhering to the walls of our dogs’ and cats’ urinary tracts.

particles are small, making them very easy to digest. Goat’s milk also has more vitamins A and B than cow’s milk.

• H emp is one of the most nutritious foods we can share with our animals. It is a powerhouse of essential fatty acids, containing Omega-3 in the form of alpha linolenic acid, Omega-6 in the form of linolenic acid and gamma linoleic acid, and Omega-9 (just like in olive oil), in the form of oleic acid. Hemp’s fatty acid profile is closer to fish oil than any other vegetable oil, and is a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to fish oil. Hemp is a gluten-free protein source and is rich in vitamins C and E, and chlorophyll.

It also has an excellent amino acid profile, and is heart smart and joint friendly.

• O ats soothe the digestive and nervous systems. They are low in starch and high in mineral content, especially potassium and phosphorus. Oats also contain vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, and are a very good source of iron. They cleanse the intestines of impurities and are recognized as a strength-giving cereal.

• O live oil is a very rich source of vitamins A and E, helping to neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. It is also rich in Omega-9 oleic acid, a monosaturated fat that helps protect the heart and support skin health. When purchasing olive oil, ensure that the label says “extra virgin” and/or “first pressed,” which means the oil has come from the first pressing of the olives; it has the most health benefits.

• P arsley is one of our most concentrated food sources. It is rich in iron, provitamin A, and vitamin C. It also contains calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. Parsley has a mild diuretic effect, helping to flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

• R ed apples are rich in antioxidants. One red apple is the equivalent of about 1,500 mg of vitamin C. They contain the phytochemicals, lycopene and anthocyanins, along with calcium, chlorine, fluorine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium, and sulphur, and trace minerals. Red Delicious, Northern Spy, and Ida Red have more potent disease-fighting antioxidants than other apples, which is reflected in their higher levels of polyphenol activity.

• G inger is recognized as the most effective anti-nausea herb, and is well tolerated by animals of all ages. It acts as a digestive tonic and relieves stomach and intestinal gas. Ginger stimulates the digestive juices and is beneficial in the expulsion of worms.

• S weet potatoes are rich in antioxidants and are referred to as an “anti-diabetic food” because research has demonstrated they can help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance. They also have anti-inflammatory properties and are soothing to the digestive tract. Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A in the form of beta carotene, vitamins B6, C, E, copper, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, and potassium.

• G oat’s milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk products. It contains a different protein than cow’s milk, 13% less lactose, and its fat

• Y ams are a heart smart power-packed food, rich in vitamins B6 and C, dietary fiber, manganese, and potassium.

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23

CANINE BEHAVIOR

6

ways to change YOUR DOG'S BEHAVIOR

BY LYNNE FEDORICK, CPDT-KA, CTDI, BCSPCA

FROM PULLING ON THE LEASH TO BARKING TOO MUCH, OUR DOGS SOMETIMES ENGAGE IN BEHAVIORS WE DON’T WANT. HERE ARE SIX SIMPLE WAYS TO CHANGE THOSE BEHAVIORS AND ACHIEVE A HAPPY, WELL-ADJUSTED DOG.

Does your dog constantly jump up on people? Does she pull on the leash, bark excessively, or ignore you when you call her? Take heart! She’s not deliberately trying to annoy you. Know that good behavior and a more harmonious relationship between you and your dog are closer than you think. This article features six easy tips to help you overcome those unwanted behaviors in your best friend.

1

SEE THE WORLD FROM YOUR DOG’S POINT OF VIEW

Your dog isn’t misbehaving because he’s naughty, vengeful, or trying to be dominant. He’s just behaving like a dog and doing his level best to figure out how to live in a human world. Trying to see the world from his point of view will help you understand him better, and lay the foundation for successful training.

• Discover what motivates your dog to do what he does.

Interaction, entertainment, or just getting out of a stressful situation are all motivators for dogs.

• Set your dog up for success by practicing desired behaviors in a non-distracting environment.

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• Communicate clearly, using obvious physical cues and hand signals.

• Always be patient, kind, dependable and consistent.

2

DON’T CORRECT YOUR DOG

Setting your dog up to do something you don’t want, then correcting her when she does it, is unfair. It’s also not an efficient way to train. It’s not hard to see why: imagine trying to learn how to live with a foreign species when they verbally or physically reprimand you every time you make a mistake.

He’s just behaving like a dog and doing his level best to figure out how to live in a human world.

3

SET A BEHAVIOR GOAL

If you want your dog to stop a behavior you don’t like, you’ll need to teach him what to do instead. For example, if your dog jumps up on guests, the first behavior goal is for him to keep all four paws on the floor. To make it easy for him, start showing that keeping four paws on the floor around familiar people brings treats and interaction. After he has that down pat, you can practice four paws on the floor with guests.

Dogs are doers. This means your dog’s brain can’t assimilate the concept of “don’t do that”. Instead, they learn to associate certain environmental cues with performing a behavior.

In other words, when you say (or shout) “no!” at your dog, she doesn’t think: “I’m gonna stop barking/jumping/pulling etc.” She might interrupt the behavior momentarily to stop and assess the situation, because you’re acting a bit weird and frowny after you said “no”. But to her, “no” is just a sound humans make when they get excited, so how can she know precisely what behavior you are referring to? Instead, you need to identify the environmental cue that causes the behavior, then help her develop a habit of responding to that cue with a different behavior.

4

MAKE A BEHAVIOR PLAN

A behavior plan is a kind of roadmap. It defines the behavior you want your dog to learn, as well as how you’ll get there. Your plan should include the following elements: • A behavior goal (as described above): Make the goal behavior as physically simple and easy to understand as possible. You can identify and note down progressive steps toward that goal.

• A management plan: How will you prevent your dog from practicing unwanted behaviors (see below)? What management tools will you use?

• R einforcers: Which reinforcers (e.g. treats, praise) will really motivate your dog? What will you use and when?

Use extra tasty food as a reward

• Schedule: When and how often will you work with your dog to teach him new skills? It’s a good idea to train in multiple, short sessions throughout the day for maximum benefit.

Food is the most convenient and powerful reinforcer you can use when training your dog.

It can work like magic at building positive associations and conditioned behavior patterns.

5

USE BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Use behavior management to prevent unwanted behavior until your dog achieves the goal behavior 100% of the time.

Dogs will repeat any behavior that works for them, and the more they repeat it, the more ingrained it becomes. So during the training period, avoid putting your dog into situations where you know she’s likely to behave poorly; it’s essential to do all you can to prevent any behavior you don’t want during this time. Don’t worry — you can reintroduce the triggering environmental cue after she solidly learns the goal behavior in its absence. Be sure to reintroduce it gradually, at progressively challenging levels, until your dog always performs the new behavior when the environmental cue is present. Practice makes perfect.

6

Every dog has a different idea of what’s tasty, but nearly every dog can be highly motivated by small, soft, moist, delicious-smelling treats. Bits of lean cooked meat, or refrigerated dog food cut into ⅛” pieces, are irresistible to most dogs. Part of their appeal is novelty, so save these special treats for when you’re working with your dog’s behavior goals. The less savory dried treats and biscuits can be used for rewarding tricks, and for those “just because you’re a good doggy” situations.

LEARN WHAT MOTIVATES YOUR DOG’S BEHAVIOR

Dogs do what they do to get what they want. A reward can be anything that motivates your dog to do something. These rewards become behavioral reinforcers when he realizes that he’ll get a reward when he performs a certain behavior.

From a dog’s perspective, the whole world is full of potential behavioral reinforcers, and they don’t always come from you (at least not intentionally). Below is a list of some rewards that can reinforce your dog’s behavior. Obviously, some of these aren’t very convenient for training your dog to do what you want.

However, identifying the reward that’s reinforcing a behavior allows you to prevent your dog from getting it, at least until he does what you want him to do.

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But there’s a catch: food rewards have to be better than anything else the dog could reinforce herself with — such as that smelly garbage or the rabbit running across the yard.

Animal Wellness

• Food • I nteractions with people or other dogs • C hasing a squirrel or ball • B eing chased • Rolling in stinky things • O pportunities to sniff If your dog is behaving in ways you’re unhappy with, remind yourself that he’s not doing it because he’s mad at you or deliberately acting out. He’s just being a dog. By following the steps in this article, you can put an end to the unwanted behaviors by teaching your dog what to do instead.

KITTY LIFESTYLE

How to pick the RIGHT LITTER for your cat

BY SALLY E. BAHNER

Choosing a litter for your cat is more involved than it used to be. Gone are the days when clay was about the only option — now, you can find litters made from a wide range of materials, from wheat to wood.

Here’s how to pick the right product for your cat.

Cats are notoriously picky, and it doesn’t stop at their food.

They can also be very fussy about the kind of litter they prefer to use. Finding the right litter to suit your own kitty may mean some trial and error, but knowing something about the various litter types available today can help make the process easier.

made from wheat, grass, corn, walnut shells, pine pellets, soft wood, and paper. Other litters are made from silica sand, crystals or gel — and, believe it or not, even tofu (also referred to as soy). Many of these litters are made from recycled materials, a bonus for those who like to be eco-friendly.

A SHORT HISTORY OF CAT LITTER

Boxiecat, for example, offers a line of plant-based, sustainable clumping litters that feature natural fresh plant aromas (boxiecat.com). These lightweight dust-free litters feature AirTight™ technology that traps bacterial and ammonia odors. If you prefer clay, the company also has a selection of dust-free premium clay litters.

Prior to the late 1940s, people used wood ashes for cat litter. But in 1947, Edward Lowe created an alternative using repurposed absorbent clay. The new clay litter was sold by a skeptical pet store owner for 65 cents for a five-pound bag.

Lowe also hawked his invention from the trunk of his car, and demonstrated it at cat shows. At the time, he had no idea how popular clay litter would eventually become.

While clay clumping litters are still widely in use today, in part because they’re among the least expensive litter choices, they have their drawbacks, depending on the product. Some can be very dusty, which isn’t good for a kitty’s lungs (or the lungs of those who clean out the litterbox). As well, the particles tend to stick to the cat’s feet and get tracked around the house.

AN EXPLOSION OF LITTER MATERIALS Nowadays, there are so many other cat litter materials to choose from that clay is no longer the go-to product. Pet store shelves are lined with a variety of plant-based litters

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WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING KITTY LITTER Which litter you choose will depend largely on what your cat likes and will use, but it’s also important to consider the following factors as well: • Does the litter have clumping capabilities? They make cleaning the litterbox easier.

• D oes it control odor? Chlorophyll from plants helps control odor naturally. Avoid litters that include synthetic fragrances — cats have very sensitive noses and the litter will be useless if your kitty is put off by the scent. Nor will a scented litter reduce the need for regularly scooping and cleaning the box.

• A re dust levels low? Consider a low-dust litter if you or your cat have allergies or respiratory issues. Keep

in mind that while many litters are marketed as dustfree, they may still release dust when you’re pouring it into the litterbox. If your cat sneezes while using it, it’s too dusty.

• How much does it track? Litters that don’t stick to your cat’s feet mean less clean-up for you.

• How much does it weigh? Some litters, especially clay, are heavy, so if you can’t carry a 40-pound bag look for another material that’s lighter.

• I s the litter flushable? Some products claim to be, but do your homework before buying, especially if you’re on a septic system.

TAKE IT SLOW WHEN SWITCHING LITTERS When transitioning your kitty to a new litter, mix the old litter with the new (this works best if the textures are similar). Alternatively, you can offer a cafeteria-style selection — two or three different kinds of litter in different boxes for your cat choose from. The “end result” will help determine what your cat prefers.

LITTERS FOR DIFFERENT LIFE STAGES AND NEEDS

1 Kittens learning to use the litter box have a tendency to Kittens

step in the dampness, then ingest the litter when licking their paws. Depending on the type of litter, this may cause an intestinal blockage, so a paper-based non-clumping litter is recommended. This type of litter is commonly made of recycled paper products and is billed as being environmentally-friendly, absorbent, and good at odor and dust control, with less tracking.

Cats prone to UTIs

2 Silica gel litter is touted for its ability to determine the pH

of the cat’s urine and changes color to indicate a problem.

Look for products that are labeled “with health indicator” or “alert.”

with litterbox avoidance 3 Cats If your cat suddenly stops using the litterbox, the first step

is to take him to the vet to make sure he doesn’t have a health issue. Other problems such as a dirty litterbox, high traffic placement, or ambushing behavior from another cat in the household can also cause a kitty to avoid the litterbox. Once these issues have been addressed, a litter with a herbal attractant such as catnip or chamomile can help draw cats with avoidance issues back to the litterbox.

WHAT CAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT KITTY LITTERS An informal poll of cat people on Facebook shows preferences as varied as the different kinds of litter currently available.

• C lay clumping litter: “I’ve used it forever… there's the fear that if I change, the cat won't like the new stuff and stop using the litter box.”

• R ed wheat litter: “It clumps really well and has excellent odor control.”

• C orn-based litter: “Clumps beautifully, scrapes up off the pans beautifully, not super dusty.” Poll respondents expressed mixed feelings about flushability.

• P ine pellets: “Easy, not sticky like the clay, and it breaks down easily…”

• G rass litter: “The odor control is great, it clumps really well, and it's light because it's made of grass.” Another comment: “Grass wasn't horrid but it glued itself to the floor when it got wet.”

• S ilica sand (not crystals): “With one tray available per cat, the litter lasts over a month. It binds all moisture, which means absolutely no smells, even on underfloor heating, and a difficult environment for pathogens and parasites. It’s also super lightweight, yet tracks very little.”

• T ofu: “The cats love the smell; they have all been sniffing and using it, and it clumps so quickly.”

kitties 4 Senior Along with a litter box that offers comfortable access in

the form of a lower entrance and sides, a softer litter that’s easier on sensitive paws is a good choice for older cats.

A product that’s less likely to stick to the genital area is also helpful for cats with mobility issues who can’t groom themselves like they used to.

households 5 Multi-cat It can be easy to let housekeeping get out of control when

you have multiple cats. Since so many litters are geared toward odor control, the “multiple cat” billing may be more of a marketing strategy, since it’s still important to scoop, scoop, scoop. It should also go without saying that having enough litterboxes for the cats is critical — the rule of thumb is one per cat, plus one. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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HEART HEALTH

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE HEART DISEASE?

BY CAROL OSBORNE, DVM

Heart disease in dogs is more common than you might think. But earlier detection, along with an understanding of the role diet, supplements and lifestyle changes play in cardiac health, can help dogs live longer.

Heart disease is commonly associated with humans, but it affects our dogs too. In fact, nearly eight million dogs in the US have heart disease — that’s one out of every ten canines.

Recent research also indicates that up to 75% of dogs aged seven and older will develop some form of heart disease.

These statistics are alarming, but advances in veterinary medicine and laboratory testing are helping veterinarians detect heart disease earlier. We have also gained valuable insights into the intimate relationship between a dog’s genetics, lifestyle, exercise levels, and diet, and the multifactorial role these factors play in the risk for heart disease. In addition, we have learned that specific foods, supplements, and lifestyle changes can help lower your dog’s heart disease risk.

COMMON FORMS OF HEART DISEASE IN DOGS Heart disease in dogs can be congenital or acquired: • Congenital heart disease has a genetic link, is present at birth, and may be exacerbated by age, injury, and/or diet.

• Acquired heart disease occurs with age because of diet and/or disease.

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Animal Wellness

The two most common forms of heart disease in dogs are dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and mitral valve insufficiency (MVI).

1. Dilated cardiomyopathy In DCM, the cardiac muscle surrounding the heart becomes thin and weak. This means the heart muscle cannot contract properly, and circulation is impaired, ultimately resulting in congestive heart failure. Signs such as a heart murmur, coughing, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and/or fainting may or may not be present.

DCM may be genetic or acquired. It is especially common in large breeds, like great Danes. Dobermans and boxers also have a strong genetic link.

KEEP IN MIND:

An echocardiogram is the gold standard for a definitive diagnosis of DCM.

Conventional treatment options consist of various medications to stabilize the heart rate and rhythm; diuretics to eliminate fluid from the lungs; and low-sodium diets.

Survival ranges from two to 12 months; living six months post-diagnosis is standard, and beyond one year is excellent.

2. Mitral valve insufficiency MVI is by far the most common heart issue affecting dogs.

Recent stats indicate that nearly 90% of dogs over age 13 will develop some form of mitral valve disease.

KEEP IN MIND:

Unlike cardiomyopathy, MVI is a slowly progressive disease, so treatment and prognosis vary depending on the specific parameters of each case.

In MVI, the fibers of the mitral valve thicken and degenerate. The valve can no longer close correctly, which impairs blood flow and circulation. Unlike cardiomyopathy, mitral valve disease usually occurs in small to mid-sized breeds, notably miniature and toy poodles, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Nearly 100% of Cavalier spaniels will develop MVI at some point in their lives.

Signs of MVI may include a heart murmur, getting tired easily, coughing (especially when waking up in the morning), difficulty breathing, weakness, appetite loss, and lethargy.

Congestive heart failure may or may not develop.

SIGNS OF CANINE HEART DISEASE If you notice any of the following signs in your dog, take her to the vet for a checkup.

the heart. Definitive diagnosis is confirmed with an echocardiograph which helps pinpoint the specific problem within the heart.

Treatment options for heart disease vary, depending on the specific type and severity of the disease. Options include Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, low-sodium diet, and diuretic medications to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs

CANINE HEART-HEALTHY FOODS To help support your dog’s heart health, feed him an organic, fresh, vegetable-rich food that features the following:

High quality lean protein — the right protein is essential for keeping your dog’s heart healthy because it strengthens the heart muscle. Your dog’s diet should consist of at least 25% to 30% high quality, lean protein. White meats such as chicken, turkey, and pork, as well as fish, are excellent sources.

KEEP IN MIND:

Ensure fresh water is available to your dog 24/7 (distilled or reverse osmosis is preferred).

Low sodium levels — Excess salt is never a plus, especially if

your dog is as risk for cardiac issues. Even if your pooch shows no signs of heart issues, it’s best to keep her on a diet that provides less than 100 mg of sodium daily.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS THAT SUPPORT HEART HEALTH IN DOGS

• Coughing for three or more days, especially in the morning

A wide range of supplements can help support your dog’s heart health.

• Difficulty breathing, excessive panting, noisy breathing, increased respiratory rate (40-60 breaths per minute)

• O mega-3 fatty acids: These are an essential part of an all-around heart-healthy diet. They reduce inflammation and protect against abnormal heart rhythms. In one study of dogs with heart disease, survival rates improved with Omega-3 supplements. Natural sources include cod liver oil, sardines, and salmon, or you can use supplements.

• Changes in your dog’s behavior: e.g. acting more withdrawn, tired or depressed • Poor appetite and weight loss.

Routine diagnostics for heart disease include blood and urine tests, chest X-rays, and an EKG or an electrocardiograph, which detects electrical disturbances in

• C oQ10: This naturally-occurring coenzyme is plentiful in young dogs, but declines with age. Maintaining proper CoQ10 levels helps protect your dog’s heart muscle. CoQ10 supplements come in two forms: ubiquinone and www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is a reduced form of CoQ10 and is easiest for your dog’s body to utilize. Maintenance dosages range from 50 mg daily for small dogs up to 35 pounds; 100 mg daily for medium dogs of 36 to 70 pounds; and 100 mg twice a day for large dogs.

• T aurine: Supplementing your dog’s diet with the amino acid taurine helps maintain normal cardiac function regardless of whether or not a heart issue is present.

Without adequate levels of taurine, canine heart disease is a risk; breeds such as the Portuguese water dog and golden retriever are more prone to a deficiency. Taurine is present in cooked lamb and raw beef liver, and is also available as a supplement.

Taurine deficiency has been a major factor in the recent FDA investigation of grain- free dog foods, and dogs (especially golden retrievers) dying of dilated cardiomyopathy. The jury is still out as to the exact connection, but current recommendations center around avoiding dog foods in which the top ten ingredients include peas, chickpeas, lentils, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

• Antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and B-vitamin complex, as well as magnesium, are helpful.

MANAGE YOUR DOG’S WEIGHT Keeping your canine at a healthy weight is important for good health and even more vital for heart issues. Portion control is essential, and that means no free feeding. Feed your dog two to three balanced meals each day.

KEEP IN MIND:

Regular exercise decreases the risk of canine heart disease. Walk your dog at least 20 minutes, twice a day, five days a week.

Swimming is another great exercise that promotes cardiovascular health.

While a diagnosis of heart disease is something no dog parent wants to hear, there are ways to help support your canine companion’s cardiac heart health and improve her quality of life and longevity. A correct and early diagnosis is important, so take your dog to your integrative or holistic vet as soon as possible if you notice any signs or symptoms.

Once you’ve received a diagnosis, you can work with the vet to develop a treatment plan that includes dietary and lifestyle changes, along with any supplements or medication your dog might need.

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Animal Wellness

Pacemaker surgery for dogs Pacemaker surgery is an effective treatment for electrical disturbances in the heart that are unresponsive to medical management. These dogs faint, have a slow heart rate, and get tired easily with exercise.

The pacemaker is inserted surgically through the jugular vein and placed down into the heart. The wires are attached to a pulse generator situated under the skin of the neck.

The pacemaker is effective for the lifetime of the dog, and post-operative care is minimal. Because the pacemaker’s generator is located in the dog’s neck, a harness should be used as opposed to a collar.

Homeopathic remedies for canine heart disease When using homeopathy, be sure to work with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable in this modality.

1. C rataegus oxycantha 3x (Hawthorn berry) is helpful for heart weakness and heart murmurs.

Give one pellet on the tongue once daily for 30 days; withhold food for ten minutes before and after treatment. This remedy must be used with caution in certain hypertrophic forms of cardiomyopathy.

2. D igitalis purpurea 6x (foxglove) may be helpful when the heartbeat is irregular. Give one tablet for fainting or episodes of distressed breathing that occur after exercise.

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— S N E G O T P ADA ONS FOR I T U L !

S SO S E R T S L A M I N A ORIAL ADVERT

by

Veterin S, Chief M , M V D . Silver, Robert J

The world can be a very stressful place for dogs, cats, and other companion animals. While it may be impossible to eliminate stressors from your fur baby’s life, there are things you can do to help them manage stress, and that includes adding adaptogens to their daily diet.

COMMON STRESSORS FOR DOGS AND CATS Dogs and cats experience stress for reasons that can be physical, behavioral, and physiological. Depending on the animal and the situation, possible causes of stress can include: •

Being alone

•

Loud noises

•

Unfamiliar places

•

Strangers

•

Thirst and hunger

•

Frustration

•

Boredom

•

Lack of exercise

Hiding, drooling, pacing, vocalizing, yawning, and changes in behavior and habits are all signs of stress in dogs and cats.

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Animal Wellness

M us er: Real ary Offic

hrooms

ADAPTOGENS AND THE BODY’S STRESS RESPONSE When a dog or cat experiences stress, many organs get involved, including the brain and hypothalamus, and the endocrine, adrenal, and pituitary glands. Long-term stress can impact the immune system, shorten life expectancy, and leave your dog or cat more susceptible to disease.

Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that support the organs involved in the stress response, making it easier for the body to adapt to stress.

A plant or mushroom must affect the hypothalamus and the adrenal, endocrine, and pituitary glands to be an adaptogen.

A few commonly known adaptogens include licorice root, ashwagandha, and ginseng, among others, as well as mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps.

Mushrooms such as Lion’s Mane also have a calming effect and are good for stressed animals, though they’re not adaptogens.

USING ADAPTOGENS TO HELP DOGS AND CATS MANAGE STRESS By adding adaptogenic mushrooms to your dog or cat’s diet, you can help them better manage stress, which will make for a happier, healthier fur baby!

Adaptogenic mushrooms also offer numerous benefits for the body.

Reishi helps fight seasonal allergies, supports the immune system, and has a calming effect. Similarly, Cordyceps helps support optimal kidney and lung function.

Reishi and Cordyceps nutraceutical supplements from Real Mushrooms are made with pure, organic, potencyguaranteed mushroom extracts to ensure your dog or cat gets the most benefit from each one. If your fur baby is experiencing stress, get them on a daily regimen of adaptogenic mushrooms. www.realmushrooms.com

From periodontal disease to crowded teeth, 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.

DENTAL DECISIONS

When your dog or cat needs a D gs Cats

Tooth Extracted Periodontal disease is a very common problem, affecting approximately 70% to 80% of dogs and cats starting at one to three years of age. Neglecting or improperly treating the issue can lead to further disease and more involved treatment, including dental extractions. But periodontal disease isn’t the only problem that can necessitate extraction. Find out why your dog or cat might need one or more teeth extracted, and how it’s done.

by Shawn Messonnier, DVM

RETAINED DECIDUOUS TEETH Puppies, particularly those of smaller breeds, often have retained deciduous teeth, most commonly the canines (fangs) and incisors (front teeth). These are generally easy to extract by any veterinarian.

When I think of extractions, I divide them into two categories:

If retained deciduous teeth are not extracted, they crowd the mouth, cause abnormal dentition, and hold in tartar and infection, resulting in the need for more frequent dental care.

Retained deciduous teeth can also occur in kittens, although I have never seen this myself.

1.

Simple extractions are commonly done in general veterinary practice.

SEVERELY DISEASED ADULT TEETH

2.

Complicated extractions are typically referred to a veterinary dentist with advanced training and the proper equipment to deal with these cases.

SIMPLE OR COMPLICATED?

Simple extractions in my own practice fall into two subcategories: 1.

Removing retained deciduous (baby) teeth

2.

Removing severely diseased adult teeth.

These are also fairly simple to remove, and again occur most often in smaller dog breeds. Severely diseased teeth result from a lack of proper home and professional care, and occur when dental tartar eats away at the gum and periodontal ligament holding the tooth in its sockets. Over time (in some small dogs it can be a matter of months), the tooth becomes loose and requires extraction.

Flag it: Deciduous teeth should be removed by six months of age, which is when they should have fallen out on their own and been replaced by adult teeth. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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What makes tooth extraction necessary?

Flag it: Since the root is severely diseased by this time, extraction is quite easy as the tooth is often literally falling out of the patient’s mouth.

•

Mobile (loose) teeth — caused by advanced periodontal disease and bone loss

•

Crowded teeth

•

Retained deciduous teeth

•

Teeth that interfere with occlusion — the proper “fit” with the teeth on the opposite jaw

•

Teeth in the line of a fracture in the mandible or maxilla

•

Teeth destroyed by periodontal disease or damaged by advanced cavities

EXTRACTION OR ROOT CANAL?

•

Teeth that are endodontically diseased, such as those containing damaged/ contaminated pulp, particularly when the animal parent chooses not to treat with a root canal.

Root canals preserve the function of the tooth. They involve little to no discomfort to your animal, and are less traumatic than extraction, which involves incising soft tissue and the removal of bone. Because a root canal is less invasive, it allows the animal to eat his normal diet next day and retains the contour of the upper and lower jaws (maxilla and mandible.)

What complications can occur with tooth extraction?

While rare, complications can occur and include the following: •

Hemorrhage — may occur several hours post-op if the blood clot retracts or is lost by tongue probing

•

Oral-nasal fistulas — normally noticed pre-op, may take several weeks to become apparent following the removal of an upper canine tooth

•

Gum flap dehiscence — failure of the sutured gums to heal properly

•

Root fracture

•

Jaw fracture — more likely in toy or miniature breeds, especially older dogs with severe disease

•

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Damage to deep structures of the jaw — nerves, blood vessels, etc.

Animal Wellness

I usually don’t find a lot of loose teeth in cats. Instead, cats typically have lesions under the gums that are identified during a periodontal cleaning using dental radiographs. These teeth have severely diseased roots (or in many cases no roots, due to severe disease and destruction), which necessitates extraction.

Sometimes during a dental cleaning, root exposure or a cavity is detected. These teeth require further examination and dental radiographs, and will typically need to be extracted.

Extracting a tooth can be more invasive and traumatic. The roots of back teeth, the premolars and molars, contain more than one root. These multi-rooted teeth extend deep into the jawbone, and extracting them will remove their chewing function and result in bone loss that can weaken the jaw.

The good news is that most dogs and cats will do fine after extraction, which is certainly preferable to the chronic infection, pain, and inflammation that occurs if diseased teeth are not treated or removed.

Flag it: The root of a canine tooth is larger than the actual crown, and requires more effort to remove than other teeth.

A follow-up visit for an extraction should take place two weeks after the procedure to make sure the incision sites are healing properly. The dog or cat will be placed on a softened diet until the recheck exam, after which he can most likely return to his previous diet.

THE NEED FOR ANALGESIA Analgesia, or pain prevention and relief, are critical for allowing the dog or cat to be properly treated with little or no discomfort.

Most doctors, including myself, control dental pain using the following method: 1.

Ideally, injectable medications are first given under the animal’s skin prior to the extraction.

2.

A regional or local nerve block is used to anesthetize part of the jaw and the associated gums and tooth roots. In human patients, it’s very easy to tell if the nerve is properly blocked. However, we can’t ask a dog or cat if he stills feel pain after a block, so we have to rely on our skill at injecting the anesthetic into the area of the nerve (if we miss, we still have the pain relief medication given prior to and following the procedure). I will also usually instill a drop or two of local anesthesia into the empty tooth socket following the extraction.

3.

After the procedure, you’ll take medications home (a NSAID, opioid, or similar) to administer to your dog or cat for several days following the extractions.

It’s important to note that many patients require numerous teeth extracted due to advanced disease. While animal parents are often dismayed by the removal/loss of so many teeth, these extractions actually cure the animal, reduce inflammation and infection, and reduce the pain of periodontal disease.

Setting aside any structural abnormalities in your dog or cat’s mouth, regular professional and at-home dental care will go a long way in preventing the need for extractions.

Work with your veterinarian to establish the right dental care regimen for your own companion.

Teeth that are very loose and barely still stuck in the socket will likely result in no pain upon extraction because they require little effort to extract and cause minimal tissue trauma (in some cases, in fact, the extraction might make the animal feel more comfortable.) Teeth with diseased roots or that have sustained crown fractures are more likely to cause pain following extraction as they are typically firmly lodged in the socket and will require more effort to remove, resulting in more postoperative discomfort if analgesia is not used. lag it: The degree of pain F involved in any extraction depends on the degree of periodontal disease and the “looseness” of the tooth at the time of extraction.

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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Ariela takes time out to play with the cats at a local cat cafe.

SPOTLIGHT t just 16 years old, Ariela Robinson has a accomplished more than many people

do in a lifetime. Early this past summer, she became a Gold Award Girl Scout, the most prestigious honor the organization gives to teenaged girls who make a positive and lasting difference in their communities. An animal lover since early childhood, Ariela’s project focused on helping shelter and rescue animals. After receiving her award, she decided to turn her project into a non-profit organization called Reducing Animal Stress (linktr.ee/ reducinganimalstress), which launched in June 2023 with the help and support of her mother, Michele.

“I saw how sad the animals were in the shelters and I wanted to help,” Ariela says. Her goal, and that of her nonprofit, is to make life better for these animals. “I collect and make items to donate to the shelters and rescues.

These include enrichment items, such as blankets and toys, to reduce the animals’ stress.” Ariela explains that anxiety and stress can raise the risk of illness and behavioral problems in shelter and rescue animals, making them less likely to be adopted.

Other local organizations, such as the Culver City Woman’s Club, help out by collecting items for Reducing Animal Stress. “Some of the items we collect and donate include food puzzles, blankets, toys, beds, hideaway houses, cat privacy

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Animal Wellness

Teen turn s Girl Scout pro ject into a non-pro fit for shelter an imals

screens, and sock warmers,” says Ariela.

“We also make our own enrichment toys and blankets.”

Reducing Animal Stress currently works with about 30 shelters and rescues around the Greater Los Angeles area, including the Santa Monica Animal Shelter and many LA City shelters. “We work with mostly local organizations, but also travel to different areas for events, fairs and festivals,” says Ariela.

Not only does her non-profit donate enrichment items for the animals; they also make and hand out adoption kits and help at adoption events.

Public education is another important part of Reducing Animal Stress. “We

Ariela in her Girl Scout uniform, relaxing with the family animals.

host workshops in libraries, parks, and schools to teach people about the importance of fostering and animal enrichment,” Ariela says. “We also teach them how to make enrichment toys at home from common household items, and the toys are then collected and donated to shelters.”

Ariela’s work has been recognized nationally by Best Friends Animal Society and PETA, and as of this writing, she is one of 15 finalists to potentially win a $10,000 scholarship.

Time will tell what she’ll do with the funds if she wins, but it’s probably safe to say it’ll go towards helping even more animals!

Reducing Animal Stress hosts workshops and helps out at adoption events.

BUSINESS PROFILE

HOW THIS INNOVATIVE LASER THERAPY TOOL RESOLVES YOUR DOG OR CAT’S PAIN This revolutionary athome cold laser therapy tool is designed to deliver quick, effective pain relief to your dog or cat.

Few things are more distressing than knowing your dog or cat is in pain.

Fortunately, thanks to innovations in laser therapy, pain doesn’t have to be her lot in life. Whether she suffers from sore muscles or joint pain, is recovering from surgery or injury, or requires ongoing therapy for the general aches and pains associated with aging, agility, or work, laser therapy tools such as those from Dog Med Laser can make all the difference.

GAME-CHANGING PAIN MANAGEMENT The Dog Med Laser story began back in 2010, the same year that WALT (World Association of Laser Therapy) issued a guideline stating that photobiomodulation laser therapy applied daily to humans delivered better and faster results for inflammation and pain reduction, without medications.

Inspired by this guideline, along with the clinical study results to back it up, Antares Technologies set to work developing the first human PBMT laser specially designed for home use, and achieved certification for it by 2015.

Like all good innovators, however, the company didn’t stop there.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR PEOPLE IS GOOD FOR OUR ANIMALS Fast forward to 2017, when Antares Technologies was developing the second version of their human home laser device. They started asking the following questions: “What about our pets? Don’t they deserve the same easy, safe, comfortable at-home pain treatment options? How can laser therapy be made enjoyable for dogs and cats that hate being taken to the vet and touched by strange equipment?” The result? Dog Med Laser was born.

HOW IT WORKS While photobiomodulation therapy is already widely used by veterinarians, the Dog Med Laser is just as efficient while being more economical; and most important of all, it can be delivered at home for greater, stress-free benefits to the animal.

reducing or eliminating pain, and accelerating wound healing.

Moreover, it: •

Underwent all the same rigorous testing as the human version before becoming certified for athome use in 2018

•

Is 100% safe

•

Is designed with an easy-to-use brush attachment that gives back scratches animals love!

•

Has no negative side effects

•

Requires no eye protection during therapy

•

Is built to last (up to 15 years).

Best of all, with their penchant for designing new devices and studying clinical research results, the Dog Med Laser team is dedicated to continually improving and providing the best solutions for animals and their people. That means new PBMT laser devices are on the horizon, aiming to bring even more relief to our dogs and cats!

Using cold laser technology endorsed by the Grey Muzzle Organization, and backed by more than 8,000 clinical studies, Dog Med Laser has proven effective for reducing inflammation, www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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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.

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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.

7

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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DIGESTIVE MATTERS

Pancreatitis is a serious and painful disease that can profoundly impact your dog’s health and quality of life. Learn to recognize the symptoms and understand the causes — and find out how it can be treated using an integrative approach.

Understanding PANCREATITIS IN DOGS — what you should know

BY CHRISTINE CAPLAN, CVT

doesn’t just affect humans. It P ancreatitis also occurs in dogs and causes painful

inflammation in the pancreas. Any suspicion of this disease requires a visit to the vet — or in some cases, a trip to the closest emergency hospital. As a dog parent, you need to know the signs and causes of pancreatitis, and how it can be treated from an integrative medicine perspective.

WHAT DOES THE PANCREAS DO? The pancreas is an organ that regulates blood sugar levels and aids in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

It produces insulin, which helps control glucose metabolism, as well as digestive enzymes that help break down food in the small intestine.

PANCREATITIS CAN HAVE A VARIETY OF CAUSES Various factors, including dietary indiscretion, such as foods high in fat, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Vets often see pancreatitis cases during the holidays when people feed their dogs fatty leftovers from their own meals.

NOTE: Some breeds are more susceptible to pancreatitis, such as miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire terriers, and Shetland sheepdogs.

Other causes may include trauma, certain medications or toxins, infections, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH OUT FOR If you notice any of the following signs in your dog, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian. These symptoms can have several causes, but may also indicate pancreatitis, so a proper diagnosis is important: • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Dehydration • Loss of appetite • Abdominal pain and/or bloating • Weight loss • Lethargy or depression • Gums and whites of the eyes look yellow (jaundice) • In severe cases, difficulty breathing and low blood pressure.

NOTE: Some dogs with abdominal pain may hunch their backs. This can be an involuntary response in which the dog’s stomach is pulled inward, causing the back to arch upwards. This posture can help the dog feel better.

HOW IS PANCREATITIS TREATED? Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic

The treatment plan for your dog’s pancreatitis will depend on the severity of the condition is and any other underlying health issues.

Acute pancreatitis a sudden and severe inflammation of the pancreas can cause control life-threatening The goal is to reduce that inflammation, pain andcomplivomiting, cations. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can and restore proper digestion and nutrition. Treatment may include even led to death. dietary changes, medication to reduce inflammation and pain, Chronic when the inflammation doesn’t antibiotics, andpancreatitis supportive iscare.

Hospitalization overnight or go away and worsens over time. Symptoms of chronic for multiple days may be required in severe cases, if IV fluids, pancreatitis are usually milder than those of acute pancreatitis.

They may include abdominal pain,ofweight nutritional support, pain management, monitoring vital signs, loss, and oily-looking stools. A dog with chronic and close observation are necessary. pancreatitis may appear to have symptoms that wax and wane for long periods; he may even be asymptomatic.

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Animal Wellness

THE INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO PANCREATITIS An integrative treatment plan for dogs with pancreatitis typically includes a combination of medications and dietary changes. The latter may include a low-fat diet that is easy to digest and contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Other supplements such as probiotics, herbs, and digestive enzymes may also be included, depending on the dog's individual needs.

1. Low-fat diet: A diet low in fat is a good idea for dogs diagnosed with pancreatitis because it can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the pancreas, and decrease the amount of fat metabolized by the pancreas. A low-fat diet may also help reduce symptoms associated with pancreatitis, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Furthermore, it may reduce other health risks associated with high-fat diets, such as obesity and diabetes.

HOW IS PANCREATITIS DIAGNOSED? Pancreatitis in dogs is typically diagnosed with a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests, such as an abdominal ultrasound or x-ray: • A complete blood count (CBC) may be taken to look for signs of infection or inflammation.

• A biochemical profile is also often done to measure the levels of enzymes released by the pancreas, such as amylase and lipase.

• If blood test results are inconclusive, an abdominal ultrasound examination may be ordered to help diagnose pancreatitis.

If your vet doesn’t proactively ask for a lab test specific to pancreatitis, ask for a SNAP or Rapid cPL test, especially if you suspect your dog ate a food item that’s high in fat, which can trigger pancreatitis.

NOTE: If your dog has pancreatitis, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to determine the best diet for him.

2. Prebiotics and probiotics: Pancreatitis disrupts the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, so a dog with pancreatitis may benefit from prebiotics and probiotics to help restore that balance. Prebiotics and probiotics also reduce inflammation, a common symptom of pancreatitis.

3. Herbs: Herbs such as slippery elm can relieve inflammation and reduce digestive problems. Slippery elm contains mucilage, which helps soothe and coat the digestive tract; acts as a demulcent by binding to irritating substances and aiding in their removal from the intestines; and reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Digestive enzymes: These help break down proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients into small particles for easier absorption. They also replenish natural enzymes lost due to poor diet or age-related decline.

NOTE: Digestive enzymes can help reduce diarrhea, gas, and constipation.

Pancreatitis is a serious disease, but it is possible to successfully manage and treat it. A holistic or integrative veterinarian will help you address the underlying cause of the condition in your dog, and create a treatment plan tailored specifically for his individual needs.

4. Gut Health Formula (formerly Gastriplex) from ThorneVet (thornevet.com): This supplement contains bovine pancreatic enzymes that help with the digestion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, etc. It also helps relieve abdominal discomfort and bloating associated with indigestion, and aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals from food particles.

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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H LIDAY GIFT GUIDE Dog and Cat Treats Made in Canada Give your dog or cat something to celebrate with treats from Tilted Barn. These healthy, pepperoni-style, single-protein treats are preservative-free and contain no fillers or by-products.

Made with all-natural, high quality, whole ingredients sourced from across the Canadian prairies. tiltedbarnpetco.com

ts Pure Mushroom Extrac t gift on earth — so dogs and cats is the bes Whole body health for l Mushrooms. oom extracts from Rea some functional mushr ted, Pure, organic, vet-formula d for and potency guarantee lth and hea for s maximum benefit ESS LLN longevity. Use code WE order! to get 20% off your first m/ .co ms roo shop.realmush ess elln l-w pages/lp-anima

pick up

Zero Maintenance Cat Fountain Say hello to the last cat fountain you’ll ever need to buy! Meet AquaPurr, the only cat fountain that never needs cleaning. This catactivated device draws fresh

Healthy New Food for Cats

water directly from the tap and provides clean, cool, running water on demand. No filters, no

Here’s a high quality diet your cat will love. RAWZ Gravies Cat Food features minced meat that provides a unique texture, along with gravy made

Made in the US and

from nutritious and flavorful bone broth. Available in five recipes made from

only $119.

chicken, salmon, tuna, beef and more, this complete and balanced diet also offers

aquapurr.com

rich hydration. Comes in 3 oz and 5.5 oz cans. rawznaturalpetfood.com

44

loud pumps, and no slime.

Animal Wellness

The Animal W Natural Coo ellness kbook for Dogs

Calm and Comfort CBD has been shown to have a positive effect on canine wellness.

That’ll Do CBD pet tincture from Orso Farms is made from USDA certified,

Looking for some fun an d healthy w companion? ays to treat The Animal your canine W el ln ess Natural more than 50 Cookbook fo healthy reci r Dogs featur pes, includin es diets, and m g meals, trea ore! Contain ts , special need ing health tip s as beautifu s and info on l photograp ingredients, hs, this Coo as well kbook is su both the hu re to be a hi man and fo t with ur-legged m embers of yo Available in ur family. print or digita l format.

AnimalWelln essMagazine .com/cookb ook

organically grown CBD hemp flowers extracted through their solvent-free CO2 extraction process. It can help calm your dog, support her physical comfort, and increase her agility. orsofarm.com

Revitalize Her with Collagen Peptides Collagen offers important health benefits to your dog or cat. ThorneVet’s CollagenVet is a highly palatable, bioavailable powder of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides. It supports the joints and connective tissues; helps maintain gut integrity; and keeps the skin barrier healthy.

Backed by substantial research and made with premium quality ingredients. thornevet.com

umane

Healthy and H

uffer for ecial stocking st Looking for a sp ast Strips ide® Holiday Fe your dog? No-H m simple, al are made fro from Earth Anim ients — stainable ingred wholesome, su manely-raised specifically, hu with chicken, along anberry. cr pumpkin and dog They offer your ing a delicious chew t the ou ith w experience . risks of rawhide m earthanimal.co

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

45

Home Alone CBD Calming Set

Cookies for Santa Paws Gift Set

Seasons Treatings PawTree has your howliday gifting covered! Give your pet the gift of tranquility with the Home Alone CBD calming set — perfect for times when they’re home alone or the house is packed with noisy revellers. The Perfect Winter Companion broth duo will warm hearts and bellies, while the Cookies for Santa Paws gift set takes holiday traditions up a notch, featuring pawTreats® gourmet baking mixes. Finally, give them the holiday dinner they deserve (and keep them away from the turkey!) with the Pawliday Dinner Kit: treats, superfood seasonings, and a three-meal recipe card crafted around festive flavors. pawtree.com

Broth Duo

46

Animal Wellness

Pawliday Dinner Kit

ADVERTORIAL

REVITALIZE YOUR PET’S HEALTH WITH

COLLAGEN PEPTIDES When you think of collagen, you probably think of that magical potion poured into coffees and smoothies each morning by those in search of the elixir of youth. But think again! In the right format and formulation, collagen can be a game-changer for companion animal health.

body to digest or absorb. Research shows, however, that collagen peptides — fragments of the protein made by breaking animal collagen down through hydrolysis — are significantly more accessible for the body. These peptides are absorbed and accumulate in the cartilage for a whole host of benefits.

In a world of ever-increasing stressors, our dogs and cats have become more than just four-legged friends. They are our everything. Emotional support animals, winter-time toe-warmers, personal trainers, loyal lifetime companions, an escape into true love when the world outside is just a little too scary. So, it’s no wonder we want to do everything to keep them happy and healthy, for as long as possible. And while we know that no one ingredient can actually “Dorian Gray” your animal’s aging process away, collagen certainly gives its best shot.

One product carefully designed to use this science to offer maximum benefit to your dog or cat is ThorneVet's CollagenVet. Composed of hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, and available in an easily digestible powdered form that most animals find highly palatable, this daily supplement works in their favor in the following ways:

Here's how to incorporate collagen into your dog or cat’s daily diet to improve their health and vitality for the long haul.

THE RIGHT FORMAT It’s important to start with a collagen product that has been properly formulated to be truly beneficial.

Collagen might be the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, but in its whole form, this complete protein is difficult for the

1. IMPROVES MOBILITY Collagen peptides play a key role in: • Supporting healthy joints • Maintaining strong, healthy connective tissue.

Both these are crucial for maintaining mobility and overall comfort, day in and day out.

2. PROMOTES HEALTHY SKIN AND A LUSTROUS COAT

especially important as animals age, leading to a reduction in skin elasticity and hydration.

3. MAXIMIZES GUT HEALTH AND NUTRIENT ABSORPTION Packed with the functional peptides that contribute to maintaining, reinforcing, or repairing the intestinal mucosa, CollagenVet works to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms, improve nutrient absorption, and reduce inflammation.

BUILT ON LOVE, BASED ON SCIENCE Backed by substantial research and made with premium quality ingredients, CollagenVet by ThorneVet stands out as a science-backed, veterinary-formulated solution to ensure your dog or cat enjoys a long life of mobility, health, and vitality. Long story short, it might just be the time to embrace the siren call of collagen — for yourself and your furry friends.

Collagen peptides also play an important role in the skin barrier function by helping to reduce dry itchy skin, and promoting a healthy coat. This is www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

47

NEED TO KNOW

sleep disorders in dogs

BY LINDA CARADINE

Is your dog getting enough sleep? Here’s a look at the various sleep disorders that can affect our canine companions, along with some natural ways to treat them.

Just like people, dogs can develop disorders that interfere with their ability to get a good night’s sleep. Some may be harmless, but others can be serious and even life-threatening if left unaddressed. Diagnosing and treating a sleep disorder begins with knowing your dog and sensing when something isn’t quite right. Once you and your vet have determined the root of the problem, a variety of natural approaches can be used to treat it.

According to veterinarian Dr. Nancy Scanlan, it is normal for dogs to sleep during the day as well as at night. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is as important to dogs as it is to us, and both species will develop problems if they do not get enough of it. You’ll know your dog is experiencing REM sleep when you observe the following: • Your dog’s eyes move under his closed eyelids.

• His paws may jerk or convulse.

• Some dogs bark in their sleep, their ears might twitch, or their mouths may move.

True insomnia is rare in dogs and is usually a symptom of some other underlying illness causing pain and/or anxiety.

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Animal Wellness

4

SLEEP DISORDERS THAT AFFECT DOGS

The following sleep problems can affect dogs as well as people:

1

Insomnia — True insomnia is rare in dogs and is usually a symptom of some other underlying illness that is causing pain and/or anxiety. For example, a dog with severe skin allergies may find it hard to sleep due to incessant itching. If your dog appears to be having difficulty falling or staying asleep, a checkup with your vet should be a priority.

2

Narcolepsy — Though not curable, narcolepsy is not painful or life-threatening. It is a disorder of the nervous system that causes a dog to suddenly collapse and fall asleep. It is genetic and affects some breeds more than others.

3

Obstructive sleep apnea — As in humans, sleep apnea can be life-threatening. It is caused when your dog stops breathing suddenly due to a narrowing of the airways. It is most often seen in flat-faced or obese dogs. Chronic, loud snoring can be a predictor of this condition.

4

REM sleep behavior disorder — This problem is suspected if your dog experiences extreme movements or behaviors during sleep, such as running motions, biting, barking or whining. It can look like a seizure but can be interrupted by gently waking your dog and soothing her.

TREATING CANINE SLEEP DISORDERS Because the symptoms of sleep-based conditions can mimic those of other illnesses, they can be challenging to diagnose.

Treating a dog’s sleep disorder first involves determining what’s causing the problem. In the case of obstructive sleep apnea, for example, a medically-managed weight loss plan will be effective in correcting the issue.

Start by ensuring your dog has a healthy lifestyle, including a natural, whole-foods diet. Minimizing stress, and making sure your dog gets regular daily exercise, are both helpful strategies. Also make sure your dog has a comfortable, secure place to sleep.

A variety of supplements are commonly used for canine sleep issues. Pharmaceuticals should be a last resort, to be used in cases where the sleep disorder could be harmful or life-threatening, or when other approaches fail to correct it. vitamin and mineral supplement is often A recommended to ensure your dog’s levels of crucial nutrients are maintained. elatonin is a natural compound that can be given at M night about half an hour before bedtime to ease dogs who seem to have a problem settling down to sleep.

Consult with your vet before giving your dog melatonin. ach Rescue Remedy can be helpful in alleviating a B dog’s stress and aid him in relaxing. romatherapy can also have a calming effect — lavender A is one of the most relaxing essential oils. Use a diffuser, or dab a little diluted oil on his coat or ears. Be sure to use only the highest quality, pure essential oils.

Chamomile is a calming herb that can be given as a tea.

According to Dr. Scanlan, more severe cases might need the help of a holistic veterinarian who can prescribe precise Chinese or Western herbal formulas, or a homeopathic remedy to match the problem.

Although sleep disorders in dogs can be challenging to pin down, they can be successfully treated once an accurate diagnosis has been reached.

PHARMACEUTICALS SHOULD BE A LAST RESORT.

Signs of sleep deprivation in dogs A lack of quality sleep manifests in dogs as increased anxiety and/or aggression. These signs can develop suddenly or more gradually.

Because they can be symptomatic of many different conditions, it’s important to take your dog to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Are you interrupting your dog’s sleep?

Dr. Scanlan says sleep problems in dogs can have a couple of secondary causes that originate with their humans.

• O ne can occur when a person keeps waking up their dog during the day, not understanding that daytime sleep is as important for dogs as nighttime sleep.

• T he other is a restless dog parent. If someone has trouble sleeping themselves, and the dog sleeps in the same room, he’ll usually wake up multiple times during the night with his person.

The important takeaway here is to ensure your dog can sleep when he needs to, both day and night. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

49

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Cordyceps — an adaptogenic mushroom for your dog or cat’s adrenal glands D gs

BY ROBERT J. SILVER, DVM, MS

Cats

Find out how an adaptogenic mushroom called cordyceps may help your dog or cat’s adrenal glands deal more effectively with stress.

Handling stress is an important function of your dog or cat’s adrenal glands. These small, paired glands on each side of her body, just above the kidneys, are responsible for producing the “fight-or-flight” hormones, mainly adrenaline, when the body perceives an existential threat. They also produce stress hormones, mainly corticosteroids, when the body experiences stressors. In this article, we’ll look at the role of the adrenal glands, their relationship to other important glands in the body, and how an adaptogenic mushroom called cordyceps may help your dog or cat’s adrenals deal better with stress.

THE HPA AXIS The adrenal glands work closely with the pituitary gland. The relationship between these "endocrine” organs is responsible for a variety of crucial hormonal functions, such as the regulation of mineral concentrations in the blood, and the production of stress hormones and fight-or-flight hormones.

These glands also work closely with the hypothalamus gland, which like the pituitary gland, is located at the base of the brain.

50

Animal Wellness

We call the interactive relationship between all these glands the HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis). That’s a mouthful, but it describes a system that keeps our dogs and cats (and ourselves) going.

THE SYMPATHOADRENAL SYSTEM Another system that involves the adrenal gland is the SAS or Sympathoadrenal System. This is the fight-or-flight system that kicked in when our ancestors were being chased by a saber-toothed tiger. In today’s context, this same system would come into play if, for example, there was an active shooter in your neighbourhood. In your dog or cat, meanwhile, the SAS would be activated if she was being threatened by a larger predator.

ADAPTOGENS AND ADRENAL STRESS Adaptogens are plants or mushrooms that help the adrenal glands deal better with stress. They were first described in 1946 by medical doctor and pharmacologist, Dr. Nicolai V. Lazarev, who was researching herbal compounds for reversing the effects of acute or chronic stress. In 1968, pharmacologist Dr. Israel Brekhman provided us with the first definition for adaptogens:

1 They are non-toxic to the recipient in normal doses.

2 They produce a non-specific state of resistance to stress.

3 They have a normalizing and balancing influence.

In 1999, A.G. Panossian, PhD, and colleagues expanded the meaning of adaptogens thanks to research that showed adaptogens work by regulating the Hypothalamic-PituitaryAdrenal Axis (HPA) and the Sympathoadrenal System (SAS).

See sidebar on page 50.

Stressors that affect your animal’s adrenals • Environmental stressors include things like excessive heat or cold.

• Emotional stressors include crowding or predation, excessive levels of physical labor or work, or physical trauma such as being hit by a car or getting into a fight with another dog or cat.

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

51

CORDYCEPS — AN ADAPTOGENIC MUSHROOM A number of herbs are considered true adaptogens, such as Asian ginseng, rhodiola, eleuthero, ashwagandha, licorice root, American ginseng, and maca root. Among medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) stands out as an adaptogen.1 Cordyceps has traditionally been used for energy, endurance, anti-aging, counteracting stress, and sexual performance.

Clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to improve athletic performance. Other studies have measured its ability to protect the kidneys from toxic damage caused by drugs and to support patients with chronic kidney disease.2 As an adaptogen, cordyceps contains components that act on the endocrine system, adrenal glands, and sex glands. It increases endogenous corticosteroids but uses a different pathway than the HPA axis. This is where cordyceps gets its designation as an adaptogen for modulating adrenal stress. It also can modulate estrogens by converting potentially toxic estrogens to the healthier 17-b-estradiol, and can stimulate the production of testosterone. For this reason, cordyceps was traditionally considered both an aphrodisiac and a fertility aid.3 Cordyceps is known to offer many additional benefits, such as: Supporting healthy kidney function Managing stress Supporting healthy energy management Promoting fertility Increasing anabolic metabolism through its modulation of healthy testosterone levels.

Cordyceps is just one example of the many medicinal mushrooms that can boost your dog or cat’s health and wellbeing. Its ability to support the adrenal glands means it may help your animal companion’s body cope more efficiently with any stressors she encounters.

Winston D. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. (2007) Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT. 05767. ISBN: 978-1-62055-958-1 1

Hobbs C. Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide. Cordyceps: pp 89-95 (2020) Storey Publishing; North Adams, MA 01247.

2

Jedrejko KJ, Lazur J, Muszynska B. Cordyceps militaris: An Overview of Its Chemical Constituents in Relation to Biological Activity. (2021) Foods; 10,2634.

3

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Animal Wellness

Diseases involving the adrenal and pituitary glands The relationship between the pituitary and the adrenal glands is very important to vital functions that govern the life and death of your dog or cat. The pituitary gland produces special stimulating hormones that signal the adrenal glands to start producing their essential hormones in a healthy way. As small as they are, these little endocrine organs pack a powerful punch, so when something goes wrong with them, major problems can result.

• When the adrenal glands are overstimulated by the pituitary, or when they develop a benign tumor that causes an over-production of corticosteroids, we call this Cushing’s disease. This over-production of the body’s own steroids by the adrenal glands, stimulated by the pituitary gland, creates the same problems we commonly see when commercially available pharmaceutical steroids like prednisone are overused, with symptoms as follows: o Hair thinning or complete loss o Dark discoloration o Thinning of the skin o Corrugated appearance of skin o Hyperglycemia o Increased thirst o Increased urination o Substantially increased appetite Currently, cordyceps is under investigation for its ability to improve horses diagnosed with equine Cushing’s disease. Studies detailing the benefits of this adaptogenic mushroom for Cushing’s in dogs (and for chronic kidney disease in cats as well) are badly needed.

• When the adrenal glands are under-functioning (known as Addison’s Disease), the body doesn’t produce enough of its own steroid hormones to maintain health. This can occur with damage to the gland’s tissues from autoimmune disease (most common cause), as well as infections secondary to certain drugs that are toxic to the adrenal glands. Other causes include cancer, or excessive inflammation. Due to the pituitary gland’s effects on the stimulating function of the adrenal gland, problems that impact the pituitary gland, such as head trauma, brain cancer, or excessive use of steroid drugs, can also cause Addison’s disease.

The adrenal glands' role in regulating the balance of essential electrolytes, sodium and potassium, also becomes disturbed, resulting in serious life-threatening symptoms. Weakness, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrythmias, excessively slow heart rate, and bloody stools, are among the symptoms that can occur from the body’s lack of control over electrolytes due to Addison’s disease.

BEST OF F 2023 Innovative Pet Products Guide

What a year it’s been for incredible products and services in the pet industry! Research, technology and consumer demand continue to provide better options so cats and dogs can live longer, better quality lives.

In this brand new Best of 2023 Innovative Pet Products

Guide,

Animal

Wellness

Magazine

is

HEALTH & WELLNESS.......................................... 54 ACTIVE LIFESTYLE - SAFETY........................... 54 ACTIVE LIFESTYLE................................................ 55 CAT LITTER............................................................... 55 DENTAL...................................................................... 56 FUNCTIONAL TREATS................................... 57-58 FOUNTAINS, FEEDERS & FURNITURE.......... 58 GROOMING & HYGIENE...................................... 59 MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS....................... 59-60

proud to present exceptional, unique products and

MOOD ENHANCING............................................. 60

services that enhance the lives of our beautiful four-

NUTRITION......................................................... 61-63

legged family members. By shining a light on great brands every year, we hope to continue to motivate

TOPPERS............................................................... 61 DRY FOOD........................................................... 61 WET FOOD......................................................... 62

creative and caring industry leaders to further push

RAW....................................................................... 62

the boundaries of pet product innovations and

READY TO SERVE............................................ 63

advancements. In this year’s Guide, we looked at a variety of categories and, as you would expect from

BROTH.................................................................. 63 PET MEMORIALS................................................... 64 SUPPLEMENTS................................................ 64-65

AW, you’ll see only top quality brands represented

TECHNOLOGY.................................................. 65-66

in these categories. Please visit any of the brands’

TOYS & COGNITIVE FUN.................................... 66

websites for more information.

INDEX......................................................................... 67

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

BEST OF F 2023

Innovative Pet Products Guide

HEALTH & WELLNESS ICELAND PURE PREMIER OMEGA FISH OIL FOR LARGE DOG BREEDS: This oil is formulated to give larger dog breeds the necessary nutrition to support and maintain optimal health, energy and longevity.

Every tsp. contains 3,000 mg of Omega-3s (3x the potency of most other oils). The ethyl ester distillation process promotes better absorption and the oil is housed in a plastic-free bottle to prevent plastic contamination. https://icelandpure.com/

BANIXX

GOODWINOL

Antiseptic And Anti-fungal Spray

Goodwinol Ointment (1 oz)

https://banixx.com/

https://www.goodwinol.com/

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE - Safety The Buddy Belt’s signature low-cut design sits low on your pet’s chest, avoiding their neck and throat to prevent damage to their trachea. Sleek and stylish yet strong and durable, the Buddy Belt is where fashion meets function. Buddy Belts are made from genuine leather in an ever-evolving line of colors and are available in 13 sizes to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes. Also available is the BB Sport line made from weather-resistant neoprene, matching accessories, and more!

Use coupon code USE CODE: #NEW2BB15 for 15% off your first order from https://buddy-belts.com/ Valid on regularly priced items only; not valid for liquidation or sale items. Maximum cart subtotal of $350.00.

Safe Paw Ice Melt is the ultimate solution for winter safety.

The patented blend is salt and chloride-free to prevent slips, without the paw burns. Ice and snow are no match for Safe Paw, the only Ice Melt that’s safe for animals, humans, the environment, and all surfaces. https://safepaw.com/

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Animal Wellness

SEE MORE INFO ONLINE:

WWW.ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE DO YOU WONDER WHAT YOUR PET IS TRYING TO TELL YOU? Identify the specific food and non-food items causing uncomfortable digestive and skin issues in your pet with UCARI. The most affordable, comprehensive intolerance testing kit available for pets. Using strands of your pet’s hair, test for 1000+ possible intolerances and nutritional imbalances. https://ucari.com/

FOR RETAIL/WHOLESALE ENQUIRIES: RUSS@UCARI.COM

TICKLESS

WALKIN PETS'

WALKS 'N' WAGS

Classic Pet Chemical-Free Tick and Flea Repellent

Walkin’ Lift Combo Harness

Compact Pet First Aid Kit

https://ticklessusa.com/

https://handicappedpets.com/

https://walksnwags.com/

CAT LITTER Cats naturally see proteins fluoresce in urine that humans only see using an ultraviolet-black light. This telltale glow is a lure to cats that tells them where to go. Patented Boxie Glo cat litter recreates this important visual cue to help prevent and solve feline litter box aversion issues. https://boxiecat.com/

ALPHA PAW

CATSPOT

DOFU CAT

Genius Cat Litter

Coconut Non-Clumping Cat Litter

Tofu Cat Litter

https://www.alphapaw.com/

https://catspotlitter.com/

https://dofucat.com/

DR. ELSEY'S

NATURE'S MIRACLE

ÖKOCAT

Premium Scented Clumping Corn Cat Litter

Natural Wood Cat Litter

https://www.naturesmiracle.com/

https://www.healthy-pet.com/

Precious Cat Ultra Unscented Clumping Clay Cat Litter https://www.drelseys.com/

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

55

BEST OF F 2023

Innovative Pet Products Guide

DENTAL TEEF's award-winning Protektin™ dental water additives combine microbiology and molecular nutrition to promote dental health and fresh breath in a safe, revolutionary way. TEEF uses plant-based prebiotic ingredients to neutralize harmful oral bacteria while strengthening the beneficial bacteria needed for optimal dental health. Only one scoop in your pet’s drinking water per day for easy, effective daily dental care for your furry best friend!

Filler, chemical, and preservaitve-free. https://teefhealth.com/

TAKE THE BITE OUT OF DOGGY DENTAL CARE “I love having my teeth brushed.” Said no dog. Ever. Despite their resistance, it is important to brush your dog’s teeth regularly. The alternative? Bad breath at best; periodontal disease – and possibly much scarier associated health issues – at worst. Fortunately, PawReady has revolutionized this toothy task with a duo of tools designed to make canine oral care easy: the BiteBlock and BrushMate Dual-Ended toothbrush. Now that’s what they call fangtastic. (Free shipping across the USA.) https://www.pawready.com/

PETOSAN'S EASIER BRUSHING EXCLUSIVE 4-STEP SYSTEM

Petosan® Dental University is the central education hub for all your doggy dental questions. Learn everything you need to know about dog and cat dental health through our fun and informative blogs and videos. Plus learn about great dental products from the company, which has over 200 years’ combined dental health innovation, and also invented the original doublehttps://petosan.com/ headed toothbrush.

PET SMILE Professional Pet Toothpaste https://petsmileusa.com/

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Animal Wellness

SEE MORE INFO ONLINE:

PET WELLBEING Healthy Gums — for Feline Periodontal Health

SWEDENCARE USA ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder for Dogs

https://petwellbeing.com/

https://swedencare.com/

WWW.ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

FUNCTIONAL TREATS When you want to spoil your pup and support their health, reach for a bag of PureVita Hip & Joint or Skin & Coat treats from NutriSource! The meat-rich, proteindense recipes feature functional ingredients like vitamin C, L-carnitine, and glucosamine + chondroitin for hip and joint health or Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. https://nutrisourcepetfoods.com/category/our-food/treats/

Earth Animal’s No-Hide® Chews are the original healthy, wholesome, and mind-blowingly tasty alternative to rawhide.

Each chew provides long-lasting enjoyment that keeps dogs blissfully content. Every No-Hide® starts with simple ingredients - including brown rice flour, agar-agar, eggs, olive oil, banana powder, and pineapple stem. After adding a flavorful protein, they're baked to perfection in the USA. No bleach. No synthetics. Easily digestible and great for teeth and gums! Available in more than 10 flavors in 5 different shapes and sizes for every dog! https://earthanimal.com/

Northwest Naturals Functional Toppers.

Why shouldn’t feeding your pet be fun!

Northwest Naturals toppers will add flavor palatability and fun to your pets’ current diet. Sprinkle or spoon it over your pet’s kibble or raw diet to add extra flavor that dogs and cats love.

https://www.nw-naturals.net

DOGSWELL

FRUITABLES

PEZZY PETS

Gut Health Slices

Salmon Flavor w/ Cranberry

Devil Fish Strips

https://www.dogswell.com/

https://fruitablespet.com/

https://pezzypets.com/

THE LAZY DOG COOKIE CO Operation Drool Overload

TILTED BARN Beef

ZESTY PAWS

Recipe Miniwags Dog Treats

All-in-One FUNctional Dental Bones Dental Chews

https://lazydogcookies.com/

https://tiltedbarnpetco.com/

https://zestypaws.com/

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

57

BEST OF F 2023

Innovative Pet Products Guide

PetEyez Vitamin Treats (and now PetEyez Vitamin Powder) are highly functional treats that eliminate tear stains and support eye health.

Packed with 18 vitamins and minerals, there are 4 flavors to choose from for both dogs and cats. Guaranteed to work in 30 days or money back. https://www.peteyez.com/

FOUNTAINS, FEEDERS & FURNITURE The AquaPurr is the only fountain you never clean! The water is always fresh and cool, direct from the faucet. Your cat triggers the flow anytime they want. No cleaning, no filters, no noise, and no slime. Connect to your https://aquapurr.com/ faucet or a water shut off valve.

New Age Pet ® ThermoCore™ Insulated Dog House. A stylish, super insulated dog house – staying cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter – protects dogs from temperature extremes thanks to ThermoCore™ technology. Made with ECOFLEX ® , a nontoxic, eco-friendly proprietary composite blend, it’s easy to assemble and clean and is backed by an unrivaled 10-year limited manufacturer warranty. https://www.newagepet.com/product/thermocore-insulated-dog-house/

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Animal Wellness

CATIT

LICKIMAT

MESSY MUTTS

Senses Digger

Wobble, Dog Slow Feeder Bowl

Round Forage/ Snuffle Mat

https://www.catit.com/

https://lickimat.com/

https://messymutts.ca/

PETMATE

TRAVEL CAT

WOPET

Fresh Flow Rain Fountain

The Meowbile Home

WiFi Automatic Cat Feeder

https://www.petmate.com/

https://yourcatbackpack.com/

https://wopet.com/

SEE MORE INFO ONLINE:

WWW.ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

GROOMING & HYGIENE Explore Simply Sage Dog Treats to find natural and holistic remedies for your dog’s allergies and skin problems. Our exclusive line of pet wellness grooming products, including paw balms, skin salves, and shampoo bars, are expertly formulated to alleviate discomfort and enhance well-being. Unleash the power of nature and give your furry friend the care they deserve with Simply Sage Dog Treats. https://www.simplysagedogtreats.com/

ALZOO

KIN + KIND

Shampoo

Calming Lavender Waterless Bath for Dogs & Cats

NATURAL DOG COMPANY Skin & Coat Oil

https://alzoo-vet.com/

https://kin-kind.com/

https://naturaldogcompany.ca/

NEAKASA

POOCHPAD Pooch Pad 30x 32 Pet Training Pad, Large

VET'S BEST

P1 Pro Pet Grooming Vacuum https://neakasa.com/

https://www.poochpad.com/

https://vetsbest.com/

Ear Relief Wash

MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS SURGERY-FREE PET CATARACT SOLUTION In days of yore, cataracts meant one of two things: surgery or vision loss. But what if we told you there was now a visionary new over-the-counter eyedrop that could stop your pet’s cataracts in their tracks? LumenPro® eye drop solution contains lanosterol, a naturally occurring molecule proven to slow, halt and reverse the progression of cataracts in animals.

Safe, non-invasive, affordable – LumenPro® is a clear winner when it comes to beating https://lumenpro.com/products/ cataracts!

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

59

BEST OF F 2023

Innovative Pet Products Guide

MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS THE HEALING POWER OF LASER

Over 8,000 PubMed clinical studies affirm that the LowLevel Laser Therapy (PBMT) technology used in the Dog Med Laser swiftly reduces inflammation, eliminates joint pain, and accelerates wound healing in both humans and pets. In other words, if your dog suffers from aching joints and muscles, is injured, or is in post-surgery recovery, the healing effects of Dog Med Laser are unmatched.

Portable, durable, side-effect-free, 100% safe, and certified for home use, give your dog the gift https://dogmedlaser.com/ of pain relief with Dog Med Laser.

BELLYLABS

CHECKUP

DOGGYBIOME™

Pregnancy Test For Dogs

CheckUp Strips

Gut Health Test

https://belly-labs.com/

https://checkupkit.com/

https://animalbiome.com/

MOOD ENHANCING The Settle Strap applies calming, deep pressure around the dog’s trunk. The innovative design is sufficient to activate modulation of the tactile system. May be used daily for a gentle and kind way to calm. This less-ismore design keeps the dog cool, is less invasive and allows the animal to move comfortably. https://www.calmrdog.com/

BSERENE™

HEAVENLY HOUNDS Relaxation squares

MEOWIJUANA

Cat Calming Spray https://scientiapet.com/

https://heavenlyhounds.com/

https://www.meowijuana.com/

PETLAB CO

SNUGGLE PUPPY

THUNDERSHIRT WORKS

Calming Chew https://thepetlabco.com/

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Jar of Organic Catnip Buds

SmartBeat™ Heart

ThunderShirt® for Dogs

https://snugglepuppy.com/

https://thundershirt.com/

WWW.ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

NUTRITION WellyChef® “Homemade Dog Food Done Right”™ Base Mix makes it very easy to make your own great healthy dog food at home. Fresh meats can be fed raw or cooked. Each meat type has a specific recipe and feeding guide to ensure you are making your dog an amazing healthy balanced food. WellyChef Base Mix recipes meet and exceed AAFCO 100% Complete and Balanced needs for adult dogs. Now you can easily make safe, nutritionally balanced meals for your dog every time. https://www.wellytails.com/

Cat Solutions Pates feature: Digestive: highmeat recipes with prebiotic fiber coming from miscanthus grass (it’s 80% fiber); Immune: high-meat content with Marine Microalgae Oil providing EPA and DHA fatty acids, essential antiinflammatory agents; Hip and Joint: high-meat with green mussels, a superfood, and fatty acids EPA and DHA for mobility support. https://rawznaturalpetfood.com/

NUTRITION - Toppers Come-pooch-a is a one-of-a-kind food topper that supports digestion, immune health, and a healthy gut microbiome while also making food more delicious. Formulated with postbiotics and antioxidants, Come-pooch-a is a meaty bone broth with a tangy, savory taste that increases hydration, entices dogs to eat, and eases https://nutrisourcepetfoods.com/category/our-food/treats/ upset tummies.

NUTRITION - Dry Food Premium nutrition, sustainable sourcing and high palatability are now available in a scoop-and-serve format. Earth Animal’s Wisdom Air-Dried dog food uses proprietary air-drying technology to ensure the highest nutrient retention and flavor. Wisdom includes combinations of sustainably sourced meat, organs, seafood, ancient grains, sprouted seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Perfect as a mixer, topper or treat, and https://earthanimal.com/ packed in one of the industry’s first recyclable bags.

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BEST OF F 2023

Innovative Pet Products Guide

NUTRITION - Wet Food THE WORLDS FIRST SUPERFOOD FOR DOGS!

Simply put, Rockster is the best of the best in calibre of ingredients, dog nutrition and palatability never seen before in the industry. They are passionate about enhancing the lives of pets and offer their customers the only Bio-organic dog food in the world that is certified as a superfood in its own right, having transformed the lives of many dogs. https://www.therockster.com/

CATS OFTEN DON’T DRINK ENOUGH, WHICH CAN BE A WORRY FOR ANY PET PARENT.

NEW Applaws Bone Broths provide a healthy infusion of protein and collagen, designed to help support hydration and aid skin, coat and gut health. Available in 2 flavors, these hydrating broths add moisture and flavor to any cat’s diet. https://applaws.com/us/cat/cat-pouches-broth/chicken-chicken-bone-broth-3oz/ ?utm_source=animal_wellnesss_magazine&utm_medium=print_ad&utm_campaign=innovation_guide_2023

INTRODUCING REVEAL DRY CAT FOOD, THE PERFECT PAIRING FOR REVEAL’S WET FOOD THAT CATS ALREADY LOVE.

Their limited ingredient recipes start with real animal protein and don’t contain any grains, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They’re complete, nutritious, and truly delicious – naturally.

Available in Chicken and Whitefish flavors. https://shop.mikmak.com/link/1697781476079274c542e/e3ee9232-aabd-3b2e-4b3a-bc07c84e0559

NUTRITION - Raw Answers™ Pet Food is a nutrient-dense line of fermented raw whole foods specifically formulated by a nutritional scientist to find the most species-appropriate diet for pets of all ages. They use whole cuts of organic and pasture-raised meat, organs and bone, and offer superfoods to give your pets optimal nourishment. Veterinarian used and recommended! https://www.answerspetfood.com/

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SEE MORE INFO ONLINE:

WWW.ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

NUTRITION - Ready to Serve Chi Dog’s cooked meals use holistic food therapy principles and whole foods to decrease inflammation and balance the body. Chi Dog meals are crafted by holistic veterinarians, low in carbohydrates, made with human-grade food, and balanced and complete.

Delivered straight to your door. Find a wholesome, healing, nourishing recipe for your dog now! https://chidog.com/

NUTRITION - Broth Brutus Bone Broth Mega Pack Instant Bone Broth Powder is a convenient, powdered version of the original human-grade broth fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric. It provides all the benefits of Brutus Broth’s liquid broth in an efficient, norefrigeration-necessary format and makes 130 oz of broth. Just add one scoop (included) to 8 oz. of water and shake or stir to create a liquid broth. https://brutusbroth.com/

DIENON

LIFE'S ABUNDANCE

OPEN FARM

https://shop.dienon.com/

https://lifesabundance.com/

https://openfarmpet.com

EVOLUTION DIET PET FOOD CORP Wet Dog Food

NATURE'S LOGIC

NUTRAM DIGESTIVE+

https://petfoodshop.com/

https://natureslogic.com/

https://nutram.com/ca/

MOSIAC

SIDE BY SIDE

Supplemental Feeding

Freeze Dried Food

ZIWI PETS VENISON RECIPE Air Dried Dog/ Cat

https://mosaicpetfood.com/

https://sidebysidepet.com/

https://us.ziwipets.com/

Dry Dog Food

Dry Dog Food

Wet Dog Food

Dry Dog Food

Wet Dog Food

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BEST OF F 2023

Innovative Pet Products Guide

PET MEMORIALS Shine a light on the life of your favorite companion with a Lonité memorial diamond made from the carbon ashes of your pet for an everlasting memory. Make an appointment with our team and customize your diamond with the color, cut and the carat weight of your choice, creating a unique piece of jewelry that truly resembles your beloved furry friend. https://www.lonite.com/

PEARHEAD

SPIRT OF LIFE

Pawprints Memory Box

Ceramic Paw Print Urn

https://www.pearhead.com/

https://spiritoflifememorialproducts.com/

SUPPLEMENTS - Mobility Essentials is PureForm’s most popular solution to itching, allergies, arthritis, anxiety, and nutrient deficiencies. This is the most comprehensive meal topper you’ll find, suitable for any age and diet. It’s exactly what the name describes — the essential nutrients your canine fur baby needs every day to thrive. https://pureformpethealth.com/

SUPPLEMENTS - Immunity I’M-YUNITY® for Dogs. Improve your dog’s IMMUNITY and QUALITY of LIFE with I’M-YUNITY®. It is the ONLY clinically proven proprietary and standardized medicinal mushroom extract of Coriolus versicolor that helps reduce pain and fatigue, improve energy level, mobility and appetite. Learn about clinical results and realUSE CODE: wellness life situations at BuyImYunity.com. For a 5% discount https://www.buyimyunity.com/

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SEE MORE INFO ONLINE:

WWW.ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

SUPPLEMENTS - Immunity & More Pet Honesty’s Probiotics Gut + Immune Health soft chews for dogs promote healthy digestion and intestinal health. These chews are vet-recommended to nourish gut microflora and support your dog’s immune system function, helping address imbalances that could lead to loose stools, vomiting, nutrient deficiencies, and other ailments. https://www.pethonesty.com/products/probiotics-gut-and-immune-health

GIVE OLD DOGS A NEW LEASH ON LIFE

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? With the right support and supplements, your aging pooch can relive their puppy days and ways long into old age. Canine Geriatric Basics from ThorneVet is a daily multi-nutrient botanical formula designed to provide life-changing cardiovascular, digestive, cognitive, vision, and joint support, and unleash your senior Snoopy’s inner pup long into their twilight years. https://thornevet.com/product/canine-geriatric-basics/

EARTH BUDDY

REAL MUSHROOMS Immune Chews (Dog/Cat)

HAPPY GO HEALTHY Daily Wellness Supplement

https://www.earthbuddypet.com/

https://www.realmushrooms.com/

https://happygohealthypets.com/

NOW FOODS

PRN PHARMACAL

FERA PET ORGANICS

Reconcile

Bladder Support for Dogs

https://www.prnpharmacal.com/

https://www.ferapetorganics.com/

Focus + Immune Mushroom & Hemp Capsules

Glucose Support https://www.nowfoods.com/

TECHNOLOGY Introducing Trackipet, the community-driven mobile app and tracking device. The free app is available to everyone from pet owners and their neighbours to local pet stores who can be mobilized to join the search should the unthinkable happen and you lose your pet. Adding the Trackipet device gives you total peace of mind with 24/7 pinpoint location accuracy. When pets go missing, seconds count, and that’s why Trackipet’s community-driven mission can make all the difference. https://trackipet.com/

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BEST OF F 2023

Innovative Pet Products Guide

TECHNOLOGY Keep your pet safer, healthier and happier with the Pawfit 3s pet location and activity tracker.

Featuring the unique Pawfit Voice training and command tool and up to 30 days of battery life. Pets love wearing the 100% waterproof, smart GPS tracker, wherever USE CODE: AWPT15 they may go. Use code for 15% off! https://www.pawfit.com/

FURBO 360° DOG CAMERA

HUNGER FOR WORDS

NITE IZE NITEDOG®

Camera

Talking Pet Starter Set

Rechargeable LED Leash

https://furbo.com/ca

https://www.hungerforwords.com/

https://niteize.com/nitedogrechargeable-led-leash

PETSAFE Dancing Dot Laser Cat Toy https://www.petsafe.com/

PUPPOD - SMART DOG TOY PLATFORM

RELAXOPET PRO

Interactive Dog Game

Subliminal Sound Calming Aid.

https://puppod.com/

https://www.relaxopet.com/

TOYS & COGNITIVE FUN For dogs big and small with big play-drives. The combination of weight and flexibility stimulates natural behaviors of running, shaking and wanting to tug. If your dog likes to tug and shake, the Vim can take it!

Made with durable irrigation tubing and filled with allnatural crushed walnut shells. https://www.calmrdog.com/

More wags, less worry. Yomp pet toys are made from the same pure silicone used in actual baby teethers.

They've made it their mission to bring you safer, more sustainable plastic-free silicone toys. And best of all, their products are vet-approved. https://shopyomp.com/

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SEE MORE INFO ONLINE:

WWW.ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

TOYS & COGNITIVE FUN BOW WOW LABS Bully Stick Holder

CANOPHERA

https://www.bowwowlabs.com/

https://canophera.com/

BEST OF 2023 Innovative Pet Products Guide HEALTH & WELLNESS ICELAND PURE.............................................................. 54 BANIXX............................................................................. 54 GOODWINOL.................................................................. 54 ACTIVE LIFESTYLE - SAFETY BUDDY BELTS................................................................. 54 SAFE PAW........................................................................ 54 ACTIVE LIFESTYLE UCARI................................................................................ 55 TICKLESS......................................................................... 55 WALKIN PETS'............................................................... 55 WALKS 'N' WAGS......................................................... 55 CAT LITTER BOXIE CAT........................................................................ 55 ALPHA PAW..................................................................... 55 CATSPOT........................................................................... 55 DOFU CAT........................................................................ 55 DR. ELSEY'S..................................................................... 55 NATURE'S MIRACLE..................................................... 55 ÖKOCAT............................................................................ 55 SUSTAINABLY YOURS................................................. 55 WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER.................................... 55 DENTAL TEEF................................................................................... 56 PAWREADY...................................................................... 56 PETOSAN......................................................................... 56 PET SMILE........................................................................ 56 PET WELLBEING .......................................................... 56 SWEDENCARE USA.................................................... 56 FUNCTIONAL TREATS NUTRISOURCE............................................................... 57 EARTH ANIMAL.............................................................. 57 NORTHWEST NATURALS.......................................... 57 THE FIT ORGANIZATION, LLC................................. 57 DOGSWELL..................................................................... 57 FRUITABLES................................................................... 57 PEZZY PETS.................................................................... 57 THE LAZY DOG COOKIE CO.................................... 57 TILTED BARN................................................................. 57 ZESTY PAWS.................................................................. 57 FOUNTAINS, FEEDERS & FURNITURE AQUAPURR..................................................................... 58 NEW AGE PET................................................................ 58 CATIT.................................................................................. 58 LICKIMAT.......................................................................... 58 MESSY MUTTS................................................................ 58 PETMATE.......................................................................... 58 ROCK CREEK CRATES................................................ 58 TRAVEL CAT.................................................................... 58 WOPET.............................................................................. 58

OUTWARD HOUND

Chew Sticks

Puzzle Toy https://outwardhound.com/

INDEX

GROOMING & HYGIENE SIMPLY SAGE DOG TREATS.................................. 59 ALZOO........................................................................... 59 KIN + KIND.................................................................... 59 NATURAL DOG COMPANY..................................... 59 NEAKASA..................................................................... 59 POOCHPAD.................................................................. 59 VET'S BEST................................................................... 59

NUTRITION - AIR DRIED ZIWI PETS - VENISON RECIPE............................. 63

MEDICAL ADVANCEMENTS LUMENPRO (HELIOSTATIX).................................. 60 REMEDIA LASER (DOG MED LASER)............... 60 BELLYLABS.................................................................. 60 CHECKUP...................................................................... 60 DOGGYBIOME™.......................................................... 60 TRUDELL ANIMAL HEALTH.................................. 60

PET MEMORIALS LONITE........................................................................... 64 PEARHEAD................................................................... 64 SPIRT OF LIFE............................................................. 64

MOOD ENHANCING CALMR DOG TOYS.................................................... 60 BSERENE™................................................................... 60 HEAVENLY HOUNDS................................................ 60 MEOWIJUANA............................................................ 60 PETLAB CO.................................................................. 60 SNUGGLE PUPPY....................................................... 60 THUNDERSHIRT WORKS........................................ 60

SUPPLEMENTS - IMMUNITY HORIZON LIFE SCIENCES...................................... 64 PET HONESTY.............................................................. 65 THORNEVET................................................................. 65 EARTH BUDDY............................................................ 65 REAL MUSHROOMS.................................................. 65

NUTRITION WELLYTAILS................................................................ 61 RAWZ NATURAL PET FOOD................................ 61 NUTRITION - TOPPERS NUTRISOURCE...........................................................

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NUTRITION - DRY FOOD EARTH ANIMAL.......................................................... 61 DIENON......................................................................... 63 LIFE'S ABUNDANCE................................................. 63 OPEN FARM................................................................. 63 NUTRITION - WET FOOD THE ROCKSTER LTD................................................. 62 MPM (APPLAWS)....................................................... 62 MPM (REVEAL)........................................................... 62 EVOLUTION DIET PET FOOD CORP.................. 63 NATURE'S LOGIC....................................................... 63 NUTRAM........................................................................ 63 NUTRITION - RAW ANSWERS PET FOOD.............................................. 62 NUTRITION - READY TO SERVE CHI DOG........................................................................ 62

NUTRITION - FREEZE DRIED SIDE BY SIDE............................................................... 63 NUTRITION - SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING MOSIAC......................................................................... 63

SUPPLEMENTS - MOBILITY PUREFORM.................................................................. 64

SUPPLEMENTS - URINARY TRACT FERA PET ORGANICS.............................................. 65 SUPPLEMENTS - DAILY SUPPORT HAPPY GO HEALTHY................................................ 65 SUPPLEMENTS - WEIGHT MANAGEMENT NOW FOODS / NOW PETS................................... 65 SUPPLEMENTS - ANXIETY PRN PHARMACAL...................................................... 65 TECHNOLOGY TRACKI..............................................................

65 LATSEN TECHNOLOGY LTD. (PAWFIT)............ 66 FURBO 360° DOG CAMERA.................................. 66 HUNGER FOR WORDS............................................ 66 NITE IZE - NITEDOG® .............................................. 66 PETSAFE....................................................................... 66 PUPPOD - SMART DOG TOY PLATFORM........ 66 RELAXOPET - RELAXOPET PRO......................... 66 TOYS & COGNITIVE FUN CALMR DOG TOYS.................................................... 66 YOMP.............................................................................. 66 BOW WOW LABS...................................................... 67 CANOPHERA............................................................... 67 OUTWARD HOUND................................................... 67

NUTRITION - BROTH BRUTUS BONE BROTH............................................ 63

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FELINE HEALTH

et ake G T r o t o ys Cat t ts o a or hem n t W ur s t e e n k me to ta ys to m e o l p a Y le ons sup ng him ve w p n fi o ti t is ), get re are ful. a Sup icati c s our r both ge. He stres d y r s e o n s eth ions ( halle nd le Me h c W e ra cat A by

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ne

As a cat parent, you know your kitty sometimes needs to take supplements or medications to stay healthy. You also know that getting him to take them is easier said than done. He might fight you when you try to insert a pill into his mouth, or refuse to swallow and spit it out again, making the task a major headache. Following are six easy-to-implement ways to get supplements and medications into your cat without distressing him (or getting scratched).

MIX THEM WITH CAT FOOD One of the best ways to give your cat medicine or supplements is by adding them to her daily food. This is easiest if you give her wet or raw food. These food types more easily disguise crushed-up pills, liquids and powders, making it more likely your cat will ingest them. It might not be as easy if you feed your cat dry food, but you can try sprinkling the supplement or medication on her food, then adding a tasty topper like bone broth or the liquid from a tin of salmon.

di hug easie a me k be tas e can h t ke ma

ADD THEM TO HIS WATER It depends on the supplement or medication your cat is taking, but some can be added to his water bowl if your cat is very resistant to taking them in his food. For this to work, though, the supplement or medication has to be flavorless, and it also shouldn’t change the clarity and consistency of the water.

If you use this tip, watch your cat to ensure he continues drinking enough water throughout the day. If you notice he won’t drink it with the added supplement or med, supply him with fresh water and try a different technique.

It’s also important to keep in mind that this option won’t allow you to give your cat an accurate dose of medication, since he won’t drink the whole bowl of water at once. So this is a better option for supplements.

USE A SYRINGE If your cat is very stubborn, you may not be able to trick her into ingesting her medications and supplements no matter what you do. If this is the case, and the product you’re giving her is in liquid form, you can try administering it with a syringe.

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To use this method, you’ll need to hold your cat in your lap and gently squeeze the liquid into her mouth with the tip of the syringe between her teeth. Be very careful, as you do not want your cat to inhale the liquid. It’s a good idea to discuss this option with your vet before trying it out.

HIDE THEM IN CAT TREATS Even though cats are notoriously picky, they usually enjoy treats. So another technique is to try making tasty homemade treats and hide your cat’s medications or supplements inside them (this really only works with soft, moldable treats). Not only does this help ensure your cat gets the dose she needs, but it gives you control over the treat ingredients. It’s also a great way to get more fiber or protein into your cat's diet without added fillers or preservatives.

If you don’t want to make your own treats, look for natural packaged treats that are also soft and moldable. You could also try using pieces of chicken, turkey or fish to disguise the supplement or medication.

CONSIDER A TOPICAL ALTERNATIVE Some cats remain extremely resistant to taking any kind of medication or supplement. If this sounds like your kitty, you may need to try a completely different method. One possible option is to switch to a topical form of the medication or supplement your cat is taking. Depending on what that is, it may not be available in topical form, but it’s nevertheless worth asking your veterinarian about it if all else fails.

The Manual Method While simply putting the medication or supplement in your cat’s mouth isn’t a very glamorous method, you might be able to accomplish it if you go about it the right way. It’s best done with pills or capsules that are very small and easy to swallow.

To be successful, you need to have a good hold on your cat and insert the pill into her mouth as far as you safely can. You might need a helper — someone to hold the cat while you administer the pill.

If your cat struggles and fights you, it’s best to try one of the other suggestions in this article. You don’t want to distress her, or accidentally injure her.

Topical solutions can be applied to your cat's fur or skin to be absorbed into his system. Some topical medications may be unsafe for your cat to ingest, so you’ll need to apply them to an area he can’t reach.

Unlike dogs, cats are far less likely to simply gobble up whatever you put in front of them. They are much more suspicious and resistant to trying new things, especially if they don’t taste or smell very good. So if your cat is on any type of supplement or medication, you may need to try several of the suggestions in this article before you find one that works. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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ANIMAL HERO

Chip is the hotel mascot and therapy dog.

DOG-LOVING RESORT MANAGER RESCUES CANINES IN NEED While it takes its name from the majestic sea creatures that paddle through the crystal Caribbean Sea, dogs take center stage at Turtle Inn, Francis Ford Coppola’s Belize resort. It started back in 2010, when General Manager and dog lover, Martin Krediet, found a terrier mix in a desperate state by the side of the road. He rescued the dog, naming her Ocho, and rehabilitated her at the resort property.

Since then, Martin has rescued, fostered, or found homes for dozens more dogs from surrounding communities, ranging from terriers and Chihuahuas to Labs, pit bull mixes, and German shepherds.

He adopted five of the dogs he rescued, and numerous guests at the Turtle Inn have also fostered and adopted dogs.

It should come as no surprise that the resort has its own canine mascot! Chip is a Belizean “pure street breed”, as well as de facto guardian to Francis Ford Coppola’s grandchildren, who stayed for

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three months during the pandemic and fostered emaciated Chip back to health.

Chip became the onsite hotel hound/ therapy dog, as well as the inspiration behind an annual fundraising event that benefits the local Humane Society in Placencia. Initially called Chip In, it was renamed Chips and Salsa as a tribute to Chip’s canine companion, named Salsa (naturally!). Chips and Salsa has raised over $100K since its inception in 2021, and is still growing. The next event is slated for December 30 and this year’s goal is to raise $80,000.

While all the dogs hold a special place in Martin’s heart, little Ocho’s story continues to stand out.

After he found her Martin with Ocho, his first Caribbean rescue dog.

Foster dogs Roxie and Snack take a break on the water.

bleeding by the road, he rushed her to the vet, where he was told the little girl had cancer. After seven weeks of chemotherapy, Ocho spent the next decade of her life as a resort dog at Turtle Inn, helping security dog, Squire, with his daily duties. Retired now, the scrappy terrier mix lives at Martin’s home and is still thriving.

To make a donation to Chips and Salsa, visit https://placenciahumanesociety.org/.

AD VE RT OR IA L

Shocking Ways Traditional Ice Melts Can Harm Cats and Dogs toxicity, a dangerous condition that causes an electrolyte imbalance and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, thirst, confusion, and weakness.

In some cases, it can even be fatal.

2. M AY BURN THE TONGUE AND THROAT

Traditional ice melts contain ingredients that aren’t safe for animals, people, or the environment. These are six ways they can pose a safety risk for dogs and cats.

Slips and falls are a common winter hazard that many people combat with traditional ice melts. However, these products contain ingredients that can cause pain and burns on contact, as well as mild to serious health problems — and even death — when ingested. Here are six ways traditional ice melts can harm dogs and cats.

1. THEY CAN BE FATAL One of the main ingredients in traditional ice melts is sodium chloride (salt).

Consuming too much can cause sodium

Another dangerous ingredient in traditional ice melts is calcium chloride. Not only can this damage grass and plants, but it can also burn your dog or cat’s tongue and throat if they lick the ice melt.

3. C AN CAUSE GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS Ingesting the ingredients in traditional ice melts can cause ice melt toxicity. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach aches. What’s more, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

5. MAY CAUSE SEIZURES Tremors and seizures are other serious symptoms of ice melt toxicity, and you should get your fur baby to the veterinarian immediately in this case.

6. PAW, SKIN, NOSE, AND EYE BURNS CAN OCCUR When ice melt chemicals come in contact with the skin, paws, nose, or eyes, they can cause burns. What's more, many dogs and cats will ingest ice melt by licking it off their paws.

PET-SAFE A ALTERNATIVE Safe Paw Ice Melt is a revolutionary saltand chloride-free formula that doesn’t contain any of the dangerous chemicals found in traditional ice melts. It’s safe for people, plants, the environment, and dogs and cats, even if ingested. It won’t burn paws or skin, it’s non-toxic, and it’s the ultimate solution for winter slips and falls!

Visit Safe Paw (https://safepaw.com) to learn more.

4. T HEY'RE DANGEROUS FOR ANIMALS WITH KIDNEY PROBLEMS Magnesium chloride is another common ice melt ingredient. While it’s safe for healthy pets, it can be dangerous for animals with kidney disease because magnesium can build up in the blood and cause muscle weakness. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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Parvo, distemper, rabies, and kennel cough are the four most common infectious diseases in dogs. An integrative approach to treatment and prevention offers an effective way to protect your dog.

HEALTH WATCH

4 Most Common Infectious Diseases in Dogs –

Integrative Treatment & Prevention

by Jared Mitchell, DVM, CVMA, CVA, CVFT

We no longer live in an isolated world. Travel is easier than ever before, and interacting with different cultures has created a smaller world. Our dogs are experiencing this as well, and often accompany us on our travels. While it’s exciting to share our adventures with our dogs, it can increase their exposure to infectious diseases. So it’s important to have a working knowledge of some of the most common infectious diseases and how to prevent and treat them.

WHAT ARE INFECTIOUS DISEASES? Infectious diseases occur when an animal has contact with a pathogen that causes or uses a breakdown of the body’s natural defense mechanisms to trigger a disease process. The illness can be mild, with few to no symptoms followed by a speedy recovery; or it can present with symptoms causing severe disease that may ultimately progress to longer recovery, chronic long-term disease, or even death.

When we think about infectious diseases, the ones that most commonly come to mind are those affecting the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. However, infectious diseases can affect all the body’s organs and functions. Viruses and bacteria are most often associated with infectious disorders, but other infectious agents can also lead to disease — see table on the right.

4 MOST COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASES

1

Parvo virus: This highly contagious disease most commonly impacts young dogs, but can affect dogs of any age, especially those that have not developed immunity through natural exposure or vaccinations.

Clinical signs: Parvo causes acute gastrointestinal symptoms characterized by anorexia, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often progresses to bloody diarrhea. This hardy virus can stay virulent in the environment for some time and is resistant to many disinfectants. Parvo virus is shed in the feces of infected dogs, and exposure occurs through the fecaloral/nasal route.

Infectious disease can occur through direct or indirect exposure: •

•

72

Direct exposure means the dog must come into direct contact with an infected animal. This can occur due to close physical interaction between the animals, or when a dog comes within close proximity of the infected animal.

Indirect exposure does not require direct contact.

Exposure can occur after the infected animal has left the immediate area. Because the infective agents remain in the area, a dog can also become infected when he comes into contact with them.

Animal Wellness

2

Treatment: Aimed at supportive care and preventing secondary infections and septic conditions. Prognosis is variable.

Distemper: This highly infectious, systemic viral disease has worldwide distribution. It is transmitted by aerosol droplets from the infected animal. Distemper

virus is complicated by the large number of species that can become infected, including dogs, foxes, wolves, raccoons, ferrets, minks, skunks, and others.

Clinical signs: Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and respiratory symptoms such as nasal discharge and pneumonia. GI signs such as diarrhea, and neurologic signs such as muscle twitching, focal or generalized seizures, can also occur.

Treatment: Often supportive, and prognosis varies based on the severity of symptoms, especially the neurological signs.

3

Rabies: This disease is considered zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted to humans via the bite of a rabid animal. While some countries and territories are considered “rabies free”, this virus is considered to have worldwide distribution. At least 30 known animal species are reservoirs for rabies transmission.

Dogs, bats, and wild carnivores are the most common, with dogs being the most important reservoir globally.

Clinical signs: These may vary, but the most reliable clinical signs are acute behavioral changes and unexplained progressive paralysis. Behavioral changes may include sudden anorexia, signs of apprehension or nervousness, irritability, and hyperexcitability. Some animals seek solitude, and some that are normally sweet and docile may suddenly become aggressive.

4

Treatment: Once symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal in dogs. Vaccination programs have been successful at preventing the disease.

Currently in the US, annual and three-year vaccines are available. While titer testing is available, its acceptance will vary from state to state.

Kennel cough: Also known as infectious tracheobronchitis, kennel cough is a highly contagious illness most commonly seen in dogs housed in close quarters, such as boarding facilities, grooming establishments, and doggie daycares. A non-complicated case of kennel cough is usually mild and often self-limiting, but if the immune system is not strong enough to fight off the infection, it may progress to bronchopneumonia or chronic bronchitis. There are many causes of kennel cough, including viruses and bacteria, specifically Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), canine adenovirus 2 (CAV-2), and canine influenza.

Clinical signs: The primary symptom of kennel cough is a “goose honk” cough.

Treatment: Often supportive, with cough medications if needed. Anti-inflammatories and antibiotics are only used in cases of severe disease.

While kennel cough is not considered one of the core vaccines, proper immunization for at-risk dogs has been shown to lessen or prevent symptoms.

GENERAL CATEGORY

SPECIFIC PATHOGEN

EXAMPLES OF INFECTIONS

BACTERIA

Staphylococcus Streptococcus E-Coli Mycoplasma Borrelia Ehrlichia Bordetella

Skin infections Ear infections Urinary tract infections Upper respiratory infections Lyme disease Kennel cough

VIRUSES

Parvo virus Distemper virus Rabies Coronaviruses Adenovirus General “cold”-like viruses

Parvo Distemper Rabies Kennel cough (viral cause) Upper respiratory Gastrointestinal issues

FUNGAL

Dermatophytes

Ringworm

PARASITES

Intestinal parasites • Hookworms • Roundworms • Whipworms • Tapeworms • Giardia • Coccidia

Gastrointestinal issues • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Inappetence

Skin parasites • Sarcoptic mange • Fleas • Ticks

Skin conditions • Loss of hair • Excessive scratching • Sores and skin infections

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Because there are so many causes of infectious diseases in dogs, there are also numerous treatment options. The primary goal is to support the dog and rid the body of the underlying pathological organisms to allow the immune system to help heal the body.

The cause and the severity of the disease determines whether a conventional or holistic approach is appropriate — however, integrative veterinary medicine allows for the combination of both approaches and generally provides a safer and improved ability to treat the underlying causes of the disease. Some of the integrative options available include fluid therapy, antibiotics, fever-reducing agents, herbals, and helping to eliminate gastrointestinal disturbances to maintain a good appetite — see sidebar to the right.

PREVENTING INFECTIOUS DISEASE While it’s not always possible to prevent infectious diseases, the more you increase your dog’s natural defense mechanisms, and provide the highest quality integrative healthcare and wellness options, the more likely a disease may be prevented or, if contracted, be less severe.

1. Avoiding or reducing exposure can prevent serious illness, 1.

and also help prevent the spread of contagious diseases. A little planning can be helpful. When looking for areas to walk or play with your dog, for example, try to avoid highlytravelled areas. Dog parks, kennels, and busy walking trails where dogs intermingle and have close contact can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Social media and local news outlets can help you find reviews and current information about potential outbreaks.

2. Vaccinations have become a controversial topic in both 2.

human and veterinary medicine. Since their inception, vaccines have helped successfully treat and prevent some of the most serious and deadly diseases in humans and animals; concerns arise when vaccines are improperly used or when a dog is “over-vaccinated”. Every dog is an individual, and healthcare decisions — including the need for vaccines — should be discussed with your veterinarian and individualized based on your dog’s risk for exposure to a disease. Titer testing can be utilized to evaluate the level of antibodies produced from vaccines, and can give a good indication of how much protection the dog has against certain infectious diseases.

3. Building and maintaining a strong immune system is 3.

another key factor in helping defend against infectious diseases. This should begin in puppyhood, if possible, and continue through all life stages. A high quality, species-

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specific diet using organic all-natural ingredients is a great starting point. Besides nutrition, supplements and herbals can be used to help maintain and improve immune function. Consulting with an integrative veterinarian trained in food therapy and herbal medicine is recommended.

Exposure to infectious diseases is more common today than ever before. Having an understanding of some of the most common diseases our dogs may encounter, and how to treat and prevent them integratively, provides a more balanced approach to wellness.

INTEGRATIVE TREATMENT APPROACH TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES

AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO TREATMENT

Immediate care •

Intravenous fluid (IV) fluid therapy

•

Fever-reducing agents

•

Appetite stimulants

•

Gastrointestinal medications to aid with nausea and diarrhea

•

Antibiotics (when appropriate)

•

Anti-inflammatories (when appropriate)

•

Pain relievers

•

Dewormers

•

Specific decontamination and isolation protocols for contagious diseases

Long-term care •

Proper species-specific diet

•

Immune stimulants to help protect and strengthen the immune system

•

Herbal therapies to help provide long-term options without harsh side effects

•

Consideration of other integrative therapies: •

Acupuncture

•

Laser therapy

•

Veterinary medical massage therapy

•

Full rehabilitation services if needed

•

A calming and stress-free environment to allow proper healing

•

Detoxification of the dog’s environment

ADVERTORIAL

WHY LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY LEADS THE PACK FOR AGILITY DOGS

BY MICHEL ROY

Agility dogs have great athletic talent. But with that — alongside intense training and competition — comes a much greater propensity for musculoskeletal injury and degenerative joint disease.

DOG MED LASER – THE LLLT PACK LEADER

You don’t have to be a trainer, veterinarian, agility expert or athlete to understand that agility dogs push their bodies to the limit. Low Laser Light Therapy (LLLT) — applied before and after each training session and competition — counteracts this stress and keeps agility dogs performing optimally.

THE BENEFITS OF LLLT

BY DOG MED LASER

PBMT TECHNOLOGY

Dog Med Laser uses Photobiomodulation (another name for LLLT) to: •

Increase blood flow and local oxygen delivery to muscles

•

Reduce joint and muscle inflammation post training or competition

•

Relieve muscle stiffness

•

Improve mobility

•

Increase ATP production (the body’s energy machine)

•

Accelerate injury healing processes for faster return to competition.

•

Prevents muscle damage

•

Reduces muscle soreness

•

Increases muscle capacity

•

Improves functional and athletic activity

The effectiveness of this technology is well-established, having been:

•

Increases fatigue resistance

•

Rigorously tested on humans

•

Accelerates recovery after training or competition.

•

Endorsed by the World Association of Laser Therapy as the gold standard in medication-free pain management

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated these benefits, and also shown how LLLT increases muscle mass after training, and decreases muscle inflammation and oxidative stress.* Rehabilitation therapies — especially LLLT — are emerging as gamechangers for ensuring agility dogs recover swiftly from injuries and continue to shine in the arena. And when it comes to LLLT, Dog Med Laser is leading the pack.

•

Backed by over 8,000 clinical studies.

Moreover, it’s easy to use, has zero side effects, and is 100% safe, requiring no eye protection (for dog or dog parent) during application.

As for its specific effects on dogs — agility or otherwise — PBMT’s gentle beams penetrate deep into tissues when applied to their bodies. The result?

Speedy recovery, reduced pain, enhanced performance, injury prevention, and overall well-being.

THE DOG MED LASER DIFFERENCE While LLL Therapy is already widely used by veterinary clinics, Dog Med Laser is the first device to be developed specifically for pets (dogs and cats) and certified for home use. This means it can be used in training or competition environments and makes it more economical than frequent clinic visits.

Furthermore, the Dog Med Laser comes with two brush attachments that deliver dog-approved back scratches along with cell stimulation and pain relief!

DELIVERING PEAK PERFORMANCE FOR AGILITY DOGS In the world of agility, where every second, millimeter, and degree count, Dog Med Laser allows dogs to continue to amaze with their leaps, bounds, and spirit, long after the rest of the pack have called it a day. *This is no doubt why LLL Therapy has become common in the professional sports world over the past ten years. NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and USA Cycling athletes all use LLLT. Michel Roy is the designer of the Dog Med Laser and an active member of World Association for Photobiomodulation Therapy (WALT) – the leading world body for promoting research, education and clinical applications in the field of photobiomodulation with lasers and other light sources. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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HEALING INSIDE & OUT

mental 7 en richment activities

to help your dog recover from surgery

BY KAILA YOUNG

If your dog has just had surgery, long walks and play dates at the park will be off the table for a while. These mental enrichment activities will support her recovery by helping to prevent boredom, stress, or reinjury.

When your dog returns home after surgery, the time will soon come when her grogginess wears off and her energy sparks back in. This can be a challenge if she feels she’s ready to go for walks, play fetch, and bounce off the furniture the way she did before. But what your dog really needs is rest, which means you’re tasked with restricting her physical activity for a while. This article looks at how you can use mental enrichment to counter the boredom, stress, and risk of reinjury that can arise from trying to keep a dog physcially inactive for long periods.

Whether your dog has undergone a minor op like a spay or neuter procedure, or a more extensive surgery such as an ACL repair, the following seven mental enrichment activities will help keep her happy, safe, and on a steady road to recovery.

1 TURN MEALTIME INTO FUN TIME Swap out your dog’s food bowl for a food dispensing device such as a puzzle feeder or slow feeder. The added challenge will turn a normal activity into a mentally engaging one.

2 INTRODUCE NEW TOYS Rotating old toys with new can become a special treat for your dog.

“Consider purchasing a few new toys and introduce them one day at a time,” suggests Dr. Natalie Weekes, Shelter Medical Director at the York County SPCA in Pennsylvania. “This can really lift their spirits each day.” Toys of varied shapes and textures are ideal, but be sure to choose durable, quality products without pieces that could be chewed off and swallowed.

3 PUT HER NOSE TO WORK Try scentwork, or nose games, with your pup. Hide treats around a room, or in objects like cardboard boxes, for your dog to sniff out. This engages her nose as well as her brain. Or try hiding treats under a cup or in one of your hands, and have her use her nose to guess which cup or hand contains the reward.

What your dog really needs is rest, which means you’re tasked with restricting her physical activity for a while.

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Rest is vital for preventing reinjury

4 TRAIN HER BRAIN Recovery time is the perfect time to teach your dog new training cues or tricks that don’t require much movement, such as high five or lie down. Not only can it be rewarding for your dog, but it also strengthens your mutual bond and trains for good behavior.

5 USE PUZZLE TOYS One of the easiest — and tastiest — ways to keep your dog occupied is by using puzzle toys. Pet stores sell a vast variety of these toys nowadays. If your dog has never engaged with a puzzle toy, start off with something easy and work up to more difficult levels to prevent her from becoming frustrated. To engage your dog mentally for longer periods, try lick mats, snuffle mats, or Kongs filled with frozen peanut butter or wet dog food.

6 ENGAGE HER SENSES Offer visual stimulation by giving your dog access to a window she can see out of. You can also offer auditory stimulation by playing relaxing music or having the television on. For some dogs, this type of background noise can be very soothing, especially when they are home alone.

7 TAKE HER FOR A CAR RIDE If your dog loves car rides, this can be another great way to provide mental enrichment. A short, simple road trip can be a fun escape that engages your dog while keeping her relatively immobile. Remember to use a doggy seatbelt to keep her safe, and to prevent her from bouncing around the car if she gets too excited. If your dog is an anxious traveler or gets carsick, however, it’s better to keep her home during the healing process.

Whatever type of surgery your dog has undergone, these mental enrichment activities can be an important key to ensuring a smooth, stress-free recovery.

Even if your dog acts like she’s raring to go, restricted movement is imperative to allow her body the proper time to heal. Excessive movement could lead to an open or infected incision, bleeding, delayed wound healing, or even worse, according to Dr. Weekes. She cautions that such complications could result in the need for a follow-up surgical procedure, which could further delay healing while increasing costs for you.

But encouraging your dog to rest when she doesn’t want to is easier said than done. “Dogs do not understand the concept of resting for the purpose of healing,” says Dr. Weekes. “For them, staying stimulated means physical activity.” This is where mental enrichment comes into play.

Why mental enrichment is so important

Mental enrichment is important during the recovery process because it provides your dog with cognitive stimulation, mind play, and feelings of accomplishment, thereby minimizing stress and boredom. This is especially true for dogs bred for certain jobs such as hunting or herding.

“If we do not want our dogs to do physical activity, mental enrichment is another way to keep their minds busy, engaged, and distracted,” says Dr. Weekes. “If an animal is deprived of both mental and physical enrichment, their quality of life and well-being can suffer tremendously.”

Dogs need an outlet to release pent-up energy, which means a lack of enrichment can result in depression, irritability, destructive behavior, or even self-mutilation. Through mental enrichment, a dog’s needs can be fulfilled by focusing on a job, receiving a sense of achievement, gaining confidence, keeping mentation sharp, and letting go of anxious energy.

You can also offer auditory stimulation by playing relaxing music or having the television on.

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ALTERNATIVE APPROACH

TCVM FOR CHRONIC UTI IN DOGS AND CATS D g s Cats

BY LORENA LLORET NADAL, DVM, MSTCVM

Chronic lower urinary tract inflammation (UTI) is one of the most challenging and frustrating conditions affecting our dogs and cats.

In this article, we’ll look at how a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) approach can be effective at treating this common problem.

DEFINING CHRONIC UTI Chronic UTI is a recurrent or persistent bacterial infection of the bladder in the absence of neoplasia, stones, concurrent disease, and/or structural and functional abnormalities. The clinical signs include painful urination, the frequent and difficult passage of small amounts of urine, blood or crystals in the urine, dribbling, and a foul smell to the urine. describes bladder diseases that result TIP: “Cystitis” in inflammation.

CHINESE MEDICINE LOOKS AT PATTERNS IN DISEASE In Chinese Medicine, a disease is not traced back to a single cause, but rather to a combination of body signs and symptoms that are carefully analysed to determine a pattern. In fact, the ability to recognize patterns of illness is fundamental to Chinese Medicine.

Two animals may have the same disease according to Western medicine, but the pattern of signs and symptoms can be different in each, and therefore require a different treatment strategy.

Medicine defines urinary tract infection TIP: Chinese as Lin Zheng.

There are many patterns of Lin Zheng, but the form described here is commonly referred to as Urinary Bladder Damp Heat. The primary pathogenic factor seen in chronic UTI is Damp Heat, which can have multiple causes including inappropriate diet, obesity, and

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Why Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is more effective than conventional meds for dogs and cats with chronic UTI.

underlying Zang-Fu organ dysfunction that facilitates bacterial invasion of the bladder.

Multiple overlapping patterns are often responsible for the chronic nature of the disease, and these will vary depending on the individual. The most common pattern seen in longstanding bladder infections in dogs and cats is dual deficiency of the Kidney and Spleen. Chinese Medicine is often effective at treating and resolving chronic UTI because it can accurately identify the underlying patterns of disease responsible for its development and recurrence.

A Chinese medicine treatment plan may include the use of herbal medicine, acupuncture, food therapy, and conventional medications as needed. Antibiotics are energetically cold and bitter and effectively clear Heat.

TIP:

Chronic use of antibiotics easily injures the Spleen, causes Liver Qi stagnation, and negatively impacts the normal bacterial flora of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

Acute UTI often becomes chronic because residual Damp is not cleared and/or continues to be produced.

TCVM APPROACH TO CHRONIC UTI Conventional Western medicine attributes acute and chronic UTI to an invasion of bacteria in the bladder. In acute uncomplicated UTI, a single course of antibiotics is usually sufficient to resolve the infection. However, conventional treatment is unable to recognize other contributing disease factors responsible for the development of chronic UTI. Low-dose chronic antibiotic therapy is often prescribed for the life of the animal, with increased potential for the development of antimicrobial resistance and superinfection over time.

In Chinese medicine, chronic UTI is considered multifactorial and develops from external and internal causes. The basic pathophysiology revolves around the presence of Damp Heat.

This can result from the invasion of Damp Heat pathogens (bacteria), or is generated internally from Zang-Fu organ dysfunction. Damp Heat obstructs the normal Qi activity of the bladder, resulting in pain, difficulty urinating, etc. Damp Heat can transform into Fire and damage the blood vessels of the bladder, causing blood in the urine. Long-term Damp Heat can congeal into crystals and stones in the bladder.

TIP:

A bacterial infection is not necessary for the diagnosis of Urinary Bladder Damp Heat; some animals exhibit classic signs of cystitis yet have sterile urine.

If the condition is not appropriately treated during the acute phase, it becomes chronic. Chronic UTI typically develops from an underlying dysfunction of the internal organs in conjunction with bacterial infection, so a mixture of both excess and deficiency is typical.

The recognition and appropriate treatment of these underlying patterns, in addition to the treatment of the bacterial infection, is essential to prevent continued development or persistence of Damp Heat, and recurrence of the disease.

FOUR TCVM PATTERNS IN UTI

MAJOR PATTERNS IN LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE AND THEIR TCVM TREATMENT TCVM treatment for cystitis in small animals Suggested Acupoints

Chinese Herbal Medicine

SP6, SP9, BL22, BL28, BL39, BL66, LIV2, CV3, GV14, Wei-jian

Ba Zheng San ( Eight RighteousJT)

Frequent, urgent and/or straining urination with pain.

Scant urination with crystals/stones in the kidney/bladder Anuria secondary to obstruction in the urinary tract Tongue: red Coating: yellow Pulse: surging, rolling (slippery), rapid

SP6, SP9, BL22, BL28, BL39, BL65, LIV3, CV1, CV3, GV14, Wei-jian

Crystal Stone FormulaJT*

Blood Lin (Xue Lin)

Painful and difficult urination withblood or dark urine Tongue: red Coating : +/- yellow Pulse: rapid

SP10, HT8, BL17, BL22, BL39, BL66, LIV2, CV3, GV14, Duan-Xue, Weiben, Wei-jian

Stagnation Lin (Qi Lin)

Urine dribbling Irritability Fullness and pain in lower abdomen Tongue: purple Pulse: wiry

BL22, BL28, BL39, BL66, GB34, LIV1, LIV2, LIV3, GV14, Wei-jian

Liver HappyJT

LI10, ST36, SP6, SP9, BL22, BL23, BL26, BL28. BL39, CV3, CV4, CV6, GV20, Yan-chi, Moxibustion

Lao-Lin FormulaJT

Pattern

Damp Heat (Re-Lin)

Damp Heat (Stone-Lin)

In TCVM, lower urinary tract diseases associated with cystitis can be divided into four common patterns: 1 Damp Heat

3 Liver Qi Stagnation

4 Kidney Deficiency

2 Heat

These patterns commonly develop in animals that are purebred; have Kidney Jing deficiency; are old; have chronic illness; are overfed or given a speciesinappropriate diet; are not regularly exercised; are kept isolated for long periods; or are confined indoors or in conditions that necessitate holding their urine for prolonged periods.

TIP:

Normal urination flushes out ascending bacteria and debris within the urinary tract. Any situation that prevents regular urination and the healthy flow of urine can weaken the kidney and bladder and facilitate the development of UTI.

Deficiency Lin (Lao Lin)

Clinical Signs Scant, frequent, urgent and painful urination Red/yellow urine Painful abdomen Urinary tract infection Tongue: red Pulse: slippery and rapid

Chronic urinary dribbling Urination that starts and stops Hematuria Urge to urinate when tired Weakness of lower back and pelvic limbs Tongue: pale Pulse: weak

Si Miao San

Red Front DoorJT San Qi (Notoginseng)

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Dampness and Heat are the two primary pathogens associated with cystitis. Liver Qi Stagnation and Kidney Deficiency are also important factors. These patients are often cats that are very stressed and irritated and have recurrent episodes of FIC (feline idiopathic cystitis). Recent literature has described FIC as an imbalance in the neuroendocrine system, in which excitatory sympathetic nervous system outflow is not controlled by cortisol, resulting in increased permeability of the bladder wall.

Conventional medicine can quickly resolve the signs of UTI and cystitis, but when they become chronic and recurrent, TCVM can effectively resolve them. In some cases, a combination of conventional medicine and TCVM is needed. If your own dog or cat is prone to chronic or recurring UTI, consulting with a holistic veterinarian who offers TCVM will help achieve positive and lasting results.

CASE EXAMPLE

— A CAT WITH RECURRING BLADDER INFECTIONS A five-year-old male spayed domestic shorthair cat presents with a one-year history of recurring bladder infections and crystalluria (crystals in the urine). He has been urinating outside the litter box for over a year. Although treated with a prescription diet, the crystalluria persists. He also frequently has blood in his urine, but recent ultrasound examination reveals no stones. This cat has a dominant personality and loves to hunt when outside. He drinks large amounts of water.

TCVM EVALUATION The cat’s family presents him for TCVM evaluation. On physical examination, he is overweight, lethargic, and can be aggressive in stressful situations. He quite frequently vomits undigested food. His eyes are red, with a watery damp discharge. His coat is oily, and his ears, nose and paws are warm. His tongue is red/purple and wet with swollen edges.

He pulses are wiry and rapid, and he turns aggressive when the vet tries to feel them.

DIAGNOSIS This cat’s personality would be considered Wood, according to TCVM. His diagnosis is Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat; Heart Heat leading to Shen Disturbance; Bladder Damp Heat and Spleen Qi Deficiency.

• Dietary recommendations are wet food only, with additional water and homemade food if available.

The cat’s behavior improves within the first two weeks of treatment. He uses the litter box again, is happier, more relaxed, and calmer, and he allows his family to pet him.

•H is increased weight, lethargy, oily coat, swollen tongue and crystalluria indicate the presence of Damp in the body.

•T he hematuria/crystalluria, increased thirst, red eyes and rapid pulses, warm paws and body indicate Heat in the body.

After eight weeks of therapy, crystalluria is no longer present, the cat’s coat is shiny and soft, and his energy levels have improved. He receives monthly treatments of acupuncture for another six months, with no relapses during the following year.

•L iver Qi Stagnation can also overact on the Spleen, leading to Spleen Qi Deficiency (vomiting undigested food, overweight, lethargy), and turns into Damp, which tends to combine with Heat to make Damp Heat, a very difficult combination to resolve.

TREATMENT Treatment strategies are to move the Liver Qi Stagnation, calm Shen, drain Damp, clear Heat in the Lower Burner, and later, tonify Spleen Qi.

Animal Wellness

• The Chinese herbal formulas Liver Happy and Crystal Stone Formula are given for six months.

•H is aggression, Wood constitution, red watery eyes, purple tongue, and wiry pulses indicate Liver Qi Stagnation plus Heat.

•L iver Qi Stagnation can result in Heat, which then rises to affect the Heart. Heart Heat can move to the paired organ (the Small Intestine according to TCVM) and then to the Bladder.

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• Dry needle acupuncture is performed at the following acupoints: BL15, BL18, BL20, BL28, BL39, GV14, GV20, AnShen, Tianmen, LIV3, LI4, TH5, PC6, and HT7. Each treatment consists of ten needles maximum, one week apart, for three treatments. Points are alternated depending on the treatment.

Afterwards, the treatments are lengthened to once every two weeks for another month.

TECH-SAVVY

DOGS AND CATS

BY KAREN ELIZABETH BARIL

HOW TECHNOLOGY AND AI ARE CHANGING THE WAY YOU CARE FOR YOUR DOG OR CAT.

In recent years, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have been revolutionizing how we care for our dogs and cats. From selfcleaning litter boxes to smart collars that record your dog’s every step, these innovations are transforming and streamlining your role as an animal parent. Let’s look at how technology and AI are changing the face of companion animal care.

WHAT IS AI AND WHERE DID IT COME FROM? Most of us think of AI as a brand new concept, but scientists have been working on it since the 1950s, lifting the ideas right off the pages of science fiction novels. Readers found the stories entertaining, but scientists saw new opportunities to develop technology that would one day revolutionize our lives.

“It is difficult to think of a major industry that AI will not transform,” says Andrew Ng, computer scientist and a global leader in AI. “This includes healthcare, education, transportation, retail, communications, and agriculture.”

It was only a matter of time before technology and AI started transforming how we care for our dogs and cats as well. Read on for some examples.

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D gs Cats

EVERYDAY TASKS MADE EASY Self-cleaning litter boxes A dirty litter box is more than just an odor problem; it can actually make your cat sick. The strong fumes coming from an unscooped litter box are ammonia particulates, which can aggravate your cat’s airway every time he uses it. A dirty litter box can also cause kidney, urinary, and bladder infections.

Self-cleaning litter boxes offer a solution for those who may not have time to scoop the litter box every day. These devices sift out waste after every one of your cat’s visits. Some even record your cat’s weight and bathroom habits, and send the information directly to your phone, helping you keep track of your kitty’s health and well-being.

Automatic feeders Automatic feeders are popular among those who have to be out a lot, or who frequently don’t get home in time to feed their dog or cat.

They’re also helpful for households with multiple animals. For example, if you have a dog who loves to eat out of everyone else’s bowl except his own, you can actually get an automatic feeder with a bowl that has facial recognition. AI scans your dog’s face and uses the image to match it to a photo you’ve previously uploaded. If the right animal appears, the feeder slides open to reveal the food

Remote-controlled treat dispensers connected to your smart phone help reinforce good behaviors in your dog.

stored in the bowl. The feeder also sends an alert to your smart device so you can watch your animal munching away in real time.

CAT-TRIGGERED FAUCET FOUNTAIN

Automatic grooming tools Technology is even changing how we groom our animals.

Automatic washing and drying machines can get your companion looking his best in minutes, so grooming salons love them. Virtual reality also allows your dog to “try on” a haircut before you commit to it, while laser nail trimmers allow groomers to trim a dog’s nails without hitting the quick.

If your kitty loves jumping up on the counter, she might enjoy the AquaPurr cat water fountain (aquapurr.com).

It attaches to your sink's faucet and is automatically triggered by your cat, so it doesn’t run all the time. It also has a flow control feature and offers fresh water every time, without the need for cleaning or replacement filters.

Robotic vacuums Pet hair and dander are common in homes with dogs and cats, but what if you don’t have time to clean it up by getting out the vacuum every day? A robotic or smart vacuum might be the answer.

These devices are much improved over the early models that toppled downstairs or got stuck under the couch. Newer models use AI to map your home’s floor plan, which allows them to avoid stairs and navigate through doorways with ease. They’ll even dump their own contents while you and your pup are off doing something more fun.

Geo-fencing and smart collars Smart collars have become a popular way to help keep tabs on the family dog or cat. These GPS collars use satellites, receivers, and algorithms to determine your animal’s location at any given moment, and how many steps it took him to get there. They can even monitor his heart and respiratory rate.

Another technological innovation that enhances dog and cat safety is geo-fencing. It’s ideal for hikers, campers or anyone else who travels with their dogs, but can also be used in your backyard at home. Geo-fencing works in tandem with your dog’s smart collar. It creates a virtual and invisible geographic boundary in an area you define, and sends an alert to your smart device if your dog goes beyond the boundary.

Keep in mind that this technology is only as good as the services received, and these can change depending on where your dog roams. Also, if the collar fails for some reason, the technology won’t work.

KEEP HIM ACTIVE WITH REMOTE PLAY SESSIONS Adequate physical exercise is vital to your dog or cat’s health. When their people are out, though, most dogs or cats tend to sleep the hours away. The following toys are worth checking out as a way to increase your animal’s physical activity, even when you’re not home.

1

Why not use your coffee break at work for a play session with your dog? Smart toys make this possible.

You can program the toy to roll away, bump into things, or go in any direction you choose at the push of a button on your smart phone, and watch your dog on the built-in camera. Some smart toys even allow you to talk to your animal via integrated microphones.

Remote play sessions like this can also help minimize separation anxiety in dogs.

2

Is your kitty a couch potato? A robotic cat toy that moves like a real mouse you control from your phone provides your kitty with plenty of fun and exercise.

These toys are great for encouraging your cat to engage in physical activity when you’re not home.

A dog treadmill can help ensure he’s getting enough exercise when the weather is bad or you don’t have time for walks.

Just be sure to supervise him at all times.

Technology and AI are constantly evolving and improving our lives, and will continue to do so. Although they can’t replace the personal time you spend playing, exercising, and enjoying quality time with your dog or cat, they can help make daily animal care tasks simpler and more convenient. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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TRAINING TALK

How to help a reactive dog – without meds

by Patrick Kuklinski

Reactive behaviors in dogs range from overexuberant playfulness to excessive fear and aggression. While medications are often prescribed to calm reactive dogs, a combination of training and supplements offers a better solution.

Reactivity is a serious issue that impacts many dogs. While many dog parents and veterinarians turn to prescription medications as a first step, there are better options for managing reactive dogs, including positive training, calming supplements, and mental stimulation through games and puzzles.

UNDERSTANDING REACTIVITY Reactivity encompasses a variety of behaviors (reactions) that a dog may display in response to triggering stimuli. These stimuli often include other dogs, people, and cars. Some reactive dogs may display overly playful behavior — jumping, barking, or pulling hard on the leash to get to the stimuli. Because these behaviors aren’t perceived as threatening, they aren’t as frequently addressed as the other form of reactivity, which often presents as behaviors we deem aggressive.

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Dogs with fear-based reactivity may snarl, bark, or appear to completely lose their minds as they thrash and writhe on their leashes. While this behavior is understandably scary, it’s often rooted in a deep fear — these dogs are typically trying to ward off the person or thing they find scary, not necessarily attack it.

CONSULT A POSITIVE TRAINER Ideally, your first step in addressing reactivity should be to consult a professional trainer. Reactivity won’t be helped by punishing the dog or reprimanding him for unwanted behaviors, so be sure the trainer only uses positive, rewardbased training, and follows fear-free principles.

While not all reactive dogs require longterm training, getting an evaluation from a trainer can help set you up for success. Professional trainers who work with reactive dogs will be able to give you a better grasp

of what type of reactivity your dog has; his thresholds with reactivity; and how to help him in the most effective way.

AT-HOME DESENSITIZATION TRAINING For new dog parents, or those inexperienced with reactivity, it may be best to start desensitization training under the guidance of a trainer. However, it’s also very possible to improve your dog’s reactivity with the following process you can do at home.

Tip: The goal is to use rewards to have your dog witness a trigger and not react.

Desensitization training occurs in coordination with your dog’s comfort level, and his level of reactivity. After practicing the process repeatedly, your dog should gradually be able to get

closer to, and increase his threshold for, the trigger.

For example, if your dog is scared of men wearing baseball caps, you would not try to desensitize him while standing directly in front of a man matching this description. However, if you see a man with a baseball cap at a distance of 30 feet, and your dog appears to take notice but does not display signs of fear or aggression, this would be the appropriate distance to begin training.

Reward your dog with a treat every time he sees a man with a baseball cap but doesn’t react. This way, he’ll learn to associate the trigger with something positive. Over time, you should be able to reduce the distance between your dog and men with baseball caps without triggering reactivity. You can use this process with anything your dog fears.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR REACTIVITY IN DOGS A variety of supplements and remedies can help calm reactive dogs.

Not all work with all dogs, so you may have to try different ones, under the guidance of your vet.

Bach Rescue Remedy is one of the most

Mental stimulation decreases reactive behavior Puzzles and games can help engage your dog’s mind and reduce anxiety based on a lack of stimulation.

Simple toys, such as the classic Kong stuffed with treats or peanut butter, work well for some dogs.

If you have a particularly curious dog, which includes many herding and working breeds, you may want to try a more challenging toy such as a dog puzzle.

My own dog benefited greatly from doing nosework.

It gave her an opportunity to feel successful at a “job”, while also practicing her listening and response skills with me.

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well-known and widely used supplements for animals. It’s formulated to soothe them during stressful events. A few drops can be added to your dog’s water or rubbed into his ears or paw pads. You may wish to use this remedy before taking your dog into situations where he might see potential triggers for reactivity.

L-theanine is a commonly available and low risk natural supplement known for quick absorption into your dog’s bloodstream. It’s available in a variety of forms, and is even included in some natural treats or chews. I recommend it either in anticipation of a stressful event, or as soon as possible after a dog reacts negatively to a stimulus.

that probiotics reduced anxious behaviors such as excessive vocalization, jumping, pacing, and spinning; these behaviors are common with reactivity, so it’s possible that regular probiotic supplements could reduce your dog’s unwanted behaviors.

A reactive dog can live a happy life doing “normal dog” things, but you have to be on board with addressing the problem.

Reactive dogs approached with a “live and let live” attitude rarely show improvement, and are likely to get worse in their responses. This means that even if your dog’s issue is mild, it’s important to address it as soon as you notice reactive behaviors.

Tip: Be sure to work with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplement.

Probiotics are good for more than the gut. In fact, they have many verifiable health benefits, and can even influence mood and behavior. Some reactive dogs seem to find relief with probiotic supplements. One study showed

CBD for decreasing reactivity CBD supplements have been shown to assist dogs with a variety of behavioral problems, and can be used for reactivity in conjunction with training and other management methods. CBD supplements can decrease anxiety-induced reactivity, giving your dog a higher reactivity threshold and making the training process easier. Plus, the relief from the stress induced by reactivity can improve your dog’s quality of life.

While it’s important to note that not every supplement works for every dog, CBD is a great place to start when using natural solutions for your dog’s reactivity.

You may find CBD most successful when given daily, or use it only before taking your dog someplace where he might encounter triggers.

For example, if he’s reactive to other dogs, give him the supplement prior to walking along a road where you might encounter people walking their own dogs.

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re to

Tip: BeHsCu-free

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Make wise choices Premium nutrition? Check. Sustainable sourcing? Check. Delicious flavor? Check. Earth Animal’s Wisdom® Air-Dried dog food sets the gold standard for scoop-and-serve food.

Perfect as a complete, balanced meal, mixer, topper or treat, and packed in one of the industry’s first recyclable bags. Keep him healthy this winter! earthanimal.com

Teach yourself EFT for animals Want a winter project? Learn how to energetically reprogram your dog or cat’s behavioral, emotional, and health patterns with Emotional Freedom Techniques for Animals and Their Humans, written by animal communicator and energy healer, Joan Ranquet. It explains the basics of EFT and how to apply it to animals by tapping on specific acupoints.

Available through Amazon.

New facility trains service dogs for veterans Pet food company NutriSource® recently announced the opening of The Spot, a new service dog training facility in Greenfield, MN, providing “Battle Buddies” to veterans and first responders as they follow their paths towards healing. The facility is large enough to host multiple service dog teams. https://thespottrainingfacility.com/

For peace of mind

Toothbrushing made simple!

Ever worry what would happen to your dog or cat if you were faced with a major life challenge? My Pet Placement Plan is a free resource created by non-profit Pet Peace of Mind to help you make a rehome plan for your animal, and minimize your anxiety about what would happen to him in the event of a family emergency, health problem, homelessness, etc. petpeaceofmind.org

Year-round dental care is vital to your dog’s health.

Jax & Cali Toothbrush Wipes make it a breeze to brush her teeth without a fight!

Natural, safe, and easy to use, the wipes fit over two fingers, making it easy to clean her teeth. They're pre-moistened with natural enzymes that fight bacteria, plaque, and inflammation. jaxandcali.com www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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SAYING GOODBYE

BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ

D gs Cats

ECO-FRIENDLY OPTIONS for your DOG OR CAT’S REMAINS Losing a beloved dog or cat is the most difficult part of being an animal parent. Exploring eco-friendly options for her remains can help lighten the burden on you and the planet.

No one wants to think about the day they have to say goodbye to a beloved dog or cat. But planning ahead by considering the various options available for your companion’s remains can help make life a little bit easier when the time comes. This article focuses on eco-friendly alternatives that are easier on the environment than conventional burial or cremation.

AQUAMATION While cremated remains take up less space than a buried casket, a lot of carbon dioxide (and various chemicals) get released into the atmosphere during the process. If cremation is important to you, consider the water-based kind, which uses 90% less energy than fire-based cremation, and is comparable in price.

Did you know? With aquamation, no harmful gases are released into the air.

Called aquamation (also hydrocremation, bio-cremation, green cremation, and flameless cremation), this technology may sound like something new. But the concept was patented

by Amos Herbert Hobson back in 1888 as a way to process

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animal carcasses into plant food using alkaline hydrolysis.

The decomposition process is sped up with heated water and natural alkali salts. The result is finer, purer ashes; you also receive 20% to 30% more ashes back than with traditional cremation.

WHOLE-FAMILY GREEN CEMETERIES Green cemeteries are becoming more common, and some permit the burial of both people and their animal companions, which can be a comfort to those who don’t want to be parted from their dogs and cats in death.

In 2010, Eric Greene founded the Green Pet-Burial Society (https://greenpetburial.org), which promotes whole-family green cemeteries.

“After my dog died, I contacted various pet cemeteries,” he says. “For the most part, they insisted on using plastic caskets, which was immediately a turn-off. Others required a metal container. They would also often use pesticides and fungicides and kept the lawns mowed.”

Eric felt there had to be a more environmental way of burying companion animals — one that also emphasized the

healing aspects of connecting with nature. “There’s still grief and a profound sense of loss, but also this very rich notion of connection to the fundamental essence of life on this planet, and that our pets, even though they are no longer with us, can still be part of life on earth,” he says.

“Most states have laws specifically prohibiting pets and people to be buried together, or are silent on the issue,” Eric continues. However, his website provides a directory of the whole-family cemeteries available in the US, and some aboard. The listings break down as follows: conservation whole-family cemeteries; non-green whole-family cemeteries; or cemeteries with separate/adjacent pet sections (green and non-green).

Did you know? Other arrangements include eternal reefs, which take the cremains of people and/or animals and incorporate them into an environmentally-friendly cement mixture formulated to create artificial reefs on the ocean floor.

COMMUNAL CREMATION Communal cremation is not only more affordable than the individual kind, it is also more environmentally friendly. The drawback is that since your dog or cat’s ashes will be mixed with those of other animals, you are unlikely to receive an urn with her remains. Pet crematoriums take the ashes and either scatter them, bury them at sea, or distribute them on designated land.

ECO-FRIENDLY URNS Some companies sell biodegradable urns for land and sea burials. Many are made from the bark of the mulberry tree, which remains alive during the harvesting process. Others are crafted from sand and gelatin, recycled paper or plant materials, or Himalayan salt.

Did you know? Some biodegradable urns come with an added layer containing a pod carrier for tree or plant seeds.

Saying goodbye to a well-loved dog or cat will always be heartbreaking, but by choosing one of these eco-friendly options for putting his remains to rest, you can take some comfort from the fact that you’re helping the planet.

Memorializing your best friend with jewellery and art •

Lab-created diamonds are becoming a popular alternative to those mined from the earth.

Both human and animal cremains can be crafted into one of these sparkly diamonds.

• Ash and picture pendants take a small amount of your dog or cat’s ashes and mix them with resin. Artisans can also use this mixture to create decorative glass bulbs, ornaments, paintings and drawings, including a picture of your animal.

Casket alternatives Consider wrapping your animal in a blanket, sheet or towel instead of using plastic or metal, if allowed. However, keep in mind that those opposed to burying animals without some kind of container argue that local water supplies could become contaminated, so find out if the cemetery or your backyard (if your region allows backyard burials) is near a water source.

Be sure to check state and local laws before burying your pet. If you wish to someday be interred with (or near your pet), make sure your final wishes are legally documented to guarantee you’re reunited when the time comes.

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ORAL CARE

Products that SUPPORT your DOG OR CAT’S D gs Cats DENTAL HEALTH

BY SANDRA MURPHY

Check out a selection of products to help enhance at-home dental care for your dog or cat.

Regular dental care is as vital to a dog or cat’s health and well-being as it is to us. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs and cats show early signs of periodontal disease as early as three years of age, and the problem only worsens unless preventive measures are put in place. Along with regular veterinary checkups and a healthy lifestyle that includes a wholesome natural diet, your dog or cat can benefit from the following dental care products designed especially for animals.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH Getting your dog or cat accustomed to having his teeth brushed isn’t always easy, but it can be done if you start slow, choose the right toothbrush, and know how it will work best for your four-legged friend. Products like the BrushBite from PawReady (pawready.com) are long and thin, with a brush head at each end. One brush is small and the other slightly larger to allow for the size of your dog or cat, and for hard-toreach areas like molars.

Petosan®, meanwhile, has a unique double-headed pet toothbrush — the bristles meet at a 45° angle, hugging the teeth for effective cleaning at and below the gumline.

The company also offers a 4-Step System for easier toothbrushing (petosan.com).

PUT BITE PREVENTION IN PLACE Any time you handle your dog or cat’s mouth, accidental bites become a concern. Whether you poke a tender spot, are brushing the backside of his teeth, or trying to pry his mouth

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open with one hand and brush with the other, you’re risking a bite, no matter how well-behaved your animal usually is.

BiteBlock from PawReady promotes safer brushing. Made of rubber, it has a ring that fits over your middle finger with an extension that goes into the animal’s mouth. This prevents him from clamping his teeth together, which not only makes it impossible to brush but also puts you at risk for a chomped finger. This tool gives you one-handed control while the other hand manages the toothbrush

TEACH YOUR DOG OR CAT TO HAVE HER TEETH BRUSHED The training process should be started when she’s still a puppy or kitten, but it can also be done with adult animals if you’re patient.

1

TRY A TOOTHBRUSH ALTERNATIVE For dogs or cats that struggle to accept having their teeth brushed, there are alternatives. Jax & Cali Toothbrush Wipes (jaxandcali. com) fit over two fingers and are designed to fight bacteria, plaque, and inflammation. Each wipe contains natural enzymes to slow and reduce bacterial growth, plaque, and inflammation, as well as promote whiter teeth and fresh breath.

CONSIDER A DENTAL POWDER OR SUPPLEMENT Some dogs and cats continue to fight the idea of oral hygiene no matter how tasty the toothpaste, how soft the toothbrush, or how tolerable the wipe. Or perhaps you just don’t have time to brush your companion’s teeth daily. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of dental health. Teef for Life (teefhealth.com) is a vegan, prebiotic, plant-derived dental powder that you add to your pet's drinking water.

Other alternatives include products like VF Bio-Dent from Standard Process (standardprocess.com), which contains calcium, phosphorus, and manganese to support the bony structures and connective tissue in the body, including the mouth.

Or, you can choose a dental supplement such as Holistic Soft Bites from Swedencare. The functional bites are formulated with a unique kelp clinically studied to help reduce plaque and prevent tartar.

With all the options available for supporting dental wellness, it’s easier than ever to maintain your dog or cat’s oral health, and help prevent the painful problems that arise from periodontal disease.

tart by getting her used to having you touch her S face, lift her lip, or do a visual check of her teeth.

Make sure she’s relaxed before you begin, and keep sessions short. nce she’s comfortable with having her mouth O touched, opened, etc., introduce a bare toothbrush that’s just wet enough for the bristles to be soft to the touch. Curiosity will encourage your cat or dog to sniff, lick, and examine it.

3

After she’s used to seeing and touching the toothbrush, it’s time to introduce flavored toothpaste. Always use products formulated specifically for dogs and cats — human toothpastes contain ingredients that can be harmful to animals when swallowed. Animal toothpastes often contain animal-friendly flavors like peanut butter, poultry, and seafood to make them more palatable; trial and error will help you find the flavor your own companion likes best.

4

Let your dog or cat lick some of the toothpaste off your finger first, then start adding a bit to the toothbrush.

5

on’t try to brush all her teeth at once, at least until D she’s used to the idea. Just a few teeth a day is a good start.

DIETARY TIPS Diet plays a huge role in your dog or cat’s overall wellness, including his dental health. Here are a few tips to help ensure what you’re feeding him is supporting the health of his teeth and gums: • Feed your dog or cat the healthiest diet you can afford, whether it’s a premium raw, canned, or dry food made from whole food ingredients.

• If your animal eats a paté type diet, add some bits of raw meat or chunks from a can of high quality canned food to his meals — this will force him to chew rather than swallow the food whole.

• Avoid low-end kibbles that are high in carbs and increase inflam-mation in the body, including the mouth.

• Treats should also be of the highest quality and made from wholesome ingredients with no artificial additives.

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ANIMAL BODYWORK

Why acupressure is an EFFECTIVE WAY TO HELP a fearful dog

BY AMY SNOW AND NANCY ZIDONIS

Left unresolved, excessive fear in dogs causes emotional suffering and can even become dangerous. Here’s how acupressure, combined with help from your vet and a canine behaviorist, can help a fearful dog feel safer and calmer.

Fear is a necessary defense mechanism — a healthy reaction to any real or perceived threat to your dog’s survival. A timid dog might become frozen with fear or run and hide, while a more aggressive canine could lash out to ward off the frightening trigger. These “fight or flight” responses are normal reactions to threatening situations. However, they become a problem when they escalate beyond normal bounds and become harmful to the dog and those around her. Let’s look at the signs of fear in dogs, and how acupressure can be used to help a fearful dog feel safer and less reactive.

MANAGING AND DEFUSING FEAR IN YOUR DOG — FIRST STEPS A holistic veterinarian and canine behaviorist are good resources for helping you evaluate your dog’s level of fear and identify possible triggers.

• If your dog is completely immobilized by persistent fear, is always fleeing, or becomes aggressive at even the slightest hint of a threat, have your veterinarian check her over for any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to her behavior. If she’s otherwise healthy, the vet may recommend calming supplements, herbs or other remedies.

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• It’s also a good idea to consult a professional canine behaviorist. These individuals consistently deal with fear-based overreactions in dogs, because they are quite common. Our dogs may be domesticated, but many retain the instinctual levels of hyper-vigilance needed by their ancestors. When a dog’s reactivity level becomes problematic, counter-conditioning training and desensitization techniques have been shown to be effective in helping manage and reduce fearful responses. o Counter-conditioning entails using basic training cues (such as “sit”) in the presence of a fear trigger, to draw the dog’s attention away from the trigger.

The dog is rewarded for the positive behavior of performing the cue. o Desensitization is a technique whereby the dog is repeatedly exposed to fearful triggers in a safe and gentle manner. The intent is to defuse the fear reaction.

ACUPRESSURE SESSION FOR DEFUSING FEAR Adding acupressure-massage to the mix is another effective way to help a fearful dog feel safer and calmer.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the medicine of survival. In TCM, the Kidney is considered the “Root of Life.” Fear is associated with the Kidney organ system (which includes the adrenal glands), making fear the protector of life. In short, we must all experience healthy fear at times in order to survive.

terinarian chec k h r ve er u me d ic a l c ond ov yo ying l i e er t r i o e v n d a st f ributing t o her t n h un o c be h y be ha a an ght vi i o m

or t

…

A timid dog may become petrified with fear, cause selfharm, or possibly growl or snap to make a frightening situation disappear. This may seem less dangerous than having a fear-aggressive dog that attacks when faced with a perceived threat. But both the timid and aggressive dog are experiencing emotional pain and extreme anguish

CANINE FEAR SIGNALS All a fearful dog really wants is to create distance between himself and anything he perceives as a threat. He will give clear indications when he’s frightened, but if we are not alert to these cues, or ignore the signals the dog is giving, he’ll become more defensive and his fear response will escalate.

Keep in mind that behavior and body language are the only ways a dog can communicate, so it’s important to be able to recognize canine fear signals, including:

r.

• Lip licking • Ear pinning • Panting • Trembling • Bristling hair • Lip lifting • Snarling • Growling, sharp barking, or whining.

If these signals are ignored, a dog will heighten his fear reactivity to the next level of self-defense. Timid dogs may harm themselves by chewing on their legs or dashing into traffic. Fear-aggressive dogs have a fight impulse and may become dangerous to other dogs and people. They may start by baring their teeth, snarling, growling viciously, or snapping. If these signals are further disregarded, the dog’s last resort is to fight and bite. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

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that need to be addressed. Specific acupressure points are known to have a soothing and calming effect.

thus less threatened. If he feels less threatened, he doesn’t have to become defensive in order to protect himself.

Offer your dog the acupressure session shown in the chart during times when he is not feeling fearful. That way, you can build a trusting relationship with him. When a dog feels bonded, safe and trusting, then a fear trigger presents itself, he will be less inclined to overreact. The goal with these acupressure sessions is to have the dog feel protected and

Combining weekly acupressure sessions with holistic veterinary recommendations and canine behaviorist techniques is the best bet for managing your dog’s fears. The stronger the bond you build with your dog, the more he will trust that you can protect him. If he feels protected, there’s no need for fight or flight!

Offer your dog the acupressure session shown in the chart during times when he is not feeling fearful.

To perform this acupressure session, rest one hand on your dog wherever it is comfortable.

With your other hand, use one of the following techniques: 1. Place the tip of your thumb directly on each of the acupressure points shown above, at a 45° angle, and hold the point gently, but with intent, for a slow count of 30.

2. The two-finger technique works well for small animals and along the limbs. Put your middle finger on top of your index finger, then gently but firmly place your index finger at a 45° angle on the acupressure point, again for a slow count of 30.

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IN THE NEWS

Helping Cats in the Caymans The Cayman Islands might be a fabulous vacation destination, but it’s not so good for the region’s cat population. In an effort to protect local species of wildlife, the islands’ government has initiated a plan to round up cats and kill them.

Alley Cat Allies has made a stand against this deadly plan by launching its own humane, non-lethal program to address the Cayman Islands’ cat population.

Starting on October 16, which was Global Cat Day®, a team from the organization has been providing spay and neuter surgeries for cats on Grand Cayman Island, while also distributing hundreds of pounds of cat food to caregivers in need of assistance. This work is being done in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Humane Society.

Alley Cat Allies wants more people to understand that killing is not the same as conservation, and killing one species in favor of another is morally indefensible. Leading biologists, climate scientists, and environmental watchdogs agree that climate change, habitat destruction, and development are the leading causes of species loss.

Attempting to pin the blame on cats conveniently ignores the reality that solutions to species loss rest squarely in human hands.

Two of the hundreds of Cayman Island cats that Alley Cat Allies has helped so far.

Alley Cat Allies plans to continue working in the Caymans on future initiatives that will protect cats from being killed. www.alleycat.org

Although the rationale behind the local government’s decision to kill cats is to protect wildlife, this is a failed policy that has never proven successful. While removing cats from an environment may briefly reduce their numbers, other cats will be attracted to resources such as food and shelter, and move in to fill the space, quickly bringing population levels back up. This phenomenon is known as the “vacuum effect,” and is well established in research.

Photos courtesy of Alley Cat Allies.

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97

NEWSWORTHY

HOW DOGS AND CATS IMPACT OUR HEALTH — AND WE IMPACT THEIRS

W

elcoming a dog or cat into our lives is an incredibly happy experience.

Beyond the immediate mood lift that comes from snuggling up with our beloved animal companions, it's wellestablished that dogs and cats have a positive impact on our mental and physical well-being.

Expert analysts at Mintel.com recently looked into the health benefits of being a dog or cat parent, and explored how we can prioritise our animals’ health in return. The accompanying infographic reveals some key insights from their research.

"Depending on the kind of pet you care for, activity levels are boosted and blood pressure levels are lowered,” says Kate Vlietstra, Global Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel. “This can have a major impact on our own personal well-being…. With pets representing a more significant role in our lives, our willingness to prioritise and budget for their health

needs will be bolstered. We can expect to see a continuation in the prioritisation of pet health along with a focus on sustainability and ethical consumption."

Check out the full report at mintel. com/consumer-market-news/how-petsimpact-our-health/.

How Pets Help YourYour Health How Pets Help Health Many of impact of of owning on our mental Many of us us can cantestify testifytotothe thepositive positive effects beingpets an animal parent on Many of us can testify to the positive impact of owning pets on our mental health. The health.

The health benefits of owning a pet extend to your physical health too. our benefits mental of health. benefits of your having an animal extend health owningThe a pet extend to physical health companion too. 54% of people sayto 54% of people say that they are having a regular routine of exercise included in your health too.routine 54% of that in a regular routine that theyphysical are having a regular of people exercisesay included their petexercise care their pet care we are more to hitenjoy our daily steps and enjoy responsibilities, weresponsibilities, areanimal more likely hit our dailylikely steps and regular exercise. included in their careto responsibilities means they're more likely to regular exercise. enjoy physical activity and hit their daily steps.

75%

54% 50%

25%

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Healthy Eating

Regular Exercise

Sleeping Well

Work Life Balance

Other