Celebrate 25 years with a fun look back!
SPRING 2024 Display until May 31st, 2024
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 2
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
Columns
CONTENTS Spring 2024
18 TRAINING TALK What is lure-reward dog training?
Lure-reward training is the quickest and easiest technique for teaching dogs the meaning of our verbal instructions and for regularly testing comprehension as proof of training.
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Features 10
5 ways to help prevent cancer in dogs and cats D iscover five ways to help lower your companion’s cancer risk by addressing his nutrition, weight, toxin exposure, and more.
allergies in dogs — 14 Faood plan for change
Getting to the bottom of food allergies in your dog requires a plan for change that includes an elimination diet made from novel protein and carbohydrate sources.
atural ways to protect 28 Nyour dog or cat from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
The weather’s getting warmer, and that means more fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes! Here are some natural, non-toxic ways to protect your dog or cat from these pests.
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Why positive reinforcement is the best way to train dogs A versive dog training methods often lead to harm, fear, and aggression. Positive reinforcement training, with its rewards-based approach, is more effective and humane.
Animal Wellness
22 NEED TO KNOW Chronic inflammation — the root cause of disease in dogs and cats
Chronic inflammation leads to a state of constant “dis-ease” in your dog or cat’s body. Find out how it affects your four-legged friend, and how you can treat or prevent it.
30 ENERGY HEALING
Why Reiki is a good fit for cats
Cats are especially receptive to Reiki, an energetic healing modality that works well with other therapies to help enhance wellness and relaxation.
34 REWIND
Top dog sports — and how to get your canine involved! Dog sports aren’t just a way to add exercise to your best friend’s life. They’re also mentally stimulating, lots of fun, and great for bonding. What’s not to love?
38 KITTY LIFESTYLE Cats and songbirds
Each year, millions of songbirds are killed by roaming cats. Here’s how to keep your kitty from adding to the statistics.
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41 ANIMAL HERO
Veterinarian who helps the homeless is CNN's Hero of the Year
44 SKIN HEALTH
Can your dog or cat get ringworm?
This fungal skin disease is usually associated with humans, but it can affect dogs and cats too. It can be treated with conventional medication and/or alternative remedies.
46 SKIN DEEP
What are those black spots on my dog’s skin?
Many dogs develop black spots or dark patches on their skin. While some of these blemishes are harmless, others signal the presence of a more serious problem.
50 WORKING DOGS The benefits of emotional support dogs
For those with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, an emotional support dog can be a lifesaver. Find out what these dogs do, and how they help their humans.
54 LOST & FOUND
What to do if your dog or cat goes missing Dogs and cats go missing more often than most people think. Knowing what to do will make your search easier and increase your chances of reuniting with your best friend.
56 AT HOME
Dogs like familiarity and routine, so moving house can cause them stress. The ten tips in this article will help the move go more smoothly and easily for both you and your dog.
58 NUTRITION
72 BREATHING
How acupressure helps relieve your dog’s dry, itchy skin
Wildfire smoke — how to protect your dog or cat
If your dog scratches constantly and compulsively, she has a problem. A holistic approach that includes acupressure can help relieve the discomfort of dry, itchy skin.
69 SPOTLIGHT
KNOW-HOW
9 supplements for inflammation in dogs and cats From flavonoids to fatty acids, these supplements can help dampen the fires of inflammation in your dog or cat’s body.
Wildfires are getting fiercer and more frequent, and poor air quality from smoke is now a widespread problem. Here’s how to protect your dog or cat’s health from its effects.
75 ANIMAL
70 SAFETY FIRST
78 ENDOCRINE
Alliums, cleaning products, and low quality essential oils are just a few of the common household items that can make your kitty sick.
GROOMED
EASY
Rottweiler regains his mobility thanks to printed prosthetic 7 common household items toxic to cats
62 WELL
How to choose the right shampoo and conditioner for your dog
64 ANIMAL
BODYWORK
Moving house? 10 tips to make it easier on your dog
It’s bathtime! But before you dunk your dog in the tub, be sure you’re using a shampoo and conditioner that are gentle and non-toxic as well as cleansing.
WELLNESS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS! HEALTH
The most common endocrine diseases in dogs and cats — part 2
From diabetes to Addison’s disease, a variety of disorders can affect your dog or cat’s endocrine system. This two-part article looks at the most common.
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Departments 8 From the Editor
61 Newsworthy
25 Business Profile — Lazy Dog Cookie Co.
80 Let's Get Social
53 In the News
81 Marketplace
49 Product Picks
82 Puzzle Page
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
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ways to help prevent cancer in dogs & cats
Cancer is one of the most common and dreaded diseases affecting dogs and cats. Discover five ways to help lower your own companion’s cancer risk by addressing his nutrition, weight, toxin exposure, and more.
Dogs •
Whenever possible, feed your dog a less processed diet. Raw or cooked diets are preferable, but may not be economical or work for your dog’s body. It is fine and safe to feed a mixture of high quality foods (raw, cooked, kibble, etc.) each day. It’s important to note that at least 90% of your dog’s calories should come from nutritionally balanced formulas.
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Avoid giving your dog processed meats such as hot dogs, lunch meat and bacon.
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Use fresh fruits and vegetables as treats, and as an addition to a balanced diet. Avoid grapes, raisins, and onions, and use garlic very sparingly. Focus on superfoods that are rich in nutrients, such as berries and leafy greens.
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While people may benefit from legumes in their diet, dogs may not. More research is needed to understand how much of a dog’s daily diet should be composed of legumes.
Cancer is increasingly common in our dogs and cats. For some people, the fear of a cancer diagnosis in their beloved companions can be crippling, even if their dogs and cats are currently healthy. While some cancers may not be preventable, there are many steps you can take to improve your animal’s overall health and quality of life, while potentially decreasing their risk of cancer — from nutrition to weight control to a toxin-free lifestyle.
1.
MAKE NUTRITION A TOP CONSIDERATION
To decrease the risk of cancer in humans, the American Cancer Society recommends consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains, while minimizing processed meat, refined foods, and sugary beverages. This diet increases the consumption of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients shown to lower the risk of certain cancers in humans. Here are a few ways these recommendations can be adapted for dogs and cats:
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Animal Wellness
Cats •
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need meat to get all their required nutrients. They d0 not require as much fiber from fruits and vegetables, and tend to be less attracted to these foods. However, kittens can be introduced to more fruits and vegetables to provide a wider variety of healthy foods. Homegrown cat grass can be beneficial for some cats, but there’s no evidence that this fiber source decreases a cat’s cancer risk. Remember to avoid grapes, raisins, and onions.
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Ideally, your cat should eat a high protein, moisture rich diet that’s low in carbohydrates. For this reason, most kibble is not recommended. Commercial dry foods are naturally high in carbohydrates and low in moisture, even if grain free. Raw or canned diets more closely mimic the nutrient makeup of small prey animals like mice and rabbits.
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As with dogs, it’s best to avoid bacon and other processed meats.
2.
CONTROL YOUR COMPANION’S WEIGHT
Obesity increases the risk of many diseases in humans, including several types of cancer. We know obesity also increases the risk of certain diseases in cats and dogs, but don't yet have a clear understanding about its link to cancer. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to keep your animal lean. Talk with your veterinarian about your dog or cat’s current body condition, and if there is a need for a weight loss plan. Meanwhile, the following tips can help dogs and cats maintain a healthy body condition:
Dogs •
Create a daily routine that includes physical activity. Adding in a few daily walks can go a long way in keeping your dog lean and well-muscled. It’s also a great way to improve her mental health.
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Keep track of the treats your pup consumes throughout the day. This is the most common means by which dogs consume too many calories.
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Add fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet to help her feel fuller between meals.
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Cats •
Replacing low-end kibble with a canned or commerciallyprepared raw food diet may be the only thing you need to do for your cat to lose weight.
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Feed your kitty four to five small meals throughout the day to keep her satiated.
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Play with your cat for a few minutes before meals to help burn calories and relieve stress. This also completes the prey cycle, allowing your cat to mimic the hunting process.
3.
USE VACCINES JUDICIOUSLY
Dogs There is no proven link between vaccination and increased cancer risk in dogs. Used judiciously — which means avoiding overvaccination or unnecessary vaccines, based on lifestyle, risk factors, health status, etc. — most vaccines are reasonably safe and are important for preventing serious infectious disease. Vaccine technology is currently being used to treat cancer through the creation of individual vaccines against malignant cells. These vaccines have shown great promise. A vaccine trial involving 900 dogs is currently underway to investigate the possibility of cancer prevention in canines.
Cats In cats, vaccines can sometimes cause what is known as a feline injection site sarcoma (FISS). While rare, this cancer can be very aggressive. As a result, the current recommendation is to vaccinate cats as low on the leg as possible. This ensures that in the event a sarcoma were to develop, the leg could be amputated and surgery would be curative. While vaccines remain an important part of fatal disease prevention in cats, it is again recommended to create a vaccine protocol based on your kitty’s lifestyle, risk factors, and current health. Using vaccine technology with an adjuvant may decrease the risk of a vaccine-related sarcoma.
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Animal Wellness
Some breeds are more prone to cancer than others ertain dog and cat breeds are at higher C risk for cancer than others. Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are among the canine breeds more susceptible to cancer, while Persians, Siamese and Bengals are a few of the cat breeds with higher cancer rates. I f you have one of these breeds, or mix of breeds, talk to your veterinarian about a preventative plan that includes regular diagnostics, such as abdominal ultrasounds, radiographs, and blood tests, to detect cancer before symptoms occur.
4.
MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS
Exposure to environmental chemicals has been linked to cancer in both humans and animals. Carcinogenic chemicals are found in our homes, lawn care products, drinking water and air. Here are some easy ways to lower your dog or cat’s exposure. • Avoid lawn chemicals for weed control. When possible, use less toxic or manual alternatives. • Replace household cleaning chemicals with simple ingredients. Most homes can be cleaned with soap, vinegar, and water. These safer cleaning products are available in most big box stores. •
se filtered water. Your municipality should provide a U yearly report on your water quality, so you can select a filtration system most appropriate for your area. Before purchasing a filter, research which contaminants it removes from the water.
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Install air filters. A whole house air filter, or HEPA style air filters in each room, can drastically improve air quality.
5.
DETECT CANCER EARLY
The earlier cancer is detected, the more treatable it may be. In some cases, early detection may result in complete removal and cure. If your dog or cat develops a new mass or lump, have it checked right away. Your veterinarian can help determine if the mass is benign or requires further evaluation. In the latter case, a small needle is used to pull out cells from the mass for examination under the microscope. Cancer isn’t 100% preventable, but taking the five measures outlined in this article will help lower your dog or cat’s risk while also enhancing her overall health and quality of life.
Natural ways
to protect your dog or cat from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes
D gs Cats
BY JENNIFER HINDERS
The weather’s getting warmer, and that means more fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes! Here are some natural, non-toxic ways to protect your dog or cat from these pests and the diseases they carry.
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos are a huge headache for dog and cat parents. Not only can their bites cause a lot of itching and discomfort, but these pests can also spread diseases such as West Nile Virus and Lyme. Many of the preventatives for protecting companion animals from fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are made from toxic chemicals that can cause other health problems. Let’s look at some natural, non-toxic ways to protect your cat or dog without exposing her to harsh chemicals or pesticides.
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Minimize exposure to pests
Begin with these simple routines to minimize your dog or cat's exposure to fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes: • R egularly groom your companion: this goes a long way when it comes to killing and preventing fleas and ticks. Go over your dog or cat with a fine-toothed flea comb to expose hidden culprits. If you find any fleas or ticks, eliminate them by throwing them in hot, soapy water. Be sure to detach ticks promptly and correctly by using a tick removal tool. You can also bathe your animal in natural flea and tick shampoos, or make one yourself using the recipe at right. • W ash her bedding regularly in hot, soapy water. When buying new bedding, make sure it can be machine-washed and dried for deep cleaning.
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Animal Wellness
• V acuum surfaces where your animal hangs out, such as sofas, chairs, or rugs. If your dog or cat already has fleas, you may need to vacuum daily.
o DIY dog shampo s k c for fleas and ti hot!) water 1 quart warm (not 1 cup vinegar o 1 cup baby shampo twice a d bathe your dog Mix ingredients an . hly ug ro to rinse tho month. Remember
bugs in the 2 Ban backyard Your yard can be a breeding ground for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. You can help deter these pests with some simple practices: • R egularly trim grass and bushes around your house. Keep leaves raked and debris removed. • E liminate free-standing water in pots, small pools, or bird baths. Dump and refill your bird bath daily.
• Use food-grade diatomaceous earth around bushes or near wooded areas. • A pply beneficial nematodes to gardens and grassy areas. These little worms eat fungi, microscopic creatures, and bacteria in sediment and soil — they also eat harmful parasites.
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Make natural DIY repellents
You can easily mix up your own non-toxic pest repellents. These formulas use natural ingredients, so they won’t harm your animal. Vinegar repellent: Mix 2 cups of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. Shake and spray your animal’s coat. Lavender essential oil: This is a natural pest preventative. Dilute a few drops of the oil in some water, and spray it on your animal’s coat and bedding to keep fleas away. Be sure to use only high quality, therapeutic grade oils — cheap oils are usually adulterated and made from inferior, potentially harmful ingredients. Chamomile tea: Make a pot of chamomile tea and allow it to steep. Then let it cool and add to a spray bottle. Spray around your animal’s bedding or on her coat. Chamomile is a natural repellent and has a soothing scent.
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Feed your dog or cat a healthy diet
A high quality, whole foods diet helps boost your dog or cat’s immune system and overall health. This means he’ll be less likely to react badly or get sick if bitten by a flea, tick or mosquito. A healthy animal with good skin and coat condition is also less likely to attract pests in the first place. Here are some other foods you could add to his diet: • A pple cider vinegar: Pour a teaspoon into your dog's water to help repel pests. Note: this may not work with cats, as a change in their water’s flavor might deter them from drinking it. • Kefir: This is a fermented yogurt drink your dog or cat will love. It can help improve skin, coat, and gastrointestinal health. Avoid sweetened kefir and buy only organic products.
• B rewer’s yeast: This ingredient has high acidity, which makes it a great weapon against fleas and ticks. You can add it to your animal’s meals but be careful not to use too much as it can cause gas.
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Consider pestrepelling supplements
Certain supplements can boost your dog or cat’s immune system and repel bugs. Before adding any supplement to his diet, however, it’s important to discuss it with a holistic or integrative veterinarian. • A recent study done at the Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Toulouse in France, found that cats fed a plant-based diet, including supplements such as rosemary, thyme, lemon balm, wormwood, fenugreek, and lemongrass extracts for flea control, had reduced flea populations. With continuous use, the cats didn't need any other pest control treatments. They also had no adverse reactions to the supplements. • Another supplements that repels pests is noni, a Hawaiian fruit rich in antioxidants. It relieves skin irritations as well as muscle pain. • Omega-3 fatty acids are also important. They have antiinflammatory properties, which can help with allergies, and aid in keeping the skin and coat healthy. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes will always be with us. But that doesn’t mean they have to make your dog or cat miserable or sick. The natural practices and repellents outlined in this article will help keep these pests at bay so your best friend can enjoy the spring weather in comfort!
Essential oils for repelling pests A variety of essential oils will repel pests, but as mentioned in the article, it’s imperative you use only the highest quality products for use on or around your animal companion. Essential oils that help prevent pests include cedar, lavender, rosemary, and peppermint. Citronella and lemon essential oils are also good repellents for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, but must be used with extra caution around animals — especially cats. Never use essential oils at full strength on your animal. Always dilute them with carrier oils such as jojoba, coconut or olive oil.
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