V7I2 (Apr/May 2005)

animal

wellness For a long, healthy life!

FOOD LABELS Find out what's in YOUR animal's food

VACCINATION: Which ones do they really need?

How to treat and prevent dog & cat

ALZHEIMER'S

MR. WINKLE Is this cuddly, pint-sized celebrity the real thing?

Enter our Amazing Animals Photo Contest

7 TIPS on

communication $4.95 USA/$5.95 Canada

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2

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allergies scaly skin

lethargy

GAS

bloating

excessive shedding

aching joints

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PROZYME is beneficial for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses and exotics, and is available from your veterinarian or veterinary/pet supply catalogs.

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contents 30

57

38

features 14 Food labels 101

Take our crash course on finding a good food

vegetarian diets work 20 Do for dogs and cats?

What you need to know before making a switch

24 Innovative vet clinics

30 Doggie and kitty

42 Vaccination: which ones

child of a cloud, on 38 "The loan from heaven"

47 When the fur flies...

Alzheimer's Can we prevent and treat cognitive disorder?

Meet Mr. Winkle, canine cutie extraordinaire

Visit three veterinary hospitals with a difference

62

34 Dr. Martin Goldstein

animal wellness

Handling aggression in multi-cat households

50 Amazing Animal Story Contest Read two more remarkable entries!

columns 10 Yakkity yak

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do they really need, and how often?

A close-up look at core vaccines

66 Animal

communication

74 Animal passages

80 Book reviews 90 The tail end

42

features 57 Special needs diets

– stop the itch with food from scratch How to feed an animal with allergies

62

70 A crate can be a safe

haven for your canine companion An easy three-day program for crate-training your dog

Reaching out to your horse can help solve behavior problems Enhance your understanding of your equine friend

77 Are adjustable

collars safe?

One reader says "no".

79 Enter our Amazing

Animals Photo Contest Send us your best shots and you could win!

departments 6 Editorial 8 Pony express 53 Wellness

resource guide

65 Product picks 76 What’s gnu?

81 Ad spots 88 Events calendar 89 Classifieds

Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2005. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: March, 2005

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A hard lesson to learn Issue 2

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dana Cox SENIOR EDITOR: Ann Brightman LOS ANGELES REGIONAL EDITOR:

Susan Draffan SOUTHERN ONTARIO REGIONAL EDITOR:

Ann Brightman GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Yvonne Hollandy PHOTOGRAPHY: Lara Jo Regan ILLUSTRATION

Leanne Rosborough Ray McGirl COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sharon Callahan Audi Donamor Martin Goldstein, DVM Suzanne Hetts, PhD Jean Hofve, DVM Shawn Messonnier, DVM Catherine Owsianiecki Jo-Anne Sauve Doug and Elizabeth Simpson Anna Twinney ADMINISTRATION & SALES PRESIDENT/C.E.O. Tim Hockley OFFICE MANAGER Lesia Wright INFORMATION SERVICES DIRECTOR

Vaughan King CIRCULATION COORDINATOR Natalie Stephenson MARKETING & SALES ASSOCIATE Jeremy Slotegraaf SUBMISSIONS: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to Animal Wellness Magazine, 164 Hunter St. West, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9H 2L2. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in transparency 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. Email your articles to: submissions@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER: Tim Hockley (866) 764-1212 TIM@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM SALES MANAGER: Lesley Nicholson (866) 764-1212 LESLEY@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM WESTERN REGIONAL MANAGER: Becky Starr (213) 793-1867 BECKY@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM TORONTO REGION: Anne Gibson (416) 504-4310 AGIBSON@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM ATLANTA REGIONAL MANAGER: Jeremiah Davis (404) 253-1070 JDAVIS.ANIMALWELLNESS@EARTHLINK.NET CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Lesia Wright CLASSIFIED@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM

TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscription price at time of this issue in the

U.S. $19.95 and Canada is $24.95 including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Foreign orders U.S. $34.95. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 US MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, PMB 168, 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 CDN MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 164 Hunter St. W., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9H 2L2 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.

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 1-866-764-1212 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at sales@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

Printed in Canada

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edito r i a l

Warmest wishes,

Our Cover: Rescued from the streets of New York by photographer Lara Jo Regan, Mr. Winkle has become a beloved canine celebrity. With Lara's help, he spreads happiness wherever he goes.

Photo: Lara Jo Regan

Volume 7

Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we find a teacher who makes a difference to our lives. Other times, these teachers somehow seem to find us.

As many of you know, almost six years ago, a stray Siberian husky, who looked more wolf than dog, literally arrived at the doorstep of our cottage one summer weekend. By our neighbor’s account, she had been there earlier in the day but our other husky chased her away. Later in the afternoon, a good Samaritan found the stray wandering on the highway, and for reasons still unclear, promptly plopped the dog in her car and drove her to us.

So it was that we ended up with Shayla, the canine who was to stretch my knowledge and open my mind to wonderful new possibilities. Her shaky health gave us the inspiration to delve headfirst into the world of magazine publishing, as we seek, through Animal Wellness, to help educate others about the miraculous results of better nutrition and integrative therapies. Through it all, Shayla showed the infinite patience and stoicism of a Buddhist monk. And, although she was the least “domesticated” canine I’ve ever known, she firmly planted herself in our lives, a distant yet attached family member.

In all the time she lived with us, I never heard her bark, vocalize or whine as our other husky does. But her silence was deafening. She could communicate with a stare, looking right through you until your inner self couldn’t help but hear the message.

At the end, her body and mind couldn’t keep up to her brave spirit, and when the kind and compassionate vet came to help her pass, she accepted this with the same quiet demeanor, knowing that peace was close at hand.

For days after, whenever I thought about her, I saw her not as the crippled invalid but as the noble soul she was, standing proudly while the wind played in her fur. I drew much comfort from that vision. When I went to pick up her ashes two weeks later, my mind was elsewhere; preoccupied with pressing deadlines and family commitments. The receptionist handed me the burgundy box, which I took out to the car. Then it hit me like a two-by-four – my precious teacher, the one who taught me first-hand about compassion and patience, was gone. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I sat in the parking lot holding what was left of this mysterious being. But even then I felt her presence. She came to me like she never had in real life, boisterously licking my face like a puppy in an attempt to make me feel better. I haven’t felt her presence since. I can’t really explain what happened; I can only describe it. And maybe it was just wishful thinking, but I prefer to think that my teacher was imparting one last lesson – how to say good-bye.

In this issue, we continue to pay tribute to a great teacher by bringing you more important articles on nutrition, vaccination and other health issues. And we invite you to celebrate your companion by entering our 3rd Annual Amazing Animals photo contest. For all the details, see page 79. And in the meantime, give your companion a hug. You’ll both feel better for it!

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS--YOU CAN ANSWER THE DOOR, OR YOU CAN PRETEND YOU ARE NOT AT HOME. Solid Gold Health Products for Pets celebrates its 30th year anniversary in 2004.

In 1974, Solid Gold introduced the first natural dog food in the U.S. The F.D.A. said there was no such thing as a natural dog food. We told the F.D.A. that the food had been a top dog food in Germany for 20 years.

Thus, Hund-n-Flocken, which means dog food flakes in German, was introduced as the first non-allergic, first natural dog food in the U.S. The frequent dog allergies are soybeans, (often referred to as lecithin) wheat, corn and sunflower oil. We don’t use these ingredients.

Add peanuts to the dog food allergy list. Some dogs have epileptic seizures due to peanuts. Also, peanut hulls can be deadly. Some hulls contain a fungus that cause hepitatis.

In August 2004, a boy was hospitalized after a friend’s dog licked him. The dog had been eating a dog food containing peanuts.

One prescription dog food company uses 26% peanut hulls as a filler.

Dr. Karen Halligan warns against feeding avocados to dogs. The high fat can cause stomach upset, vomiting and pancreatitis.

Solid Gold uses no grapes, no raisins and no grape seed oil. The May 2001 issue of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported grape toxicity- 2 died from renal failure, 3 were euthanatized due to poor treatment response, and 5 dogs survived the treatment. The pesticides on grapes were contaminated with mold toxins.

Solid Gold uses no venison. The Center of Disease Control had asked hunters to kill deer in several states. Thirty percent of deer tested were found to have Chronic Wasting Syndrome. This is similar to Mad Cow Disease, only Mad Cow may take years to kill its victims. CWS kills in hours. Hunters killed a deer, cooked it and ate it. Within three days, all had died from CWS. Cooking doesn’t kill the disease. Irradiation doesn’t kill it.

Irradiation kills the DNA of a disease. But CWS contains deadly prions. Prions don’t contain DNA. When you buy a dog food with venison, the meat is not from one deer, but several deer meat mixed together.

Some sporting and hunting dogs were becoming ill around Kentucky. It took awhile to trace the cause.

Some dogs had eaten, or mouthed squirrels. The squirrels had eaten deer dung, from infected deer.

Some pork are showing signs of diseased prions. Cats are very sensitive to this disease. Hundreds of cats in England have died. The cause was traced to prions in canned cat food.

Solid Gold doesn’t use peas. Peas are very difficult for dogs to digest, no matter how finely they are ground.

Prions concentrate in animal fat. We use no animal fat, only vegetable oils. However, there is no ingredient listing category for oils. So even though we use no fat, we must call our oils-fats. Doesn’t make sense.

Canada has announced that any dog food with chicken, turkey or duck raised in Texas will not be permitted in if the food is milled in Texas. The deadly bird flu was pervasive in Texas. Solid Gold does not mill its food in Texas.

Solid Gold uses human grade ingredients. However, the FDA says no dog food may put this on its bags.

Also, beginning October 2005, no dog food may say it’s organic. This gives the companies one year to use up their bags. 25% of organic fields that were supposed to be organically raising grains- weren’t. Pollen drifts makes organic grains next to impossible.

The Swedish National Cancer Society recommends against using sunflower oil. Their study showed a 69% risk increase by using sunflower oil.

Solid Gold is the only dog food company that is a member of the Organic Trade Association, the American Nutraceutical Association, the Medicinal Food Association, and the Nutraceutical Foods Association and the Life Extension Association.

For a catalog or store near you call or email us at: (619) 258-7356 or (619) 258-1914 (M-F 10-5 PST) or E-mail us at dane@solidgoldhealth.com or www.solidgoldhealth.com Solid Gold Health Products for Pets, the Holistic Animal Nutrition Center 1483 N. Cuyamaca El Cajon, CA 92020

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pony express dear animal wellness magazine . . .

I picked up a copy of your magazine because of the photo of my Italian-American “sistergirls” on the cover (Volume 6 Issue 6). Rottie moms are always desperately seeking out positive press to reinforce what we already know, that Rotties can be the sweetest, smartest, and most loving companions.

I rescued Scimmia (Italian for “monkey”) from the streets of Portland, at the age of three months, so I can relate to Jamie Lynn’s experience of having your heart stolen by that Rottie face (and rather cute butt)! I am also saddened by breed stereotyping that increases my home owner’s insurance, limits places I can live or travel to, or expects me to muzzle my girl without any precedent. As president of a local off-leash non-profit advocacy group (C-SPOT, Citizens for Safe Parks w/Off-Leash Territories, www.cspotpdx.com), I have dealt with these unfounded fears from the uneducated for a seeming eternity and it is very tiring having to prove that my Rottie loves children more than I do, and spent the first three years of her life being bossed around by my old dysplasic half-Rott, half-Shepherd and an 18-year-old seven-pound cat with a mean right hook.

I found your magazine very interesting as both my dogs and the late, dear departed cat have gone to a naturopathic vet for years.

Scimmia is the first one to have been treated naturopathically her entire life and she is in incredible health. And my vet bills are very low as we are not expected every year for needless vaccinations. I also appreciated Bob Ferber’s article on BSL (and confess to delighting in the statistic that Chihuahuas bite the most).

Marychris Mass, OR

Editor's Note: Thank you for sharing your point of view with our readers. I think many would agree!

It was with great dismay that I read a furthering of the misunderstanding of vaccination titer use in your last two issues. While I heartily agree that we are grossly over-vaccinating animals, the use of titers in place of vaccinations will not get our animal companions where they need to be in their health. They will continue to be vaccinated more than they need to be.

In a nutshell, the key understanding is this:

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animal wellness

titers will fall over time. When a titer falls, it does not mean protection has fallen. There remains a cellular component of immune memory that is not measured by titer testing, and this protects the animal likely for years, if not for life, from viruses already exposed to. If people rely on titers to evaluate their companions’ immune status, they will get them revaccinated.

The article by Dana Cox has a final side bar entitled “How long does protection last?” In it, she gives evidence of long lasting duration of immunity to various viruses. Yet, even though she’s citing seven to nine years or more for many of these durations of immunity, she’s adding at the end that “revaccination every three years is considered protective.” This may have been some expert’s conclusion from the report she cites, but why would anyone revaccinate every three years if the duration of immunity is five, seven, or nine years? I’d suggest the immunity is likely lifetime for most animals; we just haven’t measured for this long.

Will Falconer, DVM Alternatives for Animal Health, Austin, TX www.Alt4Animals.com

Editor's Note: Thank you for your comments. I have found, in speaking with many veterinarians, that there is a lot of misinformation about titer testing out there.

With respect to vaccination every three years, this is the official “expert” position because it caters to the lowest common denominator; however, we strongly recommend to people that they work with their veterinarian to determine their individual animal’s immune status. As you say, immunity for some vaccines may last a lifetime for some animals. Most importantly – don’t vaccinate annually! To clarify how titering works, we asked Dr. W. Jean Dodds, who has conducted veterinary research into immunity and writes and speaks on the topic, to clarify. Here is her response: In his letter, Dr. Falconer challenges the use of vaccine titer testing to assess the immunologic status of animals against the common, clinically important infectious diseases.

With all due respect, this represents a misunderstanding because research has shown that once an animal’s titer stabilizes, it is likely to remain constant for many years.

Properly immunized animals have sterilizing immunity that not only prevents clinical

disease but also prevents infection, and only the presence of antibody can prevent infection.

As stated by eminent expert Dr. Ronald Schultz in discussing the value of vaccine titer testing, these tests “show that an animal with a positive test has sterilizing immunity and should be protected from infection.” If that animal were vaccinated it would not respond with a significant increase in antibody titer, but may develop a hypersensitivity to vaccine components (e.g. fetal bovine serum).

Furthermore, the animal doesn’t need to be revaccinated and should not be revaccinated since the vaccine could cause an adverse reaction (hypersensitivity disorder).

Furthermore, protection as indicated by a positive titer result is not likely to suddenly drop off unless an animal develops a medical problem such as cancer or receives high or prolonged doses of immunosuppressive drugs.

Viral vaccines prompt an immune response that lasts much longer than that elicited by classic antigen. Lack of distinction between the two kinds of responses may be why practitioners think titers can suddenly disappear.

But, not all vaccines produce sterilizing immunity. Those that do include distemper virus, adenovirus, and parvovirus in the dog, and panleukopenia virus in the cat.

Examples of vaccines that produced non-sterile immunity would be leptospirosis, bordetella, rabies virus, herpesvirus and calicivirus – the latter two being upper respiratory viruses of cats. While non-sterile immunity may not protect the animal from infection, it should keep the infection from progressing to severe clinical disease.

Therefore, interpreting titers correctly depends upon the disease in question.

Some titers must reach a certain level to indicate immunity, but with other agents, the presence of any measurable antibody shows protection. The positive titer test result is fairly straightforward, but a negative titer test result is more difficult to interpret, because a negative titer is not the same thing as a zero CORRECTION In the “Product Picks” column of Volume 7, Issue 1, we inadvertently printed the wrong sizing information for Positive Health liquid supplement from Great Life Products. The correct sizes are: Dog – 4, 8, 16 and 32 oz., with prices ranging from $14.95 - $69.97 and Cat – 4 oz. - $14.95

pony express titer and it doesn’t necessarily mean the animal is unprotected.

Finally, what does more than a decade of experience with vaccine titer testing reveal? Published studies in refereed journals show that 90% to 98% of dogs and cats that have been properly vaccinated develop good measurable antibody titers to the infectious agent measured. So, using vaccine titer testing as a means to assess vaccine-induced protection is unlikely to result in the animals receiving needless and unwise booster vaccinations.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM Hemopet, Santa Monica, CA References for this response are available from AWM upon request For further info., see our article on vaccination on page 42.

A friend of mine shared your magazine with me last week. I must say I was very impressed with its presentation and articles. I especially enjoyed the information offered by Dr. Goldstein and the wonderful insight Dr. OgdenAvrutik gave when communicating with the cat at the shelter (Volume 6 Issue 6). It saddened me to know what these poor creatures sometimes go through during their life here on earth but it is encouraging to know that there are people like Dr. Ogden-Avrutik and yourselves who are making a difference in the world of animals.

I guess I need to get a subscription myself so I will not miss any more helpful information on the care of my “family”.

L. Burgess, La Habra, CA

Editor's Note: We'd love to welcome you as a subscriber!

It’s fabulous that a magazine sold in Canada has Canadian-relevant stories and advertisements. Animal Wellness is way better than the other major animal magazines because of your in-depth stories and open-mindedness, but I would like to buy from Canada if possible. More Western advertisers and resources would be great, too. I subscribe to the magazine for more information, but also to keep track of new holistic resources.

Deny me?

It’s not an option.

We carefully select and bake with the finest ingredients, including organically grown fruit , vegetables and meat. Our GRAIN FREE treats are part of our commitment to a healthy diet, for our dogs and cats — and yours. Look for us at a quality health or pet food store near you.

Shirley, via email

Editor's Note: We try to offer something for everyone. As more natural products and services become available, we should see the market continue to grow on both sides of the border. The advertisers in our magazine are at the forefront of the animal wellness movement, so if you see a product you’d like to try, take the ad to your local retailer and see if they can bring it in. Most retailers are quite open to this.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Address your letters to Editor, Animal Wellness Magazine, and send to

PMB 168 8174 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80122 CAN: 164 Hunter St. West, Peterborough, ON K9H 2L2 or by email to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

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Relief efforts for tsunami animals In the wake of last December’s devastating earthquake and tsunami in southeast Asia, rescue and relief groups around the world have been pooling their resources to help those affected by the tragedy. Along with the hundreds of thousands of people affected are just as many animals, including livestock, strays, and dogs and cats whose people can no longer care for them.

Among the many organizations working to provide relief for animals – which play a vitally important role in the lives of many people in the area, both as companions and a means of livelihood - are the Thai Animal Guardians Association and the Wildlife Friends of Thailand. These groups have joined forces to buy and distribute pet food, conduct search and rescue efforts for stranded animals and livestock, and treat sick and injured animals.

Photos: HSI-Asia

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is providing financial support for the effort, and other organizations are also pitching in, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), who recently donated $25,000 to support WSPA’s work.

Meanwhile, both Humane Society International and the International Fund for Animal Welfare have emergency teams in the area to assess the damage and address the need for veterinary care, shelter, feed and water.

As an interesting footnote, wildlife officials in Sri Lanka and other areas reported no evidence of widespread animal deaths from the tsunami. It’s believed by many that the wild animals sensed the wave coming, and retreated to higher ground.

Top left: A displaced kitty in a Sri Lankan village. Left: Margot Park of the Atigaro animal rescue project in Phuket, Thailand, provides emergency aid for homeless dogs.

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Backyard dogs get a break

Keep apes out of ads

In animal-friendly San Francisco, life just got better for dogs who for one reason or another are left to spend most of their time in people’s yards.

A new “backyard dog” law, passed by the city’s Board of Supervisors, states that dogs must be provided with nutritious food and a daily change of water in non-tipping bowls, as well as a dog house with a floor, roof and at least three sides.

The law also discourages people from tying up their dogs.

A British TV commercial for PUMA sportswear featuring a young chimpanzee dressed in a diaper has aroused the indignation of more than 30 animal protection groups and primate conservationists, including Dr. Jane Goodall. The groups signed a letter to PUMA expressing their disapproval of the use of apes in commercials, and calling for the ad to be pulled. Dr. Goodall and her colleagues feel that the use of primates in advertising and entertainment is not only exploitative, but also diminishes their status as an endangered and highly intelligent species.

Photo: Lincoln Karim

Yakkity Yak Come home, Pale Male

For the last ten years, Pale Male and Lola have been raising their chicks high above the Manhattan streets. It’s hoped the pair will return now their nest site has been restored.

Gray wolves thriving in Yellowstone They were once nearly extinct in the U.S., but gray wolves are now making an impressive comeback. A decade ago, the Clinton administration implemented a plan to open Yellowstone National Park to the wolves in the hopes of helping the species recover. Despite objections from ranchers, gray wolves imported from Canada were released into the park in the winter of 1995. The program started with just 14 animals, but the population has since increased to about 850.

Back in 1905, several local Audubon societies concerned about the decimation of plume bird colonies, officially formed the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals, later to become the National Audubon Society. This year, the group is celebrating its 100th birthday as the nation’s largest bird conservation organization.

Among the society’s many ongoing projects is the restoration of the nest site of a pair of red-tailed hawks, Pale Male and Lola, who for the last ten years have made their home on the 12th floor window cornice of a prestigious co-operative residential building on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.

Concerned about cleanliness and safety, the building’s board recently turfed the hawks out, but later came to an agreement with the Audubon Society to invite the hawks back by restoring the pigeon spikes that held the nest in place, and erecting a guardrail around its original location.

At press time, Pale Male and Lola hadn’t yet returned permanently, but Audubon supporters will keep a close eye on the site until they do.

Wasting disease moves east Chronic wasting disease has crept east from the Rocky Mountains and onto the plains. The fatal brain disease that affects elk and deer belongs to the same family as mad cow disease and was recently found in a dead deer in the Cornhusker Wildlife Management Area west of Grand Island, the farthest east the illness has yet been detected.

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Yakkity Yak Kuzya’s incredible journey

Eager beavers put bills to good use

We all know the pull of home, but it seems to be an especially powerful attraction for Kuzya, a two-year-old male cat living in Russia. When the Efremov family took their feline on a summer vacation to Yakutsk, 1,300 miles from their home in Olenyok, they didn’t bargain on him being so unhappy that he’d run away.

Although they searched high and low, there was no sign of Kuzya, and the family was forced to return to Olenyok at the end of the summer without him. To their amazement, the plucky kitty showed up at the door three months later, tired, thin and tattered, after having crossed Siberia to get home.

Ananova

Who needs a bank when you have a beaver dam?

Officials couldn’t believe their eyes recently when they found thousands of dollars worth of bills woven into a beaver dam in Greenburg, Louisiana.

The bills had been stolen from a local casino and dumped into the creek by a thief who was now trying to make a deal with police. Although the money was in bags, this didn’t deter the enterprising beavers, who tore one of them open and used the notes as building materials. A second bag had floated against the dam intact and was also recovered by deputies. Thanks to the innovative rodents, more than $20,000 of the stolen money was safely retrieved.

Ananova

Suburban sprawl threatens wildlife Name the biggest danger to American biodiversity and the first things that come to mind might be pollution or global warming. In fact, say environmentalists, one of the leading threats is the rapid conversion of open space and farmland into subdivisions, shopping centers, roads and parking lots. A new study indicates that runaway sprawl in the fastest growing metropolitan areas is wiping out essential wildlife habitat for some 1,200 imperiled species, including Florida’s West Indian manatee, California’s arroyo toad and the mountain plover in Nevada. The study adds that proper planning can help solve the problem and recommends that lawmakers provide incentives for development in existing urban and suburban areas, build new development at higher densities, and set aside natural areas as off limits to new development.

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No more hunting with dogs Animal lovers in the U.K. and abroad celebrated a landmark victory recently after the final successful vote in the British Parliament to ban hunting with dogs.

The 15-year campaign to end the hunting of foxes, deer, hares and mink with dogs was spear-headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and supported by 76% of the British public. Although elected MPs have repeatedly voted against hunting with dogs, they have always been blocked by the unelected House of Lords. This time, thanks to a seldom-used piece of legislation which ensures that the will of elected members prevail, the ban has now become law.

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Food labels 101

Take our crash course on finding a good food

P

by Jean Hofve, DVM Packaged pet food is a great convenience, but how do you know you’re getting a good quality product? The best way is to learn how to read the labels, but if you’re like most people, you probably find the terminology more than a little confusing, if not downright indecipherable. For example, how does “meat” differ from “meat meal”? And what the heck is “animal digest?” Which ingredients are healthy choices, and which should you avoid?

Ingredient names are defined by law in most regions, based on definitions accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO). While not all areas have legally adopted these definitions, all national pet food companies follow them. Here’s a look at some of the most common pet food label terms, and what they actually mean.

MEAT is “the clean flesh derived from slaughtered mammals, and is limited to that part of the striate muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the tongue, in the diaphragm, in the heart, or in the esophagus…”

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Meat is a fresh product, and the term is limited to cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Choose a food that specifies the meat, like “beef” or “lamb.” If the label just says “meat,” it may contain a mixture of species.

POULTRY is “the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of poultry or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails.”

Unlike meat, poultry may include bone. The chicken used in pet foods is typically “backs and frames” left over from processing broiler chickens into breasts, legs, and wings for human consumption. “Backs and frames” include the spine and ribs with whatever meat is attached. It may also include the bone and skin left over from processing “boneless skinless” chicken parts.

MEAT MEAL is “the rendered product from mammal tissues, exclusive of any added blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings,

manure, stomach and rumen contents except in such amounts as may occur unavoidably…”

Farms, are the primary sources of chicken meat, meal, by-products, and by-product meal for big pet food makers.

MEAT AND BONE MEAL (MBM) is “the rendered product Meat meal, like all animal meal products, is rendered – cooked from mammal tissues, including bone, exclusive of any added to remove the fat and moisture – leaving a dry powder that blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and is nearly 100% protein. Note that “added” blood, hair, horn, rumen contents…” hoof, etc., is not permitted, but there is no requirement for the removal of such contaminants as MBM is a convenient catch-all may naturally be present. Bone may term for whatever offal and refuse Look out for “number one” comprise a considerable proportion happens to be rendered that day.

This is where the worst stories of this product.

Some poor quality dry foods proclaim about pet food come from. Many that a meat, such as fresh chicken, POULTRY MEAL is “the dry rendered renderers accept for processing product from a combination of such items as road kill, euthanized is “the #1 ingredient.” This is just a clean flesh and skin with or without pets from shelters and veterinary clever bit of marketing. Ingredients are accompanying bone, derived from the clinics, downers and animals who listed by weight; chicken is 70% water parts of whole carcasses of poultry died on the farm, during transport, or a combination thereof, exclusive or at the slaughterhouse, cut-away and thus quite heavy, so a very small of feathers, heads, feet and entrails.” cancerous tissue, fetuses, out-ofamount of chicken will put it at the top This definition is consistent with the date supermarket meats, restaurant of the list. In actuality, the food definitions of poultry and meat meal. waste, and other unappetizing ingredients. Needless to say, the presence usually is based on cheaper, more MEAT BY-PRODUCTS “is the of MBM on a label is a signal that concentrated ingredients, such as non-rendered, clean parts, other the food is of inferior quality. than meat, derived from slaughtered by-product meal or corn gluten meal. mammals. It includes, but is not ANIMAL DIGEST is “material which limited to, lungs, spleen, kidneys, results from chemical and/or brain, livers, blood, bone, parenzymatic hydrolysis of clean and tially defatted low-temperature fatty undecomposed animal tissue. The tissue and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents. It animal tissues used shall be exclusive of hair, horns, teeth, does not include hair, horns, teeth and hooves.” hooves and feathers, except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably…” Animal digest comes in a liquid or powder form that is typically sprayed onto finished kibbles to Basically, by-products are “parts that aren’t meat.” They are add flavor. It is found primarily in low quality foods. fresh, not rendered. Some pet food companies specify the by-products they will accept, such as kidneys, liver, and lungs.

CORN MEAL AND CORN GLUTEN MEAL are high-protein Either way, by-products are best avoided. residues of processed corn, and are used as high-calorie fillers POULTRY BY-PRODUCTS consists of “non-rendered, clean and substitutes for animal protein sources in cheap pet foods; parts of carcasses of slaughtered poultry such as heads, feet, they should be avoided. viscera, free from fecal content and foreign matter…” This recently revised definition states that fecal content must be removed. The old definition did not have this requirement.

Is it really “complete and balanced”?

POULTRY BY-PRODUCT MEAL is “the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered poultry, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines, exclusive of feathers…”

Poultry by-product meals are very common in poor quality dry foods. Most poultry in the U.S. is processed at “captive” renderers, meaning that the slaughterhouse and rendering facility are privately owned and located together. “Mega” chicken growers and processors, such as Tyson and Foster

A food may be labeled as “complete and balanced” if it meets the standards set by AAFCO in one of two ways:

1.

1. Nutrient profiles set the required amounts of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and so forth. A manufacturer can formulate a food based on the amount of each nutrient in each ingredient, or chemically test the finished food. However, keep in mind that poorly formulated foods can meet these standards, yet not provide adequate nutrition to support an animal’s long-term health. animal wellness

15

2.

2. Feeding tests are the “gold standard” because they require the food to be fed to live animals over a period of time.

However, the “family” rule allows products that are “similar” to a lead product (one that actually was fed to live animals) to carry the identical label designation. There is no way of knowing if a particular food is one that was actually tested, or a “distant relative” that wasn’t.

Check out the Guaranteed Analysis The Guaranteed Analysis tells you how much water and “crude” protein, fat and fiber are in the food. These amounts are arrived at by chemical testing, and are useful for comparing different foods. If you’re comparing canned to dry, however, you have to subtract the moisture percentage on the label from 100% to get the total “dry matter.” Then divide the ingredient in question by the dry matter to get the actual ingredient content. For example, a dry food with 10% moisture and 30% protein contains 33% protein (30/100-10), while a canned food containing 78% moisture and 10% protein actually contains 45% protein (10/100-78), on a dry matter basis.

Pet food labels are a rich source of information for those who know how to read them. While they don’t tell you everything about the food, they do provide guidelines for comparison

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animal wellness

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Know the rules – they may surprise you!

Every pet food has a name, whether it’s “Lamb and Rice Dinner,” “Beef for Dogs,” or

shopping. Most importantly, they help you make sure you’re getting a high quality product that will keep your beloved companion in good health.

“Tuna Flavor Dinner.” But what do these labels actually mean? Believe it or not, there are specific regulations for naming pet foods, so it’s helpful to know the “rules.”

95% Rule: “Chicken for Dogs” must contain at least 95% chicken (excluding water).

“Fish and Giblets for Cats,” meanwhile, will be 95% fish and giblets combined, but there must be more fish than giblets, since fish appears first on the label.

25% Rule: “Fish Dinner” or “Beef Dinner” must contain 25% fish or beef. If more than one ingredient is named, the two together must comprise 25% of the total, although the second ingredient may be as low as 3%. This means that “Lamb and Rice Dinner” may actually contain a greater quantity of other ingredients, such as chicken and corn.

DR. JEAN HOFVE EARNED HER DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY IN 1994. IN ADDITION TO CONVENTIONAL VETERINARY TRAINING, SHE STUDIED VETERINARY HOMEOPATHY, REIKI, AND HOLISTIC MEDICINE. FELINE NUTRITION IS OF SPECIAL CONCERN TO DR. JEAN. SHE HAS RESEARCHED PET FOOD FOR MORE THAN TEN YEARS, HAS WRITTEN EXTENSIVELY, AND BEEN INTERVIEWED ON RADIO AND TELEVISION ABOUT PET

“With” Rule: If the word “with” appears in the label (e.g. “Fish Dinner with Giblets”), the second ingredient must comprise 3% of the food. An ingredient labeled as a “flavor,” such as “Beef Flavor Dinner,” doesn’t have to contain any beef at all, just something that gives the food a beef flavor.

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animal wellness

NUTRITION, SUPPLEMENTS, AND THE COMMERCIAL PET FOOD INDUSTRY.

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If your dog has a sensitivity to grains, it can be hard to find a kibble he can safely eat, since most products have at least some grain in them. Sojourner Farms has solved the problem with its new Europa Grain-Free Just-Add-Meat Dog Food Mix. Made from a blend of natural dried sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, whole eggs, flax, parsley, calcium carbonate, carob, kelp, alfalfa, ginger and garlic, the mix can be combined with meat to create a healthy and delicious meal for your canine. www.sojos.com (888) 867-6567.

Evolution Diet This all-natural, 100% vegan dog food is specially formulated using whole natural protein and contains whole grains, vegetable proteins, vegetable oil, herbs, and vitamins and minerals. Unlike commercial non-vegan dog food, Evolution Diet Gourmet Kibble for Dogs is fortified with Methionine, Taurine, Carnitine, plus vegetarian vitamins and trace minerals that prevent certain forms of heart-related illnesses. Call (800) 659-0104 or visit www.petfoodshop.com.

Timberwolf Organics Timberwolf Organics Wild Salmon & CWF Oils are extracted from wild caught fish, have all contaminants such as heavy metals, PCBs and ketones carefully removed, are of the highest quality available and have numerous health benefits.

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AMIXX Pets AMIXX Pets produces a vegetable, fruit & herb mix which balances raw/cooked meat. A correct, grain free, preservative free diet can reduce the allergen load for your pet. We use unique and supportive ingredients such as cranberries, shiitake mushrooms, sesame seeds, sage, rosemary, parsley, kelp and salmon oil to build a healthy supplement to compliment any fresh meat diet. AMIXX for Dogs & AMIXX for Cats. www.AMIXXpets.com (800) 513-3222.

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19

Do vegetarian diets work FOR

DOGS AND CATS?

by Ann Brightman

A

s a lifelong dog lover, Samantha wants her two golden retrievers to enjoy the best care she can give them.

But because her compassion extends beyond the canine family to embrace all living creatures, she has some issues about using animals for food. “I’ve been a vegetarian since my teens,” she explains.

“But then I turn around and feed meat to my dogs, and end up feeling a bit of a hypocrite.”

Perhaps you’re in a similar dilemma. Or, given the mad cow

20

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and avian flu scares, maybe you’re concerned about the cleanliness and safety of the meat supply. Alternatively, you might have a dog with meat allergies and are looking for other options, or perhaps you just aren't keen on the idea of handling raw meat. Whatever the case, you may have pondered the possibility of switching your companion to a vegetarian diet. The big question is, can a dog or cat thrive, or even maintain good health, without meat? The answer that best meets your companion’s requirements depends first of all on whether he’s a dog or a cat.

Cats need meat

“Cats are what are known as obligate carnivores, meaning that they must have animal protein in their diet,” says veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk. The reason for this is that felines have evolved to derive several essential nutrients from animal sources only. As an example, they can’t convert the beta carotene found in vegetables to vitamin A. Cats also need taurine, an amino acid not provided by plant-based foods. Taurine is found naturally in animal products, and is at its highest concentrations in seafood and heart tissue. Without taurine, cats can suffer a variety of health problems, including cardiomyopathy and retinal degeneration.

Fashionable.

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Comfortable.

Dairy products such as eggs and cheese are good protein sources and do contain some taurine, as well as a form of beta carotene that cats can convert to vitamin A. However, as Dr. Richard Pitcairn writes in his Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, “I don’t believe there is enough positive evidence at this point to recommend a vegetarian diet for cats, even if dairy products and eggs are included. We just don’t know all there is to know about the nutrients cats normally obtain from meat.”

This doesn’t mean you have to give up the idea of feeding your cat anything other than meat-based foods, although it should remain the foundation of his diet. “For cats, I generally recommend a diet of about 75% meat, 15% vegetables and fruits, and 10% other foods,” says Dr. Newkirk. This means a quarter of your kitty’s diet can be made up of non-meat foods such as eggs, cheese and plant-based items. “I like to add vegetables and fruits to all my patients’ diets, although cats in general don’t have great appetites for them,” says Dr Newkirk. Soy protein is not recommended, as cats have difficulty breaking it down.

The canine perspective

Dogs are more flexible than cats when it comes to vegetarianism, although experts disagree on whether or not it’s all right to exclude meat entirely. “Dogs are more opportunistic eaters than cats and many can do fine on a plant-based diet,” says veterinarian Dr. Autumn Drouin. “However, if you leave it up to the dog, 99.9% will go for the animal protein. If the diet is lacto-ovo vegetarian, cheese, yogurt, milk and eggs are good substitutes for meat. If the diet is vegan, it becomes more challenging, and you must rely on legumes, tofu, and so on. Vegetables can be put through the juicer raw, or lightly steamed. Winter squash is best cooked.”

Dr. Newkirk, meanwhile, indicates that while a dog can get by with less meat than a cat, it should still make up half his diet. “The rest can be 25% vegetables, 15% fruits, and about 10% foods such as pasta, rice or oatmeal.”

Some pet food companies, such as Natural Life and Evolution, now offer packaged vegetarian diets for canines that are made from a variety of plant proteins including brown rice, corn, soy, oatmeal, pearl barley, or whole wheat. “We formulated this diet because some of our customers are vegetarians and wish to have the same diet for their dogs,” says Marsha Palmer of Natural Life. “Another reason is because some dogs have meat allergies. It’s also useful as a weight-reducing formula because it has a high fiber content.” High quality dry food is versatile and convenient and can easily be complemented with extras such as fresh veggies, cottage cheese or other goodies.

“Although people don’t really have to add anything to our diets, they are certainly able to do so if they wish,” says Marsha. “We also make a canned vegetarian diet for dogs made from pea broth, soybean meal, canola oil, ground corn, brown rice as well as vegetables such as potatoes, peas and carrots.”

But can a dog thrive as a vegetarian? Again, opinions are mixed. “In all honesty, I

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have not met many totally vegetarian dogs, although I do know of one three-year-old who seems very healthy,” says Dr. Drouin. Dr. Newkirk adds that while a dog might do well on a short-term basis, he may start to suffer deficiencies that could lead to health problems later. “Plant-based proteins, while a great source of nutrition for humans, are not as good over the long term as animal proteins are for carnivores,” he says.

As with most other things, compromise seems to be key, and even non-vegetarian dogs, like humans, can enjoy a vegetarian meal on a semi-regular basis. It’s great, even advisable, to feed your companion a variety of foods and proteins, but you might want to think twice about eliminating meat completely, particularly in the case of cats. If you have concerns about the ethical, environmental or health implications of feeding animal products of any kind to your companion, start looking for sources of organic and humanely raised meat and dairy products, which are gradually becoming easier to find. That’s what Samantha decided to do. “I’ve also cut down a bit on the amount of meat I give my guys by substituting a balanced vegetarian diet a couple times a week. It makes me feel better, and the dogs love the extra variety.”

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Guelph, ON, Canada N1H 6T9

or n a ari 864 n ri -8 e t Ve -510 ! r ou 800 rder y k l 1- wellness o 23 As aanimal l o t C

Innovative clinics C

hildren’s author Margery Facklam once said, “We give dogs time we can

are changing the face of veterinary care

spare, space we can spare and love we

by Catherine Owsianiecki

can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made.” Today’s animal guardians, well

aware of how much more our companions deserve, are ready to renegotiate that contract. As they seek better health care for themselves, they are equally determined to offer the same quality of life to their animals. A growing number of animal hospitals and veterinary clinics are responding to this demand by offering unique services that recognize Some innovative clinics are adopting a more comfortable atmosphere for people and animals, as the park-like lobby area at The Center for Specialized Veterinary Care demonstrates.

the flourishing familial bond between people and animals, while striving to provide the best medical care. In this article, we pay a visit to just three.

The Center for Specialized Veterinary Care Westbury, New York Nestled in a woodland setting complete with pond, waterfall and the foundations of a memorial stone garden, the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care (www.vetspecialist.com) features a park-like lobby, a cozy room to soothe anxious guardians, complimentary coffee and tea, on-staff bereavement counselors and 24-hour veterinary attention. Explains founder and director Diane Levitan, VMD, who opened the facility in 2003, “This hospital was built to fill the voids that exist in veterinary medicine and to increase the awareness of the Thanks to the Compassionate Care Center, above left, Katie can receive support from her guardian, Mrs. Benigno, while she undergoes treatment. Above right: Licensed animal rehabilitator Susan Marino, helps pet as part of the family.”

Buddy recover from surgery through on-site hydrotherapy.

The center offers emergency services and specialty care that one would expect to find in a facility for humans. Its more unique offerings include physical rehabilitation and swim therapy, the integration of holistic medicine, Long Island’s only radiation therapy facility, and the Radioiodine Treatment Center, which has web cameras placed where guardians may monitor their animals 24/7 via the Internet.

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Dr. Levitan believes the hospital is on the map because of its Compassionate Care Center. Designed for families who wish to remain by their beloved animal’s side during illness, this special wing has seven individual rooms fitted with such amenities as kitchens, handicap-accessible bathrooms with showers, televisions, T1 computer connections and a centrally located nursing staff. “We have offered this since the day we

opened,” says Dr. Levitan, “and we invite all family members to be present during testing and evaluation of their pets when appropriate.”

Dr. Levitan believes the time for such services has come because animals have become irreplaceable family members in the eyes of so many people.

“You would not leave your human child alone in a hospital room, and you should not have to leave your nonhuman family member either. And when animals are gravely ill, it can be too difficult to leave them, knowing they may not be alive when you return.”

The services offered at the center have met with an overwhelmingly positive response from clients, and Dr. Levitan has received several awards for innovation, including being recognized by Long Island Business News as one of Long Island’s top 50 most influential women. But Dr. Levitan is most gratified that the Center for Specialized Veterinary Care pays an unprecedented amount of attention to animals and the people who love them. “We will continue to strive to set new standards for care Ophthalmologist Dr. Terri Gibson examines a patient after ophthalmic surgery. and human attention in the field of veterinary medicine.”

Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton Hopkinton, Massachusetts Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton, or MASH (www.mashvet.com), was founded in 1983 by Margo Roman, DVM, a veterinarian who is no stranger to innovation. She was the first woman to attend a course presented by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) in 1975. In 1988, she transformed her then mobile practice into a stationary clinic. But it was not until 1994, when the homeopathic remedies Dr. Roman was using to treat a case of poison ivy had the unexpected side effect of curing her asthma, that MASH was transformed into a full-service holistic hospital. “I learned that holistic medicine actually heals patients while conventional methods merely suppress symptoms and drive illness deeper into the body, not allowing it to heal,” Dr. Roman explains. “When I went to veterinary school, I wanted to be healer, not just put on band-aids.”

In order to establish the holistic approach as the cornerstone of her practice, Dr. Roman broke ground on the Holistic Health Center in The holistic approach to healing begins the moment you walk 2001. While the main clinic merges through the door at MASH, with lots of natural light, a countertop homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs and water fountain and even non-toxic blue jean insulation in the walls. conventional medicine, the Holistic Health Center is a centrally located facility where ailing animals can receive treatment from independent, in-house practitioners of chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage, cranial sacral therapy, polarity treatment and Reiki. “People are demanding this,” Dr. Roman says.

“They are adopting holistic practices for themselves, they understand the benefits, and they want those options for their animals because they are part of the family.”

Dr. Roman also understands that maintaining the optimal health of animals and their people requires an environment that promotes wellness. She thus designed the Holistic Health Center to be environmentally friendly, with such green attributes as solvent-free paint, natural linoleum and hardwood floors, and insulation composed of recycled blue jeans. “I know that epoxy and conventionally used materials are more durable,

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but that means people and animals are breathing in their off-gases,” cautions Dr. Roman. “It can’t be healthy to be inhaling heavy solvents.”

The veterinary world is taking note of Dr. Roman’s visionary ideas. Recently, she was invited to lecture at the conventions of both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) on how to design and build a green veterinary clinic. And while the holistic approach to healing has not yet been embraced by mainstream medicine, Dr. Roman is Dr. Margo Roman plays with Hawkeye, the determined to keep the issue at the forefront. “I’m MASH mascot. trying to get veterinary schools and corporations to realize that guardians know the difference holistic medicine makes to human health, and to understand how much they want it for their pets.”

Guelph Animal Hospital Guelph, Ontario

A warm and casual "country-feel" greets visitors at Guelph Animal Hospital.

Boasting a convenient downtown location, Guelph Animal Hospital (www.guelphvet.com) places an especially strong emphasis on their patients’ overall comfort. To achieve that goal, the clinic offers a wealth of distinctive enhancements, including homey and completely separate dog and cat examination rooms, and an acupuncture room featuring a custom-made bed where animals may positively luxuriate in their treatments.

To provide maximum comfort and quicker recovery after operations, the hospital has recently added laser surgery to its mix of treatment options. “Laser surgery is not a common procedure in most clinics, but it is our standard way of performing surgery,” says co-owner Rob Butler, DVM. “We don’t use a scalpel for any procedure anymore.”

This particular innovation has resulted in less trauma and pain and a faster return to normal life for patients.

In addition, the clinic’s founders have gone to great lengths to make the veterinary experience as pleasant and expedient as possible for animal guardians. House calls, pet pick up and drop off, and home delivery of food and supplies are among the helpful services available. The hospital also houses its own laboratory to assure quicker diagnosis

26

animal wellness

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and decision-making, and contains a fully stocked pharmacy where people may pick up prescriptions pronto. Guardians can also treat their companions to a day of pampering at a full-service grooming salon, and shop for a variety of foods, toys, shampoos, dental products and holistic alternatives in the reception area.

Clients are unanimously appreciative of this personal touch. “I didn’t know what to expect on our first visit,” says one, “but I soon learned that this was not just another veterinary clinic. Midas, my golden retriever, and I have been treated with great care and concern by Dr. Butler and staff.”

Dr. Butler believes that the clinic’s most innovative quality lies in its integrative nature. While most veterinary hospitals operate as exclusively conventional or holistic practices, Dr. Butler insists that both options need to be available. “There are often times when a pet needs a good conventional work-up or an antibiotic to treat an acute infection,” he says. “But then we look at how to prevent the pet from having that problem again. Alternative modalities are frequently the best preventative measure.”

Because of the growing acceptance of alternative therapies in

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animal wellness

Left: Dr. Rob Butler performs acupuncture on Heulyn, a 14-week-old English Setter while his human companion comforts him. Above: Laser surgery has replaced the scalpel at Guelph Animal Hospital.

human healthcare, Dr. Butler asserts that, in the next ten to twenty years, hospitals like his will be orthodox. “Vet schools are now offering courses in acupuncture, and in some cases, chiropractic care, massage and physical therapy are becoming standard post-surgery protocol for animals. I think that integrated therapies are going to be the wave of the future in both human and animal medicine.”

CATHERINE OWSIANIECKI IS A FREELANCE WRITER AND THE EDITOR OF Harford Tattle Tail, THE NEWSLETTER OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF HARFORD COUNTY. SHE IS PURSUING A MASTER OF ARTS AT THE COLLEGE OF NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND. SHE LIVES IN BEL AIR, MARYLAND WITH TASHA, A YORKSHIRE TERRIER, AND EINSTEIN, A LOP-EARED RABBIT.

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Doggie and kitty Alzheimer’s: Can we prevent and

by Shawn Messonnier, DVM

treat

cognitive disorder?

Most of us are familiar with Alzheimer’s disease, a devastating inflammation may have a role. Microscopically, beta amyloid progressive neurological disorder that usually appears in older plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (abnormal protein accumumen and women. It is estimated that 45% of people over the lations) occur within the brain, and its blood vessels become age of 85 will develop Alzheimer’s disease, visible (as in people with Alzheimer’s). and death usually occurs within eight Ultimately, the brain lesions interfere years of the initial diagnosis. Of course, with proper nerve transmission (espeTop signs of cognitive some people develop Alzheimer’s at a cially of nerves which use acetylcholine). disorder in dogs and cats much younger age, with an equally grim prognosis. The disease is so prevalent that The drug AniprylR has been approved Deafness doctors can diagnose Alzheimer’s with for treating cognitive disorder in dogs; Lethargy/lack of energy 85% to 90% accuracy prior to death, and no medication is available for cats. While researchers are working long and hard to effective in some patients, the drug can Excess sleep prevent and reverse this tragic disease. have rare side effects such as restlessness, (sleeps a lot during the day) disorientation, confusion, vomiting, House-training problems increased thirst, anemia, stiffness and What you might not know is that a (usually urinating inside the house lack of appetite. If effective, AniprylR comparative disease occurs in dogs and or outside the litterbox) must be used for the lifetime of the dog. cats. Called canine and feline cognitive Staring at the wall Since the medication is expensive, people disorder (“doggie and kitty Alzheimer’s”), with older animals may prefer to look at respectively, veterinarians see it most Occasional lack of recognition of alternative therapies. commonly in older animals. It is estimated the guardian to affect 10 million to 15 million dogs Lack of awareness of surroundings and cats in the U.S. alone. The cause is While many different natural therapies not known. However, it appears that (including antioxidants, ginkgo biloba, Poor coat

30

animal wellness

omega-3 fatty acids, and acetyl-L-carnitine) help dogs and cats with cognitive disorder to some degree, my favorite therapy utilizes choline (phosphatidylcholine) supplementation. In particular, the patented product CholodinR has shown to be beneficial for many pets. Cholodin contains choline, phosphatidylcholine, methionine and inositol. Recently, in an attempt to quantify response to the supplement, the manufacturer of the product provided funding for a study in dogs and cats.

The results of these two studies are presented below.

Twenty-one dogs of various breeds were enrolled in the study: nine neutered males and 12 spayed females. The age of the participants ranged from 10 to 16 years of age.

At the beginning of the study, the dogs’ people were asked to identify any problems commonly associated with cognitive disorder. They reported the following abnormal behaviors: • • • • • • •

Deafness Lethargy/lack of energy Excess sleep (sleeps a lot during the day) House-training problems (usually urinating inside the house) Staring at the wall Occasional lack of recognition of the guardian Lack of awareness of surroundings

A blood profile including a T4 test was performed prior to the start of the study. Each pet was supplied with a two-month supply of Cholodin and instructed to administer it according to label directions. At the end of a 30-day period of treatment, the dosage was doubled if improvement was not seen.

The results were tabulated with the following scoring system.

The animals were scored as having no response to the supplement, minimal response, moderate response (up to 50% better) and significant response (greater than 50% improvement in clinical signs.)

The results of the study indicated the following: 1 dog showed no response 5 dogs showed minimal response 4 dogs showed moderate response 5 dogs showed significant response 3 dogs were lost to follow-up 1 dog was euthanized for acute liver failure not related to cognitive disorder or the supplement Two dogs, in the care of the same person, showed an exaggerated response and became quite hyperactive, causing the individual to stop the supplement. As a result, the two dogs reverted to showing signs of cognitive disorder, which the person involved felt was

more desirable than the improved, hyperactive state.

In the study involving felines, 21 cats age 10 years of age and older were enrolled. People were invited to enroll their cats in the study if the cats showed any of the following signs: • • • • • • •

Deafness Lethargy/lack of energy Excess sleep (sleeps a lot during the day) Poor coat (excessive shedding or thin, dry coat) Poor appetite Chronic constipation House-training problems (usually urinating outside of the litter box not related to anxiety behavior problems) • Staring at the wall • Occasional lack of recognition of the guardian • Lack of awareness of surroundings As with the canine study, cats were screened with a blood profile prior to entering the study to be certain that underlying disease was not the cause of the clinical signs.

The results were tabulated in a way similar to the canine study: as having no response to the supplement, minimal response, moderate response (up to 50% better), and significant response (greater than 50% improvement in clinical signs.)

The results of the study indicated the following: 5 cats showed no response 4 cats showed minimal response 5 cats showed moderate response 4 cats showed significant response 1 cat guardian did not respond to our follow-up call 2 cats died of unrelated causes during the study

Most cats showing no or minimal response had house-training problems as the only complaint from the guardians. In most cases, this behavior was a long-term problem and not likely related to cognitive disorder. The cats with the greatest response were those showing lethargy and lack of energy, excess sleep, staring at the wall, 5 ways to prevent cognitive occasional lack of recognition of family members, and lack of awareness of the disorder in your dog or cat surroundings.

Use a choline supplement Feed a natural food Minimize vaccinations

Minimize or stop using chemical flea and tick products Use anti-inflammatory supplements (cold water fish oil, antioxidants)

To summarize, these studies showed that supplementation with Cholodin is safe and effective for reversing signs of cognitive disorder in dogs and cats.

My own clinical experience indicates that, if given to older pets before clinical signs appear, many pets taking animal wellness

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animal wellness

Wiping your cat or dog once a week with PetalCleanse™ can eliminate the need for pill-popping, frequent use of inhalers or the potential prospect of re-homing your pet. Friends and family who suffer from allergic reactions can now look forward to visiting your home again.

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E SE !

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choline supplementation will not develop signs of cognitive disorder. In effect, the regular use of this supplement may actually prevent the development of cognitive disorder. It is safe, inexpensive, and has no significant side effects. If you cannot find the patented product, you may wish to try a phosphatidylcholine supplement available from health food stores. Recommended dosage would be 50 to 100 mg daily for a 50 pound dog.

In addition to choline therapy, I believe it’s important to minimize inflammation in older pets (minimizing inflammation may prevent or decrease the incidence of many other disorders, including cancer, as well). To that end, feeding a natural food devoid of by-products and chemicals, minimizing or eliminating vaccinations, minimizing or eliminating the use of chemical flea and tick products, and providing additional anti-inflammatory support (fish oil, antioxidants, etc.) may also minimize the chances of an older pet developing cognitive disorder.

DR. SHAWN MESSONNIER IS THE AUTHOR OF The Allergy Solution for Dogs, 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog, AND THE AWARD-WINNING The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats. HIS VETERINARY PRACTICE, PAWS & CLAWS ANIMAL HOSPITAL, IS LOCATED IN PLANO, TEXAS.

animal wellness

33

holistic veterinary advice

talking with

dr. martin goldstein

Q

I have a 9-year-old Labrador retriever who has a fear of walking on wood floors. He will not move from an area which is carpeted onto a wood or other shiny surface floor without being coaxed and accompanied.

He will stay on the carpet and whine until he is assisted across the wood floor to the next carpeted space. He does not have a problem with stone, brick or cement floors. In fact, he was brought up for the first five years of his life in a home primarily with slate floors, never with a problem. He would never, however, go upstairs because the stairs were wood, so this fear began early. His fear seems to be worsening recently.

The other more recent problem is whining all the time when he wants something: to play, go outside, drink or eat, or if he is just bored.

A

Not having more specifics on these fears and when and how they started, I will share with you factors that I have personally experienced to be associated with conditions like this. One that immediately comes to mind is a neurologic disorder with related behavioral changes. These changes are associated with reactions secondary to vaccinations, especially the annual combination vaccines which studies now show are unnecessary.

The other condition your dog may be suffering from is a thyroid disorder. Some of these are secondary to a medical condition called auto-immune thyroiditis (also a potential side effect of vaccinations). You should investigate these medical conditions first and, if existing, address them with the assistance of a veterinarian. If the problem does not appear to be medical, you could try one of the many natural products available for anxiety-like conditions. These include Rescue Remedy or other flower essence formulas, specific flower essence remedies selected for specific symptoms, homeopathic and/or herbal combination formulas indicated for anxiety.

Also, if this is a cognitive disorder, you could try Neurotrophin by Standard Process (through a veterinarian) and phosphatidyls serine and choline, usually available through health food stores.

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animal wellness

Q

My five-year-old tiny toy poodle, Claude, has lifted his left leg (bent knee) since the age of six months, especially during certain seasons (autumn). He weighs approximately seven pounds. My current veterinarian suggested that I have it surgically corrected before he develops arthritis. Do you agree with this recommendation? Is there a viable alternative?

A

I really cannot advise on this recommendation without examining your dog in person as there are different degrees of this condition and each dog is different. In my practice, we usually seek the advice of a board certified orthopedic surgeon with whom we’ve worked for many years. He is also well experienced in alternatives and is not one who jumps into surgery as the solution. Yes, there are alternatives, such as glucosamines, green-lipped mussel extracts, collagen compounds, herbals and homeopathics, but the use of them should come secondary to making the right treatment decision.

Q

I am a foster guardian to different shelter cats.

Although I keep them in quarantine from my own animals, sometimes my cats will catch an upper respiratory virus from them. My vet treats them with a round of antibiotics and the sniffles go away. My question is: is it always necessary to treat a “cat cold�?

holistic veterinary advice

A

Just think about how many millions of humans “catch cold” and get better with rest, drinking f luids, maybe some vitamin C and time.

Unfortunately, our animal friends frequently are not given the choice to “ride out” some illnesses as humans do, and their guardians and veterinarians feel obligated to medicate. I have assisted many animals through conditions such as this with success and, many times, when I do decide to treat, will do so with one of the many remedies available, rather than prescribing drugs. One of my favorites is Gripp-heel by BHI.

Q A

Every time my Peke/Shih Tzu-mix sheds, she scratches and pulls tufts of hair out with her mouth. I guess when they shed, they itch? What herbal can I give to eliminate the itching? She is driving us both crazy!

A

As stated in previous issues, I typically do not like to recommend treatment on cases such as this by magazine column, but here are some words of advice. Have her checked professionally for thyroid function and auto immune thyroiditis, and treat accordingly if any of these show. You can follow the advice in the previous question for skin/ allergy problems. For the possibility of bacterial involvement, olive leaf extract and/or propolis could have beneficial effect. Also, in our practice, we use the homeopathics by BHI: either Infection or Mercurius-heel. The symptoms you’re describing are also classic signs of vaccinosis. Consulting a veterinarian well experienced in homeopathy and integrative medicine would be wise.

There are a myriad of products on the market to address skin problems and especially those associated with allergies. Besides the natural antiinflammatory Betathyme, by DMSC, or Moduvet, I would recommend one of each of the many homeopathics and herbals on the market indicated for this condition. For example, we use homeopathic Skin Aid by PHP and we have an herbal formulation tincture called Allergy Formula by Animal Nutritional Technologies that contains echinacea and nettles. Also, do some research on the best diet for your dog. If you get no response from these suggestions, it would be wise to get this looked at and diagnosed by a veterinarian.

Editor’s note: See our article on special diets for allergies on page 57.

Q

I have two Dobermans, one of whom is a fawn. I knew going into this that we’d go through many skin problems because of the color dilution allopecia but we wanted her to have a good home and knew that someone who didn’t know about these conditions could possibly give up on her.

She is absolutely wonderful but has horrendous skin problems. She is only one-and-a-half years old and her back is mostly bald as well as the top of her poor little head. It’s not the baldness that is such a problem, it’s the skin that is left behind. It is very dry and extremely crusty. She’s had these problems from about four months old but it is at its worst right now.

She gets awful red, pussy bumps along with all of the crustiness and severe dry skin.

Q

We recently adopted a 10-year-old black Lab who lived in a smokers’ household. What is the best remedy to get the smoke out of Josie’s internal system and her coat? She was bathed by a groomer a month ago; however, today the smoke smell reappeared when she came in from being in the rain. We have her on IAMS Weight Control dog food (she needs to lose approx. 10-15 lb), plus we give her fresh veggies, fruits, eggs, and fish (in small amounts) when we eat them. Please help.

A

A good external product is not really my expertise.

Normally, I would just recommend a good herbal shampoo. The reason the odor may have returned, as you suspected, is that it is still being eliminated from inside via the skin. For this, I would recommend Ex Tox animal wellness

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holistic veterinary advice

by NuBiologics. Also, supporting liver function, which handles many of the detoxification processes, with milk thistle, would help. Lastly, consider antioxidant supplements. I would also consider changing to a higher quality natural food – much has already been written by this magazine on that topic.

Q A

My dachshund was diagnosed with Addison’s two years ago. She is on prednisone and Percorten. She is doing well, but overweight. Is there any hope of getting her adrenals functioning again and off the meds?

Getting an Addisonian totally off medication and back to normal adrenal function, though possible, is highly unlikely and could be risky, since it would require coming off drugs during a trial period. I have had success in reducing the amount of medication needed with the use of supplements and specific glandulars, and, when it was available, daily injections of adrenal cortex extract. You may wish to consult or arrange for your veterinarian to consult with Steve Marsden, a veterinarian in Edmonton, Ontario who specializes in Oriental modalities.

Q A

I have a rescued Jack Russell about four years old.

He has White Dog Shaker Syndrome. Prednisone doesn’t seem to be helping. Any other suggestions?

See an experienced veterinarian, especially one well versed in alternative therapies.

Dear Readers: The brand names I recommend in my column are suggestions only. There are other brands with similar formulas. As with any product, it’s important to buy a brand you can trust.

DR. MARTY GOLDSTEIN HAS BEEN PRACTICING HOLISTIC VETERINARY MEDICINE FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. BASED IN NEW YORK, DR. GOLDSTEIN IS THE AUTHOR OF The Nature of Animal Healing, PUBLISHED BY RANDOM HOUSE. Editor’s Note: This column is for information purposes only.

It is not meant to replace veterinary care. Please consult your veterinarian before giving your animal any remedies. For a listing of holistic veterinarians, please refer to our website at www.animalwellnessmagazine.com.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS FOR DR. GOLDSTEIN’S COLUMN TO: DR. MARTIN GOLDSTEIN, E-MAIL: INFO@ANIMALWELLNESSMAGAZINE.COM WE REGRET WE CANNOT RESPOND TO EVERY QUESTION.

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animal wellness

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animal wellness

37

"THE CHILD OF A CLOUD, on loan from

heaven"

A

AT FIRST GLANCE, YOU MIGHT WONDER IF HE’S FOR REAL. This miniscule

ball of fluff with the huge eyes, lolling tongue, and teddy bear ears looks more like a stuffed toy than a live dog.

But although no one knows for sure what breed he is, Mr. Winkle is definitely a member of the canine family, despite the fact that his unique appearance has sent him rocketing to celebrity status.

Mr. Winkle’s rags to riches story began when he was first discovered by Los Angeles-based magazine photographer Lara Jo Regan. On her way home from an assignment one night about six years ago, Lara was driving through an industrial area when she caught sight of a tiny, bedraggled creature sitting forlornly by the side of the road. She stopped the car, at first unsure of what kind of animal she was looking at, but when she got out, he came right towards her, as though he’d been waiting for her to come along. “He was

38 38

animal wellness animal wellness

A natural "ham", Mr. Winkle loves to pose for Lara's camera.

in terrible shape,” says Lara. “He looked like he was on his last legs.”

Despite his odd appearance and poor condition, Lara instantly bonded with the diminutive dog and took him home. Bringing him back to health was easier said than done, and involved countless vet visits. With time, love and patience, however, he gradually regained his health. “About two years ago, my husband and I started him on an organic diet,” says Lara.

“He basically eats what we eat. We feed him organic beans, rice, tofu and vegetables such as broccoli and carrots, and we mix in a bit of health kibble to go with it. When we give him meat, it’s cooked fresh organic chicken. He just loves it and it’s amazing because he looks so young. His eyes are really bright and his fur his beautiful.”

Lara soon found that Mr. Winkle was no ordinary dog. Wherever she took him, people did double takes and remarked on his miniscule size and toy-like demeanor. Comments on his breed and identity ranged from the imaginative to the outlandish, and included everything from a “robotic squirrel” to a “furry smile” to a “reincarnation of the divinity.” His exceptionally long tongue draws a lot of remarks. “For small breeds, it’s actually not that rare for their tongues to be too big for their mouths,” explains Lara. “When I first got him, I thought it was really weird, but now I’m used to it and it’s become so much a part of his identity and character.

His tongue does tend to dry out, though, so I make sure I have water with me wherever we go and give him a drink every hour or so.”

Given all the surprise, delight and laughter Mr. Winkle was bringing to other people, Lara realized she had to share him with the world. As a professional, award-winning photographer, whose work has appeared in Time, Newsweek, LIFE and Entertainment Weekly, Lara was ideally qualified to successfully capture Mr. Winkle’s essence on film, and the result was the “What is Mr. Winkle?” photo series. The photos are available to Mr. Winkle’s adoring public in several forms, including calendars, posters and cards, as well as three books – What is Mr. Winkle?, Winkle’s World, and A Winkle in Time, in which the photogenic little canine dons a range of hilarious costumes to celebrate famous historical dogs. Lara is currently working on another book, The Mr. Winkle Nude Series, in which the little dog appears sans costumes in a variety of settings. She also has a Mr. Winkle film in post production.

“It’s an hour-long silent film,” explains Lara. “Mr. Winkle moves and walks like Charlie Chaplin, so in the film he plays a little hobo who walks along the railroad tracks and gets into all kinds of adventures.”

Not surprisingly, Mr. Winkle is especially popular with children, who are enchanted by his uncanny resemblance to pop culture characters such as Pokeman and Ewok. He has hit the headlines in a variety of newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle, has appeared on The Today Show, and recently accompanied Lara on a booksigning tour from Florida to Maryland. He even has his own website, where admirers can order photos and other merchandise, catch up on his news, and send him fan mail. Lara and Mr. Winkle are also involved in charity and have worked with a number of animal organizations including D.E.L.T.A. Rescue, Actors & Others for Animals and the World Wildlife

Lara, Mr. Winkle and Clark Cat animal wellness

39

Fund. “He’s the personification of the happiness animals bring us,” says Lara, adding that she has experienced some amazing stories brought about by Mr. Winkle’s influence. “I had one guy who decided not to commit suicide after seeing Mr. Winkle, while another decided not to get divorced.”

At home, Mr. Winkle shares the spotlight with Lara’s other animal companion, Clark Cat. “Mr. Winkle thinks he’s the alpha male,” laughs Lara. “He’ll bark at Clark when he’s up on the bed and the cat wants to come up too, but when I look in on them later they’re curled up in a ball sleeping together.” Mr. Winkle has also adapted happily to having a new human baby in the house. “I was really worried at first. I thought it would traumatize him because he’s so used to being the center of attention. But amazingly, he somehow understands that she’s human and a part of me, and has accepted her very politely.”

As for what kind of dog Mr. Winkle really is, even Lara hasn’t found an answer yet, although her favorite interpretation is that he is “the child of a cloud, on loan from heaven.” Considering the joy, laughter and happiness he spreads, it’s an apt description.

Mr. Winkle touches a chord with everyone he meets, including these deaf and hard-of-hearing children he visited at a neighborhood school.

To find out more about Mr. Winkle, visit www.mrwinkle.com.

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• The Autopetfeeder comes in 3 convenient sizes.

• A great time saver for the elderly and disabled.

• Great for people on the go.

• You’ll never need to depend on anyone to feed your pet, the Autopetfeeder will do it for you.

• Feeds small portions of food at scheduled times for your diabetic pet.

(Veterinarian recommended) Can be programmed up to eight times a day.

The Filtered Pet Waterer can be used by all pet owners for providing their pets with clean sparkling fresh water all the time.

For more information: Check us out at: www.autopetfeeder.com 1-888-ERGOSYS or email: contact@autopetfeeder.com

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animal wellness

• The Filtered Pet Waterer comes in 3 convenient sizes.

• A great time saver for the elderly and disabled.

• Great for people on the go.

• Automatic aeration system and eight layer filter enables precipitation of dissolved solids and guarantees algae free water.

• Clean oxygenated crystal clear flowing water, pets drink more water which keeps them hydrated, healthy and reduces kidney and liver problems.

The 8-Day Feeder is designed for wet and dry food as well as dispensing pet meds.

• Digital timer / user programmable up to 8 times a day unlike fixed cycle feeders.

• Custom voice recording, calls pet to feed.

• Great for people on the go.

• Dishwasher safe bowl.

• Reusable ice packs, keeps wet food cool.

animal wellness

41

VACCINATION:

Which ones do they REALLY NEED, and HOW OFTEN?

by Ann Brightman

W

hen Helena took her new Sheltie puppy, Mick, to the vet for his first check-up, she felt more than a little anxious when it came time for him to receive his shots. While she wanted to protect her new friend from deadly diseases like distemper and parvo, she was also concerned about the health risks associated with over-vaccination. Although Helena went ahead with the vaccines and follow-up boosters, she was worried about subjecting Mick to subsequent annual shots, even though her vet told her she was risking her dog’s health even more by not doing so.

It’s a common quandary these days, especially as we hear more and more about the often devastating side effects of over-vaccination. How do we prevent our dogs or cats from contracting infectious diseases that can often be fatal, while also protecting them from the equally serious health consequences of too many shots? The best strategy is to learn which vaccines are absolutely necessary (referred to as core vaccines), why they’re needed, and what the minimum requirements are for each to ensure protection from disease without over-vaccinating.

WHAT ARE CORE VACCINES? “Core vaccines are those that every dog or cat should receive, regardless of geographic location or lifestyle,” says Dr. Ron Schultz, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathological Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Veterinary Medicine. For dogs, the four core vaccines are canine distemper (CDV), canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2), canine adenovirus-2 (CAV-2) and rabies. Those for cats are feline panleukopenia or parvovirus (FPV), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), also referred to as feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus (FCV) and rabies. In this article, the first in a three-part series, we’ll be taking a close-up look at canine distemper, feline panleukopenia and rabies.

The eight vaccinations listed above are considered core because the diseases they protect against are distributed over a wide area and have a high mortality rate. “These vaccinations are absolutely necessary,” says Dr. Schultz. “You want the vaccine to be the first antigens to prime the immune system. You don’t want to leave it up to natural immunization or exposure.” This is because, when compared to the actual disease-causing virus, the vaccine is a safer way to protect the animal. “If the vaccine is live, it’s attenuated. If it’s killed, it can’t cause disease,” explains Dr. Schultz. “It’s true that many puppies that never see a vet get naturally immunized by exposure to distemper, as an example, but for every one that gets vaccinated, probably another would have died if the first encounter with distemper occurred prior to vaccination.”

MINIMIZING VACCINATION Although core vaccines are necessary to protect your companion from infectious disease, even these do not need to be given on an annual basis. “That’s what we’re trying to change,” says Dr. Schultz. “What we recommend is that both puppies and kittens get the core vaccines at least once at or over the age of 12 weeks.” The 12 weeks is significant, because prior to that, many animals still have passive maternal antibodies that block immunization, which means they may not respond to the vaccine and are therefore unprotected against

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animal wellness

Although AAHA recommends vaccinating against distemper every three years after the initial puppy 1.To determine the animal is protected (suggested by a positive test result). shots, challenge studies have shown that the minimum duration of immunity can last five to seven years, and 2.To identify a susceptible animal (suggested by a negative test result). perhaps even longer. In fact, titers have indicated that 3.To determine whether an individual animal has responded to a vaccine. dogs can be protected for nine to 15 years. “To be 4.To determine whether an individual vaccine is effectively immunizing animals. honest, although canine distemper is a core vaccine, I think a dog only needs to receive it once in his life,” * from: Schultz RD, Ford RB, Olsen J, Scott F., Titer testing and vaccination: a new look at traditional practices, Vet Med, 97: 1-13, 2002 (insert). says Dr. Schultz. “The same goes for canine parvo and adenovirus-2. That’s the vaccination program I’ve been the disease. American Association Hospital Association practicing on my own dogs without any difficulty whatsoever.

(AAHA) guidelines recommend vaccinating again at one year, We’ve never had a vaccine-preventable disease occur.” and once every three years after that, although even that may not be necessary. “I have studies that show duration of immunity Titer testing is highly effective for canine distemper, but according at seven to nine years for all the core vaccines except rabies, to Dr. Schultz, the best time to do it is at two weeks or more and even on an antibody basis I can show that rabies gives after the last puppy vaccination, to ensure that the animal much longer protection than three years,” says Dr. Schultz. responded to its initial vaccines. “To my mind, that’s the only

REASONS FOR VACCINE TITER TESTING:*

CANINE DISTEMPER (CDV) CDV is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems.

Although dogs of any age can contract distemper, puppies up to six months of age are most susceptible to the disease, which can cause a range of symptoms from fever, loss of appetite and eye inflammation in its early stages, to diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia, and neurological complications such as ataxia, seizures and paralysis.

Canine distemper occurs around the world not only among domesticated dogs, but also in many wild carnivores such as raccoons, skunks and foxes. “Wildlife is actually now more of a reservoir for distemper than dogs are,” says Dr. Schultz.

“The virus is spread mainly by air, or by direct contact with secretions from the infected animal. The mortality rate among puppies with distemper is 50% or higher.” On the plus side, the distemper virus is very fragile and easily destroyed by outside influences. “It doesn’t live very long in the environment,” says Dr. Schultz. “It dies very quickly because it is what we call an enveloped virus. These kinds of viruses are highly susceptible to water, disinfectant and sunlight.”

Although there is only one distemper serotype, there are several genotypes. “What this means is that, from an immunologic standpoint, it doesn’t matter which distemper infects the animal, they’re all similar; the vaccine for canine distemper can protect against the different genotypes.” Dr. Schultz adds that modified live vaccines (MLV) are most effective for distemper. “In fact there’s no question in my mind that you should be using live vaccines for most of the cores. Although attenuated, live vaccines infect and replicate, and that’s how you get immunity.”

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time it’s of medical benefit to use a titer test for canine distemper.

After that, you don’t really need to titer the animal since you can easily go five or seven years before the next vaccine.”

FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA (FPV) Although FPV is sometimes referred to as feline distemper, this terminology is misleading. “When I talk about feline ‘distemper,’ I always talk about it as feline parvo or panleukopenia,” explains Dr. Schultz. “The virus that causes this disease is essentially identical to the canine parvo virus, but not the canine distemper virus. If a dog has parvo, it can infect a cat, but this doesn’t happen with distemper.”

Most often found in kittens, FPV is a contagious and deadly disease that attacks and destroys growing cells in the intestine, blood and nervous system. It causes diarrhea, vomiting, a lowered white blood cell count, and neurological symptoms such as tremors. Kittens up to six months of age can easily die from the disease, while older cats may develop much milder signs. “There’s a tremendous age-related resistance to parvo,” says Dr. Schultz. “If the animal is less than a year old, mortality is 80% to 100%. However, I rarely see mortality

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in animals over a year of age, although I might see mild morbidity. Nevertheless, feline parvo is the one cat vaccine I absolutely insist on.”

Like canine distemper, feline parvo has worldwide distribution with outbreaks occurring most commonly in urban areas during the summer months. The disease is transmitted by direct contact, although cats can also contract FPV from the fecal matter of an infected feline. Unlike canine distemper, the parvo virus is extremely long-lived, and can remain active in the environment for months or even longer. “Parvo is what we call a naked virus and is one of the most resistant,” says Dr. Schultz. Soil contaminated with the parvo virus still has the ability to infect an animal a year later. “In fact, parvo is more often caused by environmental contamination than direct contact with an infected animal. You don’t need the infected cat to be in the environment for very long in order for it to leave the virus behind.”

As with canine distemper, MLV vaccines are very effective for preventing feline panleukopenia. “With parvo, in fact, you’d better be using live vaccines, because the killeds don’t work.”

As with other core vaccines, kittens should be vaccinated at 12 weeks. Titer testing is very effective for this disease, although challenge studies indicate that a vaccinated kitten can remain protected from feline parvo for eight years.

RABIES (RV) Unlike distemper and parvo, rabies is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, which is why rabies vaccinations are required by law throughout North America.

The virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalitis and death. Symptoms can include confusion, partial paralysis, aggressive behavior, excessive salivation and other neurological signs. Although rabies occurs worldwide, including in Asia,

Africa and Latin America, some countries such as the U.K. are rabies-free. In North America, rabies is most prevalent in the eastern portions of the continent, although cases can occur anywhere. Wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes are the major carriers. Because rabies isn’t age-related, mammals at all stages of life can be affected with the same degree of severity. The chief means of transmission is by a bite from an infected animal.

“There are multiple strains of rabies, but the important thing is that the vaccine prevents infection with all those different strains,” says Dr. Schultz. “Although the risk of infection in domesticated animals is generally low, the public health concern is the issue. That’s what drives the regulations for rabies vaccines.” As with the other core vaccines, puppies and kittens should be vaccinated at 12 weeks. Although some states and provinces have approved a three-year rabies vaccine, some still require annual re-vaccination for dogs and cats, even though the duration of immunity based on challenge studies has been shown to be three to seven years.

“The regulations vary from state to state and province to province, and even from municipality to municipality.” It’s also important to realize that a municipality might have a more restrictive requirement than the state or province it’s a part of, although not the other way around.

“Rabies titers are effective, but there’s no point running them because you’re going to have to vaccinate your animal by law anyhow,” says Dr. Schultz. However, titer testing for rabies is useful in cases where the animal has had an adverse reaction to the vaccine, or has a medical condition that could be aggravated by the vaccination. “In these situations, local municipalities will sometimes accept a letter from the vet as a reason not to vaccinate every three years, But the guardian has to understand that the animal is still considered to be non-vaccinated, and if it bit someone, it would be treated

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as such if it’s gone beyond the three years, irrespective of the vet’s letter. Even so, if you have a dog that for health reasons shouldn’t be given a rabies vaccine, it’s better to take the chance of it being quarantined for biting someone than to give the vaccine and kill the dog.”

BACK TO BASICS Vaccinations definitely have their place in disease prevention, but knowing where to draw the line is key. “I’ve seen it go from no vaccines back in the mid-1960s, to where we just kept adding one after the other,” says Dr. Schultz. The pendulum has since started swinging back again as organizations such as AAHA and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) began looking more closely at which vaccines out of the 12 for cats and 16 for dogs were really needed and why.

“We used to have one manufacturer that made a canine vaccine combo with 13 different components in it. That’s not good, and that’s why it’s not available anymore.” Now, by contrast, companies are coming out with information demonstrating that their products give duration of immunity lasting several years.

“All the major manufacturers are coming on board and saying that their core vaccines give at least three years immunity. To me, that’s the greatest gratification in the more than 25 years I’ve been doing this.”

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animal wellness

WHEN THE FUR FLIES… handling AGGRESSION in multi-cat households

by Suzanne Hetts, PhD

S

pike and Harley, two neutered male Ragdolls, have lived together most of their three-and-a-half years. But now they lead separate lives, with their guardians alternating which one gets free run of the house. The reason? Harley began harassing Spike, who is now afraid of him. An introverted cat, Spike was at first willing to play, but Harley became too pushy and threatening. Spike began hiding most of the day and also became ill because of the stress he was under.

Molly and Max, meanwhile, are two spayed Persian cats who lived together in peace for about seven months – until a neighbor’s free-roaming feline came up on the porch.

After seeing him, Max turned and attacked Molly. Now the two can’t be in the same room without fighting.

: Sh

ira C a

llah an

Both pairs of cats have also developed spraying and elimination problems secondary to their relationship upsets.

What’s going on?

Ph

oto

The causes of aggression

Ph

Redirected aggression, as in the case of Max and Molly, is a second common cause of fighting among cats. Free-roaming cats outside are a frequent trigger.

When Max couldn’t attack the outdoor cat encroaching

oto

: Ka

re n

M urp h

y

These examples illustrate two of the three most common reasons why cats in the same household may not co-exist well. Spike and Harley are mismatched personalities. When one cat is shy and intimidated by aggressive play, and the other is outgoing, assertive and fearless, problems can result. The more fearful Spike became, and the more he hissed and ran from Harley, the more Harley chased him – and a vicious circle ensued.

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on his territory, he redirected his aggression towards Molly.

It can sometimes takes months to help cats recover from an incident of redirected aggression, even if they have lived together peaceably for years.

The third most common reason for cats not getting along is territorial aggression. One cat in the family may be extremely territorial and intolerant of sharing his space with one or more cats in the household. Territorial behavior is characterized by one cat stalking and ambushing another, chasing the offending feline into hiding, and even attacking the “intruder.” These territorial attacks can result in serious injury.

What to do when feline friendships fracture

1

2

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First, prevent any more conflicts from occurring. This usually involves separating the cats in different parts of the house, but it’s important to alternate who is confined to the smaller area, and who has free run of the rest of the house. This is especially important with territorial problems; if the territorial cat has free run most of the time, it only strengthens the impression that the house is his private territory.

Next, implement a re-introduction plan that makes use of counter conditioning and desensitization techniques. Start by associating the scent of the other cat with pleasant experiences. Place towels with the scent of the opposing cats under food dishes, on favorite window perches, and in your lap if your cats like to be held and petted. If either cat avoids the scented towels, it’s a clear signal that the presence of other cat is quite upsetting, and they’re not ready to see one another.

animal wellness

3 4 5

Stage feline get-togethers on either side of the door separating the cats. Encourage both cats to approach the door in a calm, relaxed manner by offering irresistible tidbits, engaging the cats in play, or just holding and petting them. Choose whichever “good thing” your cats like most. Set up four or five of these encounters each day, lasting three to five minutes each.

Don’t force either cat to stay close to the door if they are reluctant. Your goal is to have both cats calm, cool and collected while close to the door, knowing that their nemesis is right on the other side. It may take a few days, or it may require several weeks.

The next step is to wedge the door open about an inch, so the cats can barely see one another. Repeat the same get-together procedures, gradually opening the door an inch at a time. Eventually, the cats will be able to move freely into each other’s space. Neither cat should be showing any fearful or threatening behavior; if they are, then it’s too soon to try and give them time together.

If both cats seem to be tolerating each other, it’s time to use some transition techniques to allow the cats supervised time together. A large dog crate, draped with a towel so the cats can see each other from only one side, can be helpful. Alternate which cat is in the crate, and encourage them to approach each other, as you did on either side of the door. Another option is to use collars or harnesses and leashes, but be sure to acclimatize both cats to these items while they are separated. Anchor each leash to an immovable object, being sure to locate the anchor points so the cats can come close enough to sniff each other, but not so close that one can pounce on the other.

6 7

Supervise the cats closely, and continue encouraging them with the “good things” they enjoy. Whether you use a crate or leashes, keep these encounters brief at first, perhaps no longer than 15 minutes. If the cats do well, gradually increase the length of time they are together. Adjust the anchor point locations so the cats’ areas overlap more and more. Or open the crate door, and allow the confined cat to venture out. If any chasing ensues, implement the leash system as a next step.

Do not leave the cats together unsupervised until you begin to observe friendly behaviors from both of them. Most cats can be successfully re-introduced to one another if you commit to taking “baby steps” and don’t rush the process. Be prepared to work with these techniques for several weeks, even months. If you become impatient and allow the cats too much contact before they are ready, you put their relationship at great risk.

What are some other steps you can take to prevent problems?

The most obvious is to correctly micro-manage initial introductions. Because cats are not predisposed to live in highly structured social groups as dogs do, they rarely have the social skills to easily work things out on their own.

Occasionally, short-term medication from your veterinarian may be useful.

In my experience, once fighting breaks out, herbal or pheromone applications don’t help much. These preparations may be best for preventing problems during initial introductions.

It’s also important to discourage the presence of free-roaming outdoor felines that can wreak havoc with your cats’ relationship. Use motion detectors that make loud noises or even turn on a water hose remotely.

Structure your environment to minimize competition between cats. Provide multiple locations for scratching posts, litterboxes, and resting places.

Make use of vertical space to allow the cats to increase their social distance between one another. Provide plenty of hiding places as well.

It’s important that conflicts between cats be addressed. If one cat is continually being harassed and attacked, and is afraid to come out of hiding, the stress can have significant negative effects on his health and well-being. Get professional help immediately, and don’t wait to see if things will get better on their own. Using the right approach, with lots of patience, will help ensure your felines get friendly again.

DR. SUZANNE HETTS IS A CERTIFIED APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIORIST AND CO-OWNER OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR ASSOCIATES, INC., A BEHAVIOR CONSULTING PRACTICE IN LITTLETON, COLORADO. SUZANNE IS THE AUTHOR OF BOOKS, CDS AND VIDEO TRAINING PROGRAMS, AND AN AWARD WINNING INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CAT AGGRESSION, VISIT WWW.ANIMALBEHAVIORASSOCIATES.COM FOR THEIR CDS What Cats Want: Creating Cat Friendly Environments, AND Helping Cats Co-exist: Creating Feline Friendships. BOTH ARE AVAILABLE IN AUDIO FORMAT AS WELL AS NARRATED SLIDE PRESENTATIONS PLAYABLE ON ANY PC. animal wellness

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MORE amazing stories from our first ever story contest

"The kitten and the hawk "

by Alexandra Caswell, Costa Mesa, CA My friend Erika lives in a suburban zoo. Sharing her home and yard at any point in time are no fewer than eight rescued cats, a family of raccoons, and a few opossums.

A young red-tail hawk moved into a huge ficus overhanging her garage in the summer of 2003. Some of the animals come to stay and some eventually move on, but they all seem to respect each other’s space and live fairly harmoniously.

However, one cold January morning the early quiet was suddenly shattered. Erika awoke to a screeching battle outside her bedroom window. She knew two animals were involved; she knew one was the hawk, but she could not immediately identify the second animal because the sound was so unearthly. By the time she threw on a robe and rushed to the scene, the fight had ended and the hawk had flown away, never to return. Only the desperate cries of a tiny, five-week-old kitten remained.

For six hours Erika attempted to catch the brave, wild kitten who had just fought off the hawk. Through bushes and neighbors' yards she tried to corner him, but he was a crafty little thing and kept her busy and scratched and filthy.

Finally she grabbed him, much to his alarm. First a huge hawk and now this big human! He was a fighter, so he bit right through her hand and fingernail in an attempt to escape! Erika held fast, though, and rushed him into the house, past all of the curious cats and into her quiet bedroom.

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animal wellness

Alexandra and Samson

"...one cold January morning the early quiet was suddenly shattered. "

The little kitten darted under the bed and trembled.

Erika grabbed a flashlight, got down on her hands and knees, and looked into the dark. Only one eye reflected from the bright light. The kitten had won his life from the hawk, but he had lost his left eye in the battle.

For hours Erika used almost every trick in the book to coax him out from hiding. While cooing softly, she offered him food, a tuft of rabbit fur, a ball with a bell, and every other kitty toy she had around.

He hissed and backed away from all of them until she brought out the most magic of all cat toys – the shoestring. Finally, he burst forth from under the bed and caught the string with a thunderous purr; all of the day’s events seemed to vanish from his memory and he slowly started to play and eat.

I adopted him from Erika just days after his rescue, and he bravely endured three surgeries as a result of his wound. My boyfriend named him Samson and he is now a healthy and energetic elevenmonth-old “teenager”. He is the most courageous cat I have ever known, even if he does get a little nervous when he hears a bird!

"What kind of dog is that? "

by Jannette Hofstede

Bob came into my life almost ten years ago, the result of a phone call from my veterinarian, wondering if I might be interested in a young dog who had just come to his practice. A social worker had investigated a home for child abuse, and had left with Bob, who was so dehydrated and emaciated she required immediate intravenous fluids and extensive medical testing.

Dubbed Bob, a.k.a. “Bag of bones” by the veterinary practice, she was only six months old. Once it had been determined that her problem had primarily been starvation, she was allowed to come home.

I confess, the first time I met Bob, my first thought was “that is the funniest looking dog I have ever met”. Timid, terribly thin, and untrusting, Bob spent

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most of her first week wonders of living, the with us in her crate, or joys of friendship, the behind the couch. It importance of loved took time for her to Rescuers found Bob, (left) dying of starvation, but in her new home, she ones, and the value of blossomed into a trusting, loving member of the family. realize she was allowed a safe home. to eat, and that loud noises didn’t mean something bad would follow. Bob Two years ago, Bob was diagnosed with melanoma, immediately trusted other dogs and cats; in fact she and we were told it was “a matter of time.” My family loved all animals. Puppy playgroup helped her come out immediately started grieving, and we started talking of her shell. Companions to Jack Russells and golden about how we could possibly cope without Bob. Once retrievers would ask me “what kind of dog is that?” again, Bob showed us the way. Bob doesn’t care that she has cancer. She still enjoys lying in the sun in the Bob is the first dog in my household whose timid yard, nose raised to the breeze. She enjoys her meals, attempts at begging at the table were greeted with and still play bows to her canine friends. Bob is ready rejoicing. It wasn’t until she was eight years old that I to experience life and love in all its wonder, day by day, first found her small muzzle at my knee under the dinner and miraculously, she is still with us. So now, when table. I know how much it takes for Bob to hesitantly someone asks me “what kind of dog IS that?” I say, sniff the hand of a human stranger in the street, and it Bob is the best kind of dog. Bob is love! is an event that occurs with greater frequency as time passes. Bob has helped my family and me remember the

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animal wellness

2005 SCHEDULE MARCH APRIL MAY

Vegitarianism for Animals Aggressive Cats Treatment for Arthritis

JUNE

Natural Garden & Lawns

JULY

Vaccinations

AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

High Cholesterol Special Needs Diets Yoga for Dogs

NOVEMBER

Toxic Toys vs. Good Toys

DECEMBER

Top 10 Animal Gifts for 2005

To find a radio station in your area, go to:

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ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

Inside this issue:

• Animal Communicators • Animal Health Care • Holistic Veterinarians

• Internet E-Tailers • Natural Product Manufacturers • Shelters & Rescues

• Trainers & Behaviorists

Animal Communicators

Pets Point of View Yucca Valley, CA USA Phone: 760-365-7472 Email: morrisons@e-universe.com Web site: www.alternativesforanimals.com/ask-anexpert.html

ONTARIO

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Animal Energy Lynn McKenzie Victoria, BC Canada Phone: 416-219-3803 Email: lynn@animalenergy.com Web site: www.animalenergy.com International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing

CALIFORNIA

Grief support, Behavior problems, Tutoring for Animal Communicators. Helping Pets & People.

COLORADO

Sue Hopple Monument, CO USA Phone: 719-481-3917 Email: hop_house@msn.com Behavioral, health and lost animals. Workshops/Lectures.

Shamanic Practitioner.

Jim Prudom Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: 519-570-9150 Email: james.prudom@wcdsb.edu.on.ca Therapeutic Touch, Craniosacral, Flower Essences, Tellington Ttouch

Sue Becker Kitchener, ON Canada Phone: 519-896-2600 Email: suebecker@cyg.net Reg’d. Practitioner of Bach Flower Remedies, Tellington TTouch

OREGON

ILLINOIS

Carol Schultz Plainfield, IL USA Phone: 815-254-8325 Email: carol@carolschultz.com Web site: www.carolschultz.com

Wellness Resource Guide

Wellness Resource Guide

Nationwide consultations, Workshops/Training

MARYLAND

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TEXAS

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���������������������������������� ������������

MONTANA

WASHINGTON

Morgine Jurdan Communications With Love Amboy, WA USA Phone: 360-247-7284 Email: morgine@tds.net Web site: www.communicationswithlove.com Workshops/Training

NEW YORK Jean Connelly Companion Animal Care Sherman Oaks, CA USA Phone: 818-785-4218 Email: jeanconnelly@earthlink.net

Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Syracuse, NY USA Phone: 315-329-0116 Email: jdefonda@ark-angels.org

WISCONSIN

Usui Reiki Master & IET (Integrated Energy Therapy) Practitioner - energy healing with Love

Animal Communication, transition and Grief Support, emotional and behavioral Problems, Pet sitting in THEIR home

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

animal wellness

53

Wellness Resource Guide

Animal Healthcare - Holistic Veterinarians

Animal Healthcare BRITISH COLUMBIA

OHIO

Integrated Touch Therapy Circleville, OH USA Toll Free: 800-251-0007 Phone: 740-474-6436 Email: wshaw1@bright.net Web site: www.integratedtouchtherapy.com Animal Massage Workshops

ONTARIO CALIFORNIA

Animal Therapies Crestline, CA USA Phone: 909-338-1928 Email: animaltherapies@aol.com Web site: www.animaltherapies.com

Specializing in Homeopathy & Nutrition

Susan Draffan Shining Spirits Ojai, CA USA Phone: 805-646-2690 Email: Susan@ShiningSpirits.net Web site: www.ShiningSpirits.net Vibrational Essence Therapy and Formulas, Interspecies Communication, Seminars

CONNECTICUT

Dr. Mary Anne Staples, BA, DC, CAC Cavan, ON Canada Phone: 705-944-5439 Email: staples4@trytel.net Chiropractic services for all animals

PENNSYLVANIA ILLINOIS

Massage, Acupressure, Reiki, Essential Oils, Raindrop Therapy, & Integrated Therapies for Dogs, Cats, Horses and more.

Dyanna McCain, DVET HOM Holistic Animal Healing Santa Monica, CA USA Phone: 310-863-2300 Email: parislivery@dslextreme.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TEXAS

Holistic Animal Intuitive Marti Miller Austin, TX USA Phone: 512-740-3750 Email: marti2heal@austin.rr.com Web site: www.marti2heal.com Specializing in nutrition, health issues, behavior, and euthanasia decisions.

Transfer Factor Gitta Vaughn San Antonio, TX USA Phone: 210-394-0738 Email: gittavaughn@earthlink.net Web site: www.gittavaughn.com

KENTUCKY

Horizon Veterinary Services Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: 502-722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Web site: www.horizonvetserv.com

MASSACHUSETTS

Patented, natural formulas support and educate the immune system.

ILLINOIS

Dachshund Orthopedic Disc Group Linda Stowe Champaign, IL USA Phone: 217-359-7148 Email: lstowe@uiuc.edu Web site: http://www.dodgerslist.com/ Help fight dachshund disc disease

MASSACHUSETTS

Holistic Veterinarians CALIFORNIA

NEW JERSEY

Mark Newkirk, VMD Margate Animal Hospital & Alternative Care Center Margate City, NJ USA Phone: 609-823-3031 Email: MNewk@aol.com Web site: www.alternativevet.com Aquapuncture, Bach Flower Remedies, Cancer Therapies, Chiropractic, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathic, Metabolic Balancing

ONTARIO

Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: 905-830-1030 Email: drautumn@sympatico.ca

NEW MEXICO

Bera Dordoni, N.D. Bernalillo, NM USA Phone: 505-867-5616 Email: bera@singingdoctor.com Web site: www.singingdoctor.com Massage, energy work & nutritional counseling for dogs & their people

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Bach Remedies, Clinical Nutrition, Herbs, Homeopathy, Physical Therapies

Burgess Veterinary Mobile Services Dundas, ON Canada Phone: 905-379-3824 Email: bmagyar@sympatico.ca Web site: www.burgessvet.com Acupuncture, Animal communication, Flower essences, QXCI Biofeedback therapy,Reiki Nutritional Counselling

Holistic Veterinarians - Natural Product Manufacturers, Distributors & Retailers

Homeopathy, Nutrition, Food Sensitivity Testing, Flower Essences, Herbalism, TTouch

East York Animal Clinic Toronto, ON Canada Phone: 416 757 3569 Email: eyac@ca.inter.net Web site: www.holisticpetvet.com

TEXAS

Harwood Oaks Animal Clinic Bedford, TX USA Phone: 817-354-7676 Web site: www.harwoodoaksanimalclinic.com Acupuncture, Bowen, Essential oils, Nutritional support

Natural Products -

Manufacturers, Distributors & Retailers

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Internet E-Tailers

Acupuncture, Bach Flower Remedies, Chiropractic Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Reiki, Therapeutic Nutrition

Essex Animal Clinic Janice Huntingford, DVM Essex, ON Canada Phone: 519-776-7325 Email: mjberrill@essexanimalclinic.com Web site: www.essexanimalclinic.com Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional & Alternative Medicine & Surgery, Holistic Medicine, Physio & Rehab Therapies

Goderich Veterinary Clinic Goderich , ON Canada Phone: 519-524-2631 Email: holistic@hurontel.on.ca Complementary Medicine, Homeopathy

Guelph Animal Hospital Guelph, ON Canada Phone: 519-836-2782 Email: info@guelphvet.com Web site: www.guelphvet.com Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Massage, Therapeutic Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine

PENNSYLVANIA

Nature of the Pet Margaret C. Williams Fresno, CA USA Phone: 559-455-1170 Email: sales@natureofthepet.com Web site: www.natureofthepet.com All things good for your pet

Gulf Island Dog Biscuit Co. Richmond, BC Canada Phone: 604-276-9799 Email: info@gidbc.ca Web site: www.gidbc.ca Grain-Free - using organic ingredients, no perservatives or additives

Wellness Resource Guide

Cynthia Harcourt, DVM Queensville, ON Canada Phone: 905-478-1995

CALIFORNIA

Dharma Dog Sonora, CA USA Phone: 209-532-5081 Email: dharmadog@pacbell.net Web site: www.dharmadog.com

Only Natural

Raw diets, supplements, training, treats & toys, flower essences, homeopathic remedies

Pet Store

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RHODE ISLAND

CONNECTICUT

GEORGIA

SitStay.com Lincoln, NE USA Toll Free: 800-SITSTAY Phone: 402-467-3426 Email: darcie@sitstay.com Web site: www.sitstay.com Online E-tailer

The Fur Side Decatier, GA USA Phone: 404-687-0660 Email: furside@aol.com Web site: www.furside.com Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

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Natural Product Manufacturers, Distributors & Retailers - Trainers & Behaviorists

Wellness Resource Guide

ILLINOIS

NEW YORK

ARIZONA

Morning Starr Animal Sanctuary, Inc. Cornville, AZ USA Phone: 928-821-3420 Email: fran@morningstarr.org Web site: www.morningstarr.org Whiskers Holistic Pet Products New York, NY USA Toll Free: 800-944-7537 Phone: 212-979-2532 Email: healthypet@msn.com

OREGON

Natures Balance to Equine Care Estacada, OR USA Toll Free: 866-821-0374 Phone: 503-630-3744 Email: info@NaturesBalanceCare.com Web site: www.NaturesBalanceCare.com

CALIFORNIA

Friends For Pets Foundation Sun Valley, CA USA Phone: 818-767-5919 Email: friendsforpets@yahoo.com Web site: www.friendsforpets.org

MASSACHUSETTS

SASKATCHEWAN

MAINE

Dakota’s Dejeuner Portland, ME USA Phone: 207-773-4344 Email: deedee@dakotasdejeuner.com Web site: www.dakotasdejeuner.com Wean & aid your pets off commercial food onto a raw diet with all natural, homemade Dakota’s Dejeuner!

The Urban Carnivoire Saskatoon, SK Canada Toll Free: 888-665-0856 Phone: 306-665-0856 Email: info@urbancarnivoire.com Web site: www.urbancarnivoire.com Call for a retail location

SOUTH CAROLINA

NEW JERSEY

The Well-Healed PET Claire Coppola Kinnelon, NJ USA Phone: 973-492-8450 Email: claire@canine-site.com Web site: www.canine-site.com Essential Oils for healthy/happy pets.

Young Living member #787163

NEW MEXICO

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Shelters/Rescues

animal wellness

WASHINGTON Happy Tails Animal Rescue Goldendale, WA USA Phone: 509-773-4102 Email: toni@happytailsrescue.com Web site: www.happytailsrescue.com Rottweiler Rescue

WISCONSIN K9 Lifeline Genoa City, WI USA Phone: 262-279-0000 Email: k9lifelinerescue@aol.com Web site: www.k9.petfinder.org

WISCONSIN

Trainers & Behaviorists CALIFORNIA

Special needs diets – Stop the itch with food from scratch

by Audi Donamor “No wheat, no corn, no soy, no yeast.” That’s the mantra that rang in my head each time the phone rang, or an e-mail popped into my mailbox. One by one, animal guardians were beginning to question the use of standard drugs every time their pets had an itch, a hot spot, inflamed ears, runny eyes, gastrointestinal problems, and a host of other ailments. People were beginning to examine pet allergies in a different light, tearing away the band-aid approach and reaching beneath the skin to the core of the problem.

Photo: Natalie Stephenson

An allergy is defined as a “hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen.” The effects may be immediate or delayed, but either way, they can reduce animal guardians to tears of frustration as they try to soothe their companion’s scratching and licking, or cope with episodes of vomiting and diarrhea.

While many things can lead to an allergic response, from vaccinations and fleas to pollen, pesticides and herbicides, household cleaning products, synthetic carpets, and even plastic bowls, veterinary offices are flooded with animals whose diets are the root cause of allergic symptoms.

The elimination diet Feeding test diets and monitoring clinical signs can be more reliable than laboratory tests for dietary allergies.

Laboratory tests include radioallergosorbent (RAST) tests to identify specific foods causing an allergy, blood tests to measure levels of the IgA antibody coating, and skin tests that evaluate reactions to specific foods.

Your ultimate goal is to determine the specific food or foods causing problems for your animal, and an elimination diet puts you in the driver’s seat. However, it requires a lot of commitment and patience, since you must be prepared to stick to it for 8 to 12 weeks. Also, every person who comes into contact with your animal is part of the experience. Everyone must be told that your animal is not to be given any food item other than those you have designated as “safe.” This also means you have to stop your current feeding program, including table scraps, some medications and supplements

(which may contain fillers that could cause an allergic reaction), all treats, and anything else that could be considered a food item.

In addition, from this day forward, your animal becomes the subject of the next great novel, because it is essential to write down in a journal absolutely everything that could have an impact on him, including the daily weather report, where you take your dog for a walk, animals you have met along the way, any soaps or sprays your animal may have been exposed to… anything! It may seem a lot of work, but it will help you pinpoint the one or more things that have been making life miserable for your companion.

An elimination diet means just that, so what do you animal wellness

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feed your animal? Tried and true elimination diet plans can be found in Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, Dr. Donald Strombeck’s Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative, Dr. Martin Goldstein’s The Nature of Animal Healing, and Dr. Shawn Messonnier’s The Allergy Solution for Dogs. Basically, you have the job of selecting one protein and one carbohydrate that your animal has never been exposed to before. Start by reading every label on everything your animal has eaten, or may have eaten, and make a list in your journal.

Alternative protein sources can play a role New protein sources could include buffalo, emu, ostrich, rabbit, mutton, venison, and duck, while carbohydrates could include everything from gluten-free brown rice, amaranth, buckwheat, millet and quinoa, to low-gluten kamut and spelt or even teff, a tiny dark grain from Ethiopia and East Africa, recognized

Helping Tango Tango, a 31/2-year-old Irish setter, suffered from chronic ear infections, which caused a yeasty smell and a black, waxy discharge. She would shake her head to and fro, and in the obedience ring, she could not do her long sit or long down, because she was too busy scratching her ears. Antibiotics were a daily ritual.

Along with the exasperating ear issue, Tango’s skin had patches of red, her belly had some inflammation, and her eyes weren’t clear. Her guardian was determined to find something that would work for her special girl. She did research and asked lots of questions, and was lucky to have a very supportive veterinarian, who tried to help Tango, but nothing seemed to work.

Fortunately, Tango’s guardian had kept notes about her, so when we started working together, we had a base to work from. If your animal companion has allergies, keeping a journal is a great way to determine what works and what doesn’t. Over time, we learned that Tango tolerated salmon well, so that became our first protein. We found out Tango could not tolerate raw chicken, but if the chicken was cooked, that was okay. Beef was just too “hot to handle” and Tango couldn’t tolerate wheat, but other cooked whole organic grains, such as oats and brown rice, were just fine. Root vegetables were completely out.

Supplements that worked really well for Tango included borage oil and wild salmon oil, along with vitamins B and E, and dairy free acidophilus. Tuna, salmon, and sardines made up the protein source in her homemade treats.

Tango’s diet was built slowly, one step at a time and today this gorgeous Irish setter is a different dog. Now five years old, Tango is happy and healthy, and excels in a variety of performance areas, including obedience and agility.

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for its high iron content and also containing protein, calcium, copper, and zinc. The choice is up to you, but once made, you need to stick to it, along with filtered, spring, or other non-chlorinated water. ™

A 20-pound dog, for example, may be given a daily diet of 1/2 cup rabbit, with 3 cups of boiled potatoes with their skins left on. You can use 2 cups of cooked long grain rice in place of the potatoes.

Sample elimination diet treat recipe for dogs

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Ingredients: 2 cups puréed hormone- and antibiotic-free protein source such as venison, rabbit, turkey, mutton, ostrich, bison, and emu 2 cups organic flour such as brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, spelt, potato 1/2 cup filtered water Preheat oven to 325°F degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the meat and filtered water in a food processor or blender, and whirl until smooth. Add flour a little at a time, so it is well incorporated into the meat. The dough will be a bit sticky. Turn dough out onto a well-floured board or counter. Make small balls of dough, roll in flour, then roll out the dough as you would clay, making pencil shapes that are as small or large as you like, depending on the size of your dog. Take a sharp knife and cut treats, then place them on the cookie sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes, then turn down oven to 175°F degrees and bake for another 30 minutes.

Turn off the oven and allow the treats to cool completely, before removing them from the oven, and storing them in a Ziplock bag or container in the refrigerator. These treats can be easily dehydrated, so that refrigeration is not necessary.

If you are lucky, your companion’s problems will begin to improve in a few weeks, which means you can then be fairly certain there was something in his old diet that was triggering his allergies. If fairly certain isn’t good enough for you, try reintroducing the original feeding program. If symptoms reappear within 7 to 14 days, you have confirmation of a food allergy. Or, once your animal is doing well on his elimination diet, new foods can be added one at a time, and you can then carefully monitor him for any adverse reactions. Don’t forget to write everything down. continued on next pg.

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Re-introducing supplements When bringing supplements back into your animal’s diet, take a look at fish body oil, evening primrose oil, and borage oil, essential fatty acids that are known to have a positive impact on allergies. You may also want to consider Animals’ Apawthecary Herbal Formulations for dogs and cats; these are pure vegetable glycerin based, low alcohol extracts. Their Detox Blend contains burdock, dandelion, milk thistle seed, red clover, alfalfa and licorice in a balanced tonic formula to help cleanse and support the liver, blood, and digestive system in cases of chronic allergies, skin disorders, or other toxicity-related imbalances. If you’d like to learn more about how herbs can help alleviate allergies, read All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets by Gregory L. Tilford and Mary L. Wulff-Tilford.

Just like you and me, animals can develop a food allergy at any time. It could happen today, tomorrow, or next year. Managing a food allergy means always being on the watch for problems, but knowing what to look for and what to do about it goes a long way towards helping your companion stay healthy and happy.

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We began this quest some years ago with a concept based upon creating a pet food that would offer our own pets a diet that was not only highly nutritious but would also include WHOLESOME NATURAL INGREDIENTS and only have the HIGHEST GRADE of animal protein meals available.

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REACHING OUT TO YOUR HORSE can help solve behavior problems

by Anna Twinney

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ne of my clients recently told me the story of her young paint colt. She and her husband would often go on trail rides, but when they came to a stream, her colt would head right over and begin to lie down, literally immersing himself in the water. She was quite distraught about the situation and wanted it solved. This is just one example of the kinds of problems that people often ask me to help them with. They have a horse they can’t handle and have tried everything to “fix” the trouble, but the horse will not stop the unwanted behavior.

to look at how a wild horse behaves. Horses have survived through history by using instinct, adaptation and an effective non-verbal language that goes well beyond the unspoken.

When observing horses in a natural habitat, you’ll see them running, bucking, rearing, kicking and biting one another out of play. You will witness their curious, gregarious nature, along with their social interaction. You will not see them stallwalking, weaving or wind-sucking!

To begin addressing these issues, I always ask my clients

It is crucial to remember that these majestic creatures have been taken out of their natural environment and placed in a completely unfamiliar world. A horse’s instincts have been honed over the 54 million years they have inhabited this planet, and the relatively short time they have lived in domestication is not enough to change the behaviors that have served them so long. Yet without giving it a second thought, we force them to go against these natural instincts and behavior patterns.

You’ll see how difficult this is if you take a moment to imagine yourself as a free-roaming horse:

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Horses follow their natural instincts

Your natural behavior

Human demands

You are used to roaming several miles a day

…now you are confined to a 12’x12’ stall

You normally graze 16 to 18 hours a day

…now you are on a scheduled feeding regime

Your feet are your most valuable tools of defense

…now you are told to give up your defense and pick up your feet

You are sociable and love interaction and mutual grooming

…now you are too valuable to be turned out with others

You have learned to protect yourself by fleeing. If you cannot flee, you fight by kicking, biting or bucking

…now you are introduced to your first saddle, and when you try to deter the “predator” by bucking – you are reprimanded!

The author uses body language to communicate with horses and solve behavioral problems.

Many of the “problems” we see in domesticated horses are just natural behaviors coming to the fore. Cribbing, for example, can be classed as a form of grazing. A cribbing horse may be lacking jaw movement and exercise and because of that may start to chew other parts of his surroundings. The horse who “stall walks” or “weaves” is exercising his natural instinct to steadily forage. Understanding your horse’s natural behaviors and survival instincts will help you to better approach his “problems” and “vices.”

As horse lovers, trainers, riders and managers, it is our responsibility to investigate all possibilities. If you are working with someone else’s horse, it is obviously useful to know something about his background from his people, but you should then place that information in the back of your mind. It is far more important to read what the horse is telling you. Although his background may explain some of the behaviors you observe, it is only the horse who can tell you the true story.

Helping the paint colt I used this approach when dealing with the young paint colt. I determined that he had had some handling and training, but there was no mention of any accidents. I next needed to assess his physical well-being to see if the root cause lay in injury or pain.

With all “problems” such as these we need to consider every possibility, including an inexperienced or even abusive rider, low workload versus high energy, an incorrect feeding schedule, back pain, an ill-fitting saddle, dentistry needs, heat cycles and hormones. These issues can usually be addressed by equine chiropractors, tack fitters, nutritionalists and other equine specialists.

I next conducted a round-pen session with the young colt using the Reach Out to Horses® method. To begin with, he was a little head-shy and reluctant to take the head-collar. It became apparent he had pain in his head, neck, withers and back area. He also informed me through his language, motion and energy that he was very sore throughout his entire body.

As I shared with the clients what this young colt was expressing, they told me that when saddling him with a Western Saddle a year prior to this, he had flipped over and landed on his back. After the incident, they continued to ride him intermittently. This explained why he was seeking to lie down in the cold water – he was trying to relieve his discomfort. In fact, this young colt was particularly forgiving: he tolerated a high degree of discomfort and was “shouting” to his people to take notice. I was happy to finally be able to get his message across to them, and through conventional and alternative healing methods his issues were resolved.

Once his pain was alleviated and he regained his confidence, he gained a new animal wellness

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understanding and stopped associating saddles and riders with discomfort. He also began to view his people as allies to be trusted. In listening to your horse and trying to understand his motives, you may find the answers to his own behavior problems in the same way.

To help you with some of the issues you may be having, here are some questions you can use as guidelines: 1. When/where did the change in behavior begin?

2. How did it manifest?

3. Who is responsible for the problem?

4. Why was this problem created?

5. What are we going to do to change it?

“Reaching out to your horse” will restore his trust and confidence in humans. It is the foundation of all communication, and can take many forms. It will not only allow you to read and communicate with your horse while building a trust-based relationship, but also helps you assess his character and health.

ANNA TWINNEY IS AN EQUINE SPECIALIST, NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP CLINICIAN AND INTUITIVE HEALER. SHE HAS STUDIED THE HORSE’S COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR NEARLY A DECADE, AND HAS HELPED GENTLE MUSTANGS AT A WILD HORSE SANCTUARY IN CALIFORNIA. ANNA HAS WORKED WITH MANY CLINICIANS ON NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP AND ANIMAL COMMUNICATION, AND HAS INSTRUCTED OVER 1,500 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE REACH OUT TO HORSES® PROGRAM, SEE WWW.REACHOUTTOHORSES.COM OR E-MAIL ANNA@REACHOUTTOHORSES.COM

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animal communication

AT THE PAWS OF A MASTER – Tips on Communication

by Sharon Callahan

A

s I entered my teenage years in the mid 1950s, I was on the threshold of losing my grip on the deep bond of communion I had felt with animals throughout childhood. It was at this crucial juncture that my father presented me with a copy of the book Kinship With All Life.

Kinship begins as author J. Allen Boone reluctantly accepts an assignment care-taking the film star dog, Strongheart. In no time at all, Boone begins to wonder who is care-taking whom. The intelligent Strongheart is able to read his every thought and feeling. But how, Boone wonders, will he break the seeming barrier that prevents him from receiving Strongheart’s communications to him. He reads all the correct manuals and books but nothing proves forthcoming until he consults a mystical character known as Mojavi Dan. From Dan, Boone learns that the secret to interspecies communication is humility.

“There’s facts about dogs,” Dan says, “and there’s opinions about them. Dogs have the facts and the humans have the opinions. If you want facts about a dog, always get them straight from the dog.”

With faith and trust, Boone returns home and the magnificent German shepherd leads him through a series of initiations into the fine art of true inter-species communion. Boone discovers that communicating with Strongheart has nothing to do with either of them learning a new trick, a “foreign” language, or talking “up” or “down” to one another, but is a matter of un-learning; becoming a child again.

Below are some tips I have gleaned from putting the lessons of Kinship into practice in my own life. The tips are not mine, nor, I am sure, would Mr. Boone claim them. They come straight from the wisdom of animals themselves.

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TIP 1

Set aside human conceit and free yourself from the cage of your thoughts and beliefs.

It has been said, “every man has his cage to share with other animals.” The cage that restricts us is our conditioned mind.

In order to allow animals to communicate with us, we must forget everything we have been taught or learned about human intellectual superiority and open instead to the possibility that each being, no matter how their physical form may differ from our own, is a unique and intelligent expression of the one great Universal Intelligence. If we can accept this, we are on our way to freedom from the “cage” of thinking that separates us from the vast number of other beings with whom we share the world.

This step is simple, but not easy. Since childhood, our minds have been programmed to label, separate and classify. Each label and classification adds a bar to the cage that separates us from the wisdom of other creatures and the intelligence of All That Is. It takes practice and discipline to train ourselves to focus past the bars of the conditioned mind.

TIP 2

Open your "third ear.”

As we train ourselves to remove the bars of our conditioned mind, we must also revive the lost art of listening; listening with the ear of the heart rather than our physical ears. The ear of the heart picks up the universal language spoken through all beings.

This language is delicate and refined…like a whisper. Speaking, listening to the speech of others, reading words and running our own internal dialogue have their place, but such activity creates a barrier that surrounds us like a fog and renders us impermeable to the whispers of other beings. To open the

animal communication “third ear” we must simply practice stillness. See the sidebar on this page for some suggestions on facilitating stillness.

TIP 3

Shift from a focus on the physical to a focus on the mental.

Next we shift our focus to the mental rather than the physical part of our animal friend, viewing her mind and our own as extensions of the One Universal Mind, each with a capacity for development and expression that is unlimited. As we practice this new way of perceiving with our animal friends, we will find that they begin to grow past the limitations of their physical bodies to which we restricted them by our former view.

TIP 4

Open a two-way channel of communication.

As we make the shift from viewing our animal friend as different, or of lesser intelligence, we will find the channels of communication flowing not only from our mind to the animal’s but from the animal’s to our own. Our thoughts and the thoughts of our animal companion and all other beings will merge and mingle in a beautiful and intimate communion like the natural and effortless ebb and flow of the tides. We will think a thought and a response will come, from our dog, our cat, or a bird that suddenly flits through our yard.

TIP 5

Allow the animal “first communion.”

Listening to animals is of far greater importance than having them listen to us. They have wisdom to share that hasn’t had a receptive ear for eons. If we allow our animal companions to speak, and train ourselves to hear them, the mere grace of our giving them a voice will clear up much of what we perceive to be “behavior problems.” Even physical challenges will dissolve or lessen in severity as we give the animals a receptive ear. Remind yourself to forget everything you have heard about how animals communicate and simply allow the animal to respond in her own time and her own unique way.

Her response may come as a thought in your mind that isn’t your own. If you have diligently practiced stillness, when this happens it will be obvious.

She may also present you with an image or series of images like a little movie vignette, or she may give you a “feeling message” like a sudden sense of sadness or joy. Her response may also come as a sudden sensation in your physical body that is telling you something about her experience.

When you receive a communication from an animal companion, resist analysis; simply accept the communication with gratitude. This keeps the ordinary mind from taking over again, which it will tend to do at the least chance.

TIP 6

Spend time practicing with animals other than your own.

Mr. Boone’s wonderful experience with Strongheart was enhanced, I

How to achieve stillness

For at least part of each day, allow yourself to do absolutely nothing. Let go of all activities and worries. Turn off the TV, the background music, the telephone, the computer and your thinking mind. Allow yourself to languish in solitude, preferably in a special location conducive to this purpose.

This could be a space in your house that is quiet and tranquil or a special place in your yard or in nature. Invite your animal friend to join you in this silent reverie. Don’t expect anything particular to happen, just rest with your friend in the beauty and silence of your special place. Observe the tendency of your mind to return to its thinking process. In a light and playful way, bring your consciousness back into the silence of the moment. One good way to refocus your mind in the present moment is to focus on your own breath.

Bring your attention to the cool feeling on the tip of your nose as you inhale, and the warmth against the tip of your nose as you exhale. If you keep this up for a time, it will naturally bring you to stillness.

If your mind is still too unruly to settle down, try singing, humming or toning. Giving yourself permission to sing is a wonderfully freeing experience, and it brings you closer to the meaning behind language, which is the state animals naturally abide in. Singing offers the mind just a little something to do while we practice stillness.

Note….

Photo: Linda DesMarais

As well as J. Allen Boone’s books Kinship With All Life, Letters to Strongheart, and The Language of Silence, many wonderful books are available today that teach the art of stillness. Some of the simplest and most practically useful are from Nobel Peace Prize nominee and best-selling author Thich Nhat Hanh.

His titles include: Present Moment, Wonderful Moment, Being Peace, Cultivating the Mind of Love, The Heart of Understanding and The Miracle of Mindfulness.

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animal communication Follow the example of St. Francis St. Francis, the patron of animals and nature, said: “If your heart were pure, then all of life would be to you a book of Divine Wisdom.” Purity of heart is a heart of humility and stillness, open like a child’s to the wonder and intelligence of all beings. J. Allen Boone opened in humility to the wisdom of Strongheart and then to the wisdom communications of all beings. As we approach our animal companions and all animals with humility, stillness and wonder, the true magic of life will unfold before us.

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believe, because the dog was not his, so he was less inclined to project an overlay of emotion as we often do when we have lived intimately with the same animal for years. He could approach his relationship with Strongheart with a sense of curiosity rather than concern. Practice your communication skills with a neighbor’s animal or a wild animal in the beginning stages of your exploration.

Animals will most often “speak” only when they really have something to say, or in response to your heartfelt inquiry. This is not because they are less intelligent, but rather because animals are natural contemplatives. They can be our most valuable meditation teachers, because their minds do not run away with them every minute. Between communications, they will naturally return to a silent state of contemplation.

If you have worked with a professional animal communicator you may feel that the simple communications you receive from your animal are deficient in length or content compared to the communicator’s, but this is not so. If an animal hasn’t had an opportunity to communicate and is suddenly presented with an outlet such as a communicator, she may seize the opportunity to spill her life story in all its detail. Having done so, she will relax, heal, and return to simplicity. Simple communications are often the most useful and profound, and you are with your animal all the time so the flow of communication will become a natural part of your daily life. Keep an open mind and trust what you receive.

SHARON CALLAHAN IS A WORLD-RENOWNED ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR AND THE CREATOR OF ANAFLORA FLOWER ESSENCES. SHE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF Healing Animals Naturally with Flower Essences and Intuitive Listening.VISIT HER WEBSITE AT anaflora.com

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safe haven

A crate can be a

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for your canine companion

by Doug and Elizabeth Simpson

Relaxing in your favorite chair is a pleasure you look forward to. A crate can provide just the same haven of comfort to your dog. It’s natural for a dog to use a den as a refuge, and a crate can serve as an excellent substitute, becoming a warm, safe, quiet hideaway.

Good crate training can make both your life and your dog’s much easier. If you introduce him to the crate in a positive manner, it can become a valuable tool for you as well as a source of security for him. Keep in mind, though, that crates can be abused: if the dog feels he is being punished or abandoned to the crate, he may never be comfortable in it. You must also balance his time in the crate with quality time spent with you.

What to look for when choosing a crate

Plastic ‘Airline’ crates with solid sides create a true den-like environment. They provide adequate ventilation, good shade, and are easy to clean. Some dogs prefer a more closed environment, while others may chew through the plastic walls. Look

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for strong, easy-to-operate doors and latches.

Metal grates are well ventilated, but heavy. They can be broken down for storage or transportation. Some dogs do not like them because they are too open, while others prefer them because they can easily see all around them. Dogs who panic can really damage themselves if they paw or chew on the hard rails.

Mesh kennels are fairly new on the market and are lightweight, breathable, attractive and highly portable, and usually break down easily for storage. They’re only good for older dogs who have proven themselves trustworthy not to chew or claw their way through the mesh.

How do I crate train my dog?

Whether you’re training a young puppy or an older dog to use a crate, time and patience are crucial. Every dog is different, and each is going to react in his own unique way. Pups can be easier to train, while some older dogs might have past memories of crates and will either love them or hate them.

Crate training usually takes one to three days if you are consistent, persistent, patient and kind.

Before starting, consider these general rules and precautions: •The crate should be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down in.

•Never leave a collar on a crated dog – he can hang himself too easily.

•All interactions with the crate should be positive.

•Always praise your dog when he enters the crate – all steps in the right direction should be rewarded.

•Keep the crate available to your dog so he can choose to go in whenever he wants.

•Whining and barking can be ignored, or stopped with a ‘startle’ noise and a firm “quiet.”

•Do not “coo” or look at the dog when he is complaining – this rewards bad behavior.

•Do not shove him in the crate and abandon him, thinking he’ll just get over it.

•Do not put your dog in the crate and leave the house until he has proven that he accepts it. Even then, leave for only short periods, and gradually increase the time you’re away.

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•If your dog soils the crate, it could mean the crate is too large, or he was in it too long. It could also mean he wasn’t eased into the training and is stressing out.

Day One

The crate should be on the floor with the door open or off, and in an area commonly used by the family (in the bedroom at night). Begin by throwing toys beside and inside the crate while playing with your dog, and feed him in front of or inside the crate, placing the bowl as far in as he will tolerate.

When your dog is sleepy, put him inside the crate and lie down on your stomach with your head blocking the doorway. Pretend you’re napping, too; block your dog’s attempts to escape. Stay calm, and don’t make eye contact. Within a few minutes, he should lie down and sleep, especially if a nap is what he needs. As soon as he falls asleep, go about your business, but leave the crate door open. Be aware that when he wakes up, he will need a potty break.

Day Two

Keep throwing toys and occasional treats into and beside the crate, and feed him as far inside as he will tolerate, but don’t shut the door unless he’s comfortable.

All naps should be taken inside the crate. As a cue, say “kennel up,” or whatever other word or phrase you prefer. Reward him with a treat and a warm voice after he obeys the command and gets into the crate. animal wellness

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Crating tips Crate training has many advantages: •Keeps your puppy safe and out of trouble when you can’t watch him.

•Keeps him safe and contained in the car, and when traveling in general.

•Wonderful for potty training, since pups will not naturally soil their den.

•Gives you a break when you are overwhelmed by puppy energy.

•Helpful when visiting or at the vet’s as it gives the pup a place to feel safe.

•Helps calm insecure or nervous dogs, and those frightened of thunder.

•Fends off separation anxiety by teaching your dog to be alone and to entertain himself.

•The crate becomes a familiar home that travels

Day Three

Repeat the above steps. While watching TV, reading, or at the computer, put the crate beside you, ask your dog to “kennel up,” and give him a few toys. Shut the door. If he barks you can either ignore him or stop it with a “startle,” a short sharp noise like a clap, an intense (but not loud) “hey,” or a light smack to the side of the crate. Dogs will typically only challenge you three to five times and then submit, so be patient. When he has been quiet for a little while, let him out and praise his efforts. Lots of short periods in the crate will help him understand that it doesn’t mean you are leaving him for hours, and he will be more cooperative about going in. Vary the time by confining him two minutes one time and 15 the next. Try to increase the periods your dog stays in the crate, and the distance you are away from it. This will ready him for the longer times you have to be gone. Do not expect young puppies to be good in a crate for much longer than the length of a nap – they just don’t have that much bladder control.

Remember that all dogs are different – some won’t flinch at crates while others can easily be frightened. If the initial introduction is fun and comforting, your dog will come to enjoy his den as much as you enjoy your favorite armchair.

with him everywhere.

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Ruff Wear (www.ruffwear.com) – has dog tents called Mutt Huts.

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Keep in mind that: •The crate is not a replacement for responsible training – avoiding problems does not teach.

•Never use the crate for punishment, as this

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animal passages

Nitro’s legacy of love

by Jo-Anne Sauve

About a year and a half ago, I felt the need to save a life and started searching the Internet for dog rescue sites. I found a greyhound site, and the more I read the more I wanted one. I contacted the nearest rescue, and after filling out forms, passing the home visit, and waiting three weeks while my dog was being fostered, we went to pick him up.

Enter Nitro…a very special boy.

Being new greyhound guardians, we weren’t sure just what to expect, but we were thrilled nonetheless and I fell totally in love with Nitro. He was a true gentleman to walk.

He liked it when people came up to give him a pat, and would stand like a statue to take it all in. If another dog came along, he would bow and play a little.

One day while drying Nitro after his bath, just over two months after bringing him home, I noticed a bump on his side. We went to the vet and some tests were done. The bump kept getting bigger and bigger until finally it had to be removed. During the surgery, and much to the vet's dismay, another lump was discovered on the inside, as large as a man’s fist and attached to a rib. This second lump and the rib also had to be removed. This was on the Friday of a long weekend, and after the operation, we had to take Nitro and his intravenous bag to a 24-hour emergency clinic where he would receive proper attention over the weekend. We visited him twice each day and finally got the good news that we could bring him home. He had a 12” suture line, a work of art indeed, and a very large bald spot where he had been shaved.

I was afraid he might get sunburned so his foster mom made him a couple of lightweight coats to wear outside.

Many people prayed for Nitro, and because of that a miracle happened. Nitro made a remarkable recovery. The ultrasound and chest X-ray following the surgery were clear. We were on Cloud Nine, and had a wonderful summer. Every Wednesday night, when Nitro was up to walking again, we would go over to the legion where the pipe band was practicing. He seemed to love the bagpipes, as I do, and the pipers would come over and speak to him.

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Nitro lives on through his sister Mariah (left) and brother Matt (above).

Nitro went on to become a St. John therapy dog. He loved it and the people we visited loved him. He would put his head in their laps and let them pat him as long as they wanted. He would look up at them with his almond shaped and colored eyes and then move on to the next person.

Due to the nature of his disease, we realized a follow-up ultrasound and chest X-ray were necessary. On a crisp, beautiful morning at the end of September, we confidently took him in for the tests. By evening, our little world had begun to crumble. The ultrasound was clear, but the X-ray showed the cancer had spread through Nitro’s lungs. I was sure they were reading someone else’s X-ray because Nitro seemed so healthy. I was in total denial. But no, they said, he would soon start to cough, throw up and lose his appetite.

Nitro fought a good fight, but lost his battle to this hideous disease on October 30, 2003.

A family miracle Somewhere in the midst of my world falling apart, a friend mentioned that Nitro’s sister Mariah would be retiring soon, if not already. We wondered where she was and what she was like, since her brother was so amazing. On the day I told my friend about Nitro’s passing, I almost begged her to find Mariah. We began trying to track her down but weren’t getting any concrete answers. We were so afraid of running out of time.

One night before bed, I asked Nitro to help me find his sister.

The very next day, I got an e-mail from Mariah’s trainer saying

animal passages she had found the dog. There was just one glitch. Mariah had already been spoken for. I was told to call the rescue organization that had her and they told our story to the other adopters.

These people kindly gave up Mariah so we could have her, and chose another lucky greyhound.

Your pets depend on their immune systems to protect them against bacteria, viruses, parasites, and to help prevent or

The night Nitro passed on, my daughter Michelle dreamed that one of my mother’s dogs, Matt, who has long since passed, showed Nitro the way so he would be safe. How fitting then that Nitro’s brother, also called Matt, should be waiting to come home with us along with Mariah. He had been adopted out, but was returned because his folks didn’t have time for him.

Do you believe in miracles? I know now this is the way it was meant to be. A good friend told me this when Nitro first passed away. At the time, I couldn’t really see the point, but now when I look at Matt and Mariah, I see two very good reasons for Nitro being sent to us.

Nitro, you have left behind a great legacy. You were here for such a short time, but seemed to accomplish so much. You will be in our hearts forever. I’ll see you at the Bridge and will have a great big hug ready and waiting for you.

Even though Nitro is gone, it is so heartwarming to know that we still have part of him in his brother Matt and sister Mariah.

reduce the effects of various diseases.

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What’s Gnu? Algae to the rescue

Wear it with pride

You wouldn’t think something as humble as algae would have much to offer, but in fact it has a number of significant health properties. Optimum Choice’s BioPreparation is a whole food supplement for animals that contains pure spirulina and other micro algae. Together, they provide your animal with a range of nutrients, including alpha and beta carotene, vitamins A, C, E and B complex, as well as digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids and chlorophyll. BioPreparation works to enhance the body’s healing abilities, and can help with many disorders, including arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune and digestive diseases and even cancer. www.OptimumChoices.com www.OptimumChoices.co

Did you know that more than five million shelter animals are euthanized each year because they can’t find homes?

PETS 911, an online resource for animal welfare, is doing something about it through a new fund-raising drive involving the sale of special “I Adopted a Pet” wristbands. At just $1 each, the attractive blue wristbands benefit both the PETS 911 Foundation as well as the thousands of shelters and rescues that list their animals and services with the organization.

The goal is not only to raise money, but also to spread the word about the plight of homeless animals. www.PETS911.com

The eyes have it Cataracts are a common occurrence in older animals, but are costly to treat. Great Life Performance Pet Products now offers Pet Vision eye drops, a safe and effective nutraceutical ophthalmic product that can treat cataracts non-invasively. The drops reduce the opacity in the eye lens by removing damaged proteins, improving the clarity and transparency of the lens and thereby improving eyesight. Pet Vision also relieves irritation and dryness by keeping the eyes lubricated and cleansed. www.1doctorschoice.com

Listen up!

It’s an Internet radio show all about animals. Hosted by animal communicator Kat Berard, Animal Corner airs every Thursday morning at 9AM Pacific time on www.HealthyLife.net. The show covers everything from natural health care and alternative therapies, to services, products, communication and inspirational stories, and features special guests ranging from holistic veterinarians to animal behaviorists. And there’s no need to worry if you miss a show – each one is archived for a few weeks after the broadcast date.

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Savory salmon snacks We know about the health benefits of eating wild salmon, but did you know it’s also good for your animal companion? The Gulf Island Dog Biscuit Company has recently introduced two tasty and nutritious new products to its line of organic, grain-free animal treats. West Coast Crunch for dogs and cats are delicious, pure salmon nuggets made from 100% wild Pacific salmon, locally caught and dehydrated to retain all its nutritional goodness. Like the rest of the company’s products, West Coast Crunch contains no additives, preservatives or fillers. www.gidbc.ca

Devoted to you The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has released its 2004 Pet Owner Survey, and the results are unanimous – we’re more dedicated than ever to our animal companions. The survey indicates that: • 93% of animal guardians say they would risk their lives for their companions • 50% would choose a dog or cat, rather than another human, for companionship if they were deserted on an island • 69% break household rules with their animal when their significant other is not present • 58% visit the vet more often than they do their own doctor • 45% claim their animals are better listeners than their significant others

ARE ADJUSTABLE COLLARS

SAFE? One reader says “no”

I

n our last issue, we addressed the variety of collars, leashes and harnesses available for cats and dogs.

There are now many colors and styles to choose from, but what about safety issues? Choke chains, shock collars and pinch collars are out for obvious reasons, but how do adjustable collars fare?

One reader, Amy Hill, says she will never use an adjustable collar again. In December of 2004, her one-year-old shepherd mix, Zoe, nearly choked to death. Amy admits the incident was a bit of a fluke, but cautions people to carefully check their animals’ collars to ensure they’re as safe as possible, and reconsider going back to the more traditional collars rather than the convenience of a “one size fits all” style. Here is Amy’s story: Originally I thought the ribbon collars were perfect. The fact that they were adjustable was so appealing; I could never get the traditional nylon collars to fit right. The phrase “too good to be true” comes to mind now, and of course “hindsight is 20/20”.

I have two dogs, both roughly a year old, and they were playing in the living room as they usually do, when all of the sudden Zoe started yelping. Sadie had pulled on Zoe’s collar and it had become so loose that Sadie’s entire lower jaw was between the collar and Zoe and was stuck behind Sadie’s back teeth.

At this point, the dogs twisted as they struggled to get free, and now Zoe was choking. My boyfriend, Marc, rushed to

Adjustable collars, like that shown above, feature a snap together fastener and a sliding buckle that adjusts the neck size of the collar.

Another Healthy Pet Systems success story: “Hi. My name is Janet Shoemaker. My husband and I and our two greyhounds met you a year or so ago at the Pet Expo in Chantilly, Virginia. We bought three bottles of your Flexor Joint Health Super Formula. Well, let me tell you – it is the most wonderful product! We have an 11-year-old basenji (she was around 9 at the time we bought the product) who has arthritis in her front paw. We started giving her a scoop every evening in her dinner and she hasn’t had a problem since – that is, until we ran out and bought another product from the pet store.

Let’s just say – bad idea. I want to order the Flexor again.

Thank you so much for your product.”

Janet Shoemaker

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get the scissors as Sadie was dragging Zoe across the floor, and I tried to unbuckle the collar, to no avail. Panic ran through our house. Zoe was yelping and howling with every move that Sadie made, and they were both pulling in opposite directions trying to get free. Zoe was gasping for air, so I straddled Sadie to try to keep her from making it worse. All of this time Marc was trying to cut off the collar, but it was impossible.

Because of the struggle, we had to take Zoe to the vet to get several stitches where the collar had rubbed her neck raw, and where Marc had accidentally cut her while trying to cut her collar.

While this was happening, we didn’t care what he cut, as long as Zoe could breathe! Also, all of the blood vessels in her left eye popped due to the strangulation. But that’s something that will also heal, and we’re all just happy that she’s alive.

We were really lucky when you think about it. It could have been so much worse. The dogs could have been playing in the yard when this happened, in which case we wouldn’t have known until it was too late. It could have happened when we weren’t home, and again, we wouldn’t have known until it was much too late. As horrible as it was to witness and be a part of, I cannot be thankful enough that we were there.

In response to Amy’s story, we looked at several adjustable collars. Not surprisingly, we found that the buckles on the less expensive “ribbon type” adjustable collars that Amy mentions did slide more easily than those on the higher quality, heavier fabric collars. This was especially true for cat collars, so do check before you buy! Of course, the more traditional non-adjustable metal buckles did not slide at all.

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Enter our 3rd Annual

Amazing Animals Photo Contest!

You could win an original portrait of your animal, a natural gift basket full of goodies, free food, and more!

It’s that time again! Time to show us what makes your animal friend so amazing.

Enter our Amazing Animals Photo Contest and you could win one of 10 prizes up for grabs, plus your photo will appear in an upcoming issue of Animal Wellness Magazine for all to see. What a great tribute to your special friend!

This year, you can enter in one of the categories below, or simply let our judges choose which category fits best. Enter by April 7, 2005 for your chance to win.

•Best photo

•Funniest

•Most artistic

•Happiest

•Best bond

•Best eyes

•Biggest attitude

•Most athletic

•Best nature-lover •Best Pals

“Lucy” 2004 Winner of Best Photo Category Jo-Ann Gerde, Gardner, MA

The rules are simple: 1. Send a digital photo, scanned at a minimum of 5” x 7”, at 300 dpi resolution in a tif, jpeg or pdf format, to photos@animalwellnessmagazine.com or send a hard copy original photo of your animal to:

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CAN: 164 Hunter St. West, Peterborough, ON K9H 2L2 2. Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number, along with your animal’s name, sex and age (if known) and a short description of the photo. Hard copy photos must have contact information printed on the back of the photo.

3. You may submit a maximum of two photos of each animal in your home. animal wellness

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book reviews

Title: When Cats Reigned Like Kings Author: Georgie Anne Geyer It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who loves cats that these beautiful and mysterious animals have been honored and revered for over a thousand years in a multitude of cultures, and still enjoy a respected status among many peoples today. In her unique new book, When Cats Reigned Like Kings: On the Trail of Sacred Cats, Georgie Anne Geyer provides a revealing historical portrait of domestic cats and their relationship with humans around the world.

Title: Sea Turtles Author: James R. Spotila “[Sea turtles] are fascinating creatures, and I am wagering that the more you know about them, the more you will want to make sure that they are here for generations of us yet unborn,” writes scientist and conservationist James Spotila in Sea Turtles: A Complete Guide to their Biology, Behavior, and Conservation.

You’ll agree once you browse through this spectacular and loving tribute to these beautiful but endangered creatures.

The lavish coffee-table book is packed with breathtaking color photos as well as everything you’d ever want to know about sea turtles. Each chapter is devoted to a different species and covers habitat, history, life cycle, and most importantly, what’s being done to help conserve these special animals.

Whether you’re following the amazing journey of baby turtles as they make their way to the sea, learning about the ten best and worst countries for sea turtle conservation, or simply poring over the photos, this volume would make an inspiring addition to any library.

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From the ancient Egyptian cat-goddess Bastet, to a centuries-old cat temple in Tokyo, to the amazing leaping cats of the Nga Phe Kyaung monastery mona in modern-day Burma, the author travels the globe in search of answers to our fascination with felines. She also includes loving anecdotes about her own cat family, and a comprehensive glossary of today’s breeds. A collection of charming color photos rounds off the book.

When Cats Reigned like Kings is a must-read for any contemporary cat worshipper.

Title: Unlocking the Animal Mind Author: Franklin D. McMillan, DVM Have you ever wondered what your dog or cat is thinking or feeling? You’ll find answers in Unlocking the Animal Mind: How Your Pet’s Feelings Hold the Key to His Health and Happiness. Written by veterinarian and animal theorist Franklin D. McMillan, this thought-provoking new book looks at how the concept of mind-body medicine works in animals, and demonstrates how your best friend’s feelings are what drive his actions.

McMillan examines everything from stress to pleasure to hurt feelings, and how they can affect your animal. He discusses the importance of a “comfort zone” for your companion, how feelings often lie at the root of behavior problems, and shows you how to help your dog or cat to happiness. He illustrates his theories with examples drawn from his own practice, together with details from scientific studies into the animal mind.

Reading this book will give you a whole new insight into your four-footed friend, and will help you towards a greater understanding of why he does the things he does.

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Bill Magyar C.B.T., Reiki Master 905-379-5005

• Alleviate behavioral problems without force or fear • Improve performance and well-being of animals • Enhance human-animal bond • Establish an innovative career helping animals

Nutritional Counseling – Improve Overall Health of Your Dog (& Yourself) Massage Therapy & Energy Work for– • • • • •

Increased Circulation Pain & Stiffness Relief Improved Energy & Mobility Decreasing Stress Revitalized Health

By appointment only

Dr. Bera Dordoni, N.D. & Associates • (505) 867-5616 • www.bastis.org

The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Information Centre www.smilingblueskies.com Home of Smiling Blue Skies Ceramics and Limited Edition Gifts

2004 recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada Silmaril Kennel Trophy, for the human/animal bond.

ALL proceeds to canine cancer treatment and research,University of Guelph, Pet Trust: In Memory of Blues.

health and detox center

healing services & products

Nutrition & Massage Therapy for Dogs

Y2K Health and Detox Centre now brings you “Creature’s Pet Formulae” organic/wildcrafted herbal blends, energetically enhanced by the e-Lybra. Presently we have the following: • Joint Pain • Clarity • Cat Furball • Urinary • Parasite • Immune Support • Cough • Life Brite Developed by Dr. Deb Baker-Racine (27 years of clinical experience) Chiropractor, Homeopath, Dr. of Natural Medicine, MSc.-Nutrition and son Jamie Golledge, Master Herbalist.

Products available toll free at 1-877-402-5450 or online at:

www.y2khealthanddetox.com/petcare.html

EVERGLO-NATURAL™ VETERINARY SERVICES, INC. Holistic Animal Health Products Publications • Tapes • First Aid Kits • Healing Halter™

GLORIA DODD, D.V.M., Pres.

PO. Box 1242 - Gualala, CA 95445 www.holisticvetpetcare.net Phone/Fax: (707) 785-9171 e-mail: everglo@mcn.org “Healing the Planet, one creature at a time”

Promoting Natural Horse Care Through Knowledge • Nutrition • Hoof Care • Horsemanship • Bodywork • Homeopathy • Equine Dentistry

and much more. . .

Vegan Palm Wax Gift-boxed Candle with personalized gift card $19.95 plus S&H

North West Naturals Organic & Wildcrafted Apawthecary

Finest herbal ingredients for your animals and you at realistic prices .....................

• deodorants HERBAL •• extracts anti virals • flea remedies • salves • coat spritz

www.NaturalHorseTalk.com

www.north-west-naturals.com

Profits support animal rescue: happytailsrescue.com

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miscellaneous

Give your pets their own furniture… inal the orig

and keep them off yours!

Pet Futon

• Durable • Washable • Choice of fabrics ™

3 sizes -up supportslbs. to 150 call for brochure:

1-866-PET-BEDS

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Patented Design

BIOFLOW magnotherapy Do aches & pains stop you or your pet from enjoying life?

• drug-free pain relief • veterinarian recommended • 2 million satisfied customers • online catalogue

• dogs • cats • horses • humans

www.foxdownweb.com

A humane alternative to declawing!

Soft Claws® nail caps are plastic caps that fit snugly over your cats sharp claws to prevent destructive scratching. Each set includes 40 caps that last about 4 to 6 months and do not interfere with your pet’s normal activity.

Save your furniture today!

PawsChoice.com • 1-800-709-PAWS Your #1 source for Soft Claws® and many other pet care items.

Naturally Purrfect Pet Products!

• Certified organic materials • Contain no dyes or bleach • Handcrafted • Built to last • Tested to be fun!

5% of sales gratefully given to no-kill shelters.

Your pets will love them!

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Is your vet available 24/7?

Are you always with your pets?

If not, depend on us to always be there for your pet!

PROTECT YOUR PET TODAY!

See how easy it is with our free demo at:

www.pethealthrecords.com info@pethealthrecords.com 714.961.0389

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The Musical Rainbow presents

Specialized Music for your animals and you Different selections to help with fear of thunder storms, being left alone, quieting kennels, obedience training, car sickness, calming anxiety and much more For more info and brochure contact: Sharon Howarth-Russell 81 Brooklawn Ave. Scarborough, Ont. M1M 20.P7 416 -267-9271

musrain@idirect.com www.themusicalrainbow.com

The Secord Animal Hospital, 3271 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Joanna Milan to its staff of veterinarians as of January 2005. Her practice is exclusively dedicated to the complementary care areas of acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutraceuticals for companion animals. Appointments with Dr. Joanna Milan can be booked by calling the hospital at 416-486-1700.

BUDDY BELT

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WELCOME Dr. Joanna Milan!

A MUSICAL GIFT FOR YOUR SENIOR PET! Relaxation Music for Dogs and Cats

Humane Control For Your Pet

is designed for the pet’s specific acoustic needs. Loving music to comfort your mature dog or cat. It’s beautifully orchestrated melodies, are the composing signature of Janet Marlow.

• Easy to use!

• “Save Your Pet’s Neck” • Made of 100% Leather and Quality Hardware.

Call us at: (416) 503-1632 or visit: www.buddy-belts.com E-mail: buddy@buddy-belts.com

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As well as being simply beautiful, gems are known for their abilities to hold and amplify specific qualities, such as calmness and improved vitality.

• Stain & odor resistant • Cleans easily with mild soap & water • Generous size: 23 1/4” x 18 1/4” x 5”

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fine healing jewelry for pets and their people

To learn about the healing qualities of each stone, and to view our beautiful, hand designed collection, visit our webiste today!

Sittin’ Pretty Cat Products Los Angeles, CA

www.sittinpretty.com Animal Wellness Magazine's NEW ECO-FRIENDLY OPTION! Animal Wellness Magazine is proud to announce that all of our articles are now available online. For your convenience, you are now able to purchase individual issues, back issues and/or subscriptions... delivered right to your computer!

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EVENTS CALENDAR March 17-20, 2005 – Larkspur, CO Animal Acupressure

April 8-11, 2005 – Toronto, ON Communication and Healing Workshops

April 30-May 1, 2005 – Kitchener, ON Animal Communication - Level 1

Meridians and Specific Conditions, 1 & 2. These 4 days of classes provide hands-on and lecture information about the meridian system of the equine and small animal. Meridians, acupoints and specifc conditions are taught in detail.

Nancy Zidonis 888-841-7211 acupressure4all@earthlink.net • www.animalacupresure.com

These workshops are designed to strengthen the human-animal bond, increase spiritual communication and awareness and promote profound healing.

Lynn McKenzie 416-219-3803 or 205-477-0067 lynn@animalenergy.com • animalenergy.com

Join us on this magical journey with Barbara Janelle, M.A., internationally-known communicator/teacher.

Sue Becker 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net

March 22-May 10, 2005 – Milwaukee, WI Introduction to Small Animal Massage This class is focused on learning techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner. Eight-weeks, 7-10pm.

AMTIL (Animal Massage & Therapies) 847-782-1963 amtil@amtil.com • amtil.com

March 23, 2005 – Kitchener, ON Bach Flower Remedies™ for Animals Help your animal friends heal emotionally with these safe and gentle wildflower essences. Easy to learn and to use. Addresses fear, anxiety, jealousy and much more.

With Sue Becker, Registered Bach Flower Practitioner, Wholistic Animal Consultant. 7pm-10pm.

Sue Becker 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net

April 1-3, 2005 – West Chicago, IL Introduction to Small Animal Massage This class is focused on learning techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner.

AMTIL (Animal Massage & Therapies) 847-782-1963 amtil@amtil.com • amtil.com

April 2-3, 2005 – Waterloo, ON Therapeutic Touch for Animals - Part 1 Extend your Therapeutic Touch abilities with Animal Specialist - Jim Prudom. Explore; the differences of working with animals as compared to people, how the animals help us, being One with an animal, distance work, and more. Level 3 Therapeutic Touch (Kreiger-Kunz) is a prerequisite for this two day course. 9:00-5:00.

Jim Prudom 519-570-9150

April 8-10, 2005 – Grafton, WI Introduction to Small Animal Massage This class is focused on learning techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner.

Linda J. Strewlow 262-692-9500 registrar@blueskyedu.org • amtil.com

April 8, 2005 – San Francisco, CA Petchitecture 10 – At Home in Style Celebrate Petchitecture’s 10th Anniversary as ten worldrenowned architects and designers auction off unique pet habitats. Dine on culinary treats, enjoy entertainment and a silent auction. For 17 years Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) has been providing services to care for the companion animals of clients who have AIDS/HIV and other disabling illneses.

Please call the PAWS Main line (415) 241-1460 www.pawssf.org

April 13, 2005 – Kitchener, ON Introduction to Animal Communication Explore the different levels on which we and our animals communicate. What could they really be trying to tell us?

A first step in learning animal communication and excellent preparation for any basic workshop. 7pm-10 pm.

Sue Becker 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net

April 15-17, 2005 – Grafton, WI Introduction to Small Animal Massage This class is focused on learning techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner.

Linda J. Strewlow 262-692-9500 registrar@blueskyedu.org • amtil.com

April 1-3, 2005 – Gilbert, AZ Equine Touch w/Jock & Ivana Ruddock The Equine Touch is a unique, gentle and non-invasive hands-on healing modality which addresses muscularskeletal, physical, behavioral and emotional problems with astounding results. Offering Foundation and Advanced courses. Sign up by Mar 1st and receive the Earlybird price.

Lisa Ross-Williams 480-671-4896 Lisa@naturalhorsetalk.com • www.theequinetouch.com

May 13-15, 2005 – Grafton, WI Small Animal Anatomy This class includes an overview of all body systems and in-depth examination of the skeletal and muscular systems.

Linda J. Strewlow 262-692-9500 registrar@blueskyedu.org • amtil.com

May 17-July 5, 2005 – Milwaukee, WI Small Animal Anatomy This class includes an overview of all body systems

TTouch is a respectful hands-on method that enhances emotional, mental and physical well-being and offers positive solutions to common behaviour and wellness problems. Help your animal friend become the best he can be. With Sue Becker, Registered TTouch Practitioner, Wholistic Animal Consultant. 9:30-4:30.

Sue Becker 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net

April 29-May 1, 2005 – West Chicago, IL Introduction to Small Animal Massage This class is focused on learning techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner.

AMTI L (Animal Massage & Therapies) 847-782-1963 amtil@amtil.com • amtil.com

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/events animal wellness

Expand your ability to be One with other species and deepen the paths of telepathic communication. This two day course presented by Jim Prudom has a limited enrollment allowing you optimal time for discussion and developing your own personal skills. 9:30-4:30.

Valerie Dingman 705-387-0240

April 23, 2005 – Kitchener, ON and in-depth examination of the skeletal and muscular Tellington TTouch™ for Companion Animals systems. Eight weeks 7-10pm.

Post your event online at: 88

April 30-May 1, 2005 – Burks Falls, ON Animal Communication – Level 2

AMTIL (Animal Massage & Therapies) 847-782-1963 amtil@amtil.com • AMTIL.com

May 20-22, 2005 – West Chicago, IL Small Anatomy Anatomy This class includes an overview of all body systems and in-depth examination of the skeletal and muscular systems.

AMTIL (Animal Massage & Therapies) 847-782-1963 amtil@amtil.com • amtil.com

May 28, 2005 – Kitchener, ON Wellness Day for Animals Spend a day learning about wholistic animal care and wellness, understanding our animal friends, working through behaviour/emotional problems, foods, and much more.

With Sue Becker, Wholistic Animal Consultant. 9:30-4:30.

Sue Becker 519-896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net

Accessories PAWSOME Dog Collars, Leashes, Harnesses, Muzzles. Featured in movies and magazines for their exquisite style, comfort and craftsmanship.

Wholesale inquiries welcome. Tel: (707) 566-7357, website: http://www.dogcollars.net

Animal Communicators LYNN McKENZIE, International Animal Intuitive, offers nationwide consultations in animal communication and energy healing. Create harmony and awareness in your relationships, restore health, improve behavior, enhance performance, resolve conflict, connect with animals that have crossed over. Workshops and lessons available. Coming soon, correspondence and internet training in Animal Energy Healing. www.animalenergy.com, lynn@animalenergy.com, (416) 219-3803.

CAN WE TALK? Animal and Soul Communicator, Janice DeFonda says, “Yes! Bless your Hearts and Souls through the communion this connection can provide. Share your Love, laugh, cry, grow and expand the depth of your understanding with your Animal Friends. Extend your connection with those who are in spirit and Restore Harmony and Balance through energy healing.” Phone Consults, email (315) 329-0116, angelwhisperer@ark-angels.org ANIMAL COMMUNICATION WITH LOVE – Alive, and in Spirit. Counseling (choosing a new friend, behaviors, illness, dying, grief, lost animals. Healing, Classes (including Tele-conference), Personal Guidance, Wisdom from your animals, dolphins, Totems and others. Affordable. Morgine (360) 247-7284 morgine@tds.net, www.communicationswithlove.com SUE BECKER – Interspecies Communication, Registered Practitioner of Tellington TTouch and Bach Flower Remedies. Resolve problems and stress, improve behaviour, deepen understanding and your relationship. Emotional healing.

Consultations by phone/in person, lectures, workshops. Call (519) 896-2600 suebecker@cyg.net ANIMAL TELEPATH & HEALER: Tell your pets, alive or passed, of your love or ask things you’ve wanted to know. Address physical or emotional issues. Sessions include intuitive healing. Cindy Westen: www.chatswithanimals.com; (760) 533-4603; cwes10@earthlink.net.

ASSISI INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL INSTITUTE – Dedicated to promoting respect, reverence, and ethical stewardship for all animals through workshops and consciousness raising activities. Wide variety of animal communication and Tellington TTouch classes throughout the US, Canada and Europe. www.aiaianimal.org, or call (510) 569-6123.

JIM PRUDOM – INTERSPECIES COMMUNICATOR AND COUNSELLOR. Helping you and your animal companion to: resolve physical health and emotional/ behavioral issues, increase human-animal interaction and spiritual awareness. Deceased animals. Lost animals. Therapeutic Touch teacher and practitioner, craniosacral practitioner, flower essences, Tellington Ttouch. Available for phone/in-person consultations, workshops, lectures, distance healing, private coaching. Call (519) 570-9150 ANIMAL COMMUNICATION – If my cat/dog/ horse does that one more time, I’m going to (1) scream, (2) explode, (3) call Calloway M’Cloud, an experienced, professional animal communicator. Discover your animal friend’s perspective. Solve frustrating behavioral issues.

Consultations, healing sessions and workshops.

TOLLFREE (866) 249-2200, www.horscery.org.

DO YOU WONDER what your animal is thinking or feeling, experience behaviour or emotional problems with them? Have concerns about their death or dying For telepathic communication with your beloved companion – please request a consultation by phone or email. Phone (780) 592-2194. Email: debtalk@incentre.net.

PATRICE RYAN, ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR & INTUITIVE HEALER – Featured Television Appearances and Magazine Articles. Open the communication between you and your pet.

Telephone Readings and House Calls.

(818) 241-2624 www.celestialcrystals.com MAIA KINCAID Ph.D. – INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED Animal Communicator & Intuitive Guide For Humans. Understand your pet’s wishes in life, death, transitions, health, behaviors, & enhance your animal communication.

(541) 385-6846 www.maiakincaid.com

Animal Health HERBS OF THE WORLD – Natural Products for pets: Highest Quality Herbal support – aging, tumours, nerves, digestion, respiratory, hair, coat, Preventative Health. (800)96-HERBS(2373) WWW.PETHERBALIST.COM NORTH WEST NATURALS WILDCRAFTED APAWTHECARY, formulated for Mutts & Men and YOU too! Herbal extracts, immune support, biomagnetics, anti-viral, deodorants, coat spritz, salves, shampoo. Restore your health naturally. Profits support animal rescue. www.north-west-naturals.com NATURAL PET ITEMS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY – We offer all natural pet food, treats, supplements and pet care products.

Business opportunity for pet professionals or people seeking home businesses. www.healthypetstop.com (800) 260-0173 INTUITIVE HEALTH CONSULTS – For pets and people too! I can tell you the underlying reasons for health and emotional problems, and which foods and supplements are exactly right for your pet or you. Energy remedies also available as needed. Call 866-207-9301, PIN#6917 or (610) 353-0122 email: linda.y@verizon.net FURVANA – Holistic Animal Options offers certified Tellington TTouch and Reiki for all Companion Animals. Private sessions or workshops available. Contact Connie Riehl (419) 332-1937 or furvana@juno.com ALL-NATURAL DOG SKIN CARE PRODUCT – JAKE’S REMEDY – THE MIRACLE SPRAY! Heals Hotspots, Dermatitis, Abrasions and more.

Promotes Hair Growth. Also carry skin care products for CATS & HORSES. (877) 973-8848, FrogWorks@att.net WWW.FFROGWORKS.COM.

Associations INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK – 2nd Annual Educational Conference, April 22-24, 2005, Toledo, OH.. Speakers on Equine Massage, Animal Homeopathy, Bowen Method of positional bodywork, Canine CPR, Small Animal Anatomy, Canine Foot Reflexology, Canine Iridology and more. Register now. www.iaamb.org (800) 903-9350

Books, Publications & Videos SPECIES LINK The quarterly journal devoted to interspecies communication since 1990. Send $25 check made to Anima Mundi Incorporated, P.O. Box 1060, Pt. Reyes, CA 94956.

(415) 663-1247 Sample articles www.animaltalk.net.

Business Opportunity INCOME OPPORTUNITY – RESCUE GROUPS, VOLUNTEERS, AND PETSITTERS. Allows wholesale discount of needed air purifiers for pet odors, bacteria, virus control to help eliminate cross contamination between animals. Profit $250 + per retail sale. For information call toll-free (888) 820-2363.

Employment Opportunity KENNEL MANAGER, DENVER, COLORADO – Exciting, new, 12,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art, dog

daycare, cage-free, overnight and suite-hotel.

Immediate/experienced only. Enjoy a new start in gorgeous mountain and sun country.

Expanding into franchise, travel potential.

Contact bootug@earthlink.net.

Gifts KRITTERS IN THE MAILBOX!!! – Find over 5,000 animal themed gift items at Kritters in the Mailbox! www.KritterGifts.com/aw

Healing Essences CANADIAN FOREST TREE ESSENCES – 15 vibrational essences of exceptional quality for animal care, including Animal Whisper, Animal Rescue and Animal Restore. Animal Wellness Magazine’s Stamp of Approval. Therapeutic practitioners and wholesale/retail inquiries welcome.

Visit www.essences.ca, call (819) 682-0205 or email cfte@essences.ca to learn more.

classifieds

DR. CYNTHIA HARCOURT VETERINARY SERVICES – A holistic office and mobile service welcoming your interest in working with you and your animal using homeopathy, nutrition, flower essences, CEDS (food sensitivity and organ stress testing), herbs, therapeutic touch and Tellington Ttouch. Located at 21894 Woodbine Ave., Queensville, ON (approximately 45 minutes north of Toronto). Phone (905) 478-1995 Fax (905) 478-8097

NORTH-EAST NEWMARKET VETERINARY SERVICES – Dr. Autumn Louise Drouin, Veterinarian, Naturopath. Cozy outpatient office.

Detailed history, physical examination, laboratory tests. Individualized treatment protocols suit patient’s condition and client’s needs.

Homeopathy, Herbs, Clinical Nutrition, Bach Remedies, Physical Therapies. (905) 830-1030 Newmarket, ON www.DrAutumn.Net

GOT GOJI? 2000 year old Himalayan health secret.

World’s most powerful anti-aging food. Biggest health breakthrough in 40 years. A proprietary 100% juice backed by research, money-back guarantee. Visit www.audreypeterson.freelife.com or call (651) 460-2838

MARGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER – Dr. Mark Newkirk, Chiropractic, Aquapuncture, Herbal, Homeopathic, Metabolic Balancing, Bach Flower therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NAET (allergy elimination), Nutritional Supplement programs based on your own pets’ blood tests, Alternative Cancer Therapies. Phone and internet consultations. www.alternativevet.com email: mnewk@aol.com phone: (609) 823-3031

Holistic Therapies

Pet Portraits

HOLISTIC THERAPIES FOR ANIMALS – Emotional & Behaviour Therapy, Animal Communication, Energy Healing & Reiki, Natural Nutrition Program (long distance service available).

(604) 945-0830 Email: info@sacredbond.ca www.sacredbond.ca

ANNIEO’S PET PORTRAITS – Specializing in oil painting for 28 years. Nationwide clientele.

Portraits of any pet of your choice, people with pets also. Credit card, personal check or money order.

44 Church St., Tilton, NH 03276. (603) 524-3778 Website: www.petportraitsbyannieo.com

Holistic Veterinarians

Schools & Training

EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC – A variety of holistic healing services are available to our patients, including: Homeopathy, Hair Analysis, Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chiropractic, Computerized Organ Stress Immune Testing, Acupuncture, Therapeutic Nutrition, Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies. Dr. Paul McCutcheon (416) 757-3569 Fax (416) 285-7483 eyac@ca.inter.net www.holisticpetvet.com

INTRODUCTORY & ADVANCED ANIMAL MASSAGE WORKSHOPS – Taught by experienced LMT. Canine & Equine Massage Videos, Workbooks & Anatomy Charts for sale.

Integrated Touch Therapy, Inc. Free brochure.

(800) 251-0007, wshaw1@bright.net, www.integratedtouchtherapy.com. CEU’s available.

Health

ESSEX ANIMAL CLINIC – Dr. Janice Huntingford, Dr. Glen Porteous, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional and Alternative Medicine and Surgery. Herbal Therapies and Holistic Medicine, Physio and Rehab Therapy.

Phone consultations available. (519) 776-7325 Essex ON. www.essexanimalclinic.com GODERICH VETERINARY CLINIC – Dr. Bill Schilthuis. Holistic homeopathic health, complementary medicine. All animal species.

Homeopathic alternatives to vaccinations, worming, flea control, heartworm treatment remedies available. Free consultations by phone daily between 7 & 9 p.m. except Thursday and Sunday. Phone (519) 524-2631 Fax (519) 524-2633 Email holistic@hurontel.on.ca GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in veterinary acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual needs and preferences of the animal and client. Guelph Animal Hospital (519) 836-2782

AMTIL (Animal Massage & Therapies) offers instruction in small animal massage therapy as well as maintenance and sports massage and a wide range of holistic products for animals. www.AMTIL.com (847) 782-1963 THE BRITISH INSTITUTE OF HOMEOPATHY – CANADA/USA – Offers a rewarding career in Animal Health. The Veterinary Homeopathy Course is taught by Dr. Femma VanAs, DVetHom and Joanne Stefanatos, BS, DVM, CVA, CVC, MHMA. Contact us for a FREE prospectus outlining the courses we offer: Canadian Contact: (866) 866-3987 Phone (613) 749-9762 Fax (613)749-7569 www.bihcanada.ca laura@bihcanada.ca USA Contact: (609)927-5660 info@bihusa.com www.bihusa.com

Travel DogFriendly.com – Dog travel guides with United States and Canada dog-friendly lodging, attractions, parks, beaches and restaurants. Books and free online guides at www.dogfriendly.com/guides.

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD 1-866-764-1212 or classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com Animal Wellness Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, make stylistic changes or cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payment made.

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Cat and mouse We love city life but, in an effort to get our family in touch with Nature again, we recently bought a little place in the country.

On most weekends, we load everybody up, including the two dogs and cat, and head for the hills. It’s only a 1-1/2 hour drive but with the cat meowing the entire way, it feels more like three. We’ve thought about leaving her home but after last weekend, we’ve decided the torture is worth it.

So what changed our minds? Well, as often happens, friends arrived on Saturday and after a day full of activity, everyone hit the hay. Around 2:30 a.m., I got up to use the bathroom. The house was quiet, except for the soft snoring permeating from the bedrooms. Two minutes later, when I opened the bathroom door, it was a different story. The lights were on downstairs and my sister’s boyfriend, Peter, was standing at the door, fully dressed and obviously trying his best to remain calm. “We seem to have a mouse situation down there,” he finally blurted out.

I followed his gaze to the bedroom below. A tiny brown mouse was scurrying around the room, trying desperately to find

a place to hide. Hot on his heels was the cat and my sister, who was wielding a pillow, with which she was trying to shoo the mouse towards the door. Every time the mouse took an unexpected turn, she let out a shrill squeal and jumped up on the bed or chair. In the moments I watched, the cat caught the mouse twice. My sister then picked up the cat, mouse in mouth, and yelled for someone to open the door. Before anyone could move, however, the resourceful mouse squirmed out of the cat’s grip and resumed his attempt at the great escape. The cat dashed along behind, determined to be the winner in this game of cat and mouse.

Since Peter was clearly “rodent-challenged”, I decided to wake up my husband. (How he was still sleeping through all the shrieking is a male mystery). Down he came, bucket in hand, to put an end to this comedy sketch. Working as a team, the cat and my husband raced around the room and after several botched efforts, the bucket finally came down squarely over top of the wily mouse.

We covered the bucket and set it on the porch for an early morning release. We did an exhaustive search for any other uninvited guests and sat for awhile, hoping our adrenaline would calm down enough for us to go back to sleep. I couldn’t help but think we would be the laughing stock of our country neighborhood if the folks around knew about our early morning adventure. Eventually, we all meandered back to bed to catch the few winks left to us before morning arrived. Just before I turned out the light, I caught a glimpse of the cat and laughed at the irony of it all. She was curled up in her favorite napping spot – my toddler’s little foam armchair, the one with Minnie Mouse on it.

If you have an amusing story you'd like to submit, send it to: Tail End, at submissions@animalwellnessmagazine.com

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