V9I3 (Jun/Jul 2007)

animal Living pawsitive!

™

ONTARIO E D I T I O N

wellness I N S I D E

For a long, healthy life!

Pet food

RECALL

What they're not telling you

Top 10 household hazards for

Training advice for your adult dog

dogs & cats

Healthy diets for your CHUBBY BUDDY

Health tips for your senior cat

Prostate cancer

Can dogs have

strokes?

is not just for humans JUNE/JULY Display until July 20, 2007

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 3

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

What you need to know animal wellness

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contents 52

30 70 39

features

62

24

Pet food recall

Can dogs have strokes?

Here's what you need to know

28

Our "dog-gone" miracle Follow Bailey's amazing recovery from a stroke

30

12 tips for a smooth move Take the stress out of changing residences

animal wellness

39

Top 10 household hazards Protect your animal from these common dangers

42 How to choose a

carrier for your cat And get her to like it!

46 Chew the fat

A healthy diet plan for your chubby buddy

Click on this icon to visit featured links

52 Dealing with diabetes

This prevalent disease can be treated – and prevented

58 Training the adult dog

The friend, the companion, the buddy!

62 Pet food recall

leaves a bitter taste What they're not telling you

67 How to make

the most of your local dog park Good behavior and etiquette are the keys

70 Inside and out,

these oils have healthy clout From coconut to olive to hemp

82 Prostate cancer Not just a human disease

ONTARIO REGIONAL SECTION

67

84 Mi Conchita

Rescuing a stray from the streets of Santiago

86 Advice on living with a threelegged animal

"Tripods" make wonderful companions!

98 Caring for your cat during her golden years

Health and lifestyle tips for your senior feline animal wellness

contents Volume 9 Issue 3

columns 18 Yakkity yak 34 Dr. Martin Goldstein

92 Animal passages 102 Book reviews

81 Mystery Mutt

114 The tail end

departments 10 Editorial

96

What’s gnu?

14 Mail bag

104

Ad spots

38 Product picks

111

Classifieds

77 Wellness

112

Events calendar

113

AWM bulletin board

resource guide

our cover: Photo: Danielle Aromando

Going by his relaxed expression, three-year-old Riley probably doesn’t know he’s a rare breed of hound called a Blue Lacy. He makes his home in Ladera Ranch, California with his guardians Judy and Joe Salcido, who make him homemade dog treats and serve him healthy premium food. Riley loves people, enjoys running and playing, and has fun burying things. He also goes to a doggy daycare where he loves walking underneath the great Danes!

Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2007. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: May, 2007

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Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Canadian Regional Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Yvonne Hollandy Graphic Designer: Stephanie Wright Cover Photography: Danielle Aromando Illustration: Leanne Rosborough Columnists & Contributing Writers Robyn Achey Dexter del Monte Audi Donamor Martin Goldstein, DVM Bill Gorton Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM Jean Hofve, DVM Janice Huntingford, DVM Jill Kessler Mark Newkirk, VMD Maureen Pavella Barry Potoker Mark Robinson Nancy Scanlan, DVM Jenny Wright Administration & Sales President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager Lesia Wright Information Services Director Vaughan King Business Coordinator Samantha Saxena Administrative Assistant Julie Poff 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: submission@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

National Sales Manager: Lesley Nicholson (866) 764-1212 lesley@animalwellnessmagazine.com Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr (213) 793-1867 becky@animalwellnessmagazine.com Classified Advertising: Lesia Wright classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com To subscribe: Subscription price at time of this issue is $22.95 in the U.S. and $24.95 in Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. 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. Redstone Media Group Inc., publisher of Animal Wellness, does not promote any of the products or services advertised by a third party advertiser in this publication, nor does Redstone Media Group Inc. verify the accuracy of any claims made in connection with such advertisers. Refund policy: call or write our customer service department and we will refund unmailed issues.

Dealer Inquiries Welcome: Animal Wellness Magazine is available at a discount for resale in retail shops and through various organizations. Call 1-866-764-1212 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at sales@animalwellnessmagazine.com.

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

AD VE RT I SE M

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The study facilitator heard that DGP was helping dogs find relief from joint Case Study Results troubles, giving them greater limb flexibility 1. All 12 dogs in the study benefited from DGP! and comfort. After thoroughly researching the natural ingredients, she decided to give 2. Every dog guardian reported their dog had Dogs with mobility problems noticeable improvements in movement and DGP to her own dog. Her dog (James) had show “puppy like” behavior activity. For 11 of the dogs, this benefit happened a history of severe joint difficulties and again when taking DGP. within one to three weeks. One dog did not he was having problems standing up and experience peak benefit until week 6. sitting down. Within five days, she was 3. The DGP chewable tablets were well tolerated by 11 of the dogs. amazed by the change. In a short time, James had more enerOne dog with a severe history of allergies was taken off the gy, seemed happier, and was moving with much less difficulty.

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DGP when he developed skin irritations. This saddened the guardian because DGP had actually helped her dog’s joint discomfort.

4. The number one benefit every guardian reported was “my dog just seemed happier”. And all the dog guardians reported this occurred within one to two weeks.

5. After the study, blood tests on the dogs showed no negative changes in any measured levels from pre to post results.

6. One final note of interest – 3 dog guardians stopped giving DGP to their dogs after the study, but they quickly restarted the DGP after their dogs’ joint troubles and mobility issues rapidly resurfaced.

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You’re probably feeding your pets animal by-products and don’t know it.

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animal wellness

editorial Pet food recall no surprise When we launched Animal Wellness eight years ago, one of our mandates was to reach out with leading edge articles on nutrition and supplementation. In that timeframe we’ve covered this sweeping topic dozens of times from every angle, and still there’s more to write about. In this issue alone, we feature articles on healthy diet plans (p. 46), what to feed your geriatric cat (p. 98) and supplemental oils (p. 70). Nutrition is the foundation of health, but as Animal Wellness readers, you already know that, don’t you? Readers often tell us they buy our magazine not only because of the informative articles but also because of the advertising. So you’ve seen that there are many higher quality pet food alternatives to the grocery store, mass market brands. And chances are you aren’t fooled by these cheaper brands’ glitzy television commercials and high profile sponsorships.

When I started hearing about the pet food recall several weeks ago, I was very upset. But I must admit I wasn’t particularly surprised. Our animals are not second class citizens to us, so why should there be two food chains – one for humans and one for animals? Whatever makes it not good for us surely can’t be healthy for our dogs and cats?

To date, we’ve trusted that the FDA is watching out for the dogs and cats in North America, but the fact remains that we’ve had two major pet food recalls in the last several months. Many animals died or got sick as a result. Clearly, the guidelines currently in place aren’t working (see our story on the pet food recall on p. 62). And maybe, just maybe, the contaminated products don’t belong in pet food anyway. In the Diamond recall in December, the culprit was aflatoxin, a naturally occurring by-product from the growth of a fungus on corn and other crops. In the most recent recall, it was contaminated wheat gluten. The nutritional experts I’ve spoken to don’t recommend either corn or wheat in an animal’s diet since they not only offer little nutritional value, but are known allergens.

So what’s the bottom line? As we’ve said for years, it’s up to us, as the decision makers for our animal companions, to choose wisely. Read the label, do a little research, and use your intuition when it comes to selecting products not only for your animals, but for your family. And by all means, share what you’ve learned, or better still, hand a friend a back issue of Animal Wellness or give them a gift subscription. It will be an eye-opening experience and may well save a life.

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

10

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contributors Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Hodgkins, Esq.,

Veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve is the former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and has researched pet food and nutrition for more than 12 years. During two years as a full-time animal advocate for the Animal Protection Institute, she was a liaison to AAFCO, the organization that sets standards for the pet food industry. Having also served as a practicing veterinarian and four-term President of the Rocky Mountain Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Jean has a unique perspective on the pet food industry and pet nutrition. She has written extensively on nutrition for a variety of publications over the past ten years – turn to page 46 for her article on how to beat obesity in your companion.

has been practicing for 28 years and currently owns and runs All About Cats Health Center in Yorba Linda, California. From 1985 to 1993, she served as the Director of Technical Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition – it was during this time that she developed a passion for veterinary nutrition that prompted her to investigate the subject, particularly the management of feline obesity and diabetes. Elizabeth’s new book, Your Cat: Simple Secrets for a Longer Stronger Life has just been published by St. Martin’s Press. For her tips on how to care for a geriatric cat, see page 98.

Audi Donamor has been successfully creating special needs diets for dogs and cats for ten years.

Following the death of her beloved golden retriever, Blue, she founded The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund through the University of Guelph in Ontario. In this edition, Audi looks at the healing benefits of different oils, from coconut to canola to cranberry seed – see page 70.

Veterinarian Dr. Mark Newkirk practices in the New Jersey area. At age 14, he started at Margate Animal Hospital cleaning cages and mopping the floors. Now he owns the place! He practiced conventional medicine for 15 years, then ventured into the realm of alternative medicine after realizing “there must be another way” to treat chronically ill patients. Now, his practice is 50% alternative medicine. He recently opened another practice where rehabilitation and physical therapy are his talents.

Mark’s special interest is with cancer patients – turn to page 82 for his article on prostate cancer in dogs.

12

animal wellness

Mark C. Robinson is the creator of the popular HandicappedPets.com website, a full-service community resource for caretakers of elderly, disabled, and special needs companion animals. Mark is an animal lover with a background in computer technology, and has created hundreds of animal-related and other websites for himself and others. He is also well known in the renewable energy industry, working to create a sustainable future for humans and animals.

His article on living with a three-legged animal appears on page 86.

contributors Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Scanlan is vice president of the American Holistic Veterinary Association and the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, and a member of AVMA, CVMA, and SCVMA. She has been using complementary health therapies in her own veterinary practice since 1969. Currently, she incorporates acupuncture (she is IVAS certified), non-classical homeopathy, Chinese and Western herbs and homotoxicology in her healing regimen. Nancy’s article on page 24 offers important information about strokes in dogs.

Veterinarian Dr. Janice Huntingford practices integrative medicine in Essex, Ontario. She is certified in animal chiropractic, acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy. Her clinic features a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill and fitness pool for dogs. Janice is married and lives on a farm/winery complete with horses, cattle, chickens, dogs, cats and three children. In this issue, she shares her wisdom on how to deal with diabetes in companion animals (page 52).

Jill Kessler is an expert in canine behavior, training, breeding, rescue, legislative and health issues. She is a certified legal expert witness providing legal testimony in dog aggression and dog behavior litigation. Jill also contributes to a wide range of media, including her syndicated radio program, “The Dog Dish” and her syndicated newspaper pet advice column, “Pet-Pourri”. She has made numerous public appearances in support of animal welfare and rescue, at charitable fundraising activities, and in opposition of breed-specific legislation.

Jill lives in Los Angeles with her husband, children and dogs. On page 67, she tells you how to make the most of your local dog park.

Photographer Danielle Aromando Jenny Wright moved to Canada in 1979 to study Music Therapy in Vancouver. She is a children’s performer and recording artist, and has produced two children’s CDs and written one non-fiction book, The Lobster Press Kid’s Guide to Vancouver. Jenny lives with her husband Steve, two grown up sons, two cats and one rescue dog. Turn to page 84 for her article about Conchita, the dog she befriended and rescued while on a visit to Cuba – Jenny hopes to raise sufficient funds to bring Conchita to Canada to join her family.

specializes in animal photography. She lives in the southern California area and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography from the California State University at Long Beach. Growing up with an assortment of animals including horses, dogs, cats, goats, and more allowed her to be able to combine her love for animals with her passion for photography. She creates unique fine art portraits of animals, using a contemporary, candid style to capture that perfect moment – including the one on our cover. www.daniellephotographer.com

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mail bag I’ve just opened my first copy of Animal Wellness. I haven’t even finished randomly flipping through it and I already feel compelled to contact you with a heartfelt THANK YOU! As a lover, responsible “owner”, and staunch defender of the much maligned bull terrier breeds, I am encouraged and delighted to see several ads in your magazine that depict the breed in the positive light they deserve. These dogs suffer a terrible legacy. Portraying them as the loving companions they truly are is a courageous and very responsible action for you to take.

Charity Smith, via email

Editor’s note: One of our goals at Animal Wellness is to educate and inform, and that includes clearing up popularly-held misconceptions, not only about health care but also social issues such as those surrounding pit bulls and related breeds.

We hope you’ll help spread the word by sharing your copy with those who don’t yet understand what loving companions these dogs can make!

14

animal wellness

Dear Animal Wellness Magazine: I was hoping that someone in your information department might be able to clear up some questions for me. I would like to know the definitions of “holistic” and “natural” and how they apply to pet food and nutrition. I have searched the internet but was unable to find a defined definition. I would appreciate any help. Thank you!

Vivian Johnson, via email

Editor’s note: Your question is an excellent one! The word “holistic” is used less in reference to pet food and more in terms of a whole-body approach to healing. Holistic therapies look at the whole animal, not just one problem or set of symptoms, and treat the issue by treating every aspect of the animal, physical, mental and emotional. Diet and nutrition would be only one facet of a holistic approach.

Here’s the AFFCO definition of ‘natural’: “A feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process and not containing any additives or processing aids that are chemically synthetic except in amounts as might occur unavoidably in good manufacturing practices.” As holistic veterinarian and animal nutrition expert Dr. Jean Hofve points out, “This definition is very broad, and allows for artificially processed ingredients.” Once again, that’s why it’s so important to read the ingredient label.

As Communications Director for Nationready.com, a disaster preparedness

supply website, I was naturally intrigued when I came across your article entitled “5 ways to prepare for disaster” (Volume 8, Issue 5). The article makes some great points. One thing to consider, though, is that many times in the event of a disaster the lack of reaction time can cause many people to panic and therefore forget all the things they may need to take with them.

The problem is further compounded when it comes to our pets, since many of the supplies needed may be an afterthought, especially if there is no real prep time to speak of, as in an earthquake, for example.

I’d like to offer up the idea of a preprepared disaster kit that has everything a pet needs in one central location. The owner just has to grab it by the handle and head out the door. No running around looking for leashes, food, water, etc. Just something to think about! Keep up the good work!

Mary Henderson, NationReady.com, www.nationready.com

Editor’s note: What a great idea! Most of us don’t really know exactly how we’d react in the event of a disaster, and the more sudden and unexpected it is, the less likely we’ll be thinking clearly as we rush to bundle our human and animal families out the door. Having

everything ready in one accessible spot beforehand means you won’t leave something important behind by mistake.

This magazine is great. I like to take all copies (after I read them) to my work (I am an animal control officer) for the other officers to enjoy. If you could ever do some articles on animal regulations and shelters we would really enjoy that. As an ACO II, I really wish the public would understand that we really love every animal that comes through our shelter.

We do care well for each one. We do not like to put them down. If people would spay and neuter their pets, we would not have to do this (unless the animal is sick, badly injured or suffering). We are here to help the animals, not hurt them. Any suggestions on how we can show the public that we are here to help animals and make the community a safer place for them and their pets? Thank you.

Laura May Dickie, Camarillo, CA

Editor’s note: We agree… spaying and neutering is the solution to animal overpopulation. Unfortunately, many people still don’t get the connection between over-crowded shelters and a failure to “fix” their animals. Educational programs to raise public awareness of the problem are ongoing in many regions and at many levels, but like anything else it takes time to reach everyone who needs to hear this important message.

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Since indoor cats suffer depression plus a host of other specific illnesses, I have fenced an acre for mine. I modified the Cat Fence In system to handle snow and netted the top with very discreet netting from Bird Barrier to protect my guys from

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mail bag birds of prey. They all go outside 24/7.

The Persian and the two ragdolls spend even more time out than the Siamese mix.

All are healthy, happy and relaxed. No behavior problems. They get to eat grass, roll in the dirt, lie in the sun and hunt as cats are meant to (bugs are very popular).

I have used this system for seven years, with no escapes.

It is so simple to do this for your cat.

For snow, I have put 16” long, heavy duty steel brackets, one on each post. Then I put vinyl coated chicken wire across the brackets all the way around. It’s dark green so it’s less visible and the coating makes it easy to work with and they cannot chew through it. I also attach it to the fence along the way so they can’t climb up and slip through. I let the wire overhang the brackets by several inches.

It’s simple, it works and the cats get to be free safely. All you need is a fenced yard which can work out a lot cheaper than the complications of the chronic UTIs and other illnesses that cats locked indoors are prone to. Please share this info with your readers.

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Editor’s note: Enclosures are a wonderful way to give indoor cats a taste of the outdoors without exposing them to the health and safety hazards that can harm free-roaming cats. It sounds as if you’ve taken everything into consideration when constructing your own enclosure, and that your feline friends are taking full advantage of it.

While physical disorders such as UTIs are related more to diet than lack of outdoor activity, your point about emotional health is well taken.

When my seven-year-old son, Noah, was born, I realized my three cats, Claude, Vinnie, and Cassie, were unhappy about sharing my attention. As Noah grew and became more mobile, he would naturally seek the cats’ companionship.

Claude is very territorial and likes to be the king of his castle. He fought Noah’s attention with hisses and swats. This was extremely worrisome since a baby does not know to stay away from such danger.

After months of trying to keep the two apart, I had to seek the vet’s advice to ensure my son’s safety.

The local vet listened to my concerns.

I was horrified to hear her suggestion to de-claw Claude! I was adamantly opposed to this! After some thought, she mentioned another possibility. Apparently, there were “claw caps” on the market. These were hollow covers that fit over the cat’s claws

we want to hear from you!

and were glued in place. She assured me it was a painless procedure from start to finish. Once the cat’s claws grew, the caps would fall off.

Reluctantly, I agreed. In the weeks that followed, I continued to check Claude’s nails. I noticed his skin was growing around the caps. This was not what I was told would happen! Back Claude went to the vet. This visit was also disconcerting since the vet nonchalantly professed, “Well, we’ll just have to take those claws out.”

YIKES! Claude was brought home with his claws intact. In the end, I trimmed his nails with the caps on which caused the caps to crumble and fall off his nails. He was a much happier kitty.

To keep him from scratching Noah, it turned out I simply needed to blow a puff of air on him to keep him off the couch and other furniture so he was away from Noah’s exploring.

Now we have a house full of four happy cats, two happy dogs, and a safe and happy Noah. Oh, and of course, we have a new vet!

Mary Ann Markley, via email

Editor’s note: Kudos to you for standing your ground against de-clawing Claude!

As you discovered, there are much simpler and kinder ways to encourage cats to keep their claws to themselves. Many vets are now opposed to de-clawing, thank goodness, so hopefully you’ll have better luck with your new one.

Address your letters to: Editor, Animal Wellness Magazine, and send to: us: 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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yakkity yak Sir Paul honored at Genesis Awards Among the celebrities honored at this year’s Genesis Awards on March 24 in Beverly Hills was Sir Paul McCartney, who received the first Gretchen Wyler Award for his long-standing commitment to animal advocacy, including campaigns against the Canadian seal hunt, fox hunting in the U.K., and the slaughter of wild horses in California. Though not able to attend the ceremony in person, Sir Paul accepted his award via videotape.

Celebrities who did attend the gala event include Awards founder Gretchen Wyler, along with actors Loretta Swit, Persia White (The Fall of Night, Girlfriends), Amy Smart (Peaceful Warrior, Rat Race) and comedy show host Bill Maher. Here are just a few of this year’s award recipients: Outstanding Family Feature Film: Charlotte’s Web – an adaptation of the favorite children’s story by E. B. White

Genesis photos: Long Photography

Outstanding Animated Family Feature Film: Happy Feet – about a penguin who saves his community from the threat of human over-fishing Outstanding Feature Film: Fast Food Nation – looks at the abuse and exploitation of both people and animals in a slaughterhouse Sid Caesar Comedy Award: The Simpsons “Million Dollar Able” – a send-up of the so-called bravery of bull-fighting

Left: Debra Wilson Skelton (City Girls, Lord Help Us) shares a kiss with Rusty on the red carpet. Above: Bill Maher presenting the Sid Caesar Award for Comedy, which went to The Simpsons.

Stormy weather Even the most placid animals are easily startled or frightened by sudden loud noises, like fireworks and thunder. In fact, thunderstorm phobia is a common behavioral issue in dogs and cats. Dealing with it can be challenging, but there are ways to help a fearful animal feel better. Try one or more of the following when the thunder starts to rumble this summer.

• A stress wrap, which applies pressure to the animal’s body and makes him feel more secure.

• Massage therapy to relax and soften him.

• Soothing music to cover up the sound of thunder.

• A special treat to help him associate the storm with something enjoyable.

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AHA celebrates 130 years It’s the 130th anniversary of the American Humane Association, a national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. As part of the celebrations, AHA collaborated with Turner Classic Movies (TCM), a 24-hour cable network, to present the “No Animals Were Harmed” Film Festival during April. Every Monday night through the month, the network aired a series of films starring some of Hollywood’s most beloved animal actors, including Benji, The Black Stallion, National Velvet and The Yearling. These films were chosen because no animals were harmed during their making.

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Photos provided by American Humane Film & TV Unit

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Top right: Francis and Donald O'Connor in Francis Goes to the Races (1954).

Above: Audrey Hepburn and Cat in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1962).

ÃÊ Make a phone call for Fido

À

Did you know you now can help animals every time you make a call on your cell phone? The Humane Society of the United States has teamed up with Working Assets, a cell phone service provider that generates support for nonprofit groups.

Humane Wireless is their new service supporting animal protection work – 10% of the charge on every call goes directly to HSUS programs that help animals, at no additional cost to subscribers. The service also gives you the opportunity to take action on animal protection issues; each bill includes important information about these issues and subscribers can call decision-makers with up to 30 free minutes provided each month. Visit www.humanewireless.com. animal wellness

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yakkity yak Landmark decision In the largest civil action for animal cruelty in American history, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) and animal protection attorney Bruce Wagman recently won an important decision in the case against Robert and Barbara Woodley, who were keeping more than 350 dogs in squalid conditions at their residence in Sanford, North Carolina. The North Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed a civil judgment that removed the abused and neglected dogs from the home. The state law utilized by ALDF is unique in the U.S. because it allows private litigants to take the burden off municipalities and assist in the prosecution of animal cruelty cases. In most jurisdictions, prosecutors and animal control agencies can be overwhelmed by the demands of prosecuting such a case. The Woodleys were convicted of ten counts of animal cruelty and the rescued dogs have been rehabilitated and placed in foster homes.

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Dental claims down People are taking better care of their animals’ teeth, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance. When the company analyzed its dental-related claims over the past two years, they found the numbers had fallen significantly.

Tooth abscess Root canal Periodontitis Teeth cleaning

2005 2006 2,636 1,994 502 779 3,437 2,862 25,019 22,012

The decline is attributed to increased education and better awareness of the importance of dental care for dogs and cats, both at home and through regular check-ups.

yakkity yak Hemopet established the first non-profit animal blood bank in 1991, and their greyhound rescue program is known around the world. Now, founder Jean Dodds, DVM, is spearheading a fundraising drive to raise $10 million for a permanent new facility and the country’s first rehab center for restoring the health of dogs and cats.

The two-acre environmentally-friendly facility in Garden Grove, California, will feature apartment-style units with support rooms, outdoor exercise yards and playgrounds for 200 rescued greyhounds, while the Restore Health Center will provide short-term transitional and emergency care for dogs and cats, including alternative therapies such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic and herbal medicine. Joanne Carson, Ph.D., wife of the late Johnny Carson, is donating a portion of the proceeds from the recently released Johnny Carson Show DVD set to the new center, which is set to open next March.

In Canada, meanwhile, the Essex Animal Clinic is opening its new 2,200 squarefoot rehabilitation and fitness center at its location in Essex, Ontario. “It’s an expansion of our existing clinic and includes a therapy pool,” says staffer Cathy Carnevale. “We are doing acupuncture, chiropractic and physiotherapy for animals.” The center is expected to be up and running by late May.

Image courtesy of Hemopet

New rehab centers

Making a difference Every now and then, an individual comes along who makes an important and lasting difference to our society. One example is 18th century political activist William Wilberforce, whose compassion and courage is celebrated in the recently released movie Amazing Grace starring Ioan Gruffudd (King Arthur and Hornblower), Albert Finney (Erin Brokovich) and Michael Gambon (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban). Not only did Wilberforce help put an end to the British slave trade, he also played an instrumental role in founding the RSPCA, the first animal welfare organization. www.amazinggracemovie.com.

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Balto clears an obstacle at the AKC Agility Invitational.

New act helps foil thieves

Photo: Dog House Arts © AKC

AKC agility awards Agility is an increasingly popular canine sport. It allows dogs to display their athleticism and versatility by racing against the clock and overcoming a challenging obstacle course. At the 2006 American Kennel Club Agility Invitational in Long Beach, California, five dogs and their guardians received awards in each of the five height categories: • • • • •

8” – Balto (Bichon Frise) and Sierra Schmidt of Alpharetta, GA 12” – Willow (Australian shepherd) and Michelle Beardsley of Leesburg, VA 16” – Luka (Pyrenean shepherd) and Ashley Deacon of Redwood City, CA 20” – Susie (golden retriever) and Jane Simmons-Moake of Houston, TX 24” – Diesel (border collie) and Simon Peachy of Chelsea, UK

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It’s hard to think about, but the motivation behind many dog and cat thefts is the money these unscrupulous people can make by selling animals to research labs. The proposed federal Pet Safety and Protection Act would prohibit Class B dealers and unlicensed individuals from making such sales. Class B dealers collect dogs and cats from random sources and sell them to the research industry, often using illegal or unethical means such as stealing and responding to “free to good home” ads. The new legislation would help ensure dogs and cats are not stolen or acquired under false pretenses and sold for research. For details, and how you can support the Act, visit www.aspca.org.

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We’re all too familiar with the prevalence of strokes among the human population, but most of us don’t know that this serious affliction can also affect our canine companions. Even many experts used to think that strokes in dogs were rare, especially as the symptoms can look the same as other causes of vestibular disease. But according to an article in a 2003 edition of the Journal of the

American Animal Hospital Association, the use of MRIs has helped us realize that strokes are more common than previously thought.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, causing damage to the brain. This happens either when a blood clot blocks off circulation (an infarct), or a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding

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into the brain (a hemorrhage). If the bleeding does not stop, further brain damage occurs with secondary edema and swelling. Since the skull stops the brain from expanding, swelling will lead to increased pressure on the brain. With enough pressure, tissue is destroyed, causing even more severe signs or death.

What are the causes?

Strokes are triggered by the things that cause the clotting or bleeding in the first place. These include: •high blood pressure •infection •inflammation •cancer •toxins •hypothyroidism •coagulopathies •hyperviscosity syndromes •amyloidosis •septicemia •cardiac disease •kidney disease •Cushing’s disease

Can dogs have

strokes?

by Nancy Scanlan, DVM

Signs and symptoms Most commonly, the signs of stroke in dogs are the signs of vestibular disease.

The vestibular system is responsible for balance, and includes the cerebellum at the back of the brain, the brainstem, and the nerves of the inner ears, as well as the position detectors in joints and tendons.

Stroke, trauma, parasites, inflammation, or infection in almost any part of the system can cause a variety of symptoms, such as: •dizziness (that may cause vomiting) •staggering •falling •leaning •circling •rolling •inability to get up •eyes flicking back and forth (nystagmus)

Strokes usually happen suddenly, but if there is slow bleeding, the signs may come on gradually. If damage is slight, symptoms may be mild and only last a day or two.

If the damage is worse, the signs are more severe and often include seizures.

If the stroke occurs in another part of the brain, the symptoms are often more subtle.

They depend on which part of the brain is affected and how severe the damage is, and can include one or more of the following: •sudden or gradual collapse •inability to get up •drooling •dazed look •seizure •blindness.

•deviated eye •stiff or twisted neck

Diagnosing the difference between stroke and other vestibular disease Your veterinarian will look for a number of things before deciding whether or not your dog has had a stroke.

A thorough physical exam and an x-ray of the skull help determine if there is a problem with the middle or inner ear.

Two neurological signs that suggest inner ear

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Acupuncture helps Nicholas Nicholas is an eight-year-old golden retriever who suddenly started staggering and circling, and had great difficulty walking. His head was tilted, and his eyes twitched wildly.

He was drooling, had vomited once, and refused all food.

inflammation are facial nerve paralysis (where the whole face droops on one side), or Horner’s syndrome (one eye that doesn’t close completely, with the third eyelid prominent).

Indications that the problem is in the brain include a dazed appearance, blindness, weakness or paralysis, and an inability to stand up, even if supported.

His family brought him to the hospital where I practice, and when I saw him he was on IV fluids, corticosteroids, Reglan (for vomiting), and intravenous antibiotics.

The Reglan had stopped his drooling, but his eyes were still twitching and he was continuing to refuse food.

A general blood test, heartworm test, blood pressure check, and a urinalysis will reveal if the dog has kidney disease, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, heartworm, or high blood pressure. Often, but not always, infection is also detectable this way. The physical exam can also detect if there’s a heart murmur, while a chest x-ray, EKG and perhaps an ultrasound will help determine what type of heart disease is present. A coagulation panel or anti-thrombin III level test will reveal any coagulation problems.

X-rays revealed no sign of infection in his inner ears. Blood tests showed mild kidney problems, but nothing else. Nicholas’s family could not afford a CT scan or MRI, but the signs pointed to vestibular syndrome, he was covered for inflammation and infection, and the fluids would help his kidneys.

If the eardrum is bulging, there may be a need to carefully puncture it and collect fluid from the ear for culture.

If a brain infection is suspected, an analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid can help; traces of blood would support the diagnosis of stroke.

His family was willing to try acupuncture.

Almost immediately after the needles were placed, the eye twitching slowed down and stayed that way after the treatment was finished. Nicholas ate dinner that night and went home the next day after another acupuncture session. He kept his head tilt, but was able to walk fairly normally, and his eyes returned to normal within a week.

The definitive test is a CT scan and/ or an MRI. The CT scan is better in the first 24 hours, but an MRI is more useful after that.

Many dogs with vestibular disease will respond just as quickly without acupuncture, but since the improvement in Nicholas’s eyes was associated with the needling, I am convinced it sped up the process. So are the other doctors at my hospital; they regularly ask me to treat their vestibular cases with acupuncture.

Due to the severity of this condition, the initial treatment is often best done with conventional medicine.

Once the patient is stabilized, complementary modalities can be added to help with

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How are strokes treated?

the control of chronic disease.

Initial treatment consists of IV fluids and intravenous corticosteroids to minimize brain swelling and support brain circulation. This is one of the few occasions where corticosteroids can be life-saving and help prevent permanent damage.

Steroids given later on will not have nearly the beneficial effects of those given immediately.

Seizures should also be controlled by whatever means are available, including Valium, since prolonged seizures can cause further brain damage. Anti-seizure herbs usually do not work quickly enough to help at first, and can’t be given to a vomiting dog.

Acupuncture can be helpful for seizures and the rest of the stroke problems, both as an emergency measure and as a long-term treatment. Intravenous vitamin C is also useful initially, but in my experience its effects become less potent as time goes on.

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Our “dog-gone” miracle

by Maureen Pavella When my son and I picked her up from the hospital, it was a tearful reunion. As two assistants towelwalked Bailey to us with her rear legs and tail paralyzed to one side, I realized the road ahead would be tough, but not insurmountable.

Whoever wrote that “a dog is man’s best friend” must have been describing our family’s seven-year-old black Lab, Bailey. When we first welcomed her into our home as a pup, we had no idea how much she would change our lives and be such a precious gift.

Bailey’s miracle story began in June of 2005, when she had orthoscopic surgery to repair a partial ACL tear in her right rear leg. The surgery was a success and after weeks of physical therapy, she recovered with 90% use of her leg. But one morning in October, everything changed.

The day began with Bailey’s usual routine – breakfast, a brief walk, and retrieving tennis balls that I hit with a baseball bat before I left for work.

When I hit ball number eleven, Bailey slipped as she ran to get it. I saw her back legs fold underneath her and she began to cry and yelp in pain. As I ran to her, she was moving aimlessly in circles sitting on her back end, shaking with fear and breathing heavily, her eyes staring fixed in front of her. Her rear legs and tail were paralyzed.

My teenage son drove our car into the backyard and we picked up Bailey on a sheet and placed her on the back seat. I held her close on our way to the vet, but she seemed miles away.

After administering several medical tests over the next couple of days, the vet gave us his diagnosis.

Bailey had suffered an FCE or stroke. An FCE or fibrocartilage embolism is a type of stroke that affects the spinal cord instead of the brain. Small pieces of disc material get into the blood vessels and cause a blockage or embolism that inhibits the ability to walk or support the rear legs. Bailey’s longterm prognosis, we were told, would be determined by her progress the first month. The outcome was very uncertain – some dogs remain paralyzed, while others regain only partial movement. Our family agreed that we would bring Bailey home, never give up, and hope for a miracle.

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As the patient recovers, acupuncture, antioxidants, Chinese herbs, and homeopathy continue to be helpful. Any other diseases contributing to the problem must also be addressed.

After Bailey’s welcome-home party, there was much to do. Our living room was rearranged so she could lie near our big picture window to see her neighborhood friends. We made a bed of sheets, blankets and pillows, since Bailey would be lying down most of the time. Each family member had a shift to stay with her, and two persons were on duty to help her stand, sit and towel-walk her outside when necessary.

As we searched for ways to motivate Bailey to stand and walk on her own, we developed our own physical therapy techniques, homemade weightbearing activities, and amateur leg splints. Our best Christmas gift was Bailey standing independently and attempting to walk on all four legs. Sores developed on her right leg and paw because she dragged her leg when walking and her toes were curled under, but I wrapped her paw and leg in gauze covered with tube socks and secured with duct or strapping tape. To keep her walking with her paw turned right side up, I built a tiny boot made of Velcro. We also gave her frequent daily massages to stimulate blood flow.

If it wasn’t for the love and support of family, friends and neighbors, Bailey wouldn’t have been motivated or encouraged to try to move. The fruits of all our labor and prayers were evident after several months as Bailey began to stand on all four legs and walk slowly and steadily.

Today, Bailey still needs physical assistance climbing the stairs and getting in the car. But she now walks and even runs on her own, and her tail moves again.

Her perseverance and will lifts our spirits. Her doctors and nurses are in awe of her recovery.

I wrote this story to give others hope. Never give up in the face of adversity and difficulty. Anything is possible, and “dog-gone” miracles really do happen!

Maureen Pavella has been teaching people with disabilities for 34 years. Her personal life revolves around her two sons, her husband, and of course, Bailey.

Since these dogs are often profoundly affected, they may need to stay on a combination of conventional and complementary medicine for life.

Chances of recovery Dogs recover from strokes much faster than people do. A dog with signs of vestibular disease that responds within two to three days has an excellent chance for recovery, but will often be left with a head tilt and some mild ataxia or dizziness. Some dogs may be left with seizures. If the cause is cancer, the seizures will usually increase in severity and frequency as time goes on.

If the stroke is in another part of the brain and involves extreme weakness or paralysis, the outlook is not as favorable, especially if the dog does not show some signs of getting stronger or more oriented within a week or two. I have found acupuncture to improve the chances of these patients.

About two-thirds of dogs who suffer a true stroke (not including vestibular disease from other causes that are mistaken for stroke), recover well. Of these, about a third will have further episodes. The biggest influence on

their chances of recovery and risk of recurrence is the basic cause. If left untreated or uncontrolled, the chance of another stroke is much higher.

How can I prevent stroke in my dog?

Every dog over seven should have regular checkups and blood tests to detect diseases that can contribute to stroke.

Thin is in!

Ever wonder why wild animals are never fat?

Because wild animals eat naturally. And stay naturally thin.

Ever wonder why so many of our pets are obese?

Because just like people get fat eating junk, so do our pets.

That’s why we used nature as our teacher to create Viand, a holistically designed food. We use the same dominant ingredients in the same percentages you’d find in a dog’s or cat’s natural diet. First and foremost, that means plenty of meat.

In 12 years in business, we’ve never heard of a fat Viand pet!

When your pet eats Viand, you get a vibrant, muscular, healthy animal. Try it and see! Within three months, your pet will be well on the way to being what nature intended.

Less is more. Viand.

Smart food. Smart move.

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Antioxidants are an often-neglected nutraceutical that should be given to older dogs. Aspirin can help decrease clot formation, but should never be given if a previous stroke was the bleeding type.

Strokes can occur without warning and should be viewed as a veterinary emergency. The symptoms can be upsetting to both you and your dog, but with prompt, professional treatment, the chances of recovery are greatly enhanced. animal wellness

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Dog photo: Margarit Ralev, ralev.com

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by Ann Brightman

tips

for a smooth move

Simone and her husband thought moving their cat would be a breeze. After all, they were leaving a cramped apartment for a home of their own, complete with a spacious well-treed yard and garden. What cat wouldn’t be happier in such an environment?

But a couple of days after they arrived, Merlin escaped out the back door by accident, darted around the corner of the house and disappeared. “We looked all over but there was no sign of him,” says Simone. “We thought we’d lost him.”

Next morning, the couple got a call from a neighbor in their old apartment building on the other side of town.

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“She said she saw Merlin hiding in some bushes by the parking lot, looking scared and confused,” says Simone. “He

was trying to go back to the only home he’d ever known. We didn’t realize till then how stressed out he must have been about moving.”

Of all the changes your dog or cat can experience in his life, moving house is one of the biggest. Depending on temperament, some animals may only be mildly unsettled by the upheaval, but others, particularly cats, can become traumatized and disoriented, especially if they’ve never been moved before. It doesn’t matter whether you’re going across town or across the country, it’s important to make sure your companion’s well being and safety are an integral part of your moving plans. Here are some suggestions to help ensure a smooth and stress-free move for your furry companion.

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If you have a cat or small dog, invest in a sturdy carrier if you don’t already have one, and get him accustomed to it before moving day.

the last time and then make sure he is in a carrier or on a leash.

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If your animal is stressed by car trips, or gets motion sick, a variety of holistic therapies can help. Bach’s Rescue Remedy is an excellent calming treatment for stress and is safe to use on both dogs and cats – just rub a bit on his ears or foot pads. Keep small animals in their carrier while in the vehicle, and secure larger dogs with a dog seatbelt.

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Make sure your animal has adequate ID, including a securely attached tag with your name, phone numbers and new address. As careful as you are, escapes can happen, and your companion can quickly get lost and disoriented in an unfamiliar environment.

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If it’s going to take more than one day to drive to your new home, look for pet-friendly hotels along the way and book in advance so you’ll have someplace to stay.

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Keep your animal’s routine as normal as possible in the weeks and days leading up the move. If possible, begin packing well ahead of time, and do it gradually to get him used to things being changed and shifted around.

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If you’re flying to your new location, take care to choose a pet-friendly airline. Find out well ahead of time what their policy is for transporting animals and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re not comfortable with the answers, choose another airline or make alternative travel arrangements.

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Again, keep your animal in a safe, quiet spot in the new house while appliances and furnishings are being moved in. If he gets upset at being left alone in a strange room, have a close friend or family member stay with him.

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On moving day, shut your animal in a quiet, safe spot such as a bathroom or small bedroom. Put a sign on the door or warn movers, friends and family not to enter the room. Make sure he has water and something to lie on, and check on him periodically to give him reassurance. Don’t move him until you’re ready to leave the house for

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Unpack his supplies as soon as possible and situate his bowls, bedding, crate, toys and litter box in a configuration that’s as close as possible to where they were at the old house. Try to place them animal wellness

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fashionable

functional

comfortable!

near the same furnishings they were before. This will help him get oriented more quickly and with less stress.

animal out on his own for awhile; make sure he’s supervised in the backyard, even if it’s securely fenced. Walk your dog on a leash, and keep your cat indoors – like Merlin, some felines will try to go back to their old homes if they’re given the chance.

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As you’re unpacking and arranging your possessions, be sure not to leave dangerous items where your animal might reach them – this includes electrical cords, poisonous substances, houseplants, pantyhose, objects small enough to be swallowed, etc. Load bookcases, china cabinets, etc. from the bottom up, so they don’t become top heavy and at risk of tipping.

Also avai for bucket lable & RV coucseats hes!

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Check around the house for loose screens, holes in fences and other potential escape routes. Don’t let your

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If you’re moving to a new town or city, start looking for a vet as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to find a groomer, pet sitter and/or dog walker. As well, different states and provinces may have different license fees, leash laws, and other animal regulations you’ll need to familiarize yourself with. Many states also require a health certificate and verification that the animal is free of disease.

Give your companion lots of attention after the move and reward calm behavior with praise and treats. The more love and reassurance you give him, the quicker he’ll come to associate his new environment with something positive.

“We bought a window bird feeder for Merlin and after awhile he got so engrossed with it that he forgot about trying to get out,” says Simone. “And we didn’t leave him alone in the house for the first few weeks. If we both had to be out at once, we got one of our kids to babysit him. We’ve been here two months now, and Merlin’s the old contented kitty he used to be.”

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holistic veterinary advice holistic veterinary advice talking with dr. martin goldstein Dr. Marty Goldstein has been practicing holistic veterinary medicine for 30 years. Based at Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, New York. Dr. Goldstein is the author of The Nature of Animal Healing, published by Random House. You can also hear him on “Ask Martha’s Vet with Dr Marty” on Sirius Satellite Radio network channel 112 every Monday at 8PM EST (www.sirius.com).

Send your questions for Dr. Goldstein’s column to: Dr. Martin Goldstein, e-mail: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com Dr. Marty responds to questions in his column only. We regret he cannot respond to every question.

Q

I have a nine-month-old long-haired blue piebald dachshund who began to show signs of hair loss on her tail, back, and the back of her head. She has color dilution alopecia. Everything I have read states there is no cure. A dermatologist recommended giving her three milligrams of melatonin twice a day but said that she has a 50% chance of losing all her blue hair (she is blue and white but about 60% to 70% blue). Is there anything else you can suggest?

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This is probably the closest thing we have in veterinary medicine that resembles typical male pattern baldness syndrome in men. This condition has been genetically engineered and created. Since melatonin does affect pigment, it is a wise choice. I would also recommend the homeopathic Hair and Skin by Heel’s BHI line, a good fish oil EFA supplement, and you could try Dermatrophin by Standard Process Labs. Although this is a genetic condition, I truly believe that even a genetically based disease, or at least the clinical symptoms, can be reversed to varying degrees.

My dog was seriously ill for eight months, with violent diarrhea whenever he ate. Our vet at the time concluded he was allergic to all protein, and for the next five years he was on a highly processed prescription kibble. This led to a host of other problems, so I decided finally to try him on raw protein instead, which he can digest without any problems. Within six weeks he was like a whole new dog! Both my dogs are now on completely raw, whole food diets, and I am trying to include the healthy supplemental ingredients you and other holistic sources have suggested to balance them out – only to discover that

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my dogs (according to blood tests for antibodies) are allergic to most of them! These include yeast, peas, lamb, fish, chicken, duck, wheat (no wheat grass?), barley (no barley grass?), millet, rye, and dairy (no yogurt, no cheese?)! These ingredients are found in all the healthy diet and supplement recipes I’ve come across.

Can you suggest some substitutions?

animal wellness

First, well done on getting your dogs on a raw diet.

I would add a word of slight caution about getting their diets “complete and balanced.” This applies especially to the addition of carbohydrates/grains.

Wild carnivores eat nearly none of these. What we recommend for dogs in good health and on raw diets is a good calcium supplement (if the raw food you are feeding is devoid of crushed bone or another source of calcium), a good fish oil based EFA and, in some patients, a food-based vitamin/mineral supplement. This last one is not that mandatory for you, especially if you can’t find one free of allergens.

My cat was recently diagnosed with stomatitis. I went to the dental specialist and have decided on tooth extraction.

(I know our cat will not let me brush.) It would be nice to know if the regular vet could handle the extraction or if the specialist is the better choice.

Our vet only had one other case and was treating the cat with antibiotics. Yet the specialist told me antibiotics were useless because this was an allergy to bacteria and not an infection. What are your thoughts?

A

It depends on the severity of the stomatitis. With mild cases, we have had success feeding a high

quality diet, especially one rich in raw meats; some supplementation, either general or more specific to the patient’s blood results; and, if the teeth and gums are affected, routine but comprehensive dentistry. With severe cases, we have a very experienced dental specialist in our area who uses a procedure that’s giving him up to a 100% reversal rate. I’m almost certain he uses antibiotics both before and post-procedure. So I would recommend you consult a specialist.

Q

My dog, Spirit, a three-year-old Kelpie mix, contracted distemper from a neighbor’s puppy. We got through the acute stage fairly easily with homeopathy and Chinese herbs. However, after being symptom-free for two weeks, she started having seizures. She had four short ones that day and we used homeopathy to help with that. She was fine for five days and then had a very violent episode that night.

Because the seizures were so few and relatively minor, our conventional vet suggested we put her on Phenobarbital. She has not had an episode since.

She is also on a Chinese herbal formula designed for her seizures as well as nutritional support including extra vitamin E, hemp oil, extra magnesium, selenium (kelp), B vitamins (bee pollen), vitamin C, nutritional yeast and lecithin in addition to her normal raw diet (cutting out red meat).

Are distemper seizures caused by encephalitis? Is it possible to break that pattern with the Pheno and Chinese herbs so they are not a lifetime issue? Being aware of the side-effects of the Pheno, is it possible to eventually wean her off it completely? Should I continue decreasing it slowly? Can you suggest any other supportive therapies to help with this? I’ve heard that homeopathic Arg nit is specific for distemper seizures.

A

The mechanism by which distemper affects the brain is called demyelination, a destruction of the nervous tissue lining. In response, the body attempts an immune system reaction with its own immune cells, and this almost always creates an inflammation. By definition, in fact, encephalitis means inflammation of the brain. The Pheno will suppress the seizures while the Chinese herbs, if they are the correct ones for Spirit, can assist in the reparative, healing process.

As things stabilize, we recommend trying to slowly wean her down and hopefully off the Pheno while most likely continuing the herb. In my clinic, we

also use Neurotrophin by Standard Process Labs, and homeopathic Epilepsy Drops by Professional Complementary Health Products. But this should be determined and monitored by your veterinarian.

Over my career, I have seen the reversal of almost all different types of illness, even many that were considered incurable.

Q

I have noticed that one of our older cats has an eye that is changing color. It used to be a clear sea-green, and now part of the iris has turned brown. We’ve looked closely and it isn’t blood or anything – it’s the actual iris changing color. What would cause this, and is it dangerous? He seems otherwise in good health and in no discomfort from the eye.

A

I have seen this in several cats over the years and have followed it with no apparent problems arising. I was certified in the practice of iridology, which studies the correlation of changing and darkening aspects of the human iris with internal body structures and illness.

I have not seen any correlation with this practice and what you describe. In humans, there is a condition called nevus, which is an increased pigmentation change, but it has no subsequent related problems.

Q

I am sick over this matter. I have a rescue dog in foster care. This one-year-old spayed female (40 pounds) has received three doses of distemper-parvo and rabies vaccines. This is because of sloppy record keeping and lack of communication. The discovery was only made after the third vaccine. Please advise what I can do to save her from a disaster and what to look for. The only side effect that has been noticed so far is irritability.

A

I empathize as I see this all the time and think it’s horrible, especially when it has been demonstrated that as few as one vaccine could provide a lifetime of protection. Behavioral changes are common side effects of vaccines. One of the primary mechanisms by which this manifests is the body creating antibodies to the thyroid as a result of the vaccines. I would recommend your veterinarian running full thyroid profiles or contacting Hemopet in Irvine, California for guidance. There are many calming remedies and herbals on the market for the irritability. We use Bach Rescue Remedy or homeopathic Show Aid animal wellness

35

holistic veterinary advice

by Professional Complementary Health Products.

Herbals that contain valerian and passion flower can also be effective. Otherwise, provide a high quality diet, good supplementation and a course of antioxidants for the potential free radicals caused by the onslaught.

arthroscopic surgery the only solution for a cure?

A

Not in my experience. In our practice, we have witnessed cases of this condition reversed and substantiated by before-and-after radiographic confirmation. We use comprehensive programs of high quality nutrition, metabolic supplementation based on blood results, especially joint supportive and reparative supplements, homeopathic remedies given by injection and herbals given orally

Q A Q A

We are looking for information on Diaxol, which is a “cure” for canine diabetes.

Do you have any info on this?

I know of this product and it “looks” good. I have not used it as I just haven’t had a case of diabetes since learning of it. But I have used most of the ingredients it contains over the years for treating diabetics and have seen positive response.

Passion flower

Q

I have had my shih tzu Angie since she was six weeks old.

She was hypoglycemic and had a blood sugar count of 16, and we almost lost her. I thought all was fine, but just recently we had family visit us for two weeks. I bought Revolution and we also brought a new puppy home. Now Angie has drool on the sides of her mouth all the time. It seems slimy. I am hoping this is just stress related and will go away once she gets her bearings again. The visitors are gone and the new pup settling in. What do you think?

A

These small breeds of dog do have what are called glycogen storage diseases, where the reserve for blood sugar typically needed to handle stress is not available. Though quite rare, I have seen a few dozen cases and the dogs grew out of it as they matured.

Since dogs don’t have a sweat gland system as humans do, Angie’s salivation could be a way of eliminating toxins. I’m not that fond of Revolution unless really needed. Instead, work from the inside out with very high quality, fresh foods, a multivitamin/ mineral supplement and digestive enzymes.

Q

I have two ten-month-old Rottie siblings. Both have osteochondritis dessicans of their left shoulders. Is

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animal wellness

Both of my dogs (unrelated) had Cushing’s disease. Do they now know what the cause is? I have heard that it is from too many vaccines.

The correct answer to this question is beyond the scope of one definitive answer. Most Cushing’s cases are secondary to a benign tumor in the pituitary gland; currently, surveys show that approximately 50% of all disease-related deaths in dogs are due to cancer.

So this is almost analogous to trying to explain the cause of cancer in one paragraph! Basically, immune suppression and aberration are behind it all, so we must look at the many factors that cause this. And yes, vaccinations are one of those key factors.

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.

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.

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product picks Make it mushrooms

Certain edible mushrooms contain healthful attributes that can enhance immunity and boost overall wellness. Now your canine companion can enjoy the benefits of these mushrooms with Muttrooms, a baked dog treat featuring a blend of five mushroom species.

Created by dog lover and experienced mycologist Paul Stamets, the treats are made from certified organic shiitake, maitake, reishi, turkey tail and cordyceps mycelin, and contain no artificial preservatives or additives.

12 oz. – $8.99 www.GandBMarketing.com

Comfort and control

Walking your dog is a joy when you’re using a leash or harness specially designed to maximize your dog’s comfort, and your control. EzyDog satisfies both these needs with its durable, high-quality products. They offer a selection of leashes in varying styles, lengths and colors, all of which are made with shock-absorbing Bungee rope and sturdy, comfortable hand grips. The EzyDog harness, meanwhile, features a foam rubber chest plate that molds to the dog’s chest for an ergonomic fit. Our two test dogs, who have a tendency to pull when walking, were a dream on leash when they wore their harnesses.

Leashes: $14.00 $23.00 Harness: $17.00 - $25.00 www.ezydog.com

Wholesome, healthy… and safe

The recent widespread pet food recall has opened a lot of people’s eyes to the health problems associated with low end commercial diets. Among the many companies offering safe, wholesome alternatives is Canine Life. Made from high quality organic proteins including beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, venison and salmon, as well as nutritious veggies like broccoli, carrots, sweet potato and squash, the diets come in convenient frozen muffins or as a pre-mix. Special gluten-free and cancer formulas are also available. $1.05 per muffin (bulk) $7.50 per 6-pack (vacuum sealed) www.theskyesthelimit.com

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animal wellness

No more finicky felines

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Top 10 household hazards Most of us feel we do a pretty good job keeping our animals safe, but according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, we need to be more vigilant.

Last year, the center took more than 116,000 calls,

adding that this number is significantly higher than the year before. In response, the APCC has released a list of the top ten common household items that we need to watch out for.

1. Human medications

2. Insecticides

3. Veterinary medications

From OTC pain relievers to prescription drugs, human medications are the most common cause of poisoning in dogs and cats.

“Just one extra-strength acetaminophen can be deadly to a cat, and just four regularstrength ibuprofen can lead to serious kidney problems in a ten-pound dog,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist with the ASPCA. Store medications in a secure cabinet out of your animal’s reach.

The APCC handled more than 27,000 cases involving flea and tick products in 2006, a clear demonstration of how toxic these products are.

Wherever possible, eliminate the use of chemical-laden flea and tick killers and take a holistic approach to pet control through diet, supplements, grooming, and natural flea products (see Volume 9, Issue 2).

The APCC reported a whopping 93% increase in cases involving veterinary medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, antibiotics and vaccines. Try to minimize the use of these drugs by consulting a holistic vet about alternative treatments and therapies.

4. Plants Houseplants add beauty to the home, animal wellness

39

but many are highly toxic, including common varieties like azalea and rhododendron. “Lilies are highly toxic to cats,” says Dr. Hansen. “Even in small amounts they can produce lifethreatening kidney failure.” Keep houseplants out of your animal’s reach and provide him with safe alternatives such as barley grass or catnip.

5. Rodenticides As the recent pet food recall tragically showed, rat poison and similar toxins can lead to potentially life-threatening problems in dogs and cats, including seizures or kidney damage.

Consider safer, more humane ways of getting rid of rodents, such as live traps and wildlife-proofing your home and property.

6. Household cleaners Bleaches, detergents and disinfectants are just some of the household cleaners that can harm your companion. Store cleaners in a secure spot, or better yet, explore non-toxic alternatives.

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animal wellness

7. Chocolate Don’t share this tasty treat with your companion.

Chocolate contains caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines, which can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in animals, especially dogs. “Typically, the darker the chocolate, the greater the potential for poisoning,” says Dr. Hansen.

8. Chemical hazards This group encompasses antifreeze, drain cleaners, pool and spa chemicals and others. “These substances can cause a wide variety of problems ranging from gastrointestinal upset and depression to respiratory difficulties and chemical burns,” says Dr. Hansen.

the ingestion of several common objects – from pet collars and adhesive tape to bones, paper products and other similar items,” says Dr. Hansen. “It is important to make sure that items which could be easily knocked over, broken, chewed up or swallowed are kept out of the reach of curious pets.”

10. Home improvement products The APCC dealt with over 2,000 cases involving paint, solvents, expanding glues and other products used in construction and renovation. “Pet parents should keep pets out of areas where home improvement projects are taking place,” advises Dr. Hansen.

9. Physical hazards Be alert for objects that could cause choking, intestinal obstruction, or other injury. “We’ve managed cases involving

For

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or visit www.aspca.org/apcc.

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animal wellness

41

How to choose a

carrier for your cat…

by Ann Brightman

and get her to like it!

While I love all “fur people”, I have to admit I’m mainly a cat person. One reason is because they’re so easy to care for – except, that is, when it’s time to take them somewhere. As most kitty guardians can attest, even a ten-minute car ride can turn into a traumatic, ear-splitting ordeal when a reluctant feline is on board.

I’ve recently learned it doesn’t have to be that way. Choosing the right carrier for your cat, and taking steps to ensure she’s comfortable with it, can make transporting your feline friend much less stressful.

Buying the right carrier

There’s a huge variety of animal carriers

42

animal wellness

on the market these days. They range from the familiar plastic kennels to lightweight collapsible carriers made of cloth or nylon in a range of styles and colors. Some models can be trundled along on wheels like a baby stroller, while others can be carried hands-free on your back or front, or even slung over your shoulder like a handbag.

All these can be great for small dogs,

but when it comes to cats, the more conventional carriers are best. A cat’s first reaction, when she finds herself in a strange situation, is to try and escape from it. This means you need a carrier she can’t easily tear or push her way out of. Those with zipper closures, for example, may not be the best choice, since a persistent kitty may nudge the zip open enough for her to slither out.

Lisa Kelly is the owner of Kitty Condos, a cat boarding facility in Portland, Oregon.

She sees a lot of cats coming and going in all kinds of carriers, and is familiar with the common mistakes people make. “I like the cloth carriers, and a lot of people use them because they’re convenient,” she says. “But I think the hard plastic ones are probably safer.”

Shop around and look for sturdy, good quality materials. “Sometimes people will buy a cheap carrier that has plastic clips rather than the metal screws and bolts, which are

Photo p

rovided

a lot safer and more secure,” says Lisa.

Check the carrier over carefully before each use, to make sure no parts are loose or missing. “I’ve actually had people lose their cats in our parking lot when they lift up the carrier, thinking it’s secure, but a bolt is missing or a clip has been forced upward and it’s not properly latched. Next thing you know, the door falls out and the cat’s gone.”

If you already have a carrier with plastic clips, Lisa advises reinforcing them with some simple, inexpensive cable ties from the hardware store, just to be on the safe side.

Size is another important factor.

“Although it might be easier to get a

Tip:

If you have to quickly transport a cat that isn’t used to a carrier, try this.

Stand the carrier on its end, so the door is facing upward. While comforting the cat in a reassuring tone, lift him gently in both hands and lower him into the carrier feet first until he’s completely inside. Quickly close and secure the door before he attempts to jump out. cat into a larger carrier, I think they do better in a smaller one,” says Lisa. A smaller model is also lighter, easier

by Kitty

Condos

and less cumbersome for you to carry.

Just make sure it offers enough space for the cat to stand up, turn around, and stretch out.

Look for extra features, such as attachable containers for water and food. These aren’t really an issue for short trips, but they’re essential if you’re going to travel any distance with your cat. “You animal wellness

43

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should be able to access the containers from the outside without opening the door,� advises Lisa. “You don’t want your cat to escape in a strange place.�

your cat to the carrier before you actually use it. “If you put the carrier in storage and only pull it out for vet appointments, then the cat is going to instantly know and run for it,� Lisa says. “I leave my carriers out in plain view. It’s like a tunnel or a paper bag. A cat will always want to climb inside something, so if you leave the carrier out with the door open, they’ll start to get in and out on their own.�

Make your cat comfortable by giving her something soft to lie on. “Cats don’t like to be on the bottom of the carrier or on a piece of newspaper,�

Lisa explains. “They like to hold onto something, so you need a cloth bed or pad that is going to stay stable in the carrier.� A number of companies, such as DryFur, offer special inserts or pads You can encourage your cat to enter that are waterproof as the carrier by placing well as comfortable, a favorite toy or so if the animal has piece of bedding an accident, she’s not inside, or a few healthy forced to sit on a treats. Playing “hide damp surface. and seek� with her Whichever type of carrier while she’s exploring you choose, make sure it has “A lot of people put the interior helps her proper ventilation and a way for toys in the carrier, but further associate it with your cat to see out, while also there are not many cats something enjoyable. offering her a sense of safety who will play when and privacy. Make sure there are they’re in new surno protruding pieces of hardware roundings,� says Lisa. or plastic that could cause injury. “Here at the kennel, it Some form of insulation may also takes 12 to 24 hours be a consideration. before we start to see Once your cat is cats playing and eataccustomed to the ing.� If you’re going carrier, start taking her outdoors in on a longer trip, however, do take some it. Begin by walking around the toys along; after a couple of days, your yard or a short distance along the cat may settle into her normal routine street. Next, sit with her in the and want something to play with. car for a few minutes, but without starting it up. The next step is to start the car but not go anywhere, to get her used to the sound of the motor.

Once she’s at ease with this, begin One of the biggest problems people taking her on short, frequent car rides. encounter is getting their cats inside Keep a bottle of Rescue Remedy in the carrier. Many felines either run and your pocket to help the process along. hide as soon as they see it, or become

Tip:

The next step‌ the car

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Familiarity breeds comfort

an awkward bundle of claws when you’re trying to insert them through the door. “I have a lot of customers who have a hard time getting their cats into the carrier, and then when they get to where they want to go, they have a hard time getting them out again,� says Lisa.

The best solution is to acclimatize

44

animal wellness

With patience and persistence, some cats will grow to enjoy, and not just tolerate, carriers and even car rides. “All the cats I’ve ever had love the car, but then I take them with me every single day,� says Lisa. “Maybe for the first ten or 15 times, they were miserable, but after that they’re actually waiting to go!�

animal wellness

45

Two-thirds of North Americans are overweight or obese, so it’s not surprising our dogs and cats are following

middle-aged animal that is not a little on the chubby side.

going in and increasing the calories going out, usually via exercise. (Aren’t those experts annoying?) But there’s more to it than plain calories – it’s the type of calories that are important, because they each have a profoundly different effect on metabolism and, consequently, weight.

Experts say that preventing weight gain is much easier than treating it. That’s true—but it’s not particularly helpful!

Many of our animals are already past that stage, and now we need to deal with their existing weight issues. And with good reason. Obesity is unhealthy, uncomfortable and often painful. It can

Many veterinary nutritionists say the source of calories doesn’t matter, and that calories from corn, for example, aren’t handled any differently by the body than those from other sources.

But corn has a very high glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index is a scale of how fast and how high blood glucose rises after consuming a particular food.

Cornmeal, or ground yellow corn, has a

right behind. Estimates of animal obesity range from 25% to 40%, and many more are overweight. In fact, it’s becoming uncommon for veterinarians to see a

46

animal wellness

also shorten your animal’s lifespan by triggering or contributing to a variety of serious health problems.

Of calories and carbs Experts also say that losing weight is simply a matter of decreasing the calories

Chew the

fat

A healthy diet plan for your chubby buddy

by Jean Hofve, DVM

GI of 68 – the same as granulated sugar!

High GI foods encourage the body to store more fat. They also cause swings in blood sugar that can lead to insulin resistance and even diabetes. High GI foods include simple carbohydrates, grains, and starchy vegetables such as yams, green peas, and potatoes.

Dogs and cats are carnivores, although dogs can survive on a much wider variety of foods than cats can. Carnivores naturally eat an “Atkins” type diet with high protein, high fat, high moisture, and low carbohydrates – the typical composition of prey animals.

The benefits of high protein, low carb diets have been extensively studied in cats and include weight loss, diabetes prevention and urinary tract benefits.

Only a few similar studies have been conducted in dogs, but they also gave favorable results.

Dogs given high protein, low carb foods lost weight more slowly, but they lost more fat

and conserved lean body mass better than dogs eating a typical high carb diet.

The trouble with kibble Dry food is a source of highly concentrated calories. Think about how many potato chips (dry) you can eat, compared to how many mashed potatoes (wet) you can stuff yourself with. Even when loaded with gravy, mashed potatoes are mostly water, and that dilutes the calories.

What about those “lite” commercial animal wellness

47

dry foods formulated for weight reduction? They tend to be lower in fat and protein, and higher in fiber, than regular foods. They sacrifice the most important nutrients for added carbs and are definitely not the right approach for healthy weight management.

You may be thinking, “Gosh, dry food is so much cheaper, I don’t know if I can afford anything else.” But remember the old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Your animal will pay the difference in lost health if you feed him cheap, poor quality food, and it will catch up to your wallet when the vet bills for obesityrelated diseases start accumulating.

Dieting is not the answer As many of us know all too well, dieting is hard. And it’s no easier for our animal friends. It can even be dangerous.

Starving a cat or dog down to his “ideal” weight does not address the cause of the problem and is no different from giving suppressive medications for other illnesses. Cats in particular

Health risks of obesity •joint damage and arthritis •diabetes •decreased immune function •heart disease •respiratory disease •liver disease •digestive disorders •skin and coat problems •urinary tract disease •increased anesthetic risk •impaired healing ability •cancer 48

animal wellness

are susceptible to liver failure if weight loss diets are too radical, or food changes are made too quickly. While it’s vitally important to change what and how we’re feeding our tubby pals, it’s even more important to switch foods gradually. Make sure your animal is eating and eliminating normally. A little diarrhea is not a problem, but a severe case of it is!

Raising your animal’s activity level is certainly an excellent addition to his weight loss plan, but exercise alone is usually not enough.

What it all comes down to is what common sense should tell us: dogs and cats really ought to eat the diet that nature intended them to eat.

Fortunately, there are many ways to provide an appropriate carnivore diet to your companion.

Four diets that fight fat

1.

Canned food This is the easiest choice, and for many animals the most palatable. Just be sure you’re buying a premium product. Choose one that lists named meats on the ingredient label (not just “meat” or “animal” products) and some fresh veggies.

Avoid by-products and large quantities of starchy grains.

2.

Raw frozen

Ready to try a raw meat diet? Many reputable companies make balanced raw frozen diets that come in convenient patties or rolls. Health food stores

often carry one or two brands, and specialty pet stores are also good sources.

As always, make the switch slowly.

If you’re uncomfortable with raw meat, you can lightly cook these diets and still retain nearly all their nutritional value.

While I believe that raw is best for most animals, it is not appropriate for all.

Very young and very old animals, and those with gastrointestinal problems, may not be good candidates.

Not all raw diets are truly complete; some nutrients, such as calcium and taurine, may be in short supply. Do your homework and ask questions! These diets tend to be expensive because they do most of the work for you, but they’re a great way to get started with raw food.

3.

Diet mixes

These are supplement mixes you add

animal wellness

49

Carb blockers are weight loss enhancers that have been specifically studied in dogs. A 2004 study showed potential benefits from using a starch blocker without changing anything about the diet or exercise. However, since most starch blockers work by blocking amylase enzyme, a full-spectrum digestive enzyme should probably not be used concurrently. Bromelain, papain, or a similar protease enzyme alone would be adequate.

to meat to create a complete, balanced diet. They make the homemade food process simpler. Some have grains, some do not. Some have multiple parts, such as enzymes, vitamins/minerals, and oils. Do not skip any of the supplements – they are all absolutely necessary! These products allow you to control the most important part of the diet, the meat. You choose it, so you’re certain of the quality.

4.

Homemade

A cooked or raw diet you make yourself is another option, but may not be for the faint of heart, or the uncertain of commitment. If you’ve got multiple animals or big dogs, it can be quite a bit of work. It also requires education and dedication.

Ultimately, the cost works out the same or less than canned food, especially if you find local sources of bulk ingredients.

With any diet program, remember to use variety! One of the most common mistakes people make is to let the animal gradually narrow down to the one flavor or ingredient he likes best. Different meats have very different amino acid profiles, and vegetables contain wide variations in vitamin and mineral content. It’s possible to cause a severe deficiency by failing to provide enough variety.

Supplements for weight loss Digestive enzymes: plant – or yeast-based

50

animal wellness

products containing protease, lipase, amylase, and sometimes cellulose. They help the gut break down food more effectively, so the animal gets maximum benefit from the nutrients. These enzymes are crucial for animals eating cooked or processed foods.

Probiotics: beneficial bacteria that keeps gut cells healthy and working at maximum efficiency.

Essential fatty acids: it may not seem sensible that a fat animal needs more fat, but most of our animals are way overboard on Omega-6 fatty acids and deficient in Omega-3s. Fish oil is the best source of EPA and DHA, key Omega-3s important for skin, eyes, heart, and nervous system health. Choose oils from non-farmed fish, or oils that have been molecularly distilled to remove pollutants and other harmful chemicals.

Just nixing the low-end kibble will go a long way toward helping your animal lose weight and get healthier. An all-canned diet is a proven solution for cats, and also appears to be helpful for dogs. The bonus of adding fresh foods to the diet – bright eyes, clean teeth, sweet smell, shiny coat, and of course, normal weight – will often become apparent within a few weeks.

But it’s the changes on the inside that will keep your companion with you for years to come. Isn’t that what matters most?

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51

Dealing with

diabetes

by Janice Huntingford, DVM

If you think diabetes is becoming more common in our companion animals, you’re right. It’s estimated that this disease strikes one in every 200 dogs and cats. For the sake of your own companion’s well being, it’s important to know what causes this condition and how it can be prevented and treated.

52

animal wellness

There are two types of diabetes mellitus that affect animals: Type I

Most common in dogs

Comparable to insulin dependant diabetes in humans

Requires insulin injections

Type II

Most common in cats

Equivalent to non-insulin dependant diabetes in humans

May or may not require insulin injections

How do they get diabetes?

1. A diet high in carbohydrates 2. Obesity and lack of activity A high carb diet causes your animal’s blood sugar to elevate quickly after eating. In response, the body produces insulin. Insulin’s job is to push the blood sugar into the cells. On the surface of the cells are insulin receptors, which act like little doors that open and close to regulate the inflow of blood sugar. After many years of consuming a high carb diet, the doors begin to malfunction and shut down. This causes the body to produce more insulin and starts a vicious cycle of insulin resistance.

Soon the body is not able to produce enough insulin to push the blood sugar into the cells. The result is diabetes. In other words, diabetes is an exaggerated case of insulin resistance.

Older, overweight cats can develop diabetes in a very specific way. If they are given corticosteroids by injection

Treatment regimes Early treatment by a veterinarian can help prevent nerve damage and blindness and, in the case of cats, may even lead to remission. The conventional treatment for diabetes mellitus includes:

1.

or tablet, diabetes can result. Experts in feline diabetes tell us that these cats were susceptible to diabetes in the first place and the cortisone simply triggered the problem. Although initially the cat may require insulin or diabetic tablets, this form of diabetes may go into remission with proper diet and further avoidance of steroids. If this happens, insulin may be discontinued in the patient.

Signs and symptoms Typical signs of diabetes mellitus in animals are increased drinking and

increased urination as well as increased appetite. This is generally accompanied

Insulin injections or, in the case of some cats, pills that lower the blood sugar.

Insulin injections are given once or twice daily depending on the animal and his needs; your veterinarian will determine the amount and frequency of injections or tablets that he requires.

Dosing with insulin generally starts on the low end and the blood sugar is slowly stabilized. This may require a few days of hospitalization, if your animal is very critical, or may be done on an outpatient basis if the diabetes is more stable. During this time the animal’s blood sugar is monitored on an hourly basis to determine the correct dose of insulin. Once this correct dose is achieved, your veterinarian will have you monitor your animal at home either with urine or blood testing.

Photo: James Blackwood

Some dog breeds such as the standard poodle, golden retriever and miniature schnauzer are genetically more susceptible to diabetes and may develop it at a young age. In many other dogs, diabetes is thought to be an immune mediated disease in which the cells of the pancreas are destroyed. For other dogs and most cats, though, there are two primary causes:

by weight loss. If nothing is done at this stage, the next symptom is usually vision problems in dogs (cataracts) and weakness in the back legs of cats. If the animal is not treated at this point, the disease can lead to death.

2.

Diet is a critical component of treating any diabetic animal. It’s so important, in fact, that diabetic cats animal wellness

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will sometimes go into remission with a change in diet alone! Diets for cats

other antioxidants such as alpha lipoic acid are also helpful.

One word of caution: never take your animal off insulin or stop his pills to use an alternative treatment without the recommendation of a vet.

Three ways to help prevent diabetes

helpful in susceptible breeds. Avoid overvaccination and toxin exposure (including flea and tick insecticides) – this helps prevent immune diseases in all dogs. Consult with a qualified holistic veterinarian for advice.

3.

Exercise is a great way to prevent and treat the obesity that can lead to diabetes. All dogs should be exercised 20 minutes twice daily – walking or swimming are great choices. For cats, a

1. Moderate carbohy-

should be low in carbohydrates and higher in protein, while dogs should have a higher fiber, moderate carbohydrate diet. In general, dry diets are too high in carbs. Good quality canned diets are preferable. Raw or home prepared diets that are higher in meats and lower in carbohydrates may be another alternative if they are properly balanced and supplemented for the animal’s needs.

Before trying a homemade diet on a diabetic animal, consult a holistic veterinarian who is educated in nutrition.

Holistic treatments for diabetes may include supplementation with herbs, vitamins or minerals, depending on the individual’s needs.

Alternative medicine can help with the regulation of blood sugar and may decrease the amount of insulin required. Chinese herb combinations such as corn silk, bilberry and gymnema can help with diabetes control. Bitter melon, vanadyl and ginseng have a stabilizing effect on diabetics. Fish oil supplementation and

drate diets can help prevent diabetes in all dogs. If your dog is a breed at high risk for diabetes, then attention to diet is especially critical.

For cats, a high quality diet low in carbohydrates and higher in protein will prevent obesity and diabetes.

Cats are carnivores, so canned or raw meat diets that are properly supplemented are a good choice.

Never feed commercial semi-moist foods as these are high in sugar.

few short playtimes each day can provide all the exercise they need. It can be as simple as chasing a ball or string. Ten to 15 minutes a day is usually sufficient.

2.

Supplementing with antioxidants and immune support herbs is very

Diabetes is a very treatable condition and need not shorten your companion’s years or destroy his quality of life. As with many other conditions, you can prevent it with just a few simple lifestyle modifications.

animal wellness

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Training the

adult

dog – 58

animal wellness

the friend, the companion, the buddy!

by Robyn Achey and Bill Gorton

T

his is the much-awaited stage of your dog’s life. The season of “me” transforms into the season of “we”. It is the

season of friendship and teamwork. It’s the one where he sits in your front yard while you wash the car, jogs with you offleash, sits quietly by your side in the yard while you lounge in your lawn chair sipping iced tea and reading. He is happy to simply be with you because you’re pals!

Your adult dog’s needs Three training sessions per week is a good maintenance “recipe” in adulthood.

Training your dog on a regular basis continues to polish his skills as a cooperative companion. It will maintain rules, reinforce your positive relationship, practice your teamwork, and prevent boredom. If his skills remain sharp, you will continue to share pleasant time and good teamwork together.

Mental needs • Knowledge is freedom. The more your adult dog knows, the more he can do.

Great training skills, great listening skills, and reliable response to your commands will gain more freedom for your dog.

You will be able to take your dog more places and potentially do more activities.

• Try to teach your dog something new each week. This will keep his mind alert and clear. Clear thinking in adulthood will help keep your dog’s mind working well in his geriatric stage.

• If you have an especially smart dog, or a high-drive working breed, you will want to do more training even in adulthood. “Brainiac dogs” will need to be entertained and worked their entire life so they not only remain problem-free, but boredom-free as well.

• Working breeds will need many more mental activities to keep them problem-free. Some of those breeds are German shepherds, great Danes, Rottweilers, border collies, old English sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, and Australian cattle dogs. These are only a few of the “brainiac workers”, but if you do have one of these breeds, prepare many mental activities for these rocket scientists!

• “Use it or lose it!” You can very easily lose those snazzy, polished skills that you worked so hard to create if you just stop. Keep them working fluidly by training regularly in adulthood.

Be aware and alert to keeping your communication channels open. You will sidestep many relationship and behavioral errors this way.

• Training daily or weekly will keep your dog from being bored. Boredom will cause your dog to revert to instinctual behaviors with which to entertain herself. No matter how diligent you were in puppyhood and adolescence, you can have negative behaviors develop even in adulthood if you don’t satisfy your dog’s need to use her brain.

Physical needs • Your dog’s physical needs were highest during her developmental adolescent stage. Your dog’s physical needs will plateau during this adult stage. Her final exercise needs will vary in proportion to your dog’s breed, size, and personality. A good balance of physical exercise and mental exercise animal wellness

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will keep your pet happy.

• Keep walks, runs, and ballgames high on your list of activities. If your dog is large and energetic, you may need more of the above. If your dog is small and less hearty, you will still need to supply physical activities, but temper them for his or her endurance level.

Social needs • Dogs that feel sad because their owners no longer spend quality time with them will act out behaviorally. Some will chew, run away, or begin house-soiling behaviors. While humans can communicate sadness or disappointment with words, dogs communicate with actions.

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• Don’t be a fair-weather friend. Don’t love your dog only if she’s behaving. Love her unconditionally and search for the reasons why she may be misbehaving (if she is). Negative behavior from a dog is always a signal that something is lacking, out of balance, or stressing her.

• Continue outside social exposure to prevent social isolation. This is especially important in the territorially protective breeds like Rottweilers and German shepherds. During your travels to the park and pet shop, make sure your dog “meets and greets” several people (provided they want to meet your dog). Find a new environment once a month to prevent becoming bored with the same old places.

• “You don’t bring me flowers anymore.” Be sure you continue to reward your “good dog” for being good! Often times we forget to acknowledge good behavior because we accidentally take it for granted. Take the time to tell her “good girl” for the simplest things that she continues to do right! Even if she’s just lying on the floor chewing the correct chew toy, praise her for this good choice!

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animal wellness

• Adulthood is the season of true friendship and companionship. Your dog will want to spend quality time with you now

more than ever. She will enjoy simply being by your side. Take the time each day to do something together as good friends would. A walk, a run, a leisurely stroll around the block, time in the yard with your favorite book and her favorite toy are all ways to share time together.

• If you want to “take ten” and relax on a lawn chair, give your dog a run with her favorite toy first. Spend at least ten minutes (maybe twenty) with her first.

She will feel her needs fulfilled, and you can fulfill your needs more easily then.

• Friends listen to each other. Your dog will hang on your every word. You will see her intently staring at you to gain either your attention or your understanding. Be equally attentive to her “words.”

Watch her body language, listen to her noises, watch her movements, and be sensitive to what they might be telling you.

Rest needs • It is said that dogs run on five-hour time clocks. They are active for five hours then at rest for five hours. Watch your adult dog for a few days and try to track her activity levels to see if this applies to him.

Even if this five-hour track does not apply to your dog, find out what his track is.

• Your adult dog will spend more time alert, awake, and ready for action at this stage in her life. Rest will be what happens when everyone goes to bed at night! Giving her too much rest during the day at this stage will cause behavioral problems. Each morning, create a mental daily plan to monitor her activities and be certain she is stimulated properly rather than “mentally idling” all day.

Excerpted from 1000 Best Dog Training Secrets by Robyn Achey and Bill Gorton. Copyright ©2006

by Robyn Achey and Bill Gorton. Published by Sourcebooks, Inc.

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animal wellness

61

Pet food recall leaves a bitter taste

by Dana Cox

W

hen Dana Smith-Mansell saw her cat, Kearsey, stumbling around on March 30, she immediately grew concerned and booked an appointment with a veterinarian. But as she soothingly brushed Kearsey in preparation for the 35-mile trip, her concern turned to panic.

“I looked into her eyes and they were fixed and dilated,” says Dana. “She was in a full blown seizure. It lasted about five minutes. I bent down to pet and comfort her and she went into another seizure, this time for two minutes.”

“I had been chalking up some of the changes I saw in Kearsey as age-related.

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eating the recalled foods. Still many more may have suffered damage not readily apparent.

“A blood test and urinalysis can assess kidney damage – whatever its cause,” explains veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve, a nutritional expert and former advisor to the American Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). “A few veterinarians tested all their patients who were eating the recalled foods, whether or not they were sick. All of them – even those who

The emergency veterinarian presented Dana with several options, including euthanasia. Dana couldn’t let Kearsey go without trying to treat her so the cat was hospitalized and placed on IV fluids. The pair returned home the next day with a guarded prognosis and a discharge report that stated Kearsey’s illness as “probable ingestion of recalled food”.

Dana’s horrific story is only one of many.

Thousands of people have reported similar illnesses in their animals after

Photo: Dana Smith-Mansell

After arriving at the vet’s office, Dana was directed to an emergency clinic ten miles away. By the time she arrived, Kearsey was unresponsive. The vet ordered blood work, which showed that Kearsey was in renal failure, a surprise to Dana since lab results only nine months earlier showed the cat’s kidneys were functioning normally.

She had been eating one of the foods that we have since learned was included in the recall. But around late January/ early February, there were times when she would refuse the food. She had infrequent urination accidents and dropped a little weight so I added other foods, one of which was also on the recall. She began refusing her nightly treats which was the same product she had eaten for years. It’s now also on the recall list.”

Kearsey in happier days.

seemed perfectly normal – had signs of kidney damage on the tests.”

So what went wrong? How have thousands of people been deceived into believing that they were feeding their animals a well-balanced and safe diet?

As this story goes to press, we still don’t know the cause of this pet food crisis. An initial lab report out of New York blamed the presence of aminopterin, a substance used as rat poison. Subsequent reports found no aminopterin but did discover melamine, a relatively harmless chemical used as a fertilizer and in making plastic.

Melamine was found in high levels in wheat gluten imported from China.

While obviously of grave concern, many experts don’t feel that melamine is responsible for the acute renal failure animals experienced after eating the recalled foods.

“Neither melamine nor aminopterin are likely to be the real cause of the illness – the symptoms of toxicity don’t match either one,” says Dr. Hofve. “Toxicology data on melamine suggests that it can cause kidney stones and other chronic effects, but acute renal failure does not really accord with that. Some are calling melamine a ‘marker’ for something else that hasn’t yet been determined.”

Theories abound as to how melamine got into the wheat gluten. Federal Drug Administration veterinarian Stephen Sundlof told CNN that it could have been added as a “cheap filler”. But according to Michael W. Fox, B. Vet. Med, Ph.D., D.Sc., M.R.C.V.S, melamine is “not cheap” and costs about 50% more than wheat gluten. “I believe the China contaminant is the tip of the iceberg, and could become the scapegoat,” says Dr. Fox. In fact, he speculates that the Chinese wheat was genetically engineered or modified (GMO), and this is the source of the problem.

“It most probably was,” he states, “since it was not imported for human consumption, and was possibly an

Pet food ranking Pet foods have changed dramatically over the last decade. Many premium foods use ingredients that could easily be part of the human food chain while other cheaper products use by-products that you wouldn’t find in any human grade product. So is it true that you get what you pay for? “Yes, it’s probably still true,” explains Dr. Hofve. “However there may be more shades of gray than we thought!”

The following is Dr. Hofve’s guide for choosing a high quality food: •“There are the really cheap foods like the generic/private labeled stuff they sell at the grocery and discount stores. Those are definitely no-no’s.

•“Then you’ve got your Friskies/Fancy Feast/Pedigree type foods. Nestlé Purina is a specialist in this area and has about one-third of the market. Del Monte also competes in this ballpark. They’re not great quality, but they’re okay for occasional use. A wild carnivore would eat the whole prey animal, by-products and all. You just don’t want to rely on by-products to the exclusion of meat for your pet’s whole diet.

•“Then there is the next step up, the Iams/Hill’s/Nutro/high-end Purina (One, ProPlan) foods. While some of the ingredients -- like wheat gluten -- are used for all of them, some of the other ingredients are not. Hill’s and Nutro both order specific by-products, such as only organ meat—in the case of Nutro, liver and “giblets” which would be analogous to what we think of as giblets—kidneys, heart, and liver.

Many of the canned foods in these lines contain actual meat as well as by-products; the dry foods may have a little meat as well, but typically contain mostly by-product meal, meat-and-bone-meal, and/or corn gluten meal, all cheap substitutes for meat proteins. These foods are all about the same in terms of cost.

•“Then you have the next level of foods, those that use real meat (with a name, like chicken or lamb) instead of by-products, and no grain substitutions for meat.

These do tend to be a little pricier, but they are in a completely different ballpark than the mass-marketed brands. I recommend making most of one’s purchases from this class.

•“Top of the heap, I would put the frozen raw diets. Not all are great, but the more popular ones are decent.

•“Best of all are well-designed and well-executed raw and homemade diets.”

What to avoid in pet food “By-products, meat and bone meal (including beef and bone meal and whatever else they come up with next week), by-product meal, corn (all), wheat (all), and synthetic preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, propyl gallate, propylene glycol).

I’m also adding menadione (synthetic vitamin K) to the avoid list, although as far as I know only one company is using it.”

For a complete list of recalled products visit www.menufoods.com/recall animal 63 animal wellness wellness 63

The unfolding story March 16 – Menu Foods Income Fund recalls dozens of dog and cat foods produced at two of its facilities in the U.S. between December 3, 2006 and March 6, 2007.

March 16 – Nestlé Purina voluntarily recalls Mighty Dog 5.3 oz pouch products.

March 17 – Hill's Pet Nutrition voluntarily recalls Science Diet Feline Savoury Cuts wet food.

March 23 – New York Laboratories identify a toxin called aminopterin in the recalled food.

March 24 – Menu Foods asks retail outlets to remove all brands previously impacted by the recall, regardless of date.

March 30 – FDA notifies Hill's that testing has revealed melamine and melamine by-products in wheat gluten received by the company to make dry cat food. Hill’s notifies veterinarians, who are the exclusive distributors of the food, and recalls it.

March 31 – Del Monte Pet Products voluntarily recalls select product codes of pet treat products sold under Jerky Treats, Gravy Train Beef Sticks, Pounce Meat Morsels and select private label brands including Ol’ Roy, Dollar and Happy Tails.

April 3 – Supplier ChemNutra announces a recall of all wheat gluten imported from one of its three wheat gluten suppliers, Xuzhou Biologic Technology Development Co. Ltd. Total quantity shipped – 792 metric tons.

April 5 – Menu Foods voluntarily expands the recall to selected “cuts and gravy” pet food products, manufactured back to November 8.

Twenty new varieties are added to the recall list.

April 5 – Sunshine Mills voluntarily recalls a portion of its branded dog biscuits, including Nuture, Pet Life and Lassie biscuits, as well as private labels Ol’ Roy, Champion Breed, Companions Best and Stater.

April 6 – Del Monte modifies its voluntary recall list to include select dates in the U.S. market.

April 10 – Menu Foods adds more recalled products, including brands such as Publix, Price Chopper, Pet Pride, Nutro and Winn Dixie.

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experimental crop with anti-fungus blight and viral disease genetic insertions that could have gone haywire as a result of ‘overexpression’. Melamine, the parent chemical for a potent insecticide cyromazine, could possibly have been manufactured within the wheat plants themselves as a genetically engineered pesticide.” Alternatively, the culprit could be glyphosate, says Dr. Fox, an herbicide that is absorbed by crops that are genetically engineered so that they escape harm while the weeds in the field around them die.

To date, the FDA has not stated whether or not the wheat is GMO. Mark Ullman, legal counsel for ChemNutra, the company that imported the wheat gluten told Animal Wellness that the wheat gluten “was not supposed to be [genetically modified] but that ChemNutra did not specify non-GMO on its order” so in fact it may well have received a genetically engineered product. Thus far, GMO wheat has been frowned upon for human consumption in North America, but the FDAdoes not regulate its presence in pet food or animal feed.

Furthermore, as with human products, genetically engineered foods do not have to declare their “altered” status on North American labels.

While the cause of animal deaths may remain a mystery, the crisis has put the pet food industry under a huge microscope. Clearly, pet food regulations and recommendations set out by the FDA and AAFCO failed to protect our animals. If the wheat gluten never entered the human food chain, can we assume it was not fit to enter the human food chain? And if it’s not fit for the human food chain, why would it be fit for our animal companions, the four-legged members of our families?

People also question why products such as wheat gluten are used at all. Surely, our dogs and cats don’t care what their food looks like. But mass market pet food companies use wheat gluten to create “cuts and gravy” types of food that simulate a beef stew like “mom

used to make” at a fraction of the price.

“Certainly there’s no particular need for pet foods that look like meat chunks, but there is demand,” says Dr. Hovfe. “And where there’s a demand, someone will supply it, and that someone will make a lot of money in the process. The major pet food makers are owned by or are themselves publicly held corporations.

Their reason for being is to make money for their stockholders. So it is ‘prudent’ to make as much money as possible, to keep the stockholders happy.”

Of course, it’s also prudent to inspect food and make sure controls are in place to manage a crisis the size of the recent pet food recall. Most pet food purchasers are surprised to learn that the FDA does not require premarket approval for pet food products. According to the FDA’s website, “many ingredients such as meat, poultry, grains, and their byproducts are considered safe ‘foods’ and do not require premarket approval.

Other substances such as mineral and vitamin sources, colorings, flavorings, and preservatives may be generally recognized as safe (GRAS) or must have approval as food additives.” The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) only issues a recall on tainted food after receiving consumer complaints and contacting the pet food company involved. They have no responsibility to contact veterinarians. “Veterinarians were universally infuriated,” says Dr. Hofve, “because they were typically notified by (a) watching the 11:00 news or (b) by their panicked clients calling on successive Monday mornings after new recalls went out each Friday night.”

Fury is a feeling that Dana SmithMansell can relate to. As this article goes to press, Kearsey continues to fight for her life. Dana will have to wait until her cat passes away to know for sure if her death is a direct result of eating recalled food. Even then, Dana’s unsure if she’ll proceed with a necropsy. “I don’t know if I could handle the truth,” she says, “and the possibility that, by trusting, I may have poisoned my cat.”

 

                



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How to make the most of your local

dog park

by Jill Kessler

In communities across the nation, happy barking can be heard from growing numbers of dog parks. In California, for example, when existing dog parks in Laurel Canyon and Runyon Park proved so popular they became over-crowded, people in other municipalities came together and petitioned their own cities to create areas just for dogs. Now, from Palm Springs to San Diego, from Mount Baldy to Long Beach and Santa Monica, you can find fenced-in play yards for dogs. In fact, whatever state or province you live in, chances are you and your canine companion have access to a local dog park of your own.

Dog parks can be a canine Eden: romping, happy dogs; off-leash exercise at its best; a chance for both you and your companion to socialize and make friends. But people often forget to balance trips to the dog park with other essential elements of their dog’s psychological needs.

Three common mistakes

1. The biggest problem I see, both as a trainer and an observer of behaviors, is people depending too much on the park for their dog’s fulfillment. If a dog exercises, socializes, and interacts with his person only at the park, then

he may become progressively detached from her, more disobedient, and more attached to his “pack” at the park.

2.

Another of my concerns arises from other people and their dogs. Most people love their dogs but often misread them (as many parents do with their animal wellness

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All it takes is another dominant dog, usually of the same sex, to respond with a “you looking at me?” signal, and before you know it, you have a dogfight on your hands.

3.

Other people make the mistake of parking themselves on a bench and disengaging themselves from their dog’s activity. It’s rather like a parent who brings her child to the playground and allows him to run willy-nilly, be a bully, destroy property, and beg for snacks, while she chats to other mothers or reads a magazine, all the while ignoring her youngster’s behavior. If given no boundaries, both children and dogs learn intrusive behaviors and a lack of respect or consideration for others.

On-leash walking is important too Time spent walking your dog on the leash serves several purposes, all of which are as important as the exercise factor.

First and foremost, it creates an environment of bonding between you and your dog. Time spent relaxing together, walking, communing and learning each other’s habits, all create and strengthen your relationship.

Practicing a little obedience during these times continues the learning process for both of you, reinforces your position as pack leader, and ensures that your dog’s response to commands will be quick and reliable, even when he’s distracted.

children). I have frequently seen dogs acting in a very dominant manner, bordering on aggression, with other dogs, but their humans fail to recognize that trouble is brewing. “Oh, they’re just playing,” they say. No, they’re not.

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• Watch for behaviors such as staring, mounting, or stiff body language with tail up, and extract your dog from the interaction. Also watch for a tuckedunder tail, slinking, lying belly-up and/ or sometimes even urinating; these are signals that your dog is overwhelmed and acting submissively out of fear.

Again, if your dog is the victim, get him out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the other person, so your dog is not attacked in the process.

• If your dog is the aggressor, don’t allow him to be dominant. You have every right to dictate his behavior. But don’t make the mistake of just grabbing

Make it a win-win situation Before you start thinking I’m a complete curmudgeon, I do believe dogs benefit both physically and mentally from an all-out hard run at the dog park. Wellsocialized dogs get great fulfillment from playing with other canines, while you have a chance to meet other dog people, get vet referrals and tips on feeding and care. Here’s how to make your trips to the dog park a safe and enjoyable experience for both of you.

• Keep walking and moving with your dog. This encourages him to keep an eye on you and follow you. It also disallows any dog to be territorial over the space you’re occupying.

• Periodically leash your dog and take him out of the enclosure. Ask for a sit or a down; do a “stay” and perhaps a “come” command. Reward the dog by releasing him and returning to the fun. This way, obedience is still being respected and practiced in distracting circumstances, and the reward comes from you and not from just being at the park. Alternatively, do a little obedience prior to entering the fenced area, so the playtime itself becomes the reward.

a dog’s collar, because there’s a strong chance you’ll get bitten. Calmly put your hand on your dog’s side or shoulder, quietly put the leash on, ask him to come with you, then turn and walk away. This reinforces that you – and not his buddies at the park – control his pack behavior and the social totem pole. It also stops any “discussion” between two dogs before a possible disagreement. You don’t want your dog to bully another, nor do you want your dog being the victim of a bully.

For every session at the dog park, make sure you have at least one session that’s one-on-one with your dog, whether you’re walking him on-leash, hiking in the woods, or doing some basic obedience work. If you want something especially stimulating and enjoyable, consider agility, flyball, herding or rally.

You want your dog to see you, and not the park, as his fulfillment center!

“NEVER MIND THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN” The above quote is from the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy and friends were staring at the gigantic, powerful face of the wizard who was commanding them how they should live their lives.

But little Toto, Dorothy’s Cairn Terrier, exposed the fraud. Toto pulled back the curtain to expose the man who was manipulating the fraud.

And – so it is that some dog food companies try to fool the public.

Solid Gold introduced the first natural dog food in the U.S. in 1974. The FDA said that there was no such thing as a natural dog food. We told them that Hund-N-Flocken has been a top seller in Germany for 20 years. The FDA said, “Oh!” In 1985, Solid Gold developed the first holistic dog food in the U.S. We named it Holistique Blendz. Holistic means that the whole body works together. The Oriental dogs, Arctic dogs, dogs from England (spaniels, terriers, retrievers), Ireland and water dogs such as labs and poodles, were fed a fish based dog food with sea vegetation, such as our Solid Gold Sea Meal, for hundreds of years. Our entire Solid Gold dog foods are fish – based. Without the sea vegetation (not just kelp) to support the genome of the body (think DNA), the dogs may chew at the root of their tail or lick their feet or get ear infections.

Our Sea Meal contains 19 different types of sea vegetation. Only one is kelp, the other 18 types are sea algae.

Dogs are 11% trace minerals and 4% vitamins. Without the trace minerals, the vitamins do not work. The Sea Meal is always fed with our Solid Gold dog food. The food may jump from 80% absorbed to 92% absorbed with the probiotics and digest enzymes from the Prozyme company along with the trace minerals.

The Sea Meal helps to boost up the thymus and the thyroid systems, which control the immune, hormone and enzyme systems of the body. The hormone systems grow coat, intensify coat color and help pregnant bitches from blowing their coats during pregnancy or when nursing. Bitches frequently blow their coats after whelping, when the hormones go to the puppies. Before you breed your bitches use our Red Raspberry Leaves (called RAZZ). Do not confuse with the Red Raspberry Tea leaves sold in the health food store and are useless. For bitches who have difficulty breeding, older bitches, or few puppies, use our Concept-a-Bitch.* Since digestive enzymes are killed at 120° and dog foods are cooked around 350°, the dog owner must add the Sea Meal while preparing the meal. See page 5 in our catalogue of how to use the Sea Meal.

At a recent dog show, a representative of another dog food company overheard us telling how to prepare the Sea Meal.

Then, he told us that his company puts probiotics and digestive enzymes right in with the dog food. I wondered how this could be done and still have the enzymes and probiotics survive at such a high temperature.

We had even tried lowering the temperature and spraying on a combination of oils with the probiotics and digestive enzymes. It did not work.

The lower the temperature caused the oil and the enzymes to separate and fall to the floor of the mill. I asked the rep. how he could do this when we couldn’t. His only response was, “Well, it’s a good sales gimmick”.

Our Holistique Blendz dry dog food is only 18% protein. That is the minimum that will support life. The only meat source of protein is from fish. It is for older dogs, dogs with sensitive stomachs and white or partly white dogs. Call us to explain the “white” factor.

Holistic means that the whole body works together – mind, spirit, and body. It does not mean natural or organic.

It is a philosophy of life.

At a recent dog show, three dog food companies now added the word “holistic” in their names. We asked each what holistic meant.

The first company replied, “Now, we’re just like Solid Gold. It’s just another word for natural.” Ug! The second company said what it meant, “We took out the bad stuff and put in the good stuff!” They claim they use holistic ingredients. But there is no such thing. It’s like saying they use Catholic or Protestant ingredients.

The third dog food company said that holistic means they put apples in their food.

Oh, well, if you want the real thing, use Solid Gold Holistique Blendz Dog Food.

We do our homework,

“Triumph is just a little umph added to try.”

* The Concept-a-Bitch and RAZZ Red raspberry leaves can not be sold in Texas. The FDA says that you can not treat, cure prevent or

mitigate a disease. The Texas FDA, called AAFCO, in College Station, Texas, considers conception and pregnancy a disease. Just thought you would like to know!!!

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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Inside and out, these oils have healthy clout

by Audi Donamor

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As a teenager, I had poker-straight hair that fell to my waist. Every day, I diligently washed and dried it, making sure it was “just so.” I was always searching for a better hair product, and my shower caddy was filled with a plethora of bottles.

One day, I had an “aha” moment when my grandmother pointed out that virgin olive oil was as good for me on the outside as on the inside. From then on, once a week, I would drizzle olive oil on my hair, massage it into my scalp, and don a plastic bag, letting the oil work its magic. The wash and rinse cycle may not have been a cakewalk, but the icing was all there, bright and shiny.

I have had more “aha” moments since, particularly when I see new oil products on the shelves of my favorite health food store. But nowadays, I’m thinking as much of my animal companions as I am of myself. From extra virgin olive oil to hemp oil and even cranberry seed oil, we can enhance the health of our animals, inside and out, by including these EFA-packed ingredients in their diets and first aid kits.

Why are EFAs important?

Before we start talking about some of the neat oils available these days, let’s review the key essential fatty acids (EFAs). These vital nutrients have an impact on every cell in our animals’ bodies (and our own), and contribute to the functioning of the brain, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and immune systems, and wound healing.

fatty acids, found in a variety of oils such as canola, safflower, sunflower, evening primrose, and borage. Linolenic acid provides omega-3 fatty acids, like that found in cold water fish including salmon, mackerel, halibut, and herring.

Freshly ground wheat germ, flax seeds, and walnuts also contain linolenic acid.

(For more information on fish and flax oils, see Volume 6, Issue 1.)

Dr. Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, PhD, author of Home-Prepared Dog and Cat

Shopping tips • Buy the highest-quality oils you can afford.

• Oils should be packaged in dark bottles, to keep out the light.

• Look for organically grown products whenever you can; these are unrefined and processed without the use of solvents.

• Always check the expiration date on the bottle before you head for the check-out counter!

• Oils should not taste bitter or have a sour smell.

• Store oils with special care, away from direct light and heat.

Linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid are the three unsaturated EFAs our animal companions need.

Plants produce linoleic and linolenic acids, while animals (except cats) produce arachidonic acid, which plays an important role in the control of blood clotting, pain and inflammation, and even normal feline reproduction.

Linoleic acid is the source of omega-6

Diets: The Healthful Alternative, says that a normal dog and cat require linoleic acid at a dietary level of about 1%, which translates to about 2% of daily total calories. Cats also need a source of arachidonic acid, and because linoleic acid does not provide it, they must eat meat to meet this dietary requirement, or get it in the form of fish oil. There are a few exceptions to this rule, because borage oil, red animal wellness

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A soothing salve

currant seed oil, and evening primrose oil all contain arachidonic acid.

An overview of oils Coconut

This is a really easy salve recipe for your animal’s paws and pads. It’s nice to know that you don’t have to worry if your dog or cat sneaks in a lick or two, because this salve only contains natural wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients 3 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon grated beeswax 1 teaspoon coconut oil 1 teaspoon of shea butter 1/

Instructions Mix the ingredients together in a small pot, over low heat, until they have just melted. Make sure you stir well. Then pour the mixture into a small dark or opaque glass container, and allow to cool completely.

If you want to make your salve extra special and soothing, add some chamomile and lavender flowers, fresh from the garden. You can also add ten drops of vitamin E oil as a natural antioxidant preservative. (Note: only lavender flowers, not essential oil, should be used in this recipe. While essential oils can be used with dogs, only hydrosols or floral waters can be considered for cats.) Double or triple the recipe, and you’ll have enough to package up for gifts.

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I am a big fan of coconut. In The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat, first published in 1955, author Juliette de Bairacli Levy pioneered the use of coconut with dogs and cats. Organic and unsweetened desiccated coconut is still the perfect sprinkle for an animal’s food and is great for making treats.

Now, we can also give our animals the wonderful health benefits of coconut oil.

It has only been in the past few years that coconut oil reappeared on store shelves, after being blacklisted as a “saturated” fat. Coconut oil is recognized today as having antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It is recommended for degenerative diseases like arthritis, and has been documented as helpful for normalizing thyroid function. Many people report that coconut oil has helped improve their animals’ allergies, coat and skin condition, and energy levels. And if you have a cat with hairballs, coconut oil may be just what you are looking for.

The trick is to choose virgin coconut oil, also known as unrefined oil. Coconuts used in one product are from the Fiji Islands; the oil is obtained from the first cold pressing of the Cocos Nucifera, or organic coconut kernels. Virgin organic coconut oil is naturally free of trans fat, and is high in medium chain trigly- cerides. It comes in a glass bottle, and the oil itself is solid, looking almost like

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milk-colored stained glass.

Oils for a beautiful coat

A little coconut oil goes a long, long way, so begin giving it to your animal really slowly, using no more than 1 /4 teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight, and gradually increasing to one teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight.

Coconut oil is also a great addition to your animal companion’s first aid kit, since it has a healing effect when applied topically to cracked pads or abrasions.

Cranberry seed

This easy-to-follow recipe was formulated by Andi Brown, author of The Whole Pet Diet: Eight Weeks to Great Health for Dogs and Cats.

Ingredients

5 ounces olive oil or soybean oil 1 ounce cod liver oil 1 ounce wheat germ oil 1 ounce flax seed oil 1 garlic clove, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 inch sprig fresh rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary Instructions

Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse for 30 seconds. Pour into a dark or opaque glass bottle or jar and seal tightly.

Store in the refrigerator for freshness; it will keep for about two months.

Serving sizes are based on body weight; use the dosages recommended below and thoroughly mix into your animal’s food. For finicky felines, start very slowly, beginning with just a few drops.

Feeding directions 2 to 11 pounds – 1/2 teaspoon 12 to 25 pounds – 1 teaspoon 26 to 50 pounds – 2 teaspoons 51 to 100 pounds – 1 tablespoon

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Cranberries are a staple in our house, from a handful of unsulphured dried cranberries for a quick snack, to pure cranberry juice for an afternoon pick-me-up. Our dogs never tire of their special cranberry treats either, and we’re now also adding cranberry seed oil to their diet.

Cranberry seeds are only the size of a pinhead, but they’re loaded with nutrients.

They contain omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. Cranberry seed oil also contains heart-healthy The word is out. phytosterols and powerful Canola oil is not bad antioxidants, including eight for our animals. In fact isomers of vitamin E. The carotenoids that give cranit has a lot to offer. Not berries their beautiful deep only does it contain linoleic red color protect cells from acid, it’s also a source of free radical damage. Because it contains natural antioxialpha-linolenic acid (ALA), dants that keep it fresh for an omega-3 EFA that is two years, you can add a also found in flax seeds, little cranberry seed oil to walnuts, and red and other vegetable oils to extend their shelf life by preventing black currant seeds. oxidation. Watch for this new oil in your health food store. The Cranberry Institute (www.cranberryinstitute.org) has more information about this fabulous find.

Grape seed

Great Life Healthy Tips 4 Pets From Elliott Harvey MH

Unlike whole grapes and raisins, grape seed oil is not toxic to dogs. In fact, it’s downright healthy. Extracted from grape seeds, this oil contains proanthocyandins, which are particularly potent antioxidants that acts a lot like CoQ10.

It is also rich in linoleic acid and a good source of vitamin E.

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This is another oil I really like and have been using for a few years now. It used to be difficult to find, but lately I am seeing more and more hemp products on store shelves. Hemp seeds contain 25% high quality protein and 40% fat. Hemp seed oil is rich in linoleic, linolenic, and gamma-linolenic acid, which can also be found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil.

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This healthy favorite is rich in omega-9 oleic acid, a mono-saturated fat that is considered one of the “good guys”, protecting the heart and supporting skin health. Extra virgin olive oil is from the first pressing of the olives. It has high nutritional value and less than 1% acidity. Olive oil is very rich animal wellness

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in vitamins A, E, D, and K.

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When undergoing certain treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, there are significant nutritional depletions in macro and micronutrients as well as the potential for damage from the side effects of the treatment itself. These nutrients are crucial to the healthy functioning of the body. Drug-induced nutrient depletions may further be compounded by the lack of adequate nutrition due to poor diet and stressful lifestyles. Without specific nutritional support, the impact of nutrient depletion can worsen over time.

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Cats have barbed tongues, which makes it difficult for them to spit out their hair after grooming. As a result, they swallow the hair, which can lead to vomiting and, in some cases, intestinal obstructions.

If your cat has hairballs, one teaspoon of olive oil added to his food each day may be the perfect solution. Olive oil is also great for making your own herbal infusions, and used topically, is effective for calming inflamed ears.

Peanut

Unrefined organic peanut oil and butter is fine for our animals. I haven’t met a dog yet who doesn’t adore a Kong stuffed with a big dollop of frozen organic peanut butter. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that half a million Canadians have anaphylaxis (peanut allergy), and many are children.

Even residual traces of peanut products on kitchen utensils and counters can be deadly for people with these allergies.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This oil is made from oil type sunflower seeds and contains more vitamin E than any other vegetable oil. Sunflower seeds are included in gluten free diets.

Adding these nutritious oils to your animal’s health regimen will reap a variety of benefits, from increased energy and better digestion, to a shinier coat and healthier skin. Who knows, you may even enjoy an “aha” moment of your own!

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ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

Wellness Resource Guide

Wellness Resource Guide Inside this issue:

• Communicators • Holistic Healthcare • Integrative Veterinarians • Massage Therapy • Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors • Natural Product Retailers • Pet Sitters • Reiki Therapy • Schools & Wellness Education • Shelters & Rescues • Trainers & Behaviorists • TTouch Therapy

Communicators

ILLINOIS

ARIZONA

Mary Ketaily

www.italk2pets.com (520) 770-1518 • (520) 241-7396

CALIFORNIA

NEVADA

Critter Connection Leslie Moran Animal Wellness Coach Silver Springs, NV USA Phone: (775) 577-9676 Website: www.moranscritterconnection.com EFFECTIVE long distance communication, heal-balance-improve emotions-behaviors-health, death-dying-afterlife, caretaker

NEW YORK

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

animal wellness

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Wellness Resource Guide

Communicators - Integrative Vets

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Integrative Vets ARIZONA

Caroline Goulard DVM CVA Aliso Viejo, CA USA Phone: (949) 836-3772 Email: c.goulard@cox.net Website: www.carolinegoularddvm.com Acupuncture, Chinese herbals, Tui-na

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animal wellness

CALIFORNIA

ONTARIO

Essex Animal Clinic Janice Huntingford, DVM Essex, ON Canada Phone: (519) 776-7325 Email: essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net Website: www.essexanimalhospital.ca Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional & Alternative Medicine & Surgery, Holistic Medicine, Physio & Rehab Therapies

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

Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: (905) 830-1030 Email: drautumn@sympatico.ca Website: www.holistic-vet.ca Bach Remedies, Clinical Nutrition, Herbs, Homeopathy, Physical Therapies

Cynthia Harcourt, DVM Queensville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 478-1995 Homeopathy, Nutrition, Food Sensitivity Testing, Flower Essences, Herbalism, TTouch

Integrative Vets - Natural Product Retailers

BRITISH COLUMBIA

CONNECTICUT

Wellness Resource Guide

East York Animal Clinic Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 757-3569 Email: eyac@ca.inter.net Website: www.holisticpetvet.com Acupuncture, Bach Flower Remedies, Chiropractic Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Reiki, Therapeutic Nutrition

RHODE ISLAND ILLINOIS

It’s A Dog’s Life Debbie Maooney Chicago, IL USA Phone: (773) 881-9940 Email: korpitz1@comcast.net

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Wellness Resource Guide

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Guess these

mystery mutts!

Our canine companions, especially mixed breeds, come in all shapes and sizes, and they’re all irresistible! See if you can guess which breeds make up the mutts shown here.

(Answers at bottom of page.)

2

1

"Mocha" (2-month-old female)

"Tulip" (7-month-old female)

All these magnificent mutts are available for adoption through

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3 4

"Sweetums" (2-year-old male)

"Gremlin" (1-year-old male)

Thank you to Pets911 for helping coordinate our Mystery Mutts page! www.pets911.com animal wellness

81

ANSWERS: 1. Sharpei/Dalmation 2. German Shepherd/Chow 3. Beagle/Retriever 4. Wired hair terrier mix

Prostate cancer‌ not just a human disease

M

by Mark Newkirk, VMD

Most of us assume prostate problems are solely a human affliction, but they can also affect our canine companions, though much more rarely. One of the two prevailing conditions found in dogs is hyperplasia, an enlargement of the prostate.

It most commonly occurs in older dogs and will respond to castration. It can also be prevented by early castration.

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Prostate cancer (neoplasia) is the second and more serious condition.

While prostatic tumors are rare, they are nevertheless more common in dogs than in any other species except humans. They are always malignant, with carcinoma being the most prevalent.

Unlike hyperplasia, carcinoma does not correlate with castration, even if done at less than one year of age. In other words, despite popular belief, castration does not prevent or decrease the incidence of prostatic cancer.

Dogs with prostate carcinoma tend to be eight years of age or older. Bouviers have more than an eightfold increased risk of developing the disease, while German shepherds are the second most commonly affected.

Symptoms and diagnosis The most frequent presenting signs relate to the lower bowel, and include straining, pain on defecation, and constipation. Dogs may also lose weight and have difficulty or pain on urination, possibly with blood in the urine.

Diagnosis is made by tests such as x-ray, digital palpation, biopsy and ultrasound.

Radiation therapy may be palliative but again, the high rate of metastasis negates any real survival increase. Chemotherapy is also not overly successful, but conventional drugs such as mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide and piroxicam offer

to “stabilize” the disease. It didn’t go away, but it didn’t grow either. I feel that this in itself is a success of sorts.

My patients are alive, and overall, that’s what counts.

Reducing the risk of disease

Dogs with prostate carcinoma tend to be eight years of age or older. Bouviers have more than an eightfold increased risk of developing the disease, while German shepherds are the second most commonly affected. prolonged survival time of up to 120 days (around four months).

It may seem from all this that there isn’t much anyone can do to either prevent or treat prostate cancer in a dog, but the news isn’t all bad. As with any other form of cancer or serious disease, you can significantly reduce your companion’s risk of illness by keeping his immune system strong. A high quality diet, antioxidants, minimal vaccines, and a healthy, stress-free lifestyle including adequate exercise and the lowest possible exposure to environmental toxins will help protect your canine companion from developing this rare but insidious condition.

Alternative therapies

Saw palmetto is often cited as helpful for the prostate, and this may indeed be true in hyperplastic states. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and has anti- estrogenic activity. The prostate continues to grow, but at a much slower rate.

The homeopathic remedies BHI Heel Prostate and BHI Inflammation also seem to give palliative effects, but again, these Overall, prostate cancer carries a poor work better with hyperplastic conditions. I prognosis and treatment is mostly do use them in my cancer patients, since all palliative. Surgery is not recommended cancers have inflammatory components. due to technical difficulties and the high rate of metastasis.

Nosode therapy may be palliative as

Is your pet a little sensitive?

Conventional treatment

well. Nosodes are traditionally regarded as “cutting deeper” than most other homeopathic remedies, in that they are able to affect a patient’s inherited susceptibility to specific diseases. The two most frequently used are Carcinosum and Schirrhinum. Conium is also important in prostate cancer specifically.

In my practice, I have had two prostate cancer cases where I have been able

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Mi Conchita

by Jenny Wright

Jenny makes friends with Conchita.

We first encountered the mucky off-white dog hanging around outside a government building on a side street. She was timid and ran away at first. When she realized I had no intention of abusing her, she gradually came closer and allowed me to stroke her. The friendship was sealed when she flipped on her back and permitted me to tickle her tummy – a tummy, I later learned, that was filled with pups.

My friends Nini and Motti reminded me it was getting late and we needed to leave.

I pulled away reluctantly. As we walked down the street, I sensed the dog’s deep brown eyes fixed on us. I knew we would have to look for her again.

It became a routine to visit her with breakfast leftovers. She recognized us and greeted us with tail wagging. The guards in the government building told us they called her Conchita. She was a mixed breed, mostly Australian collie with some possible Dalmatian spots.

Her eyes were warm enough to soften the heart of the toughest gang member.

We started planning our trip to Cuba months in advance, choosing the Santiago synagogue as an excellent place to volunteer our time. We went equipped with medical supplies, Hebrew books for teaching, and a guitar and tape deck for musical gatherings. We were well prepared to offer as many skills as we could. What we weren’t prepared for was the enormous number of stray animals roaming the streets.

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Like thousands of street dogs, Conchita was undernourished. She once eagerly snatched an entire hot dog without giving me the chance to break it up, and gulped it whole without chewing. The guards seemed most amused that I would feed such a “luxury” item to a dog.

Two days before our departure, Conchita was my only unfinished business. I wanted to take her home with me, but our

My heart was racing excitedly as we reached the familiar street corner. I spotted Conchita a block away... She was heavy but willing. I wondered if she sensed we were there to help her.

options were limited. The Canadian be tricky. Anything we did that was out Food Inspection Agency requires of the ordinary would cause unwanted a veterinarian-certified clean bill of attention. And we had no leash, no collar, health. And Conchita was pregnant. and no car to whoosh her away in.

That night, as I tossed and turned, I concocted a rough plan.

My heart was racing excitedly as we reached the familiar street corner. I spotAs next morning’s services wound ted Conchita a block away. Whistling down, I went to the kitchen where softly, we called her name and she came several congregation members were running. Feeding her with one hand, chatting and preparing lunch. In while gently guiding her down the street broken Spanish, and with the help of with the other, we lured her out of the some charades, I put out my request. guard’s sight and towards a nearby park I would sponsor someone to take bench. I lifted her up carefully. She was Conchita and her puppies and would heavy but willing. I wondered if she pay them $10 a month – equivalent sensed we were there to help her. was very humble. The sparsely furnished to half a month’s salary. Everyone living room was centered around the began to debate noisily in Spanish.

It was hard work carrying a pregnant television – a prized possession for a Surely, someone would be willing to mutt through narrow streets in 95° heat. answer my plea! But by lunchtime, Sweat was pouring off my face, but poor family. Olga, the woman to whom I was to entrust my dog, looked ancient nothing had happened and I picked Conchita didn’t flinch once. People but her eyes were clear. She nodded at at my food disconsolately. stared at us and children wanted to pet her middle-aged son and he brought me a her. At one point, Motti offered to take black Chihuahua to hold, to show me the Later, while the congregation was thankover, but I was afraid that something dog was well fed. I gave the family $40, ing us for our help, their president, might go wrong. I clutched Conchita which Eugenia explained would last them Eugenia, tapped me on the shoulder. “I tightly even though my arms were aching. a couple of months, and turned to go. have a home for your dog,” she said.

Conchita tried to follow me but Olga’s “She is a very old woman but has a Bringing her inside our Casa was like son held her. I did not want to leave. large clean home. She is very poor and sneaking a boyfriend into the house this can serve as a salary.” It sounded after hours. Motti made certain the When we reached the van, I looked satisfactory, although I wondered coast was clear and I carried Conchita up to see the man on the balcony with whether the puppies would outlive the upstairs to the bedroom. I sponged her Conchita. I could not hold back my “old lady”. But I trusted Eugenia. dirty fur, and she drank two cups of tears. Conchita had a new lease on life. water and lay down on the cool tile, A bowl of water, some food, a playmate, That evening, the synagogue van was covering her eyes with her paws. and shade for those scorching hot days. due to pick us up for an event. I decided that was the time to deliver Later, in the van, Conchita sat on my Hasta la pronto, Conchita. Our paths Conchita to her new home. But first we lap as Eugenia directed the driver to will cross again. had to collect her and I knew it would the Casa where the old woman lived. It animal wellness

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Advice on living

with a

three-legged animal

by Mark C. Robinson

Sandy recently adopted a new canine friend from a local rescue.

The five-year-old collie mix is healthy, active and affectionate, but differs from most other dogs in one significant way – he’s missing a front leg. “People always react with shock or pity when they first see Teddy,” says Sandy. “A few even ask why I adopted him. I explain that even though he only has three legs, he still gets around okay and enjoys life.”

What are the reasons for amputation?

Animals are rarely born with a missing leg, but a variety of diseases and misfortunes can sometimes necessitate an amputation.

The most common is bone cancer. This is usually a very painful and debilitating disease, but the animal can get a great

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deal of relief from having the affected leg amputated and, even if the cancer has spread, can live longer and more happily without the diseased limb.

Other common reasons for amputation include: •Accident •Abuse •Untreated fractures that become septic

•Neurological disorders •Congenital birth defects Whatever the cause, the news that an animal’s leg needs to be amputated is often met with fear and confusion. This fear is unnecessary.

Three-legged animals can live long,

George has adapted happily to his cart.

happy, healthy lives with only minimal adjustments to their lifestyle and yours. Lovingly called “tripods”, most three-legged animals are not even considered “handicapped”. Often, the greatest barrier they must overcome is the attitude and concerns of their caretakers.

“It’s not like when a person loses their leg,” says Susan Marino of Angel’s Gate Hospice and Rehabilitation Center.

“Animals are extremely adaptable and we’ve seen dogs and cats that make the adjustment immediately – within a few hours of the surgery.” Typically, an animal with a painful leg injury will become lethargic and depressed, but once the leg is removed, the pain is gone and their relief is almost immediate.

Should I consider a prosthetic?

Is it better to cleanly amputate a leg at

the shoulder or hip, or leave a stump?

It depends on several factors, including the reason for the surgery and whether or not you’re considering a prosthetic replacement leg.

Six ways to keep your “tripod” going strong

In the case of cancer, it is sometimes best to take the whole affected leg so as not to leave any diseased tissue.

“If there is no medical reason to amputate the whole leg, then the decision of how much to amputate depends on the overall health of the animal and the attitude of the owner,” says Dr. Martin Kaufmann, a leader in the field of canine orthotics and prosthetics.

remaining legs.

If the animal is to be fitted with a prosthetic replacement leg, then a welldesigned stump makes attaching the device easier. When only the bottom of the leg below the knee (fibula or radius) is amputated, a prosthetic can give the

1. Avoid slippery floors.

2. Constantly check the health of the 3. Watch for signs of arthritis and over-extension.

4. Be aware of signs of overtiredness.

If the animal gets tired, stop walking or use a support harness.

5. Watch the animal’s weight. An overweight condition puts excess stress on the remaining leg.

6. Vitamins and supplements should be a part of the animal’s diet – a holistic vet can help you tailor the right regimen for your animal. animal wellness

87

Angel’s story Angel is a seven-year-old Australian shepherd/greyhound whose front was caught in a railway track-switching intersection. In freeing herself, she destroyed the lower part of her leg.

Her family was unable to afford a complete amputation and had Angel’s leg taken off at the knee.

Six months later, Angel is a happy tripod. She’s running, jumping, and following her dad up and down stairs

with ease. With her increased activity, though, she is starting to have problems with her stump. She occasionally relies on it for balance and this often causes the sensitive skin to rub raw and become painful.

“We tried socks, and even a pet boot, but Angel won’t have it and chews it off every time,” explains her mom.

“She’s an active dog who is smart and full of life.”

To solve the problem, Angel will either need another surgery to remove the rest of her leg at the shoulder, or a prosthetic to make the leg fully functional.

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Left: A prosthetic leg.

animal full functionality.

The bottom of the stump needs to be healthy. Often, the surgeon will graft a pad, or excess muscle, around the bone at the end of the stump for protection. In addition to a healthier leg, this will help with the attachment of a prosthetic.

Prosthetic leg replacements cost between $200 and $600, depending on the size of the dog and how much of the leg remains. If you’re considering a replacement leg, it is best to contact the maker of the prosthetic as soon as you know there is going to be an amputation. The device will need to be custom built to fit your particular animal and his needs.

can run, jump, play, swim and climb stairs as well as anyone – sometimes even better.

Generally, dogs also adapt quickly to wearing a prosthetic device. You’ll often see a delightful “Aha!” moment when a dog, unsure of his new attachment, suddenly forgets about it as he zooms off to meet a buddy.

But you do need to take extra care, especially at first. Possibly the greatest hazard to a new amputee is a slippery floor. Consider throw rugs or pet boots to help prevent falls.

It’s also crucial to keep a close eye on the health of the remaining legs, especially the one opposite the amputated limb. “A three-legged animal can live a long, healthy life as long as his If the leg is not going to be replaced, remaining legs continue to function,” it is often advised that the leg be taken says Dr. Kaufmann. “If another leg at the hip or shoulder, as a stump gets is injured due to the extra weight it in the way and can be easily injured. needs to carry, though, the animal is Once the leg is completely amputated, lost.” A front leg amputation can be however, there is no good way to slightly more difficult for an animal as attach a prosthetic, and the replacement the weight of the head needs to be would be rigid and uncomfortable. In this compensated for with balance and case it might be best, based on a veteriadditional muscle. If it turns out that narian’s advice, to leave it alone and let one or more remaining legs are too the animal adapt to weak to carry the being three-legged. extra weight, and a Most dogs adapt well to being prosthetic is not an Depending on the reaoption, then a splint, fitted with a prosthetic device, son for the amputation, brace or a handiand any underlying but it’s a different story when capped pet cart may condition or disease be needed. it comes to felines. “Cats are that contributed to it, often extremely resistant to the A support harness you’ll need to work closely with your vet can also be helpful. idea of an attachment to their and perhaps also inves“When a dog loses body,” says Dr. Kaufmann. tigate rehabilitation to a leg, this kind of help your animal back harness allows the to health. caretaker to provide a little extra lift to

I shouldn’t exercise him, right?

Wrong. Typically, a three-legged animal, as well as his caretaker, soon forgets the missing limb altogether. A “tripod”

help the dog on the upstroke of his gait build the muscles he needs,” explains Cathy Erwin, who makes canine support harnesses (InjuredDogs.com).

Like Teddy, many completely healthy, happy, loving “tripods” are sent to

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shelters because of their perceived imperfections. While it’s important to find out first if the animal will need special care due to related issues, and that you can provide that care, in most cases a three-legged animal makes a wonderful, loving addition to the household.

Useful resources HandicappedPets.com – for elderly, disabled, and special needs animals; products, services, and support

HandicappedPets.net – an extremely active message board for caretakers of handicapped animals

K9Brace.com – orthotics and prosthetics; contact form for Dr. Martin Kaufmann

Injureddogs.com – dog lift harnesses

AnimalDoors.com – ramps and steps for elderly, disabled animals

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PetBoots.com –

Humane Solutions

.com Professional Pet Care Directory Lost Pet Locator Contact@ .com

protective boots, shoes for active dogs, and standard booties

DogKarts.com – wheelchairs and carts

WheelsForDogs.com – a website with instructions for homemade carts

BottumsUpLeash.com – a rear end support leash

AngelsGate.org – the most loving, supportive place for handicapped animals on the planet

CassiesClub.com – Cassie’s Three-Legged Dog Club, a site where people with three-legged dogs can come together and share their stories

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passages

Yudi, my

Y

by Dexter del Monte

Yudi is dying. That’s life, I tell myself. We’re eternal beings, my teacher adds, on a human path. Or an animal path, like Yudi. But I don’t want him to leave just yet.

How do I let him go? My yoga boy, purring on my solar plexus in cobra pose.

The greatest Zen teacher I ever had, and my first cat.

Michael brought him home 16 years ago in the palm of his hand. Sir Yudi “Boo” Longfellow we named him, Boo Boo or Yudi for short. At first we called him “Hey You!” as he raced through the house and we trailed foolishly after. He looked like a rat, drinking from bowls bigger than his dark slinky body, ordained with a toothpick tail, ears that towered above him and a grin sliced across his inky black face. This cat was driven, tearing the house up to get me out of bed every morning. He made us laugh and lived for food, killing for

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yoga boy cantaloupe or garbanzo beans and batting his brothers to be first.

aside, listen to him with my heart, and hope I do the right thing.

Yudi is the one who gave me the animal communication abilities I have now.

Down through the years, he sat on the kitchen counter receiving and sending thoughts with me. Today, people pay me to speak to their animals telepathically, but it’s difficult at times to hear my own animal family. I get stuck in my own stuff. Yudi knows this and usually gets through to me in my dreams.

Two weeks later, I fall asleep on my futon with all five cats, and have a remarkable dream. On a porch lies a large-boned dog. His face is long and sad. He is lonely, isolated from his family and apart from his long time friend. Suddenly, a small black dog finds his way back, nuzzles up to him, and places his front paws on his old friend’s arm. The big dog’s eyes light up as though he has found a treasure he thought he’d lost. He lifts his heavy face into a wide Cheshire-cat grin, exposing a row of flat human teeth.

Today my big boy is disoriented, bony and blind, and can barely walk. No one knows what’s up or what to do to help him. Could be a brain tumor or some perplexing virus attacking the nerves, they say. Vet number six suggests I euthanize him immediately.

But I can’t find the courage. Yudi still wakes me up in the morning, purrs when I rub him and, with help, eats like a horse. What if his soul’s work isn’t finished yet? I don’t want to interfere with his path.

And who am I to end his life? I’ve taken Buddhist vows, and that means no killing. I ask Yudi to tell me what he wants. I am ready to honor and respect his wishes and requests, put my opinions and beliefs about euthanasia

At that point I wake up, my eyes unfocused in the moonlit room. Much to my surprise, Yudi is just inches away from me, his head propped up and staring at me. His coal black paws are resting on my arm and he’s purring loudly, something I haven’t heard him do since his turn for the worse.

What is he consoling me about in my dream? Does he think I am missing Michael whom I’d recently separated from after 22 years? Or is he telling me it’s all right to let him go? That even when we’re apart he will still be here to hold my hands? He seems to receive animal wellness

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“

Animals come into our lives as teachers and healers. Perhaps I have been the student and Yudi my spiritual guide?

great comfort in comforting me.

“

Animals come into our lives as teachers and healers. Perhaps I have been the student and Yudi my spiritual guide?

Yet in the dream, we were two dogs, as equal as can be. Except for our difference in size, there was no difference at all. I was his big old friend.

In two months, Yudi’s condition worsens.

I take him to a healer and psychic who tells me he is a very wise soul, that he

FREE CD OFFER! Get the first year of Equine Wellness Magazine back issues on one CD with your two-year print subscription!

has been with me for a long time and has always been my guide. Who is he?

She closes her eyes, but no images come to mind. She then says that Yudi does not want to be put down yet. He has some things to process.

“Tell him I am ready to let him go,” I say.

Yudi answers, “Her heart isn’t.”

A few days later I sit under the lemon tree holding Yudi in my arms. His body is as cool and brittle as a willow branch.

“Who were you in my past life?” I ask him.

I close my eyes. He shows me a vivid image of a dark skinned, black haired Indian man. He is dressed in white and has his arm around me, He is a wise teacher of some kind, one who cares deeply about my soul’s journey.

“Why did you come back as a cat?” I ask.

He replies, “To open your heart.”

I take him back to the healer who says he will pass in a few days. She blesses him, does some transitional work, and closes her eyes.

“He was a man,” she whispers after moments of silence. “An Indian man.”

I nearly fall off the chair.

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animal wellness

Yudi stops eating the following Tuesday evening and cannot walk. The next day I know it’s time. I have no doubts left.

After his gentle passing, the doctor places a yellow rose under his chin. I am happy he released Yudi from his suffering, but I am sad to see him go.

I remember how relaxed and relieved I felt when I opened my eyes to Yudi’s small face surrounded by the mysteries of the night. No matter what path I follow, I know Yudi will always find me. We never really die. Thank you, Boo Boo, for opening my heart...and for that wonderful dream!

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what's gnu?

Safe and cozy If your dog or cat loves snuggling into pillows or comforters, the Chilly Dog bed might be a dream come true when the colder nights return in the fall. The beds come in three sizes and over a dozen colors and patterns, and are made from polyester flush fur with a built-in blanket. They feature a nylon rod material that holds the bed open so your companion can enjoy the ultimate in comfort, warmth and security.

Ideal for travel, or for animals who are sensitive to the cold. www.chillydog.com

Animal scams Some people will do anything to make money, and that includes taking advantage of animal lovers.

Reports have been surfacing of people who were swindled out of hundreds of dollars when they responded to online ads placed by individuals posing as someone wanting to sell or give away an animal.

In most cases, the animal described in the ad didn’t even exist, and victims were left not only without their new companions, but out of pocket as well. If you decide to buy an animal online, be sure to confirm the advertiser’s legitimacy before sending any money.

Blowing in the wind Saying goodbye to a beloved companion hurts, but having something special to remember him by can help you heal. The new Furry Angel Pet Memorial Wind Chime is a unique way to honor your friend. Handcrafted from tempered aluminum tubing with a soft brushed finish, the chime is precision-tuned and features a beautiful poem engraved on the windplate. It’s also environmentally friendly – the cutting oils and soaps used in its manufacture are 100% biodegradable, 95% of all manufacturing waste is recycled, and no toxic byproducts are generated. www.furryangel.com

Lift off!

If you’ve ever struggled with an inadequate or poorly designed litter scoop you know how frustrating and messy it can be to keep your kitty’s toilet clean. The new Litter Lifter solves all the problems. Made from strong, sturdy plastic in a range of colors, this roomy lifter features special wedge-shaped tines that efficiently pick up even the smallest waste fragments while leaving the clean litter behind. The generous size and contoured sides make litter box maintenance easier, cleaner and faster. www.litter-lifter.com

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Dr. Goodall receives distinguished medal World-renowned scientist Dr. Jane Goodall has been awarded the 2007 Roger Tory Peterson Medal from the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Goodall has devoted the last 45 years of her life to researching chimpanzees. She has also addressed conservation of the precious forest habitat in Gombe National Park in Tanzania. Past recipients of the medal include Richard Leakey, David Attenborough and David Suzuki.

Pure as can be Salmon oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient that improves coat and skin health, reduces inflammation and enhances cognitive functioning.

But finding a product that doesn’t contain trace contaminants can be challenging. Iceland Pure Salmon Oil is made from fresh wild salmon caught in the pollution-free waters around Iceland. As well, in order to protect the oil from toxins that leach from plastic containers over time, the product now comes in bottles made from brushed aluminum. www.icelandpure.com

Houston SPCA is Shelter of the Year The Houston SPCA has received the 2006 Shelter of the Year Award from the ASPCA. Managed by Patti Mercer and Julie Knapp (pictured), the Houston facility helps more than 100,000 animals a year. Its programs include adoptions, cruelty investigations, 24-hour injured animal ambulance and rescue services, spay/neuter, an animal behavior helpline, dog training classes, pet therapy teams, a summer Critter Camp for kids, pet loss support group, and free temporary boarding for animals of families fleeing domestic abuse. The shelter also served as a major transferring agency for lost, abandoned and injured animals during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Everything in its place Colorful placemats make meals more enjoyable.

Pet Soup’s Pet Mats give your animal’s dining area a touch of fun with a variety of whimsical and amusing patterns, ranging from Feline Family Feast to Dog Café. The mats are available in either Elite or Deluxe selections and feature non-skid backings. They’re easy to wash and designed to lie flat without curling. www.pet-soup.com

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Caring for your

cat during her golden years

golden years

M

by Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, JD

Many of us share our lives with senior cats.

These wise and oh-so-comfortable companions are our longtime friends, our confidants, and our family. We want them with us as long as possible, and that means understanding their needs as they become “golden oldies.�

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The natural lifespan of the cat can easily exceed two decades. This surprises some people, who might consider a cat in its early teens to be elderly. While proper care of the younger cat means she’ll enjoy better condition when she’s older, it’s never too late to take steps to help ensure a senior feline’s health and longevity.

Food for the geriatric cat The keystone of long life is diet. We are what we eat, and this applies to our felines too. Contrary to common belief, cats should never eat dry diets.

Because cats are “true” carnivores, they require much higher quantities of meat in their diets than dogs or humans.

Meat provides much-needed high quality protein and a variety of other essential nutrients. Dry kibbled foods are lower in high quality protein and are meatnutrient deficient. They also provide too much highly processed carbohydrate.

Dry foods are made using the same technology that produces breakfast cereal and high carbohydrate snack foods for people. This process requires very large amounts of starchy vegetables or cereal to form the “popped” kibble form of the food. This high level of processed carbohydrate can place stress on the feline pancreas and lead to diabetes. Dry cat foods also contribute to obesity in the middle-aged and older cat.

Many people believe that the geriatric cat needs a “protein-restricted” diet that is lower in meat. This is largely lore, unfounded by scientific research. Like

her younger counterpart, the older cat needs plenty of high quality meat protein, and can suffer nutrient deficiency if fed restricted protein diets.

What about vaccinations?

Today, veterinarians know that cats, like humans, do not need annual vaccinations for every possible disease. This is especially true of indoor cats, where the risk of exposure to infectious diseases is low compared to the risk of vaccinationassociated reactions. The majority of cats that have been vaccinated for the most common viral diseases have good immunity against those diseases without annual revaccination.

Don’t forget the TLC Your older cat isn’t as mobile or agile as she was when she was younger, but because the changes often occur so gradually, we often don’t think about them much. It’s important to make sure your house is as safe and comfortable as possible for your senior feline. Here are some useful tips from the Cornell Feline Health Center: • All cats love warmth, but senior cats are often more sensitive to the cold than younger ones. Make sure her favorite sleeping spot is in a sheltered place away from any drafts.

Repeated vaccination of older cats can lead to serious side effects, such as vaccineassociated cancers, abscesses and immune system-related diseases. Discuss with your veterinarian the risks versus the benefits of continued vaccination. Again, indooronly cats typically have a very low risk of contracting infectious disease and you and your vet may decide to discontinue this practice in your older cat.

• If your older cat has trouble jumping onto windowsills or sofas, provide her with a set of pet steps or a ramp.

Three “old age diseases” in senior cats 1. The single most important disease of

• Not all elderly cats can see well in the dark, especially if they have age-related vision problems. A nightlight will help her make her way around the house during the small hours. If your cat is blind, try to avoid moving furnishings and other objects.

feline geriatrics is hyperthyroidism. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland in a cat over nine years of age begins to produce excess thyroid hormone.

When thyroid hormone levels rise, the cat may begin to lose weight for no apparent reason, and may vomit frequently, become irritable, and even hyperactive. Some hyperthyroid cats have ravenous appetites while others seem to lose their

• Make sure she has easy access to her food and water bowls, and especially her litter box. If she has trouble navigating stairs, a litter box and water bowl on every level will be a big help to her.

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99

appetites. Some hyperthyroid cats don’t sleep well, and may seem anxious.

annual exams and testing is essential.

Because this condition is so common in teenage cats, it is important that your veterinarian perform annual thyroid hormone level checks, even if you don’t see obvious symptoms. A rising level indicates this disease is present, and prompt treatment is needed.

Hyperthyroidism is treatable, even curable, if caught early enough, so regular

types of cancers, just as older humans can. And just as is the case with people, early detection gives the best possible opportunity for successful treatment and cure. Groom or pet your feline companion frequently, making sure to note any bumps or swellings of any kind. If you observe other physical changes, such as lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea,

2. Older cats can develop many different

lack of energy, difficulty breathing or any other disturbing change, see your veterinarian right away. Cancers in our beloved senior companions can be defeated, but only if you act swiftly at the first sign of danger.

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animal wellness

Never smoke around your cat, or let others do so, no matter what her age.

Smoking causes cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) to be deposited on the cat’s coat. When she grooms them off, they enter the stomach and intestines, and can lead to cancer in those locations.

3. Kidney insufficiency, also known as chronic kidney disease, is relatively common in the cat over ten years of age. The signs of this condition are excessive water drinking, excessive urination, weight loss, loss of appetite and weight. Like cancers and hyperthyroidism, kidney problems are most easy to treat when detected early in the course of the disease. There are many new treatments for feline kidney disease that can stabilize the patient and provide years of high quality life after diagnosis.

The senior years of your cat’s life can be the best years. The older cat is a treasure, worthy of tender care and loving attention. As anyone who has lavished that love on a special elder feline can attest, it will be repaid a hundredfold in devoted companionship, trust and love.

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book reviews

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The Complete Cat Organizer

Editor:

Cricky Long

Kitties are complex creatures, as any cat lover can tell you. But caring for them doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you have a copy of The Complete Cat Organizer – The Essential Pet Record Keeper and Cat-Care Handbook. This useful spiral-bound book is divided into five chapters and covers every aspect of cat care, from kittenhood through old age.

You’ll find sections on everything from first-aid care and common health issues, to tips on how to find the right kitten, litter box and other behavioral problems, grooming, travel, exercise, and indoor versus outdoor cats. The book also contains blank pages for notes about your cat’s characteristics and health, as well as places to record contact info for your vet, groomer, pet sitter and other professionals.

Storing all these details in one handy book will make life a lot easier – and give you more time to relax and enjoy your feline friend.

Publisher: City Dog Publishing, LLC

Title:

New Puppy! Now What?

Author:

Victoria Schade What could be more exciting than introducing a new puppy to your family? Without proper training, however, that excitement can quickly turn to frustration. That’s when you need New Puppy! Now What?, a new DVD that tells you everything you need to know about living with and handling a new pup.

ROKV^Rc ^OO^R ROKV^Rc ZO^] K EEP IT C LEAN

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The DVD is broken down into several sections covering a variety of topics, including socialization, crating, house training, obedience, exercise and play. There are also tips and suggestions for dealing with problems like jumping, nipping and household destruction, while a shopping list of collars, leashes, bowls and toys helps you decide which items are best for your new canine companion.

Clearly presented and enjoyable to watch, the information on this DVD gets you and your puppy off on the right foot from the start.

Publisher: Good Dog! Obedience Training & Rocket Media Group, LLC

Title:

The Emotional Lives of Animals

Author:

Marc Bekoff

It’s hard to imagine a time when most people didn’t believe animals had feelings, but thankfully, things have changed dramatically in recent decades. In his new book, The Emotional Lives of Animals, author and biology professor Marc Bekoff combines his own experiences studying communication patterns in animals with the latest scientific research confirming that animals feel a range of emotions, just as we do. He includes dozens of amazing stories about animal joy, love, empathy, embarrassment, compassion and grief, and also talks about the ethical responsibility we consequently need to adopt towards all animals, both wild and domesticated.

As Dr. Jane Goodall says in her foreword to the book, “The Emotional Lives of Animals adds a strong voice to the growing chorus of those who are trying to change attitudes toward the animal beings with whom we share this planet.”

Publisher: New World Library

Title:

Guided Meditation for Dogs

Authors:

Victory Spiegel and Tamika Lamison

Meditation enhances overall wellness in humans, but did you know it’s also good for your dog? The question is, how do you get your canine buddy to do it? Guided Meditation for Dogs is the answer.

This 40-minute CD features two tracks, “Walk in the Park” and “At the Beach.” The soft, soothing music incorporates the sounds of ocean waves, bells and harps, and is complemented with gently-spoken commands and loving praise written especially for the canine ear. Play it when your dog is feeling anxious, when you’re going out, or just when you want him to settle down after play or exercise.

Guided Meditation for Dogs is a special way for you and your canine companion to relax and enjoy some quiet time together.

Publisher: Satori Dog Institute

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Internationally Known Animal Communicator

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

Individually handcrafted cremains pendants in fused glass Pet Mementos – created by Serendipity by Carol

www.petmementos.com • 1-866-910-5436

Biodegradable Pet Urns & Caskets

My Crystal Companion

www.petmemorialsolutions.com

www.mycrystalcompanion.com 732-458-8700

Honor the memory of a beloved pet naturally...

grooming

To order visit:

2-in-1 Grooming Tool Stainless de-shedding blade and rake are durable. Swivel head flips easily. The ergonomically designed handle is non-slip for easy use. Keeps your pet’s coat shining!

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animal wellness

(Please leave a message)

1-800-336-1968 www.love2pet.com

Cremains of the life you love, captured in crystal

A beautiful way to remember

Your best friends deserve the BEST! For all of your grooming needs please visit

www.freshpetclub.com or call us at

818-342-6451

educational educational

Handcrafted jewelry for people & pets Creative & unique. Themed jewelry.

Beaded adjustable pet collars, charms, necklaces, key rings, earrings, zipper pulls. Matching gift sets.

Wholesale orders welcome.

pendants@accentbusiness.bc.ca • 604-540-4452

www.accentbusiness.bc.ca/accents

™ Pet carrier inserts for cats & dogs

www.dryfur.com

traveling vet trips crate training pets that need gentle handling cross country or across town new baby arrivals

accessories

Accents Accents

by Marie

Perfect for:

888 250-4824

animal wellness

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business opp.

• • •

Start a Pet Business for $99* Earn Extra Income Be Your Own Boss!

To learn how easy it is, visit our Web site or call give us a call! Start today!

The Original Bed with a built-in blanket!

®

*plus sales tax and shipping/handling

miscellaneous

(630) 299-6477 •

www.schmoopsie.com

My 2nd Home...Boarding

Your pet will LOVE our Bed & Breakfast!

As our guest your beloved pet will have company at all times, never being caged and always having his or her needs catered to.

The Well Behaved Pet...Training

Training in your HOME... for all your needs!

Great references, pick up & delivery available.

Laura Lawrence, Owner/Behaviorist waterleeps@earthlink.net • 636-456-9993

To advertise in Ad Spots call 1-866-764-1212 110

animal wellness

Order online at: www.ChillyDog.com or by phone: 888-541-5031

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Featuring whole stitches DMC colors Print out an order form today at: (Call if you do not have internet access 1-519-888-9968)

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classifieds 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, (250) 656-4390.

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 (315) 329-0116 angelwhisperer@ark-angels.org INSPIRING ANIMAL MESSAGES – Allow your own animals, dolphins, whales, any species, alive or in spirit, to offer Inspired Guidance in your life. Personal coaching from animals sharing their Unconditional Loving Wisdom. Satisfaction Guaranteed 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 WONDERING WHAT YOUR ANIMAL IS THINKING or feeling, experiencing behaviour or emotional problems with them? Have concerns about their death or dying? To request a telepathic communication go to www.komfortkonnections.com.

ANIMAL SPIRIT HEALING & EDUCATION NETWORK™Teleclass training modules and onsite courses. Animal Communication, Animal Reiki, Grief Support Skills, Tellington TTouch, Shamanic Healing, Flower Essences, Essential Oils, Species Behavior, Lost Animals, Marketing & Business Development. www.animalspiritnetwork.com, Carol Schultz at (815) 254-8325 PATRICE RYAN – Renowned Psychic, Medium & Intuitive Healer. Featured tv, documentary and radio interviews. Available for telephone Readings and On-Site Energy Work. (818) 241-2624 PatriceRyan.com JANET DOBBS – WORKSHOPS AND CONSULTATIONS. Animal communication, Animal/human Reiki. Deepening the bond between animals and humans. For information about hosting a workshop in your area. janet@animalparadisecommunication.com, (703) 648-1866 or www.animalparadisecommunication.com

Animal Health FURVANA – Offering Tellington TTouch and Reiki. Call Connie at (419) 332-1937 or email at furvana@juno.com WEST COAST CANINE LIFE LTD. – Add your choice of protein and vegetables to our special health and hypoallergenic pre-mixes. Bakes into a completely balanced whole foods cooked diet. www.westcoastcaninelife.com PetAlive.com – Proven herbal and homeopathic remedies for cats and dogs, including kennel cough, UTI, cancer, parasites, joints and more.

Treat your pet the natural way! Wholesale/retail/ affiliate inquiries welcome. Visit http://www.petalive.com?cmp=ah07 NANNOSIL LIQUID COLLOIDAL SILVER & SILVER GEL – One of nature’s best natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & general germ fighter available for all living things. (800) 567-4812 or nannosil@yahoo.com MANGOSTEEN – The Gift You and Your Pets’ Bodies Deserve. If you knew what I knew you would not go a single day without it. For more information and opportunities: http://www.mymangosteen.com/chellextodd and http://www.mangosteenexperiences.com BREAK THROUGH! – StemPets™ and StemEnhance™ naturally supports stem cell release from the bone marrow. Startling results!

Listen to (800) 722-3155 or call (888) 538-8944. www.patgory.com.

Associations INTERNATIONAL ASSN. FOR ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK – www.IAAMB.org Professional association supports, networks and promotes complementary care for animals through continuing education, website, referrals, newsletters, insurance, conferences, lobbying and credentialing. Welcome practitioners of animal massage and bodywork. (800) 903-9350

Behavior & Training DOGS and FOLKS Dog Behavior Consulting Gloria Ascher, IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. Sensitive approach to understanding, preventing, and resolving simple to complex dog behavior problems. Phone consultations. www.dogsandfolks.com (530) 468-2770

Books & Publications TWO-TIME MAXWELL AWARD WINNING AUTHOR GAIL MacMILLAN – Invites you on a very special journey in this true story of Ceilidh’s Quest. ‘A dog story even die-hard-catlovers will find irresistible’. Available at www.doubleedgepress.com GREYHOUND TALES – True stories about these wonderful dogs. They are sensitive, intelligent, beautiful, playful, loving. You may even choose to adopt! Send $15.00 to 9728 Tenaya Way, Kelseyville, CA 95451

Business Opportunities PET LOVERS WANTED – Join a team of home based business owners. Great tax deductions.

Earn $700-3,000/mo. very part time. Not sales.

Do what you already do. Call Michelle at (561) 702 5459. www.oxyfreshww.com/michelle/ DEALERS WANTED – Can be home-based.

Earn income selling THE ALL NATURAL ELECTROLYTE DRINK!.... for dogs.

Consumable – repeat business. Perfect business for Breeders, Handlers, Trainers, Kennels, Pet Sitters, Groomers, Vet Clinics, Rescue Groups, K9 Sports Clubs, Traveling Vendors, etc. Sell direct to people you know, your peers and at dog events. Income limited only by the time you want to devote to the business.

Serious inquiries.... call (866) 493-7634 or email to HydroDog2@aol.com.

SPECIALTY PET FOOD SUPPLY – Join the rapidly growing market for all natural nutrition.

Established Florida distributor of raw, frozen pet food. $550K sales, priced at $260K. ReMax, Doug Finch, (914) 587-3793

ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

Fencing PURR…FECT FENCE – Is the first complete, free-standing cat fencing system, turning any backyard into a safe, secure paradise for cats, with proven health & behavioral benefits. www.PurrfectFence.com or (888) 280-4066.

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.

Holistic Breeders RIGHTWAY SPHYNX & MINIATURE PERSIAN CATS – CFA, TICA. (Persians Under 8” tall.)

Breeding purebreds since 1972. I feed only natural foods – always have, always will. Fully guaranteed. Will ship. 718-625-6540 BARENBERG GERMAN SHEPHERDS – Top German Lines – Quality black and red puppies, excellent companions. Lovingly/holistically raised for top health and calm, affectionate, easy to train temperaments. Health guaranteed.

Photos, pedigrees, information: www.barenberg-shepherds.com (417) 934 5070 shepherds@socket.net

Holistic Veterinarians 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 ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL, REHAB & K-9 FITNESS CENTRE – Dr. Janice Huntingford, Dr. Glen Porteous, Dr. Yvonne Innes, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Conventional and Alternative Medicine and Surgery. Herbal Therapies and Holistic Medicine, Pet Massage, Physio and Rehab Therapy. Phone consultations available.

(519) 776-7325 Essex ON. essexanimalclinic@cogeco.net www.essexanimalhospital.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 MARGATE ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND ALTERNATIVE CARE CENTER – Dr. Mark Newkirk, Chiropractic, Aquapuncture, Herbal, Homeopathic, Metabolic Nutritional Analysis, Ozone Treatments, Laser Pain Therapy, Bach Flower therapy, Applied Kinesiology, NAET (allergy elimination), Nutritional Supplement programs based on your own pets’ blood tests, Alternative Cancer Therapies. Phone consultations. www.alternativevet.com email: mnewk@aol.com phone: (609) 823-3031 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.holistic-vet.ca

Homeopathy HOMEOPATHY, REIKI – Safe, gentle, noninvasive treatments for your animal companions.

Effective treatment for acute, chronic and first-aid conditions. Call Marilyn at (416) 697-7122, or e-mail at homeomom@hotmail.com.

PetAlive.com – Proven herbal and homeopathic remedies for cats and dogs, including kennel cough, UTI, cancer, parasites, joints and more.

Treat your pet the natural way! Wholesale/retail/ affiliate inquiries welcome. Visit http://www.petalive.com?cmp=hom07

Pet Portraits 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 GET FABULOUS PHOTOS OF YOUR DOG TODAY! – “Whose your Doggy?” photography creates beautiful natural light or studio portraits.

Visit our website: www.whoseyourdoggy.com or call (416) 927-7830 in Toronto

Rescues & Shelters Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue, Inc. We do more than rescue Yorkies. Browse thru our Country Store where we have many upscale items which will set your Toy Breed apart from the rest. Plan to attend our Yorkie Ball in October. See www.yorkierescue.com. For information and support groups, please visit: http://www.livershunt.com or http://www.collapsingtrachea.com.

Schools & Training COMPANION ANIMAL TOUCH & THERAPIES – Offers instruction and training for small animal massage providers at locations in IL, WI, VA, and NC as well as classes in maintenance and sports massage for animals in the Chicago-Milwaukee area.

Info@companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com (847) 782-1963 (voice) (847) 782-5725 (fax) www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com PETMASSAGE™ helps dogs create balanced “inner environments”. Learn how. Workshops/ Home Study Courses New Children’s DVD’s, teach doggie massage, canine body language, safety. 800-779-1001 www.petmassage.com ASSISI INTERNATIONAL ANIMAL INSTITUTE – Offers basic and advanced animal communication workshops and a Professional Animal Communicator Certification Program. You and a friend can attend our Skills Development Workshop for free by sponsoring it in your local area.Education@AssisiAnimals.org; AssisiAnimals.org; (510) 532-5800.

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

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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events May 19, 2007 – Charlotte, NC Paws Extravaganza Meet internationally acclaimed pet vet psychic Dr. Anyes van Volkenburgh and improve your pet’s health by attending her great workshop! www.psychicvet.com Raffle for a weekend at Dog House Resort – A Bed & Breakfast for People and their Dogs – Trade Show and Pet Fashion Week! Proceeds: Humane Society of Charlotte.

Canine Cafe Charlotte – 1447 S Tryon Street, Charlotte Roger Roberts • (336) 977-3582 reservations@dog-house-resort.com www.dog-house-resort.com May 21-24, 2007 – Larkspur, CO Small Animal Meridians & Specific Conditions 1 & 2 This course is divided into two sections so that we can cover 6 of the 12 Major Meridians in each section.

Following the categorization of the Five-Element Theory, the courses offer greater depth regarding the types of physical and psychological issues presented when particular meridians are not in balance. Participants will learn: indicators for each of the meridian imbalances; key acupressure points along each of the meridians; and Specific Condition Treatments for each of the 12 Major Meridians and two Extraordinary Vessels. A Certificate of Completion for 60 LUs or 32 CEUs is available after successfully passing the Open-Book, Take-Home Examination, and 4 case studies.

Nancy • (888) 841-7211 nancy@animalacupressure.com www.animalacupressure.com May 22-July 24, 2007 – Alliston, ON Canine Massage Certification Course The canine massage course consists of 57 hours of in class instruction covering canine anatomy, physiology and patho physiology, passive and active assessment, massage theory, massage strokes, techniques and routines, specialty massage techniques for specific physical issues, stretching, hydrotherapy, canine behaviour and handling, business management, record keeping, professionalism and ethics. Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:30-9:30pm Treetops • (866) 919-8733 info@treetopsweb.com • www.treetopsweb.com May 25-27, 2007 – Vancouver, BC Pets EAT! Too Visit the Pets EAT! Too Pavilion at EAT! Vancouver, The Everything Food + Cooking Festival. Now you can discover and buy some of the best and most current food, health and nutrition products for your pets. BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia info@eat-vancouver.com • www.eat-vancouver.com/PET.htm May 26th 2007 – Alliston, ON June 23rd 2007 – Alliston, ON Herbal and Aromatherapy for Pets Participants will learn about the qualities of herbs – what parts of the plant have healing properties; contraindications and

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precautions when using herbal remedies. Participants will also learn about the qualities and benefits of aromatherapy oils.

Treetops • (866) 919-8733 info@treetopsweb.com • www.treetopsweb.com May 26-27 2007 – Binbrook, ON Greyhound Reunion 7th Annual It’s a Greyhound Life Reunion. Retired Greyhounds & their owners get together to see old friends & new friends. Daily raffle/silent auctions, doggie related vendors, blessing of the greyhounds,doggie related games & contests, Information for the interested persons wanting to find out how to adopt a retired racer. Daily 10am-4pm.

Binbrook Fairgrounds Hwy 56 Binbrook, ON Marie Varga • (905) 524-2528 marie.varga060@worldchat.com • www.glohw.com June 2, 2007 – Etobicoke, ON Annual Bruce Harvey Memorial Dog Walk Pledge forms will be available at most Etobicoke-area Pet Valu stores, PETsMART in Mississauga, the Etobicoke Humane Society office (EHS), Etobicoke-area Vet Clinics Or call EHS - 416-249-6100 - to have one mailed to you. West Deane Park, Etobicoke.

Maria Barnes •(416) 249-6100 www.etobicokehumanesociety.com June 2-3 2007 – Alliston, ON July 7-8 2007 – Alliston, ON Pet First Aid Course The course will provide pet lovers with the necessary information and skills to stabilize an injured animal until qualified veterinarian care is accessed. Plenty of hands-on, first aid manual and mini herbal first aid kit.

Treetops • (866) 919-8733 info@treetopsweb.com • www.treetopsweb.com June 10th, 2007 – Toronto, ON 4th Annual k9 Rescue Walk-a-thon Don’t Miss out on Ontario’s 4th Annual Rescue Walka-thon @ Woofstock! The goal of this walk is to raise awareness of canine rescue groups in Ontario and provide some much needed financial assistance. In order to achieve this goal, we will need strong support from the public, whether you take part in the walk, or offer to volunteer, we can always use your help. The more walkers we get the more money we will raise! Until there are none, rescue one, won’t you help save a life today!

Woofstock - St. Lawrence Market Toronto Jennifer Ego •www.rescuemewalk.com June 14-17, 2007 – Circleville, OH Canine Massage Workshop, Level 1 Sports and relaxation massage techniques, canine behavior, body language, physiology and canine anatomy are part of the curriculum. Safety, ethics and record keeping are discussed. Students are welcome to bring your canine companions, if possible. Small, hands-on classes. Lodging available. Integrated Touch Therapy,

Inc., 7041 Zane Trail Road, Circleville, OH 43113 Rebecca Bangert, Office Manager • (800) 251-0007 wshaw1@bright.net • www.integratedtouchtherapy.com June 20-23, 2007 – Circleville, OH Canine Massage Workshop, Level 2 Prerequisite, Canine 1. Additional anatomy, physiology, massage techniques, business applications and joint movements as well as gait analysis are discussed.

Ethics, business practices and networking discussions will be held. Dogs are welcome. Small classes taught by a licensed massage therapist with over 14 years’ experience. Lodging available. Integrated Touch Therapy, Inc., 7041 Zane Trail Road, Circleville, OH 43113 Rebecca Bangert, Office Manager • (800) 251-0007 wshaw1@bright.net • www.integratedtouchtherapy.com June 30-July 2, 2007 – Herndon, VA Evaluation & Ethics: the Business of Animal Massage This class includes evaluation of animals as athletes and as candidates for massage therapy; instruction in sports massage; an examination of practical business issues; an introduction to other holistic modalities used with animals; and, whenever possible, a visit to a shelter or rescue to work with the animals.

AKS Massage School • (877) 306-3422 AKS@AKSmassageschool.com www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com For info on July 10-August 28, 2007 – Grayslake, IL: Save-a-Pet Adoption Center Grayslake, IL Companion Animal Touch & Therapies • (847) 782-1963 info@companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com July 14-15, 2007 – Reston, VA Animal Communication Workshop Reawaken and acknowledge your ability to communicate with animals during this beginning workshop. Janet will lead you through the basic steps with guided meditations, enlightening discussion and telepathic exercises. Your understanding of animals will deepen as you discover how they view the world. You will learn how to quiet and focus your mind, opening the channel between you and the animals as you send information and receive back from them their thoughts, images, feelings, messages, etc. At the completion of the workshop you are likely to see and understand animals in a very different way.

Janet Dobbs • (703) 648-1866 janet@animalparadisecommunication.com www.animalparadisecommunication.com August 10-12, 2007 – Calgary/Cochrane Healing Touch for Animals Level 2 Calgary Area – Learn energy healing techniques for small and large animals.

Monique Arsenault • (403) 932-4267 calgaryab@healingtouchforanimals.com www.healingtouchforanimals.com

Post your event online at: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/events animal wellness

bulletin board Animal Wellness Magazine was there!

Super Pet Expo – Edison NJ – February 9-12, 2007 We met all sorts of people at the Super Pet Expo! This shopping extravaganza for pet lovers and guardians was full of animal education and entertainment all under one roof! We met up with the Citizens against Greyhound Racing, a fantastic group helping to end Greyhound abuses.

Don't forget to check out our redesigned website!

Horse World Expo – Harrisburg, PA – February 22-25, 2007 Horse World Expo offered the best of the best in the horse industry.

We met and learned from industry professionals from all over the country. The experts discussed topics covering virtually every aspect of horse care and training. Educational activities were scheduled continuously throughout the weekend.

Vancouver Pet Expo – Vancouver BC – March 31-April 1, 2007 This show included all types of pets, anything from dogs and cats, to reptiles and other small exotics. All of these animals were on-site during the show for you to interact with! There was the opportunity to participate at the Show & Tell Theatre as well as learn about companion animal needs in a Seminar & Lecture theatre. Ongoing throughout the show, these areas were sure to entertain, enlighten and educate the whole family!

All About Pets – Toronto ON – April 6-8, 2007 We were there for incredible excitement at the All About Pets Show.

We were dazzled by flyball tournaments, the beauty and fashions in the doggie fashion show, a Parade of Breeds, a Championship Cat Show, Ask the Trainer, The Pet Grooming Showcase, World of Birds and many other exciting features.

Introducing an easy fundraiser that makes everyone feel good!

Your organization can sign up to take part in the most meaningful and lucrative way to meet your financial goals! Take a look at what Redstone Media Group has to offer you: • flexible program • no minimum order requirements

• completely turnkey • pay nothing up front

• no stock • educational aids provided

“We’re using the money we raised from Redstone’s program to improve our students' playground.”

– Jennifer Connelly, Principal – The Children’s Montessori School, Peterborough, ON To find out more about this opportunity email sam@redstonemediagroup.com

Job Opportunity Animal Wellness Magazine, a publication of Redstone Media Group, has immediate openings in all parts of the country for Independent Representatives to merchandise Redstone products in retail pet and health food stores. If you are looking for a great opportunity to supplement your income in an exciting career with substantial flexibility, this may be the job for you. For immediate consideration email your resume to jobs@animalwellnessmagazine.com or fax to (705) 742-4596.

www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

Out and about Come visit us at: • Western States Horse Expo, June 8-10 Cal Expo Sacramento, www.horseexpo.com

Generate extra income for your organization!

Join our Web Partner program. You will receive a Web Partner account when you sign up. Your organization will receive $5 for each subscription or CD sold. No obligation, no costs to you! For more information visit animalwellnessmagazine.com/p/webpartner

Don't miss our next issue...

Aug./Sept. issue on stands July 17

Exercise/Athletes/Joints • Sporting dogs (agility, flyball, etc.)

• Feeding and supplementing the canine athlete • Introducing a dog to a cat, or vice versa • Bone problems in growing dogs • Seven tips to prevent separation anxiety • Water safety • Clicker training • Care safety (dog seatbelts, motion sickness, etc.)

• How to discourage roaming cats • Excessive vocalization in cats – causes and solutions animal wellness

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The tail end

Lucy and The Treat Cabinet

by Barry Potoker

H

ow is it that dogs can somehow sense when The Treat Cabinet is opened, no matter how softly and quietly you do it? How is it they just seem to know when you even pass close to that hallowed cupboard?

It’s a marvelous awareness much like the one we had as kids when we felt the magic of that special place where the Christmas presents were hidden. Is it just cupboard love… or is it something more?

and curiously wonder: Which treat will I get… will it be the marrow bone or that funny-looking peanut butter cookie or maybe one of those awesome, savory meat strips in the red bag?

Afterwards, with a satisfied yet hopeful look, she always heads back to The Treat Cabinet just to see if, by chance, there’s another munchie in the offing. Sometimes there is and sometimes there isn’t. If there isn’t, she prances over to her bowl to daintily wash down her appetizer. Then she looks up with that canine grin of gratitude, tiny water droplets clinging to the whiskers on her chin, as if to say: Thanks for the treat!

At treat time, our sevenyear-old golden retriever Lucy bounds willingly into action. There’s that familiar twinkle in her eyes, and that incredible gaze of anticipation. Her lips begin to lightly smack and she salivates a bit while her tail starts moving gently from side to side. Her focus is uninterruptible.

She’s not yet totally sure if some sort of delectable chow is on the way because she knows there are other things kept in The Treat Cabinet. But once it’s confirmed that a tasty morsel is forthcoming, her tail picks up pace and quickly shifts to full wag mode. She now comes to complete attention, both her body and her talking tail beginning to quiver slightly.

She carefully watches your movements, especially your hand, as it ventures into the sacred closet that covets all the edible treasures. Does she consciously

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Lucy ceremoniously carries all her doggie delights to her customary spot in the living room. It’s that particular place on the rug with all the little crumbs and stains from bygone biscuits. There she can play with them, sniff them, and then meticulously dine on them in her elegant, ladylike way.

Although Lucy has an insatiable passion for treats, she’s a gentle soul.

She doesn’t beg or chomp, but takes the treat from your hand ever so slowly and delicately, as if taking care not to accidentally hurt you. Maybe she somehow feels these offerings are her reward for being such a kind dog all the time.

This ritual is a simple yet wonderful moment that says so much about how dogs live in the present. It also says a lot about Lucy’s special relationship with us – and of course, with The Treat Cabinet.

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

Not feeling your best is no fun in the sun.

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Just like you, your pet may not get everything she needs from her diet. That’s why we developed three unique multivitamin/mineral formulas for every stage of your pet’s life. Daily Best for adult dogs contains 40 synergistic ingredients to support optimal health.

Daily Best Senior contains ingredients especially beneficial for older dogs.

And Daily Best Puppy is formulated to get puppies off to a great start. Look for these great-tasting products at Kroger, Petco, Whole Foods, Wild Oats and other fine grocery, pet and natural food stores. And help your pet get the best out of life.

TM

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“Pet Naturals” is a Reg. TM and “Helping pets live healthier lives.” is a TM of FoodScience Corporation. ©FSC, 2007. All Rights Reserved.

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“Dedicated to improving pet’s lives”

PETZLIFE PETZLIFE Put a healthy smile on your pet’s face with award winning PETZLIFE : PETZLIFE Oral Care Spray & Gel Have proven to: • Remove tartar & plaque • Eliminate bad breath • Avoid Expen$ive cleanings • Reverse Gingivitis • Increase Petz Life!

In national magazines everywhere!

Retail opportunities are available.

“These products have worked on my patients that have had severe tartar and gingivitis. Now we can cure the problem while avoiding the anesthesia and the drugs! Keep up the great work!”

– Dr. Susan Maier, D.V.M (18-year Holistic vet).

“Twin-pack Special” Spray plus your choice of Gel Original or Wild salmon oil $39.95 plus $4.50 s/h

All natural 100% safe and now for people too! www.lifproducts.com

www.petzlife.com • 1-888-453-4682

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animalwellness To advertise in the Ontario Region section of Animal Wellness Magazine, contact Lesley Nicholson at: 866-764-1212 lesley@animalwellnessmagazine.com

ontario RE

G

ION

helps animals feel better

by Ann Brightman

Most of us are familiar with Lynn Johnston’s delightful comic strip

For Better or For Worse®, the amusing and often touching family chronicle that has been bringing pleasure to legions of readers for more than 20 years. Long time fans are also familiar with the character Farley, the happy-go-lucky English sheepdog whose heroic death in a 1995 story moved the hearts of thousands around the world.

Farley himself might be gone, but the beloved canine character lives on, not only in the memories of Lynn and her fans, but also through The Farley Foundation, a Milton, Ontariobased organization formed in 2001 to help disabled and senior animal lovers with low incomes who can’t

afford veterinary care for their companions. The organization originated with The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), says Nadia Vercillo, Manager of Communications and Public Relations. “The association had some extra money brought forth from sponsorship and decided to start

a community-based program on behalf of vets for the province of Ontario,” Nadia explains.

Here’s how it works. Participating vets who belong to the OVMA receive funding from the foundation to help low income clients pay for veterinary procedures they couldn’t otherwise afford. Although the vets have access to just $500 a year at this point, it’s hoped this figure will rise as the Foundation continues to grow.

Seniors and the disabled are the ones who benefit from the program. To be eligible, they must be on either ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Payment), or GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement).

“Once that’s been determined, the vet will approach us on the pet owner’s behalf, submit an application, and we take it animal wellness – ontario region

i

So where does Farley fit in?

“When we first started out, we knew the kind of concept we wanted to develop, but we wanted a celebrity mascot,” says Nadia. “One of the vets who sits on our board of directors works in North Bay, very near where Lynn Johnston lives. The Farley character seemed right since it wasn’t that many years since he died in the cartoon strip. Because we’re helping people with their pets, and really saving the lives of these animals, we thought he would make a fantastic icon for the Foundation. Our vet in North Bay approached Lynn Johnston’s office and they liked the idea.”

Photo: Ed Eng

from there,” says Nadia. “We do keep track of the pet owner to make sure they’re not hopping around and getting funds from five different clinics. It’s just so we can offer as much support to as many different people as possible.”

says Nadia. “Last year, over 200 clinics took part, generating around $86,000 selling paw prints and wristbands and donating the money to the Foundation. We also often receive funds when an animal passes away and the vet sends us a donation in the animal’s memory.”

You can even get a license plate bearing The Farley Foundation logo, thanks to a project involving the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Lynn Johnston’s office.

“The plate was launched at the end of the March and is available at MTO offices,” says Nadia.

The organization’s success can be measured by the volume of positive feedback they get from happy and grateful animal guardians. “We get messages, letters and thank you cards all the time,” says Nadia. Now in its sixth year, Lynn Johnston, the creator of Farley and the internationally renowned comic The Farley Foundation looks strip, For Better or For Worse.

To date, The Farley Foundation forward to assisting even more has helped around 750 indipeople and animals in need of done through participating veterinary viduals and their animals with a total of a helping hand. For more information, clinics. “The big push comes in October, $250,000. The Foundation is supported visit www.farleyfoundation.org. which is Fundraise for Farley month,” mainly by donations and fundraising

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animal wellness – ontario region

Nikki was transported from his Nashville foster home to his new family in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Animals make it home safe thanks to

by Terri Epp

“underground railroad”

Jay Jay is a Yorkshire/silky terrier mix who is being adopted by a family in Windsor, Ontario. His foster mom, a volunteer for Tiny Paws Dog Rescue, lives in Burlington, but due to a family illness, his new guardians are unable to make the long trip to pick him up.

Fortunately, a volunteer driver transports Jay Jay from his foster home to another Tiny Paws residence in Leamington, a town much closer to Windsor. There he spends the night before being collected by his grateful adopters and taken to his permanent new home.

Jay Jay’s driver is just part of a network

of volunteers not only in Ontario but across North America who help with the transport of animals from shelters to rescue organizations and from rescue organizations to adopters. It’s often referred to as the “underground dog railroad” or “underground pet transport network”, and echoes the days when train conductors and depots helped African American slaves escape from the south to freedom in the northern U.S. and Canada.

How does it work?

When an animal needs to be moved, coordinators map out the journey he’ll be taking, breaking the route down into

small segments called legs of one to two hours each (one way). Often, more than one animal is transported during a run. Once the route is planned, it’s posted to Internet groups devoted to the rescue and transport of animals.

Volunteer drivers look at the route and decide whether or not they can assist. They contact the coordinator and provide their vehicle description and home and cell numbers; this way, each driver can get in touch with his or her fellow drivers in case of a delay.

The drivers also arrange meeting spots among themselves where they can hand over the animal for the next leg of the journey. The transport route stays posted on the Net until it is filled with drivers.

The posting also gives drivers information about the animals they will be transporting, including their health status. Nikki, for example, is a blind collie who was moved from his Cedaridge Collie Rescue foster home in Nashville, Tennessee to his adopter in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His drivers needed to be cautioned to keep a good hold on his leash as they exited their vehicles

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animal wellness – ontario region

and passed him to the next driver.

Both coordinators and drivers donate their time and gas money to get the animals wherever they need to go, whether it’s a rescue organization or an adoptive home. During the trip, the drivers provide drinking water as well as bathroom breaks – 15 minutes of additional time are added to each leg of the journey for this purpose. Crates are highly recommended so the driver doesn’t become distracted by animals moving loose in the vehicle; a crate also offers the animal protection in case of an accident.

In the U.S., a health certificate is mandatory in many areas when transporting animals across state borders, so drivers must be provided with the appropriate papers.

Animals crossing the border into Canada from the States, meanwhile, must have proof of a valid rabies injection, including the certificate issued by a veterinarian.

Drivers are asked to remain in contact with the coordinator, who moderates the transport for any problems, delays or concerns. As information is phoned in, the coordinator relays it to the other drivers by email, telephone or cell phone.

Occasionally, transports can take up to two-and-a-half days. Animals often stay overnight with drivers who are willing and able to have them in their homes.

Most animals do well during the trip, despite being passed from person to person, because they are given lots of love and attention from their drivers.

This “underground network” has helped many animals across the continent come together with rescuers and adopters.

Best of all, shelters are seeing a drop in euthanasia rates, as more animals are being moved to other parts of the country for adoption.

Terri Epp is the President of Tiny Paws Dog Rescue Canada (www.tpdr.ca) and has been coordinating dog transports

North America since 2001. She Leamington, Ontario.

across in

lives

animal wellness – ontario region

v

Tucker was the inspiration for Meera’s innovative pet gear business.

Tucker “takes the lead” at

Smoochy Poochy On November 17, 2001, a handsome seven-week-old chocolate Labrador retriever named Tucker Jose joined the household of Meera Brown and Regan Campkin (Tucker’s “dad” and Meera’s significant other). “That dog changed our life,” says Meera, adding that it’s because of Tucker that she started Smoochy Poochy, a Toronto-based pet gear business.

It all began when Meera and Regan sat down in front of a sewing machine to create a leash that would cater to the needs and lifestyle of their new canine companion. “The main requirement was that it be practical, functional, and

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easy to use,” says Meera.

As Tucker walked around proudly wearing his innovative new lead, total strangers would come up and ask: “Where did you buy that leash?” or “How can I get

one of those?” “That’s when Smoochy Poochy sprouted and introduced the No-Escape Leash to the pet industry,” says Meera.

The leash is versatile and multi-functional and has all the bells and whistles. “The handle releases, which allows the leash to do many different tasks,” explains Meera. “The optional hands-free lead easily wraps around your waist or across your shoulders.” An attached mesh pouch conveniently stores plastic bags so you won’t be caught empty-handed when you need to pick up after your dog. The leash also features a reflective material for safe nighttime walking.

The No-Escape Leash is designed to be versatile and multi-functional.

Smoochy Poochy prides itself in the quality materials that go into making the No-Escape Leash. “It’s important to find a perfect leash that you and your dog love, but equally important are the components that make up the product,” says Meera. The company sourced out a lot of fasteners, for example, stopping only when they hit upon an extremely strong, compact swivel fastener. “It’s interesting how this piece of hardware gets so many compliments!”

The Smoochy line has grown to include many other top-notch products, such as reflective leads and collars, step-in harnesses, a system for walking two or more dogs, traffic leads, grab-its, bells, a Smoochy purse, compact bowls, and a collar for dogs that like to swim. The same attention to detail goes into them as into the No-Escape Leash. “The collar for swimming is made from a material that doesn’t absorb water,” says Meera.

“The colour won’t bleed, and it won’t

smell bad when wet.” All Smoochy Poochy’s coloured nylon webbing products feature bar-tack stitching, which is especially strong, durable and reliable.

Smoochy Poochy products are made locally from quality materials.

It’s obvious that Meera takes pride in the production of Smoochy Poochy pet

gear. “All our products are made locally by a team of people who not only care about the details of each, but also the dogs and people who use them daily,” she says. “It’s almost as if the products are hand-crafted. There’s no huge offshore manufacturing. We aim to enrich the experience of having a pet by introducing innovative items, and we’re always developing practical products to bring to the marketplace.”

People continually ask Meera where her inspiration comes from. The answer is simple. “It comes directly from Tucker,” she smiles, “who is often referred to as the president of Smoochy Poochy!”

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We have moved to a larger location in East York to serve your better, visit us at 45 Cranfield Road, Unit 5 416-690-1077 or email tania@caninewellness.com animal wellness – ontario region

vii

Doctor in the

house

by Ann Brightman

Mobile vet brings complementary therapies to her patients

if you have a multi-animal household, or a dog or cat who’s

These are issues that Dr. Lisa Burgess’s clients and patients don’t have to deal with. Based near Hamilton, Ontario, Lisa runs a mobile veterinary practice that brings alternative healthcare to dogs and cats in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.

elderly and easily stressed?

After graduating from the Ontario

Most animals don’t like going to the vet, and we naturally tend to share their tension and anxiety. Others are frightened of cars, which makes the experience even more of an ordeal. And what

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Veterinary College in Guelph, Dr. Burgess moved to the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, where for a time she worked in a mixed large animal practice and did a lot of equine medicine. “In my first year after graduating, I also took the veterinary acupuncture course offered by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in the States,” says Dr. Burgess. “I started doing acupuncture on horses, then small animals as well. I didn’t have a clinic base per se, so just started doing house calls. You can do acupuncture just about anywhere.”

Dr. Burgess moved back to Ontario in 2001 and began her existing practice two years later (http://burgessvet.com).

She applies the same approach she used out west, with her main focus now being small animals. “I have a truck with all my equipment in it, and I just dive into

“I think my main draw, though, is that I take a holistic approach,” says Dr. Burgess.

“I use quite a few alternative modalities. Along with acupuncture, I’m using a lot of Chinese herbs these days.

I use some homeopathics as well, and a lot of nutritional supplementation with EFAs, digestive enzymes, probiotics and so on. Nutrition alone can help heal a lot of things.” the back whenever I need something,” she explains. “There are a couple of boxes I bring into the house, such as my emergency box and a regular box

with all my basic equipment such as my stethoscope, orthoscope, and so on.”

Sometimes, Dr. Burgess will ask the guardian to hold the animal during a test or procedure, or she’ll bring along a vet tech to assist her.

“You can do in the home pretty much what you can do in the clinic,” she says.

“Even blood collecting isn’t a huge deal unless the animal is really nervous.” More extensive or invasive procedures, however, such as surgery or inserting an IV, need to be carried out in a clinical environment.

“The regulations here require you to have a base clinic. The one I use is the Fourth Line Animal Hospital in Oakville.”

Many of Dr. Burgess’s clients are those whose dogs and cats are highly stressed by travel, or who have multiple animals.

“They don’t want to load up five or six animals. It’s easier for them if I go to

animal wellness – ontario region

ix

their residence and look at everybody.”

The service is also a big help to elderly people who no longer drive.

“I think my main draw, though, is that I take a holistic approach,” says Dr. Burgess. “I use quite a few alternative modalities. Along with acupuncture, I’m using a lot of Chinese herbs these days. I use some homeopathics as well, and a lot of nutritional supplementation with EFAs, digestive enzymes, probiotics and so on. Nutrition alone can help heal a lot of things.”

The practice serves a sizeable area, ranging from Ancaster in the west and Mississauga in the east to Milton and Campbellville in the north. “If people are willing to pay the call fee, and I can work the trip into my day, I’ll go to their homes, as long as it’s efficient in terms of driving time.”

Animals have always been a love of Dr. Burgess’s, but that’s just one reason she decided to become a vet.

“I had extensive orthopedic surgery when I was eight years old and it piqued my interest in medicine.”

She’s especially interested in the positive benefits of acupuncture.

“One of my very first acupuncture patients was a golden retriever who was about nine years old and was down with a back issue. I gave her a treatment and she was able to get up again quite quickly. It was such a great thing for the acupuncture to work that fast, and to see the expressions on her owners’ faces, because they’d thought their dog was on her last legs. I try to include acupuncture in a lot of my treatments. People are pleasantly surprised by the results.”

Whichever modality Dr. Burgess chooses to use in a case, her holistic approach and willingness to make house calls is a godsend to her clients and their four-footed companions.

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animal wellness – ontario region

music therapy

Cats prove a receptive audience to

by Sharon Howarth-Russell

Depending on who we are, our lifestyles can be simple, quiet, chaotic, stressful, busy, or completely overwhelming.

Because our cats live with us and are so empathic, they easily pick up our emotions, tone of voice, mannerisms and even illnesses. But have you ever noticed how listening to a favorite piece of relaxing music or walking in the woods amid the wonderful sounds of nature makes you feel better? Our cats (and dogs) also relate to this kind of sound therapy.

Music and sound therapy re-establish natural harmony in the body, not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally, behaviorally and spiritually. Music has such a profound effect on us because, in a way, we are music. Each of us walks to his or her own tune and rhythm. So do our animals. They also feel the vibrations and frequencies of the earth and are very aware of its changes.

patterns. If we need more energy, we need to play faster, upbeat music.

Cats easily entrain to music because of their empathic nature. They instinctively know what is right for them. If the music has served its purpose or isn’t beneficial at the time, they will leave the room. Quiet, relaxing music can be played day and night. It will help both you and your cat.

Thanks to scientific evidence that demonstrates how music can improve the health of people and animals, many

musicians are now specifically designing music with this intent in mind. You can even buy specialized music that helps calm animals who fear thunderstorms.

For therapy purposes, I have found that the closer the music is written to our natural rhythms, the easier it is assimilated and the faster healing takes place. Here are a couple of examples of how this specially designed music can help cats.

Melodies speed stroke recovery When Pat Prevost’s 16-year-old cat,

If music has a slow tempo, it can cause our heart rate to slow down, relaxing our body and mind. Certain tones, frequencies and rhythms also affect our body systems and brainwave animal wellness – ontario region

xi

Buddy, had a minor stroke in the fall, she used a musical CD called Pet Ease to restore his health. She looped the music and played it quietly 24/7. Before the music, Buddy slept a lot but very restlessly. When the music was playing, Buddy would sleep for a longer period of time, close to the music source. He would wake up with more energy, better coordination and looking rested, He ate more, toileted easier and recovered faster. Pat put the radio on and played other music as well, but realized that Buddy was responding better to the CD. Buddy’s neural pathways needed to be re-patterned and the CD assisted with this process. Five months after the stroke, Buddy has shown great improvement. He is once again climbing on the outside of the door, doing little chin-ups and power lifts.

Scientists in the Neurology Department at Brock University discovered that one of the reasons this music works is because it accesses the fourth stage delta brainwave pattern. This pattern is

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Cats naturally recognize the importance of sound therapy. They have a built-in purr that helps calm and relax them (and their human friends) after a stressful day. Cats also use purring to heal themselves. associated with the deepest sleep, where healing and learning take place and stress is reduced.

music was played, the cat stopped throwing up the medication. Why? This particular music has a gentle lilting rhythm and is also written in the key of F, which balances the body.

Music therapy is non-invasive and inexpensive, and benefits your own health as well as your cat’s. And it’s is so simple to use. All you have to do is remember to turn it on!

Since the mid-1980s, Sharon HowarthRussell has been researching, writing and playing specifically designed music, and producing tapes and

CDs

for both

the holistic and educational fields.

This

music has benefited people of all ages as well as animals.

Sounds for sickness A cat that kept throwing up her heart medication also benefited from music therapy. His person decided to play a CD entitled Sea Magic because she read that this music helped a dog overcome carsickness. When the

In the early ’90s, The National Research Council of Canada sponsored a seven-month study on some of Sharon’s music in the Neurology Department at Brock University. Scientists discovered some amazing positive results.

Visit www.themusicalrainbow.com, email info@themusicalrainbow.com or call 416-267-9271.

Your view on zoos If you’re like many Ontarians, you feel that zoos need to clean up their act when it comes to properly caring for their animals.

The following figures from a recent province-wide poll speak volumes: •97% agree that zoos should be required by law to meet professional standards of animal welfare and public safety

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•90% agree that residents keeping wildlife such as tigers and monkeys in a zoo should be licensed •87% agree that zoo operators should have formal education and training in animal care •83% support having a provincial agency inspect zoos to ensure they are safe For more information on Ontario zoos and the proposed bill that would help improve conditions at these facilities, see our next issue.

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