V9I6 (Dec/Jan 2007-08)

animal Living pawsitive!

Special Holiday issue!

wellness For a long, healthy life!

Over 40 amazing gift ideas

Treat tactics

Healthy Holiday Recipes

Litter box update

10 steps to great leadership How raspberries help fight

Problems?

Try a little animal

cancer

psychology

DECEMBER/JANUARY Display until Jan. 20, 2008

$5.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 9 ISSUE 6

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

animal wellness

animal wellness

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contents

24 72

features

60

the humble 24 How raspberry can help fight cancer–and other illnesses

This favorite fruit has impressive healthenhancing properties

steps to great 28 10 leadership with

90

your dog

Start with a strong and positive foundation

is served!

40 Dinner A special holiday menu for your dog or cat

animal wellness

Chinese element 51 How theory can help you choose the right dog Is he fire, water, wood or metal?

feelings 56 Gut How probiotics and

prebiotics can improve digestive health

a litter box 60 Choosing for your feline friend From basic trays to the latest selfcleaning machines

40

64

81

Click on this icon to visit featured links for 64 Aromatherapy frazzled Fidos

Help him through the holidays with these soothing scents

seems to be 67 What the problem?

Psychology for dogs and cats

10 tips for taking 72 Top great animal photos

food recall no 76 Raw reason for panic

The health benefits far outweigh the risks

tactics for the 81 Treat festive season

What to feed and what to avoid

kitty feeling liverish?

90 IsWhat you need to know

Three pros share their secrets!

ONTARIO REGIONAL SECTION

about feline fatty liver disease

animal wellness

contents Volume 9 Issue 6

columns 16 Yakkity yak 34 Dr. Martin Goldstein

Editorial Department Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Canadian Regional Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Stephanie Wright Graphic Designer: Leanne Martin Cover Photography: Peter Organa Illustration: Leanne Rosborough

94 Animal passages 96 Book reviews

84 Animal communication

106 The tail end

departments 8 Editorial 12 Mail bag 33 Product picks 45 Holiday gift guide 77 Wellness resource guide

88 98 104 105

What’s gnu?

Ad spots Events calendar Classifieds

our cover: Photo: Peter Organa

Lola the English bull terrier was just four months old when photographer Peter Organa captured this engaging portrait. Now over a year old, Lola lives with her guardian Michelle Lindsay in the Beaches area of Toronto. Her favorite pastimes include romping in the dog park at Kew Beach and strolling along the boardwalk, where she attracts lots of admiring attention from passersby. A sociable, affectionate dog, Lola loves to meet other dogs and people, and enjoys playing tug-of-war with her favorite rope toy.

“Everyone seems to really love her,” says Michelle.

“She always has a smile on her face!”

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: November, 2007

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Columnists & Contributing Writers Nan Arthur, CPDT Sue Becker Michelle Bernard Kim Bloomer, VND Carie Burgess Audi Donamor Marcia DuBois Martin, DVM Daniel Q. Estep, PhD Martin Goldstein, DVM Claudia Hehr Suzanne Hetts, PhD Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, Esq Chris Kuderle Shawn Messonnier, DVM Monica Segal Susan Thorpe-Vargas, PhD Linda Trent Administration & Sales President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager: Lesia Wright Editorial & Marketing Assistant: Jamie Conroy Circulation & Marketing Manager: Nancy Nichols Administrative Assistant: Elizabeth Sinden 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 Canadian Regional Manager: Brenda Hoffman (647) 344-5567 brenda@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.

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editorial

Getting the last laugh I got ambitious this holiday and made an organic pumpkin pie from scratch. I guess all that “visualization” worked because the pie turned out perfect. I carefully set it to cool on top of the stove. Now, what to do with that extra three cups of filling? Ah yes, I’ll make muffins!

I added some spelt flour and some baking powder, and twenty minutes later placed these yummy-looking goodies beside the pie. Of course, during all this baking, I had a captivated audience. Both our dog and cat were fascinated by the flurry of activity in the kitchen, and the mouthwatering smells that emerged shortly after. But I had been down this road before. I remember many years ago I made pumpkin pies and left them on the stove overnight covered with plastic wrap.

When I awoke the next morning, I discovered little paw prints through both pies. My cats, who never jumped on the counters, had done the tango through my culinary creations.

This year, however, I would have a pawprintfree pie! I cleverly placed the pumpkin pie in the microwave and closed the door. Here it would be safe from the fancy footwork of my aerobic feline. Feeling rather smug, I gathered up the kids and went out to run some errands.

When we returned an hour later, the pie was still safe inside its “vault”, but I realized

animal wellness

that the animals had had the last laugh after all. The muffin tin was upside down on the floor. All but two muffins were mysteriously missing and both dog and cat were wearing suspiciously satisfied grins.

If your animals love baked goods as much as mine, this holiday issue is for them. Audi Donamor has created some special recipes just for your critters on page 40. Or, if time is a factor for you, Monica Segal gives you some treat pointers in her article on page 81. You may even want to add raspberries to your pal’s (and your own) diet when you read Dr. Susan Thorpe-Vargas’ tribute to this incredible fruit on page 24.

Of course, after the muffin incident, I can’t ignore the fact that our dog, Sasha, may need a little refresher on who’s supposed to be the leader in our home. Fortunately, Nan Arthur gives us some great tips on leadership in her story on page 28. All in all, it’s another great issue with many wonderful ideas for celebrating the holidays with your animal companions. So find a few moments between the rush of the season to sit back and enjoy.

And from all of us here at Animal Wellness,

Happy Holidays!

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

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contributors Veterinarian Dr. Marcia DuBois Martin is a holistic veterinarian practicing at Calusa Veterinary Center in Boca Raton, Florida. Her treatment modalities include classical homeopathy, acupuncture, non-force chiropractic and herbal medicine. She is also the author of Quit Your Belly Aching, a homeopathic guide to colic treatment in horses.

See page 51 for Marcia’s advice on choosing the right dog using Chinese Five Element Theory.

Audi Donamor has been creating special needs diets for dogs and cats for over ten years. Following the loss of her beloved golden retriever, Blues, she founded The Smiling Blue Skies® Cancer Fund through the University of Guelph’s Pet Trust. Audi is a recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada Silmaril Kennel Trophy for the Human/Animal Bond. For Audi’s healthy holiday menu for dogs and cats, turn to page 40.

Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth M. Hodgkins, Esq. has been practicing for 28 years and currently owns and runs All About Cats Health Center in Yorba Linda, California.

She served as the Director of Technical Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition from 1985 to 1993, during which she developed a passion for veterinary nutrition that prompted her to investigate the subject, particularly the management of feline obesity and diabetes. Dr. Hodgkins is the author of Your Cat: Simple Secrets for a Longer Stronger Life. On page 90, she talks about fatty liver disease in cats.

Dr. Suzanne Hetts is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist in Littleton, Colorado, and an internationally known award-winning speaker and author. She began her career in animal work as a medical technologist at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University, and later specialized in animal behavior. She incorporated Animal Behavior Associates, Inc. (www.animalbehaviorassociates.com) in Denver, Colorado in partnership with her major professor, Dr. Philip Lehner, and now specializes in helping dogs and cats with behavior problems. For this issue, Dr. Hetts co-authored an article on animal psychology – see page 67.

Daniel Q. Estep holds a doctorate in Psychology with a specialization in animal behavior from the University of Florida. He is certified by the Animal Behavior Society as an Applied Animal Behaviorist, and is a member of the Animal Behavior Society, the International Society for Applied Ethology, The Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the National Animal Control Association. He is also co-owner of Animal Behavior Associates, Inc. and has been helping people prevent and resolve animal behavior problems for 13 years. He and his wife Suzanne live with their cat Buffett, Dalmatian Ashley and Irish setter Coral. Turn to page 67 for his and Suzanne’s article on animal psychology.

Monica Segal received certification in animal health care through the University of Guelph in Ontario. She writes feature articles for publications throughout North America and conducts workshops and seminars by invitation. She has also authored K9Kitchen, Your Dog’s Diet: The Truth Behind the Hype, and Optimal Nutrition, Raw and Cooked Canine Diets: The Next Level. Turn to page 81 for her article on treats.

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Michelle Bernard, author of Raising Cats Naturally, has spent over a decade researching natural health for cats. A freelance writer who breeds American shorthairs, she has kept her own cats vibrantly healthy since 1993 using a raw meat diet, homeopathy, and plain common sense. Michelle is renowned for her sound approach to rearing cats and her writing on many aspects of holistic cat care. She offers nutritional and natural health consultations from her home in North Carolina. For Michelle’s tips on choosing a litter box, see page 60.

Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier is the author of the award-winning The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He is also the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s program, “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet”, on Sirius Satellite Radio. His veterinary practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (www.petcarenaturally.com), is located in Plano, Texas.

Read his article about probiotics on page 56.

Kim Bloomer is a veterinary naturopath, host of the online radio shows Animal Talk Naturally and ATN Gone Wild, and a proficient blogger and writer on natural pet health. Kim is also coauthor of Whole Health for Happy Dogs. She is currently enrolled in the Clayton College of Natural Health finishing up her Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition and will begin her studies for her human Doctor of Naturopathy degree in 2008. She is a member and SW District Manager of the American Veterinary Naturopathic Association.

She lives with her husband and an eight-year-old rescued Neapolitan mastiff named Shadrach. See page 64 for her article about aromatherapy for stressed dogs.

Susan Thorpe-Vargas Ph.D. is a Nutritional Immunologist and has been a science writer for over 30 years. She is a multiple Maxwell nominee and has twice won the Dog Writers Award. She has been breeding Samoyeds since 1984, producing the number three Samoyed in the United States, as well as multiple Best of Breed and Group winners. She shares her home with her own Samoyed Max and two rescue cats named Sidney and Spike. Turn to page 24 for her article on how raspberries can help fight cancer (scientific citations that support this article can be found at www.SMDI.org).

Sue Becker is an animal communicator, a registered practitioner for Bach Flower Remedies and Tellington TTouch, and does intuitive distance healing. She has helped thousands of animals and their people in countries worldwide and receives numerous veterinarian referrals. Sue teaches for organizations at animal-related events and also through private consultations, workshops, telecourses for long-distance learning, written articles and individual mentoring. Turn to page 84 for her favorite communication story.

contributors Nan Arthur, CDBC, CPDT, has been involved in the behavior and training field for more than 14 years with dogs and over 19 with cats. She holds a deep belief that her mission is to help animal parents and their companions understand and communicate clearly with one another using the science of positive-only behavior and training methods. Nan shares her life with three dogs and three cats. For her ten tips on achieving great leadership with your own dog, turn to page 28.

Linda Trent is an Animal Communicator who does in-depth sessions and teaches Animal Communication (www.spiritwhispers.com). She is also a Reiki MasterTeacher, Tuning Fork Practitioner, and Amazon Herb Associate. She uses energy, sound, and whole wild foods to assist animals and their people in returning to a vibrant state of health. Linda shares her favorite animal communication story on page 84.

Claudia Hehr is an internationally known Animal Communication Specialist, author, speaker and coach.

She helps people better understand their animal companions and raises awareness for animals with special needs. Claudia has appeared on numerous television networks such as the Discovery Channel, has been profiled on international radio broadcasts, in newspapers and magazines, and has been the featured expert at many events. Her education includes animal communication, canine psychology, animal homeopathy, dowsing, and auricular medicine. She is also a Reiki Master. See page 84 for her favorite animal communication experience.

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mail bag

Dear Animal Wellness Magazine:

Photo: Dana Smith-Mansell

I wanted to provide an update on my cat Kearsey (whom you included in your article “Pet food recall leaves a bitter taste” in your June/July issue).

“offer” to settle. The monetary “offer” was for $2,284.96, which included $500 for “future care”. As you can well imagine, that amount nowhere near covered her medical expenses, nor comes close to compensating for the emotional loss. They also offered a “life time supply of food” for Kearsey. I did not take their “offers”.

Thank you for including her in your article; it is the only solace we have in the tragedy, that her story was shared.

Kearsey

It is with great sadness that I share that Kearsey lost her battle on August 20.

During the few weeks prior to her death, she rapidly lost all her vision. She had much difficulty adjusting to this sudden loss, but I remained hopeful as she finally seemed to be gaining some weight, eating well, and doing well with "sub qs" and epogen injections. It was a shock when she passed.

A few days prior to her passing, the pet food company sent us an insulting

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12

animal wellness

Dana Smith-Mansell via email

Editor’s Note: We were very sorry to learn that Kearsey has become another casualty of last spring’s pet food recall, and agree that the offer made to you by the pet food company can’t possibly recompense you for your loss. The good news is that this tragic incident has spurred a lot of consumers to educate themselves about healthy food choices for their animals, which means more lives will be saved if this sort of thing ever happens again.

those prescription foods sold by McVets have been recalled!

D. M. McGowan via email

Editor’s note: The vast majority of veterinarians care greatly about their patients. Unfortunately, vet schools teach students very little about healthy nutrition. While prescription diets may have their place in some cases, they are generally not recommended by holistic vets for long term feeding.

You can read more about this issue in “What do vets learn about nutrition?”, an article by holistic vet Dr. Shawn Messonnier that appears in our special Pet Food Report. You can order your copy by visiting www.animalwellnessmagazine.com. get to the truth about pet food

2007 annual report

pet Food RepoRt From the Publishers of Animal Wellness Magazine

top 10 lies

Inside: Money

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My sister’s cat was just prescribed Science Diet c/d and, despite my pleas of the past eight months to avoid these places altogether, she still trusts these people over all the information I have provided her.

These people are supposed to be looking out for health. But they will push this garbage on pets, then proceed to prescribe drugs to combat all the ailments caused by the horrible garbage in them!

Please help get this warning out. And talk about a conflict of interest, as some of

ANNUAL 07

www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

pet food report

I was just reading Dr. Martin Goldstein’s column in your June/July issue. The question about the cat with brown discoloration in his eye sounds very similar to a situation I just went through with one of my cats. He’s a former feral tomcat about ten years old.

Peatoo started to get a brownish discoloration in his left eye last winter. I had two vets look at it and both said it was nothing to worry about. One called it

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13

mail bag uveitis (which I now understand is like saying “he has diarrhea”). The bigger question is why. This same vet used a tonometer to test for glaucoma, but it came back with a pressure of 20 (normal is below 25).

I remained uncomfortable about the color of Peatoo’s eye and finally went to a veterinary ophthalmologist. I was told that Peatoo had inflammation in his eye and mild glaucoma (pressure was 30 to 32). If I had let this go, the damage could have become worse and there was the potential to lose the eye.

We are now treating the eye and my ophthalmologist is on board with me using a homeopathic vet. We may be able to repair the damage and get Peatoo off the anti-glaucoma eye drops.

I truly respect Dr. Goldstein’s work (and that of my own vets) but am so glad I

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took this problem to a board certified eye specialist.

Terri Daniels Markham, ON

Editor’s note: Thanks for the heads-up.

We passed your letter along to Dr. Goldstein, who replies: “Uveitis and pigment changes are two different things – the former warrants treatment, the latter does not. When in doubt, however, a visit to an ophthalmologist is a wise idea, as you discovered.”

Animal Wellness and its contributors are people I really admire and trust. I enjoy reading the magazine every month (even the advertisements often teach me things).

But I was very disappointed that Michelle Bernard did not mention a proven approach to free roaming felines in her article “Shoo!”

in your August/September edition. Removal for adoption may work in some instances with stray cats, but it usually just makes room for other strays to appear. If there were an adequate number of homes available to stray cats, there would not be a stray cat outside your door.

Spaying and neutering through a responsible organization with a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program works best. The cats don’t then generate still more cats in the same situation, and pet owners need not bear the burden of guilt at having caused death to an animal which knows no other life.

If there is no organization with a TNR program in your area, it’s possible to carry out a responsible TNR project with your neighbors and a friendly veterinarian or two – it also helps build a sense of community when you and your neighbors do something positive together.

Michelle’s deterrent advice can be useful, but decreasing the overall numbers of breeding cats through sterilization is the most progressive, humane approach for stray cats and surrounding wildlife as well as for indoor pets.

Linda Saffell Prince Georges Feral Friends, SPCA

Editor’s Note: You make a valid point. Strays will always be with us as long as people don’t spay and neuter their animals and allow them to roam free. Sizeable feral cat colonies are a fact of life in many communities, and the best way to manage them is through a TNR program. However, even a spayed or neutered cat can cause problems by continually visiting a property and upsetting the resident cats (especially when irresponsible people let their cats roam all over the neighborhood).

If it is clear that the cat no longer belongs to anyone, or has been abandoned or otherwise neglected, the kindest solution is to take him to a reputable, no-kill shelter or rescue where he has a better chance of finding a permanent home.

we want to hear from you!

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

Planning for

pooches It’s not often that urban planners take companion animals into consideration when building new communities. But the developers of Tributary, a new 1,475-acre community just 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, has made dog lovers a priority with its three special destination Pooch Parks.

The parks are dispersed throughout the community, are landscaped and fenced for canine visitors, and linked to homes by tree-lined sidewalks. “Many of our buyers are Generation Xers and empty-nesters,” says Tributary sales and marketing director Frank Gilligan, adding that the statistics indicate a large home-buying market that views animals as family members.

“A place for their pets is a valued attraction.”

It’s a dog’s life!

The American Kennel Club has released its first ever 21st Century Dog Owner Study, focusing on the behaviors, attitudes and purchasing habits of dog guardians. The results speak volumes about the relationship we share with our canine companions!

• 99% of respondents said the reason they own a dog is for companionship.

• 88% regard their dog as a beloved family member.

• 42% of women respondents said they own a dog to enhance their personal health and reduce stress.

The study also revealed that having a dog strongly influences lifestyle and buying habits. For example, 47% of respondents consider the needs of their dogs when buying a car.

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animal wellness

Is he a garbage

hound?

It’s not just the frustration of finding trash all over the floor; eating garbage can be harmful to your companion. The ASPCA offers a few solutions:

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• Use covered wastebaskets that aren’t easily tipped over.

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• Keep them in an area that’s out of your animal’s reach, such as in a latched cabinet or under the sink.

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• Don’t put medications, chemicals or other toxins in the trash. Check with your local city or county office for information on how to safely dispose of these substances. • If your animal gets into the garbage and you suspect he has ingested something he shouldn’t have, contact a veterinarian immediately.

A senior’s #

-

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9

best friend #-

-9

#9

It’s a well known fact that seniors who share their lives with an animal companion are healthier and more active. To help more elderly people enjoy the companionship and health benefits of a dog, American Brittany Rescue (www.americanbrittanyrescue. org) has started its Senior Companions program. The organization waives the usual $250 adoption fee to people over 65 when they adopt a Brittany age eight or older. The program not only aims to brighten the lives of seniors, but also gives hundreds of older Brittanys a better chance of being adopted. #-9

+

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yakkity yak

The problem with PBDEs We’re often unaware of the toxins that permeate our environment and affect the health of our animals. A new study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has investigated a possible connection between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) - a flame retardant added to a wide variety of household products and an increase in hyperthyroidism in cats. The study confirmed high levels of PBDEs in some housecats, although the jury is still out on whether the chemical is directly linked to the illness. To be on the safe side, here are some tips to keep in mind: • Use a vacuum cleaner and air conditioner with HEPA filters and change the filters regularly.

• Cover tears in upholstery that expose polyurethane foam, especially if the foam is crumbling.

• Cover mattresses with tightly woven allergen barriers to reduce dust that could carry PBDEs.

The work has begun!

In past issues, we’ve reported on the progress of the Rabies Challenge Fund, an initiative spearheaded by veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds and Kris Christine.

The latest exciting news is that the Fund has successfully raised the $177,000 needed to actually begin the study. Work is now underway at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, where Dr. Ronald Schultz, a leading authority on veterinary vaccines, has begun five- and sevenyear challenge studies to determine the long-term duration of immunity of canine rabies vaccines, with the ultimate goal of changing the legislation requiring annual or three-year boosters.

Additional funds are needed to continue and complete the study over the upcoming years; to find out how you can help, visit www.rabieschallengefund.org.

Kris Christine with her dog Meadow, who died from mast cell cancer that started at the site of his rabies shot.

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animal wellness

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animal wellness

Holistic health for shelter animals Most animal shelters have to struggle with low funds, making quality health care a challenge. Paws for Peace is a new holistic animal health program offered at no cost to licensed shelters and rescue groups. It supplies the products and instruction needed to integrate natural and holistic therapy into a shelter’s daily animal care routine, and includes homeopathic medicines, oral health products, vitamin supplements, aromatherapy grooming products, flower essences, music therapy, animal massage and acupressure. Regular Animal Wellness contributor Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM, is the advising veterinarian for the program. Paws for Peace began recruiting from cities in California, Colorado, Kansas, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin in August, and is scheduled to span the U.S. by October of next year.

Visit www.pawsforpeace.com.

Fighting animal cruelty in Canada Animal lovers have long been advocating to bring Canada’s weak anti-cruelty laws into the 21st century. The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is currently urging people to discourage the passage of Bill S-213, which would continue to allow animal abusers to escape prosecution, and to instead support Bill C-373, which fixes the archaic and inadequate legislation. To help you make your voice heard, the CFHS’s Stop Animal Abuse campaign offers free postcards you can send to Prime Minister Harper and hand out to like-minded friends. Visit http://cfhs.ca to get your postcards, or for a sample letter you can mail to government officials.

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yakkity yak Always keep your dog leashed when walking him in a snowstorm, advises the ASPCA. Dogs can easily lose their scent on a snowy day and get lost.

Helping feral cats Feral cat colonies are an issue in just about every community, and teaching people how to manage them in a humane manner is one of Alley Cat Allies’ main aims. On October 12 and 13, the organization hosted its 2007 National Cat Advocacy Seminar in Washington, D.C. The seminar focused on teaching people how to work together to make non-lethal policies and Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) the norm. Topics included the best methods of feral cat care, how to understand ordinances and effectively communicate with animal control agencies and elected officials, and how to develop a TNR program that will serve both cats and communities. Find out more at www.alleycat.org.

Dogs on DVD

The most memorable movie stars aren’t always human! Just in time for the holidays, GT Media has re-issued two popular dog movies on DVD. Made in 2001, The Retrievers stars Robert Hays (Homeward Bound), Mel Harris (Thirtysomething), Betty White (The Golden Girls) and Robert Wagner (Austin Powers), and tells the story of a family’s move to a small town in northern California, where they’re “adopted” by a stray golden retriever. Miracle Dogs focuses on young Charley Logan, played by Josh Hutcherson (Bridge to Terabithia), as he races to find homes for a litter of puppies before they’re destroyed. In the process, he discovers the pups are no ordinary canines.

Both DVDs are available through Amazon.

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animal wellness

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humble How the

raspberry

C

can help fight cancer – and other illnesses

by Susan Thorpe-Vargas, PhD

Cancer is the number one disease-related killer in dogs.

Approximately 65 million dogs are at risk of developing it in the United States alone. A variety of cancers can strike canines, while cats are more likely to develop lymphomas and injection site sarcomas. Whatever their type, these cancers are always caused by a breakdown in the control of cellular growth. We now know that this results from alterations in the genes that mediate normal cell replication and cellular death.

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animal wellness

There are numerous conventional and alternative approaches to the treatment of cancer, and more are being researched all the time. In addition, many common foods have been found to contain cancerfighting substances, and one of the latest to be added to the list is the raspberry.

Multiple studies have discovered that the phytonutrients found in raspberries are able to protect from cancer and can even shrink some types of cancer tumors. These substances also act as antibacterial and antiviral agents.

One phytonutrient of particular interest is a series of compounds called ellagitannins. The highest levels are found in raspberries, but they’re also in strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and some nuts. In 2001, a study published by Dr. Gary Stoner at Ohio State University showed that ellagitannins inhibited the initiation and promotion/progression stages of esophageal cancer in dogs. Considering the potential benefits, this is an extremely important finding. These berries also inhibit angiogenesis, a term used to describe the development of blood vessels needed for tumor growth.

substances we ingest or inhale so they can be excreted. During this detox process, the breakdown products, called metabolites, are frequently more damaging than the original substances.

It appears that ellagitannins are able to safeguard the liver from damage caused by these breakdown products.

Another theory held by some investigators is that ellagitannins are able to protect our genetic material from certain types of chemical reactions that lead to the misreading of damaged DNA.

Why don’t ellagitannins induce normal cells to commit suicide?

As we know, cancer cells become immortal. This means they are able to replicate themselves after something called the Hayflick limit is reached.

The Hayflick limit is the number of “allowed” cellular replications. Each cell type has its own limit. Human cancer studies show that mutations in the tumor suppressor gene called p53

It’s not just a pet

How do ellagitannins work?

We don’t yet know everything about how ellagitannins inhibit cancer, but a study at Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina showed that one way they work is by “turning on” a normal cellular process called apoptosis. Apoptosis is “science speak” for programmed cell death. This natural cell death is just one of several ways the body protects itself from cancer. In aging animals, cellular replication mistakes can occur. Cancer cells somehow become immune to the signals that cause cells to self-destruct, so they become virtually immortal and reproduce indefinitely.

Ellagitannins are also very good antioxidants and chemo-protective agents. Researchers at Wayne State University have a theory about how they might work. The liver produces enzymes that rid the body of toxins. These enzymes break down or chemically change toxic

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account for many tumors. One of the functions of this gene is that it normally prevents cells with damaged DNA from proceeding through the cell cycle. The presence of the protein product encoded by p53 turns on the waf-1 gene. The waf-1 gene produces a protein that normally inhibits the activity of several similar cellular proteins called kinases. These proteins are involved in stopping cell cycle progression. A mutation in either the p53 or waf-1 gene can cause the loss of that “emergency brake” function and allow uncontrolled growth. However, ellagitannins induce only “damaged” cells to commit suicide, and normal cells are not affected.

Antibacterial and antiviral properties

Ellagitannins can also act as antibacterial and antiviral agents, and now we know how. Think of the genetic material of bacteria as a rubber band that is all twisted up. In order to replicate, the DNA must untwist itself through a process requiring the enzyme gyrase.

Ellagitannins inhibit gyrase activity so replication of bacterial DNA is restricted. More importantly, bacteria cannot easily become resistant to this

type of antibacterial action. Resistance to antibiotics has become a real concern to the international medical and veterinary community.

Ellagitannins also offer antiviral activity.

Viruses do not have the ability to replicate themselves. Instead they must “hijack” the host cell and insert their own DNA into the host cell genome. This requires several enzymes. Ellagitannins inhibit these enzymes. They are especially helpful with retroviruses like FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) as they specifically inhibit reverse transcriptase.

Fresh berries are hard to come by this time of year, but until next summer rolls around, you can give your companion’s health a boost by adding a few frozen raspberries, blackberries and blueberries to his diet. Try to look for organicallygrown produce wherever possible. You can also find dried raspberry powder at many health food stores – dosage will vary depending on your animal so it’s best to consult with a holistic vet first.

With so much going for them, the raspberry and its cousins make an excellent addition to your furry friend’s diet – and yours!

What else do raspberries offer?

Besides ellagitannins, the short list of other beneficial compounds found in red raspberries includes anthocyanins, salicylic acid, quercitin and catechins.

1. Recent work has shown that anthocyanins are more effective than

vitamin E and equivalent to ibuprofen and naproxen in inhibiting the Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. These enzymes are associated with the pain of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, while Cox-2 inhibition is positively linked to preventing breast cancer in humans. Anthocyanins provide many additional health benefits that include controlling diabetes, improving circulation, aiding the retention of motor skills and preventing the loss of memory due to aging.

2. Salicylic acid may have the same effects as aspirin in protecting from cancer and the progression of atherosclerosis.

3. Quercitin and catechins are flavonals known to have antioxidant benefits, including cancer prevention. Quercitin may also act as an antihistamine.

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Diabetes and ellagic acid

Cancer isn’t the only prevalent disease plaguing our animals.

Dogs and especially cats also suffer in large numbers from diabetes.

The body turns the ellagitannins found in raspberries and other berries into ellagic acid. New data shows that this ellagic acid is very effective in preventing damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart and the small capillaries of the feet that occurs with high glucose levels. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme called aldose reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the production of protein-sugar products called AGE (advanced glycation end products). These end products cause the damage of small blood vessels that leads to the blindness, kidney damage, strokes, heart attacks and loss of limbs associated with diabetes. Along with several other constituents in raspberry seed powder, ellagic acid enhances insulin action, decreases insulin resistance, and lowers blood sugar. It also has multiple anti-inflammatory effects and decreases oxidative stress as well as blood pressure.

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10 leadership dog steps to great with your

by Nan Arthur, CPDT

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animal wellness

Leadership is defined as the

ability to guide, direct or influence.

Nowhere in the definition does it mention domination, intimidation or control. Yet many dog trainers still use and promote this approach. These conflicting messages leave many people confused – and if they’re confused, think how the dogs must feel!

Luckily, we’re learning more and more about animal behavior, learning theory, and how dogs interact with their world. This new information is helping many people let go of outmoded ideas of punishment-based training.

The following ten tips will help you build a strong foundation for positive, successful training and get leadership.

1

Think positive, not punishment A study in the February 2004 issue of the British Journal of Animal Welfare found “not only that rewards were more effective in eliciting desired behaviors from the dogs, but that those owners who used punishment-based training had seen a variety of bad behaviors in their dogs including barking at/aggression

towards people and other dogs, fearfulness, excitement, separation anxiety, and inappropriate mounting.”

Dogs that were trained exclusively using positive, reward-based methods were significantly more obedient than those trained using punishment or a combination of rewards and punishment.

“The use of punishment-based training might create a state of anxiety or conflict in the dog that is later expressed as bad behavior,” suggested the authors of the study.

2

Reward, don’t ignore

Humans tend to focus on what they don’t want their dogs to do. They spend too much time saying “no” and trying to make their dogs stop what they are

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29

doing. Start putting all that energy into “catching” your dog doing the correct things and rewarding those behaviors. If your dog has finally settled down and is quietly chewing a bone, do not ignore that behavior – reward it. Walk by him, quietly drop him a treat, and move along. If you don’t have a treat, a quiet “good dog” will do.

Hint

If good behaviors are ignored while unwanted ones aren’t, your dog may very well decide that behaving well isn’t worth very much. He’ll continue the “bad” behaviors because they get all the attention.

3

Manners are learned as rewards are earned Some people have a hard time using food rewards yet present an entire bowl of food to their dogs without so much as a thought. You are going to feed your dog every day anyhow, so why not let him earn it by using some of that food as a training reward? There are actually trainers and pet parents out there who do not even own food bowls for their dogs – every piece of food is a paycheck for a job well done.

It isn’t necessary to go to these extremes unless you want to, but plan to use a portion of your dog’s food to train, or use it in food carrier toys such as Kongs or Buster Cubes so your dog can expend some mental energy working for his food each day.

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animal wellness

Training and the use of food carrier toys exercise the mind. In some studies, dogs actually preferred to earn their food rather than have it delivered in a bowl.

4

Love your dog, limit your dog Like children, dogs appreciate and live well with rules and limits. There is always time to relax the rules after your dog learns them, but it’s much more difficult to go back and put rules in place when he’s had no structure in his life.

Training is one of the best ways to limit your dog. It should always be fun, but the reason for training is to give your dog some life skills that will help him resolve conflict and live peaceably with humans.

Use your dog’s crate, baby gates or leashes to prevent him from practicing unwanted behaviors. Teach him to like his crate, to be comfortable left alone, and to relax when he is not sure what to do. This way, if he is ever in doubt, he will know to rest rather than become frantic with panic or wild with excitement.

5

Give him physical – and mental – exercise It’s easy to exercise your dog’s body, but do you also exercise his mind?

Get creative and find things that will challenge his wonderful mental capacity.

Hide and seek with his favorite toy, clicker training, food puzzles, special digging pits, trick training, and doggie trashcans are all good ways to stimlulate your dog’s mind. Be willing to let him make a few messes here and there – better a mess of organized play than one where your dog digs up the garden or shreds your pillow.

6

Let your dog be your teacher Learn about dogs. Read, get on the Internet, go to workshops and seminars, and watch your own dog. He always knows what he needs. Dogs are great teachers if you are willing to be the student. They are the masters of body language and have beautiful etiquette if allowed to express it. Learn what your dog is “saying” and your relationship and understanding will grow.

7

Respect your dog’s boundaries You expect your dog to respect your space and boundaries; in return, you should do the same. If your dog just

Hint

Dogs who live in the wild spend a large part of their day looking for food. When you put your dog’s food in a bowl and it’s gone in 30 seconds, he has little to look forward to the rest of the day. That’s why some dogs walk the path of destruction – they’re bored!

settles down to rest by your feet, it is not an invitation to reach down and touch him. In fact, this can quickly teach your dog never to relax in your presence.

Similarly, if your dog shows his belly to you, it is not always an invitation for a belly rub; it might be his way of saying

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animal wellness

31

he is worried or concerned. Watch how dogs interact with one another; you would not see another dog start to pat or pound on a submissive dog’s belly.

He would simply sniff and move away – anything else would be considered rude in the dog world.

If you personally wouldn’t like something done to you in the context of what you might be doing to your dog, respect him and back off. Body pounding, constant head patting, and grabbing his face, are all good examples of how a human might invade a dog’s personal space, and while he might tolerate it from you, that does not mean he enjoys it.

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animal wellness

8

Lead by example

Your calmness will teach your dog to be calm. Learn to breath and smile at your dog. The more you display calmness, the calmer your dog will be when he needs it the most.

9

Listen to your dog

Have you ever heard yourself say, “My dog is stubborn. He knows how to sit but he won’t do it if we go anywhere outside our neighborhood!” Your dog is not stubborn; he’s trying to tell you something. He might be nervous, fearful, overly excited, or perhaps the

behavior has not been trained to fluency in different environments. The same goes for reactive behavior towards other dogs or humans; your dog is trying to express how he feels about the situation and needs some help, not criticism.

10

Enjoy your dog

Dogs are truly the comics of the animal world. Enjoy your dog for what he is – a dog! There is poetry, music, and laughter in every moment spent living with dogs (some admittedly messier than others). Dogs offer life lessons to anyone who will take the time to look and not judge, and to respect them for being so tolerant of us.

product picks 2008

Omega-3 made easy Squeezing salmon oil capsules into your cat’s food to ensure he’s getting his Omega-3s can be messy and inconvenient. With InstinctsTC powder from Feline Future Cat Food Company, it’s no longer necessary. This premix for cats incorporates an Omega-3 powder ingredient made using microencapsulation, a process that includes a shell coating to protect the fish oil from oxidation and allows for controlled release in the body. The premix also includes egg yolk, Felamin© (natural source minerals, trace elements and amino acids), psyllium husks, taurine, and vitamins E and B complex. 4.2 oz - $12 21 oz - $49 www.felinefuture.com

A bed for your buddy If you’ve ever relaxed on memory foam, you know how comfy and supportive it is. Your dog or cat can also enjoy the health benefits of this space age material with a special Buddy Bed. The orthopedic memory foam in these quality beds reacts to your animal’s body temperature and weight to conform comfortably to every curve and angle and keep him in perfect alignment. Buddy Beds are ideal for any breed, age or size of animal, but are especially beneficial for older dogs and cats, large breeds of canine, and those with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint problems.

The beds feature a waterproof, breathable fabric liner and come in two sizes and several stylish colors.

Medium: $259 Large: $279 www.buddybeds.com

Heat that heals With winter on the way, dogs and cats appreciate some extra warmth. The Fauna Sauna is the only pet heater that offers safe, healing radiant heat for companion animals. It produces far infrared rays in the 8 to 9 1/2 microns range - optimal for healing and cell regeneration. This range causes water molecules in the body to resonate or vibrate, releasing toxins and increasing circulation and metabolic activity. The Fauna Sauna can help reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis, ease stress and anxiety, speed wound healing, clear skin irritations and hot spots. Two models are available.

Fauna Sauna 1000 $450 and Fauna Sauna 2000 - $550 www.faunasauna.com

Feeding time Have trouble getting home in time to feed your dog or cat? The Perfect Petfeeder from Pillar Pet Products can help. This easy-to-use automatic feeder lets you dispense consistent, portion-controlled meals customized for your companion’s nutritional needs. You can program the feeder to provide between one and six meals daily, and each can be set for a specific quantity of food, from several pieces to several cups. The Perfect Petfeeder features sculptural stainless steel components, and a hopper that holds ten pounds of food. $499 www.pillarpet.com or www.perfectpetfeeder.com

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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

Dr. Goldstein’s column to: Dr. Martin Goldstein, Dr. Marty responds to questions in his column We regret he cannot respond to every question. questions for

e-mail: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com

Q

My 11-year-old male Samoyed has been diagnosed with calcium-oxalate bladder stones. He doesn’t appear to be uncomfortable with the stones or straining to urinate. My vet feels they’re not likely to cause an obstruction. I initially noticed blood in his urine, but that seems to have disappeared. The urinalysis showed no infection. From what I understand, these types of stones cannot be dissolved with supplements or change of diet.

Do you agree? Is my only option surgery? Would you recommend ultrasound or shock wave therapy? He has been eating a high quality kibble, but I understand that once the stones are removed his diet should change, although there seems to be some disagreement as to what type of diet is best (low protein, etc.). My vet has recommended a potassium citrate powder to be put into his food. What would you recommend?

A

Dissolving this type of stone is very difficult, though not impossible. Male dogs have a small bone in their urinary tract that increases the chances of blockage by a stone(s), thus putting the emphasis on surgical removal. You can inquire about procedures such as shock wave therapy and ultrasound at a veterinary specialty facility or one of the veterinary

34

animal wellness

colleges. I am not familiar with them in my practice.

Once the stones are removed, attention must be placed on preventing the problem from recurring. Diet is certainly key.

There are a number of specific dietary considerations that can be used with this stone type, but they are beyond the scope of this column. It’s best to work with a veterinarian who is experienced in good nutrition. My own recommendation would be to feed no dry food. There are also several supplements that can be used; my favorite is a herbal formula by Seven Forests called Pyrrosia-14.

Q

A little while ago, my ten-year-old DSH cat had a really watery eye. I thought he had something in it because of all the watering and the fact that he was keeping it half closed. The third eyelid was slightly across at times, and there was a faint bit of pinkness in the white part. I was prepared to call the vet next day, but the eye cleared up overnight. I thought nothing more of it until five days later, when the same problem appeared in the opposite eye. Again, it cleared up in 24 hours. He had no other symptoms, and is active and eating well. It was ragweed season at the time, plus very

only.

dry and dusty because of drought; could it have been an allergic reaction to dust and/or pollen?

A Q

Yes, it could have been allergies. Without a direct examination, though, that’s only a guess. If the problem recurs again, I would have a veterinarian check it out.

I have a beautiful seven-year-old female Chow. She has bladder infections every three to four months.

When a culture is done, “proteus mirabilis” shows up. I have tried different foods, filtered water, and no grains. She has had ultrasound and x-rays, but there’s no problem. Would you have any information about this ongoing problem?

A

The inside of the bladder does have contact, via the urethra, to the non-sterile world outside the body. It is also the container that stores the waste products the kidneys eliminate from the body, which could weaken it and make it more susceptible to infection.

Here are some of the treatments we use in my clinic: if the urine pH runs high (alkaline), then vitamin C or a cranberry extract can be used.

Homeopathics include Professional

Complementary Health Formula’s Urinary Aid, or BHI/Heel’s Uri-Cleanse. One of my favorite products is UT Strength by Vetri-Science. For a natural antibiotic, consider Oli-Vet, also from Vetri-Science.

Q

My ten-year-old cat Peekaboo licks all the hair off his legs and belly. He has been tested for allergies and is positive for Timothy grass, mulberry trees, dust and mold. He has been treated with antihistamines, acupuncture, and oils of every kind. His blood work consistently shows very slightly elevated thyroid levels (5-6). The only thing that temporarily stops his torment is prednisone injections; the pills don’t help at all. I am very fearful of prednisone and its drastic side effects. Any advice or suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

A

Products I have successfully used for allergies are Betathyme by Best for Pets, the homeopathic Skin Aid by Professional Complementary Health Formulas, BHI/Heel’s Allergy, and the herbal formula Spring Tonic by Animals Apawthecary. The latter contains nettle, which has a natural antihistamine effect. With a little research, you can find specific homeopathics for allergies caused by grass, trees and dust and mold.

Q A

I have a Jack Russell who has recently acquired a rather strange colored skin on the underside of his body and near his genitalia.

It was originally pink, but has turned a nasty shade of dirty black.

What could this be?

It could be one of several conditions. It might be chronic irritation and inflammation with secondary yeast, typically associated with allergy; a hormonal imbalance, especially if he has not been neutered; or a condition called acanthosis nigricans. This last one is usually found in dachshunds, but I’ve seen it in other breeds. There are potentially even more possibilities, so getting a hands-on diagnosis would be highly recommended before proceeding with any treatment.

Q A

I have an 11-year-old cat who had crystals eight years ago. Since that time he has been on c/d prescription cat food. I want to put him on a holistic natural cat food. If I do this, will the crystals come back?

Hopefully not. Crystals in urine often result from waste products derived from the metabolism of poor quality food. Chief among these ingredients are the cereal-type additives put into pet foods. I have seen a

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35

holistic veterinary advice

Photo courtesy: Valerie C. Fouche

tremendous number of positive results in these conditions with just a dietary shift in the direction of a higher quality diet. Check the Resources section of my website (www.Drmarty.com) for a full categorizing of how to feed pets.

Q A

My son’s 8½-year-old cocker spaniel was just diagnosed with three slipped discs in her back. Any suggestions beside drugs?

Try Vetridisc by Vetri-Science. It’s an antioxidant supplement for dogs containing super oxide dismutase. You should definitely also look into acupuncture with a veterinarian experienced in using this modality. Also check the dietary recommenda-

36

animal wellness

tions on my website for possible improvements in how your son is currently feeding his dog.

Q

In a previous issue, there was a brief comment about saw palmetto for canine prostate health. I would like to use saw palmetto to help keep the prostate of my 40-pound intact whippet healthy, but I cannot seem to find dosage suggestions anywhere.

Can you give me some guidelines for using saw palmetto in dogs? I would also like to know if there are any side effects.

A

Finding specific dosing recommendations for this herb in dogs is difficult. In humans, the more frequent recommendation is 320 mg a day. When I prescribe saw palmetto for dogs, it is usually one of several ingredients in combination herbal formulas specifically for male

animal wellness

37

holistic veterinary advice through proper guidance, diet, and supplementation, actually become healthier than before as a result of the disease condition for which they were initially treated. One of the fundamental principles I wrote about in my book The Nature of Animal Healing is: “Sickness is an excuse to get healthy.”

Incidentally, the Rabies Challenge Fund study has started (see page 18 in this issue for more information); as it progesses, it will change the legal requirements by extending the period of time required for rabies boosters.

Q

Saw palmetto

support, and the recommended dosing is on the label.

I also like using saw palmetto in combination nutraceutical preparations. The most popular of these is Prosta Glan by Progressive Labs. Each capsule contains 225 mg of saw palmetto, among a number of other ingredients; for a 40-pound dog, I’d recommend ½ capsule daily or every other day, especially for prevention. The only side effects I’ve heard about are GI system upsets or rare allergic reactions, but I have not witnessed any of these.

Q

My German shepherd is highly allergic to rabies shots. I gave him a three-year shot when he was four. He was critically ill, but survived. I have not and will not give him another shot of any kind ever again and my vet understands this. My question is, will the three-year shot he did have decrease his life span? I give him multiple vitamins every day, including SeaVive for his allergies.

A

I agree with your decision. You should be able to get a legal exemption. Your dog’s lifespan will not necessarily be decreased from this event, as the body has the ability to heal itself on the cellular level. As a matter of fact, I have seen thousands of my patients,

38

animal wellness

My one-year-old cat had an MRI done and was diagnosed with severe epilepsy. He has been on valium and switched to phenobarbitol, then gabepentin was added. I hated the latter and weaned him off it because his breathing was so slight and he was rarely awake during a 24-hour period. I have tried to find the remedies you suggest in your book The Nature of Animal Healing but can’t find them anywhere in Canada. Can you advise what I can do to wean him off pheno? I worry about his liver and would love to have him on remedies that heal instead of just suppressing symptoms.

A

I don’t feel it is correct to advise on a situation like this by magazine, outside of the general recommendations I gave in my book. What I strongly urge you to do is find a veterinarian who is skilled in integrative medicine, even if it means making a trip to the United States. In my practice in New York State, we see quite a number of clients from Canada. Once the initial, hands-on examination is done, obtaining the more naturally based remedies becomes easier.

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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Essex Cottage Farms Essex Cottage The Original Health FoodFarms for Dogs

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Introducing our Ultimate Dog Treats Introducing the Ultimate

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Dinner is served!

A special holiday menu for your dog or cat

by Audi Donamor

O

ne of the joys of the holiday season is sharing good food with family and friends, including your animal companion. If you’re like a lot of us, you may enjoy giving your dog or cat special treats and savory table scraps. That’s fine, so long as you feed him healthy choices and

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don’t overdo it; too much rich gravy or fatty meat can upset his digestion and put a real damper on the festivities.

This year, why not go the whole hog and serve up a complete holiday menu designed specifically for dogs and cats?

That way, your companion can enjoy a festive meal that’s nutritious as well as delicious. Just remember to give him small servings if he’s not used to eating a lot of different foods. You may even want to sample some of the cooked versions of these recipes for yourself!

What’s for starters?

Savory soup with apples and sweet potatoes Ingredients

Instructions 1 cup homemade chicken stock or vegetable stock (organic soup bases are available at groceries and health food stores) 2 cups pureéd sweet potatoes or yams (squash can also be used) 1 cup pureéd red apples 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 /4 teaspoon ground ginger

This soup can be served raw or cooked.

Cooked: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.

Turn down heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Cool soup completely before serving to your animal.

Raw: Combine all ingredients, and add a tablespoon or two to regular meals.

Frozen: Freeze in ice cube trays for future treats and meal fixings.

Finicky feline fish fondue Ingredients

1 can wild salmon 1 /4 cup olive oil 1 /4 cup fresh catnip or parsley

Instructions Finely chop catnip or parsley with a knife, or whirl in a food processor or blender. Whisk in olive oil. Arrange salmon on a special serving dish for your feline friend, then drizzle with the catnip and olive oil glaze. animal wellness

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Bring on the entrees

Turkey and sweet potato savory loaf

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Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey thigh 1 cup shredded sweet potatoes or yams 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 /2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 /2 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional) 1 cup homemade chicken or vegetable stock

tural & Kosh Na e

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Certified Organic Mushrooms 100% USA ingredients

Real Peanut Butter

�

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Preheat oven to 350oF. Lightly grease a loaf pan or special holiday cake pan and line it with shredded sweet potatoes or yams. Lightly sprinkle minced garlic on top. Add 1/2 cup of stock. Pour lightly beaten egg on top. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of parsley over the mixture, and then add 1/4 cup of the cranberries. Distribute ground turkey evenly over mixture. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of stock. Sprinkle sea salt over top. Add the remaining parsley and cranberries. Gently press down mixture with a spatula. Place pan in preheated oven for 1 hour. Cool completely before slicing and serving. Don’t forget to garnish!

Note: If you would like to serve this special holiday dish raw, simply combine ingredients rather than layering for baking.

Poached fish bits with catnip Great Life Healthy Tips 4 Pets

Ingredients

From Elliott Harvey MH

“Magical” ™ Irresistab l es Make any pet food meal a gourmet feast presents

Attention:

CATS and DOGS (Connoisseur’s Only) Need a little

/4 pound pollock, or other fish of your choice 1 cup filtered water 1 small clove garlic, finely minced 3 sprigs fresh catnip, or 1 teaspoon dried catnip 2 sprigs fresh parsley, flat or curly 1

Instructions Place 1 cup filtered water in saucepan.

Add garlic, parsley, and catnip. Combine well.

Bring mixture to a boil, then turn down to a low simmer for 15 minutes. Gently add pieces of pollock to the simmering broth and cook for 15 minutes. Remove fish from saucepan and place on serving dish. Gently break up fish into tiny pieces, and cover with broth.

Remember to cool to room temperature before serving.

magic in your life?

Dream about

• Scrumptious freeze-dried New Zealand lamb liver

• Mouth-watering freeze-dried open range US beef liver

• Delicious freeze-dried US open range chicken liver

• Sushi Surprise- freeze dried wild salmon, beef, chicken • Combo Platter- freeze dried chicken liver, beef liver, lamb liver and chicken breast Sprinkle

“Magical” Irresistables™ on

any food THEN WATCH your pet enjoy a bursT of tantalizing

MOUTH-WATERING flavor Easy to use Shaker Jar

100% Pure and Natural Product all products made in USA

G www.greatlife4pets.com L 1-805-529-3647

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Anyone for dessert?

Carob liver brownies Ingredients 1 cup goat yogurt or Balkan style yogurt 1 cup fresh pureĂŠd liver, e.g. chicken, beef, ostrich /2 cup hemp seed flour

1

1 1/2 cups whole oat flour

/3 cup filtered water 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional) 1 tablespoon carob powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 2

Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a square cake pan, or line with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the whole oat flour and hemp seed flour with water, until you have a smooth consistency. Add the yogurt and liver, and mix well. Add remaining ingredients, making sure they are all well incorporated. Pour into cake pan.

Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top is dry to the touch and springs back when you touch it with a finger. Cool completely before serving. Store in refrigerator, or cut into small squares and freeze. For extra holiday cheer, ice cake with low fat cream cheese, and decorate with fresh cranberries and parsley.

Truffles Ingredients 1 cup peanut butter, with no added salt or sugar 1 cup oatmeal 1 /2 cup carob powder 1 /2 cup goat milk oatmeal unsweetened coconut

Instructions Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine peanut butter, oatmeal, and carob powder. Form into small balls.

Lightly dip in goat milk and roll in oatmeal or coconut, and place on cookie sheet. Place in refrigerator until serving.

For extra holiday flair, top each truffle with a sun dried cranberry. The truffles freeze beautifully in Ziplock bags.

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Holiday Gift Guide Organic Canine and Feline CareKits.

CARE KITS contain products formulated to help pets overcome illnesses such as: Parvo, Kennel Cough, Coccidia, Feline Distemper and the Canine Flu. CARE KITS have immunity enhancements to give added protection from diseases such as viral, bacterial, and parasitical infections. They help eliminate toxins, stimulate circulation, and promote cellular regeneration. Order online at www.ambertech.com or find a location near you. Call toll free 877-727-8243.

special advertising feature

Chilly Dog Safe and cozy the Chilly Dog bed might be a dream come true when the winter weather arrives! The beds are made from Polar Fleece or Polyester Fur with a built-in blanket.

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

Animalinks.com Animalinks checks out what’s naughty and nice in holiday treats for dogs and cats. Holistic Veterinarian Dr. Deneen Fasano recommends some wholesome homemade goodies and what ingredients to look for in store bought treats. Animal Communicator Lynn McKenzie explains how you can help your pet understand why people treats are off limits, even when they’re within reach.

Pampered Pet Spa Gift Set Blissful bath time with Dead Sea Aromatherapy bath salts, Peppermint and Tea Tree Oil healing shampoo and conditioner, aromatherapy candle, and DERMagic antibacterial/ antifungal hot spot salve. Reward your clean pet with a wholesome vegetarian treat. Made in USA for pampering your best friends and for gift-giving! www.DERMagic.net

Love 2 Pet 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!

1-800-336-1968 • www.love2pet.com

Personalized Treat Jars!

Furry friends love receiving treats from their PERSONALIZED TREAT JARS. Great for Christmas, Pet Birthday, Adoption, Tribute or ‘just because’! Pet’s name permanently CARVED into a fun BONE or PAW Crest. Air-tight seal.

Beautifully enhances any décor. Two sizes available. 32oz (smaller-sized treats, 6”hx4.5”w). 77oz. (larger-sized treats, 8”hx6”w). Can accommodate multiple names. www.DistinctGlass.com or info@distinctglass.com

The Ultimate in Pet Safety and Style!

The Doggie Driving Car Seat comfortably secures your pet so they can enjoy a window view ride! Impact and airbag RESISTANT! - offering your pet true protection and support. Removable, washable covers in a variety of hip designs to ensure your dog is always riding in style.

Two sizes for dogs up to 20lbs. Each seat can hold two dogs (size depending on size). 415-368-5400 or www.doggiedriving.com animal wellness

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holiday gift guide Avoderm Natural "Kookies" TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH Oven-baked AvoDerm Natural “Kookies” are made with rice, lamb, and nature’s own cancer-fighting antioxidant, blueberries, for extra-added flavor. Suggested retail price of the 20-ounce bag of biscuits is $3.49 with $0.35 of each bag purchased donated. www.avodermnatural.com 800-255-4AVO

Andrea For Animals Natures Translator The gift which speaks volumes – a gift of an animal communication consultation! Allow your animals to speak to you through Tracy Ann who receives images, sensations and words from your companion animal and relays that information to you. Allowing you insight into your animal’s desires. www.naturestranslator.com or call 360-895-8800

YappyHappy.Com

"A Delightful Musical CD"

The Ultimate Dog Tag. Custom-made just for your dog, we use your pet’s data and photo to create a one-of-a-kind Dog Tag, Key Chain, Magnet, and much more.

The perfect gift for the dog lover in your life. Your state available. www.yappyhappy.com

Complete Natural Nutrition Now your pet can enjoy the holiday too! Real Food Toppers Holiday combines only two ingredients: US sourced human grade whole turkey and plump Massachusetts cranberries – nothing added. Feed like trail mix as a healthy treat or re-constitute with water and mix into regular food. With no junk ingredients, every day can be a holiday. www.CompleteNaturalNutrition.com Toll Free: 866-807-7335

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Want to help animals in need AND find the perfect gifts? With over 350 merchants to choose from, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. Any purchase from these merchants puts much needed money in the hands of animal rescue organizations. 100% of earnings are donated - only through AndreaForAnimals.com

with colorfully illustrated Storybook inside, brings to life a "CAT"tastic feline fantasy!

"Santa Brought Me Cats". $12.99 www.CatsForChristmas.com

It’s Genius!

Keep your dog entertained this Holiday season with “Leo” toys by Canine Genius! These interlocking treat-release puzzles provide tantalizing hours of chewy, bouncy, and problem-solving fun. Try feeding dinner from a Leo – slow down gulpers by giving them a “hunting and foraging” challenge at mealtime. $12.95 - 18.95 each www.caninegenius.com 619-291-9600

holiday gift guide Dead Sea Mineral Mud Scrub Dead Sea Mineral Mud Scrub

by Divazi. It is a natural grooming & spa product, a mixture of Dead Sea mud and minerals, eucalyptus oil, aloe and vitamin E. It exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, relieves hot spots and irritations, and reduces shedding. It relaxes your dog and leaves the coat soft, silky and shiny. www.divazi.com

Go Packs Go Packs is dedicated to helping pet owners meet the needs of their companions. Our customized kits provide items needed to care for your pet while away from home due to emergencies, travel or daily walks. We offer many items that promote your pet’s health and comfort. Please visit us at www.aid2gopacks.com.

Canine Life Canine Life hypoallergenic muffins are the ultimate in nutritional convenience. Canine Life meets the NRC daily requirements, and uses only organic and human quality ingredients. From bag to bowl, Canine Life provides everything your dog needs to be happy and healthy. Feed them for life; feed them Canine Life! www.theskyesthelimit.com 905-331-4455

Static Eliminator™ Pet Glove It’s painful, your best friend’s coat builds up static, so when you cuddle they get shocked!

The solution- slip on our Static Eliminator™ Pet Glove and pet them as usual. Now with every touch, you’re eliminating that irritating static with a product that’s healthy and chemical free. Patented product - made in Canada www.staticeliminator.ca or 1-888-461-3019

Memory Foam Pet Beds Does your pet suffer from painful joints?

Or maybe you just want to pamper them.

California Pet Beds feature plush, hypoallergenic covers and premium, spaceage memory foam in a perfect nesting shape in popular sizes and colors. Available with optional healing crystals or magnets. Proudly made in the USA. Visit www.californiapetbeds.com.

Smoochy Poochy Jennifer Osborn A unique, hand done portrait of one, or all animal companions is a great present for the animal lover in your life.

Using photos Jennifer can combine and improve the photos of your finned, furred, or feathered friends. Starting at $75. Gift certificates also available. www.jenniferosborn.ca or 905-691-6215

Don’t get caught unleashed this Holiday Season! Smoochy Poochy offers the most versatile hands-free-optional lead in the market.

Sturdy nylon webbing or luxurious waterproof leatherlike construction. The perfect lead for secure walking, training, shopping, visiting.

Endless possibilities…

Proudly Canadian pet gear line sold in leading stores. 416 407 8898 info@smoochypoochy.com animal wellness

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holiday gift guide Beaded Leather Collars BEADED LEATHER COLLARS & LEADS HANDMADE BY THE MAASAI The Kenyan Collection by JMS Ventures, Inc. has again expanded their beaded leather collar line with the introduction of their new Safari collection.

These one-of-a-kind designs are handmade in Kenya from leather with solid brass fixtures, and beaded by the Maasai. JMS Ventures, Inc. - Vienna, VA 703-319-7935 info@thekenyancollection.com www.thekenyancollection.com

Sleepypod by "Meowme"

This award winning living space for your pet is more than a bed, more than a carrier or car seat: it’s a lifestyle. The Sleepypod is designed to fit your pet’s individual needs. In Canada call Natural Pet Distributors 905-892-0519. In USA call 213-341-1088 or visit www.meowme.com

Jefferspet

Give your dog the gift of healthy teeth and gums!

Patented, battery-powered double headed sonic toothbrush delivers 20,000 bristle movements per minute.

Highly effective at removing plaque. Gentle and quiet to use; well accepted by dogs. Cleans inside and outside surfaces of teeth at the same time. Only $19.99 1-800-JEFFERS or www.jefferspet.com

Steve's Real Food Try out Steve’s Real Food Turducken for a special holiday treat. This formula along with all the others from Steve’s Real Food is tasty, safe and nutritious. Put an end to winter's itchy flaking skin with this healthy diet that is based on what dogs need to eat for health and longevity. stevesrealfood.com or 1-888-526-1900

Give the gift of a clean dog

Wet Noses Holiday Treats Wet Noses Organic Holiday treats are baked using the very best, 100% organic ingredients we can get our paws on!

We have 2 fantastic flavors available for the season of giving: Sweet Potato Pie and Apple Pie. We ship anywhere within 48 hours with free gift wrap! www.wet-noses.com 1-866-WET-NOSE (938-6673)

The Love Paw A unique and exclusive collection of designer pet jewelry & accessories to celebrate the bond between our pets and people. Our sterling silver pendants, necklaces, pet ID tags, charms & birthstone necklaces, are luxuriously handcrafted in Greece of the finest materials and adorned with authentic “good luck eye” glass beads. Visit us at www.lovepaw.com.

A tail of two worlds … by the Lovepaw Co.™

Second Tub offers a self-serve facility in Mississauga to bathe your dog with ease. No more bending and lifting, your dog stays in the tub and you leave the mess with us. Fullservice grooming also available. Buy gift certificates online.

Visit www.secondtub.com or call 905-891-DOGS(3647).

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holiday gift guide Nature's Logic Your dog loves his treats, but why give him a treat that is less nutritional than his food? Nature’s Logic Canine Treats give your dog the same all natural nutrients that are already in Nature’s Logic Dry Kibble. Find out more at: www.natureslogic.com

Cat Nip Toys Gourmet catnip, honeysuckle and valerian cat toys. Natural wool toys, plus classic toys like the Kittybird. Comfy beds,our unique Tabby Take-Out and other gift baskets. Certified organic & premium catnips. All-natural cat treats including ZiwiPeak,WildSide Salmon, Grandma Lucy’s. Free sample with order. USA only. www.catniptoys.com 877-886-3917

Bloom and Bark Dog Bakery Experience the simplicity of farm life with REAL home-baked treats, made the old-fashioned way using only the best farm fresh ingredients. Our treats aren’t fancy but healthy, safe and affordable. Bloom and Bark Dog Bakery, where simplicity equals quality and taste. Easy online shopping offers free shipping with qualified orders. www.bloomandbark.com

Veggie-Hides Veggie-Hides are yummy, 100% humangrade, USDA organic training treats.

Whole food-based, handcrafted, and gently dehydrated in our certified organic facility, Veggie-Hides contain no artificial ingredients, GMOs, grain, soy, or gluten.

Low in calories and fat, but high in natural fiber, Veggie-Hides are also perfect for overweight dogs. www.onestaorganics.com

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Pet Pasta Pet Pasta treats are the first USDA organic, whole food products for rodents. Bunnies love them too! These delicious, 100% human-grade, GMO-free, unrefined, dehydrated raw food treats come in three flavors and are carefully handcrafted—without any artificial ingredients—in our certified organic facility in San Diego. www.onestaorganics.com

Companion Music Botanica Boutique offers a natural alternative to sedation for the stressed pet: Soothing melodies mixed with nature sounds to play while you are not at home. Research demonstrates an 18% decrease in animals’ arousal levels. You and our pet will love it! $12.95. PetBotanica.com 877-284-3620

Paws Down Pets Pal Around with Your Best Friend and Keep Your Slobber to Yourself The Pal Around is an easy, convenient way to carry water for both you and your furry friend in one fabulous container. Find this and other great gifts ideas at www.pawsdownpets.com HOLIDAY SPECIAL Receive 10% off all holiday orders - Use code: ANWLNS

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holiday gift guide Wysong Wysong products are conceived by common sense, grounded in science, and proven with results. Wysong is for thinking people who are serious about self-improvement, trust that nature holds the keys to real health, and want a company they can believe in. Natural Pet Distributors info@naturalpet.ca 905-892-0519

Arbico Bulldog Bed Bulldog Bed and Company is proud to present its solution to filthy pillows thrown on the floor. Majestic Paw Dream Design pet furniture adds elegance to any home decor.

Choose from “Once Upon a Trundle” , “Nights of Arabia” Canopy, or “Pawdoras Box” Stylish Trunk Bed. Priced 250 +. For pets under 40 pounds.

WWW.BULLDOGBEDANDCOMPANY.COM 323-314-7557

At last! Show your dog you love them!

Give them a relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience. Thank your pet for their years of devotion and unconditional love!

Includes: Luxurious shampoos that guard against dandruff, itching and repel fleas. Conditioner for after bath. Itch spray to control scratching.

Tasty nutritionals. Exercise toy and stainless bowl. All for only $39.75.

Cat version also available. www.arbico-organics.com 800-827-2847

Smiling Blue Skies

**The Perfect Gift** Cherished Impressions of Cherished Family Members (furry or not). Custom portraits, in pencil, ink, or pastel, designed from your special photo(s). Unique gifts that last a lifetime. Enjoy some ideas at: www.zoomarketartistry.com Call 630-810-1100 or email art@zoomarketartistry.com to place your order today!

The Smiling Blue Skies® Jewelry Collection celebrates the special bond between precious pets and people.

Each piece is one of a kind, and is made with .999 pure fine silver and semi-precious stones. Proceeds support The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund, University of Guelph Pet Trust. Please visit www.smilingblueskies.com

Animal Wellness Magazine The greatest gift for the animal lovers on your list is now available for less! Animal Wellness Magazine continues to offer the highest quality health and lifestyle information anywhere. Don’t miss this chance to wrap up the gift that brings a long healthy life to animals – naturally!

Visit www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/giftsub or call 866-764-1212 to take advantage of our holiday gift offer.

Equine Wellness Magazine From the publishers of Animal Wellness Magazine comes the number one natural health care and lifestyle magazine for horses. Equine Wellness Magazine offers the highest quality natural nutrition, horsemanship and integrative health care information. Take advantage of our holiday offer and give the gift of natural equestrian care! Visit www.equinewellnessmagazine.com or call 866-764-1212

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C

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Chinese element theory How

by Dr. Marcia DuBois Martin, DVM

r

can help you choose the right dog

B

Behavioral issues are the single most common reason that people give up their animals. This situation can often be avoided by choosing a dog or puppy with the correct personality type for your family. One way to do this is to apply the five element theory offered by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

TCM recognizes five distinct personality types, referred to as fire, earth, metal, water

and wood. While individuals are generally a combination of two or more types, there animal wellness

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is always one that predominates. Being able to recognize a dog’s dominant personality type will aid you in determining how he will interact with his environment and the people in it, and help avoid the heartbreak of choosing the wrong animal.

over. Grace and beauty are their strong points, and they know they are pretty!

A good representative of this type is the standard poodle.

Fire dogs form very deep emotional bonds with the people in their lives. This makes them among the easiest to train because they work for admiration and praise. They can be pushy and demanding, however, so training needs to include establishing very clear boundaries.

Photo courtesy: Jennifer Rowles

1. Fire

Animals with fire personalities can be the most rewarding to be around. These guys are happy and very active. They love being the center of attention and really enjoy being groomed and fussed

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They can be great for people with kids and an active lifestyle, as long as they are included in the activities. As a general rule, fire dogs require a lot of attention so they’re not a good choice for workaholics who are away most of the time.

When out of balance, fire types can become hyperactive and neurotic. Separation anxiety and thunderstorm phobias are very common in these animals. This type should be supported with extra electrolytes during the hot summer months.

2. Earth Earth dogs are mellow, low energy

animals. They are easygoing and “go along to get along”. They are eternal optimists and make good family dogs because they are adaptable and forgiving. They are easy to train because food is a big motivator. They are also tolerant of mistakes in communication.

This type tends to have weak digestion.

Environmental stress and changes in diet will often result in bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Weight gain is another common problem with earth animals.

Many Labrador and golden retrievers belong to this constitution group. Good

supplements for this type include probiotics and digestive enzymes.

3. Metal

Next time you look at a group of puppies, see if you can identify the different personality types: Fire: Bounds up, screaming “pick me, pick me!�

Independence is the hallmark of the metal dog.

These animals require very little direct interaction with their people, but they like order and consistency in their lives.

Metal dogs do best with an experienced trainer as they will not tolerate mistakes or harsh criticism.

They are generally very intelligent and work well with people who understand them. Border collies and other herding breeds characterize this group.

Earth: Probably sleeps through the commotion Metal: Stands in the background, evaluating your potential Wood: Bravely walks forward to check you out, but probably won’t let you take his toy Water: Peers out from under the couch

The energy meridian of the metal dog is the lung and large intestine. Asthma is a frequent problem in this personality type. Bromelian is a nice supplement for these animals.

4. Water

Animals with a water constitution tend to be timid and lacking in self confidence. Harsh criticism will send them running for a hiding place. New situations tend to unnerve them.

They need a confident trainer as they draw strength from their people.

Submissive urination and fear biting are common problems. Their dominant meridian is the kidney, which controls the bone, so arthritis is common in this type of animal. MSM and glucosamine are often good supplements for these dogs. animal wellness

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5. Wood Ions help detoxify your pet to become healthier and happier

FITNESS FUEL

These dogs are generally physically strong and have natural athletic ability.

They tend to be fierce competitors and will work just for the thrill of it. They can make wonderful agility dogs.

™

This type is the most difficult to train. Wood dogs are hardheaded and can be stubborn. They will often challenge authority and take full advantage of less experienced trainers. They become bored with training routines very quickly and need to be constantly challenged.

Rottweillers and terrier breeds characterize the wood animal. Aggression is a common problem with this type.

The liver and gallbladder is the energy meridian for these dogs. B vitamins and

Electrolyzed Plus Fitness Fuel™ For Pets is an electrolyzed, alkaline microstructured concentrate loaded with oxygen ions, which help detoxify your pet and promote a pH balance.

Electrolyzed Plus Fitness Fuel™ For Pets through it’s wondrous properties is able to...

• Fight free radicals • Better hydrate the cells for improved function • Enhance delivery of nutrients to cells • Flush toxins from the body FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH: Just place two ounces of the concentrate in your pet’s dish each day, mixed with your pet’s filtered clean water, and your pet will live a healthier, happier life.

www.earthsbalance.com EARTH’S BALANCE 7035 West 65th Street | Bedford Park, IL 60638 1-877 DOGONIT (364-6648) sales@earthsbalance.com For more product information:

www.earthsbalance.com

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animal wellness

probiotics are very helpful.

Choosing the right canine companion goes beyond breed, size and appearance.

Personality also plays an important role, and can have a profound effect on your relationship and life together.

Chinese five element theory can help you make the perfect match.

Do your homework Before going to look at dogs or puppies, sit down and evaluate your needs. If you are a parent with young kids, for example, you probably don’t have the energy for a demanding fire dog and should instead consider an earth. If you are looking for a jogging buddy, stay away from earth types and look at a fire or wood. For more information, read Four Paws, Five Directions by Cheryl Schwartz (published by Celestial Arts, 1996).

animal wellness

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Gut feelings:

How probiotics and prebiotics can improve digestive health

by Shawn Messonnier, DVM

ESOPHAGUS STOMACH COLON (LARGE INTESTINE) SMALL INTESTINE RECTUM

L

et’s say your dog or cat is diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disease such as parasites or inflammatory bowel disease. Or maybe your new puppy or kitten has a bit of vomiting or diarrhea due to the change in environment and diet (stress-induced GI disease). Chances are, a conventional veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics, steroids, and other drugs. A holistic vet, meanwhile, might prescribe pre- or probiotics instead.

We’ve all heard about these supplements for digestive health, but what exactly are they? Why might probiotics and prebiotics be the preferred treatment for GI disease, and are there additional reasons for using them?

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animal wellness

Let’s look at probiotics The intestinal tract, especially the large intestine (colon), is home to millions of bacteria, most of which are harmless and in fact beneficial to the animal. They are needed for digestion, synthesis of vitamin

K and many B vitamins, and the maintenance of normal bowel health. They also reduce the numbers of less healthful organisms by competing with them for the limited space available.

Probiotics are among the normal microorganisms (viable bacteria and yeasts) that reside in the gastrointestinal tract.

When indicated, they are supplemented orally to maintain normal bowel health and to treat many intestinal disorders.

Probiotics can supply nutrients to the

animal, help with digestion, and allow for better conversion of food into nutrients. They also improve the nutritional status of the intestinal tract by helping to reduce the movement of bacteria across the bowel mucosa (lining), intestinal permeability, and systemic endotoxemia.

intestinal tract, and reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections of the GI tract.

They are able to survive the hydrochloric acid in the stomach and inhibit the growth of various harmful bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Shigella and Proteus.

Many different organisms might be included in a specific probiotic supplement. They include:

More points about probiotics

is approximately 20 to 500 million microorganisms.

•There are no known safety problems associated with the use of probiotics, and there is no maximum or unsafe dosage.

Hint

•Bifidobacterium B. bifidus

•I prefer concentrated supplements of probiotics to deliver high doses of healthy bacteria and yeasts to the intestinal tract, but some foods are also helpful in nourishing the animal’s GI system. Cultured dairy products such as yogurt and kefir are good sources of acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria.

If you are going to feed these products to your animal, make sure they contain large quantities of viable organisms. Supplements, which provide a more concentrated dose of probiotics, can be given with yogurt and kefir if you desire.

•Some products may need to be refrigerated, whereas others can be maintained at room temperature.

•Saccharomyces (S. boulardii, which is actually a beneficial yeast, not a bacterium)

•Dosages of probiotics are expressed in millions or billions of organisms.

The suggested dosage range for animals

•Regular use of probiotics may protect the bowel from cancer. It’s believed they inhibit the bacteria in the bowel from

•Lactobacillus (L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. thermophilus, L. reuteri) •Acidophilus •Bacillus •Streptococcus S. bulgaricus •Enterococcus (E. faecium)

How do they work?

There are several proposed ways in which probiotics can protect your animal from harmful bowel bacteria.

1

Probiotics induce inhibitory chemicals that reduce the numbers of harmful bacteria and possibly toxin production by these same bacteria.

2 3

May block the adhesion of harmful bacteria to intestinal cells.

Compete for nutrients needed for the growth and reproduction of harmful bacteria.

4

May degrade toxin receptors located on intestinal cells, preventing toxin absorption and damage from toxins produced by harmful intestinal bacteria.

Supplementing with probiotics may also stimulate immune function of the

The downside of using living organisms like probiotics is that they may die on the shelf. The container label should guarantee living acidophilus (or bacillus, etc.) at the time of purchase, not just at the time of manufacture.

The candida connection Probiotics may be helpful for a condition known as yeast hypersensitivity syndrome (yeast overgrowth or leaky gut), also known as chronic candidiasis, chronic candida, systemic candidiasis, or just candida.

In humans, it’s a common problem that leads to numerous symptoms, including fatigue, digestive problems, frequent sinus infections, muscle pain, and mental confusion.

Probiotic supplements are widely recommended for this condition because they establish large, healthy populations of friendly bacteria that compete with the candida. Animals with chronic medical disorders may also develop leaky gut syndrome and can therefore also benefit from probiotics. animal wellness

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converting procarcinogens into carcinogens, inhibit tumor cell formation, and bind to or inactivate bowel carcinogens.

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are often given with probiotics to promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract. They are considered food for the probiotics and promote normal growth of healthy bowel bacteria.

The most common prebiotics are fructo-oligosaccharides, the indigestible carbohydrates found in fruit. As with probiotics, prebiotics are safe and devoid of significant side effects.

Other uses for GI supplements Probiotics and prebiotics are helpful when something disrupts the normal bacterial population in the gut, making the animal more susceptible to disease. Examples of these factors or stressors include surgery, medications (including steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), antibiotics (especially when used long term for animals with chronic conditions), birthing, weaning, illness, and dietary issues (poor quality diet, oxidative damage). Any of these can cause damage to the delicate mucosal lining of the GI tract, predisposing it to bacterial movement from the gut into the body (leaky gut syndrome). Administering pre- and probiotics can lessen intestinal damage and prevent secondary problems during these periods of bowel stress.

Hint

When an animal is taking medications such as antibiotics, a probiotic should be given at least one to two hours later.

Many commonly prescribed medications may damage the intestinal tract. Antibiotics can disturb the balance of the intestinal tract by killing friendly bacteria. When this happens, harmful bacteria and yeasts can move in, reproduce, and take over. This is especially true in animals on long term (several months) antibiotic therapy, and for animals with chronic diarrhea. NSAIDS, steroids, and various chemotherapy drugs destroy the protective mucosal lining of the GI tract, predisposing the animal to infection with the bacteria and yeasts normally living there. Probiotics help protect against this damage and secondary infection.

As you can see, there are numerous uses for pre- and probiotics in both healthy and sick animals. In order to maintain a healthy intestinal tract, I recommend you give your companion a health maintenance formula containing these special ingredients on a daily basis. As well, any animal in which some GI stressor is present will benefit from the health-enhancing support these beneficial bacteria can provide.

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FROM #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR DEAN KOONTZ

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59

Choosing a

litter box for your feline friend

by Michelle Bernard

F

or the past ten years, my litter box setup has been extremely simple and inexpensive. I keep five large plastic litter boxes in a spare room (I have ten cats). The boxes are of the ordinary rectangular type and are uncovered. I completely dump each box once a day and refill it with clean pine shavings. Should there be any waste or wetness in the box after dumping it, I clean it with a cat-friendly cleaner. The system works very well and my cats always use their litter boxes.

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Litter boxes come in all styles, models and sizes, but which one you choose depends on several factors, such as how many cats you have, which type of box they prefer, and your own time commitment.

The basic box The most common type of litter box, of

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course, is the open tray with a brim. When you think of how cats relieve themselves in the wild – by scratching in the nearest open patch of loose dirt – it’s not surprising that this type of litter box is preferred by many domestic felines. It’s also easy to scoop out. The box should be large enough to comfortably accommodate the cat and should also have sides that the cat can easily get over, yet high enough to prevent too much litter from being kicked out onto the floor.

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You can also select from a variety of covered litter boxes with hoods. These are often more aesthetically pleasing than open boxes, especially for apartment dwellers, and they do away with the problem of scattered litter. They may be a good choice for shy cats, or for males that like to spray, but in general, I do not recommend them, especially in multi-cat homes.

Some cats will simply not use them, especially if there is any aggression or dominance issues between felines in the household. If one cat is using the litter box and another attacks him either while in the box or on exiting, it could cause the first cat to refuse to enter it in future.

Another problem with a covered litter box is that you may not realize how dirty the litter is (out of sight, out of mind). It’s also harder to clean than an uncovered model.

When I put myself in the position of a cat using a covered

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litter box, I think of using a portapotty, which is generally not a pleasant experience.

If you do opt for a covered box, make sure it’s big enough for your cat to comfortably stand and turn around in. Also look for a model that has ventilation to help with odor control.

The self-cleaning approach Too busy to scoop litter?

There are numerous selfcleaning litter boxes on the market, ranging in price from around $50 to over $300. Some are equipped with a timed sensor that is activated a few minutes after the cat leaves the box. The litter is automatically raked and the waste dumped into a receptacle, which

can then be manually emptied every couple of days.

One particularly high-tech self cleaning model is attached to a cold water intake and has the ability to flush waste out of the home like a toilet. While it seems like an excellent idea and might make litter box duties virtually nonexistent, you may have to train your cat to get used to the unfamiliar noises. Some may be fine with the mechanistic actions of self-cleaning litter boxes, while others may be put off at first.

Sifting through it all

Photo: CatGenie

Several manufacturers offer litter boxes that are round in shape. You either tip the box on its side to sift the clean from the dirty litter, or the unit mechanically rotates to sift out the dirty litter.

What about liners?

Depending on the type of litter box you have, you can buy liners for it that will help made the clean-up job easier when it comes time to completely change the litter. You just lift the liner out of the box, along with the used litter, and dispose of it. The box doesn’t have to be scrubbed, and is ready for a new liner and fresh litter. One drawback of using liners is that they may catch in the cat’s claws when he’s digging. Make sure the liner fits the box properly without folding or creasing, and add a deep enough layer of litter that the cat can’t easily dig through it.

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Hint

Look for a litter box that has rounded corners. Odorcausing moisture can get trapped in sharp edges and indentations.

A box like this has to be completely enclosed, which may make it objectionable to some cats, but tipping a box on its side or watching the unit do it mechanically would certainly beat scooping out waste.

Other models consist of two litter pans and a sifter tray. The two boxes stack on top of each other, with the sifting tray inside the top pan. To clean the unit, the two pans are separated and the sifting tray is lifted out, removing the waste but leaving the litter.

There is even a litter box designed for

cats with diabetes and other health issues that require the caregiver to regularly collect urine for testing.

When the cat urinates in the box, the liquid seeps through non-absorbent litter into a trap below the box.

When cleaning out litter boxes, use water and a gentle, fragrance-free animal-friendly soap.

Avoid chemical household cleaners and disinfectants as the strong smell can repel your cat and can also be harmful to her health.

Automatic self-cleaning and sifting litter boxes are often designed for use with clumping litter. You want to avoid clay clumping litter, so before investing in a product, find out what kinds of litter can be used with it in order for it to work properly, and if safer types such as those made from wheat or corn may be used with just as much efficiency.

I think if my cats had their choice of toilets, they’d ask me to construct a 4’x4’ sand box in “their” room, but for now, they’re happy with their low-tech plastic boxes! animal wellness

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Aromatherapy for frazzled Fidos

W

by Kim Bloomer, VND

With the holiday season upon us, your stress factor is probably higher than usual.

Have you ever considered that your dog can also find this a stressful time of year? The hustle and bustle of festivities, shopping and guests, not to mention the addition of fireworks on New Year’s Eve, can be more than a little hard on your canine companion’s nerves.

A very effective way to help your dog combat seasonal stress is through aromatherapy. The essential oils used in aromatherapy were historically mankind’s first medicine, and are still used today for helping bring a sense of peace and harmony to people and their pooches.

Emotional help from essential oils

Photo: Georgios Wollbrecht

High quality therapeutic grade essential oils work on an emotional as well as a physical level within the body. On an emotional level, properly distilled and extracted essential oils work in a way similar to flower essences; they help the body release negative energy, allowing it to return to a state of harmony.

Essential oils can also help improve physical wellbeing.

64

They are the plant’s lifeforce or Qi (pronounced “chee” in Chinese), similar to our blood, so they work synergistically within the body to maintain, repair, and renew.

Here are some of the best oils for relieving stress and anxiety in both people and dogs:

Anxiety

Lavender Roman chamomile Orange Ylang ylang

Stress

Lavender Chamomile Marjoram Rose Sandalwood Frankincense Cedarwood.

Before buying any essential oils, make sure you know their source. This is very important. Many essential oils on the market today have been extracted using solvents that can be potentially harmful to your dog. This is an unregulated

industry, so just because a bottle is labeled “100% pure” that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily so. Before beginning your journey into aromatherapy, do your homework to make sure you’re getting the highest grade quality of oils.

How can aromatherapy be applied?

First of all, keep in mind that dogs have a very strong sense of smell and are profoundly affected by aromatherapy.

Go easy with essential oils. A little goes a long way. Allow your dog to adapt gently and over time. There are three distinct methods for using essential oils.

1.

The British model emphasizes heavy dilution, using a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil. This method involves adding several drops of essential oil into several ounces of carrier oil before application.

2. The French model prefers applying essential oils “neat” or straight onto skin or fur without any dilution. Before using this method, make absolutely certain that you’re using a therapeutic grade oil

What about cats?

Essential oils can be toxic to cats, especially if you are not using therapeutic grade products. If you have felines in your household, consider hydrosols rather than essential oils. Sometimes referred to as floral waters, hydrosols are created through the steam distillation of essential oils, and are much subtler and gentler in their effects.

Chamomile animal wellness

Lavender

De-stress your dog (and yourself) with these oils

Oils Effects

Cedarwood good for nervous tension, relaxing and calming

Chamomile reduces stress, anxiety, anger and nervous tension

Clary sage calming, relieves anger, anxiety, depression Frankincense relieves anxiety, anger and nervous tension

Geranium reduces stress, relaxing and calming

Juniper berry reduces anxiety and anger

Rose eases depression, calming and relaxing

Sandalwood relaxing, helps with depression

Sweet marjoram reduces anxiety, anger, and nervous tension

Ylang ylang relieves anxiety caused by stress, calming, relaxing and uplifting

Lavender relieves stress, anger, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and exhaustion that you know won’t burn or otherwise harm your companion.

3. The German model uses diffusion

to apply the oils. I’ve found the best way to do this is by using a cold air diffuser rather than heating the oil; that way, you maintain the oil’s integrity and optimal effectiveness.

A cold air diffuser is my preferred method for de-stressing and making the entire house smell good. Many people have told me that their dogs will hang out nearby or even directly in front of the diffuser to get a good whiff of those healing and relaxing smells! Since the essential oils enter every cell of the body within a matter of minutes, the stress can be gone very fast.

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The nice thing about using a cold air diffuser is you can mix some of the oils together to make a pleasant holiday fragrance that de-stresses while setting the scene for your festivities. The one I prefer for this time of year is frankincense.

I mix it with orange oil and it not only smells delightful but just seems to melt away the stress. My dog also loves this combination – he hangs out in whatever room I place the diffuser in!

As enjoyable and exciting as the festive season is, there’s no denying it can also be nerve-wracking at times. When you or your dog start getting stressed out, reach for the essential oils and give the ages-old art of aromatherapy a try. It can help ensure a happy holiday for both you and your canine companion.

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animal wellness

"What seems to be the problem?"

Psychology for dogs and cats

by Daniel Q. Estep, PhD and Suzanne Hetts, PhD

H

ave you ever wondered why your dog or cat sometimes behaves the way he does? Does he “act out”

just to get attention, or is there something more to it than that?

From its beginnings in the late 19th century, the field of psychology has always included an interest in the behavior of animals. Back then, psychologists often studied animals as models for human

behavior. Non-invasive studies that couldn’t be done on people, such as those focusing on social dominance or how fears are learned, would be done on animals instead. At other times, though,

animals would be studied for their own sake.

It’s only been in the last 40 years or so that the science of animal behavior has animal wellness

67

What’s the name of the game?

The study of animal behavior can include several different disciplines, including: • ethology • comparative

psychology • biopsychology • animal learning • biology • animal science The term “animal psychology” is a generic label that’s not often used.

For more information about applied animal behavior, go to AnimalBehavior.org or CertifiedAnimalBehaviorist.com

been applied to problems in dogs and cats, thanks to the work of Drs. Michael Fox, Benjamin Hart, Victoria Voith and Peter Borchelt. These pioneers began to apply scientific knowledge to identifying and treating behavior problems in animals.

The field has gradually advanced with the introduction of certification programs – hallmarks of any profession’s growth – from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and the Animal Behavior Society.

The many faces of applied animal behavior

Some people use the term “animal psychologist” to refer to a practitioner who deals with behavior problems in dogs and cats. The work done by these people is analogous to that of clinical psychologists who help people with their behavior problems. However, there are many different labels for people who work with behavior problems in companion animals. They may call themselves: • applied animal behaviorists (our preferred term) • animal behavior consultants • clinical animal behaviorists • pet psychologists • dog behavior consultants • cat psychologists • or any combination and permutation of the words dog, cat, animal, behavior, consultant, counselor, psychologist or therapist.

As you can see, professional titles are quite confusing because anyone can use most any title they choose. There are, however, two protected terms: 1. Veterinary behaviorist – a veterinarian who is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) 2. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist – a person

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certified by the Board of Professional Certification of the Animal Behavior Society (ABS).

Keep in mind that not all certification programs are equivalent. If you choose to work with a certified professional, check into the requirements for his or her certification. In addition, while non-veterinarians can call themselves “behavior specialists”, veterinarians cannot unless they are board certified.

Veterinarians who focus on behavior can only say they have “a special interest in behavior”.

The psychology of separation anxiety

One good example of how applied animal behavior works is with separation anxiety in dogs. People often complain that their dogs are destructive, soil the house, bark and howl and/or escape from the property when left alone.

This is a common issue accounting for one-quarter to one-third of all behavior problems for which people seek help with their dogs. The causes of separation anxiety are poorly understood.

An ethologist (a zoologist who studies the behavior of animals in their natural habitats) uses field methods that include observing an animal in his environment.

This method can be applied in the case of separation anxiety by using a videotape, video baby monitor, or closed circuit camera to watch the dogs when they’re at home alone. This direct observation shows that dogs with separation anxiety aren’t acting out of spite, revenge or boredom – they are anxious and distressed.

The behavior of these dogs is very similar to what puppies, and the young of other species, demonstrate when separated from their mothers. Attachment theory, which was developed by human psychologists, has been applied to explain this behavior. It’s thought that

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Friendly play as puppies helps adult dogs develop normal relationships.

separation anxiety arises from a problem with the dog’s attachment to his human and his subsequent inability to cope with any separation.

Explaining the problem to the dog’s person and letting her know what not to do is an important part of resolving the issue. When people understand that their dogs are anxious and distressed and not engaging in the behavior out of spite, they are much more willing to work with the problem. They are also less likely to punish the dogs for their misdeeds; punishing an already anxious dog just increases the anxiety.

Resolving separation anxiety involves applying knowledge from yet another discipline. Because the major symptom is anxiety, behavior modification techniques that reduce anxiety can be applied. Learning theorists have found that highly emotional behavior, such as anxiety, is much easier to change with classical conditioning techniques than with other kinds of learning. Clinical psychologists working with human fears and phobias used this knowledge

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to develop desensitization and counter conditioning; applied animal behaviorists have borrowed these techniques to help animals with separation anxiety and other emotional problems.

normal relationships with their own kind but are likely to be fearful and incapable of forming strong attachments to people or animals of other species.

Applied animal behaviorists, veterinarians and dog trainers are all promoting puppy and kitten socialization classes.

To help dogs and cats develop good relationships with people and other animals and prevent fears and aggression, applied animal behaviorists, veterinarians and dog trainers are all promoting puppy and kitten socialization classes.

The animals are taken to these classes at the time of the sensitive period or shortly thereafter, and are exposed to pleasant experiences with people, other kinds of animals, novel objects and situations. This helps prevent some fear and aggression problems and make the animal a happier and more welladjusted companion.

the formation of friendly relationships through life is heavily influenced by the interactions the animal has with others when young. Kittens and puppies exposed to members of their own species, but not others, around the time of weaning (known as the sensitive period for socialization), will develop

The field of applied animal behavior is admittedly a complex, multi-faceted one. But the more we can learn about how our dogs and cats feel, think, and respond to their environment, the better we’ll be able to understand and help resolve their emotional and behavioral problems.

Solving socialization issues The wealth of knowledge about animal behavior is also being used to prevent problems and promote the behavioral health and well being of companion animals. For example, basic research on a variety of animals has shown that

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71

10 tips for

taking great

Animal

Photos

by Ann Brightman

W

hen I bought my first digital camera last holiday season and started taking photos of our two cats, I was disappointed with the results. Either the kitties would refuse to cooperate, or else the composition or lighting was never quite right. Most frustrating of all, my shots rarely expressed what I really wanted to capture about our feline friends. What was I doing wrong?

I’d bought an expensive camera with all the bells and whistles, so why didn’t my photos look like as crisp, artistic and

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professional as those I saw in books and magazines?

I’ve since learned there’s more to photographing animals than just pointing your camera and pressing the shutter. Capturing your dog or cat on film (or computer screen) involves a careful consideration of numerous factors, including pose, location and perspective as well as lighting, exposure and composition. Check out the following ten suggestions for getting great shots of your best friend – you’ll soon be taking photos like a pro!

Photo courtesy: Dee Adams of Zoo Market Artistry

Top

1. One of my biggest mistakes when photographing our felines was to take my shots from a standing position. “A photo looking down on a pet appears distorted,” says photographer Dee Adams of Zoo Market Artistry. “Take the photo at eye level with your pet, or else looking up at them. Having them stand on stairs or a bed makes this easy.”

2. Think about what you want your

image to portray. Do you just want a snapshot of your dog, or do you want a portrait that says something about his sense of humor or unconditional love?

“Don’t just photograph your dog,” says Toronto-based animal photographer Peter Organa. “Photograph your dog’s love for you.” One way to accomplish

this, suggests Dee, is to approach taking photos of your animals as a game you can play together. “The demeanor of the pet comes through loud and clear in photos, and the primary driver of your pets’ emotions is your own,” she says. “If you are having fun together, things will go much more smoothly.”

3. Natural lighting is best. If you can, take your animal photos

Photo courtesy: Heather Hines

outdoors, but avoid bright, sunny days, especially when the sun is right overhead – brilliant sunshine washes out colors and causes hard shadows. Pick an overcast day, photograph your animal in solid shade, or do your photography when the sun is low.

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Hint Be patient when photographing animals.

“Expect to spend quite a bit of time taking lots of photos in order to get a few extra special pictures,” says Dee.

4. Use a flash with caution. The blinding light can not only

startle your animal, but may also cause unwanted shadows and the dreaded red-eye effect. “If you must use flash, either get a diffuser or bounce it off the walls or ceiling,” says Peter.

5. One problem you’ll often run into is getting your animal to cooperate. “Once you have your pet in focus through your viewfinder, give a short click or whistle or other unique sound to get his attention,” says Dee. “You can even snap your fingers

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your pet is likely to want to get as close to you as possible, and all your shots will show them at your ankles.”

7. Keep the composition simple, and

Peter suggests waiting until they’re at rest or are quietly focused on a toy.

“They might look cute when they’re wrestling, but the motion blurs and you’ll get teeth that look like fangs.”

Photo courtesy: Peter Organa

avoid busy, multi-colored backgrounds.

Your animal will stand out better against a soft, simple backdrop. “It’ll help give you a strong composition because there’s nothing to compete with the main subject,” says Peter.

or wave your hand to focus his attention wherever you want. This can offer some really cute looks.” Or, enlist the aid of a helper. “Try to have a friend or family member on hand, who the dog knows and is comfortable with,” says Lora Brudniak of Doggie Style Photography.

Ask your helper to talk to the animal or distract him with a treat. “Make sure he’s a little hungry so he will be more responsive to treats, especially when trying to get him to ‘perform’ certain things you may want to capture in your pictures,” Lora adds.

6.

A trained animal is easier to photograph. “With dogs, it’s a big help to have them trained to sit, stay, stand on command,” says Dee. “Otherwise,

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Photo courtesy: Lora Brudniak

Hint Exercise your animal before photographing him. “If your dog is a bit worn out from a long walk or park trip, he’ll be more mellow,” says Lora.

8.

If you have a digital camera, you can tweak and enhance your images later using Photoshop or other photo editing software. (No, it’s not cheating!) For example, you can remove unnecessary details, like that telephone pole you didn’t notice when you were taking the photo.

9. Who can resist taking photos of

puppies and kittens? Trouble is, young animals rarely stay still long enough, especially if they’re playing together.

10. Study animal photos in books,

magazines, and on websites such as flickr.com. Pick the ones you like best and ask yourself what it is that makes them so good; is it the lighting, the composition, the angle, the combination of colors?

With everything I’ve learned, I’m confident that this year’s holiday shots of our cats will turn out a lot better than last year’s. Yours will too, if you take these tips to heart. And remember – practice makes perfect!

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Is raw food recall the start of an FDA witch-hunt?

A

by Ann Brightman

sk anyone who feeds a raw diet, and they’ll proclaim the health benefits of this increasingly popular way of feeding. While some people worry that raw meat contains harmful bacteria such as salmonella, a pathogen that may cause illness in humans, carnivores like dogs and cats have digestive systems that are better adapted to it.

“Salmonella isn’t really a problem for the animal,” says Melinda Miller, president of the North American Raw Petfood Association (NARPA). “Dogs and cats naturally carry salmonella – it’s part of their flora, so it’s not actually a threat to their health.” As for humans, she points out that proper hygiene such as hand-washing and thoroughly cleaning all surfaces, utensils and containers used in preparing raw meat for your animals or your family greatly minimizes any chance of infection.

While raw food diets are on the rise, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not advocate them for companion animals and is increasing its efforts to minimize the perceived health risks these foods can pose. So when FDA agents discovered listeria and/or salmonella monocytogenes in

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three raw frozen poultry diets offered by raw food diet manufacturer Bravo! during a routine inspection this past September, the company felt obligated to voluntarily recall the products, even though there have been no reports of illness, and despite the fact that the company follows all FDA guidelines for manufacturing raw diets, with the exception of irradiation.

“The FDA is applying a regulation that calls for zero tolerance for salmonella, but was actually written for kibble,” says Melinda. “But these are raw diets.”

In its recall report, Bravo! adds that a sizeable percentage of raw meat is contaminated with salmonella no matter where it comes from or how it’s processed: “The USDA recognizes salmonella as a fact of life and has even set ‘tolerance levels’ for it. The reality for raw feeders is that low levels of pathogens are present in most raw meats, most of the time, whether they feed raw meat from the supermarket or whether they buy prepared raw diets from manufacturers.”

In an effort to address this issue in a more realistic manner, NARPA has asked to meet with the FDA to review

the situation. “We need to understand what their position is,” Melinda says.

“The field agents indicated that the FDA hopes to shut down the raw diet industry, and that there is a plan in place to do so although they don’t know when it’s going to begin. Bravo! was simply one of the first large players to be visited. We understand that the FDA wants to protect public health, but we need to establish a dialogue and work with them on education.”

So what does the FDA have to say about the situation? “I would not be able to discuss with you any internal FDA strategy regarding enforcement efforts,” said Laura Alvey, Director of Communications Staff, when Animal Wellness contacted the FDA for their input.

Does this mean that raw food diets will disappear from the shelves sometime in the future? Not as long as Melinda and her colleagues at NARPA are on the case. In the meantime, there’s no reason not to continue feeding raw to your dog or cat. According to many holistic vets we’ve talked to, as long as you practice good hygiene and follow thawing instructions, the health risks to either you or your animal are negligible.

Wellness Resource Guide Inside this issue:

• Communicators • Holistic Healthcare • Integrative Veterinarians • Massage Therapy • Natural Product Manufacturers & Distributors

1/24th Claudia Hehr

• Natural Product Retailers

Animal Communication Specialist

To Truly Know and Understand Animals

• Reiki Therapy

World-wide phone consulations, Health and Behavior Issue Workshops, Tele-seminars, Books, Grief Counceling.

• Shelters & Rescues

(705) 434-4679 • www.claudiahehr.com

• Trainers & Behaviorists • TTouch Therapy

Communicators

NEW MEXICO

Claudia Hehr

CALIFORNIA

Animal Communication Specialist

NEW YORK

Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Syracuse, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 x1 Email: angelwhisperer@ark-angels.org Compassionate Consultations and Reiki Energy Healings with Love.

NEVADA ILLINOIS

1/12th O NTARIO

Wellness Resource Guide

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

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

To Truly Know and Understand Animals World-wide phone consulations, Health &

Behavior Issue Workshops, Tele-seminars, Books, Grief Counseling. See article in the Ontario Regional section !NIMAL 0ARADISE

#OMMUNICATION (EALING ,,# (705) 434-4679 • www.claudiahehr.com

Sue Becker

Kitchener, ON Canada

Phone: (519) 896-2600 Email: suebecker@cyg.net

Reg’d. Practitioner of Bach Flower Remedies, Tellington TTouch

VIRGINIA

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Massage Therapists Integrative Veterinarians Trainers & Behaviorists Pet Sitters Natural Product Retailers, Manufacturers & Distributors Shelters & Rescues Reiki Chiropractic Acupressure Acupuncture

WASHINGTON

Communications With Love Amboy , WA USA Phone: (360) 247-7284 Website: www.communicationswithlove.com

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Wellness Resource Guide

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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

East York Animal Clinic Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 757-3569 Email: eyac@ca.inter.net Website: www.holisticpetvet.com

COLORADO

Peakbioenergenetics Valerie Balgeman RN Electronic Medicine/Distant Work Colorado Springs, CO USA Phone: (719) 574-6173 Email: peakbioenergetics@juno.com

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

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Holistic Veterinary Care Santa Rosa, California

707-546-4646

Integrative Vets - Natural Product Retailers

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Wellness Resource Guide

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Wellness Resource Guide

Natural Product Retailers - TTouch Therapy

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Our readers are looking for quality natural services and turn to Animal Wellness Magazine as the leading source for wellness information. If you provide a holistic service or product you are eligible to advertise in the WRG. For advertising information email: wrg@animalwellnessmagazine.com or call 866-764-1212

Treat tactics

festive season for the

by Monica Segal

The holidays are a favorite time of year for treats of all kinds. We love to see the joy and anticipation on those furry faces when we give our dogs and cats something yummy. The trouble is, a lot of commercially-available products (and even some foods we have around the house) are not good for dogs and cats. When buying or choosing treats, it’s important to know what you’re giving your animal. Let’s look at some common treat ingredients and foods, so you can make selections that will keep your companion healthy as well as happy.

1

By-product meal sounds mysterious, and in a sense it is. AAFCO defines chicken by-product meal as consisting of “the ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet,

undeveloped eggs and intestines, exclusive of feathers, except in such amounts as might occur unavoidable in good processing practice”. Doesn’t sound very savory, does it?

Products containing a named meat are a animal wellness

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better choice. For example, “chicken” means chicken.

2

Baked treats contain flour of some kind. Unless the label specifies differently, most flour is derived from wheat. Just like flours for your human family, whole wheat is a healthier choice than white. The latter may be noted on the label as “wheat flour”, but unless the word “whole” is included, this is plain white flour.

If your animal is allergic to wheat, look for treats that contain other types of flour.

3

Gluten is a protein group found in wheat and other flours. It forms the structure of bread dough, giving it elasticity. The problem with treats containing gluten is that large amounts are indigestible and can get lodged in the gut or cause choking.

How to rate dog and cat treats Best

Good

Defined meat source Wheat flour

Natural flavor Dehydrated wild salmon or small fish such as sardines

Dehydrated meats

Dehydrated fish (generic term) Sugar

Chocolate

Salt

Onions

Color

Raisins

Dehydrated beef liver

Baked beef liver treats

Rawhide

Bully sticks

Smoked bones

7

Color is added for the benefit of people. We seem to like brown tones that look like meat.

However, artificial food coloring is not necessary, and adds chemicals that your animal can do without.

5

The term "natural flavor" has little meaning because it isn’t specific enough. It simply means the product may taste more like chicken or whatever the intended meat is, but there is no guarantee that the flavor is coming from a specified meat source.

Chocolate, onions, and raisins are toxic to cats and dogs.

6

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animal wellness

Wheat gluten Beet pulp

4

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Definately not!

By-product meal

Whole wheat flour

Beet pulp isn’t what it sounds like.

It’s not the whole beet, and does not include the sugar naturally found in beets. As a matter of fact, dried beet pulp is what’s left over after the sugar has been removed from the vegetable. It is a source of fiber.

Sugar is added to treats because it tastes good, but there is no nutritional benefit to it. Salt also adds flavor, but your animal receives all the sodium he needs in his meals so there is no advantage to having it in treats.

Questionable

8

Dehydrated meat treats have become very popular. They usually look like jerky, and most dogs love to chew them. Unless they include a lot of sodium, they make a fine treat for healthy animals.

Dehydrated fish treats may be considered less optimal because the fish can be contaminated with heavy metals.

Wild salmon is a better option than just “salmon” because the latter is farmed and contains a much bigger load of heavy metals. Small fish such as sardines are also a better choice.

10

Almost all dogs like liver. Beef liver provides a very large amount of copper, however, and too much can be harmful so it’s important to feed liver treats in small quantities.

Dehydrated beef liver is especially concentrated, but baked treats made with beef liver do not present as much of an issue because the product contains other ingredient besides liver.

11

Commonly referred to as a ‘bully stick’ this is…ahem…part of a bull penis. All are dried, and

come in a variety of sizes to suit the size of your dog.

few recalls of these products due to salmonella.

12

13

Rawhide treats are very popular for dogs, but not the best choice.

They get softer as the dog chews them, and pieces can break off and become a choking hazard or lodge in the gut. There have even been a

Smoked bones offer good chewing exercise, but the smoking process is as unhealthy for dogs as it is for people. It involves a curing process required to achieve the characteristic flavor, color and stability. Since the amounts being used remain unknown to animal buyers, and consumption of nitrates may be linked to many diseases, this item is probably best avoided. A meaty raw bone is the better way to go.

Treats you can make at home Along with buying healthy treats for your companion, you can also make your own.

The holidays are a busy time, but the following recipes are fast and easy!

Soft homemade cat and dog treats 1 6-oz jar chicken baby food 1/2 cup wheat germ dash garlic powder 1 cup nonfat dry milk Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie tray. Flatten with the back of the spoon. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes at 350oF until brown at the edges. Let cool before handing one out. These soft treats will keep in the fridge for about five days, but they’ll be eaten up long before then so don’t worry about it!

Crunchy meat treats 6 oz raw meat of your choice 1/3 can sardines, drained 2 1/3 cups whole wheat flour (use 1/3 cup rice flour and 2 cups cornmeal if your animal is allergic to wheat) 1/3 cup chicken broth (homemade or low sodium) 3 tbsp olive oil In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until a stiff dough is formed. Add more flour if necessary, or more broth to handle. The goal is to have a very stiff dough that will bake into crunchy bites. Divide dough into small pieces that can be rolled into thin logs. Slice each log into cookies, sized appropriately for your animal. Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet, and bake for 30 to 45 minutes at 350oF. Cookies will continue to harden after being removed from the oven. Store in an airtight container in fridge for five days.

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Photo courtesy: Ronald Stanley

Getting

connected

– part II

Three animal communicators share their favorite stories

Last issue, we asked three animal communicators to share their favorite experiences with us. We were so impressed with their stories that we decided to do it again! Read on for some truly amazing insights into the profound connection we can share with our animal companions, if we take the time to really pay attention to what they’re trying to tell us.

Life is just a game

by Linda Trent One day, I got a call from a friend named Shelby, who was always feeding cats that showed up on her doorstep. She was concerned about a very special light orange tiger cat that had won her heart and whom she affectionately called Cooper.

Cooper normally showed up every day, like clockwork, but it had been a week since she had last seen him and she feared he had died. He’d been ill and Shelby was planning to take him to the vet, but he disappeared the very same

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day they were due to go. (Funny how they know these things!)

As I tuned in to Cooper, I sensed he was a state of bliss. He had just left this earthly plane and was in the vastness beyond, exploring new territories. He

gave me a picture of “graduating with a badge of honor”. Being free of concerns about his body, he was at peace and held no grudges.

Cooper communicated to me that life was “just a game”, where we are all inter-connected. Each one of us is part of the tapestry of life, each woven into it our own way, and having our own color of thread. His words of wisdom for this realm were to “love all you can”.

Oddly, towards the end of the session, Cooper gave me the impression of singing “take me out to the ball game, take me out to the ball game” over and over. I knew it was important, so I shared it with Shelby. Not understanding what it meant, she turned to ask her boyfriend if he knew. His jaw dropped and he looked at her with amazement. Home alone just two weeks before, he had been singing that same song over and over again out of boredom.

Life is just a game!

An enlightening conversation

by Claudia Hehr Several years ago I was contacted by a wonderful woman who rescues bull mastiffs. She was incredibly knowledgeable, with many years of experience, but one of her dogs still had many unresolved issues.

Buddy was a wonderful two-year-old bull mastiff. Although my friend had adopted him 18 months before, she was still unable to touch or feed him outside his crate. If she tried, he would cower and crouch down to the floor.

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We talked everything through and I gave my friend a few suggestions about what could be done to help Buddy find the trust he so desperately needed.

Two or three days later, I got a call from Buddy’s guardian. She told me that he was sitting beside her on the couch, eating off her plate and surrounded by her other dog companions – something that would have been impossible to imagine only a

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I communicated with Buddy and found he had been horribly abused during the first six months of his life. During the conversation, both Buddy and his guardian had a chance to get to know each other better. Buddy also asked many questions he didn’t have the answers to, such as why he was there, and what his new guardian wanted from him. The saddest thing he wanted to know was “when would she start abusing him”.

Stone-Healing A holistic company with natural solutions animal wellness

85

few days earlier. The ice was broken and trust had been established!

Isn’t it incredible how much a twoway conversation with an animal can accomplish?

A lesson in truth and trust

by Sue Becker One of my favorite communication stories happened several years ago when I was asked to communicate

with Lacey, a gorgeous three-year-old female shaded silver Persian (right).

She had just been re-vaccinated and was presenting worrisome symptoms including an enlarged bladder and abdomen, as if she was pregnant. The veterinarian was not able to offer a solid diagnosis, but one thing was certain – he couldn’t feel any kittens. Lacey’s person confirmed she hadn’t been bred but was concerned that she might be reacting to the vaccinations or perhaps had picked up some kind of virus.

www.

Telepathically connecting with Lacey over distance, I felt a very soft and gentle energy, sweet and somewhat delicate. When asked if she had any sense about why her tummy was swollen, she promptly told me she was pregnant. She said she wanted to have kittens and her body felt like it was carrying kittens. I tried to let her down gently, mindful that she hadn’t been bred. Lacey sweetly insisted, and amazingly, when I did a body/energy scan, kitten-like forms were evident. Really confused now, I went deeper into the communication to ask for clarity. Immediately the information came: this pregnancy was real, and there were indeed three kittens.

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animal wellness

Photo courtesy: Patrizia Schiozzi

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Lacey’s person took her for x-rays the very next day and the tests confirmed three kittens. Just two days later, Lacey went into labor and delivered her small litter. She was a loving and proud mom, happily rolling on her back to show off her babies at every opportunity.

Lacey’s communication taught us all – myself, her person and her vet – a wonderful lesson about truth, doubt, and most importantly, trust.

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what's gnu?

Easing away pain Muscle strains and sprains are common in active dogs. Bella’s Hot/Cold Pain Relief Pack is ideal for relieving the pain of canine arthritis, hip dysplasia and muscle injuries. Just store in the freezer for an instant cold pack, or use the microwave to convert it to a moist heat wrap. Elastic straps with Velcro ends mean the pack can be easily and comfortably attached where needed. www.bellaspainrelief.com

Heading south?

If you’re planning a trip to warmer climes for the holiday season and want to take your dog with you, you might want to consider New Mexico. BringYourPet.com recently announced that four pet-friendly hotels, all located in New Mexico, have been added to its online directory – the Hotel Don Fernando de Taos in Taos, Park Inn & Suites in Santa Fe, Garrett’s Desert Inn in Santa Fe, and Super 8 Motel in Rio Rancho.

Find out more at www.bringyourpet.com.

Gift cards go to the dogs

Across the ocean One of the good things to come out of last spring’s pet food recall is an increased demand for safer, more natural products, not just here in North America, but in Asia as well. PetzLife Oral Care Spray & Gel reports that it is now distributing product to China as well as Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Says Kevin Kraft of Tradewinds Global, an export management company, “The Chinese consumer has a lot of confidence in the quality of products made in the U.S.” www.petzlife.com

Bought your holiday cards yet? Gifty Idea offers a unique line of cards ideal for the dog lovers on your list. Each features an adorable canine all decked out for the season. There are 20 designs to choose from, but if you can’t decide which one you like best, you have the option of ordering a pack of ten assorted cards.

The company also offers a line of gift tags. www.giftyidea.com

Quite a treat Fresh, whole organic meats, fruits and veggies are the best ingredients for dog treats.

Wet Noses All Natural Dog Treats are now officially certified organic. The company offers five delicious and nutritious flavors, as well as two special holiday treats including Sweet Potato Pie, made from roasted sweet potatoes and aromatic herbs, and The Apple One, home-baked with Washington apples and fragrant spices. www.wet-noses.com

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animal wellness

Fresh and wholesome Your dog or cat’s health and well being depends on a healthy diet. Pepperdogz and Peppercatz are fresh, nutritionally balanced holistic meals and treats. They’re made from wholesome meats, vegetables, fruits and organic supplements naturally rich in digestive enzymes, vitamins, minerals and EFAs, and contain no grains, animal by-products, fillers or artificial ingredients. www.pepperdogz.com

Look, no grains!

Cats need meat in order to enjoy optimum health. New from Petcurean Pet Nutrition is Go! Natural Grain Free Cat Food.

It comes in both canned and dry formulas and is available in two flavors: Turkey, Duck and Chicken, and Freshwater Trout. The food also includes beneficial fresh fruits and veggies as well as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and digestive enzymes. www.petcurean.com

Good luck for Fido Jewelry for animals is getting big. Now you can gift your dog or cat with a unique good luck charm or tag from The Lovepaw Co™. The pieces are handcrafted in Greece using solid sterling silver, and are adorned with authentic, Murano quality “good luck eye” glass beads. This form of decoration dates back centuries and is believed to bring protection and good luck to the wearer, human or animal. www.lovepaw.com

Earth friendly

toys

What feline can resist a catnip mouse? From the Field specializes in earth-friendly pet products including catnip mice made from organic catnip and hemp fabric. Shelby the Hemp Mouse is safe, durable and completely biodegradable, and is filled with a fragrant catnip blend developed to be especially appealing to cats. A refillable model is also available. www.fromthefieldpet.com

All in the family Who doesn’t know Lassie, the heart-warming TV series that aired from 1954 to 1974 on the CBS network? What you may not know is that subsequent Lassie productions have featured direct descendants of the first canine star. Each dog’s training has also been kept in the family, starting with original Lassie trainer Rudd Weatherwax, his son Robert, and now Carol Riggins, who worked extensively with both father and son beginning in the 1980s. The current Lassie (Laddie in real life) is the ninth generation of the Weatherwax Lassie lineage, and stars in the new PBS series Lassie Pet Vet.

Animal Wellness President and CEO Tim Hockley visits with Laddie at the recent Super Zoo Pet Tradeshow in Las Vegas. animal wellness

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Is kitty feeling liverish?

What you need to know about feline fatty liver disease

by Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, Esq.

W

hen Ester’s cat Nicky stopped eating and got ill, she assumed he’d eaten something disagreeable or picked up a bug. “As he got more and more sick, I took him to the vet and was told he had something called hepatic lipidosis,” says Ester. “I’d never even heard of it before.”

We know that, at its root, HL is caused by the accumulation of fat in the cells and tissues of the liver. The clogging of the liver with excess fat is what causes its normal functions to fail. We also know that the vast majority of HL cases occur in overweight or obese cats that stop eating for a period of days or weeks.

the initial disease and the secondary HL if the patient is to recover.

Sometimes called feline fatty liver disease, hepatic lipidosis (HL) is a condition we see with some frequency in cats. It’s invariably linked to the carbohydraterich commercial diets, especially the dry ones, so commonly fed to felines.

These high-carb diets assault the sugarcontrolling functions of both the liver and the pancreas, causing obesity and predisposing the cat to HL.

A vicious cycle

Diagnosing hepatic lipidosis

The accumulation of fat in the liver, with resulting liver dysfunction, makes the cat even less willing to eat. Even if the original reason for the patient’s lack of appetite has resolved, the cat is now ill from HL, and a vicious cycle is underway. The longer the starvation and HL continue, the more critically ill the cat becomes. Veterinary care is imperative to reverse the process.

Sometimes an underlying disease process, such as an infection or tumor, will have caused the initial loss of appetite. If this is the case, the veterinarian must treat both

The cat with HL will invariably have a history of poor appetite or severe food restriction in the days before more severe signs are noticed. Often, the cat will develop a yellowish cast to the skin.

This is called icterus, or jaundice, and is caused by the accumulation in the skin of waste products (bile pigments) normally processed by the liver. These pigments are usually secreted into the gastrointestinal tract and eliminated in the stool. As the liver loses its ability to process these substances, they build up

What we know about HL Hepatic lipidosis causes mild to severe signs of liver function impairment requiring prompt medical treatment.

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In many HL patients, the original problem that caused the cat to stop eating is never identified because it will have resolved by the time HL develops.

In these cases, treating HL alone will provide recovery.

Weighing up the problem Because almost all cats that develop HL are overweight, the major predisposing cause of the disease is obesity.

When the overweight cat stops eating for longer than a few days, no matter what the reason, HL becomes likely. As the cat starves, large amounts of fat stored in his body are released and begin to travel to the liver through the bloodstream. This is a normal response to starvation in all animals, and allows for survival until food becomes available again.

Normally, this fat is packaged in protein-wrapped “bundles” and then sent through the bloodstream to the body tissues that need them for energy. In cats, however, particularly overweight ones, so much fat floods the liver at a time when protein for the packaging process is unavailable that the fat simply builds up in the liver cells and begins to disrupt the normal activities of this vital organ.

in the bloodstream and eventually start to “stain” the tissues a yellow/orange color.

Even before this yellowing is apparent, the HL patient will show signs of profound illness. You might notice lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and other indications that the cat feels very sick. The veterinarian will often detect dehydration and significant weight loss. Although these latter signs are typical of a great many feline maladies, blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, and an ultrasound examination will help diagnose HL.

Treatment - crucial but straightforward Treating HL is very straightforward. Once the diagnosis is made, and any underlying diseases complicating the HL are identified, the veterinarian will begin providing the fluids and nutrition that will reverse the process started during the cat’s starvation. The focus is to provide the protein the cat needs to allow his liver to liberate the excess fat from its cells.

The cat is fed, ensuring that sufficient protein and calories are available for the liver to resume its job of moving fat through the body. Liver-supportive supplements like SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) and milk thistle are also usually prescribed until liver function has returned to normal as reflected in the cat’s blood test values.

In decades past, HL was an almost universally fatal disease in cats. This was because we did not understand why and how it occurred. We now know that if we can provide enough protein and calories, the liver will return to health and the cat will survive. It is really that simple. Of course, because the cat with HL is usually quite ill at the time of diagnosis, simply putting a bowl of food down will not suffice.

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2:16:22 PM

HINT It is impossible to overstate the importance of preventing obesity by avoiding commercial dry cat foods.

To make sure that life-saving nutrients get inside the patient, a feeding tube to deliver food directly into the GI tract is necessary. This may sound ominous, but the use of feeding tubes in cats is relatively simple and easy.

The cat can even return home with the tube in place and can be fed through the tube with a small amount of instruction. Nutritious, puddingconsistency “recovery” foods, high in protein and low in carbohydrates, can be pushed by syringe down the tube and into the cat’s stomach every few hours, helping his liver to recovery.

The cat’s normal appetite will return as the liver becomes healthy again and he will begin to voluntarily eat “around” the feeding tube. When this happens, the veterinarian will remove the tube and the cat will continue to recover.

Prevention is simple Hepatic lipidosis is a serious condition, but the good news is that it’s quite easy to prevent your cat from getting it. The main thing is to keep him at a healthy weight.

If your cat is overweight, removing poor quality dry food from the diet and switching him to a low-carbohydrate, high-protein premium food will help take off the excess pounds. You can find tips for switching your cat at www.catnutrition.org. Although daily interactive play and exercise will also help keep his weight down, exercise alone, without a diet change, will do little to prevent obesity in dry-fed cats.

Much to Ester’s relief, Nicky has made a complete recovery from HL and is back to his usual self. “I have to admit he was a bit heavy, but I put him on a better food and he’s much slimmer and healthier now.”

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Whether it’s handmade fresh catnip toys, handpainted collar medallions, cups, bowls, bird or bat houses, online tributes, prayer services or postage stamps featuring your animal companion, Little Lotus Hearts has something for you! Little Lotus Hearts was founded to help enrich the lives of the animals who bring so much love to our hearts. The animals with whom we share are homes and our lives are family, but we also know that other animals need help too. For this reason, we offer many ways for you to help improve the lives of animals in the wild, in rescues and in other protective environments.

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passages

Zody

and the

blue poppy

by Chris Kuderle

S

omewhere out in this vast universe is the spirit of my wonderful muchloved friend. Midnight Zodiac was his registered name, but to me he was always Zody. I can’t describe in words what this special member of my family meant to me. For those who have animals and love them all, there is still sometimes a special one who is engrained in your soul by a connection that almost defies logic. Zody was that one for me.

Zody was a Himalayan hybrid cat, big, black and furry. He was heavy-boned with huge orange eyes, vampire fangs and a kinky tail that curled over his back like a corkscrew. He was my friend, my love, and a calm soothing presence in my house. He slept on the bed every night for over 16 years. Through all my life’s triumphs and turbulent times, he was there. He never judged, he didn’t hold grudges (at least not for long) and he never criticized. His love was pure and always unconditional; he loved me for who I am and I reciprocated. Whenever I picked him up, his paws came around my neck as if he was giving me a hug and his whiskers tickled my neck as he purred loudly in my ear. When I came home, he would run to the door to greet me with loud purrs and a big open red mouth.

Years ago, during a company downsizing, I found myself out of a job with a house of my own and sole responsibility for a mortgage. I remember sitting numbly in

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bed the morning after, still in shock and overwhelmed by the financial obligations facing me and the uncertain future in a time of high unemployment. Zody came over to me and walked up the length of my body, purring loudly. He gently bit my hand and held it in his teeth, then lay down while licking my hand.

His front paws protectively covered my arm. If there was ever a moment when communication between human and animal became clear, it was that one. I looked into his round orange eyes and heard his message as clearly as if he had spoken it: “I’m here for you. You are mine. I’ll take care of you. Everything will be all right, don’t worry.”

He was right. Everything turned out wonderfully well…until years later on an August afternoon when the time came to say goodbye to my buddy.

My Zody had developed a mast cell tumor in his abdomen. The blood tests came back and they were bad, but with the help of a homeopath in Washington

State, he was able to enjoy his last days to the fullest. When one night he crept behind a box under my computer, I knew the end was near. I looked into his eyes and saw discomfort and pain. The last shred of hope I had been desperately clinging to was gone. The next day, the vet came to the house and set Zody free in his favorite spot by the pond.

I had Zody cremated and scattered his ashes around my parents’ fish pond; he had always loved lying there in the sunshine and stalking the fish. I bought a Himalayan blue poppy and planted it over the ashes, not only because he was part Himalayan, but also because he was as unique, rare and beautiful as that unusual flower.

I moved less than a year later. During the first summer, I made some new gardens and added a multitude of plants. I decided to buy a Himalayan blue poppy in honor of Zody. It didn’t bloom, but far over in another garden just visible from my kitchen window,

a different poppy started to grow. I assumed it had seeded itself from one of the many common orange poppies that bloom in abundance. I was wrong.

To my amazement, it opened to reveal a gorgeous Himalayan blue poppy! I asked the previous owners of the house if they’d had one, but never in the 12 years they’d lived there had they even seen one. I didn’t plant a poppy there, I never had any seeds since my own hadn’t bloomed, and no one else in the neighborhood grows them. In fact, they are extremely hard to grow and even harder to germinate from seed.

I like to think the blue poppy is a message from Zody to let me know he is still near me. Perhaps he knew the sudden unexpected appearance of this rare gift would make me smile and think of him. Love never dies.

Zody, my sweet boy, I miss you. Till we meet again.

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book reviews Title: The

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Author: Arden

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Does your dog jump on people, or drink out of the toilet?

These are just two of the many undesirable behaviors addressed in The Dog Behavior Answer Book – Practical Insights & Proven Solutions for Your Canine Questions. Written by Arden Moore, an author and lecturer on animal behavior, this handy, easy-to-use guide covers every canine conundrum you can imagine using a lively Q&A style interspersed with examples and case studies.

The book opens with chapters on dog behavior and how to enhance your communication with your canine companion. You’ll then learn why your dog does the things he does, and how you can gently correct or divert these unwanted behaviors. A variety of training issues and methods are discussed, along with tips on maintaining a harmonious home life with your dog. There’s even a section on how to help him cope with life’s changes, including divorce, death, and moving house.

Whatever your best friend’s dilemma, The Dog Behavior Answer Book can offer a solution.

Publisher: Storey Publishing

Title: Psychic

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Heathcote-James We’ve all heard stories about animals who “know” when their people are coming home, even when they’re miles away, or who have saved lives by sensing danger long before their human families knew anything was wrong. Where does this “sixth sense” come from? Can animals really predict the future? Are they our guardian angels in disguise?

These questions are explored by author and theology graduate Emma Heathcote-James in her new book Psychic Pets – How Animal Intuition and Perception Has Changed Human Lives. This fascinating book tackles the question of whether animals are truly psychic or just super-sensitive, and looks at the role that natural instinct plays in their unique abilities.

Read about dogs who can sniff out cancer, a horse that carried his injured rider away from danger, and the wild puma who saved a young boy from freezing to death in the snow. These are just a few of the amazing stories and testimonials you’ll find in this thought-provoking book.

Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd.

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Title:

Hug Time

Author: Patrick

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Who can resist Mutts, the beloved comic strip featuring Earl the dog, Mooch the cat and their animal friends? Created by Patrick McDonnell, whose animal-and-earth-friendly philosophy is well known to fans, Mutts appears in nearly 600 newspapers in 20 countries around the world and has also made it into book format.

His newest title, Hug Time, features the charmingly-illustrated adventures of Jules the kitten as he travels around the world to Africa, India, Australia and the Arctic spreading love and compassion to all the animals on his “Hug To-Do List”. Tigers, elephants, polar bears and other animals under threat by human predation and environmental degradation all get a big hug from Jules before his journey brings him home again to his young human guardian.

Sure to delight both children and adults, this simple yet effective book concludes with an important message: “The world is so big…and yet so small, it’s time that we embrace it all.”

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Title: Cat Author:

Body, Cat Mind

Dr. Michael W. Fox

On the heels of his recently released book Dog Body, Dog Mind, renowned veterinarian Dr. Michael W. Fox now presents Cat Body, Cat Mind – Exploring Your Cat’s Consciousness and Total Well-Being.

Cats can be complicated creatures, but Dr. Fox helps unravel the mystery by delving into everything you need to know about your feline friend. Learn about the causes and explanations for cat behavior (and how to discourage unwanted behaviors) as well as holistic health care for your feline, including a good diet, natural flea prevention, grooming, avoiding overvaccination, and why cats should never be declawed.

With its comprehensive approach to both physical and mental/ emotional health, Cat Body, Cat Mind will give you the keys to better understanding your feline while helping to ensure he lives a long and healthy life.

Publisher: The Lyons Press

animal wellness

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events November 16-18 - Mundelein, IL Evaluation & Ethics in 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. • Companion Animal Touch & Therapies • 847-782-1963 info@companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com Saturday, November 17 Noon - 4 PM Animal Acres Compassionate Thanksgiving Celebration Celebrate with fellow “Veg pilgrims” and our honored feathered friends as we gather together to encourage people to feed a turkey rather than eat a turkey. Spend an afternoon meeting the sanctuary critters and enjoying a vegan meal with special guest presentations.

Estela Diaz Carmona • 661 269 5404 info@animalacres.org • www.animalacres.org Saturday, December 1 1PM – 5PM - Animal Acres Vegan Diva Day Finally a day for all the things women really care about: beauty and compassion!! An event filled with more care, more fun, and more passion!

Cruelty-free product exhibitors and special surprises in an atmosphere designed for “girlfriends”!

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animal wellness

Bring out the diva in you and join us!

Estela Diaz Carmona • 661 269 5404 info@animalacres.org • www.animalacres.org December 9, 2007- Hollywood.

3.30 PM reception 5PM Show The Bumper Foundation Start your winter festivities off on the right paw.

The Bumper Foundation and friends invite you to ring in the holidays with WIT, WISDOM AND WOOF! Come and enjoy a special fun filled holiday appearance by PAULA POUNDSTONE Sunday Plenty of good cheer, eats n’ treats, surprises, a silent auction, and more, all for the benefit of The Bumper Foundation, a non profit animal rescue organization.• www.bumperfound.org January 4-6, 2008 - Herndon, Va Introduction to Small Animal Massage This class is focused on teaching massage techniques used with animals and an approach to getting the animals to work cooperatively with the practitioner. Prerequisite to the Evaluation & Ethics class. Limited to eight participants.

AKS Massage School • 703-464-0333 AKS@AKSMassageSchool.com www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com January 7-9, 2008 - Herndon, Va Small Animal Anatomy This class includes an overview of all body systems and an in-depth examination of canine

and feline skeletal and muscular anatomy and physiology along with basic first-aid/CPR and emergency acupressure for shock and trauma.

AKS Massage School • 703-464-0333 AKS@AKSMassageSchool.com www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com January 11-13, 2008 - Herndon, VA Evaluation & Ethics in 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 • 703-464-0333 •AKS@AKSMassageSchool.com www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com Jan. 25, 26 & 27, 2008 - MD State Fairgrounds, Timonium.

7th Annual World of Pets Expo The Event for the Pet Enthusiast.

Hundreds of Pet Products and Services * Interactive Pet Exhibits * Seminars by National Experts on Pet Care and Training * Entertainment by International Pet Acts * AKC Dog Agility Trial * Petting Zoo * Parade of Breeds * Just Cattin Around Fun Show * The Bird Whisperer * Reptiles* Fish & Small Animals * Heated Facility & Great Food * Free Parking •Jeanne Emge • 800-882-9894 info@worldofpets.org • www.worldofpets.org

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

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, (214) 615-6506, Ext. 8642.

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.

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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.

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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

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

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

CLAUDIA HEHR – TO TRULY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND ANIMALS – Internationally known Animal Communication Specialist, Author, Speaker, Coach. World-wide consultations.

Health, behaviour, afterlife. Workshops, speaking engagements, tele-classes, grief support groups www.claudiahehr.com, (705) 434-4679

DOGWISE KNOWS DOG BOOKS AND DOG PEOPLE! - Thousands of dog books and videos online at www.dogwise.com or (800)776-2665

Animal Health 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 NEED A HOLISTIC PRODUCT OR PRACTITIONER? - Looking for a school or information about animal health? AMTIL offers a complete spectrum - from herbs and essential oils to color therapy, massage to magnets and more - we’re dedicated to the holistic health of companion animals. Affiliate programs for practitioners and shelter/rescue groups.

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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.

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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.

Healthy Treats TAYLEE TREATS – All natural homemade dog treats. Packaged in biodegradable scooper bags. “Because we care about what goes in your dog...and what comes out!” Customized recipes available. taylee.treats@gmail.com

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 NEWKIRK FAMILY VETERINARIANS (FORMERLY 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 PetAlive.com - Proven herbal and homeopathic remedies for cats and dogs, including kennel

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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.

FEE FOR SERVICE – Temporary home in North-east U.S. needed for multi-cat group. I will buy food, litter. You will feed and maintain their safety. Country residence preferred. Cat rescue organizations welcome to call (718) 496-0736

Schools & Training COMPANION ANIMAL TOUCH & THERAPIES - Training for small animal massage therapy providers; learn to work with animals safely, effectively, and professionally from an experienced instructor. Addresses technique, approach, anatomy, evaluation, ethical and business issues; emphasis given to hands-on learning Info@companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com http://www.AMTIL.com 847-782-1963 (voice) www.companionanimaltouchandtherapies.com 847-782-5725 (fax) PETMASSAGETM 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 ANIMAL SPIRIT HEALING & EDUCATION NETWORK ™ – Teleclass training modules and on-site courses. Animal Communication, Animal Reiki, Shamanic Healing, Grief Support Skills, Tellington TTouch, Flower Essences, Aromatherapy, Species Behavior, Lost Animals, Marketing & Business Development. www.animalspiritnetwork.com, Carol Schultz at 815-254-8325

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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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The tail end

Canine diva extraordinaire

by Carie Burgess

W

hen my husband and I decided to get our first dog, my only requirement was that we get it from the local shelter. He agreed, but added he wanted a male. When I first saw the bundle of fur in kennel No. 6, however, I was done. Since the puppy was female, I told my husband I would let him name her if he caved on gender, and our female Bear was adopted.

Bear grew into a tall, thin, leggy girl with a pretty face, long, shiny black hair, and a serious diva attitude – everything you’d ever want in the next top supermodel. She has also been known to partake of a less-than-healthy diet on occasion, yet never gains a pound (bitch).

Bear is the prissiest dog in the universe. She will walk around puddles to keep her dainty feet clean, and has been known

to stick her head out the dog door to see if it’s raining before going outside.

Once, during an unusually long rainstorm, and after checking the weather three or four times, she turned to look at me as if to say, “Would you make it stop raining already? I have to go!”

At night, Bear beats us to the bedroom to begin the ritual of fluffing up the comforter onto the pillows to make a Special-Bear bed.

The donut beds and various blankets on the floor are clearly inadequate. It’s important to have sufficient cushiness under someone so important. This Special-Bear bed always reminds me of The Princess and the Pea; I’ve often wanted to slip a stuffed animal under the pile to see if Bear would demand its removal.

Bear’s prissy behavior doesn’t stop at dinnertime. We provide an all-natural, organic, people-

quality meal of kibble mixed with canned food that most dogs would love. But Bear regularly takes a mouthful of this wondrous mix, swirls the food around in her mouth, then spits the freshly-cleaned kibble onto the kitchen floor.

Last week, we took Bear and our other two fur-kids, Griswald and Jimmy, to our favorite off-leash dog park. After some walking, lots of meet-n-greets, and a good time splashing in the stream, Griswald and Jimmy were happily exploring and playing fetch. Bear, meanwhile, decided it was time to go home. She lay down in the middle of the path, put her chin between her front feet, rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. Only Bear would get bored at a 17-acre dog park, complete with trails, stream, woods, and at least 50 other dogs.

That was the day she earned the latest of her many nicknames: HRH The Bear. It’s particularly fitting, since she is a kind, gentle, and loving soul, with plenty of good traits to go along with the royal attitude. I’m thinking of contacting Disney to see if she might inspire their next great on-screen princess. Bear is everything you’d want in royalty, and certainly worthy of a little adoration.

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

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animalwellness To advertise in the Ontario Region section of Animal Wellness Magazine, contact Brenda Hoffman at: 647-344-5567 brenda@redstonemediagroup.com

ontario RE

G

ION

Vets at work at the Humane Alliance NSNRT spay/neuter clinic in Ashville, North Carolina.

The Spaycentral Toronto clinic will be built on the NSNRT model.

Spaycentral Toronto

by Jamie Conroy

If you live in the suburbs of Toronto or any other large city, you’ve probably come across more than a few stray dogs and cats struggling to survive. You might help them out by giving them food and water, but wish more could be done to get all these unwanted animals off the streets and into loving homes.

Each year, thousands of cats and dogs end up in shelters because people fail to spay and neuter their animals.

Unfortunately, whether through job loss, under-employment, or other financial stressors, many animal guardians are animal wellness – ontario region

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the first of its kind in the GTA. It plans to charge a flat $50 fee, far below the usual cost of a spay/neuter operation and much more within the reach of low-income animal guardians as well as animal rescue groups and Humane Society branches. “The reason we won’t be offering free surgeries is that free spay/neuter clincs just don’t last,” explains treasurer Shelagh Nerney. “The intention is great, but without charging at least something, they’re soon forced to close their doors.”

By focusing exclusively on spay/neuter surgeries, Spaycentral Toronto, like the Ashville clinic, will be able to do many operations in one day.

unable to afford the cost of a spay/ neuter surgery. Unless this problem is addressed, the number of animals surrendered to shelters won’t significantly decrease, despite educational and public awareness programs; and municipal animal services will continue to spend millions every year on catching,

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sheltering, feeding, and often euthanizing stray dogs and cats.

The good news is that a recentlyformed charitable organization named Spaycentral Toronto is devoting itself to solving this problem by opening a lowcost, high-volume spay/neuter clinic,

Spaycentral Toronto is currently raising funds to finance the start-up costs of its clinic. It will be staffed by licensed veterinarians and vet techs trained in rapid spay/neuter surgery techniques by Humane Alliance’s National Spay Neuter Response Team.

In fact, Spaycentral Toronto is the first Canadian organization to be accepted into this team, which currently has 16 successful spay/neuter clinics operating in the United States. The NSNRT offers a mentoring support program that helps groups in other cities open and run self-financed clinics based on their own business model. It also provides support to its affiliated clinics by offering effective floor plans, itemized shopping lists for clinic equipment and consumables, as well as free training. “The only way to guarantee success and sustainability is to run the clinic like a real business,” says Shelagh.

Provincial regulations require that only spay/neuter surgery is performed in a spay/neuter clinic, so no wellness programs will be offered through Spaycentral Toronto. The veterinarians will instead provide written notification of any health concerns for guardians to take to their regular vets. Since the

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clinic will focus exclusively on sterilization, the goal is to have its vets perform 25 surgeries a day. By being in a position to spay and neuter such a high volume of patients, Spaycentral Toronto expects to play a large role in lowering the number of unwanted dogs and cats in the GTA, and reducing euthanasia rates in shelters.

To find out you can help make the Spaycentral Toronto clinic a reality, and ultimately save lives, visit www.spaycentral.com.

Myth busting Myth #1

Animals become fat, lazy and unhealthy when neutered.

This has nothing to do with neutering. In fact, neutering allows for better health and a longer life, and reduces the risk of infection and cancer in the reproductive system.

Myth #2

A female will benefit from having one litter.

Having a litter can cause health problems, and looking after a litter is time-consuming and expensive.

Myth #3

Children should have the opportunity to learn about the birthing process and to take care of young animals.

A better life lesson is to teach kids to be responsible animal guardians and spay or neuter their dogs and cats.

Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (www.cfhs.ca)

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Cat’s Paradise

by Jamie Conroy

offers a home away from home for feline guests

The stats say that 15% of cat guardians take their feline friends with them when they go on holidays. But travel isn’t for every cat. Felines are creatures of habit and can be easily stressed by car trips. To help meet the needs of cat lovers, boarding facilities designed especially for felines, once unheard of, are starting to grow in popularity.

Cat’s Paradise Spa and Boarding Retreat (www.catsparadise.ca) near Ottawa is one example. This “kittyonly” facility provides a loving, clean and comfortable home away from home for up to 25 cats at a time. It was started in 2004 by Hana Hosenbux, who was unsatisfied with the accommodations available for her own cats while she was on vacation.

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Hammocks, toys, comfy beds and sunshine help ensure that cat guests enjoy their stay in style and comfort.

Located in a peaceful wooded area, Cat’s Paradise offers both short and long-term boarding. No dogs are allowed, for the simple reason that cats can be severely stressed by the noise and close proximity of canine boarders. Each feline guest gets her own spacious indoor area, while a “kitty-flap” leads to a personal outdoor enclosure where she can climb on perches, watch the birds or relax in a hammock on warmer days. The cats are free to go in or out as they please: outdoor felines

receive the fresh air they are accustomed to, while indoor kitties can enjoy a unique and safe outside experience. “It gives them something to do, as opposed to sitting in a cage all day,” says Hana.

You can choose from a variety of themed rooms for your companion, including the jungle room, the Sahara desert room, or the rain forest room. “Some cats enjoy the desert room because of all the stones and hiding places with trees that look dead or fallen.”

Cat guests also have the option of being pampered with grooming, nail clipping and even Reiki, massage or Bowen therapy treatments. Unlike most kennels, Cat’s Paradise offers a wide selection of natural, high quality foods and biodegradable litters. It also accepts titers in lieu of vaccines, so long as the cat has had at least one prior vaccination in his lifetime.

While cats are often perceived as independent creatures, love and attention are important for their well being and happiness. A cat left alone may become distressed or attempt to entertain herself – both of which can often mean trouble.

“Especially if you have one cat, it is important to provide her with a place where she will have some company and interaction with people and other cats,” says Hana. “We strive to meet all mental, physical, and social needs of our four-legged customers.”

If you’re planning to travel or visit with distant relatives and friends this holiday season, it’s important to make arrangements for your cat to ensure she has a happy holiday too. If you can’t take her with you, or find anyone to care for her at home, an all-cat boarding facility like Cat’s Paradise can provide her with a safe, caring and comfortable environment, and you with peace of mind.

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Dr. Daniels makes a chiropractic adjustment on a canine patient.

Adjusting animals was a natural move for

chiropractor Nick Daniels

by Ann Brightman

S

ometimes a career change can take people in a completely new direction in life. That’s what happened to Dr. Nick Daniels, a chiropractor based in Sutton, Ontario. Jaded with his job as a high school teacher, he decided to make a switch. “What attracted me to chiropractic work was a bad neck injury I got as a rugby player,” he says. “I tried the whole gamut of therapies, including medications and anti-flammatories, which did nothing but make my stomach bleed.” Dr. Daniels also tried physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture but nothing seemed to help. It wasn’t until he turned to chiropractic that he found relief. “The response was just astonishing,” he says. “I got very interested in the profession and it all unfolded from there.”

Dr. Daniels has been a human chiropractor for seven years now, although it wasn’t until four years ago that he expanded his practice to include animals.

“It kind of happened by demand,” he says. “In this area, especially the north part of York region, a lot of my human patients have horses. I was asked on a regular basis if I could do adjustments on horses, but had to say no as I wasn’t certified to look at them.” The requests continued, however, so Dr. Daniels decided to train to be an animal chiropractor.

“I went to Dallas, Texas to the Parker College of Chiropractic, which has an animal certification program open to licensed human chiropractors and veterinarians. The certification is through animal wellness – ontario region

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Helping the body heal “Chiropractic is basically about making sure the spine and nervous system are functioning optimally,” says Dr. Daniels.

“The body is self-healing and self-regulating, and those abilities are governed through the nervous system. If there’s an interference with the nervous system because of a problem in the spine, then there’s an interference with the messages between the brain and body, and the body’s ability to heal and regulate. The focus of chiropractic is to maintain the spine’s health, and make sure it’s aligned and functioning so the nervous system can also work properly and the body can heal itself.”

the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association; the College of Chiropractors of Ontario states that a chiropractor must be AVCA certified to practice on animals.”

Today, Dr. Daniels works on dogs, cats and horses as well as people, and has a busy practice that extends through the Durham, York, King and Uxbridge areas and north into Simcoe County.

“The majority of problems I see in dogs are back, hip and pelvic issues. They’re having trouble getting up the stairs, or in and out of vehicles, or they’re limping. I’ve also worked on animals with shoulder, jaw and neck issues.”

When asked about his most memorable cases, Dr. Daniels offers several amazing examples. One involves a pit bull with a jaw problem that prevented him from opening his mouth more than a centimeter or so. “The lady who owned him was having to purée all his food.

He’d had numerous vet visits with no answers, and she was planning on exploratory surgery. At her second visit to me, she said, ‘You wouldn’t believe what happened.’ She’d let the dog out the morning after his first adjustment

and he returned to the door holding his food bowl in his mouth. So there was an almost instantaneous change.”

Other success stories include a cat named Smokey who fell from a two-storey window and subsequently developed urinary incontinence. “Again, there were no vet answers and the medications and injections weren’t working,” says Dr. Daniels. “The owner had been advised to put Smokey down, but after two visits he was a happy cat and hasn’t had an accident since.”

Dr. Daniels also recalls a couple of dogs paralyzed by different accidents but who were up and walking again after several visits to his clinic. “One had been hit by a car and another was jumping for a Frisbee.”

Given his accomplishments, and a lifelong love for dogs, it’s not surprising that Dr. Daniels enjoys what he does and has no plans to change his practice.

“A lot of chiropractors dabble in physiotherapy or acupuncture, but I don’t want to water it down,” he says. “I try to be the best chiropractor I can.”

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

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animal wellness – ontario region

ix

style

dress up Working dogs in

“What’ll I wear to work today?” It’s a question we all ask ourselves, especially if we have a job where appearance is important. These days, more and more people are taking their dogs to work with them, and many spend time considering Rover’s wardrobe as well as their own, according to Colleen Ostoforoff, owner of Toronto-based dog apparel business Jupie Couture (www.jupiecouture.com). x

animal wellness – ontario region

Four years ago, while working outside of the pet industry, Colleen noticed a need to address employees with four-legged children. “The building I worked in had over 20 resident dogs of all shapes and sizes ‘working’ in all types of businesses,” she says. “It was fabulous!” Among those dogs was Colleen’s own toy poodle, Jupiter, affectionately nicknamed Jupie. “Five years ago, it was next to impossible to find clothing that fit her properly and didn’t look like it was meant for

Colleen measures Jupie for a new clothing creation.

something else. I thought, if I feel embarrassed with the coats Jupie might wear, other people must feel that way as well. I really wanted to have some beautiful, elegant and functional clothing items for Jupie. I wanted her clothing to look great on her, not silly.”

Colleen saw a niche that needed to be filled, and Jupie Couture was born. The company specializes in high-end haute couture dog apparel that focuses on quality and style, and includes innovative

yet functional fashions for “uniquelyshaped” dogs. It offers more than 40 items ranging from hoodies, T-shirts and bandanas, to raincoats, jean jackets, ski coats, designer coats and dresses, for casual, formal and workaday wear.

Many of the garments Colleen designs incorporate special features like reflective tape, functional pockets for baggies, or special fabrics from the ski industry for additional warmth and dryness.

“Our lined garments help protect dogs

from snow and rain in the winter and from insect bites in the summer,” says Colleen, adding that considerable thought, research and development goes into each product line. “When designing all the garments, the seams are clean finished so there are no problems with them rubbing on the skin and causing any friction or rashes.”

Recent additions to the Jupie Couture collection include an adjustable winter coat, great for treks back and forth to animal wellness – ontario region

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Fashions include cozy hoodies, like the one modelled by Jupie (left) and raincoats with reflective tape (below).

the office (or the dog park) on snowy days. “My waistline isn’t the only one that tends to grow a bit during the winter,” laughs Colleen. “So does Jupie’s. So I thought, why not protect a dog’s tummy with a winter coat that not only has decorative features, but that wraps around the tummy and expands as needed? It either ties, buckles or clasps on the top of the back, giving the dog ample room to manoeuvre and to ‘slim down’ in the springtime.”

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Given the quality and elegance of Jupie Couture’s creations, it’s not surprising the company is growing by leaps and bounds and tapping into the international as well as the North American market.

Not unexpectedly, Jupie herself plays a big role in running the company. As a ‘working dog’, she’s always on hand to welcome visitors to the head office and is happy to model her clothing

for anyone. “She holds her head high when we walk down the street,” smiles Colleen. “Our dogs are an extension of us, and of our style. When we give them positive reinforcement and pampering, our behavior towards them makes us happier. And you get a more self-confident dog and owner, whether at work or off the job.”

animal communication

Thanks to positive communication, Sheba got through her cancer treatment with a minimum of stress.

Talking positive is the key to effective

by Claudia Hehr

“Why does Kitty always hide when I want to give her medication? She should know I’m not going to hurt her!” How often has a fellow animal lover told you this? Perhaps you’ve been faced with the same dilemma. Many dogs and cats who are ordinarily calm and trusting become scared, stressed or run and hide when it’s time to go to the vet or take medication.

They may even get uncharacteristically aggressive when you try to administer pills. Why do they act like this when all we want is to help them enjoy a long and healthy life?

Nix the negatives When you tell your dog or cat that “no one is going to hurt you”, “you don’t have to stay at the vet’s” or “this procedure is not going to take long and it won’t hurt”, you actually make the problem worse. That’s animal wellness – ontario region

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because when we speak and think, we send out waves and frequencies to our animals. These waves and frequencies can actually be measured, but negations such as “don’t” or “can’t” or “won’t” do not come through. So when you tell your dog or cat that “it won’t hurt,” you actually send out messages, pictures and vibrations of being hurt.

As an example, imagine you have a dog who likes to jump up on people and you tell him “please Charly, don’t jump up.” What you’ve actually done is transmit the message of Charly jumping up. Instead, state what you want, not what you don’t want. That means telling Charly something like “please keep all four feet on the ground”. In the case of administering medication to a reluctant animal, you could say “you are going to be safe” or “I’ll be gentle” and so on.

talk to your animal about upcoming stressful events, remembering to state it all in a positive way. This will help him be more relaxed because he will know exactly what is going to happen.

Hint Say what you want – don’t say what you don’t want.

A wonderful example is Sheba, one of my feline godchildren. Sheba was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy. Her guardians and I spoke with Sheba before she

started treatment and explained the entire process to her in detail. After each treatment, we consulted with her again, asked her about the side effects and what could be done to help her.

We also informed her of each scheduled treatment. The result? The veterinarians and assistants at the clinic Sheba went to remarked that they had never seen a cat so relaxed and cooperative in all the years they had been working there!

By telling your animal friend what is going to happen, avoiding negations and using positive words, your companion will trust you more, things will go more smoothly, and everyone will be happier. That’s the magic of communication!

Don’t keep him in the dark Another mistake many people make is to lure their animals with the promise of a treat, then suddenly shove a pill down their throats or bundle them into a crate and haul them off to the vet. Wouldn’t you be scared if someone grabbed you, put you in a car and dropped you off at a hospital where doctors started some kind of procedure without one word of explanation? Be sure to

Claudia Hehr is a world-renowned animal communication specialist, author, speaker and coach based in

Ontario. She

Alliston,

has been working with

animals and their guardians for over

25

years.

She

has appeared on numerous

television networks, has been profiled on international radio broadcasts and in newspapers and magazines.

Claudia

available for private consultations.

Visit

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