Issuu

ANIMAL

For a long, healthy life!

WELLNESS Natural treatments

NUTRITION

THAT SUPPORTS HIS

FOR SKIN ALLERGIES

RENAL SYSTEM

HOW TO BUILD A

STRONG RECALL

Can

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

IN YOUR DOG

help with cancer?

DOES SHE SHED A LOT? TIPS

FOR DEALING WITH PET HAIR

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LITTER BOX (AND LITTER!) FOR YOUR KITTY

THE LATEST IN

ECO-

FRIENDLY

PET PRODUCTS SPRING 2025

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Columns

CONTENTS Spring 2025

10 ANIMAL

26 FELINE HEALTH

AROMATHERAPY

Best cat litter and litter box tips for a happy, healthy cat

Essential oils for dogs: health, happiness, and safety tips

Aromatherapy can powerfully support your dog’s well-being. Discover the benefits of essential oils and how to use them safely with your canine companion.

Keep your feline happy and healthy by choosing the right cat litter and litter box. Create the perfect litter box environment, and address common problems effectively.

14 ANIMAL

34 CUTTING

The science behind animal communication

Regenerative medicine for dogs and cats — Part 2

COMMUNICATION

Features

ow to train your dog to come 22 Hwhen called

Learn how to build a strong recall in your dog with these seven steps to success.

ow to support your dog’s H renal system

Find out how to support your dog's renal system, from kidneys to bladder. Learn about common health problems, natural treatments, and dietary tips to maintain his well-being.

pet products 38 Sforustainable eco-conscious dog and cat parents

Reduce your dog or cat’s carbon pawprint and support a sustainable lifestyle by switching to eco-friendly pet products, from food to toys.

CVM for skin allergies in 56 Tdogs and cats

From acupuncture to food therapy, TCVM treats skin allergies in dogs and cats by addressing root causes and improving overall well-being.

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EDGE CARE

Investigate the intriguing science behind intuitive animal communication. See how dogs, cats, and other species might connect with humans on a deeper level.

Want to slow the aging process in your animal companion. We focus on therapeutic options used in regenerative medicine, and how they promote better health and longevity.

16 RENAL

RESOLUTIONS

37 SPOTLIGHT

Natural remedies for UTIs in dogs

Rescue dogs on Broadway

Does your dog seem prone to UTIs? Check out the common causes and symptoms, along with natural solutions like cranberry, probiotics, and more.

Two adorable Yorkies play a role in landmark Gypsy revival.

40 HEALING

WITH HERBS

Chinese herbal medicine for dogs and cats — an introduction

18 ANIMAL

BODYWORK

Tui Na for dog endurance training

Boost your dog’s endurance this spring with Tui Na, an ancient Chinese acupressure-massage technique.

Find out how Chinese herbal medicine works to improve your animal companion’s health and help treat a range of conditions.

44 SKIN DEEP

49 THE HUMAN-

Natural treatment for dog itching with Oleander extract

ANIMAL BOND

Here’s how Oleander extract offers a natural solution for your dog’s chronic itching — without suppressing his immune system.

Survey highlights our deep emotional bond with dogs and cats.

Stats show our dogs and cats are no longer just “pets.”

50 KITTY LIFESTYLE

46 MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Cat enclosures for outdoor safely

Did you know immune-boosting medicinal mushrooms can help prevent and treat cancer in dogs and cats?

52 EAR CARE

Medicinal mushrooms for dogs and cats with cancer

Give your cat the best of both worlds! How a cat enclosure lets him enjoy the outdoors while staying safe from danger.

Homeopathy for dogs and cats with ear infections

Here’s how homeopathy can treat your dog or cat's ear infections by addressing the root cause. These natural remedies ease symptoms and help promote lasting health.

54 LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD

How to reduce shedding and manage pet hair at home Find out why dogs and cats shed and check out practical tips to reduce shedding and keep your home free of pet hair.

60 TECHNOLOGY

Thinking of buying a pet cam?

A pet cam is a great way to keep tabs on your dog or cat when you’re away from home. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a pet cam.

62 WELL GROOMED How to find a holistic cat groomer

Find a holistic cat groomer who values your kitty's comfort and well-being. Get tips on what to look for, questions to ask, and how to ensure a stress-free grooming experience.

Departments 8 From the Editor

59 Newsworthy

25 In the News

64 Let's Get Social

32 Product Picks

65 Marketplace

33 Need to Know

65 Classifieds

Social Media

Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine

Nutrition videos, recipes and more! Animal Wellness Magazine

Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine

Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness

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RENAL RESOLUTIONS

Natural remedies for UTIs in dogs BY JENNIFER HINDERS

Does your dog seem prone to UTIs? Check out the common causes and symptoms, along with natural solutions like cranberry, probiotics, and more.

Frequent urination, accidents in the house, and blood in your dog’s pee may indicate a urinary tract infection. These signs require prompt attention. In this article, we’ll focus on the causes and symptoms, along with natural remedies for UTIs in dogs.

WHAT CAN CAUSE A UTI IN YOUR DOG? Dogs get urinary tract infections when bacteria such as E. coli enter their urinary tract. A UTI affects the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. It causes discomfort and inflammation. According to scientific research, 14% of dogs get at least one UTI in their lifetime. Several factors can cause UTIs in dogs: •W eak or compromised immune system: This can be due to an autoimmune problem, old age, or a poor diet. • I ron deficiency: If your dog is low in iron, they may be unable to fight off infections like UTIs. • F emale gender: Female dogs are at a higher risk for UTIs. Their shorter urethras are more susceptible to infection compared to male dogs’. • C atheter use: Dogs receiving a catheter for surgical procedures or other treatments face higher risk for UTIs. As with humans, catheters can promote bacteria in a dog’s urinary tract. • M edications: Certain drugs increase your dog’s susceptibility to urinary tract infections. These include steroids and other medications used for autoimmune diseases.

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HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR DOG HAS A UTI? A dog with a UTI may not have a fever or other noticeable signs of infection. However, common symptoms include: • F requent urination • D ifficulty urinating • H aving peeing accidents in the house • B ad odor from the urine • B lood in the urine • C onstant licking of genitals

WHY DO SOME DOGS GET FREQUENT UTIS? “Smaller breeds or female dogs with a recessed vulva are prone to UTIs,” says veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier. “However, in many cases, there is no clear reason why a dog contracts this infection. In my practice, dogs with recurrent infections are checked for bladder stones or tumors. They may also need a referral for evaluation of congenital issues.” Certain medical problems may also make your dog susceptible to frequent UTIs. These include conditions such as: • D iabetes • B ladder or kidney stones • I ncontinence — fecal or urinary

• C ushing’s disease • S pinal disc disease • C ancer • K idney disease

WHICH ANTIBIOTICS ARE USED TO TREAT CANINE UTIS?

What are some natural ways to prevent UTIs in your dog?

If your vet diagnoses a UTI in your dog, they may recommend antibiotics to get the infection under control. Following are four typical antibiotics prescribed for canine UTIs:

A variety of supplements can help give your dog a healthier urinary tract that resists infection. These urinary acidifiers naturally disinfect the urinary tract and deter bacteria. They include:

1. Ciprofloxacin: kills E-coli and staph infections 2. Trimethoprim sulfa: commonly used to treat UTIs in dogs 3. Amoxicillin 4. Doxycycline: prevents bacterial growth

WHAT NATURAL REMEDIES HELP TREAT A UTI? The severity and type of bacterial infection determine if antibiotics are the only solution. According to Dr. Messonnier, herbs like Marshmallow, Cranberry and Uva Ursi can help, along with the homeopathic remedy Catharsis. For best results, work with your holistic or integrative vet before giving your dog any herbs or homeopathics. Ensure your dog drinks plenty of water so they can urinate frequently. Consider giving them wet food to increase their fluid intake. Urinary tract infections are no fun for you or your dog. If your dog shows signs of a UTI, consult your vet. They may need a course of antibiotics. However, natural remedies for UTIs in dogs can help treat the problem and may even prevent it from recurring.

• Cranberry extract • Vitamin C

• Methionine • D-mannose

If your dog has stones, a tumor, or another health condition causing frequent UTIs, address that first. Consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog these or any other supplements. Here are some additional suggestions for preventing UTIs in your dog: 1. K eep their water bowl clean. 2. P rovide them with 24/7 access to clean, pure water. 3. F eed your dog a healthy, natural, high-quality diet. 4. T ake them for regular veterinary checkups.

Are you giving your dog probiotics? Antibiotics eliminate the bacteria causing urinary tract infections but also destroy the good bacteria in your dog's gut. Give your dog probiotics during their antibiotic course to prevent the loss of good bacteria. A complete high-quality probiotic can help: • Prevent yeast infections • Get rid of diarrhea • Improve your dog's coat and skin • Help fight allergies • Eliminate itching, scratching and paw biting • Increase your dog's muscle mass • Improve their energy level When choosing a probiotic for your dog, consider the following points: • Choose a product with these strains: Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Bacillus subtills. • Look for probiotics with documented studies listed on the package. • Use a product recommended by your holistic or integrative vet. • Opt for powdered probiotics — they’re easier to administer to a dog because you can control the dosage more easily.

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FELINE HEALTH

BEST CAT LITTER and litter box tips

for a happy, healthy cat BY CLAUDIA BENSIMOUN Keep your feline happy and healthy by choosing the right cat litter and litter box. Create the perfect litter box environment, and address common problems effectively.

Making sure your cat is happy with his litter box is key to his comfort, health, and well-being. No one solution fits all cats. So, it's up to you to carefully choose a litter and litter box that suit your feline’s unique needs and preferences. Here are the best cat litter and litter box tips for a happy, healthy cat.

AN EASY-TO-ACCESS 1 CHOOSE LITTER BOX Buy a quality litter box made of durable materials that you can clean easily. Make sure it’s comfortable for your cat to access. For older cats or those with mobility issues, choose a litter box with lower walls. This makes it easier for them to get in and out. “Another option would be to modify a standard litter box by cutting down the wall on one side,” says veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter. “Or use a tray rather than a conventional litter box so the cat can just walk on to the litter. Ultimately, the best choice is what works best for your cat.” KEEP IN MIND: Studies show that small box size contributes to litter box aversion. Veterinarians recommend using a box 1.5 times the cat’s body length. Research also indicates that older cats are stricter about litter box hygiene than younger ones.

THE RIGHT CAT 2 MAKE LITTER CHOICE There are many types of cat litter to choose from, including clay, silica gel, grains, coconut husks, and pine sawdust (see sidebar on page 27 for more). Each type offers unique

Animal Wellness

properties that match the specific preferences cats develop at different life stages. Low-dust and low-tracking litters help cats with respiratory issues and allergies stay comfortable. A healthy adult cat is less prone to litter allergies, but kittens and seniors are more vulnerable. “Although true allergies to litter are uncommon, some cats are sensitive to the dust,” says Dr. Richter. “Cats may sneeze or show signs of other respiratory issues. There are many ‘low dust’ options out there, including litter made from wood or recycled paper. For cats in which dust is a very significant issue, litter pearls provide a dust-free option.” Experiment with different types of litter to find the one your cat prefers. Always choose litter that is safe, non-toxic, and offers odor control and clumping. If you try a new litter and your cat avoids the litter box, then it’s not the right product for him. KEEP IN MIND: Your cat’s life stage may influence changes in litter preferences. Kittens and senior cats are more sensitive to litter than cats in midlife, which means you may have to make some switches as your cat matures or ages.

A HEALTHY LITTER 3 CREATE BOX ENVIRONMENT Improper placement or too few litter boxes (especially in multi-cat homes) can discourage use. “Giving cats options and privacy can lower stress and make them more comfortable using the litter box,” says Dr. Richter. Locate the

litter box in a quiet but accessible area. If you have more than one cat, provide more than one box. Cats that are older or have mobility issues benefit from a litter box on each floor of the house

4 SCOOP THE LITTER BOX OFTEN Cats prefer clean bathrooms just like people do. Premium litters with natural clumping binders can last weeks, but you should still scoop the litter box daily. Most of the time, the more often you scoop, the better performance you’ll get from the litter.

CHANGING LITTER BOX HABITS CAN WARN OF HEALTH ISSUES A change in your cat’s litterbox habits could signal a health or behavioral problem. This makes it important to monitor his litter box use, know what changes to watch for, and how to address them effectively. KEEP IN MIND: Just like us, cats experience stress from different life events. This can trigger anxiety, hiding, changes in appetite, excessive grooming, aggression — and sometimes elimination outside the litter box.

“When stress or anxiety is an issue, holistic options such as calming pheromone products, essential oils, cannabis (CBD), herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies are often helpful in mitigating symptoms,” says Dr. Richter. “Frequent urination may signal a UTI, kidney problems, or other health issues,” he continues. “Straining to urinate could indicate irritation or a urinary obstruction in male cats, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. “Any changes in behavior regarding the litter box, such as more frequent trips, less frequent trips, spending more time while there, etc., should all be taken seriously and warrant a call to the vet.” KEEP IN MIND: Depending on the problem, nutritional changes may be warranted as part of the treatment plan for litter box-related issues, such as stress, recurring UTIs, diarrhea and constipation.

“Appropriate therapy depends on the underlying issue,” says Dr. Richter. “Nutritional and dietary changes are the most impactful when it comes to preventing or treating medical conditions that may manifested as changes in litter box behavior.

THE LATEST IN CAT LITTER TYPES • Tofu litter features lightweight tofu by-products with exceptional clumping for easy cleaning. It’s made from food waste and is a sustainable, dustfree formula for sensitive noses and paws. •C offee and coffee bean litter is made from decaffeinated coffee and coffee bean waste and is another sustainable cat litter solution for unique odor control and good clumping abilities. It's also nearly dust-free for easy litter box maintenance. • Cereal litter features upcycled food waste byproducts, including millet, corn, buckwheat, wheat, soy, and peas. This lightweight and very absorbent cat litter formula features a woody aroma that neutralizes odor. •W ood fiber litter is made entirely from sustainably sourced wood fibers and is a biodegradable plantbased cat product. It features no dyes, chemicals, or artificial fragrances. •G reen tea and hinoki cypress litter helps suppress bacteria and nasty odors naturally without using fragrances. This low-dust formula is 90% lighter than clay and works well for cats suffering from allergies and asthma. It also features natural binders for clumping. •H ealth monitoring litter, made with bentonite, features health monitoring technology. Granules change color to blue when they detect blood or glucose in urine, offering early warnings of UTIs and diabetes.

“We use herbs and acupuncture as well,” he adds. “Things like urinary bladder irritation/inflammation, recurring UTIs, constipation, diarrhea, and stress-related behaviors can all benefit from holistic therapy. However, it is important to note that there are times when Western medicine is required, particularly when it comes to infections.” Litter box problems aren’t uncommon. But by following the best cat litter and litter box tips for a happy, healthy cat, you can minimize or even prevent them. Choose the right litter and box for your cat’s needs and preferences. Situate the box in the right spot and scoop it often. And be sure to keep your cat healthy with a nutritious diet and low-stress lifestyle.