Pet Wellness

A Mediaplanet Guide to Pet Health

Pet Wellness

Gabriel Iglesias The comedian talks about life with his dogs during the stay-at-home era

Tips and tricks on how to groom your dog at home What happens after you adopt a new kitten while working from home?

DECEMBER 2020 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM

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Is It Time to Embrace CBD for Pets?

human food. But Chewie loves his ice cream, mangoes, and sweet potatoes.

Studies are slowly supporting CBD for pets. Kadenwood is going the extra step to deliver safe and effective products for our furry friends.

Going beyond research First, we researched the data related to calming and hip/joint mobility for dogs and cats. With that baseline, we layered in natural sources of antiinflammatory ingredients such as Moringa oil and Krill oils in the Purity Preferred calming formula.

Inflammation is at the heart of conditions such as anxious behaviors and slow mobility in elder pets.

In Purity Preferred’s Hip & Joint products, Copaiba oils are included, adding to our proprietary broadspectrum CBD, Moringa oil, and Krill oil.

Once the ingredients were carefully selected, the exact serving suggestions were developed specifically for dogs and cats. Importantly, the serving size must be specific to their weight range. Purity Preferred Pet is designed to serve specific weight classes: 0–20 pounds, 21–40 pounds, 41–60 pounds, and 61+ pounds.

At Kadenwood, our medical advisory team includes the former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S., and practicing anesthesiologist Aaron J. Przybysz, M.D. Ph.D. The advisory team provides insight into effective administration forms, active ingredients, and dose parameters.

Cristina Weekes, President, Kadenwood Pet This has been paid for by Kadenwood Pet.

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PHOTO: @HI_IM_CHEWIE

Cannabidiol (CBD) for pets is an emerging sector focused primarily on two areas: calming and hip/joint mobility for pets. Thus far, safety and efficacy studies show promising and effective solutions for pets. For example, Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine found promising results for the administration of CBD for dogs with osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately, most CBD products today were developed for humans and relabeled for dogs and cats. At Kadenwood, we took a science-based approach to developing products specifically for our furry family members with Purity Preferred Pet CBD products.

As a food lover, do you have a favorite new food trend?

Hi, I’m Chewie, The High-Five Pom Because of COVID-19, Chewie (@hi_im_chewie) has paused his traveling days and is now staying at home. His paw-rents discuss how life changed since the lockdown.

How has COVID-19 changed your daily schedule?

We, Chewie’s human mom and dad, both have full-time jobs.

We started Chewie’s account to document his life in a fun way.

As his platform started gaining more recognition, he got invites to hotels, restaurants, movie premieres, and other fun events.

However, because of COVID19, a lot of these events have been canceled. Naturally, Chewie’s life changed. He can’t share his life traveling to new places, trying new restaurants, and staying at trending pet-friendly hotels anymore. Instead, he’s sharing his life as a stay-at-home pom-kid.

He sleeps most of the time while we’re working from home. Other times, he plays in our backyard.

His daily life has indeed changed but we can’t wait to go back to how things were. We miss seeing our friends and sharing all the new pet-friendly places that we’ve been to.

What is one of your top diet needs?

We don’t have any specific diet needs. We just try to eat a well-balanced diet. Although, cheat days are getting more popular in our house. Chewie is a picky eater and does not usually eat the food in his photos.

We are his taste testers for all

This is a tough question. We love food, all types of food. Since COVID-19, we’ve been cooking a lot more at home. It’s going great. We dug up our old family recipes, trying to recreate all the yummy dishes that we missed having before COVID-19. Homecooked meals have been our food trend lately.

Have you had to make any diet changes over the years to better support your health?

We just try to consume a balanced diet. Do we eat super healthy? No. Do we love eating?

Yes. We’ve eliminated alcohol consumption over the years.

Although, once in a while, we will have a glass of wine or whisky. As for Chewie, we’ve been adding in more supplements into his food to support overall health.

What has been your favorite quarantine activity?

Spending quality time together at home. Before, between our busy work schedule and scheduling Chewie’s event calendar, we never had any downtime to just enjoy life. We recently got engaged, so we spent a lot of time planning out our wedding next year. As for Chewie, he is definitely enjoying all the time with us. He’s getting more snacks and unlimited belly scratches all throughout the day. n

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Publisher Adare Kennedy Business Developer Abe Freedberg Managing Director Luciana Olson Lead Designer Tiffany Pryor Designer Tiffany Jackson Lead Editor Mina Fanous Copy Editor Luigi Leonardo Partnerships and Distribution Manager Jordan Hernandez Director of Sales Stephanie King Director of Product Faye Godfrey Cover Photo Paul Mobley All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

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How to Groom Your Dogs at Home Since going out is still risky, pet grooming has turned into a difficult chore. Here’s an easy guide to start grooming your dog at home.

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e’re living in unprecedented times.

Amid the uncertainty, we shouldn’t forget about our four-legged friends at home.

They’re affected, too. It’s essential to maintain a routine for their grooming needs.

Keeping their ears, coat, nails, and teeth in good shape is a big part of a dog’s health. If you can’t get to a groomer, there’s a lot you can do at home. Here are some tips to start grooming at home if you can’t make it out right now.

Coat Different dog breeds have

different grooming needs, especially depending on their coat type. Some require daily, weekly, or occasional brushing. Some may need more frequent bathing than others. It’s always best to check with your veterinarian before trying something new on your dog.

Ears Hold the ear in your hand.

Look and feel the outside to check for any scratches, bumps, or other issues. Next, check the inside. If their ears look dirty, use a clean cloth, cotton ball, or cotton swab. Moisten the material with ear wash to remove the

dirt or wax. However, if you decide to use a cotton swab, be extremely careful to not put the swab into your dog’s ear canal.

Nails Use sharp trimmers appropriately sized for your dog.

Hold the paws gently and make sure to praise your dog.

Look at the nail surface — the black dot is the quick. It’s a vein and clipping it will hurt your dog. Stop clipping when you see it. Keep styptic powder on hand in case you make a mistake.

Try clipping one nail per day and keep the sessions short and fun. Most dogs will

adjust quickly to weekly nail trims. Reward your dog with a great treat for a job well done. Trim the nails weekly, or at the very least, monthly.

The more frequently you trim your dog’s nails, the more the quick will recede, making it less likely that you will clip it.

Teeth Apply a small amount of canine toothpaste to either your finger or a dog toothbrush. Let them taste it first.

Get your dog accustomed to the various types of brushing: from touching and opening the lips to lightly touching the teeth with your finger.

These steps could take days

or weeks. It’s important to be patient with your dog.

Working from the outside of the upper-middle and upper teeth, move outwards to each side. Repeat on the bottom teeth. Get as far back as possible on all sides, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle.

Never use toothpaste intended for humans. Use only veterinarian-approved toothpaste for dogs. Check the ingredient list to ensure there is no xylitol. Xylitol, a common ingredient in human toothpaste, is potentially fatal to dogs. n Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer, American Kennel Club

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Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Clean and Healthy Dogs can suffer through oral problems without us knowing about it. Dr. Sasha Naugler talks about the importance of brushing your dog’s teeth.

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f you’ve ever had a toothache, you know you wouldn’t wish it on anyone, particularly your beloved dog. Regardless, most dogs still suffer silently from preventable and painful dental problems.

We spoke to Dr. Sasha Naugler, a veterinarian in Tucson, Arizona, about why regular teeth cleaning — yes, we mean brushing — is one of the most important ways you can support dental health. Proper oral hygiene can spare your pup from pain and promote better health and a longer life.

“Oral health has a huge impact on a dog’s quality of life,” she said.

“If you can stay on top of it, you can keep a number of problems at bay.”

Those problems include acute and chronic pain, gingivitis, tooth decay, advanced periodontal disease, bone loss, difficulty chewing, and a reduction in lifespan.

These issues are far from rare. Periodontal disease is the ​most common health problem in dogs​. Eighty percent of dogs have some form of it by the time they reach two.

Besides interfering with oral health, the bacteria living in a dog’s mouth can end up elsewhere in the body and damage major organs.

“Good dental care can prolong pets’ lives for years,” Naugler said.

“I had no idea my dog was in pain.”

Dr. Naugler often hears owners express surprise when they learn their dog has dental disease and that they could be in chronic pain. There are two reasons for this unawareness.

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First, the trouble advances slowly.

Dogs often acclimate to their discomfort, and any behavioral changes happen so gradually that they go unnoticed. Second, dogs have an instinct to keep their pain hidden.

So, you can’t rely on appearances or wait for a condition to become acute. You have to be diligent about dental care.

What’s a dog owner to do?

Though some treats and toys have been formulated to scrape away tooth bacteria, if you really want to keep your dog’s teeth healthy, you need to brush them regularly.

The American Kennel Club lists

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brushing as the No. 1 strategy for keeping a dog’s teeth clean. Their literature explains, “Just like with people, it’s ideal to brush teeth daily. If you don’t have time for that, brushing teeth at least once a week will suffice, though the more often the better.”

Dr. Naugler concurred. “Ideally, you want to start when dogs are young,” she said. “By rubbing their gums and playing with their mouths, you can get them accustomed to having your hands in there.” Make brushing part of your dog’s routine, and it will become normalized.

How do you brush a dog’s teeth?

First, never use human toothpaste

on your dog. As the American Kennel Club explains, “many human toothpastes contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.”

Instead, choose a toothpaste formulated for pets, with enzymes to combat plaque and tartar. Vet’s Best, for example, is veterinarian-formulated from plant-based ingredients to remove bacteria and freshen breath. It’s strong and effective, but still safe and natural.

Second, look for a toothbrush specially designed for dogs. The ​Vet’s Best toothbrush​has soft bristles to be gentle on a dog’s gums, plus three brush heads that let you clean all sides of your dog’s teeth simultaneously.

For those pets who don’t do well with a toothbrush and toothpaste, dental wipes are a good alternative.

You might consider using dog mouthwash (an additive that goes in your dog’s water) to freshen breath and clean gums. See what works best for your dog and remember to be patient.

Your goal is to instill a routine.

Professional cleanings are still a must In the same way that humans visit the dentist regularly, you’ll want to get your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned as your vet deems necessary.

Moreover, regular brushing can prolong the time between cleanings, which translates into significant long-term savings and perhaps a longer life for your beloved pet. Two more wonderful reasons to make toothbrushing part of your dog’s healthy, happy life. n Sara Rosinsky, Writer, Vet’s Best MEDIAPLANET

A one-of-a-kind plan

for your one-of-a-kind pet.

Pets Best offers a wide range of pet insurance plans, pricing and coverage options to help eliminate the stress, heartache, and uncertainty associated with being a pet parent.

From routine care to emergency surgery, we help provide peace of mind for both expected and unexpected vet expenses.

Along with CareCredit, Pets Best offers a lifetime of care for your pets.

Get your custom quote and a 5% discount* Scan the QR code or visit petsbest.com/usatoday

*5% discount applies to BestBenefit plans for first policy term; discount not available in AK, FL, HI, or TN. Additional 5% discount if insuring more than one pet.

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company, or Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company.

Pets in the Post-Pandemic World The pandemic has proven the increasing importance of pets for everyone’s physical and mental health. Steven Feldman predicts the future of pets after the pandemic.

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or most of us, pets have been bright spots during the ongoing pandemic. According to current estimates, 67 percent of American households have pets.

However, this number can only have grown during the pandemic amid more pet adoptions.

Pets have found their way into our hearts and every aspect of our lives. There’s no going back. Here are my predictions for a more pet-friendly post-pandemic society: Prediction 1: Pets will be acknowledged as essential to

better mental health Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. The pandemic has created additional stress for everyone. One reason pets are having their moment is their positive impact on mental health. Research shows companion animals reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The pandemic has accelerated society’s recognition of these benefits.

Prediction 2: Pets will become permanent co-workers Millions of Americans are working from home. Pets are beneficiaries of this trend

as they get better care and attention from their owners.

Employees are also more likely to be productive and collaborative when pets are present. In the post-pandemic world, all companies will need to show genuine concern for employees’ health. According to surveys, 91 percent of employees who work for a pet-friendly company say their company supports their physical health and wellness.

Prediction 3: Demand for pet-inclusive housing will grow A Human Animal Bond Research Institute survey

studied the state of pet-friendly rental housing. Faced with numerous restrictions, 72 percent of renters say that pet-friendly housing is hard to find. The ongoing housing disruptions will potentially make things even harder for pet owners. To keep families together, more pet-friendly housing will be needed.

Prediction 4: Pets will receive a higher level of veterinary care Veterinary care is essential for pets, but veterinarians are facing many challenges on how to safely deliver care. Some states have allowed veterinarians to

offer telehealth options for pet owners. Pet owners want more of these services, so barriers to virtual care will continue to fall.

Prediction 5: Lawmakers will enact policies to support pet ownership and care Pandemic-borne economic hardship will affect many pets. Already, 69 percent of all pet owners believe that the government should help make pet care more affordable. Pet-related policies should increase in the future. n Steven Feldman, Executive Director, Human Animal Bond Research Institute

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UDDLY, a mission-driven fundraising platform, works with over 2,100 different animal rescues helping crowdsource financial and product donations from their 250,000-person donor base to help the rescues take care of, and, in many cases, save the lives of animals.

“Unfortunately, so many of the pets on our site are actually victims of abuse and neglect,” says Bridget Bowhay, CUDDLY’s director of content and social media, noting animals often have physical injuries like broken legs, emaciation, and mange. Other animals have cancer, dental problems, heartworm, and more.

People can connect daily with CUDDLY on social media, 6

How One Organization Is Improving Life for Animals in Rescue Shelters Animal lovers are passionate about saving dogs, cats, and other pets. Now, one business is helping animal-welfare organizations worldwide create product wish lists and fundraising campaigns. where they see the animals and learn about the need.

Donors can contribute to a specific animal or they can sign up through a monthly donor program called CUDDLY Club, where the organization can distribute the funds as needed.

Making a difference “We have a lot of animal rescues who have actually been

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able to increase the number of animals they take in and, more than that, really expand their efforts to make facilities for themselves,” she says.

That’s exactly what happened to John Flores, founder of iPittytheBull, a pitbull rescue in Southern California. He’s worked with CUDDLY for the past three years, crediting them with raising

over $30,000 to help with 30 dogs. For example, funds paid for one dog to have a softball-sized tumor removed; raised the money for him to build a smaller rescue facility; and paid for an isolation room for puppies who are sick or nursing.

Flores is grateful for CUDDLY, saying the group can fundraise for his charity and

others more than they can do themselves.

Over the past six years, CUDDLY has crowdsourced $20 million to help improve the lives of animals. They’re looking forward to helping more animals survive and thrive.

Says Bowhay: “We’re like a hub for all of these wonderful animal rescues who are spending every day sacrificing so much out of their own lives so that they can make the world a little bit better.” n Kristen Castillo

Learn more about animal welfare at cuddly.com.

Developing the Best Pet CBD Products With Austin & Kat One of the first developers of CBD products for pets, Austin and Kat continue to develop the best natural care for your pets.

Can you tell us more about how and why you started Austin and Kat? My beloved dog, Brady, was aging and needed a little help getting up in the morning. Meanwhile, I had introduced a puppy into the family (hello, Austin). I wanted to keep Brady as healthy as possible. Our vet let us try cannabidiol (CBD) for him. I immediately got to work in the kitchen.

What were some of the first improvements you saw in Brady after he started taking CBD?

Honestly, there were so many iterations in the first batches. But when I eventually came up with a recipe that Brady liked, I knew I was on to something. Within an hour, he was walking around the house like his younger self again.

How did Austin’s demeanor change, compared to Brady’s?

As a rambunctious pup, Austin had a completely different set of needs. Unlike Brady, Austin was always up by 5:30 a.m. After a CBD regimen, he relaxed into his daily routine. He can even go off-leash while hiking.

Honestly, Austin is the dog he is today because of how incredibly healthy he is.

How does a prospective customer decide which product will be best for their furry friend?

Look for complete transparency. We share our lab results online and work with top vets and nutritionists. We provide the best ingredients to create the most effective hemp pet supplements.

We’ve been in this space for a longer time than most.

It’s an ever-changing space. I’ll always encourage my customers to find authentic and reliable products.

Do you have a go-to product for your own pets?

Brady, though he’s since passed on, inspired our senior dog blend, with things like turmeric, glucosamine, chondroitin, and New Zealand green mussel to help keep your aging pet comfortable.

And for Bailey, my nervous nellie, my No More Wiggles tincture helps during anxious situations. It’s made with calming botanicals like valerian, rosemary, and passionflower to keep the jumpy dogs calm and quiet.

I give Austin my original recipe biscuits, made with coconut oil, turmeric, cinnamon, apples, and peanut butter. n Kat Donatello, Founder, Austin and Kat This has been paid for by Austin and Kat.

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Going on the Road With Gabriel Iglesias and His Chihuahuas Gabriel Iglesias goes on tours every year. Every time, he takes his two chihuahuas with him. He talks about his dogs and his new Nickelodeon show.

How long have you had your two chihuahuas?

Did you always know you wanted to get chihuahuas?

I’ve had Risa for 15 years and Vinnie for 8 years. Since I was a little boy, I’ve had chihuahuas. My love for them started with my first little guy, Dino.

What is your favorite activity to do with them? Has that changed in quarantine?

I love just getting them in the car and going for a nice drive. We then end up hitting a drive-thru and getting them a pup-accino. The main difference now is all the barking when they see masks at the drive-thru.

As we can tell from your Instagram, these two are avid travelers. Do they come on the road with you every time?

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Do you have any tips for traveling with dogs?

I take them every single time. They’ve already been to more than 35 states. My main tip is to get them used to traveling by gradually taking them from short to longer trips in the car.

How did you come to land on the nickname “Fluffy?”

Many years ago, my mom called me Fluffy. She made it a point to tell me that I wasn’t fat, I was just fluffy.

Do you have a favorite chihuahua joke?

I have a 4-lb chihuahua that has no sense of humor, so I will respectfully pass on a joke.

Can you tell us a little more about your new show, “Unleashed,” on Nickelodeon?

The show did a great job of gathering the most impressive animal acts that you’ll ever see. We have a squirrel that can water ski. Enough said! n PHOTO: PAUL MOBLEY

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY AGOSTINA SCHENONE

Now pain has a voice AND YOU CAN HEAR IT.

Know precisely how much pain your companion is in.

Ask your vet or visit us at paintrace.com. © 2020 Copyright. USA FDA Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of healthcare professionals for animal use and for investigational use for human research. The PainTrace® device and the BioTraceIT™ Application are covered under United States and International patent protection.

Our pets cannot tell us when they are hurting. Untreated pain shortens lifespan, delays healing and reduces quality of life. PainTrace® visualizes a direct pain biosignal generated from your animals peripheral and central nervous system. With PainTrace®, you and your veterinarian now have a precise objective pain assessment to assist treatment decisions, putting your loved one on the road to recovery.

Our Pets Can Feel Pain, Too Two distinguished veterinarians, Dr. Tammy Grubb and Dr. Ralph Harvey, answer important questions about pain as it relates to pet wellness.

How have you seen the animal pain management industry evolve over the years?

The role of animals in our lives has shifted dramatically. Animal pain has become an essential concern. A doubling of the average pet’s lifespan over the last 40 years increases the need for veterinary care. With new tools like PainTrace, we can measure pain, assess pain relief, and better document our care.

What are some of the most common misconceptions regarding animal pain?

The most common myth is that animals don’t feel pain. The reality is that the mammalian pain pathway is similar among species. If humans feel pain, animals most certainly feel pain. The problem is that animals are programmed to hide pain.

What are some of the best ways to protect one’s pet from pain and suffering?

Pain negatively impacts your pet’s health and quality of life. The best way to protect your pet is to recognize it early. Spend time with your pet and learn its normal behavior.

Change from normal behavior is a common sign of pain. Choose a veterinarian who is proactive about preventing or treating pet pain. Ask your veterinarian if you can use pain assessment tools.

What steps do you recommend pet owners take to better educate themselves on the health and well-being of their pet?

Start by talking to a veterinarian. They can help guide owners to medically accurate resources. They can then recognize problems, like early warning signs of arthritis, so that important conditions are addressed.

Tamara Grubb, DVM, PhD, DACVAA; Ralph C Harvey, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVAA, UTCVM Ret.

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Adjusting to Pandemic Pets If the “pandemic puppy” or “quarantine kitten” cuteness is wearing off, now is the time to establish a support system that includes your veterinary team.

One out of every three Americans have either adopted or fostered a new pet during the COVID-19 pandemic, or have considered it, according to a TD Ameritrade survey. The number is even higher for millennials: 50 percent got a new pet or thought about it.

But, as the newness of the pandemic pets wears off, some things that seemed cute at first might become frustrating.

Aggressive behavior, health problems, and the pet growing larger than expected accounted for 47 percent of rehomed dogs and 42 percent of rehomed cats, according to ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey.

Pet owners don’t have to face these problems alone.

The right veterinary team can help by providing quality healthcare, as well as giving educated advice on nutrition, vaccinations, and behavior-modification strategies.

Veterinarians can help According to the National Council on Pet Population and Policy, 33 percent of dogs and 46.9 percent of cats relinquished to shelters had never been to a veterinarian. Reasons for not visiting the vet are likely to include cost and stress for you and your pet.

The cost of care Contrarily, bringing your pet to the veterinarian more often can save you more money. Wellness exams help spot disease symptoms earlier, keep up with vaccinations, and monitor changes through different life stages.

Compare prices for the right pet insurance to cover wellness exams and cut the out-of-pocket cost for vaccinations, spaying/ neutering, and emergency procedures. Without insurance, there may be payment plans or credit options to cover large expenses.

Visit your vet team When it’s possible to do so safely, you can stop by pet hospitals to familiarize your pet with their veterinary team. Bring your pet in occasionally just to say “hi” and get a belly rub or a treat.

To ease your cat’s fear, you might leave their carrier out

rather than tucked away in a closet or garage. Also, put treats inside to make it a less scary place.

Choose an accredited hospital The quality of veterinary practices varies as much as in any other professional service. You might need to check out several before finding the right fit. This is going to be your support team throughout your pet’s life, so don’t hesitate to shop around.

Look for a hospital that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). AAHA evaluates veterinary practices on more than 900 standards in areas such as cleanliness, safety, best practices in patient care, and disease prevention. If a hospital is accredited by AAHA, you can be confident that they have done the work to prove that they are upholding the highest veterinary standards. For help finding an accredited veterinarian in your area, check out our AAHA-accredited hospital locator tool. n Cara Hopkins, Writer/Editor, American Animal Hospital Association MEDIAPLANET

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The Singing Vet Gives His Advice for New Pet Owners Dr. Ross Henderson talks about what new pet owners should expect whenever they adopt a new furry friend into their household.

Pet Ownership Through the Ages

How long have you been a veterinarian?

Since July 4, 2015. It’s been almost six years now.

What is the best part of your job?

It’s a profession that gives you access to people in such a unique way. I can’t even tell you how many of my clients are now my close friends because we’ve walked through victories and defeats together. Generally speaking, pet owners are an amazing part of the human population. They are giving and caring people. Throw in some cute animals, what could be better?

What are the top misconceptions for new pet owners?

New pet owners often have a misconstrued idea of how much their new pet is going to change their whole world. Ninety-nine percent of that is in an amazing way. Their new four-legged family member has the capacity to open up parts of their heart they never knew they had. The owner gets to decide how much of themselves they are willing to hand over to their pet. It’s amazing and magical.

What do you wish more pet owners knew before coming in for a visit?

They need an accurate idea of what we do and why we do it. We devote our lives to caring for animals, and we put our blood, sweat, and tears into it. We are always refining and learning. As a whole, a vet practice is a unit with many heads and hands for the best possible care to your pet. But most importantly, we are on your team.

What advice would you give new pet owners?

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It will require a lot of time and a significant investment of money. If you have any questions, always ask your veterinarian or veterinary staff. The internet is not always gospel.

What are some of the best ways to prepare for a new pet to join your family?

Research on what type of animal fits your lifestyle.

Different breeds of dogs can seem like a completely different species because of how vastly different their needs and behaviors are. For example, an English bulldog’s needs are vastly different from a husky’s. It makes me smile whenever clients prioritize their pet’s living situation and needs.

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Though we all love our pets, how we love them can differ depending on our generation. Let’s take a look at the differences.

No matter our age, the unconditional love we have for our pets looks the same across different generations.

However, how we spoil our pets, how we choose to spend our days with them, and even why we got them in the first place can vary from one generation to the next.

Based on the American Pet Products Association’s latest National Pet Owners Survey, let’s take a look at the different ways we care for our pets and see if you resonate more with your own generation or with another.

Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2000) Just getting into pet ownership themselves, Generation Z represents about 11 percent of the pet-owning population. Though all generations believe in the health benefits of pets, this group heavily derives stress relief, decreased anxiety and depression, and increased exercise from owning a pet.

They like exercising, walking, running, and hiking with their pets.

Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994) Millennials are the largest pet-owning generation,

making up 31 percent of all pet owners. Though they delay marriage and family life, pets are still a priority.

This determined group is willing to spend more money to get the pet they want compared to other generations. Regarding their pets’ health, millennials are more inclined toward holistic remedies, pet vitamins, supplements, and calming products for their pets.

Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979) Generation X makes up 26 percent of the pet-owning population. Additionally, this group is likelier to have two dogs compared to other generations. They believe that pets can find companionship in other pets. Though they buy more organic dog food, their preferences are evenly split between premium and generic pet food. On a related note, they also have the highest percentage of overweight dogs.

Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) As the second-largest pet-owning population, Baby Boomers make up 29 percent of pet owners. This is a generation that wants the best care for their pets. They often hire professional pet care services to assist. They have their dogs groomed and taken to the veterinarian more often. They are more likely

to use kennel and boarding services for their pets (versus bringing them along) when they travel. Because they use these services most often, they also spend more on these services than other generations. Though they are not interested in brand names, they still spend more on pet food and treats than other generations.

Builders (born between 1925 and 1945) Making up the smallest segment of pet owners, Builders are only 4 percent of the population. This generation tends to spend the most time with their pets during the day. They strongly believe people should have a pet only if they are committed to spending time with them.

“Eco-friendly,” “BPA-free,” and “ethically sourced” are not important labels for this generation; instead, they value “made in USA” more.

Builders spayed and neutered more pets compared to other generations.

From the products we purchase to the services we use, one thing is clear: our pets are treasured members of our families. Across generations, pets are helping us cope with stress, anxiety, and social isolation. They help us stay fit and motivated. Life with pets is simply better. n Steve King, President and CEO, American Pet Products Association MEDIAPLANET

A lifetime of care. For a lifetime of love. ™

When you’ve got the CareCredit healthcare credit card, you can be ready for anything from unexpected vet expenses to everyday pet health care.

We offer a simple payment option that helps you manage costs within your budget and pay over time.* You can also purchase pet insurance from Pets Best using CareCredit.

More than 8 out of 10 eligible veterinary practices across the nation accept CareCredit,** so ask about it next time you’re in. Or apply now – it’s fast and easy and you’ll get an answer within minutes.

Visit carecredit.com/vetmed.

It’s fast and easy to apply.

Scan the QR code.†

* Subject to credit approval ** CareCredit Analytics, 12/2019 with data from AVMA, 2019 Economic State of the Veterinary Profession, 9/2019 and U.S. Census Bureau # of Veterinary establishments, 2017. † Data fees may apply.

Pets Best is a CareCredit Solution. Pet insurance is administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC and is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company. Please visit www.americanpetinsurance.com to review all available pet health insurance products.

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Tuna and His New Baby Sister PHOTO:COURTNEY DASHER (@TUNAMELTSMYHEART))

Recently, Tuna (@tunameltsmyheart) welcomed a human sister into his life. We talk to his mom to see what the adjustment was like.

How important is grooming and oral health for you?

You can use the CareCredit healthcare credit card to pay for a wide variety of pet healthcare costs, ranging from routine vet visits to unexpected procedures and medicine expenses.

CareCredit offers a simple payment option with convenient monthly payments that help you manage costs within your budget and pay overtime.

More than 8 out of 10 eligible veterinary practices across the nation accept CareCredit.

And, with Pets Best pet health insurance, you can protect your dogs and cats and make payments using CareCredit.

To learn more or to apply, visit carecredit. com/vetmed/.

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Since Tuna is a short-haired Chihuahua mix, we just give him a bath at home when he needs it.

During his vet appointments, they check his ears and anal glands for signs of infection. We are, however, proactive with his oral health and nail trimming. We get Tuna’s nails professionally grinded once a month at our local pet store, and we get his teeth professionally cleaned at his vet once a year. This is vital in maintaining healthy teeth and fresh breath and preventing future infections or extractions.

What is the most effective way to clean Tuna’s teeth?

Taking Tuna to his vet annually to get a full dental procedure is the most effective way to clean his teeth. The procedure can be invasive and expensive because of the anesthesia, so in order to maintain his dental health throughout the remainder of the year, we do our best to brush his teeth as often as we can at home — if he’ll let us.

We also have a tool to scrape off plaque — he won’t let us.

Do you use any DIY grooming or oral remedies?

We use smileSPRAY from Green Dog Dental to promote healthier gums and better breath. Every night, we give him a drop of salmon oil with his food to support his skin and coat health.

Walking him often is also a good way to keep his nails short because the pavement acts as a natural buffer.

Prior to your daughter’s birth, did you do anything to prepare Tuna for his sister? What should other pet owners do when introducing another member into the family?

We were really nervous about having a baby. Tuna never responded well to children in the past, but to our amazement, he’s really grown to love her. Before our daughter arrived, we told Tuna about her every day. We would tell him that we are having a baby and that it was imper-

ative that he loved her. I think it was effective. We also gave him a lot of attention right after she was born. From there, we eased into spending quality time with the two of them together, and we would give him treats as a reward when he was voluntarily sweet to her.

Any tips for new mothers and pet owners?

Just be patient. Every dog and child dynamic will look different.

Try not to force the relationship or be fearful of them not getting along. With love and encouragement, they will come around to each other and they will eventually learn to live in the same environment together. It may take some time for them to adjust but try to trust their process before getting reactive. Your confidence in their relationship will help develop it. n MEDIAPLANET

Choose smarter che ws this holiday

THE SMART DENTAL TREAT