Pet Health and Wellness

A Mediaplanet Guide to Caring for Your Pet

Pet Health & Wellness

Brittany Matthews Brittany Matthews shares how she and her fiancé NFL Superstar Patrick Mahomes prioritize the health of their dogs

What every pet owner must know about returning to work Is your dog suffering from anxiety or stress? The signs every pet owner must look out for JUNE 2021 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM

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Returning to the Office? Here’s How to Prepare Your Dog If there has been one winner during the pandemic, it has been our dogs.

Pups across America have been enjoying the constant company of their favorite people — and the extra attention that comes with it.

But as workers start returning to the office, some dogs may struggle to adjust to the new routine. Here are 10 ways to help ease the transition.

Practice separation Leave your dog home alone for short periods at first and gradually increase the time you’re away.

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Establish your new routine If your morning walk will move from 9 am to 7 am when you return to the office, shift the schedule now, so the change will feel less abrupt when it occurs.

dog can go for some quiet and relaxing time alone.

Reward calm behavior Don’t fuss over your pup when you get home. You want to convey that it was “no big deal” that you were away. Give your dog attention when he’s calm.

Spy on your dog If you’re concerned that your dog may be having trouble adjusting, set up a pet-cam so you can see what your pup is doing while you’re out.

Increase your pup’s exercise Take your dog for a long walk each morning before you leave, so your pup will spend more time sleeping and less time stressing.

Muffle outside noise If your dog is easily startled by outside sounds, soothing music or a white noise machine may help.

Don’t wait to get help If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety (e.g. excessive barking, urinating or defecating indoors, destructive chewing), enlist the help of a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a trainer licensed as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or in another positive reinforcement training method. n

Encourage independence Set up a comfortable space where your

Change of scenery Hire a trusted dog walker to come for a

Michelle Leifer, M.S., Director of the Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education

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Rethink your exit strategy Give your dog a treat or a favorite toy when you leave to create a positive association with your departure.

midday visit or look into sending your pup to daycare.

How Science Supports More PetFriendly Workplaces As people return to work, they’re worried about leaving their pets behind. This underscores the need for employers to accommodate pet-owning employees.

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he pandemic has only strengthened the importance of the human-animal bond in people’s lives as millions of people welcomed new pets into their families and turned to their pets for comfort and support. In fact a recent survey of pet owners found that 81 percent said they felt even closer to their pets as a result of the pandemic.

Now, as pandemic-related restrictions ease, people are

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moving to a ‘new normal,’ which means a return to the office for many employees.

What does this mean for our pets who have been our constant companions? According to one survey, 3 in 4 working pet owners are concerned about leaving pets when they return to the workplace.

June 21st-25th is Take Your Pet to Work Week, the perfect time to make the case for more pet-friendly workplaces and workplace policies aimed at meeting the needs of pet

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owning employees.

A strong case can be made that companies will benefit from pet-friendly policies.

Research has found that 90 percent of employees in pet-friendly workplaces feel highly connected to their company’s mission; fully engaged with their work; and willing to recommend their employer to others, while fewer than 65 percent of employees in non-petfriendly workplaces made the same claim. The research also

found that more than three times as many employees at pet-friendly workplaces report a positive working relationship with their boss or co-workers, significantly more than those in non-petfriendly environments.

Even if bringing pets into the workplace is not an option, employers can demonstrate that they care about the human-animal bond by providing benefits that help pet owners take good care of their pets. For example, employ-

ers can consider offering pet health insurance, time off to care for a new or sick pet, pet sitting services or allowing employees to work from home to take care of pets.

Great companies and organizations are already leading the charge with pet-friendly policies. According to a survey of 500 C-suite executives, 72 percent expect more workplaces will be pet-friendly after the pandemic, and 59 percent personally plan to allow more flexibility for employees wanting to stay remote with their pets. The good news is that there are great resources and helpful information available on how to safely and effectively welcome pets at work or institute pet-friendly policies.

The pandemic has been a challenging time for so many people. Now more than ever, employers need to demonstrate compassion and care to boost morale and support the mental health of employees.

Embracing the human-animal bond by helping people care for and spend more time with their beloved pets is an easy, effective way to do just that.

To learn more about the health benefits of the human-animal bond, please visit HABRI.org. n

Steven Feldman, President, Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)

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Publisher Nina Montross Business Developer Joelle Hernandez Managing Director Luciana Olson Lead Designer Tiffany Pryor Designer Tiffany Jackson Lead Editor Mina Fanous Copy Editor David Spector Partnership and Distribution Manager Jordan Hernandez Director of Sales Stephanie King Director of Product Faye Godfrey Cover Photo Heather Smith (@hsmithphoto) 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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Something to Smile About: Prioritizing Your Pet’s Oral Health For a happier and more active feline or canine, make sure their dental needs are addressed.

For most of us, our furry friends are like family.

But we may be overlooking one of their most critical needs.

“By the age of three, 70 percent of cats and 80 percent of dogs have some form of periodontal disease, which can take years off a pet’s life,” explains Oxyfresh vice president of marketing Melissa Gulbranson. “That’s why we developed Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive for both cats and dogs. It safely and effectively cleans pets’ teeth and gums, helps fight tartar and gently neutralizes cat and dog bad breath.”

Starting a dental routine Early signs of dental disease in pets include bad breath, yellow tartar buildup, and red and swollen gums. Early detection of your pet’s dental disease is crucial.. To detect dental disease early, dental evaluations should be part of your pet’s annual exam.

“Pet parents just simply add Oxyfresh Pet Dental Water Additive to their water bowl each day, and it works like magic to neutralize pet bad breath.”

She also recommends that pet parents brush their cat’s or dog’s teeth with Oxyfresh’s unique Pet Dental Gel Toothpaste, if possible.

Knowing what to look for Choose a clean formula like Oxyfresh with no unnecessary ingredients. Also, make certain it’s 100 percent non-toxic.

Cindy Riley

This has been paid for by Oxyfresh.

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Tuna the Chihuahua’s Owner on Must-Follow Dog Care Tips During the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year, pet adoptions seemingly soared as many shelters saw increased demand.

Having a canine companion no doubt helped assuage many people’s feelings of loneliness during lockdown, but at the same time, owning a pet is no small responsibility.

There are matters like exercise, nutrition, and pet supplies to consider when you’re caring for a furry friend.

The owner of Tuna (@tunameltsmyheart) a chihuahua that has amassed a 2 million-plus following on Instagram, is raising awareness of this reality when it comes to grooming, dental hygiene, and behavior. They want other pet owners to prioritize these aspects of their dogs’ care this summer and beyond.

“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,” said Tuna’s owner, adding that the annual cleanings are invasive due to their requiring anesthesia.

Yet they added that this procedure “is very important to maintain healthy teeth and fresh breath, as well as to prevent future infections or extractions.”

At home, Tuna’s owner uses a plaque scraper as well as a home spray to help the tiny pup maintain his sterling smile. As far as his coat and nails go, regular walks help ensure Tuna’s nails remain trimmed, and a daily drop of fish oil in his food keeps his coat shiny.

Besides minding a pet’s physical health, paying attention to their behavior is also important, Tuna’s owner said.

Tuna’s family was unsure how Tuna would react to their

new daughter, as he hadn’t been comfortable around children prior to her arrival, “but to our amazement, he’s really grown to love her,” Tuna’s owner said.

“Before our daughter arrived, we talked about her to Tuna every day,” they said.

“We would tell him that we are having a baby and that it was imperative that he loved her. I think that was actually effective!”

If this sounds like you, Tuna’s owner emphasized patience and trusting the process.

“Try not to force the relationship or be fearful of them not getting along,” they said. With love and encouragement, they will come around to each other and they will eventually learn to live in the same environment together.” n Melinda Carter

Discover how to identify the non-verbal cues from your pooch when they’re feeling nervous or tense.

When your dog feels uneasy, it can be a difficult time for both pet and owner. Knowing what to look for can make a world of difference.

“It’s important to ensure that the owner approaches the situation with kindness and understanding, and to not force their dog into situations which can exacerbate their stress,” says “Dr. Scott” Miller, head veterinarian at Front of the Pack, a company pioneering a new generation of canine supplements, focusing on clinically proven ingredients to tackle the eight most common canine health issues, including anxiety.

Recognizing the signs Dr. Scott says there are several common behaviors which can be used to identify anxiety in canines. They include barking or howling when the owner leaves the home, constant pacing, panting, or shivering, running away or hiding in small corners of the house, irritability, digging, destroying furniture, or not being able to settle.

Stressed Out: Managing Your Dog’s Anxiety

“It’s important to ensure that the owner approaches the situation with kindness and understanding...”

- Dr. Scott Miller Head Veterinarian at Front of the Pack In addition, owners should look out for excessive licking, chewing, or scratching by their four-legged friend, their refusing to eat or drink at mealtimes, and more frequent urination.

Understanding the cause Determining how to treat your dog depends on whether the problem is medical, behavioural or both. Separation

anxiety is common, and can be brought on by loneliness, boredom, a lack of training or if the dog had a negative experience when left alone in the past.

Animals with separation anxiety often become destructive, use the bathroom indoors, or howl or bark when their owner leaves the house.

According to Dr. Scott, you should routinely exercise your dog before leaving the house,

provide him with a treat or toy to keep him occupied, and avoid putting on a coat or jangling keys, which can encourage a dog to become anxious.

Leave for very short periods initially, increasing the time spent away over time as the left dog becomes less anxious, and don’t make a fuss about leaving the house.

Environmental changes can also trigger anxiety for

dogs. Establish a consistent routine in the dog’s life, including regular walks and meal times.

In addition, a dog suffering with stress or anxiety needs to be assessed by a qualified veterinary surgeon, as many behavioral issues can be caused by a medical or physical problem.

Coping with general anxiety Certain breeds of dog can be more prone to anxiety, but you can still help them better manage stress.

For more severe anxiety cases, the use of tri-cyclic antidepressants and other prescription medications, along with concurrent behavioral training and support, can be effective.

Conquering fear at the doctor’s office A trip to the vet can be frightening for your dog. Both doctor and owner should allow the dog to familiarise himself with the clinic setting. Let your pet move about and sniff, so they better understand their surroundings. n Melinda Carter

This has been paid for by Front of the Pack

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Tracy Whetstine from Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply shares how to check for fleas and ticks on your pets.

Summer is upon us, and that means we’ll be spending more time outside for the next few months. Unfortunately, the warmer weather and increased humidity provide the perfect conditions for fleas and ticks to survive and breed.

“Pet owners should check their pets regularly for ticks, even if they are using a preventative, after any outdoor activity that is in a grassy, brushy, or wooded area,” says Tracy Whetstine. “Common areas to find ticks are between the toes, inside the legs, in and around eyes and ears, and under the tail. Ticks should be removed by the head to eliminate the possibility of disease or infection but be sure not to pull the tick straight up. Instead, use a slight, gentle twisting motion to prevent the head from remaining buried which will continue to draw blood if left in.”

The threat is real It’s important to remember that parasites can not only be extremely irritating to pets , but they can also cause serious skin problems and other conditions, including Lyme disease.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, fleas bite animals and suck their blood. Young or small pets with heavy infestations may become anemic. Some pets can develop an allergy to flea saliva , while others can become infected with certain types of tapeworms if they ingest fleas carrying the eggs.

What to look for Whetstine says owners need to know how to recognize fleas or ticks on their trusty companions.

“When full, ticks are very visible and appear bloated on the skin of your pet. Fleas look like little brown dots that jump.Keep an eye out for excessive scratching, licking, or chewing or tiny red bumps on the skin. Also, check the skin for red or irritated areas.”

As for preventive measures and treatments, Whetstine notes, “There are several flea and tick prevention options on the market, including topicals, collars, sprays, orals, and shampoos. Check with your veterinarian to find the one that is best for your pet.”

Covering all the bases A crucial error many pet owners make is treating the pet, but not the environment. If you kill the adult fleas but don’t eliminate the eggs, larvae, and pupae, your pet will become re-infested when these fleas become adults and the cycle will start all over again.

“Pet beds should be washed in hot water, and carpets and furniture vacuumed at the same time the pet is being treated.” Replace the batting in pet beds and consider sprinkling in cedar shavings to repel fleas. You may want to consider using carpet powders including those with diatomaceous earth when running your vacuum.

“Another common mistake is not properly administering the product or missing a dose. Follow the directions carefully, and set reminders on your calendar.”

Cindy Riley

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Brittany Matthews Shares Her Summer Tips for Dog Owners PHOTO: HEATHER SMITH (@HSMITHPHOTO)

Parasite Patrol: Rescuing Your Pets From Pesky Pests

Brittany Matthews is a professional fitness trainer who believes in health and wellness above all else. While her career focus is on humans, she and her fiancé, NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, also prioritize the health of their dogs.

The first step to prioritizing your dogs’ health is making sure they’re eating right, according to Brittany Matthews, personal trainer and dog mom to Steel and Silver Mahomes.

“We feed Steel and Silver healthy, nutrient-dense food and make sure they get plenty of exercise,” she says. “It may be a little more expensive, but investing in quality food for our pups has made a huge difference in their well-being. “ With summer right around the corner, getting enough exercise is easier considering all of the excursions you can take your dogs on. Matthews loves letting her dogs spend as much time outside as possible, but she cautions dog owners to make sure their furry companions have enough water and don’t get overheated.

Despite best intentions, unexpected problems may arise. One way to ensure their safety is having pet insurance, says Matthews.

“Whether it’s an emergency or a regular check-up, having pet insurance relieves the financial unknowns and stress of going into vet appointments,” she says.

The Matthews-Mahomes family uses Companion Protect pet insurance for Steel and Silver. “What we love in particular about Companion Protect is that they do not discriminate against breed,” she says. “That was really important to us when choosing a pet insurance company.”

Summer also means even more dog hair than usual. For that, Matthews turns to her Roomba. “Also, make sure you clean their paws and dry them off before each time they come into the house,” she recommends.

Steel and Silver are a pitbull and a cane corso, respectively, and, unfortunately, both breeds have had to overcome unjustified stigmas. But Matthews happily reports that the pair are perfect family dogs, and have even come to love the family’s newest member, baby Sterling.

“They love the baby girl and never leave her side,” Matthews says. “[The dogs] still feel included and now have an extra job to protect her. Every time we go on walks with the stroller, we take the dogs with us, too.” n Lauren Hogan

The Benefits of Exercise for Dogs and Their People Fitness is important for both dogs and people.

Nearly 40 percent of adults are obese, 70 percent are overweight, and more than 50 percent of dogs are clinically overweight or obese.

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he extraordinary benefits of exercise apply to everyone, including both dogs and people. Specifically, exercise increases cardiovascular endurance, and improves muscular strength and power. Exercise increases flexibility, balance, and speed, and improves body composition.

Exercise has been shown to be good for muscles and bones and a regular exercise regimen can reduce the risk of chronic disease. Research

clearly shows that when paired with an appropriate diet, exercise is a key component of effectively managing ongoing health problems such as diabetes.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends walking, one of the safest forms of exercise, as ideal. In the AKC FIT DOG program, using the AHA’s guidelines, owners and their dogs walk at least 150 minutes per week in approximately 30-minute sessions. Owners often report that within a matter of weeks, they saw a differ-

ence in their dog’s behavior and health, and some owners report they were surprised to see their own unexpected weight losses “just from walking.”

Exercise both increases energy, while resulting in good sleep at night, and improved relaxation during the day. Exercise can reduce pain, as well as decrease stress and anxiety in both dogs and people. For dogs, exercise is often an important, recommended tool in treating behavioral issues such as overly active behav-

ior, separation anxiety, or destruction of objects and property when the owner is not at home.

If there is a downside to exercise for humans, it is that exercise routines are hard to maintain. Many people who purchase gym memberships stop going to the gym within several weeks, and a large percentage of those well-intended people are gone from the gym within five months.

Exercise buddies are often recommended to keep people motivated when it comes to exercise. As it turns out, one

of the best exercise buddies a person can have is their dog.

Dogs enjoy walking and it is impossibly hard to resist an enthusiastic canine prompt to go for a walk.

Shown to increase the life spans of both people and dogs, the substantial benefits of exercise are many. Exercise clearly helps canines and their human family members live longer, fuller lives, and it doesn’t get any better than that. n Mary R. Burch, Ph.D, FIT DOG Director, American Kennel Club MEDIAPLANET

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