V14I5 (Oct/Nov 2012) by Redstone Media Group

ANIMAL WELLNESS

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

Living pawsitive!

SPECIAL ISSUE: NUTRITION

BRAIN GAMES for

PROTEINS AND VEGGIES AND CARBS,

OH MY!

SHOPPING LIST

Get him eating HEALTHIER with this handy checklist of PREMIUM diets

DOGS

TOP STRESS-BUSTING FOODS

Fighting

DOGGY DIABETES

over FIDO

Who gets the dog when couples SPLIT?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more easily TREATED than you THINK

BOOST his immunity with MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Display until November 19, 2012

feline

Hip, cool and healthy!

WELLNESS

HOW NIXING GAINS CAN SOOTHE

IBD

Tummy

TROUBLE

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES AND PROBIOTICS CAN HELP

$5.95 USA/Canada

Taking care of

TINA

A DISABLED FELINE WITH THE HEART OF A LION

ANNA EASTEDEN

THIS ASPIRING ACTRESS HAS A PASSION FOR KITTIES

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 5

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

BONUS FELINE SECTION NOW INSIDE! feline wellness

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Contents October / November 2012

features 18 Proteins and veggies and carbs, oh my!

How much protein is too much? Should my dog be eating carbohydrates? Education and moderation are important keys to balancing your companion’s diet.

22 Brain waves

Your dog’s mental well being is as important as his physical health. Stimulating his mind will help him learn faster, feel happier, and can even prevent behavioral problems.

26 Top 11 stressbusting foods

Is anxiety making your dog antsy? This healthy and flavorful fare will help him chill.

31 Heart of gold

A pioneer in natural pet food, the founder of this company overcame challenges that would crush many others, and triumphed.

32 Fighting over Fido

When couples separate, deciding who gets the dog can often turn nasty. The law still regards animals as property, but there are ways to ensure a positive outcome for all parties – including the dog.

34 Mushrooms for immunity

They’re more than just tasty treats. These morsels offer many important health benefits – they help enhance the immune system and inhibit cancer.

44 Know about nutrigenomics?

It’s a new science that studies the connection between nutrition and genes – and how we can optimize health by designing diets for each individual’s genetic makeup.

48 And in this corner….

Dealing with a dog that attacks other canines can be frightening and stressful. Follow these 5 principles to help avoid or defuse fights.

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54 Doggy diabetes

72 Tummy trouble?

Is your pooch diabetic? Don’t panic. This common disease doesn’t have to be fatal, and in most cases can be easily and effectively treated.

Diarrhea is common in cats and has a variety of causes. In many cases, digestive enzymes and probiotics can help improve your kitty’s digestion and prevent upsets.

59 Herbs for his plumbing

74 Food shopping for Fido

Digestive and urinary problems are common in dogs. Take a look at how herbs can help resolve these issues.

65 Against the grain

Feeding your cat a high quality diet with little or no grain content can help stave off inflammatory bowel disease and other health problems.

68 Taking care of Tina

She seemed impossibly disabled when I first took her home over a decade ago, but this spunky stray showed a strong will to live. Here’s how I brought her back to health and have kept her going ever since.

70 Anna Easteden – cat lover

An aspiring actress whose passion for kitties spans two continents and an entire lifetime.

The good news is there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to healthy premium foods. But that can make deciding where to begin more than a little bewildering. This handy shopping list will get you started.

76 She talks to the animals

An animal communicator to the stars who also has her own TV and radio shows, “pet psychic” Sonya Fitzpatrick has been conversing with critters since she was five.

80 The enemy within Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia may sound like an obscure disease, but it’s more common than you might think.

84 Food and fun

They’re his two favorite things. This innovative company combines them into mentally stimulating products that prevent boredom and enrich his environment.

56 columns 12

yakkity yak

warm & fuzzy

whats your breed?

feline wellness book reviews

passages

animal wellness book reviews

tail end

80 Departments 8

editorial

product picks

animal wellness resource guide

the scoop

amazing animals photo contest check out the winning shots!

events calendar

animal wellness marketplace

classifieds

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TOPICS INCLUDE: product recommendations integrative Vet Q & A gentle training, and so much more!

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on tHe cover pHotograpH by:

Yuritz

Some people think German shepherds are aggressive, but just like any other breed, they make wonderful family companions if properly socialized and trained. This alert and elegant fellow obviously has an easy-going and contented outlook on life. Turn to page 56 to read more about this second most popular breed in the US.

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EDitoriAL DEPArtMEnt Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Graphic Designer: Kathleen Atkinson Cover Photography: Yuritz coLuMnists & contributinG WritErs Nadia Ali Luise Bolleber Christina Chambreau, DVM W. Jean Dodds, DVM Audi Donamor Cynthia S. Evans Sara Jackson Deva Khalsa, VMD Lisa Loeb Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA Erin Mayo, DVM Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Barbara Nefer Saralee Perel Lisa Provost Amberly Scott Hindler John R. Taylor, ND Charlotte Walker

disease prevention natural diets and nutrition natural health care

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 5

ADMinistrAtion & sALEs President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Office Manager: Michelle Stewart Operations Director: John Allan Administrative Assistant: Libby Sinden subMissions: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 202-160 Charlotte St. Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. 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: info@redstonemediagroup.com. ADVErtisinG sALEs National Sales Manager: Ann Beacom, (866) 764-1212 ext. 222 annbeacom@redstonemediagroup.com

Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com Southeast US: Debra Berger, (770) 396-3220 debra@redstonemediagroup.com cLAssiFiED ADVErtisinG: Michelle Stewart classifiedads@animalwellnessmagazine.com to subscribE: Subscription price at time of this issue is $19.00 in the U.S. and $26.00 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, 6834 S University Blvd PMB 155 Centennial, CO 80122 cDn MAiL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 202-160 Charlotte St.Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. 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 orservices 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.

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2012. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: September 2012.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS... ONE READER AT A TIME.

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EDitoriAL

Food for

Thought

hen I first adopted Renny back in 1998, my knowledge of healthy

Good nutrition is also the theme of this issue. Read about the

pet foods was sadly lacking. In my ignorance, I put him on a

top 10 stress-reducing foods, and how medicinal mushrooms can

diet of commercial brand-name food from the grocery store –

help with immunity. We also look at how to achieve the right

products I subsequently learned were full of coloring, by-products,

balance between protein and carbs, explore the new modality of

preservatives and other nasties. As I learned more about animal

nutrigenomics, and learn about herbal remedies for digestive and

nutrition, I made numerous attempts to switch Renny to something

urinary issues. And don’t forget to take along our shopping list of

healthier, but didn’t meet with much success. With patience and

healthy dog foods next time you hit the stores.

persistence, it got to the point where I could sneak some premium meat-based kibble into his meals. But despite all my best efforts, he

Other topics covered in this edition include brain games to keep

turned his nose up at everything else.

your dog mentally sharp, the latest advances in dealing with diabetes, and 12 steps for overcoming canine aggression. We also

Sadly, I had to say goodbye to Renny this past May, when he

look at a health problem called immune anemia, and what the law

passed away at the age of 14 after a brief battle with a rapidly-

can do for companion animals when couples split up. Informative

growing cancer. I wonder if the poor quality food he insisted on

reading for the crisp, cool days of fall!

eating played a role in the development of his disease, since I’ve always avoided over-vaccination and did everything else I could

Have a happy and healthy autumn!

think of to keep him healthy. Although I deeply miss my little feline soulmate, I’m sure I’ll eventually welcome another kitty (or two) into my home and heart. One of the first things I intend to do is start him or her on the

Ann Brightman

healthiest diet possible. No more packages of grocery store brand

Managing Editor

food will ever cross the threshold of our home.

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contributors

1.Veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she established Hemopet, the first non-profit national blood bank program for animals. From 1965 to 1986, Dr. Dodds was a member of many committees on hematology, animal models of human disease and veterinary medicine. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994. On page 44, Dr. Dodds talks about nutrigenomics. 2. Veterinarian Dr. Christina Chambreau is a homeopathic vet, lecturer and author. She graduated from the University of Georgia Veterinary College, and is a founder of the Academy Of Veterinary Homeopathy. Dr. Chambreau teaches classes in homeopathy for animals and lectures on many topics. She is co-author of the Homeopathic Repertory: A Tutorial. For her article on herbs for digestive and urinary issues, see page 59. 3. Veterinarian Dr. Erin Mayo graduated from the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She received her veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and provides holistic and TCVM services for companion animals in central New Jersey. In this issue, (page 80), Dr. Mayo discussion immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. 4. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier authored the Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating

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Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He’s the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite Radio, and creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics. His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally.com), is in Plano, Texas. See page 54 for his article on diabetes in dogs. 5. Veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa authored Dr. Khalsa’s The Natural Dog and co-authored Healing Your Horse: Alternative Therapies . She lectures internationally and is a professor at the British Institute of Homeopathy. She has almost 30 years of experience in holistic modalities. Turn to page 18 for Dr. Khalsa’s article on balancing proteins and carbs. 6. Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999. He is a certified veterinary acupuncturist from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. His practice, California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness, offers integrative medicine. Dr. Mahaney writes a veterinary blog for patrickmahaney. com. His first book, The Uncomfortable Vet, will be available this year. He writes about mushrooms for immunity on page 34. 7. Audi Donamor has been creating special needs diets for cats and dogs for many 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. She is the only twotime recipient of the Golden Retriever Club

of Canada’s Silmaril Kennel Trophy for the Human/Animal Bond. In this issue (page 26), she focuses on the top stress-fighting foods. 8. Amberly Scott Hindler owns and operates Lux Dog Daycare, Inc. in West Los Angeles, (luxdogdaycare.com). She worked in Client Services at high-traffic veterinary hospitals in Los Angeles for many years after graduating from the University of Southern California where she won awards and honors for her writing. Amberly is the recipient of a Gold Circle Award for Journalists from Columbia University’s Scholastic Press Association. See page 48 for Amberly’s tips on overcoming canine aggression. 9. Barbara Nefer is an animal lover and freelance writer living in Celebration, Florida. She shares her life with three cats, two horses, and a Quaker parrot. For this edition (page 76), Barbara talks to pet psychic Sonya Fitzpatrick. 10. Sara Jackson lives on a 12-acre farm in American Canyon, just outside the Napa Valley. She is a graduate of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and has a BFA in Screenwriting. She is a freelance writer and has written a number of short stories, two scripts and a book ( sarajacksonwriter. com). On page 22, Sara looks at why mental stimulation is important to dogs. 11. Nadia Ali is a freelance writer who was born in London, England and now lives on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. She is inspired by Cici, her family cat. Her work has been

published online and in print. In this issue (page 32), she gives advice on what you need to know about animals and divorce. 12. Cynthia S. Evans has never been without a dog or a cat in her life. She has learned many valuable lessons and received many blessings from the animal kingdom in general. She is also a songwriter/musician, belongs to the duo band ViCindy, and is a writer and photographer. Turn to page 68 for Cynthia’s article on caring for a disabled cat. 13. Lisa Provost is the owner/creator of ibdkitties.net and counsels people about

feline IBD and its associated disorders. She also helps counsel and educate fellow cat lovers about proper feline nutrition, feline IBD and feline obesity. On page 65, Lisa looks at the link between IBD and grains. 14. John R. Taylor, ND, has served as the CEO and president of Natural Wellness Centers of America Inc. since 1995. He is also author of the book The Wonder of Probiotics, and the chief science officer and formulator for NWC Natural Pet Products LLC (nwcnaturals.com). Read John’s article on page 72 to learn how digestive enzymes and probiotics can protect your cat’s digestive health.

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter. Check out her profile of cat-loving actress Anna Easteden on page 70.

Submissions If you are interested in submitting an article for Animal Wellness Magazine, please contact Ann Brightman, Managing Editor, at Ann@RedstoneMediaGroup.com

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YAKKitY YAK FRIENDS, NOT FOOD

PINCH YOUR PENNIES

Guangzhou is the third largest city in China. It’s also known as the dog and cat-eating capital of the world. But Animals Asia, an organization dedicated to improving the welfare of animals in China and Vietnam, is helping to change things through its Professor Paws program, a school-based dog education program designed to show children that dogs are friends, not food. Professor Paws was launched in Guangzhou in 2008, and has been running in Hong Kong since 2004. The program teaches children how to make friends with dogs and become responsible dog carers.

Of all the household items that might be toxic to your dog, the lowly penny is probably something you’ve never even considered. According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, however, American pennies minted after 1981 contain significant quantities of zinc. When ingested, excess zinc is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, and causes red blood cells to break apart. The result is anemia. Affected dogs will experience lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, wine-colored urine and yellowing of the skin and gums. So be sure to keep your pennies in your purse or pockets!

Last year, Professor Paws dogs visited 2,750 schoolchildren in 23 schools. The volunteer dogs and their guardians were also in great demand at many of the 32 community activities organized by Animals Asia throughout the year to campaign an end to cat and dog-eating, and promote responsible dog guardianship. animalsasia.org

GROUND-BREAKING SURGERY Callie is an eight-year-old English setter recently diagnosed with a dangerous brain tumor. Thanks to a special piece of MRI equipment, doctors from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine (right) were able to remove the tumor. They used a piece of high-tech surgical equipment called the Brainsight MR frameless neuro-navigation device. It allowed the surgeons to take an MRI of Callie’s brain and create a 3D model. The model allowed the MRI to guide the doctors to exactly where their instruments needed to go to remove as much of Callie’s tumor as possible. “This equipment not only assists in open surgeries like Callie’s, but allows us to pinpoint any region of the brain with extreme accuracy, allowing us to perform biopsies through a hole the size of a pencil,” says Fred Wininger, an assistant professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the college.

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Callie is currently undergoing radiation therapy to prevent the tumor from returning. She is able to take long walks and her doctors believe she will live several more years.

According to ‘Gospel’...

Canine Light Therapy SOBERING STATISTICS It seems the incidence of certain chronic diseases in cats and dogs has risen dramatically during the last five years, according to Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health 2012 Report. Here are some key findings: • Obesity affects approximately one in five cats and dogs, and the number of overweight dogs has increased by 37% since 2007. • Kidney disease is seven times more common in cats than dogs and is one of the leading causes of death in felines. • Arthritis has increased by 38% in dogs and 67% in cats over the last five years. All good reasons to feed a healthier diet and adopt a more holistic healthcare approach!

2 SIZES DO IT ALL! Helps to:

•reduce recovery time •reduce pain •heal soft tissue injury •treat sore muscles •reduce arthritis pain •increase circulation

Illuminating the future of animal care

615.293.3025 CanineLightTherapy.com

ONE IN A MILLION The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Assocuiation Foundation’s One in a Million campaign ran June 25 to July 2, and raised close to a whopping $450,000 for education and research in just that two weeks. The campaign’s goal was to get one million people to donate one dollar each to the foundation. “If each of us donated one dollar a month for 12 months, in one year we would have exceeded our research goals,” says veterinarian and AHVMA past president, Dr. Rick Palmquist. “We could fund over 30 major studies with that money.” To date, the Foundation has raised funds for acupuncture research and vaccine reform research. foundation.ahvma.org.

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HEART OF THE MATTER

SHE’S BACK ON HER FEET

Quality of life is accepted as an important predictor of survival among human patients with heart failure. Now, veterinarians at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University have developed two surveys that may prove to be similarly useful in evaluating the quality of life for dogs and cats with heart disease.

The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center in Ocala, Florida is dedicated to the healing and conditioning of equine athletes. But they also provide cutting edge therapies and services for dogs, such as Paris, a four-year-old dachshund.

Known as “FETCH” (Functional Evaluation of Cardiac Health) and “CATCH” (Cats’ Assessment Tool for Cardiac Health), the surveys ask people to rank aspects of their dog or cat’s health on a scale of 0 to 5. Veterinarians are then able to assess the animal’s perceived quality of life, which may inform decisions about treatment, nutrition or euthanasia. vet.tufts.edu

Keep Halloween candy out of your dog’s reach.

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“She has had chronic back problems and by the time she turned four was about 90% paralyzed,” says her person, John Gavender. “Our vet was giving her steroids and muscle relaxers, but it wasn’t working so he suggested cold laser therapy.... I took her to The Sanctuary and after only one day of cold laser treatment she tried to stand. It was amazing because within two weeks she was almost back to normal and now she is 100% recovered.” Cold laser therapy works to relieve pain and soreness in the legs and back, reduces swelling and heat, tightens legs and speeds healing. sanctuaryequinerehab.com

After receiving cold laser therapy treatments, Paris is completely recovered and is now a happy and lively little dog.

Photo courtesy of John Gavender.

YAKKitY YAK

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YAKKitY YAK FEELING THE BITE Thanks to the recession, Pert Group and Brakke Consulting say fewer animals are getting to the vet. A survey of 1,200 dog and cat people found that they visited the veterinarian nearly 20% less last year than in 2007 – if they went at all. In 2011, 77% of respondents took their dogs or cats to the veterinarian, compared to 88% in 2007, when the study was first conducted. brakkeconsulting.com or thepertgroup.com

Excessive barking can be caused by boredom, loneliness and stress.

THE MORE THE MERRIER What’s better company than a dog or cat? How about two or three? The American Pet Products Association is set to celebrate multiple animal guardianship during its Pets Add Life (PAL) “National Get A Pal for Your Pet Day” on November 19. Among the planned activities is a national shelter adoption contest to see which one can adopt out the most animals. “We are thrilled to have this special day set aside to encourage multiple pet ownership and help promote the joys and happiness additional pets bring to our lives,” says APPA President Bob Vetere. “Pets Add Life is all about promoting responsible pet ownership and we really encourage pet parents to think about adopting additional animals as there are so many out there in need of good homes and families.” petsaddlife.org

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Helping troubled teens and homeless dogs at the same time… what could be a better goal? On June 23, k9 Connection held its annual Let’s Play Ball fund-raising event in LA. The event offered a variety of activities, including a softball Donald, a K9 graduate, and his adopted dog. game, fun games for dogs, and two inspirational guest speakers for the teens: Executive Producer Nigel Sinclair (Ides of March, Terminator 3, The Woman in Black) and Executive Producer Palak Patel (Oz: The Great and Powerful, Snow White and the Huntsman, Maleficent). Let’s Play Ball is designed to raise donations and awareness for the k9 Connection program, which teaches teens to train homeless shelter dogs in basic obedience skills in order to increase their chances of adoption. Through the training they provide to the dogs, the teens also benefit by learning how to be more responsible and accountable, and how positive reinforcement offers an alternative to force and violence. k9connection.org

Photo courtesy of Chandra Fryer.

A CHANCE TO PLAY BALL

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proteins,veggies,carbs How much protein is too much? And should my dog be eating carbohydrates? Education and moderation are important keys to balancing your companion’s diet. By Deva Khalsa, VMD

our dog’s well being depends on what you put in his dish. After

feeding your dog one-third each of protein, vegetables and

all, the time to keep illness at bay is before it’s had a chance to

carbohydrates on a daily basis. It’s been around for a long time

develop. That’s what a healthful diet can do. But does this mean

and has worked well for most dogs.

meal planning or catering to your canine with specially prepared organic meats, grains and veggies? Some dedicated dog lovers are doing just that. But many of us have lifestyles that leave little time to cater to even our own dietary needs, let alone those of our dogs. It’s still possible to rustle up good, balanced meals for your dog no matter how little free time you have. If you’re among the growing number of people who have given up poor quality commercial processed foods in favor of healthier and more natural premium diets, you’re already on the right track. Whatever you feed your dog, it’s important to understand a little bit about the roles of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables in a balanced diet. Quality versus quantity Both the percentage and type of protein need to be considered in the quest for optimal health. The historical formula for doling out proportions is the one-third rule. This formula entails

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Nowadays, high protein raw diets are very much in vogue. I'm one veterinarian who believes in high quality protein – but not an overabundance of it. Many people are feeding their dogs raw diets, and that’s great. There are definite benefits a dog can gain from eating raw meat and poultry. Raw diets provide nutrients such as essential fatty acids that are destroyed during cooking. If raw meat is your preference, you can even leave the fat on. Since fat turns into unhealthy grease when heated, however, it should be trimmed from meat before you cook it. It’s a good idea to freeze raw meat for 14 days before you feed it to your dog. This should kill any parasites encysted in the muscles and organs. While raw meat is an excellent choice, years of study and deliberation have brought me to the conclusion that a diet consisting of only raw meat isn’t ideal. I firmly believe raw diets need added vegetables and carbohydrates, so be sure to look for a product that contains these added ingredients, or else make sure to add them yourself if you’re preparing the diet at home.

EXCESSIVE PROTEIN AND CANCER The China Study is the most extensive study ever done on cancer. Its author, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, was also one of the primary researchers. In this monumental study, 2,400 Chinese counties were surveyed for death rates from cancer. This data then correlated cancer death rates with local dietary habits. The study found that counties housing poor people had little cancer. Their inhabitants could afford little protein, if any. The high cancer areas were among the rich, who could afford much more protein. In other words, high animal source protein levels in food predisposed people to cancer. While the carcinogens we are all exposed to from the environment alter our cellular DnA, giving the cell the potential to change into a cancer cell, it’s the high animal protein in the diet that tips the balance and kicks off the actual transition into a cancer cell. In defense of raw meat, Dr. Campbell’s study was one in which the participants ate cooked meat. nonetheless, laboratory studies using raw casein protein still supported the study’s conclusion. It’s also well documented that an acidic cellular environment is more prone to disease and cancer than an alkaline one. High levels of animal protein create an acidic cellular environment within the body – whether canine or human. nowadays, about one out of two dogs will get cancer. If changing to a lower protein diet could reduce the incidence of cancer in dogs, it seems to me this is something we should all consider. TM

Dogs have evolved in conjunction with humans over tens of millions of years. While it’s true that the dog’s wild relatives

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exist on a diet of raw meat and whatever plant material is in the herbivore’s intestine, it’s also true that our canine companions are exposed to many more additional carcinogens in their environment. My clinical experience indicates that very high protein diets are not preventing cancer in dogs, and that they need the same brightlycolored vegetables that help prevent cancer in us.

THE IMPORTANCE OF VEGETABLES & CARBS There are other reasons why it’s important to add carbohydrates and vegetables to your dog’s food. • Carbohydrates are needed for the brain, thyroid and liver to function optimally. • Vegetables provide dogs with essential nutrients they aren’t likely to get from other sources. • The chlorophyll found in greens serves to ﬂush and clean the liver, an organ essential to your dog’s good health. • Vegetables and greens can also help maintain a good pH balance, which is thrown off by an excess of protein. • Essential nutrients, such as the water-soluble calcium found in leafy greens, are readily available to be utilized by the body. • Again, brightly-colored vegetables also contain phytonutrients proven to help prevent cancer.

Whatever protein you feed your dog, it should be high quality. Meats, poultry, eggs and fish are always rich in protein, as are foods like quinoa and lentils. When it comes to carbohydrates, wheat products or high gluten grains are often avoided because many dogs have become sensitive to them. Grains have been selectively bred over centuries to increase their gluten content, and this has backfired on the health of some animals and people. Alternatives such as sweet potatoes, white potatoes and rice are excellent for providing your dog with carbohydrates. If you’re presently feeding a kibble with a high percentage of quality protein, you can add these carbs along with veggies to your dog’s meal. When you feed your dog a wide variety of different foods, there is no need to make each meal complete and balanced. Over a two-week period, the variety will balance out into a complete and healthy diet, with as many nutrients and immune-boosting substances as possible. The result will be a healthy, happy and long-lived dog.

Healthy kibble topper

If you feed your dog a kibbled food and want to add extra healthy nutrition, you can do it with lower protein by using baked sweet potatoes mixed with finely chopped steamed kale and a bit of butter, rather than cooked hamburger. Steaming or finely grating vegetables makes them easier for dogs to digest.

FROM ONE-THIRD TO ONE-FIFTH Dr. Campbell’s study and other research have led me to recommend one-fifth protein, rather than one-third. In the case of agility and working dogs, I’d make an exception and recommend one-third protein, since the caloric and protein needs in these dogs are higher.

large sweet potatoes baked, cooled and skinned

¼ cup finely chopped, lightly steamed kale ¼ cup finely chopped, lightly steamed spinach 3

tablespoons of either butter, coconut oil or olive oil

STEAM the kale and spinach together with a tiny bit of water and the butter, coconut oil or olive oil. Mash it up with the cooled sweet potato and store in the refrigerator. Put a few spoonfuls on your dogs’ meal. (Do not microwave to reheat. Microwaving destroys nutrients.)

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You may not realize your dog’s mental well being is as important as his physical health. Stimulating his mind will help him learn faster, feel happier, and can even prevent behavioral problems.

LIMIT HIS ALONE TIME

BY SARA JACKSON

ever wonder why your dog goes crazy when you say “Want to go outside?” or “Want to play?” It’s because the three things he loves to do most are taking in the sights, sounds and smells of his outside environment, playing anything from fetch to tug-owar, and basically just hanging with his best two-legged buddy. These activities are great for exercise and building a stronger bond between you. but they also help keep your dog’s brain in good working order.

animal wellness

If you were to ask your dog what the worst thing you could do to him might be, he would answer that it’s leaving him home alone all day. Dogs are pack animals and require companionship of some sort, whether from you or another dog. It is considered inhumane to leave your dog alone for long stretches of time, especially if he’s crated or tied up in the backyard. Companionship not only staves off loneliness, but keeps dogs mentally stimulated as well. A dog that spends long days alone is more likely to become bored, have accidents inside the house, or engage in destructive behaviors, although animal behaviorist Dr. Suzanne Hetts notes that the latter can result from other causes besides boredom or loneliness. “Destructive behaviors

can have lots of different motivations, because the dog is looking for something to do,” she says. “It can be a separation anxiety problem. It can be because he’s trying to escape from someplace, or trying to get someplace. And that can be related to noise phobias and other sorts of fearful behaviors.” These are all good reasons to avoid leaving your dog alone all day long.

GET OUTSIDE

START YOUNG

Thanks to our busy hectic lives, most of us are lucky if we can take

To make sure your dog stays both physically and mentally stimulated, he needs to be exposed to new smells, sights and sounds as often as possible, which means starting from as early an age as possible. Dr. Hetts says people should make sure their puppies grow up in an environment that is appropriate for them, where they have sufficient things to occupy their time. What these activities and objects are will be specific to the puppy’s age, his overall personality, and perhaps even his breed.

an hour out of the day to take the dog for a walk. but a stroll around

the block won’t adequately fulfill your dog’s daily requirements for exercise, and it also falls woefully short in meeting his mental and emotional needs. It’s not enough to take him for a brisk walk around the neighborhood, or let him out to do his business in the yard

before quickly calling him back inside. most dogs need a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. exercise produces

serotonin in your dog’s brain, and being outside creates a feeling of well being and mental stability.

“sniffing tells dogs a lot about their world,” says Dr. hetts. “for a dog, an area with a lot of different odors is perhaps as attractive to him as a landscape is visually attractive to us. In general, things are changing outside a lot more than they are in the house. So every time the dog goes outside, everything is a little different.”

“We should enrich a puppy’s environment so he has exposure to a lot of different environmental experiences – people, sounds, surfaces, types of environments – outdoors, indoors, stairs, and other things he is going to be encountering as an adult dog that we want him to accept and be comfortable with,” says Dr. Hetts. “There is some evidence to indicate that the earlier dogs are exposed to training and problem-solving tasks, the better they are at it as adults, because it does influence how their brains develop.”

animal wellness

PLAY WITH HIM

It may not surprise you to learn that your dog has the mentality of a child between the ages of three and five. Explains a lot, doesn’t it? especially his insatiable need for play. both play and exercise are necessary for a dog’s mental well being. you can often enrich the time you spend with your dog by combining exercise and playtime. Games of fetch and tug-o-war can be considered both play and exercise, and so can activities such as agility or giving your dog specific tasks, like retrieving the newspaper.

GIVE HIM CHALLENGING TOYS

No matter what the activity, your dog will be happy just to be spending quality time with you. but the quantity of time spent together is just as important as the quality of time – in other words, leaving the dog alone with an abundance of toys does not mean he will occupy himself while you are away. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t supply your dog with toys he can play with by himself. because you obviously can’t devote every waking moment to your dog, toys help keep him occupied and mentally stimulated. but along with giving him balls and ropes, which require an interactive approach, try adding some brain teaser toys that challenge your dog to figure out how to retrieve food or a treat. When you walk in the door to find your dog staring up at you with big eyes, take some time to play or exercise with him before going to your next task. When you walk him, let him stop and smell the roses, or the bushes, grass and tree trunks – whatever it may be that interests him. making time to do things that stimulate and challenge his brain is time well spent, because he’ll be happier, more contented and better behaved all round.

It’s becoming easier to ﬁnd toys and bowls that are especially designed to stimulate your dog’s mind as he plays or eats. Aikiou (aikiou.com) is one company that offers such products. Their interactive dog bowls and feeders feature lots of separate compartments that make the dog work for his food. This not only prevents him from wolﬁng his meals, but it also challenges his intellect and keeps him occupied.

animal wellness

11 1 Is anxiety making your dog antsy? This healthy and flavorful fare will help him chill. BY AUDI DONAMOR mANy yeArS AGO, I DeALT WITH A DOG in a rescue situation. He was

so stressed that he started pulling his hair out with his teeth, and he was covered with sores. Luckily, he got the help and love he needed, and found a home where he could unpack all his “baggage”. One of the things that assisted him on the road to physical and mental recovery was a selection of power foods that helped manage the impact of stress on his body, and supported his immune system so he could regain his strength and eventually his confidence.

1 bLueberrIeS A whole foods diet that includes fresh blueberries can be a great way to provide your dog with mini-powerhouses of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help protect him from the effects of stress. Wild blueberries have even more valuable polyphenols than cultivated blueberries do. Simply add a few to food before serving, or mix them with some goat milk yogurt.

2 kALe Leafy greens like kale, as well as spinach and Swiss chard, are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, b6, C and k, along with calcium, manganese, copper, potassium and iron. Kale is a great source of fiber, and is loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients and carotenoids. The beta carotene and lutein in kale help protect against oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and even cancer. Isothiocyanates made from the glucosinolates in kale play an important role in these preventive, stressprotective qualities.

3 SWeeT pOTATOeS Sweet potatoes are one of the world’s healthiest foods. They are packed with antioxidants and are a terrific source of vitamin e. Sweet potatoes also contain many other important nutrients, including vitamins A, b6 and C, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper, thiamine and iron. They are rich in beta carotene, which may be a significant factor in reducing the risk of certain cancers.

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Some foods act as stimulants while others act have a calming influence. it’s really amazing, but by simply choosing certain foods and adding them to your dog’s diet, you can help alleviate any stress and anxiety. here are the top eleven stress-fighting foods, along with some tasty recipes you can use to integrate them into your companion’s meals.

They offer complex carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels and even insulin resistance. The potassium in sweet potatoes helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, which is good news for maintaining healthy heart function and reducing stress. sweet potatoes are also a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support a healthy gastrointestinal system.

4 BEEf Did you know that beef is a natural antidepressant? The b vitamins it contains can regulate stress levels. beef is very rich in folic acid, and also contains pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin b5, which is great for anxiety. This vitamin enables the production of anti-stress hormones in the adrenal gland that controls the release of cortisol. And increased presence of pantothenic acid reduces blood cortisol and dulls the body’s response to stress. beef liver is a great source of pantothenic acid.

5 Turkey If your dog seems overly anxious in the evening hours, you may want to consider adding turkey to his diet. It’s a good source of L-tryptophan, an amino acid often associated with the regulation of sleep. Tryptophan also produces what researchers call “feel good chemicals”; it is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps both humans and dogs feel cool, calm and collected.

6 Oily fish We have all heard about the “fight or flight” response. Research has demonstrated that consuming Omega-3 fatty acids can help suppress the production of adrenaline that leads people and dogs to “fight or flight”. Too much adrenaline can cause anxiety and even aggression. That adrenaline rush can be slowed down simply by eating whole foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in wild salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna. Fatty fish have something else in common. They all contain vitamins A and D, which help battle stress. Salmon is extra special because it also contains L-tryptophan.

7 Hemp seed oil has been recognized as the most balanced vegetable oil in the marketplace. Not only does it contain Omega-3, it also contains Omega-6 and 9. Its fatty acid profile is closer to fish oil than any other vegetable oil. It is also a valuable source of gluten-free protein, contains vitamin C and E and chlorophyll, and has an excellent amino acid profile. Unlike soy and other legumes, hemp seed oil does not contain trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides, the gasproducing substances found in many legumes, and it is never genetically modified.

7 Hemp seed oil

8 Whole oats/whole brown rice

Hemp is a super food that eases joint pain and inflammation, supports cardiovascular health, conditions the skin and coat, and acts as a digestive aid. Overall, it is a terrific way to support your dog’s immune system and alleviate stress.

Fiber rich complex carbohydrates slow down the rate of digestion and enhance the absorption of tryptophan, which in turn is used to manufacture serotonin. Keeping serotonin production nice and steady helps prevent spikes

most people consider it a true cereal grain simply because its nutritional value, preparation and use are very similar. quinoa contains stress- reducing b vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber, potassium and zinc, and because it contains eight essential amino acids, it is considered a whole protein.

10 ALmONDS

in blood sugar levels. Serotonin is known as nature’s very own antidepressant. The mayo Clinic and other universities have conducted studies using complex carbohydrates in place of medications containing serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Whole oats are a great choice for dogs because they don’t overwhelm the blood with sugars, causing a surge in insulin. Whole brown rice is another great choice.

Almonds contain vitamin e, b vitamins, magnesium and zinc. magnesium supports healthy nervous system function and the production of “happy” chemicals in the brain, helping the body become more resilient during bouts of stress because nerves and muscles are more relaxed. Instead of peanut butter, try some almond butter when stuffing a kong!

11 pumpkIN SeeDS pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan as well as glutamate, which is required in the synthesis of GAGA, an anti-stress neurochemical. pumpkin seeds are a good source of vitamin e, which protects tissue cells from free radicals, and they also contain selenium, an antioxidant that helps support the immune system. A deficiency in selenium has been linked to increased anxiety, depression and fatigue.

9 quINOA quinoa is considered a pseudo-grain, because it is technically not a member of the Poaceae botanical family. even so,

krISpy kALe Ingredients 1

bunch kale

tablespoon first pressed extra virgin olive oil

teaspoon sea salt

large sweet potatoes baked, cooled and skinned

Instructions Choose organic ingredients whenever possible. preheat oven to 350°f. line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. remove the leaves from the thick outer stems of the kale. Cut or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Wash them with filtered water, then dry them in a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towel or a tea towel. Spread the bite-sized pieces of kale on the cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges of the leaves are turning golden in color. remove from the oven, cool and enjoy! Store in an open container, so the chips don’t lose their crunch (or you can always put them back in the oven to get the crunch back). for the human members of your family, experiment with different seasonings like cayenne pepper, for extra zip.

animal wellness

Sweet potato chips Ingredients 3 sweet potatoes (about 1 pound) ¼ cup first pressed extra virgin olive oil 1½ teaspoons local honey 1 tablespoon (or more to taste) of selected seasonings, e.g. Greek oregano or sweet and spicy Saigon cinnamon

Instructions Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Slice sweet potatoes. Thoroughly combine olive oil and honey and baste slices of sweet potato. Gently warming the oil and honey first will make this step very easy. Sprinkle potatoes with selected seasoning. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the cookie sheets from the oven. Gently turn the chips, sprinkle with a little more seasoning, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes. Transfer sweet potatoes to a serving dish lined with paper towel, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. For extra crispy chips, let the oven cool to 250°F, then return them to the oven for 20 minutes, checking regularly, to ensure they don’t burn. Cool and store as above.

Simple Simon’s salmon Ingredients 1 15-ounce can wild salmon (or other canned fish) 3 whole eggs 1 cup Balkan style or goat yogurt ¾ to 1 cup oatmeal Flat or curly parsley for garnish

Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Turn out into a lightly oiled loaf pan or a Pyrex dish. Bake for 45 minutes. Cool loaf completely, then garnish with parsley and serve. Store in the refrigerator.

Oat ’n pumpkin crunch Ingredients 4 cups whole oat flour 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon carob powder 1 tablespoon ground pumpkin seeds 1 tablespoon ground almonds or ground Brazil nuts, or a combination 3 cups unsweetened pumpkin pureé

Doggone good quinoa taboule Ingredients 1½ cups cooked quinoa ½

cup finely chopped fresh flat parsley

tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint

1½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh basil 1/ 8

cup first pressed extra virgin olive oil or hemp seed oil animal wellness

Instructions Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the pumpkin pureé, mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough a few times, then roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8” thickness. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, score the dough to make treats any size you like; or use a cookie cutter. Place cookie sheet in the oven, and turn on to 350°F. When the oven has reached this temperature, turn it down to 175°F and leave the biscuits to slowly bake for two hours, or until they have real “crunch”. Remove from the oven and cool completely before storing in a cookie jar or Ziploc bag.

Instructions Simply combine all the ingredients and add a tablespoon to your dog’s regular meal for an extra nutritional and stressfree boost of flavor.

Heart of A     ,            ,  . BY CHARLOTTE WALKER

hen faced by adversity, especially in the form of legal action, many of us would back down, even if it meant giving up what we believe in. Not Sissy Harrington-mcGill, the founder of Solid Gold Health products for pets. Sissy has been raising great Danes for 50 years. When she had three die of bloat, she knew something was wrong. she flew to Germany in 1974 to visit some kennels and was surprised to learn they had never heard of bloat. On top of that, the lifespan of great Danes in Germany was 11 to 13 years, while their American counterparts were only living seven to nine years. “There was something I was missing,” Sissy says. further research revealed the issue was diet-related. “They didn’t use soy, wheat and corn in their dog foods,” explains Sissy. “They use things like amaranth and barley instead. They also never use poultry fat, but canola and flaxseed oil.” Sissy returned to the uS and set to work developing and selling a natural dog food. but like a lot of pioneers, she came up against opposition and obstacles. “The fDA did everything under the sun to close me down,” she says, adding that she was taken to court and even served a stint in prison at one point.

and also in Canada. The company offers high quality natural dry and canned diets for dogs and cats, as well as biscuits and treats, supplements, and products for skin and coat care. Solid Gold pet foods contain no wheat, soy or corn, and are rich in Omega 3 oils such as canola and salmon. The company also uses foil barrier packaging to preserve and maintain the quality and palatability of their dry foods without any chemical preservatives or flavor enhancers. As if she hasn’t already accomplished enough, Sissy does a lot of charity work too. “This Saturday [August 25], we’re going to the san Diego humane society’s Annual fur Ball,” she says. “We’re one of the sponsors.” Sissy also belongs to other Humane Societies, and the company’s local shelter gets donations of pet food. “When I die, all the money is going to go to the solid Gold foundation. We are in the process of looking for land to build a no-kill shelter.” Sissy has personal proof that a natural diet works. She recently lost one of her great Danes – at 18½ years old, a stunning age for a large breed dog. And her passion for what she does is underscored by her love for dogs. “At Christmas I get all sorts of cards, from poopy or bailey, and they send me pictures. I have no kids, and I’m not married. The dogs are my babies.”

but Sissy refused to give in and today, over 35 years later, Solid Gold pet foods are found in 4,000 stores throughout the uS, animal wellness

ﬁghting over When couples divorce or separate, deciding who gets the dog can often turn nasty. The law still regards animals as property, but there are ways to ensure a positive outcome for all parties – INCLUDING THE DOG. BY NADIA ALI

ELLEN AND CARL WERE MARRIED FOR TEN YEARS when PROTECTIVE ORDERS they made a mutual decision to split up. They had two golden retrievers, and each agreed to take one dog. In this instance, the decision was an amicable one, complete with visiting rights every other weekend, but that’s not always the case. Often, things can easily turn ugly when separating couples get down to the business of determining who’s going to get the pooch. even though dogs are now considered family members by many, and despite the fact there about 78.2 million dogs in the uS, legislation in every state upholds the decision that dogs are property, and have no more rights than, say, an old lamp. It still regards companion animals as “chattel”, a word that refers to an item of personal property like a piece of furniture.

In march 2006, protective Orders were enacted in maine to include companion animals. it was the first state to establish such an act. Today, some 22 states have followed suit and enacted this piece of legislation. What this means is that a court can order an abuser to stay away from the companion animal, or impose other conditions to protect the animal’s health and safety. When custody battles become bitter, it can unfortunately lead to instances in which the animals are used for retaliation and are deliberately injured, abused or victimized by one of the parties involved.

“PET PRENUP”

So, what happens to the beloved family dog when couples separate? Do people lure the pooch to their side of the courtroom to prove to the judge that the dog likes them more? Do they walk in with a handful of receipts to demonstrate how much they’ve paid for the dog’s upkeep? both these scenarios have occurred in some courtrooms.

In a recent headline, Craig Dershowitz, who lives in New york, filed papers in the Manhattan state supreme Court stating that his ex-girlfriend Sarah brega kidnapped their dog knuckles and took the pooch to California. Dershowitz stated that he registered the dog in his name, thought of knuckles as his son and wanted him back. brega states Dershowitz gave her the dog.

Celebrity separations have shone a public spotlight on dog custody proceedings. Tiger Woods and elin Nordegren fought over custody of their three dogs. When Drew barrymore and Tom Green parted ways, they too fought over ownership of her yellow labrador/chow mix, flossie. Even Jennifer love hewitt and her ex ross mcCall, whose divorce otherwise went well, turned ugly when it came to the question of who would get the dog.

This is an example of how complicated animal custody battles can get. So before an animal arrives in a relationship, take the time to sit down and discuss the downside of “what if”. bear in mind that courts rarely get involved with incidents like Dershowitz’s, because dogs are viewed as property. The only exception is when there are children involved; that will prompt the court to place the animal with whoever gets custody of the children.

animal wellness

While most people will dismiss the thought of a prenuptial agreement, in the long run it is definitely to your advantage to have your dog included in the terms of agreement. And it’s more commonplace now as many couples seek to protect their assets and property in case of separation. This way, if the relationship dissolves, you are guaranteed that the cherished dog you brought into the relationship goes with you when you leave. While online animal custody agreements laying out specific terms of agreement are available for a small price, you are still advised to visit an animal law attorney for advice.

IT’S HARD ON THE DOG TOO Despite the fact that lawyers and judges do everything possible to expedite proceedings, custody battles over animals take a considerable time to be resolved – sometimes more than a year! And not only does the case take its toll on you; imagine how hard it is for your beloved pooch. “Dogs are aware of minute changes that make them exceptionally sensitive to emotional stress experienced by their owners,” says Clare Wilson, a veterinary surgeon who specializes in companion animal behavior. “This can in turn cause emotional stress in the dog and lead to behavior problems of anxiety or fear.” During a separation, it is inevitable that your dog will sense a change in your mood or tone, providing him with enough telltale signs that something is bothering you. you in turn need to pay attention to his behavior. Look for signs of stress so you can help him out. Is his tail tucked down? Is he barking excessively? Is he restless, anxious or even howling?

SEEKING CUSTODY

Animal law attorneys are educating the system about the changes needed with regards to companion animals. And slowly but surely, judges are considering “the best interests of the animal”. but until legislation is created that says animals are not property, the best approach in the event of a separation is to negotiate an amicable outof-court agreement.

• • • • • • • •

BEFORE YOU MAKE HASTE TO A LAWYER SEEKING ADVICE ON CUSTODY OF THE DOG, ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS: Will you have adequate space to keep the dog comfortable? Can you spend quality time with him? Do you have ﬂexible time for vet appointments, walks, etc? Are you ﬁnancially able to keep him? Can you prove you were the primary caregiver by producing receipts? Who would your dog rather live with? Can you prove “ownership”? If things get nasty, are you prepared to have your dog held in protective custody at an animal shelter? animal wellness

THEY’RE MORE THAN JUST TASTY TREATS. THESE MORSELS OFFER MANY IMPORTANT HEALTH BENEFITS – THEY HELP ENHANCE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND INHIBIT CANCER. BY PATRICK MAHANEY, VMD, CVA

My dog, Cardiff, is a neutered Welsh terrier who has suffered three bouts of typically fatal Immune mediated Hemolytic Anemia (ImHA) during his seven years of life. part of the treatment for ImHA involves suppressing the immune system from destroying the body’s own red blood cells.* Immunosuppressive drugs are used to achieve this effect, yet Cardiff was then left susceptible to opportunistic infectious organisms. While immunosuppressed, Cardiff developed multiple warts caused by the canine papilloma virus, which his compromised immune system was having a hard time fighting off. Two weeks after starting Cardiff on a reishi and green tea product, his warts began to regress. Within another two weeks, they were completely resolved. I believe what did the trick was the combination of antioxidant effects from the decaffeinated green tea, along with immune system support from the reishi mushrooms. The medicinal use of mushrooms in people, dogs and other animals has its origins in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCm), and dates as far back as 100AD. research on the use of mushrooms in medicine has been ongoing since the 1960s, yet scientifically proving their recognized health claims can be challenging.

What do the studies say? Laboratory testing often yields positive results in vitro (in a test tube), but creating a beneficial response in vivo (in an organism) is less predictable. Human and animal bodies are complex structures requiring an intricate interconnection of multiple systems in

34 34

animalwellness wellness animal

order to function. This means the direct causeand-effect relationship associated with a treatment (drug, mushroom extract, other) in an organism is difficult to create. for example, Maitake PETfraction (a mushroom extract) was used in a 2007 study at the Cummings School of Veterinary medicine at Tufts university. The study aimed at evaluating the product’s effectiveness as a single agent treatment for canine lymphoma. unfortunately, it did not yield the positive effect hoped for, but it was reportedly well tolerated by the dogs involved in the trial and had no adverse effects. On the plus side, maitake Dfraction showed anti-cancer effects in dogs.

Potential preventive benefits • if you have a dog prone to infection and inflammation, or diagnosed with cancer, a nutraceutical containing extracts of maitake, reishi or Shiitake mushrooms (see sidebar for more information on each) may be beneficial. • situations of increased stress or exposure to infectious organisms certainly leave a dog prone to illness. Dogs that travel with their people, spend time in kennels or boarding facilities, or visit breed-specific shows and dog parks, may benefit from general immune system support. • Additional candidates for medicinal mushrooms include juvenile animals, which have incompletely competent immune systems and may be susceptible to bacteria, viruses, parasites and other organisms encountered in day-to-day life.

Always seek the guidance of a veterinarian experienced in using mushrooms and other nutraceuticals before dosing your dog.

Choosing a product mushrooms can be purchased in human health food and other stores in a variety of forms. fresh or dried mushrooms can be cooked and included in foods, or steeped as a tea (to be cooled and added to a dog’s food or water). mushroom extracts can also be found in liquid, powder or compressed tablet form. The concentration of desired mushroom-derived compounds can vary depending on the fungal source, the volume consumed, and the preparatory process.

From a nutritional standpoint, mushrooms are HIGH IN FIBER and MOISTURE, and LOW in CALORIES. They can be used in weight loss or maintenance plans to reduce a dog’s need to consume calories. When using a product not specifically prepared by a manufacturer, you face the potential of a wide variability in the quantity and efficacy of the mushrooms’ health-yielding substances. Therefore, I suggest choosing forms created with a guarantee of quality, dose concentration and purity instead of loose natural forms. It’s even better if you can use a product created specifically for your canine companion.

Safety issues According to the ASpCA Animal poison Control Center, “99% of mushrooms have little or no toxicity. The 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets.” • Medicinal mushrooms and their extracts are generally safe, but there are some potential side effects. In humans, Shiitake mushrooms have been reported to cause localized irritation or allergic reactions affecting the nose, throat, trachea (windpipe), lungs and skin. Gastrointestinal side effects can include inappetence, vomiting or diarrhea. • Also, consider the fact that mushrooms grow on nutrientrich environmental surfaces, such as feces, mulch and soil. bacteria or other illness-inducing substances may be found in mushrooms, so I recommend cooking them before adding them to your dog’s food. • Choose products that come from the united States or Canada – not imported from other countries that may lack the same regulatory oversight as to the cleanliness of water and soil supplies. • Determining which backyard mushrooms are toxic or not is very difficult, so stay away from them and prevent your dog from foraging. Three years later, Cardiff continues to receive daily supplementation from the reishi and green tea product. He has had no clinically diagnosable infections, nor a recurrence of his ImHA. See accompanying sidebars on page 34.

animal wellness

COMMON MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

For Dogs and Cats

National Leaders in Pet First Aid • Earn a certificate • Practice on live pets • Courses offered nationally

1 MAITAKE (GRIFOLA FRONDOSA)

This mushroom is native to northeastern Japan’s mountain terrain, has a fruiting body that grows to upwards of 100cm, and contains a beneficial substance called beta-glucan. in humans, a purified beta-glucan extract of Maitake has proven to induce cell death in prostate cancer (pC-3) cells. In dogs, maitake Dfraction can inhibit the growth of or kill cancer cells.

2 Reishi (GANODERMA LUCIDIUM) reishi has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. It contains multiple bioactive polysaccharides (carbohydrate chemical units) and triterpenoids (soap-like plant-based compounds). Science has proven its effects in modulating the immune system, reducing cancer cell growth through blood supply inhibition, and having a low direct toxic effect on cells.

3 SHIITAKE (LENTINUS OR LENTINULA EDODES) Pet First Aid participants will learn: • Early signs of illness • Prevention of injury • Emergency response skills • Choking, airway, and CPR skills • And much, much more!

DISTANCE LEARNING AVAILABLE

www.walksnwags.com 1-800-298-1152 • 604-809-9247

This mushroom is indigenous to Asia and known by many common names (Black forest, golden oak, and oakwood mushroom). It is the second most common food mushroom in the world. A dried powder termed Lentinula edodes mycelia (Lem) has been shown to modify the immune system’s function and have a toxic effect on human liver cancer cells.

1 3

COOL IT!

my education through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) exposed me to the role that food energy plays in overall health. According to Traditional Chinese Veterinary medicine (TCVm), heating (yang), cooling (yin), and neutral food sources are capable of creating a commensurate response in the body. mushrooms are cooling from the perspective of Chinese medicine food energy, and provide nutritional support for illnesses associated with excess heat energy. These include allergic skin, inflammatory bowel, immune mediated diseases, cancer, infections, etc.

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*for more on iMhA, see page 80.

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VISITOR

BY LUISE BOLLEBER

t was drippy and gray the day I visited the cemetery. It reminded me of countless movie scenes in which a characterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sad mood is mirrored by rain. I zipped my jacket a little higher to keep the moisture out. Then I started searching. Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mountain View Cemetery had promised to mark my grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gravesite with a flag, since there was no headstone or plaque. He had left his family in Germany in the late 1930s in a vain attempt to establish a farmstead in Canada. His utter failure at the venture wounded his

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pride so much that he never returned to his family. Having thoroughly estranged himself from us, no one, not even my father, had bothered to mark his grave. The cemetery sent me a map so i could find the flag. It seemed rather silly to go searching for an indistinguishable patch of grass that looked no different from all the rest. Nevertheless, I wanted to get as close to my grandfather as I could, to stand on the ground directly over his body. He was buried in 1965 at age 80, when I was just three. He allegedly dropped dead with no fanfare, no suffering, no lingering

dramatics, the way we all wish we could die. I had never known him, but I had his photograph and listened to the vague memories reported by my father. He may have been a pariah, but he was still my ancestor, and I was interested in him. When I found the ﬂag I just stood there, grounding myself to the energy of the spot and turning slowly to pan the landscape. My grandfather’s resting place was near an oversized granite monument, a stone’s throw from a large pine tree. I attempted to commune with him, to drink in the sadness and seriousness the moment deserved, and imagine what he was like. But something else caught my attention. My eyes were drawn to the quick and lively activity of a dark-colored dog that had just been released from a parked car near a cluster of headstones 50 feet away. In spite of my desire to succumb to the gravity of remembering my grandfather, for whom I had ﬂown 2,000 miles, I was completely distracted by this dog. She was scouting and sniffing with abandon the smells of the cemetery, obviously every bit as fascinating to her as the scents and aromas of a sidewalk in Chinatown. This wasn’t just any dog. If it had been a golden retriever, chocolate Lab or Dalmatian, I would have smiled, enjoyed her antics, then resumed my own solemn business. But it was a standard poodle, the same color, breed and size of my own dog, left at home in the care of a friend. The familiar royal poodle prance, friendly charm, and signature pompom tail brought me instant delight.

is the purest form of communication. There is nowhere else to be when a dog fills your personal space, licks your hand, or paws your pant leg for attention. Being here for you now is the dog’s greatest gift to humans. Like many dog guardians, I adore my own pooch, who makes it a habit to gently greet everyone in sight and ask for an introduction. And where can you be but in the moment when a happy, friendly dog insists on saying hello? This poodle was having none of my plan to be sad. She never really came all that close to me, but watching her from afar was enough to bring me into the present, into a moment that was alive and pulsing and full of potential.

My eyes were DRAWN TO THE QUICK and LIVELY activity of a dark-colored dog that had just been released from a car parked near a cluster of headstones 50 feet away. So I gave up on my plan to let Grandpa overshadow the moment, to feel somber about his lonely life. Thanks to my canine visitor, this moment was clearly meant to make me smile and appreciate the sheer promise of life.

I was confounded by the timing. I had not been at my grandfather’s grave for more than one minute when she arrived to interrupt my private ceremony. But I was transfixed. She diverted my attention so insistently that I could not take my eyes off her. What struck me was how energetic she was, how enthusiastic in her explorations of this park-like land, and how utterly unaware she was of how people are supposed to behave in a cemetery, with quiet reserve and contemplation. My plans to commune with my dead grandfather and swim in imaginings of him as a healthy young man were dashed by this furry, happy intruder. I simply could not dredge up the sad feelings I had put in reserve for the occasion, felt no tears springing forth, no lump in my throat. Watching that dog was like watching joy itself – unabashed, innocent joy. Then a thought occurred to me. Perhaps I was not supposed to feel sad or immerse myself in the past. Dogs are experts at living in the moment. They excel in their absolute fascination of odors, an activity anchored in the present. A dog’s eyes gazing into yours animal wellness

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SUPPLEMENTS BY KODA OmegaLife369 is a vegan replacement for fish oil supplements developed by KODA. Organic virgin avocado, black seed, grapeseed, EVOO and sesame oil combined with KODA’s Ariane botanical extract offers nutritional supplemental dietary oil without the smell taste or Vitamin A overdose potential. One of 10 new products from KODA.

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THE HONEST KITCHEN The Honest Kitchen makes a line of dehydrated whole foods for dogs and cats, produced in a human food facility to ensure the highest quality standards. Dehydration helps maintain the natural nutrition in the raw ingredients, and a 10 lb box expands to 40 lbs of fresh food, with the addition of warm water. Email for a free sample

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Know about

nutrigenomics? BY W. JEAN DODDS, DVM

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It’s a new science that studies the connection between nutrition and our genes – and how we can optimize canine and human health by designing diets for each individual’s genetic makeup.

ou know that wholesome high quality food can help keep you and your dog healthy by enhancing your immune systems, increasing your energy levels, and reducing your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. But did you know there’s also a connection between nutrition and your genes? Nutrigenomics is an emerging science that studies the molecular relationships between nutrition and the response of our genes, to determine how even subtle genetic changes can affect human and animal health. The basic concept is that chemical nutrients affect gene expressions in a specific mode by switching from health to an abnormal (pathophysiological) condition, or vice versa. Nutrigenomics designs optimal nutrition based upon an individual’s unique genetic makeup (genotype). Simply stated, nutrigenomics defines functional foods based on an individual’s genes.

The back story

The role of diet and nutrition continues to be a major focus of study when addressing the increasing incidence and recognition of diet-related diseases in humans and animals. Nutrition research is studying how dietary constituents at the molecular level can optimize and maintain cellular, tissue and organ balance to help prevent disease. The development of nutrigenomics has been aided by powerful advances in genetic research. Genetic variability, the interindividual differences in genetics, can affect metabolism as well as an individual’s phenotype. Genetic disorders of nutritional metabolism can cause abnormal physiological effects that are exhibited as polymorphisms (population diversity). Simple examples would be the genes associated with obesity or diabetes in various canine species, and vitamin B12 deficiency in giant Schnauzers.

An important aim of nutrigenomics involves identifying the markers of early phases of dietrelated diseases, so that nutritional intervention can return the patient to a healthy state.

Rationale and aims

Nutrients relay signals that tell a specific cell in the body about the diet. Basically, a sensory system in the cell interprets information from nutrients about the dietary environment. Once the nutrient interacts with this system, it changes gene (genomics) and protein (proteomics) expression and metabolite production (metabolomics) accordingly. So different diets elicit different patterns of gene and protein expression and metabolite production. Nutrigenomics describes the patterns of these effects, which are called molecular dietary signatures. animal wellness

basic concepts of

nutrigenomics

1Diet can be a serious risk factor for a number of diseases. 2Common dietary ingredients act on the animal genome (the total genetic information), both directly and indirectly, to alter gene expression and structure.

diet-regulated genes play a role in the onset, incidence, 3Certain progression, and/or severity of chronic diseases. intervention based on an animal’s nutritional needs and 4Dietary current state, applied together with his/her genotype, can prevent, mitigate or cure chronic disease.

5The degree of dietary influence on the balance of health and disease states in the body depends on an individual’s genetic makeup.

An important aim of nutrigenomics involves identifying the markers of early phases of diet-related diseases, so that nutritional intervention can return the patient to a healthy state. Another aim is to demonstrate the effects of biologically active food components on health, leading to the design of functional foods that will keep individuals healthy according to their own specific needs.

Applying nutrigenomics to dogs

Recently, veterinary and nutrition scientists have begun applying animal genomics to the field of nutrition. Nutritional genomics and proteomics will play a vital role in the future of pet foods. Functional genomics will emerge as important areas of study, now that the genome “maps” for the dog are available. Studying and monitoring the health of dogs parallels that of humans. Close to 500 canine genetic diseases have been described to date. Molecular biological techniques have been used for several decades to identify the cause of single gene disorders in animals, allowing for prevention and treatment strategies. Currently, at least 30 canine disease genes have been cloned and characterized. This has lead to the development of genetic mutation-based tests for diagnosis and carrier detection. These tests permit the elimination of carriers from the breeding population, ultimately decreasing or eliminating the incidence of disease. However, while determining the DNA sequences of single gene mutations is now feasible, identifying the genetic loci (locations on the genome) responsible for complex genetic diseases is a much more difficult task. Nevertheless, dogs serve as excellent models for the nutritional diseases in other animal species and humans. Although a genetic component exists for these conditions, nutrition plays a major role in the development and/ or treatment of many. Changing lifestyles in urban populations have led to a significant increase in obesity and diabetes in people and dogs. The negative health outcomes of obesity and diabetes observed in humans are also seen in canines. These are just two common examples of animal diseases having both a nutritional cause and a therapeutic component.

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Functional foods

Certain dietary constituents such as vitamins A and D, zinc and fatty acids can directly inﬂuence gene expression, whereas others such as dietary fiber can have an indirect effect through changes in hormonal signaling, mechanical stimuli, or metabolites produced from the microbial ﬂora in the bowel. So-called “functional” food ingredients and herbal supplements are now being incorporated into animal as well as human foods. Examples of nutrients currently added to pet foods include those intended to improve joint health such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and green lipped mussel. Others protect the body from cellular free radical damage, and include vitamin E, beta carotene and selenium. Omega-3 fatty acids improve the skin, while oligosaccharides (carbohydrates) and probiotics are good for gut health.

Different diets elicit different patterns of gene and protein expression and metabolite production. There are also pet foods designed for a dog’s life stages (e.g. puppy, adult and geriatric), body type (e.g. toy, large and giant breeds), and lifestyle (e.g. active, growth and performance). It’s important to keep in mind that the benefits provided by these diets may be well suited for one dog, but not another. With our growing knowledge of genes and gene expression, it should be possible to formulate diets not only for preventing structural abnormalities, but also for more complex diseases such as diabetes, cancer, aging, behavioral changes and heart disease.

In summary, animal nutrition professionals need to be able to prescribe or recommend nutrients and diet formulations based on a more precise knowledge of how nutrients or food components interact at the level of the genome. Diets for dogs should be designed and tailored to the genome or genomic profile of the individual in order to optimize physiological balance, disease prevention and treatment, and performance. Our advancing knowledge about human and animal genomes, along with the breadth of biotechnology, offer us the opportunity to individualize dietary intervention to help prevent, mitigate or cure chronic diseases.

Glossary Gene – the molecular unit of heredity in an individual Genome – the entire hereditary (genetic) makeup of an individual Genotype – the genetic makeup of an individual Phenotype – an individual’s observable physical traits or characteristics Polymorphism – when two or more clearly different phenotypes exist in the same population

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DLER

T HIN Y SCOT L R E B M

BY A

Dealing with a dog that attacks other canines can be frightening and stressful. Follow these 5 principles to help avoid or defuse fights.

onna was mortified when her recently adopted shepherd mix tried to attack another dog at the local dog park. Not surprisingly, the other pooch’s guardian wasn’t very happy either. Luckily, Donna was able to get her new friend under control before anyone got hurt, but she ended up slinking home with him and hasn’t returned to the park since. “It was so embarrassing,” she says. “You can’t help wondering if people are thinking you must be abusing the dog for him to act that way.” If you’ve ever had an aggressive dog yourself, you know how stressful and upsetting it can be. You face the daily dichotomy of socializing your canine in an attempt to reduce his aggressive tendencies, without anyone getting hurt in the process. Here are five principles for getting on the road to recovery. But first, be sure to take your dog to the veterinarian to check his behavior isn’t caused by a medical problem.

Principle #1: Study your dog like a scientist would Don’t attempt an interaction between a dog-aggressive dog and another canine without first becoming an expert in dog communication. Get out a notepad and observe every slight movement in your dog’s face, torso, tail and extremities. Engage him with a ball, favorite toy, or hide some kibble for him to find as you are taking your notes. You will be surprised how much you learn in just 15 minutes of objective observation and note-taking.

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By understanding the subtle signs your dog is giving you with his body, you will be better equipped to prevent a fight next time he is with another dog. For instance (and this illustrates just how subtle body signals sometimes are), right before a dog attacks another dog he will often push forward the corners of his mouth. I first read about this in Dr. Patricia B. McConnell’s book, For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend, and have witnessed it firsthand on many occasions. This signal doesn’t mean he is definitely going to attack, but it’s a warning that he is feeling territorial. When combined with other body signals, he may very well be telling you his next move is to attack. Here are some other telltale signs, which when combined, should alert you that your dog might be about to bite another dog: • Erect, motionless tail (though spastic and erratic wagging could also signal the same impending dangerous situation) • Curled lips (yet sometimes dogs do “smile,” so context is very important) • Raised hackles • Pursed mouth corners • Growling • Focused, squinted eyes (unless his eyes are naturally squinty) • Entire body frozen in place, or moving as if in slow motion

• Head held high above the other dog (or low, if stalking from a distance) • Turning around sharply to snarl/snap/growl/bite when another dog attempts to sniff his anal/genital region

Principle #2: Learn how to safely break up an altercation You were distracted at the dog park by your friend’s juicy story about her ex-husband, and didn’t notice when your dog raised his hackles, right before attacking another dog. What do you do? Never reach into a dog fight with your hands, or try to get between the animals. You will get bitten. Luckily, there are some tools you can keep on hand when introducing two dogs for the first time. A large bucket of water, for example, is a great way to break up a dog fight. During my recent visit to Kanab, Utah, where I volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, I watched closely as two male dogs started to play together. As their energy and rough-housing elevated, I calmly walked over to a large bucket of water, just in case. Sure enough, within seconds, their playful romp turned ugly, and I splashed a torrent of water on them. They stopped dead in their tracks, frozen like two embarrassed lunatics. The volunteer coordinator ran over and thanked me profusely, adding that it was exactly what he would have done.

Many fights are avoidable, and it is your responsibility to sidestep as many as possible by being acutely aware of what sets your dog off. I suggest keeping the following items close by: •A jar of pennies for shaking and making a loud noise to startle fighting dogs (a blow horn works as well) •A bucket of water or a hose for dousing the dogs; they will instantly become more focused on getting dry than on fighting • Citronella spray, which the volunteers at Best Friends also use; just don’t spray it into the dogs’ eyes or faces!

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Principle #3: Don’t set your dog up to fail Gain a thorough understanding of your dog’s triggers, and modify his environment accordingly. Many fights are avoidable, and it is your responsibility to sidestep as many as possible by being acutely aware of what sets your dog off. For example, leaving a bowl of favorite food out and allowing a canine houseguest to stick her muzzle in it will most certainly trigger some dogs to violently attack the intruder. If you know your dog has issues surrounding food, put his bowls away when you are expecting a visit from another canine. The same rule applies to his toys.

Principle #4: Provide physical and mental stimulation My favorite part of yoga is the sense of calm I get after challenging my body for an hour. It inevitably wears off as I drive home from the studio in LA traffic, but the first 20 minutes are blissful.

If your dog is excessively aggressive with others of his kind, consult a professional positive trainer or canine behaviorist for help. Exercise has the same effect on your dog. Mental stimulation is also important, especially if you are unable to sufficiently exercise your dog. As the owner of a dog daycare, I discovered that dogs really like board games – yes, there are board games designed for dogs, with varying degrees of difficulty, that I play with my pack of daycare pups. I also like to play “find the kibble cups”. They love whizzing around the living room and kitchen looking for overturned plastic cups with kibble inside. This game is perfect for rainy days when the dogs are feeling cooped up and want some release. Always supervise your dog when playing with others, since the last thing you want is for him to become territorial about the game or food! For dogs with a history of aggression, these mentally stimulating games are best played solo. Once again, always try to avoid situations that set your dog up to fail.

Principle #5: Don’t hide out While it is tempting to retreat after your dog gets in a fight, becoming a hermit will only increase the risk that he will fight again. Dogs live in the moment. If you introduce two dogs in a safe manner, and you employ the preventive strategies I have discussed here, there is no reason to discontinue his socialization training. Remember, a fight today does not beget a fight tomorrow.

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PRODUCT PICKS Let’s talk

Chew on this

Does your dog hate taking pills? HerbSmith’s Sound Dog Viscosity Joint Support Supplement from The Barfer Shoppe combines traditional joint aids and herbs in a tasty, soft chew. Glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid promote thick viscous joint fluid while MSM manages discomfort. Yucca, curcumin, corydalis and boswellia help maintain joints and bones, support soft tissue health and manage discomfort. Small: $19.95 Large: $34.95 thebarfershoppe.com

Paw

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Both the cold of winter and the heat of summer can be tough on your dog’s paws, often making his pads dry, cracked and irritated. Fancy Feet, the newest product from A Balanced K9, is a specially formulated balm that soothes and moisturizes your pooch’s paws and dry skin areas. Containing 100% all-natural ingredients, this product leaves your dog’s pads softer after just one use. $12.99 abalancedk9.com

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turkey

It’s not just for Thanksgiving. Turkey is a nutritious meat your dog can enjoy any time of year. Northwest Naturals offers a selection of frozen raw turkey diets in three convenient forms – nuggets, dinner bars and chubs. Manufactured in the US from human grade ingredients, the diets are made from whole turkey muscle and organ meat as well as ground raw turkey bone and other nutritious ingredients, like apples, carrots, salmon oil, kelp and more. Nuggets, 6 lbs: $22.99 – $24.99 Chubs, 2 lbs: $5.99; 5 lbs: $12.99 Dinner bars, 15 bars: $56.99; 25 bars: $99.99 nw-naturals.net

Make fleas

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Cedar oil is a naturally-occurring insecticide distilled from Juniperus Virginiana cedar trees in the Texas and Oklahoma hills. It has a pleasing fragrance and is effective for getting rid of fleas, mites and other pests. Goodwinol Shampoo contains cedar oil as well as lanolin, and is gentle enough for puppies and kittens while eradicating those biting bugs. Available from veterinarians and veterinary distributors goodwinol.com

Brain

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Just like us, dogs can experience reduced mental performance as they get older. Neutricks is a new evidence-based supplement proven to enhance brain function in senior dogs. The active ingredient is Apoaequorin, a natural calciumbinding protein found in a species of jellyfish (Aequoria Victoria) in Puget Sound, Washington. As animals age, they stop producing their own calcium binding proteins, and this product replaces those diminished proteins. Available from veterinarians quincyanimalhealth.com

More than

fish oil

Krill may be small, but it turns out they pack a powerful punch of nutrition. NWC Natural Pet Products’ Tri-KRILL contains an extract of krill harvested from the Antarctic. One of the key ingredients is a marine phospholipid high in Omega-3 fatty acids plus astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant. The product helps improve agility, decrease inflammation, and can help maintain a healthy heart, brain, nervous system, skin and coat. 60 soft gels: $38.99 NWCnaturals.com

It’s crystal

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Urine odor from your cat’s litter box can be hard to take. CrystalxFreshKitty features a unique mineral formulation with natural energy-release properties that condition the cat’s food and metabolically break down urea in his system – and the smell of urine – before it reaches the litter box. It comes in a permanently sealed reusable aluminum bottle that you simply place in the center of a food bag or beside canned food. One bottle: $34.99 crystalxfreshkitty.com

Bully for you

Do you know what’s really in those bully sticks you’ve been feeding your dog? For a pure single-ingredient meat treat, consider two new products from The Honest Kitchen. Beams are made from pure wild-caught Atlantic catfish skins, while Notions are made from pure, freerange sustainably raised Bolivian llama meat. Both are ideal for dogs who are allergic or intolerant to common proteins, like chicken or beef. Beams, 4 oz: $8.99 Notions, 4 oz: $13.99 thehonestkitchen.com

animal wellness

treatment. I recommend all animals receive annual blood and urine testing, with those five years of age and older getting these tests twice yearly. Dogs already showing signs of diabetes should be examined and tested immediately. Most dogs that develop diabetes are between four and 14 years of age, with many commonly affected at seven to nine years old. Certain breeds seem to have a higher incidence of diabetes, including poodles, Cairn terriers, beagles, dachshunds, and miniature schnauzers. Clinical signs include excess appetite, thirst and urination. Keep in mind that these signs are not specific to diabetes since they also occur with other diseases, including kidney and adrenal problems. A complete examination with blood and urine testing is needed to elucidate the actual cause of these clinical signs, and to allow proper therapy

The role of insulin

diabetes Is your pooch DIABETIC? Don’t PANIC. This common disease doesn’t have to be FATAL, and in most cases can be EASILY and EFFECTIVELY treated.

BY SHAWN MESSONNIER, DVM

atya was devastated when her veterinarian broke the news that her seven-year-old poodle had diabetes. “Maddie had always been healthy, so this really threw me for a loop,” she says. “I assumed that though we might be able to control the disease for awhile, Maddie would probably be dead within months.” Katya later found out that with the proper care, Maddie’s prognosis wasn’t so bleak. While diabetes can’t be totally cured, it can be effectively treated, especially if it’s caught early enough. Multiple factors usually contribute to the development of diabetes. These factors include genetics, obesity, infections, insulin-antagonistic diseases such as adrenal disease, medications such as corticosteroids, pancreatitis, and immune-mediated destruction of the beta (insulinsecreting) cells of the pancreas. When diabetes occurs, blood sugar levels elevate due to the lack of insulin produced by the pancreas. Often, the exact cause is not determined and treatment begins with the goal of lowering the dog’s elevated blood sugar.

Since most dogs are Type I diabetics and require insulin, this is the therapy most often recommended for them. Even holistic doctors find that, at least initially (and often for life), their patients will need twice-daily injections of insulin. Even though insulin is a synthetic drug, it is somewhat “natural” in the sense that it is a hormone made by the body. It is also safe when administered properly. Your veterinarian will demonstrate the proper way to prepare and give insulin injections to your dog. Some dogs are presented as diabetic emergencies, with very high levels of blood glucose. These animals require aggressive ﬂuid and insulin therapy for several days in the hospital, in order to stabilize their blood glucose levels. Once the dog is feeling better and his glucose levels have stabilized, he can continue therapy at home.

Dietary therapy, usually with increased ﬁber and regular exercise, also helps regulate blood sugar. While most diabetic dogs can be treated easily and relatively inexpensively at home, this disease sometimes requires repeated and somewhat expensive blood glucose testing in order to determine the “right” insulin dose for the dog. Most dogs are easy to regulate with insulin, but regular checkups and blood and urine testing (usually every three months or so) will be needed for the rest of their lives.

Natural therapies can help Natural therapies are designed to strengthen the pancreas and help modulate blood glucose levels, as well as support the liver and adrenal glands. Keep in mind, however, that these therapies may not be effective by themselves, and are usually used concurrently with insulin.

Early diagnosis crucial Diagnosing diabetes in its early stages is essential for proper

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• Choline is important for proper nerve functioning and liver

Avoiding insulin reactions Insulin reactions occur when too much insulin is given to the dog, dropping his blood sugar to very low and often dangerous levels. In my practice, I teach clients to avoid this problem by only giving insulin if the dog eats (ideally, insulin is given as the dog is eating or shortly thereafter). If the dog does not eat, he doesn’t get insulin. If he acts “weird” during the day (stumbling around, tremors, etc., which could indicate an insulin overdose), the client is instructed to immediately give him honey or Karo syrup and bring him to our ofﬁce for an evaluation and treatment.

pancreatic disease such as diabetes is present. • Antioxidants and fish oil are used to reduce the oxidative damage and inﬂammation that often occur in diabetes, as well as to increase insulin sensitivity. Holistic or integrative veterinarians will usually use a combination of these natural therapies to help support normal blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs. While these therapies are generally safe, keep in mind that in most cases your dog will also be treated with insulin to lower his blood sugar levels. Levels that drop too low can be life-threatening. This means you should only use natural therapies under the direct supervision of your veterinarian. In most instances, diabetes is not fatal when diagnosed early. The majority of dogs will do well and have normal lives when treated with a combination of insulin and natural therapies.

j oint aid joint

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support. I’ve had one client who successfully used a special choline supplement to actually “cure” her dog’s diabetes, so I always include it in my therapy. • Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in humans, possibly by decreasing insulin resistance. While the exact dosage in dogs has not been determined, I encourage people to give ½ teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per feeding, depending on the size of the dog. • Gymnema is an herb well known in Ayuverdic medicine for its use in the treatment of diabetes. It is a “sugar-destroying” herb that appears to work through a combination of mechanisms. These include reducing intestinal absorption of glucose; stimulating insulin secretion and therefore increasing blood insulin levels; and increasing the permeability and number of pancreatic beta cells (which secrete insulin). Gymnema has also been reported to decrease blood cholesterol levels. • Syzigium is an herbal or homeopathic remedy that provides support to the pancreas. • Chromium and vanadium are both heavy metals that in low doses can help support normal blood sugar levels. Vanadium may have insulin-like effects in lowering blood sugar levels, whereas chromium may increase the number of insulin receptors as well as receptor sensitivity to insulin. • Milk thistle is a liver-supporting herb helpful for dogs with diabetes, thanks to its antioxidant activity and also because the liver is involved in glucose metabolism. A side effect of diabetes is fat accumulation in the liver, so adding milk thistle to the treatment can help minimize damage from this fat accumulation. • Pancreatic glandulars may be prescribed by holistic or integrative veterinarians to support normal pancreas function. The pancreas needs support anytime a

RO D U C TS

jointaid4dogs.com animal wellness

WHAT’S YOUR BREED?

German

Shepherd BY CHARLOTTE WALKER

riends of my parents

once had a German shepherd dog. Big and friendly, she was a good-natured canine who put up with the shenanigans of four children with affability and patience. She certainly didn’t fit the conventional (and erroneous) stereotype of the breed. In fact, to anyone who thinks German shepherds are aggressive and unpredictable, this easy-going girl would have come as a delightful surprise. German shepherds, also known as Alsatians, are a relatively new breed, dating to around the turn of the 20th century. They’re probably the most well-known of working dogs. Originally used for farming and herding, they’re nowadays often seen in the role of guard, military and police dogs, which may be one reason why many people find them intimidating or even threatening. German shepherds also play a big role as guide dogs for the blind, and in searchand-rescue operations. Their lean, strong, muscular bodies and loyal, protective and courageous temperaments make them ideal for these jobs.

COURAGEOUS

dignified

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They’re also attractive, dignified and graceful, which may be why they make popular canine movie and television stars – think of Rin Tin Tin, a WWI Red Cross dog who featured in over 25 Warner Brothers movies before his death in 1932. Two future shepherds named Rin Tin Tin went on to star in The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin during the 1950s. More recently, German shepherds have starred in such films as K-9 with James Belushi, I Am Legend with Will Smith, and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. The German shepherd is the second most popular dog in North America, according Continued on page 58.

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WHAT’S YOUR BREED? Health issues One of the most common ailments associated with German shepherds is hip dysplasia. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, nearly 20% of these dogs are affected by the disorder – although keep in mind that this figure is actually relatively low when compared to breeds like the bulldog or pug. In most cases, indiscriminate breeding is the culprit. Any adopted German shepherd or shepherd mix should be checked by a veterinarian for hip dysplasia. A healthy, natural diet with a good quality joint supplement may help prevent or alleviate the pain and arthritis that eventually arise from the condition – it’s important to work with a holistic or integrative veterinarian for the best recommendations for your own dog. Another issue that can afflict German shepherds is bloat, which can lead to gastric torsion and even death. It’s important to ensure your dog doesn’t wolf his food – to help with this, consider investing in a slow feeder bowl, and feed him several smaller meals a day rather than one large one.

Continued from page 56. to the American Kennel Club – the only breed that outranks him is the Labrador retriever. When properly socialized and trained, shepherds make wonderful family companions and are good with children. Many people appreciate the sense of safety and security a German shepherd brings to the home because the breed makes such a good watchdog. While these dogs are loving with their human families, they are usually wary of strangers. Although shepherds have short coats, they do need brushing and grooming, and because they have relatively high energy levels, they also need plenty of regular exercise. They’re intelligent dogs that are quick and eager to learn. They excel at agility, herding, obedience, ﬂyball and other canine sports. Given their many attributes, is it any wonder people love German shepherds so much?

A selection of rescues

American German Shepherd Rescue Association, agsra.com BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue, brightstargsd.org Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, coastalgsr.org East Coast German Shepherd Rescue, ecgsrescue.com German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions, gsdrescue.org German Shepherd Rescue of BC, gsrbc.com German-Shepherd-US.com, german-shepherd-us.com Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles, sheprescue.org

animal wellness

for Herbs his

Plumbing BY CHRISTINA CHAMBREAU, DVM

Digestive and urinary problems are common in dogs. Take a look at how herbs can help resolve these issues.

nyone who shares their life with a dog will sooner or later have to deal with a bout of diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, bladder stones or other digestive or urinary complaint. Used properly, herbs can gently support the body and ease the symptoms of these conditions so that deeper healing can happen.

Digestive upsets • A main function of the digestive system is to absorb nutrients. When the mucosa malfunctions, too much water pours into the gut (some water is needed). Causes of diarrhea or vomiting can range from eating something that disagreed with the dog, to over-eating, emotional stress or a chronic, persistent problem often diagnosed as Inﬂammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Diarrhea or vomiting is often useful, ridding the body of toxins, and is part of the healing process. Conventionally, our goal is to quickly stop the symptoms. Holistically, however, we want the body to continue cleansing, so we start with gentler, supportive herbs and lots of towels to clean up. If symptoms persist, or cause distress, then stronger astringent herbs can be used. Often you can begin with fasting, maybe with some

honey/lemon juice, until the bad odor is resolved. Then give the dog apple juice, followed by herbs as needed. A major concern with vomiting, if you have a dog with a deep chest, is bloat. A blockage can also cause these symptoms. See your veterinarian without delay if you suspect something serious. • Constipation can usually be treated at home, unless the dog has been straining for several days. This could indicate a blockage. Colic, burping, passing gas and trapped gas often have similar causes and can usually be treated at home unless bloat is present. In short, as long as your dog has an appetite, is active, and does not have a fever (the normal temperature for healthy dogs is 100°F to 101.5°F), you can try some homecare treatments, including herbs (see sidebar on next page).

Urinary problems Common urinary problems include stones and cystitis. The animal wellness

Select inga product

Because so many herbs have similar properties, it can be difficult to decide which ones to use. Herbal combinations prepared by very reputable herbalists are what I generally recommend to my clients. I have clients keep Tinkle Tonic and Phytomucil (Animal Essentials) on hand if their dogs have bladder or digestive tract problems. These products contain many of the herbs listed in this article. Other companies also make combination herbal products. Whenever possible, look for organic or sustainably wild-crafted herbs.

Edit or’s note:

Here are a few additional companies that offer herbal remedies for digestive and urinary disorders: Peaceable Kingdom Essentials, herbsforyourpets.com Standard Process, standardprocess.com Easy Peesy Tea, The Honest Kitchen, thehonestkitchen.com

kidneys eliminate toxins from the body. Weakness in the liver, skin, intestines or circulatory system can overwork the kidneys or cause inﬂammation or stones in the bladder. Feeding your dog the best possible diet, along with building general health and reducing toxins, is the best way to prevent kidney and bladder issues. Symptoms include urinating or drinking more frequently. The dog may lick his genitals more. Straining is common. If no urine has passed (not even a drop) in 24 hours, or there is extreme discomfort, lethargy or vomiting, take your dog to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible. The same applies if your holistic treatments result in little to no improvement within a few days.

Using herbs Some herbs are so safe – parsley, burdock, nettle and dandelion – that they can be given as nutrition every day. Others can be toxic in large doses, or so strong – like slippery elm – that they should be used only short term. Being a whole plant, herbs help the whole body heal. Luckily, most dogs love to eat herbs, especially if given in a nice treat. Tinctures, teas and powders can be given in food, although pills should be given on an empty stomach. Many herbs work well in combination. Herbalist Matthew Wood recommends living with one herb

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Many culinary herbs are great for general health as well as digestive and bladder concerns. These include fennel seeds, thyme, peppermint and dandelion. a year to really learn all about each one, taking them in each season and noting their effects on you. If you have found certain herbs to be healing for yourself, consider them for your dog. Humans and canines often need similar treatments.

How do they work? Understanding the way different herbs work will help you choose them for your dog. It will also help you evaluate herbal combination products. • Demulcents have mucilaginous properties and are the very first to reach for because they soothe and coat the bladder or intestinal walls. They can help stools pass when the dog is constipated. I think every house should have marshmallow root powder. Plantain (Plantago) is a common “weed” that has many healing properties (it regulates the immune system, too), though it is less mucilaginous and has higher astringency than others in this category. Licorice root should not be given concurrently with conventional drugs. Even when vomiting is the only symptom, a demulcent would be good, along with ginger, peppermint and thyme.

Which herbs will help? Constipation: often related to liver problems; milk thistle, turmeric and licorice will help, along with demulcents and maybe anti-inflammatory herbs. Bladder stones: may pass or dissolve without surgery – use marshmallow, plantain, gravel root, stone root, shepherd’s purse (Thlaspi bursa). Diarrhea: my favorite herbs for this complaint are marshmallow root, aloe vera and chamomile. Frequent urination: for sudden onset, I would reach for marshmallow root, corn silk, Oregon grape, mullein and dandelion.

• Astringents are needed for diarrhea and cystitis. The tannins “shrink up” the mucus membranes so they are healthier. The gentlest ones to reach for first include chamomile, raspberry leaf, slippery elm, plantain, cranberry, nettle, shepherd’s purse, cornsilk and couchgrass. The stronger ones for cystitis include uva ursi, horsetail (for bladder bleeding) and yarrow. • Anti-microbial herbs such as goldenseal, Oregon grape root, cranberry, Echinacea or mullein can be added in if you have been told that bacteria are present.

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• Aniti-inflammatory herbs include dandelion, goldenseal, mullein, chamomile, cranberry, Echinacea (which also helps the immune system), licorice, cornsilk, myrrh, uva ursi and Oregon grape. • Soothing herbs include aloe vera (use the drinkable gel or squeeze it from a plant), calendula, chamomile, boswellia (also aids the liver) and mullein. • Anti-spasmodic herbs or carminatives like chamomile, cramp bark, peppermint, fennel, myrrh and thyme (which is antifungal and also aids in digestion) can help ease the discomfort causes by muscle or gas spasms. Used wisely, herbs offer a gentle alternative to conventional medications. Next time your dog develops one of these problems, consider herbal remedies to help heal him.

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feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!

HOW NIXING GRAINS CAN SOOTHE

IBD

Tummy

TROUBLE

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES AND PROBIOTICS CAN HELP

Taking care of

TINA

A DISABLED FELINE WITH THE HEART OF A LION

A NNA EASTEDEN THIS ASPIRING ACTRESS HAS A PASSION FOR KITTIES feline wellness

animal wellness

Unfortunately, there are too many cats just like Alex – some that are still around, and others, like my girl, that are gone. Because there are no statistics available, IBD technically isn’t classified as an epidemic. But tens of thousands of cat parents around the world know differently.

Too much grain isn’t good Low quality commercial cat foods contain ingredients we should not be feeding our cats. Many of these ingredients are imported from other countries that have few, if any, safety regulations in place. Among these ingredients are cheap grain fillers. “Cats can convert protein to energy in their bodies, so they don’t need to eat carbohydrates for energy,” says holistic veterinarian Dr. Deneen Fasano. “I believe that high carbohydrate diets contribute to most of the chronic diseases in cats, such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, bladder disease (cystitis), inflammatory bowel disease and many others.”

hanks to raw diets, many cats have been

able to stop taking their medications altogether, and have done a the severity of their disease.

AGAINST the

by Lisa Provost

Feeding your cat a high quality diet with little or no grain content can help stave off inflammatory bowel disease and other health problems.

180

Pre-digested grains from the stomach of a prey animal, such as a rodent or bird, are normal, but the grain products added to commercial cat food are not. They are usually poor quality, and in quantities that are too high for an obligate carnivore like a cat. Most grains are broken down in the body as some form of sugar. And although not all sugar is bad, cats don’t have the mechanisms to digest them. This means a diet containing too much grain can cause an overproduction of insulin in the pancreas. Too much insulin causes inflammation, and too much inflammation can be the precursor for IBD. And many cases that start out as IBD can and do lead to cancer. Cats are just like people; if they eat enough junk, their organs will pay for it.

Meat comes first When I adopted Alex, she was obese, thanks to what her previous family fed her. I began to learn about proper feline nutrition, and under the supervision of my vet, we put her on a diet. But the changes we tried to make were unfortunately too late. The damage was already done, and Alex became very ill with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), along with fatty liver disease and pancreatitis.

There is no magical way to completely prevent IBD. But a proper diet is a great place to start. “The best diet for your cat would be a meat-based homemade diet, either prepared raw or cooked,” says Dr. Fasano. Many times, putting a cat on a natural raw diet can help curb and stabilize IBD symptoms. Thanks to raw diets, many cats feline wellness

B12 deficiencies are common Many cats also have a B12 deficiency because they aren’t getting enough high quality meat in their diets. Cats cannot get B12 from plant protein; it has to be from meat. Absorption of B12 requires normal function of the stomach, pancreas and small intestine. Commercial cat foods, which are low in meat and high in grains, are causing the opposite to happen. A B12 deficiency causes poor cell formation in the digestive tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, poor food absorpion (malabsorption syndrome), constipation, gas, weight loss, fatigue, lethargy, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea.

diet containing too much grain can cause an

overproduction of insulin in the pancreas.

have been able to stop taking their medications altogether, and have done a 180 in the severity of their disease. If you don’t want to prepare raw food at home, you can buy premium frozen raw diets at many pet supply stores. If you can’t go raw, at least go grain-free and get rid of all that excess sugar, especially if your cat is suffering from diarrhea. Purchase the highest quality meat-based packaged food you can afford.

late to try making changes with adult cats either.

I had to learn about proper feline nutrition the hard way. Now it’s my goal to help others before their cats end up like Alex did. Think long term and understand that starting your cats off on the right foods when they are small can give them long, healthy and happy lives – although it’s never too

As cats age, they are bound to develop health issues; it’s inevitable. But a good diet can help keep some of those problems, such as IBD, at bay. We need to change the way we think about feeding our cats. Our kitties bring us great joy and unconditional love. Let’s do the same for them.

When the author adopted Alex, the kitty was overweight and suffering from IBD.

feline wellness

BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: secrets AUTHOR: terri

of a Pet Whisperer

steuben

Have you ever considered the possibility that your dog or cat’s misbehavior might stem from the messages you’re inadvertently sending him, both verbally and mentally? In Secrets of a Pet Whisperer, animal communicator Terri Steuben reveals a simple communication technique called “Talking Pictures” that can help encourage better understanding between you and your companion, and hence better behavior. By changing how you think and speak, you can help solve a variety of problems, such as jumping, chewing, barking, scratching, house soiling and more. This highly readable and easy to follow book will open up a whole new world of communication with your dog, cat or other animal, and deepen your bond on several levels.

Publisher: McCoury Publishing

TITLE: Ku

Ku Zen

AUTHOR: Dexter

Del Monte

The author of this little gem of a book described herself as a “selfabsorbed artist” before her partner brought home a tiny kitten and introduced her to the world of feline guardianship. Del Monte soon found herself falling in love and starting a 20-year journey of not only sharing her life and heart with cats, but exploring and living the principles of Zen Japanese practice. The book is named after Ku Ku, a special cat who helped lead the author down the road to enlightenment, wisdom and compassion – teaching her that joy is in the present moment, and that death can offer us important gifts and lessons if we know how to stay open to them. Del Monte also shares her thoughts and memories of other cats that have come and gone from her life. Poetic, touching, and illustrated with evocative line drawings, this book is a delight.

Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.

feline wellness

Taking OF

Tina

by CyNtHia s. EvaNs

My journey began 11 years ago, driven by my

compassion for a stray cat that desperately needed my help. I don’t know what had happened to the left side of her body, but what I saw broke my heart. Her eye was pushed in, her jaw and teeth were crooked, her tongue hung out, and her whiskers were half gone. She had numerous cuts, scrapes and bare patches. I took the stray home, where she accepted being cleaned up with a warm green teabag. I applied liquid bandage to a slice under her jaw, and mixed up a dab of honey with plain yogurt to help hydrate her. To keep her eye from getting infected, I cleaned it with distilled water.

improvement in her overall health. Later, Dr. Thomas Hufnagel became Tina’s veterinarian. He told me that nothing could have been done for her dislocated jaw, but thankfully it doesn’t seem to be a problem. She eats well and is a meticulous groomer. Tina is now a senior. She has had disabilities all her life but I don’t think she knows it. However, looking after a disabled cat requires more care and vigilance than average. Here’s what I did (and in most cases continue to do) to help Tina maintain her well being. Tina’s tender spots healed in time thanks to regular sunbathing, walks, massage, brushing, bathing and fish oil.

Within an hour, she was able to drink water and eat some soft food. She showed a willingness to survive that was to have a big impact on her recovery. I knew she would live, but that she would be disabled for life. I called her Tina.

Warm olive oil was rubbed on Tina’s skin to encourage her hair to grow back. Once her hair grew in, I wiped her down with 1/4 lemon juice to 3/4 water solution. Lemon is an astringent. (Note that lemon essential oil and the plant itself are toxic to cats).

The next step was to get Tina to a veterinarian. Dr. Robert Brown was 92 years old when he removed Tina’s left eye, which was pushing on her brain. The surgery made a magnificent

We used the followed herbal remedies for Tina. (Always work with a veterinarian before using herbs with cats). • Coltsfoot: anti-inflammatory expectorant

feline wellness

• Comfrey: speeds healing • Echinacea: antibacterial • Red clover and turmeric: anti-tumor Even on a soft diet, I need to fluff up her food so she can grab it. I offer her mashed raw or slightly cooked meat and vegetables, and yogurt instead of milk. It is important to provide cats with raw live foods that contain enzymes. Many processed foods lose their enzymes when heated above 118°F. A natural diet that is fresh and chemical-free is best for healing and strengthening the whole body, and is especially important for disabled cats. I give Tina a little honey as it’s helpful for digestion and arthritis. Because Tina’s tongue hangs out, she needs to drink more water than normal to keep it moistened. I use play time to keep a check on Tina’s vision. I also keep her surroundings clean, soft, smooth and safe. I try to keep things the way she likes them. Blind or vision-impaired cats appreciate everything in its place. Tina gets a regular bath. She enjoys a gentle massage with the shower head right up against her skin. Tina taught me that cats get used to their disabilities quicker than we do, but caring for them takes devotion, unconditional love, a good veterinarian – and the willingness to go the extra mile.

She might look like she’s been through the wars, but thanks to her will to survive, and the author’s care, Tina has had a long and happy life. feline wellness

Anna Easteden CAT LOVER

An aspiring actress whose passion for kitties spans two continents and an entire lifetime.

s a six-year-old in Finland, award-nominated actress Anna Easteden fell in love with cats. Life on a farm meant their resident felines spent more time outdoors than in, so when Anna’s orange tabby, Anistina, disappeared, she was heartbroken. But Anistina returned two weeks later with a surprise – three kittens she entrusted to Anna’s care.

“That experience influenced my love for cats,” says Anna, who has played numerous roles in movies and TV shows, including Two and a Half Men, Bones and Days of Our Lives. “There were many years I didn’t have a cat, but now that I live in Los Angeles, I’ve adopted two. I can’t imagine life without them.” When Anna and her husband, American baseball coach Rob McKinley, first talked about getting an animal, he wanted a great Dane. Because their yard would need renovations to accommodate such a large dog, Anna campaigned for a cat instead. Rob couldn’t imagine living with a cat, but Anna began to describe Oscar, an imaginary kitty, and would say things like: “Look, Oscar is sitting right by your feet” or “Oscar licked your face.” She knew her plan

by saNDra MUrPHy

had worked when one morning, Rob asked: “What is Oscar doing now?” The original idea was to adopt one cat but Anna came back from the Pasadena Humane Society with two. Because filming schedules can be erratic, this was the perfect fit for Anna’s lifestyle; two cats can keep each other company when she’s working on television shows. “At only eight weeks old, Jagger and Star were found together on a street corner,” she explains. “They spent two months in the same cage at the shelter. I felt they had to stay together – they’re a great team.” Star is black and white with a laid back attitude, while Jagger is a tabby who seems to channel his namesake’s bad boy behavior. Remembering Anistina’s love for the outdoors, Anna and Rob like to take their cats for walks. The collars and tags didn’t bother Star and Jagger, but when the leashes were first attached, neither would move. Now they enjoy the exercise. “Jagger’s like a little dog,” says Anna. “He walks very fast and likes to go around the block with Rob. Star doesn’t like to be away from Jagger but she’s afraid to go more than 20 feet from the house. When Rob and Jagger get out of sight, she meows. Rob says Jagger does the same meowing when they are on the far side of the block. I think Jagger and Star have a special connection.” The felines also enjoy an enriched indoor environment. Two cat condos, ten scratching posts, eight platforms and attached toys

feline animal wellness wellness

make up a custom-made castle Anna commissioned for Star and Jagger. “It’s a sight to behold,” Anna says. “The funny part is that Star and Jagger don’t sleep in the castle. They sleep with me.” Even Rob has come under their spell. When Anna asked if he’d still rather have that great Dane, he was upset that she even had to ask.

Everyone should adopt rescued cats instead of buying at pet stores. Although Anna’s busy schedule limits her time for doing other animal work, she does what she can to support cat welfare. “I certainly think actors should promote things they care about,” she says. “Teenagers especially look up to people in the public eye. It’s a huge bonus if these people want to make the world a better place and talk about what needs improvement or attention. I hope that by being a person who adopted from a shelter, I’ll make a difference and encourage others to adopt too. I care about my cats. People around me see that. A few have started to think about getting a cat just because they see how happy and excited I am. Even with something as simple as just telling people about Star and Jagger, I’m advocating cat adoption.” Neither Anna nor Rob can imagine life without their two feline friends. “They are the cuddliest, sweetest little beings,” says Anna. “I’ve completely fallen in love with these cats.”

Kiss hairballs

Anna says….

Spay/neuter so there are no unwanted litters.

Use a collar and tag in combination with a microchip. Keep contact information on the tag updated. Cats like the outdoors but are easily startled. Keep them close and safe by teaching them to walk on a leash. It will also protect any wildlife they might meet.

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DIARRHEA IS COMMON IN CATS AND HAS A VARIETY OF CAUSES. IN MANY CASES, DIGESTIVE ENZYMES AND PROBIOTICS CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR KITTY’S DIGESTION AND PREVENT UPSETS. by JoHN r. tayLor, ND

BART ATE SOMETHING HE SHOULDN’T HAVE, AND ENDED UP WITH DIARRHEA. “It was a Saturday afternoon, my vet’s office was closed,

and the nearest emergency clinic was 30 miles away,” says his person, Billie. Since Bart was eating okay and seemed his usual self apart from the diarrhea, Billie decided to keep an eye on him over the weekend and try giving him probiotics. It worked liked a charm and Bart was back to normal next day. A single bout of diarrhea, like Bart’s, is generally not a cause for concern in cats, although if it persists longer than a day or two it can lead to dehydration. Lethargy, vomiting, fever, dark-colored or bloody stools, straining to defecate, decreased appetite or unexplained weight loss are all red flags that something serious is going on. When you see any or all of these signs, make an appointment with a veterinarian without delay.

However, many cases of diarrhea are much simpler, with causes that include: • The quality of food being eaten • The freshness of the food • The cat’s ability to digest the food • Increased stress levels • Dairy or other food intolerances • Rapid food changes • Antibiotic use Cats prone to hairballs can also experience occasional bouts of diarrhea. And those that spend a lot of unsupervised time outdoors may eat inappropriate foods that could lead to stomach upsets.

DIGESTIVE ENZYMES In the wild, cats kill and eat fresh raw food. While good quality raw food diets are available, most domestic cats eat canned or kibbled foods. Cooked food doesn’t contain the naturally-occurring enzymes found in raw food, which means it doesn’t digest as well on its own, stressing the cat’s system and possibly contributing to food allergies. Whatever the cat cannot digest could cause an allergic reaction, prompting his digestive system to eliminate the problem quickly through diarrhea. If you’re not feeding your cat a raw diet, be sure to choose a high quality premium packaged food. Adding digestive enzymes to the food will enhance his digestion and help eliminate any food allergies while raising the nutritional density of what gets delivered to his system. Make sure to choose a product made from vegetarian sources and containing at least 16 different enzymes to help digest all the various food ingredients.

feline animal wellness wellness

PROBIOTICS Supporting your cat’s digestion with enzymes is only half the solution. Probiotics play a huge part in the natural balance of the intestinal tract. Without them, our systems would be overrun with yeasts and diseasecausing bacteria, resulting in diarrhea, dehydration or even more serious conditions. Cats are no different. Without a proper balance of “good guy” bacteria (probiotics), the result can be either constipation or diarrhea. There are hundreds of different species of naturally-occurring probiotics. Each has its own special job or benefit, so it makes sense to implant and colonize as many different species of possible. Look for a product that offers at least 11 different stabilized live species of probiotic. A supplement with only three or four species will not do a good job colonizing the entire intestinal tract. Since each probiotic species gravitates toward a certain pH range, introducing multiple strains that each like a different range will colonize more of the intestinal tract than a supplement offering only one or two species. I recommend avoiding probiotics that use yeasts instead of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria strains. Look for a supplement that also includes prebiotics, which act as food for the probiotics and greatly improve their colonization. Add probiotics to every meal you feed your cat. Each day, your cat’s system is assaulted with things that kill off the natural balance of probiotics in his gut: • Antibiotics, while sometimes necessary, are notorious for killing off the good bacteria along with the bad. Administer probiotics during a course of antibiotics, but don’t give them to your cat at the same time. • Drinking chlorinated tap water kills probiotics. • Eating meat, poultry or dairy products containing antibiotics will kill off probiotics. • Emotional stress can alter the pH range in the intestinal tract and adversely affect probiotic colonies. • Viruses and disease-causing bacteria can alter the ideal balance. The idea is to top off the probiotics in the gut at every meal, and to replace those that have been lost. As a maintenance dose, include 250 million CFUs (Colony Forming Units) of live, stable probiotics in each half cup of pet food, every day at every meal. During times of loose stool, this dosage can be easily doubled. Return to the maintenance dose when the bowels are normal again. Coupled with digestive enzymes and a good quality diet, probiotics will help ensure a cat with healthy digestion.

STEPS TO PREVENTING DIARRHEA √ Feed your cat a high quality food. √ Use a digestive enzyme with at least 14 different strains. √ Supplement every meal with a good multi-strain probiotic – it should be formulated for animals and have at least 11 different species.

√ Make sure to dose at least 250 million CFUs per ½ cup of food. √ The probiotic supplement should include prebiotics. animal feline wellness

FOOD SHOPPING FOR

FIDO

[[

The good news is there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to healthy premium foods for your dog. But that can make deciding where to begin more than a little bewildering. This handy shopping list will get you started.

enny has just adopted a new dog from her local shelter. He’s a young shepherd mix, about eight months old. Vowing to feed him the healthiest possible diet from day one, Penny heads to the pet supply store to take a look at premium dog foods. She figures the best quality products will maybe take up half of one shelf, but is amazed at how many choices there are. Not sure what to pick out for her new friend, Penny decides on a premium canned food, but determines to do more research on what’s available once she gets home. Making the switch to a healthier diet for your dog can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for, or what different companies offer. In the days when premium dog foods were few and far between, it wasn’t so hard, but the selections have been steadily growing over the last number of years. Not only can you now choose from many high quality canned and dry foods, but there are also raw frozen

animal wellness

by aNN briGHtMaN

as well as freeze dried diets to consider. And protein sources have expanded from the traditional beef, chicken and lamb to include exotic selections such as bison, rabbit, alpaca and even kangaroo. All this choice is wonderful, but it can make food shopping for your dog a bit bewildering. The accompanying chart (right) highlights some of the best premium pet food companies out there, along with a brief summary of the some of the canine diets they offer. All these companies specialize in high quality diets made with whole named meats and no synthetic additives or preservatives. Many also offer special diets for puppies or senior dogs, as well as grain-free or weight management formulas. A few even offer products made from organic or gourmet ingredients. This quick and easy reference will give you an idea of what your options are, and ensure your dog gets the highest quality food, as well as plenty of healthy variety, at all times.

Shopping list Company

Type of food

Protein choices

Blue Buffalo

Dry and canned

Chicken, ﬁsh, lamb, duck, salmon, turkey, beef

Canine Life

Pre-mixes

The mixes are made from whole brown rice, barley and oats, as well as kelp, alfalfa, herbs, vitamins and minerals, etc; you just add meat and vegetables

Evanger’s

Dry and canned

Chicken, pheasant, whiteﬁsh, rabbit, beef, duck, turkey, lamb, salmon, pork, buffalo

Life’s Abundance

Dry and canned

Chicken, catﬁsh, turkey, shrimp, crab

Missing Link

Mixes

For speciﬁc nutritional needs; you add mixes to your dog’s meals

Innova

Dry and canned

Turkey, chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, herring

Evo

Dry and canned

Turkey, chicken, beef, buffalo, lamb, venison, herring, salmon, duck

California Natural

Dry and canned

Chicken, lamb, herring, salmon, kangaroo, venison

HealthWise

Dry

Chicken, lamb

Karma

Dry

Chicken

Northwest Naturals

(http://cms.nw-naturals.net)

Raw frozen and freeze dried

Lamb, turkey, beef, chicken, bison

Nutro Ultra

Dry, canned, pate

Chicken, lamb, salmon

Merrick’s

Canned

Beef, trout, duck, chicken, lamb, turkey, tuducken, venison, buffalo

Wysong

Canned

Chicken, turkey, beef

Sojos

Raw food mixes

Turkey, beef

Solid Gold

Dry and canned

Chicken, bison, lamb, ﬁsh, beef, turkey

Spring Meadows Natural Pet Food

Frozen raw patties

Alpaca, beef, bison, chicken, elk, lamb, venison

Steve’s Real Food

(stevesrealfood.com)

Raw frozen and freeze dried

Beef, turkey, chicken, turducken

The Honest Kitchen

Dehydrated mixes

Beef, whiteﬁsh, turkey, chicken

(bluebuffalo.com) (theskyesthelimit.com and westcoastcaninelife.com)

(evangersdogfood.com)

(healthypetnet.com)

(missinglinkproducts.com)

Natura Pet

(naturapet.com)

(ultraholistic.com)

P.O.R.G.I.E.

(porgienaturalhealth.com)

(sojos.com) (solidgoldhealth.com)

(springmeadowsnaturalpetfood.com)

(thehonestkitchen.com)

animal wellness

She talks to Animals by barbara NEFEr

So Sonya

Fitzpatrick didn’t speak a word until she was five years old. But she still did a lot of communicating. It just happened to be with the animals on her family farm in the English countryside. Sonya was born with hearing problems – yet she was able to talk to dogs, cats and other animals. “I’ve been communicating with animals for as long as I can remember,” she says. “They speak telepathically. They’re always transmitting.” Sonya backed away from her gift when three geese she’d befriended on the farm were killed for Christmas dinner. She didn’t want further heartbreak. “I closed down for many years,” she admits. But Sonya couldn’t shut out her talents for long. “I didn’t make a decision to start up again,” she explains. “It just sort of happened. It was meant to be.” At the time, she’d recently moved to the US, but had to temporarily leave her dog and cat behind. The two animals had always got along well – but then there was an incident when the dog went after the cat. “I was very concerned about it,” Sonya says. “A friend of mine knew an animal communicator, and I talked to her and she sorted it out. Afterwards, I thought to myself: I used to do this at one time. I’m going to start doing it again.” Once she reconnected with her gift, Sonya found it was as strong as ever. She soon gained a reputation among her New York friends and their acquaintances as someone who could talk to dogs and other animals, and solve the most frustrating issues.

animal wellness

“All these people were coming with dogs, cats, snakes and other reptiles, bringing animals from all over,” she says. Sonya wrote her first book on animal communication. A whirlwind of media appearances followed, in which she demonstrated her abilities doing animal readings. People were amazed by her connection with animals, and her ability to solve behavior problems. Before she knew it, her expertise was in high demand and she was working with celebrities like Ashley Judd, Tori Spelling and Ellen DeGeneres. Sonya also hosts Animal Planet’s The Pet Psychic, and takes call-ins on Animal Intuition Intuition, a radio show on XM-Sirius.

Before she knew it, her expertise was in high demand and she was working with celebrities like Ashley Judd, Tori Spelling and Ellen DeGeneres. Sonya says the reason for her success is simple. “There’s always a reason for an animal’s behavior. If I can get to that reason, I can cure it.” Often it’s something very simple that the animal’s guardian just doesn’t realize. “For example, so many people have dogs and never walk them,” she says. “So many problems are solved simply by giving your dog a good, long walk every day. Otherwise, it’s like being in prison for them. You could be in Buckingham Palace or the White House, but you wouldn’t be happy if you never got out.” Although Sonya cannot diagnose illnesses, she helps many people pinpoint exactly where their companions are hurting. “When I’m communicating, it’s like I’m inside the animal,” she says. “I see what they see, feel what they feel. It’s not just hearing. I use all my senses.”

Sonya was at the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest in California when the winner, Mugly, told her that what he was looking forward to most on that chilly day was getting warm and having a nice chicken dinner. Although the main focus of her work is solving issues with animals, Sonya also helps people know when it’s time to let their beloved companions go. “Many people consult me when they’re ready to put an animal down to see if it’s the right time or if they should hang on,” she says. If the animal is ready to be at peace, Sonya helps the guardian come to terms with the decision. Sonya doesn’t have to be in physical proximity with an animal to communicate with him. She does many private sessions on the phone as well as working with callers to her weekly radio show. “This works through the magnetic fields of the universe,” she explains. “A lot of people don’t even know those fields exist, but animals know how to use them. As a little girl, I used to see them. We’re constantly transmitting, like a radio. When I’m on the telephone and I’m talking to the person, I pick up the animals.” Sonya’s deep love of animals comes out in her personal collection of 14 rescued critters and a horse she saved from a slaughter truck. “I spoil them rotten,” she admits. “I feel humbled when I talk to them because they communicate on a higher level of consciousness.” Sonya believes anyone can learn to communicate with their animals on some level. She has written two books about it and is working on a third. “It’s all about feelings, emotions and pictures, but not like you see with your physical eyes,” she explains. “Animals receive impressions from us all the time, but we have the faculty of speech, so we don’t realize we’re transmitting images and feelings.” You might not be able to tap into your companion’s language as deeply as Sonya does, but if you become sensitive to the messages you send to and receive from him, you’ll at least enjoy a closer bond with your furry friend.

animal wellness

ANIMAL THERAPY

CALIFORNIA

Easingpaw Animaltherapy Monrovia, CA USA Phone: (626) 391-6356 Email: annette@easingpaw.com Website: www.easingpaw.com

1/24th Equine Wellness Animal Paradise COMMUNICATORS Communication & Healing LLC

NEW YJanet ORK Dobbs

Animal communication • Reiki Janice DeFonda Consultations • Classes Can We Talk www.AnimalParadiseCommunication.com • 703-648-1866 Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 Email: angelwhispurr@gmail.com Website: www.angelwhispurr.com

VIRGINIA 1/24th Animal Wellness

Animal Paradise

Communication & Healing LLC

Janet Dobbs Animal communication • Reiki Consultations • Classes

www.AnimalParadiseCommunication.com • 703-648-1866

HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE CALIFORNIA

Enlighthouse Escondido, CA USA Toll Free: (800) 370-PETS Phone: (760) 796-7949 Website: www.AnimalsAndTheAfterlife.com

• In home support by RVTs •Senior pets • Special needs • Hospice Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 695-2500 www.animalrn.com

INTEGRATIVE VETS ALBERTA

Steven Marsden, DVM Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic Edmonton, AB Canada Phone: 780-436-4944

ARIZONA

Judy Stolz DVM ND Arizona City, AZ USA Phone: (520) 494-9571 Website: www.drstolz.com

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Tree of Life Veterinary Care Courtenay , BC Canada Phone: (250) 338-2316 Website: www.animalhealingchoices.com Gail Jewell, DVM Kelowna, BC Canada Phone: (888) 622-8300 Website: www.holisticvet.ca

CALIFORNIA

Caroline Goulard DVM CVA (949) 813-4107 Aliso Viejo, CA USA Phone: (949) 813-4107 Email: c.goulard@cox.net Website: www.carolinegoularddvm.com Holistic Veterinary Center Calabasas, CA USA Phone: (818) 880-0838 Website: www.holistic-vet-center.com EverGlo-Naturals Gloria Dodd, DVM Gualala, CA USA Phone: 707-785-9171 Email: everglo@mcn.org Website: www.holisticvetpetcare.net Creature Comfort Oakland, CA USA Phone: (510) 530-1373 Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825 Coddingtown Vet Clinic Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 546-4646 Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643

ONTARIO

feline animal wellness wellness

• Acupuncture • Chiropractic •Conventional Medicine •Therapeutic Nutrition •Traditional Chinese Medicine Guelph, Ontario, Canada (519)836-2782 www.GuelphVet.com info@GuelphVet.com Dr. Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND and Dr. Sasan Haghighat (Hyatt), DVM, CVA North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: (905) 830-1030 Email: holisticveterinarian@gmail.com Website: www.holistic-vet.ca Dr. Paul McCutcheon, Dr. Cindy Kneebone & Dr. Anya Yushchenko Visit our website: www.holisticpetvet.com P 416.757.3569 E eyac@holisticpetvet.com

PENNSYLVANIA

Rockledge Veterinary Clinic 401 Huntindon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046

Francie L.Rubin, VMD, Carrie Hutchinson, VMD Laura Jones, DVM, Bill Brice, VMD

• Conventional Medicine & Surgery • Classical Homeopathy • Cold Laser for Arthritis

• Vaccine Titers • Home Prepared Diets, Hospice • Acupuncture & Chiropractic

215.379.1677

www.rockledgevet.com

MASSAGE THERAPY MASSACHUSETTS Rub My belly Massage & Reiki

ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL • Chiropractic • Aqua-Therapy • Acupuncture • Chinese Herbalist • Alternative Medicine • Holistic consults • Physical Rehab Dr. Janice Huntingford, DVM, CCRT, CVA, CAVCA 355 Talbot St. N. Essex, ON N8M 2W3 (519) 776-7325 | www.essexanimalhospital.ca

Individualized, Integrative Veterinary Care

Work hand in hand to comfort and relax your dog or cat. I serve the greater Merrimack Valley area and will come directly to your home which is less stressful for your furry friend.

RubMyBellyMassage.webs.com

animal therapy - communicators - holistic healthcare - integrative vets - massage therapy natural products - reiki therapy - schools & wellness education - shelters & rescues

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PENNSYLVANIA

www.bar fershoppe.com Pick up & delivery available in Houston, TX

SCHOOLS & WELLNESS EDUCATION OHIO

WASHINGTON

DERMagic Skin Care for Animals, Inc. Kingston, WA USA Phone: (425) 637-4643 Email: info@DERMagic.com Website: www.DERMagic.net

NATURAL PRODUCT RETAILERS

P.O.R.G.I.E. Pet Ownership Requires Getting Informed and Educated A HEALTH STORE FOR PETS Natural & Organic & THEIR PEOPLE Products 951-784-9070 www.porgienaturalhealth.com

CALIFORNIA

P.O.R.G.I.E. Natural Health Riverside, CA USA Phone: 951-784-9070 Email: porgienaturalhealth@dslextreme.com Website: www.porgienaturalhealth.com

COLORADO

Holistic Pet Info Arvada, CO USA Phone: (303) 888-5101 Email: service@holisticpetinfo.com Website: www.holisticpetinfo.com/categories. asp?Partner=AW2012

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

The Big Bad Woof Washington, DC USA Phone: (202) 291-5575 Email: alphawoof@thebigbadwoof.com Website: www.thebigbadwoof.com

REIKI THERAPY CALIFORNIA

SHELTERS & RESCUES CALIFORNIA

American Brittany Rescue , CA USA Toll Free: (866) BRIT-911 Phone: (510) 582-2714 Email: rhonda@americanbrittanyrescue.org Website: www.americanbrittanyrescue.org

NEW YORK

Greyhound Rescue & Rehabilitation Cross River, NY USA Phone: (914) 763-2221 Email: greytest1@aol.com

OHIO

Alaskan Malamute Mt. Gilead, OH USA Phone: (419) 512-2423 Email: shaman@brightnet.net

OREGON

Columbia-Willamette Beagle Rescue Portland, OR USA Phone: (503) 243-4619 Email: rescue@cwbeagles.com Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

animal wellness

IMMUNE-MEDIATED hemolytic anemia may sound like an OBSCURE DISEASE, but it’s more common than you might THINK.

omething was wrong with Gracie. It started with subtle signs – she didn’t have her usual pep when on walks, her appetite was off, and she didn’t want to chase her favorite ball. In a few days, these subtle signs were replaced with more worrisome ones. Gracie didn’t want to get up, was breathing heavily, and her gums were pale and yellowish. A visit to the veterinarian revealed something serious – Gracie had immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, or IMHA.

WHAT IS IMHA? Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is a condition in which the immune system attacks normal cells – in this case red blood cells – and destroys them. It is one of many immunemediated diseases; others include lupus and immunemediated thrombocytopenia. In each disease, the underlying cause is the same: the immune system gets stimulated but then reacts abnormally, turning on the body’s own cells rather than a foreign agent. However, immune-mediated diseases can look very different depending on which cell type the immune system targets. In IMHA, the immune system attacks red blood cells and causes them to burst. Red blood cells are vital, because they carry oxygen from the lungs to all the tissues in the

animal wellness

by EriN Mayo, DvM

body. Without these cells, the entire body gets deprived of oxygen, producing weakness and lethargy. Additionally, the destroyed red blood cells must be cleansed from the circulatory system. This job falls to the kidneys and liver. When there is suddenly a large quantity of red blood cell debris to clean up, the liver and kidneys get strained and can quickly fail.

WHAT CAUSES THE DISEASE? Unfortunately, the cause is frequently never found; in fact, 60% to 75% of cases are considered idiopathic (cause unknown). But a few things are known to be potential instigators.

1 2 3 4

Certain drugs can lead to abnormal immune stimulation and the development of IMHA. These include antibiotics (penicillin, trimethoprim-sulfa), methimazole and acetaminophen. Conditions such as cancer can over-stimulate the immune system.

Dogs with hemangiosarcoma are at increased risk of developing IMHA. Eating inappropriate items, such as onions or coins made of zinc, can lead to this disease.

5 6 7

Certain parasites that reside in the red blood cells can create an immune response that gets out of control, resulting in IMHA. Anything that stimulates the immune system could potentially lead to over-stimulation and IMHA. Vaccination, or more importantly over-vaccination, has been frequently suspected as a culprit, although the jury is still out on this. Core vaccines play an important role in controlling diseases like parvovirus and distemper, so it is never a good idea to stop administering them altogether. Next time your dog is at the veterinarian’s ofﬁce for a routine examination, discuss his vaccination schedule to maximize protection while minimizing potential harm.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS IT? Dogs with IMHA can often go undiagnosed for several days, because the early signs are subtle and non-speciﬁc. The dog will act lethargic – he’ll just lie around, have no energy and not engage in normal play. As the disease worsens, the lethargy will become more pronounced. Dogs may also breathe harder or pant as their ability to transport oxygen throughout the body decreases. You may notice dark orange or brown urine, and the dog’s gums will

Can IMHA be prevented? Because we don’t know what causes this condition, it is difficult to counsel people on prevention. You can, however, talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s vaccination schedule and medications. And while you can’t control everything in your environment, limiting your dog’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals and immune-stimulants may help lessen his chances of developing this disease.

animal wellness

Is your dog at risk? There are no numbers describing the prevalence of IMHA, but there is evidence that certain breeds are predisposed to developing it. • Cocker spaniels (at the top of the list) • Poodles • Collie-type breeds • Old English sheepdogs • Irish setters • Miniature schnauzers IMHA is more commonly seen in females than males. If you are worried because your dog’s breed is on this list, keep in mind that it simply represents the most commonly seen breeds that are treated for IMHA. Many other breeds develop this disease, both purebred and mutts.

also become very pale or even white. The skin, gums and sclera (white part of the eyes) may also turn yellow; this is the result of bilirubin released from inside the red blood cells. IMHA can be diagnosed with a thorough history, examination and a complete blood count (CBC). This test will show an extremely low number of red blood cells, or severe anemia. Further tests will conﬁrm the diagnosis, such as the Coomb’s test and autoagglutination test, but these are not frequently performed unless there is some doubt about the diagnosis.

WHAT IF MY DOG IS DIAGNOSED WITH IMHA? Conventional treatment options center around suppressing the immune system to slow or halt the destruction of red blood cells. This is most commonly achieved with one or many drugs – prednisone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, etc. These drugs are given at high doses for long periods of time, frequently resulting in a myriad of unpleasant side effects. Treatment can last for a year or more. Other treatments can include blood transfusions and extended hospital stays if the condition is severe. Reported survival rates are between 55% to 75%, but relapses are common. Integrative treatment options also aim to dampen the immune response. • A hypoallergenic diet is the first place to start. While food allergies may not have caused the IMHA, allergens in the food may cause further unnecessary stimulation to an already overstimulated immune system. Hypoallergenic diets will allow for adequate nutrient absorption without fanning the flames of an already inflamed immune system.

animal wellness

Several herbs have been shown to protect red blood cells and stimulate the bone marrow to produce more. These include Dong quai (Angelical sinensis) and Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea). • Probiotics are another way to help calm the immune system. Good bacteria in the gut decrease the likelihood of bad bacteria invasions, and aid the process of digestion. • Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in ﬁsh oil, have been shown in several studies to have anti-inﬂammatory effects on many conditions, such as allergic skin disease and arthritis. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) blood levels are low in immune-related diseases. Some studies suggest that supplementation with DHEA may also help ameliorate the side effects associated with steroids. • Several herbs have been shown to protect red blood cells and stimulate the bone marrow to produce more. These include Dong quai (Angelical sinensis) and Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea). IMHA can be a severe illness, and the cause is frequently never discovered. But Gracie was lucky. She received a combination of high dose prednisone, diet therapy, probiotics and herbs. Today, her CBC is normal and she is back to playing with her favorite ball.

animal wellness

& Fun

Food Aikiou president Alexandre with founder Kathleen, children Joany and Gabrielle, and dog Dexter.

They’re his two favorite things. This innovative company combines them into mentally stimulating products that prevent boredom and enrich his environment.

BY ANN BRIGHTMAN

f you’ve ever come to home to ﬁnd your dog has chewed up your best shoes, then you know animals sometimes get bored. Unfortunately, in many cases, people give up their dogs and cats because they’ve become “destructive”, when all they really need is something to do when they’re alone. A company called Aikiou has an answer. “We develop solutions to prevent boredom and enrich the lives of animals by providing fun and interactive activities,” says president Alexandre Tremblay. Founded four years ago by Kathleen Desrosiers, a veterinary technician, Aikiou (pronounced IQ) is dedicated to stimulating the intellectual ability of animals. “We were looking for a way to enhance the environment for dogs and cats, and use behavioral enrichment so they would have something to do instead of destroying things around the house, which gets them abandoned,” explains Alexandre. “Since we all know that animals spend a big part of their day alone at home, it’s natural to give them something to do and intellectual games are just perfect for that. Using food is also natural since it’s the kind of activity dogs and cats would get in nature.” Aikiou offers several different products to meet these needs. “All of them are based on enrichment but differ in method,” says Alexandre. The company’s interactive dog bowl features a variety of separate compartments that make dogs work for their food. “By turning the wheel of the main part and opening the sliding doors for the smaller sections, he’ll eat slower, have fun

animal wellness

and stay busy for a long, long time.” The cat bowl, meanwhile, caters to your kitty’s love of hunting by encouraging him to use his paws to access food hidden in the many plastic tubes. These products were developed by animal behaviorists. “They fulﬁll a degree of activity that would be found in nature,” says Alexandre. “Intellectual activity and food searching should be part of every animal’s daily routine. We thought that using mealtimes would be just the way to do that.” Aikiou is involved in several additional animal-related causes. “Since our products were designed to prevent boredom for cats and dogs, it seemed only natural to have animal shelters beneﬁt from our work,” says Alexandre. “Think about being inside a cage all day long. You either need something to do, or you go crazy and end up aggressive and destructive.” The company is also involved in educational programs that teach kids to be better animal guardians. “Developing our products is a great challenge because you need to learn about and recreate a dog or cat’s particular means of eating in nature,” Alexandre says, adding that he especially enjoys watching animals use their products. “Dogs are so driven by smell that they go crazy as soon as they smell something they can’t see. It’s funny to watch.” And it’s clear the animals enjoy it too!

PASSAGES

OUR LAST WALK BY LISA LOEB

appa, my beagle/Jack Russell mix, led me through the woods on a warm spring day, with a light breeze ruffling newly budded trees. We had just visited the vet for the third time in a month, and I had been told she had an inoperable tumor. For the past month I had known she was ill, but she continued to show interest in life, gobbling her dinner, giving me her animated grin when I told her we were going out, and coming with me on all my errands. She managed to cover up any discomfort – except in the middle of the night when she would sit up and stare into the darkness.

ZAP MAINTAINED HER SERENITY AND JOY IN LIFE UNTIL THE END. Now the x-ray showed a mass pressing on all Zappa’s organs. Our time together was up. I picked her up, carried her to my car and said in a quiet voice, “We are going to the nature trail.” She settled into her usual position, placing her delicate front paws on the window ledge. About ten minutes later, I pulled over and parked at the head of the trail. It was a little known gem, where we would not meet many people. Padding along on this warm, transformative spring day, Zappa kept her head lifted. Her tail movements were like graceful waves, more meaningful than a handshake. Zappa followed the trail at a relaxed pace,

stopping to sniff the occasional stick that called to her on a visual or olfactory level. With the concentration of a hound, she examined items covered in woodsy odors, smelling each layer of scent, then walking or trotting on as the spirit moved her. Meandering along the winding path, I felt a sense of flow as I shadowed her.. Zappa was taking me to her world. I followed her with all my senses, my heart in my throat, knowing this was our last walk in the woods. Our heads were in the same place: we felt happiness in the day, comforted by the warm soft air and interested in the sounds of wildlife chattering in the trees or scurrying in the underbrush. This is what dogs do (at least the ones I have shared my life with) – they travel, they follow their noses, and they lead you to places of peace.

I know she is my messenger. It is perfectly clear as I watch her swaying hind end, her tail, half-black and half-white, curved upward in salute. I have listened and I have understood. I am committed to holding her best qualities in my mind and heart as I prepare to go on without her.

At the familiar shallow stream, I asked Zappa if she wanted a drink. She looked up at me for a moment, and I observed her beautiful liquid brown eyes framed with white lashes, her expression and pure serenity. Okay. She waded in slowly, took a few laps of water, sniffed a green mossy rock and retraced her steps back to my side. We moved on, passing familiar wooden footbridges, offshoot trails and a few other dogs. She even said hello to a woman who stopped and offered her hand. I FELT PROUD. My dog…who loved people, loved everything about life, a good meal, a good massage, a high quality jog in the woods and even the occasional bark at a car coming up the driveway. She loved me – I loved her. animal wellness

THE SCOOP BANDAGING MADE EASY For fur-friendly, super-stretch, non-adhesive bandages, turn to PawFlex. The company offers five designs each designated for a specific wound area, and are soft, breathable and water resistant. They’re also non-slip and feature a quick fastening and release system for ease of use. Pawflex.com

A SPECIAL SURVIVOR Daniel the beagle became famous when he survived being put into a gas chamber. He was subsequently adopted by Joe Dwyer, who started campaigning for a nationwide ban of gas chambers in shelters. Learn the full story in A Conversation with Daniel, a short documentary by Rob Acocella of DIGImmortal Photo and Video. youtube.com/watch?v=KEmRpu-fNJs

SPRING INTO ACTION Know someone who goes the extra mile for animals? Visit Spring Naturals’ “Spring Into Action” Facebook page and nominate him/ her. Each month, the entry with the most votes receives a 26lb bag of Spring Naturals dog food. The grand prize winner gets to select the animal shelter of their choice to receive $2,000 in food and a $500 cash donation. facebook.com/SpringNaturals/app_231413163631416?ref=ts

MEETING HIGH STANDARDS Sleepypod pet carriers have set a benchmark by meeting the standard for child restraint systems. The company hired a crash-test facility sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to test the crash-worthiness of its entire line of carriers. sleepypod.com/safety or sleepypod.com/videos

LEARN ABOUT LOSS Learn about end of life care and grief counseling with Pet Loss Companioning and Animal Hospice Care classes. This online certificate program teaches you how to support dying animals and their grieving families, both before and after the death transition. e-trainingfordogs.com

NEW CERTIFICATION PROGRAM The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has developed a Pet Food Manufacturing Facility Certification Program (PFMFCP). The program assists companies in meeting or exceeding regulations to produce safe pet food products. The Nutro Company is the first pet food manufacturer to receive PFMFCP certification. nutro.com or petfoodfacility.org

animal wellness

Amazing Animals

Photo Contest WINNERS!!!

Best Photo - Willow and Lily Submitted by Susan Bushman

Most athletic - Chevy Twist Submitted by Diane Grey 88

animal wellness

Best bond - Anya and Kali

Submitted by Anya Peterson-Frey

Most artistic - Savannah Submitted by Nancy Hori

Best pals - Roscoe and Violet Submitted by Jennifer Anderson

Biggest attitude - Eklerka

Funniest - Annie

Submitted by Agatha Borecki

Submitted by Kristi Fox

Best eyes - Wheezy

Submitted by Jamie Kelley

Best nature lover - Tallulah Submitted by David Sotto

Best smile - Lindsay

Submitted by Sharon Golding animal wellness

BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: ACU-DOG AUTHOR:

– A Guide to Canine Acupressure

Amy Snow & Nancy Zidonis

Acupressure is something you can learn to do at home to enhance your animal’s well being and even help with healing. In their book ACU-DOG – A Guide to Canine Acupressure, Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis, the founders of Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute, make this effective modality accessible to you and your dog. Learn about the basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as the theory of Yin and Yang, Five-Element Theory, organ systems, meridians and more. The book provides a discussion of assessment tools for detecting disharmony in the body, and in-depth instructions on performing an acupressure session on your dog. There’s also a section on specific canine conditions and the relevant acupoints for relieving them. Filled with handy diagrams, charts and photos, this book will help you play a major role in your dog’s wellness.

Publisher: Tallgrass Publishers, LLC

TITLE:

Dog Is My Copilot

AUTHOR: Patrick

Regan

Four years ago, animal rescuer Debi Boies and private pilot John Wehrenberg combined forces to save one dog’s life. The result of their collaboration, a fullfledged rescue organization called Pilots N Paws, has since transported tens of thousands of animals from certain death to safety. Author Patrick Regan recounts these tales of inspiration and salvation in Dog Is My Copilot. The book highlights 24 real-life rescue stories collected from pilots and their animal rescue counterparts on the ground – from Hobble Along Cassidy, the injured stray saved from a Navajo reservation in New Mexico, to Newman, a deaf Australian shepherd who thoroughly enjoyed his flight from Georgia to Michigan, but ate his paperwork en route. With the help of dozens of color photos, the author brings these stories of compassion and commitment to life. An inspiring read.

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC

animal wellness

Events Healing Touch for Animals® Course October 12-14, 2012 – Chicago, IL Learn energy-healing techniques for the health and wellbeing of your animals. Introduction to Healing Touch (1/2 day) This class is a prerequisite of the Small Animal Class. Friday: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Small Animal Class (1 day) This class is a prerequisite of the Large Animal Class. Saturday: 9:00am - 6:00pm Large Animal Class (1 day) This class is required in order to apply to become a Healing Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner. Working with the horses’ large energy systems benefits students with greater energetic awareness and a well-rounded experience. Sunday: 9:00am - 6:00pm For more information: Coordinator: Kathy Tanouye (847) 373-9255 ChicagoIL@healingtouchforanimals.com www.healingtouchforanimals.com 4 Day Foundation Workshop with Distance Learning Courses October 12-15, 2012 – Toledo, OH The Foundation, 4-day extended weekend workshop is an excellent beginning to your hands-on learning experience. This workshop is offered Friday – Monday, on-site at the PetMassage™ Institute in Toledo, OH. Learn to help your own dogs and train to create your successful start-up PetMassage™ business. To prepare for this workshop, you will study the PetMassage™ for Dogs, Art and Essence of Canine Massage book, and 2 DVD’s; PetMassage™ for Dogs 1, and PetMassage™ for Dogs 2. Instruction on basic canine anatomy, for the canine massage practitioner, and business marketing strategies are provided in the Distance Learning modules. They are based on the texts Creating & Marketing Your Animal Massage Business, and Dog Anatomy Coloring Atlas. Along with your life experience, this is your preparation for the volume of information you will receive through four full days of total immersion in (discussion style) lectures and individual, handson instruction working with dogs. For more information: Anastasia Rudinger (800) 779-1001 workshops@petmassage.com www.petmassage.com Best Friends Animal Society’s 2012 No More Homeless Pets® National Conference - October 25-28, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV Whether you have been rescuing animals for years or are just starting out, there are workshop sessions especially for you. Topics range from animal behavior to marketing, fundraising and more. Make new connections with like-minded animal lovers who want to work together to save animals in your community. Be inspired by nationally recognized leaders of the no-kill movement, who will share their in-depth knowledge, ideas and experience.

Please join us for the 2012 No More Homeless Pets National Conference, where hope, hearts and minds come together to save lives. For more information: (435) 644-2001 x4478 conferences@bestfriends.org conference.bestfriends.org Toronto Cat Rescue Adopt-thon November 2-4, 2012 – Toronto, ON Toronto Cat Rescue is having a HUGE adopt-a-thon at the following Pet Smart locations: Brampton, ON: Pet Smart - 9065 Airport Road Mississauga, ON: Pet Smart - 3105 Argentia Unit T2 Hwy 4 Vaughan, ON: Pet Smart - 7575 Weston Road Kitchener, ON: Pet Smart - 655 Fairway Road S. We will have lots of kittens and cats waiting for their forever families to adopt them at the adopt-a-thon! Please come and adopt your new best friends. Our adoption fee will be reduced to $100 for all cats and kittens, payable by cash only. This ensures that the cats that come into our care receive the medical attention they need, are spayed or neutered, vaccinated (and receive rabies vaccination if age appropriate). Our fee also includes 6 weeks of free pet insurance. As well, the Pet Smart locations will be giving all adopters a free bag of food, litter and other coupons for merchandise & food. For more information: (416) 538-8592 tcr.adoptions@hotmail.com www.torontocatrescue.ca Animal Spirit Café – Mastery Hours Ongoing – Online Only The online gathering place for animal care professionals and people who simply love their animals. This café is a place we have all dreamed of…where we can meet with a global community to share information and learn about holistic animal care and intuitive healing arts. It’s an interactive and compassion-focused sharing circle of collective intelligence and inspiration. The café sponsors Mastery Hours live teleconferences throughout the month, connecting you to experts in animal communication, shamanic animal healing, animal Reiki and other holistic animal care topics. The online forums and Practice Circles all share a common goal of expanding awareness and understanding of the animals in our lives. The café is hosted by Animal Spirit Healing & Education Network® online learning institute. Virtual Teleclasses, Downloads, and Practice Circles included in $20 Animal Spirit Café membership. First month Free! For more information: Carol Schultz (815) 531-2850 carol@animalspiritnetwork.com www.animalspiritnetwork.com/cafe

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TAIL END

BOB’S

belovedBecky BY SARALEE PEREL

ur five-year-old border collie, Becky, is a standalone noodle-head in the world of border collies. They’re considered one of the smartest and bravest breeds, and are known for herding sheep. But according to my husband, Bob, Becky swam through the genetic pool without soaking up one drop of it. If a gun-wielding gangster broke into our home, Becky would go after him with the courage of a SWAT team commander. But when a fly is in the house, she runs to hide, trembling and whimpering, behind the toilet where she stays until I’ve spent half a day finding the fly.

Becky spends time in our fenced-in yard herding her flock. No, not sheep. It’s her flock of clay plant pots. Using her nose to move them along, she herds the pots, one by one, from one side of the yard to the other. Then, crouching down with that intense border collie stare, she makes sure none of the pots make a break for it and flee from the rest of the flock. The back and forth herding keeps her happy for hours. One day, Bob decided it would be fantastic for Becky to follow her genetic instincts and see sheep. We drove to a farm that had lots of sheep and chickens. Bob’s chest was bursting with pride and anticipation to see Becky in all her historic splendor. He walked her to a pen where there were a dozen sheep. He looked so proud, just like a shepherd and his dog in the ancient hills of Scotland. Becky peered at the sheep and her body crouched for a full two minutes in that concentrated border collie pose. It was beautiful to see her in her timeless glory. Then she let out a terrified shriek so earsplitting that all the chickens jumped a foot off the ground. Becky doesn’t bark. She screams. When she does, she sounds like a woman.

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Bob rushed Becky back to our truck while the farmer came running out, looking around frantically for what he thought was a severely injured screaming woman. Becky may be no good with sheep, but she does do something she has never been trained to do. When she sees Bob, and he always kneels down to greet her, she slowly stands on her hind legs, puts her front legs gently around his neck, rests her head against his, and hugs him for a long time. When Bob leaves the house, Becky stays by the door for however long it takes for her beloved leader to return home. She will not move, eat, drink or do anything other than stand at her post … waiting. When he comes home, the first thing they do is hug. Bob keeps his eyes closed in ecstasy. To me, love is love, whether it’s between adults, parents and children, dolphins or whales – and especially Bob and Becky. Who cares if she herds clay pots instead of sheep?

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