V15I6 (Dec/Jan 2013-14) by Redstone Media Group

ANIMAL WELLNESS

AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!

Holiday Issue

CANCERDETECTING CANINES

Toys that

TRAIN

Boot shopping tips

HIS BRAIN The truth about

TOXIC HOLIDAY PLANTS

+inside

What her NOSE can tell you about her HEALTH

GIFT GUIDE

GUEST BEHAVIOR Teaching him better social skills

BREAKTHROUGH RESEARCH

on How Homeopathy Heals

feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!

BUSTING

MYTHS

Cat scratch

DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014 Display until January 13, 2014

about cats

FEVER

– should you be worried?

$6.95 USA/Canada Helping felines

GET ALONG

4 Holiday

foods you shouldn’t feed

VOLUME 15 ISSUE 6

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

BONUS INSIDE!

feline wellness

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Contents December 2013/January 2014

FEATURES

18 DOGS DETECTING CANCER

Canines are famous for their powerful sense of smell. A new study is showing that it can even be used to sniff out one of the most insidious of human diseases – ovarian cancer.

Photo courtesy of PetSafe

22 DOES HE BEHAVE AROUND GUESTS?

The house is decorated, the gifts are wrapped, and you’re ready for visitors – but is your dog? Check out this training advice for holiday “petiquette”.

26 BOOTS FOR BOWSER His tender tootsies need protection from the ravages of winter. Here are the top 4 things to look for when buying boots for your dog.

28 GROOMING – IT’S GOOD FOR HIS HEALTH!

It’s not just about making him look pretty. It also prevents some unpleasant health and hygiene issues.

34 PUZZLE TOYS FOR POOCHES

Your dog needs both mental and physical exercise. These interactive toys and feeders make great gifts – and will keep him busy all year round!

37 HOLIDAY RECIPE

Treat him to these delicious and healthy peanut butter trufﬂes

42 HOW TOXIC ARE THESE TOP HOLIDAY PLANTS? Poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe and holly... these and others are favorites for festive decor. But which ones are poisonous to your dog -- and which aren’t?

46 PREVENTING BONE PROBLEMS IN PUPS

Growing puppies are prone to angular limb deformities. Find out why, and how to prevent them.

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49 NEED HELP WITH VET BILLS?

68 “CAN’T YOU MAKE FRIENDS?”

52 HOW DOES HOMEOPATHY HEAL?

70 CAT SCRATCH FEVER

Many people unable to afford veterinary care are forced to give up their animal companions. Here is one organization that can help.

Breakthrough scientific research helps explain why this 200-year-old modality works.

56 WHAT HER NOSE CAN TELL YOU

Does a cold nose means your dog is healthy? Find out what her snout can truly reveal about her overall well being.

64 BUSTING THE MYTHS ABOUT CATS

A lot of tall tales are connected to cats. Some are false, while others are based on a grain of truth. Here are 8 of the most common – and strangest!

66 4 FOODS YOU SHOULDN’T FEED FLUFFY

With the holiday season almost upon us, it’s important to know which foods to keep out of your kitty’s reach.

When my two kitties couldn’t get along, I tried every trick in the book with no success. The solution? I let them work out their differences on their own.

It’s an uncommon disease that can be passed from felines to humans. Should you be worried?

78 HOME SECURITY FOR YOUR DOG

Do you worry when she’s home alone? Today’s high tech security systems help protect her from intruders -- and let you check on her whenever you want.

86 WANT TO FOSTER DOGS?

It’s rewarding, but can also be a challenge, as we discovered when we took in an elderly beagle.

90 DOES HE NEED AN MRI?

How and when magnetic resonance imaging can help diagnose your dog.

Look for this logo throughout AW and watch the images come to life! Turn to page 82 to learn more.

SOCIAL MEDIA Tips, contests and more! Like us /AnimalWellnessMagazine Updates, news, events! @ AnimalWellnessMagazine

Product reviews and tutorials! AnimalWellnessTV

COLUMNS 12 Yakkity yak 50 Warm & fuzzy 59 Beyond the label 72 Feline Wellness book reviews 73 Book reviews 76 To the rescue

DEPARTMENTS 8 Editorial 32 Product picks 60 Animal Wellness resource guide

84 Passages

74 The scoop

98 Tail end

80 Social media 93 Marketplace 96 ClassiďŹ eds

97 Events calendar

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VOLUME 15 ISSUE 6 EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Senior Graphic Designer: Kathleen Atkinson Social Media Manager: Natasha Roulston Social Media Managing Editor: Jasmine Cabanaw Cover Image Courtesy of: AnetaPics

ADVERTISING SALES National Sales Manager: Ann Beacom, (866) 764-1212 ext. 222 annbeacom@redstonemediagroup.com

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allegra Abramo, MS Iris Bell, MD, PhD Suzi Beber Claudia Bensimoun Toni Brightman Harvey Cohen Phoebe Cole Brandon Conley Michele Dixon Shelley Epstein, VMD, CVH Scott Hotaling Anabelle Lee Macri Louisa Lew Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA Ramona D. Marek Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Barbara Nefer Saralee Perel Amberly Scott Hindler Karen Shaw Becker, DVM Charlotte Walker

MidWest US: Pam Boyd Bombyk, (903) 714-2172 pambb@redstonemediagroup.com

ADMINISTRATION & SALES President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Accounting: Sherri Soucie Circulation Manager: John Allan Office Manager: Libby Sinden

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: AnetaPics

Bred for cold weather, this Alaskan Malamute is raring to go, no matter how deep the snow. Most dogs love winter walks, but depending on your pooch’s breed, coat length and size, he might need some extra protection from the elements (such as dog boots). Keeping him safe, healthy and happy, no matter what the weather, will ensure a Happy Holiday – and a fun-filled winter!

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SUBMISSIONS: Please send all editorial material, advertising material, photos and correspondence to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, 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.

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Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Sherri Soucie classifiedads@animalwellnessmagazine.com TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscription price at time of this issue is $24.00 in the U.S. and Canada, including taxes for six issues shipped via surface mail. Subscriptions can be processed by: Website: www.animalwellnessmagazine.com Phone: 1-866-764-1212 ext 405 US MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 6834 S University Blvd PMB 155 Centennial, CO 80122 CDN MAIL: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, 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 John at 1-866-764-1212 ext 405 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at john@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© 2013. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: October 2013.

Improving the lives of animals... one reader at a time.

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EDITORIAL

holidays

Home for the

Hold your device over this image*

hen we adopted Sasha from our local Humane Society, we figured she came with next to no training. If she had learned any “skills” initially, no doubt she had forgotten them in the four months she spent at the shelter, waiting for her forever home. From her history (she was seized by the OSPCA after nearly starving to death) and her behavior, we realized she had spent most of her time outdoors. I housetrained Sasha in about two weeks using a positive training method, but one of her worst habits was jumping up on people as soon as they walked through the door (or anytime she got excited). With the holidays around the corner and lots of little people around, it was a habit we needed to remedy quickly, since 65 pounds of shepherd/husky is a lot of weight for most human shoulders to bear! Fortunately, more positive training methods, combined with Sasha’s desire to please and her downright love of treats, made the jumping behavior a thing of the past in about four weeks. Just in time for the holidays, we could safely invite people over again, knowing they wouldn’t become a housemat for our dog. In this Holiday issue, you’ll find advice on teaching your own dog how to behave around guests, as well as some cool gift ideas including boots to keep his feet warm and dry, and interactive puzzle toys and feeders to keep him busy when it’s too cold or wet to be out. We also look at some favorite holiday plants, from poinsettias to Christmas cactus, and

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discover which ones are really toxic – and which ones are safe to have around your canine companion. And if you’re going away this festive season, and can’t take your pooch with you, our recommendations on today’s high tech home security systems can give you peace of mind. As we head into the New Year, why not explore some of the latest scientific research into how homeopathy works, or what your dog’s nose can tell you about his overall well being? (A cold, wet nose doesn’t necessarily mean he’s in tiptop shape!) We also look at why regular grooming is as good for his health as his appearance, and how MRIs can be used to help diagnose disease in your dog. We might be heading into the long winter months now, but there’s plenty in this issue to keep you occupied – as well as informed and entertained – whatever it’s doing outside. Happy holidays,

Dana Cox Editor-in-Cheif * Make sure to check out pg 82 to download our NEW APP that will make AW literally jump right off the pages. Plus, it gives you a chance to WIN instant PRIZES!

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CONTRIBUTORS

1. Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker received her degree in veterinary medicine from the Iowa State School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997, and became certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and Homeopathy. Dr Becker owns Natural Pet Animal Hospital, Feathers Bird Clinic and TheraPaw Rehabilitation and Pain Management Clinic in Illinois. She has appeared on Animal Planet and was named one of Chicago’s Top Ten Vets by Chicago Magazine. She is the veterinary consultant for Mercola Healthy Pets and a member of many associations, including AVMA, AHVMA, IVAS, the American Association of Veterinary Acupuncturists and the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. On page 46, Dr. Becker discusses bone problems in growing pups. 2. Veterinarian Dr. Shelley Epstein is a 1985 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She started practicing at Wilmington Animal Hospital, and has since become its sole owner. In 1997, Dr. Epstein became certified in veterinary homeopathy by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. She has studied chiropractic as well, and her practice incorporates many CAVM modalities alongside conventional medicine and surgery. For Dr. Epstein’s explanation of how homeopathy works, turn to page 52. 3. 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 and is working on his first book, The Uncomfortable Vet.

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On page 56, he provides advice on what your dog’s nose can tell you about her health.

on how to help your dog to behave his best when you have guests– see page 22.

4. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier authored the Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He’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 90 for his article on MRIs for dogs.

8. Tamra Bolles writes under the pen name of Anabelle Lee Macri. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, and is a freelance writer. Pictured with her here is her yellow Lab, Summer. For this edition, she discusses dogs that can detect cancer in people (page 18).

5. Dr. Iris Bell is a board-certified psychiatrist, Professor Emeritus of Family and Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychology, Medicine and Public Health at the University of Arizona, and Research Professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Her research interests include complementary and alternative medicine (especially homeopathy) and the application of complex systems theory and science to CAM reseach. Dr. Bell co-writes the homeopathy article on page 52. 6. Allegra Abramo is a researcher and writer who lives in Seattle with her partner, two cats, one dog, and a constant stream of foster pets. She has fostered dozens of cats and a handful of dogs, and is grateful that her household’s permanent residents welcome these orphans with only the occasional problem. Allegra shares her experience of fostering an elderly beagle on page 86. 7. Claudia Bensimoun is a freelance writer in West Palm Beach who specializes in writing about dogs and horses. In this issue, she gives you tips

9. Toni Brightman has been a professional groomer for more than 35 years, and also has several years of experience working as a veterinary assistant. A lifelong animal lover and advocate, she has written educational articles and editorials on the subject of animal care and wellness. She resides in Connecticut. Turn to page 28 for Toni’s advice on the health benefits of regular grooming. 10. Brandon Conley lives with his family in Florence, Alabama. He attends the University of North Alabama where he is majoring in English. Brandon works part-time on campus and plans to pursue a career in professional writing. On page 68, he shares his suggestions on how to help cats get along. 11. Ramona D. Marek is an award-winning freelance writer, and a member and former director of the Cat Writers’ Association. She writes on various topics, including the role and symbolism of the cat in fine arts, as well as animal health and welfare. She finds inspiration in her two feline muses, Tsarevich Ivan, a pedigreed Siberian, and Natasha Fatale, a fulltime diva adopted from the local shelter. Turn to

page 64 for Ramona’s article debunking eight common cat myths. 12. 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 70), Barbara writes about cat scratch fever, and whether or not you need to be concerned about it. 13. 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 26 for Amberly’s advice on buying dog boots. 14. Scott Hotaling is a freelance writer from Ballston Lake, New York. Turn to page 66 for his article on the top four foods you shouldn’t feed your cat.

CONTRIBUTORS

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter. She writes about what to look for in a home security system, on page 78.

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 CELEBRITY FUNDRAISER FOR ANIMALS Dogs and cats belonging to Hollywood celebrities strutted their stuff in a variety of cute and hilarious videos at Actors & Others For Animals’ Best Of Show Celebrity Pet Competition Fundraiser on September 28. The event, which also included a gourmet vegetarian luncheon and silent auction, was held at the Universal Hilton and Towers Ballroom in Universal City, California, and raised $75,000 to benefit companion animals across the country.

One highlight of the event was the presentation of the A&O Betty White Inspirational Award – this year, it went to the Search Dog Foundation. “I have always been proud to be associated with Actors and Others for Animals, and flattered that they named their annual award after me, honoring those who have inspired public awareness and appreciation of animals,” says Ms. White. “The Search Dog Foundation shows all of us just how wonderful, talented and adept rescue dogs can be. I hope it encourages more people to rescue a dog of their own.” actorsandothers.com

Photos courtesy of Matthew Fried

The roster of celebrity personalities attending and participating in the fundraiser included actors Michael Burger, Loretta Swit, Tippi Hedren, Charlotte Rae and many others.

Top: Billy Monahan, Loretta Swit and A&O president JoAnne Worley pose with a search dog named Hunter. Bottom: Left to right: Tippi Hedren, Jim Piddock, Jay Johnson, Fred Willard, Susan Sullivan, Chuck McCann, Leonard Maltin, Ed Begley, Jr., Allie Mac Kay and Bernie Shaw.

MEET SUNNY OBAMA This past August, the White House announced that Bo now has a sister – another Portuguese water dog named Sunny. Just over a year old, Sunny was born in Michigan and is reported to be energetic and affectionate – typical qualities of the breed, which started out as a seafaring working dog. Loyal and intelligent, Portuguese water dogs (like the one at left) make good family companions and watch dogs.

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The Humane Society of the United States adds that the First Family made a donation in Sunny’s name to the Washington Humane Society. “With

Sunny in the limelight…we take the opportunity to express to the President our hope that he will make dogs not just a family priority, but a national policy priority too,” wrote HSUS president and CEO, Wayne Pacelle, in a recent blog entry. “His administration has promulgated two rules to reduce the suffering of dogs who wind up being sold in retail commerce. One would prevent the importation of dogs from puppy mills in foreign countries for sale here until they are at least six months old (part of its regulatory responsibility after the HSUS worked to include a provision banning imports in the 2008 Farm Bill). The other would close a loophole and requires internet sellers of puppy mill dogs to be licensed and inspected by the USDA….” hsus.org

TURN UP THE TUNES! Because music can have a healing effect on animals, many shelters are now playing soothing classical music to help calm their stressed-out residents. Research has shown that classical music reduces anxiety in more than 70% of shelter dogs and cats, and decreases stress-related behaviors such as shaking and vocalizing. San Francisco Animal Care and Control, which houses over 300 animals at any given time, is adding some tranquil tunes to its own facility through its Music in Kennels project. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re raising funds to install a sound system comprised of 32 Sonos units, with one in every kennel. A local company has offered to install the system at a discount and set up a music library. razoo. com/story/Bringingmusictotheirears

To help prevent your dog from begging from holiday guests, give him a new toy or healthy chew treat to keep him busy.

ANIMAL THERAPY FOR SICK KIDS Childhood cancer is something every parent dreads. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of kids are diagnosed with cancer every year. Though medical advances have dramatically increased their survival rates, the treatments are still difficult and stressful for the youngsters and their families. The American Humane Association wants to make life a little easier for these kids by launching the Canines and Childhood Cancer Study in partnership with Zoetis. The study will measure the potential benefits of animal-assisted therapy for children who have cancer, and their families. americanhumane.org

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YAKKITY YAK 2 L abrador

WORKING LIKE A DOG!

retrievers originally worked alongside fisherman and hunters. These days, they work as guide dogs, in search and rescue teams, and in narcotics detection.

You might think you work hard, but many dogs do too! This past Labor Day, the American Kennel Club (akc.org) celebrated the evolution of our canine coworkers – what jobs they were originally bred to perform and what work you can expect to see them doing now. “Dogs do so many important jobs,” said Gina DiNardo of the AKC. “From hunting to bomb detection to saving lives, dogs have been and always will be valued members of the workforce and should be celebrated.”

3 Beagles have great tracking ability and originally worked as hunters. Now they can be seen at airports as narcotics and agriculture detector dogs. Beagles are also used as bed bug detectors.

Here are just a few traditional working dogs:

1 Borzois

are sight hounds that worked originally as hunters. Today, thanks to their intelligence, independence, and keen sense of awareness, Borzois often work as psychiatric assistance dogs, helping veterans suffering from PTSD.

4 Cavalier King Charles spaniels were bred as companions to aristocratic families. Now, because of their sweet, gentle natures, they do well at performing therapy work.

HELP PREVENT CANINE CANCER

Avoid tree tinsel – even though it’s non-toxic, it can cause intestinal blockages.

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Cancer is pandemic in dogs, but there’s hope, thanks to a groundbreaking new study by the Morris Animal Foundation – and you may be able to help. They’re looking for 3,000 healthy golden retrievers younger than two years of age to take part in the study. Dubbed the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, the research involves following the lives of the participating dogs and collecting important health data about them, as well as nutritional, environmental and genetic details. The information will help scientists and veterinarians find ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other canine diseases. To learn more, visit morrisanimalfoundation.org.

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YAKKITY YAK SMOKE SIGNALS By now, most of us know about the dangers of second-hand smoke, not just for people, but for our companion animals as well. “Studies show that dogs exposed to large amounts of second-hand smoke have significant changes to their lung tissue over time,” says Heather Wilson-Robles, assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science. “These changes range from fibrosis, or scarring of the lung tissue, to precancerous and even cancerous lesions.” Many veterinarians also feel that symptoms in patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis improve if their people quit smoking. “For animals with asthma, allergic

lung disease, or bronchitis, you might see a dry hacking and progressive cough,” says Heather. “Asthma patients may have more frequent attacks and their symptoms may be more difficult to manage. Animals with allergic lung disease will often have more severe symptoms…and these symptoms may persist all year round rather than being seasonal.” Disposing of your tobacco may also prove hazardous to your dog if he likes to get into the garbage. “Ingestion of tobacco products may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased salivation and trembling,” says Heather. “High doses of nicotine may lead to excitement, constricted pupils, odd behavior, seizures and even death. Cigarette butts are especially dangerous as they contain 25% of the nicotine found in the cigarette.” The best solution is to stop smoking around your animal and wash your hands after having a cigarette. If your animal eats a cigarette butt, get him to an emergency clinic.

MAKING ABUSERS PAY Shelters and rescues that take in abused animals usually spend thousands giving their charges adequate veterinary care, as well as housing, feeding and training them, and readying them for adoption. To help cope with these expenses, which most non-profits struggle to afford, many states now make known and accused animal abusers pay for the care of their seized animals. Pennsylvania is the latest to get on board with this legislation, thanks to Governor Tom Corbett and House Bill 82. Those charged with abuse are now required by law to pay up to $15 a day or more for the care of their animals, depending on the situation and any veterinary evaluations of treatment needs and costs. The new law not only takes some financial pressure off already cash-strapped shelters and rescues, but it’s also hoped that by making abusers accountable for their actions, they will think twice before harming an animal.

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Don’t allow your dog to eat snow – it contains contaminants from air pollution.

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CANCER Canines are famous for their powerful sense of smell. A new study is showing that it can even be used to sniff out one of the most insidious of human diseases â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ovarian cancer.

By Anabelle Lee Macri

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A nose for cancer

We are currently training the dogs with actual tissue samples, and once they are completely reliable, we will then introduce blood samples.

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Photo courtesy of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center

Dr. Cynthia Otto poses with McBaine Chamberlain, the springer spaniel involved in the ovarian cancer detection training program at the University of Pennsylvania.

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our dog loves to say hello when friends and family come to visit. He barks, leaps up on people, gets under their feet, or gives them big sloppy kisses. There may be some embarrassing moments, such as inappropriate sniffing, or a tampon pilfered from someone’s purse and used as a chew toy. Or maybe your dog doesn’t like visitors at all, and responds with growling, fear or even aggression. Either way, he’s not as well-behaved around guests as you’d like him to be. By understanding your dog’s mindset, you can help ensure he’ll observe proper “petiquette” during the holidays, or any other time visitors are expected. “A goal is to make yourself, your guests and your environment ‘boring’,” says renowned positive trainer Victoria Stilwell. “If the dog feels it’s no big deal when someone new comes through the door and sits on his favorite couch, or when there are a lot of people around the dining room table, he won’t feel a need to respond.”

Does he

BEHAVE g around uests? By Claudia Bensimoun

The house is decorated, the gifts are wrapped, and you’re ready for visitors – but is your dog? Check out this training advice for holiday “petiquette”. 22

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The key to a dog that behaves well with guests is to plan ahead, she adds. “Work well in advance on your dog’s greeting behavior, and get him used to seeing new people in the house.”

No jumping! “Most dogs jump on people through sheer excitement and because it is an effective means of getting attention,” says Victoria. “But some jump because they feel uneasy when someone new comes into the home, and jumping is an effective way to cope with that discomfort. The best way to stop your dog from jumping up is to ignore her while she’s doing it.” Victoria suggests the following five training steps:

1 Each time your dog jumps up at you, turn your back. 2 Do not look at, talk to, or touch your dog at any 3 4 5

time. Fold your arms in front of you so that you become boring. When he stops jumping, wait for three seconds of four paws on the floor, then reward the self-control with your attention. If he jumps again, repeat the exercise. Practice this with friends and family members for consistency.

Personal space Not everyone likes dogs, and some are even frightened of them. Not every dog likes strangers either. In situations like this, it’s best to give everyone their personal space, and not force interactions. “To avoid an unpleasant situation, if you have visitors who are scared of dogs, the kindest and safest thing to do for all concerned is to put your dog in another room or contain him safely behind a baby gate,” says Victoria. Is it the dog that’s scared? “Aggressive or shy dogs need to be put in another room away from holiday guests,” says Dr. Nick Dodman of the Animal Behavior Department at the Cummings School of Veterinary Sciences. Keep in mind that a stressed or reactive canine is much more likely to bite someone than a dog who loves being around people. “Small dogs feel especially vulnerable because of their size, and feel the need to defend themselves from people who loom over them as they bend down to say hello,” says Victoria. “If you have a reactive dog of any size, use safe management techniques to avoid any issues. If you can’t contain your dog, tell your guests not to pay him any attention when they first come in. If the dog continues to be fearful, tell visitors to ignore him for the duration of their stay. This takes the pressure off everyone and gives them much-needed space.” Continued on page 24.

When you’re the visitor If you plan to take your dog to someone else’s house or to stay with you at a hotel, you need to make sure he’s going to behave well there too, especially as being in a strange place can result in anxiety and over-excitement, or disruptive behaviors such as barking or restlessness. “The dog’s world has been turned upside down and he’s just trying to maintain as much of an even keel as possible,” says Victoria. “The best thing you can do for your traveling dog is to prepare well ahead of time, to desensitize him to the changes and experiences he’ll be dealing with while on the road. “Overcoming anxiety and fear can be a tall order, especially if your dog has had a chance to practice and learn certain behaviors without modification. But since most behavior issues are borne out of anxiety and fear, it’s usually the best place to start in terms of helping your dog become a seasoned holiday traveler.” animal wellness

Continued from page 23.

If you put your dog in another part of the house, away from the action, be sure to give him something to keep him occupied. If he’s going to be left in another room on his own for an extended period, advises Dr. Dodman, make sure he has some toys to keep him busy. Interactive toys, such as a Kong stuffed with healthy treats or food, are best.

Stop begging Begging at the table is a common complaint from dog parents, yet many consistently reinforce this unwanted behavior by giving treats from their plates. “The best way to prevent begging is to never feed your dogs from the dinner table,” says Stilwell. “If you have a dog prone to doing this, get in his way.” Block his path with your body and say “back” while waving him off, but do not physically move him or yell at him. Blocking is how dogs control space with other dogs; by doing this yourself, you’re clearly communicating to him that you want your space while at the dining table. “If you need to move your dog into another room, you will not be reinforcing bad behavior,” adds Victoria. “You will instead be moving him from temptation, and setting him up for success by not giving him the ability to practice the begging behavior.” Again, the time to start teaching your dog “petiquette” is not when guests arrive. Start the training well in advance, preferably when the dog is young, and practice the lessons on a regular basis. That way, he’ll be on his best behavior for the festive season – and all year round.

Respect your guests “The most important thing to remember is to be respectful of your guests,” says etiquette and modern manners expert, Diane Gottsman. “If you have a group of friends who are excited about bringing their dogs to a holiday party, by all means enjoy the season with your dog. However, if you are hosting a party for a mixed group of people, some perhaps with allergies, it would be best to throw a separate party for them, and maybe host another for your fellow dog parents, who you know will be open to animals being around.”

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Photo courtesy of Pawz Dog Boots

Boots

By Amberly Scott Hindler

His tender tootsies need protection from the ravages of winter. Here are the top 4 things to look for when buying boots for your dog.

Dog boots can provide protection against all kinds of winter mayhem, but you have to make sure you’re buying a quality product. Here are four crucial things to consider when making a purchase.

Will they keep water out? No one likes cold, wet feet, and that includes your furry friend. “Dog boots that are insulated and designed to keep water out are ideal,” says Susan Strible of Ruffwear. To prevent water from entering the boot and potentially causing frostbite and ice buildup between toes, Susan recommends looking for a boot that is DWR (Durable Water Repellant) coated. The boot should also be breathable so water does not become trapped inside the shoe. animal wellness

Do they provide traction? It might be comical to watch a dog awkwardly attempt to walk across an icy or snowy surface (it just looks so darn cute!), but the laughter will come to an abrupt halt if he slips and hurts himself. It’s especially important to keep an elderly dog from falling; just like older people, senior dogs often have a difficult time recovering from injury. For proper traction, look for a boot that offers a patterned sole for gripping ice and snow. A boot with traction is also a sensible idea for those with senior or lame dogs who do not necessarily live in snow country but have hardwood floors or other slippery surfaces in their homes.

Can they protect against chemicals? “Many cities use salt and liquid chloride to melt the ice on roads,” says Andrea Friedland of Pawz Dog Boots. “These chemicals burn the dog’s pads and are very painful.” Boots keep paws out of contact with snow melt chemicals and salt. Winter is not the only time when our dogs’ paws are exposed to harmful chemicals. Diligent dog guardians are cognizant of

Photo courtesy of Ruffwear

ROAD SALT, CRUSTY SNOW, ICY PUDDLES…depending on where you live, winter can throw a whole smorgasbord of nasty weather your way. You wouldn’t walk through it in your bare feet – and neither should your dog. Just like us, our canine companions are prone to frostbite, and susceptible to painful burns on their paws when they walk over the harsh chemicals found in snow melt products. Icy surfaces raise the risk of falls and injury, while crusty snow can actually cut delicate pads.

for

where their companions are stepping year round, since lawn chemicals can also harm paws. And those are just the man-made aggravators; there are also natural substances and surfaces that can harm a tender paw. “Boots can protect your dog from sand rash, hot pavement, fire ants and red clay,” says Andrea. Susan adds that you can also use dog boots to keep your companion save from “sharp lava rocks, allergens found on or near the ground, and rough surfaces such as gravel, rocky trails and abrasive sand.”

Photo courtesy of Ruffwear

Will the boots fit your dog properly? Just because a dog is large does not mean he will necessarily need a large boot. The same applies to small dogs. While this may seem paradoxical at first, consider the slender legs and paws of a whippet or greyhound compared to the wide floppy paws of a Lhasa apso.

With this in mind, it is important to properly measure your dog’s paws in order to decipher which boot size is most appropriate for him. Susan advises measuring the width of the paw to get the most accurate fitting. Companies that make quality dog boots usually offer a size chart and measuring instructions as well. A properly fitted boot is a smart way to ensure it will not slip off. There is nothing more frustrating than being one mile into your snowshoeing adventure with your dog, then having to turn back because of ill-fitting boots. “Velcro doesn’t perform well in wet, icy conditions,” says Susan, adding that some boots These companies offer have a “webbing cam buckle and quality products. elastic cord loop system” to keep them on and avoid annoying slip-off.

Shopping for

A set of durable, well-made dog boots that meet the above criteria will help your pooch step out in style while keeping his paws warm, dry and safe from injury, no matter how frightful the weather.

Photo courtesy of Pawz Dog Boots

boots?

Muttluks muttluks.com

Neopaws neopaws.com Pawz Dog Boots pawzdogboots.com Ruffwear ruffwear.com

Does your dog look adorable as he sloshes through the snow in his winter boots? Share your photos with us on Facebook!

animal wellness

It’s not just about making him look pretty. It also prevents some unpleasant health and hygiene issues.

Grooming By Toni Brightman

– it’s good for his health!

Nicky is a Maltese whose person wanted to keep his coat long. When he was brought to us, he was a mass of mats and barely recognizable. It was clear he had been improperly brushed and bathed. Using a clipper and scissors, we had to shave off all of Nicky’s hair in one mass. We also found some sores underneath that were quite painful. The entire process took about four hours, including a couple of brief breaks for the both the dog and us. This kind of grooming is like surgery – slow, painstaking and difficult. Correcting a severely matted coat is a long and sometimes uncomfortable process for the dog, as the matted hair will pull at his skin no matter how careful the groomer is. In extreme cases, the dog should be sedated to get through it all. At the end of his ordeal, Nicky was mat-free and happy. His “dad” has realized that the coat on this type of dog can get out of hand very quickly, so Nicky gets groomed every eight weeks

animal wellness

now. This way, his coat can be kept at a manageable length, while still looking cute and fluffy.

Why you shouldn’t overlook grooming As a professional groomer for more than 30 years, plus a few years as a veterinary assistant, I have come to know one thing for sure – most people have the best of intentions when it comes to their dogs’ health and well being. With grooming, however, many miss the mark, just as Nicky’s person did. A lot of people believe grooming is just for aesthetic purposes and not part of the dog’s overall health. Depending on the breed, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

If a long-haired dog isn’t brushed properly, for example, you are going to have a badly matted animal on your hands before you know it, and then it becomes a health issue and a nightmare for both the dog and groomer, especially if you are bathing him without detangling. My basic rule of thumb, if you wish to keep the dog’s coat long, is to do more brushing and less bathing. Incidentally, I strongly advise against trying to cut mats out yourself with scissors. It’s very easy to grab a piece of skin and cause a nasty cut. Any groomer will advise you to brush a long-haired dog. That’s great, and many people do “brush” their babies. But do you really know how to do it? Yes, there is a correct way to brush a long-haired dog to keep him free of mats and tangles. My suggestion is that if you want to keep your dog in full coat, call a groomer and ask them if they can actually show you how to do a basic brush and comb out. They will probably be more open to this if you offer to make it a paid appointment.

How does it affect his health? What happens when a dog becomes a matted, tangled mess? If you’re a woman, imagine hot rollers wound too tightly to your head. Imagine having to

constantly endure that feeling as you carry on with your daily life. Of course, you could do something about it, but your dog can’t. He suffers in silence all the while his circulation is being hampered by the mats, not to mention the skin sores and infections that might be brewing. While Nicky’s story is an extreme example of how a dog’s coat can get seriously out of control without proper grooming, there are other concerns that can arise with a dog that is not properly and regularly groomed. • Hygiene: Keeping a long-haired dog’s genital areas neatly clipped prevents urine scald and problems defecating. If matting completely covers his rectal area it can actually prevent him from being able to poop, as was the case with Nicky. • Eyes: Some long-haired breeds have a lot of tearing which can build up and cake over, causing severe irritation and even infection in some cases, if not kept

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Keeping your dog’s coat in good condition can help keep vet bills down by avoiding the maladies caused by a lack of basic grooming care.

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If a long-haired dog isn’t brushed properly, you are going to have a badly matted animal on your hands before you know it, and then it becomes a health issue and a nightmare for the dog.

When Nicky first came in, he was an unrecognizable mass of tangled hair and mats.

under control. Tear residue can harden into a gummy mass, stick to the sensitive skin underneath, and is not easily removed. You can help prevent this between grooming sessions by just keeping that area dry and clean. • Nails: Nail care is a necessary part of every dog’s overall care, regardless of the length of his coat. If nails are allowed to grow too long, they can actually curl over into the pad underneath. This is extremely painful and may require medical intervention if it has gone too far. Overgrown nails also make it difficult for the dog to walk properly, causing strain on the tendons and joints. • Feet: many dogs get matted wads of hair between the pads. These are also painful as they can become very hard, like pebbles embedded in the paw. • Ears: A lot of breeds, particularly long-haired ones, have hair growing down inside the ear canal. This can lead to painful infections and can prevent medication from getting to the desired source within the ear. A regular grooming schedule will include removal of this hair.

animal wellness

Keeping your dog’s coat in good condition can help keep vet bills down by avoiding the maladies caused by a lack of basic grooming care.

nutrients for

bioavailability Yes, it’s the same dog! After grooming, Nicky was much happier.

Consider grooming needs when adopting When adopting a particular dog breed (or mix), be sure to include his grooming requirements on your list of considerations. A beagle, for example, will need very little in the way of grooming. A bath once in awhile, a quick brush to remove dead hair and maybe a nail clip is all it takes. A Maltese, on the other hand, is one of the highest maintenance breeds there is. There are many other high maintenance long-haired breeds I could name, but it all boils down to proper education. Find out how much coat care your potential new companion will need; if you don’t think you’ll have the time, energy and/or ﬁnances to keep his hair in good shape, it’s best to look at a short- or smooth-coated dog that will need less grooming attention.

How easily your dog’s body absorbs and uses the nutrients in his food is vital. His digestive system is the gateway to his immune system – the starting point of good health. His lower GI tract is where nutrients are absorbed, fuelling healthy metabolism and immune function. These four nutrients encourage greater bioavailability:

 Prebiotics

support healthy digestion and good immune function. They feed the friendly bacteria in your dog’s lower GI tract, discouraging harmful bacteria and microbes from overpopulating and overwhelming the immune system.

 Antioxidants combat free radicals – detrimental by-products of the natural cellular oxidation process. Damaged cells seek healthy cells to repair and stabilize themselves. As a result, the healthy cells are weakened. Antioxidants encourage the exit of free radicals from the body.

 Lignans are naturally occurring plant-based hormones that function as antioxidants and help regulate healthy hormonal and inflammatory activity. Flax and sesame seeds are among the highest food sources of lignans.

 Enzymes

encourage healthy cellular activity and detoxification and help break down nutrients in food. As your dog ages, his natural ability to produce enough enzymes slows down, preventing full utilization of dietary nutrients.

Your dog’s food contains vitamins and minerals essential for health. But unless these nutrients are fully available, they are not used to their full potential. A supplement containing prebiotics, antioxidants, lignans and enzymes supports healthy digestion and immune function, making the most of the nutrients in the diet.

Article provided by BiologicVET (biologicvet.net) animal wellness

PRODUCT PICKS Introducing superfoods

Limber up!

If your dog needs a joint supplement, you want one that’s not only going to repair damage, but also prevent more from occurring. NuviFlex Dog Hip and Joint Formula helps rebuild cartilage and synovial ﬂuid – but also addresses the cause of the problem with its key ingredient, cetyl myristoleate. The chewable natural beef-ﬂavored tablets also contain glucosamine HCL, chondroitin, MSM, Omega 3, and hyaluronic acid. 60 capsules: $34.95 150 capsules: $77.95 80 capsules (for small dogs and cats): $22.95

Popeye knew what he was doing when he ate spinach. Your dog can also beneﬁt from the healthenhancing effects of spinach and kale thanks to Evanger’s, which has added these leafy green veggies to its Super Premium Dinners for Dogs. Both kale and spinach have antioxidant properties that guard against many diseases. These diets are made in the USA, using fresh, farm-grown ingredients, and include Chicken, Beef, Duck & Sweet Potato, and Lamb & Rice. $18.50 to $20.69 per case EvangersDogFood.com

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Look, no grains!

If your dog needs a healthy, quality protein diet that’s free of grain, consider Black Gold Dog Food’s Ultimate All Natural Grain-Free Chicken Meal & Sweet Potato Recipe. Made from premium ingredients, it offers the protein of chicken along with the minerals, antioxidants and anti-inﬂammatory nutrients of sweet potatoes. The food also offers natural EFAs, proteinated vitamins and micronutrients, prebiotics, probitoics, enzymes, L-carnitine and more. $35 to $45 for a 35lb bag BlackGoldDogFood.com

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Carotenoids to the

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A healthy immune system is key to your dog’s wellness. Vivamune Health Chews contain a proprietory Carotenoid Blend that supports immune function and has a positive effect on your dog’s intestinal function, skin health and joint mobility. They may even reduce the amount of time you spend grooming him. While these tasty chews are especially recommended for older dogs, they can beneﬁt all ages and breeds of dog. Large dogs: $22.95 per package Small dogs and cats: $19.95 per package VivamuneHealth.com

Stop bugging her! The

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Cats are designed to primarily eat and digest meat, with some vegetables and fruits and little or no grain. Herbsmith’s Sassy Cat real food treats are made with simple, basic ingredients based on the optimum feline diet, with no grain, fillers or artificial preservatives – only real, USA-sourced meat and biologically complementing fruits and vegetables. Includes flavors like Wild Caught Whitefish, Wild Caught Salmon, and Duck with Oranges. $4.99 to $5.99

The warm weather may seem a long way off, but it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’ll protect your dog from biting and stinging insects. It Works Green is an all-natural insect and bug repellent made from 100% organic essential oils, including citronella, lemon grass and clove. It repels a range of ﬂying and crawling insects such as ﬂies, bees, spiders, ticks and ants, and can be used both inside and out. Not for cats. 32 oz spray bottle: $27.99 ItWorksGreen.com

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animal wellness

NINA OTTOSSON

PETSAFE

for pooches By Charlotte Walker

Your dog needs both mental and physical exercise. These interactive toys and feeders make great gifts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and will keep him busy all year round!

AIKIOU

PETSAFE

animal wellness

ogs can be like small children. Their attention span isn’t all that long, and they may quickly get bored. They need lots of exercise and play to burn off their energy – and they also need something that’s going to challenge their brains and get them to think. One way to help stimulate your dog’s mind is to look at some of the ingenious interactive dog toys and feeders on the market nowadays. These products are especially designed to give canines mental stimulation, to make them work for their food and treats, and/or to keep them occupied long after that stuffed toy or rubber ball has lost its appeal.

What inspired these devices? While it may seem that puzzle toys and interactive feeders are a new phenomenon, they’ve been in use at zoos for quite a long time to help enhance environments, and prevent boredom and OCD in the animals. Several years ago, thanks to a growing awareness among dog guardians of the mental and physical needs of their canine companions, these products started popping up in pet supply stores. “People know the importance of mental and physical activity levels, the health risks associated with obesity, and the links between boredom and undesirable behaviors,” says Katherine Crawford, a product manager at PetSafe “Interactive dog toys and feeders have become more popular because they provide tools to help address many of these concerns.” Continued on page 36.

Interactive vs. slow feeders What’s the difference?

You might think interactive feeders are the same as slow feeders, but you need to differentiate between the two. “Slow feeders or spike bowls are known to reduce the speed of ingestion, but they do not offer the search experience that an interactive feeder will,” says Alexandre. “For a dog, the food has to be hidden in order for it to really be an ‘interactive’ feeder. Otherwise, it’s a slow feeder.” Alexandre adds that searching for food in an interactive feeder helps mimic the natural activity of searching inside a prey animal for the choice bits. “This is the main reason dogs will destroy cushions in your house, because they have that need to search out something hidden that they can smell. A dog’s sense of smell is thousands of times stronger than ours, and it has to be stimulated in order to stay in shape, because it’s one of his basic needs.” animal wellness

Continued from page 35.

What are the benefits? “Interactive toys and feeders help prevent bad behaviors and relieve anxiety through natural activities,” says Alexandre Tremblay, president of Aikiou, a company that makes interactive feeders. Katherine agrees: “When occupied, dogs are less likely to engage in potentially destructive behaviors that often result from boredom.” Anyone whose dog has chewed up their shoes or torn the stuffing out of their sofa cushions can minimize these behaviors by giving their furry friend one of these products to keep him busy and engaged, especially when they have to go out and can’t be there to supervise the dog. “These products are excellent if the dog is injured and not able to move around,” says Nina Ottosson, a Swedish entrepreneur who has designed a line of puzzle games and toys for dogs. “They’re also great for

older dogs that are still mentally healthy.” In fact, any dog whose physical activity has to be limited, whether he’s recovering from CCL surgery or is a senior with arthritis, can get a lot of enjoyment out of puzzle toys. Interactive feeders are an excellent idea for dogs that eat too fast. They not only force the dog to slow down – encouraging better digestion – but they also help satisfy his prey drive by making him work for his food. An interactive toy or feeder may even help alleviate grief. “We know of a dog who was left alone after his person had to have his second canine companion euthanized because of cancer,” says Alexandre. “The dog stopped eating and his family turned to a behaviorist for assistance. They told him to try an interactive feeder to stimulate the dog into eating again. This dog resumed eating right after he was given the feeder, and got back into shape within a month.”

How do these products work? When it comes to interactive toys and feeders, a wide variety of designs is available. “I find that my most popular products allow you to change the difficulty level from easy to more advanced by, for example, adding blocks or pegs to get a more challenging game,” says Nina. Here are just a few examples of what you’ll find on the market: • Aikiou’s interactive dog feeders feature over a dozen different compartments. “The dog has to use his paws and sense of smell to find the food hidden inside,” says Alexandre. “He needs to turn the central wheel and move the blockers to solve the puzzle and gain access to his meal.” • “The DogTornado has four layers of rotating discs,” says Nina. “In three layers, there are compartments where

animal wellness

treats can be hidden. The dog has to rotate the different layers in different directions with his nose or paw in order to find the hidden treats or food.” • Nina’s company also offers a dog treat maze; in order for the dog to access the treats inside, he has to make the toy move so it will wobble, rock and spin, sending the treats through the maze and then out the top or bottom. • “Those with senior dogs like our Busy Buddy products,” adds Katherine. “When filled with treats or kibble, these toys give senior dogs extra motivation to engage in beneficial physical activity, which might not otherwise occur. And instead of finishing their meals in a few seconds, they are encouraged to work for much longer to get all the food out of the toys. Mealtime becomes a game they look forward to each day.” When choosing a product for your own dog, be sure to consider what you want to accomplish with it. If you’re looking for something to slow down a greedy eater, consider an interactive feeder. If your dog needs more physical and mental challenge in his life, a puzzle toy that needs to be moved around in order to dispense its goodies might be best. If you have an old or injured dog that can’t move around much and needs some relief from boredom and inactivity, a toy that can be operated with his nose or one paw may be the way to go. Whatever your dog needs, you’re sure to find something to satisfy him.

Puzzle toy s and fee ders Aikiou

, aikiou.c om Nina Ott osson, nin a-ottosso PetSafe, n.com petsafe.n e t Planet D og, plane tdog.com

Holiday recipe

peanut butter By Suzi Beber

Featured in our NEW Animal Wellness Natural Cookbook for Dogs

natural cook book The Animal Wellness

50+

Healthy recipe s: main meals, holiday treats special needs and natura l health tips! diets, and the

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1 cup peanut butter (with no added salt or sugar) You can also use other nut or seed butters

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine peanut butter, oatmeal and carob powder. Form into small balls. Lightly dip in goat milk and roll in oatmeal or coconut, and place on cookie sheet.

1 cup oatmeal ½ cup carob powder ½ cup goat milk Oatmeal for rolling Unsweetened coconut for rolling

for dogs

By Suzi Beber

publishers

of Animal Wellness

Magazine

Place in refrigerator until serving. For extra flair, top each truffle with a sun dried cranberry. The truffles freeze beautifully in Ziploc bags.

A note about peanut butter:

Always choose peanut butter that contains no added salt or sugar. It contains 13% carbohydrates, 72% fats, and 15% protein. Do not use peanut butter if someone in your home has an allergy to it. Instead try almond butter, hempseed butter or tahini, a seed butter made from sesame seeds.

animal wellness

Holiday GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Perfect Stocking Stuffer Treats!

Let your pups know they’ve been extra good this year with these festive and delicious treats! Quickies make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for pups who deserve the purest, most delicious treats this holiday season. Made with just 1 ingredient, Dehydrated Haddock. Grain-free, no fillers or by-products. Retail $9.99 Available Nov 1 TheHonestKitchen.com/treats/holiday

Kitty-Go-Round

The motorized cat toy creates random movements designed to build on your cat’s natural hunting instincts. With its vibrant colors and random movements it will make the perfect gift for your cat. The Kitty-Go-Round will keep your pet entertained, even if you are away. PioneerPet.com

Simple Pet-Calming Solutions ThunderWorks offers a variety of simple solutions for easing your pet’s fear and anxiety. ThunderShirt relaxes your dog or cat with gentle, hugging pressure while ThunderLeash keeps your dog from pulling during walks. ThunderCap, ThunderToy and ThunderTreat all calm effectively, too. Find our calming solutions online. ThunderWorks.com

Best Friends

EARoma thEARapy

Natural Paws presents the first ever SPRAYABLE ear wash! EARoma thEARapy delivers Natural Paws’ signature botanical bliss to your dog’s ears. This unique herbal blend gently cleanses, soothes, and disinfects ears with none of the mess, leaving a fresh, clean aroma with Lemongrass & Eucalyptus. Veterinarian & groomer recommended. NaturalPaws.net

Help save the lives of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Spread the word that together we can Save Them AllTM by wearing this eye-catching t-shirt. Fifty percent of proceeds from this shirt and other Best Friends merchandise will help end the killing in animal shelters. BestFriends.org/store

End of the Leash

Specializing in all natural food, treats and supplements. Unique collars, bowls and toys. Fun items for the pet lover including clothing, frames, mugs and gifts. Visit our site and see what all the bark is about, items being added daily! Free standard shipping on orders over $50 use code AnimWell. EndofTheLeash.com

animal wellness

Sojos Raw Food Mixes

SOJOS RAW PET FOOD MIXES are made fresh with whole ingredients. It’s homemade pet food, made easy. Sojos contains NO fillers, preservatives, artificial colors or ﬂavors. Just simple, real ingredients you’d find in your own kitchen. An easy, affordable way to feed RAW. Sojos.com

Holiday GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

BB2 by Buddy Belt

Buddy Belt 2 is the harness that hugs your dog. The functional design lets your dog step in easily and fastens with one buckle. The stylish harness has a unique, low-cut patented design ensuring pressure is minimized on your dog’s neck and spine. BB2 will keep your dog healthy and happy. Buddy-Belts.com

Stella & Chewy’s

MiracleCorp

Hamilton introduces a bold line of reﬂective dog collars, leashes and harnesses in new fashion colors. Designed with safety in mind, two highly reﬂective threads are stitched, not stamped, through custom dyed durable nylon webbing to insure visibility, especially in low-light conditions. 800-635-2044 MiracleCorp Products HamiltonProducts.com

Stuff those holiday stockings with Stella & Chewy’s® Carnivore Crunch® for dogs. Available in 5 delicious proteins, these freeze-dried treats are ideal for training and as everyday rewards. Manufactured in the USA using only grass-fed beef, cage-free poultry and wild-caught fish; each is free of grains, glutens, antibiotics, and no added hormones. Stella & Chewy’s offers “Only The Good Stuff!®” StellaAndChewys.com

Emerald Halo Crystal Collars

Pets deserve something special for the holidays ! A touch of Bling combined with Powerful healing energy is the ticket! Crystals collars made to order to address their special needs. Take a look at the many options and bring on the holiday with Crystal Cheer. EmeraldHalo.com 509-737-763

Hand crafted & designed by Smoochy Poochy

The optional hands-free leash, is available in colorful nylon webbing or ‘alternative to leather’ material. Smoochy’s utility leash easily clips around your waist or across your shoulders offering the ‘hands-free’ option. Smoochy Poochy fits into your lifestyle: shopping, carrying, texting, visiting, running, walking, training. info@smoochypoochy.com 416-407-8898 PetsFuture.com

The Perfect Stocking Stuffer!

What better gift for the pet lover than the B-2 Pro-At-Home Pet Dryer! Save time, money, and keep pets looking beautiful all winter long with professional groomer results in your own home! The B-2 Pro-AtHome is the gift that keeps on giving for years to come! Amazon.com or xpower.ws

FrostyBowlz® Chilled Pet Bowl

A one of a kind pet bowl for keeping your pet’s water cold and food fresh. Perfect for pets on perishable food and raw food diets. FrostyBowlz® will keep food cold, moist and fresh through the entire day. Remember, perishable food can grow harmful bacteria within hours so keeping it cold is important to your pet’s health. Available online and all Pet Valu stores in Canada. TryFrostyBowlz.com

animal wellness

Holiday GIFT GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Clear Conscience Sliders®

Sliders® are the PUREST and TASTIEST tender meat treats ever made, and were just named a FINALIST for the 2013 Animal Nutrition Award from Virgo publishing! Made with NO glycerine, sugars, or fillers found in commercial moist treats. Artisan cooked, ultra-low carbs, and holistically balanced with Organic Flax for Omega 3 and air-dried SuperVeggies(tm) for phytonutrients. Choose Chicken & Cheddar or Beef & Cheddar recipes.

Wellness Natural Dog Treats

Packed with wholesome ingredients & ﬂavors to please every palate. Available in WellBars® crunchy treats, WellBites® soft treats, Pure Rewards® jerky bits, Just for Puppy chewy bits and Petite Treats for Small Breeds. Your dog will love the tasty healthy varieties of Wellness Natural Dog Treats. WellnessPetFood.com

Get a “barkers bundle” of 15 Tender Stikz, wrapped and ready for gifting. ONLY $20 with FREE SHIPPING. Holiday delivery guaranteed on orders received by 12/18. Visit ClearConsciencePet.com/ AnimalWellness for this offer!

Animal Wellness Natural Cookbook for Dogs for dogs

ook l cookb natura al The Anim

Wellne

diets, needs speciallth tips! meals, s: main natural hea lness Magazine and y recipe al Wel Health iday treats rs of Anim hol By Suz

i Beber

and the

publishe

Lip smackin’, tail waggin’, healthy goodness in every bite of this inspiring collection of full color recipes for your beautiful pooch. The editors of Animal Wellness Magazine have poured the love into creating this cookbook and you don’t have to be Julia Child to make these recipes… the easy to understand instructions will have them begging for seconds in no time. Proceeds support Canine Cancer Research. ONLY $15 Order Online. AnimalWellnessMagazine.com/cookbook

Thanks to a powerful magnetic place mat, pets can’t push around the accompanying stainless-steel pet-food bowls. This magnetic mat is the essential item for any pet owner who has pets who love to push their bowls all over the kitchen. Great for the house or while traveling in the RV. Available online. TryFrostyBowlz.com

Love2Pet® No Pull Leash!

Safely and humanely reduces pulling while walking. Proven effective by a certified animal behaviorist. Our leash puts pressure around the dog’s barrel causing most dogs to stop pulling. Owners rave about it! Easy to use and attach. Two sizes & 4 great colors. Guaranteed. Made in USA. Love2Pet.com 800-336-1968

Peach Industries

Inspired by our commitment to style, safety, and sustainability, the Kitty Lounger is a modern hammock that cats cannot resist. Made in the USA using 100% USAsourced materials, each element has been carefully selected for the most discerning felines. Available in a variety of colors and prints online. peachindustries.com

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FrostyBowlz® Magnetic Mats

Treats You Bake at Home

Make it a fun and creative family activity with ingredients you mix with water and oil, then bake. There is even icing mix for decorating. Bone-shaped cookie cutter and icing piping bag included. Ingredients are wheat, sugar and additive-free, so they are healthy for your best friend. $9.95 Pupolicious.com

animal wellness

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

TOXIC HOW

IVY

holiday

ARE THESE TOP

PLANTS?

By Ann Brightman

Poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe and holly...these and others are favorites for festive decor. But which ones are poisonous to your dog – and which ones aren’t?

The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without festive

plants and greenery. Whether it’s a Christmas tree in the living room or a poinsettia on your dining room sideboard, their colors and scents add so much to the atmosphere of your home. But when you have dogs, you have to be careful. Many holiday plants, greens and berries can be poisonous. Here’s a look at which plants are toxic – and which ones are safe to have around.

Poinsettias

With their vivid green and red foliage, poinsettias are among the most well-known festive plants and are popular as gifts and decorations. But many dog guardians regard them as anathema, because common knowledge says they’re deadly poisonous to animals.

AMARYLLIS

Fact is, they’re not as toxic as we’ve been led to believe. The idea that poinsettias are poisonous dates back almost a century, when an urban legend claimed a toddler died after eating a leaf from one of these plants. But according to Pet Poison Helpline and the ASPCA, these colorful plants, which are native to Mexico, aren’t that lethal. Their sap does contain diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents, chemicals that when ingested may cause vomiting, drooling or diarrhea. Skin reactions such as redness,

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The Christmas cactus is one of those plants you can be less worried about when it comes to your companion’s well-being. swelling and itching may also occur. In other words, sampling a poinsettia might make your dog mildly ill, but it won’t kill him. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should give your dog carte blanche when it comes to poinsettias. After all, you don’t want him to get even mildly sick over the holidays, or at any other time. It’s always a good idea to keep the plants out of his reach, but don’t hit the panic button if he happens to munch a fallen leaf. Just keep an eye on him for any of the above signs. Naturally, if symptoms worsen or don’t resolve within 24 hours, take him to the vet as soon as possible, but chances are, this won’t happen.

Mistletoe

There’s some confusion surrounding mistletoe’s toxicity. Some sources say European mistletoe is more toxic than American mistletoe, and others say the opposite. A few even say that mistletoe is not as poisonous as we’ve been led to believe, and that mild digestive upset is the only risk if your dog consumes any. However, the ASPCA warns that mistletoe can also cause erratic behavior, a dangerously low heart rate and possibly even cardiovascular collapse. The glycoprotein lectins that mistletoe produces can cause cell death by hindering protein synthesis in the body. Continued on page 44.

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Continued from page 43.

Whatever you’ve heard about mistletoe, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of your dog’s reach. And that includes all parts of the plant – including the berries. This means checking the floor often for dropped fruit and cleaning it up immediately. If you don’t think you’ll have time to do this, nix mistletoe from your holiday decorating list, or use the artificial variety.

Amaryllis

These striking plants are a favorite with many indoor gardeners, especially this time of year. But don’t add them to your wish list unless you have a dog-free place to display them. These bulb-grown plants contain naturally-occurring chemicals such as lycorine that can be toxic to your pooch. The bulb itself is the most poisonous, MISTLETOE but other parts of the plant can also cause reactions if ingested in big enough quantities. Along with GI upset, amaryllis may cause drooling, depression and tremors. If you still can’t resist having an amaryllis, put it on a high shelf or other surface well away from questing noses and tongues.

Christmas cactus

Here’s one of the safer ones. The ASPCA lists Christmas cactus as non-toxic to dogs. Although some people have reported vomiting or diarrhea in their canines after ingesting parts of this plant, others have said their dogs showed no ill effects after eating both the flowers and the leaves. This doesn’t mean you should go out of your way to allow any nibbling or chewing, but the Christmas cactus is one of those plants you can be less worried about when it comes to your companion’s well-being.

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Holly and ivy

There are many different kinds of holly – from English and European holly to winterberry and American holly – but all have some degree of toxicity. Perhaps surprisingly, the berries are only mildly poisonous, but consumption of the whole plant can do damage to your dog’s digestive system. Part of this is due to the spiny points on the leaves, which can cause irritation to the stomach and intestines, but the plants also contain toxic saponins, methylxanthines and cyanogens that lead to serious GI upset.

Like holly, the ivy family has many different varieties, but they also contain toxins that can harm your dog – and given that ivies have a habit of climbing and drooping, you need to watch that the tendrils don’t dangle down into his reach. Be sure to pick up dropped leaves as well, even if they’re dead. Vomiting, diarrhea, GI pain and salivation are signs of ivy toxicity. As long as you use some caution, your dog can co-exist with these holiday plants. Give preference to those that are less toxic, such as poinsettias and Christmas cactus, and either avoid the really poisonous ones, or keep them on a high surface or in a hanging plant holder. That way, you can have a safe dog as well as a beautiful home for the festive season!

Sampling a poinsettia might make

your dog mildly ill, but it won’t kill him.

POINSETTIA

Advantages freeze-dried food of

By Dr. Harvey

Freeze-dried foods are essentially raw food without water. The freeze-drying process causes little or no damage to nutrients because it is done while the meat is frozen and allows just the moisture to be removed. It gives the food a very long shelf life without the use of chemical or synthetic preservatives. In fact, it is the only way to preserve meat without chemicals, irradiation, or heat damage to nutrients. • Dogs and cats that eat a freeze-dried diet are less likely to experience allergic reactions, and have healthier coats, more energy and cleaner teeth. • Additional benefits include fresh breath, better weight control, improved digestion and smaller, less smelly stools. • Freeze-dried food offers the convenience of kibble with the nutritional advantages of raw. It can be an easy way to make the switch to raw because it’s not as intimidating. It is basically the most convenient way to feed a raw diet. • Freeze-dried foods only require added water to allow the ingredients to rehydrate. It’s the closest you can get to homemade fresh food without starting from scratch. • Most dogs and cats adapt quickly to a freeze-dried diet and truly love the taste and texture. Even the pickiest eaters enjoy it. Dr. Harvey Cohen is an herbalist and nutritional expert for companion animals. He is the founder of Dr. Harvey’s (drharveys.com), makers of all-natural health foods, treats, herbal grooming products and supplements for dogs, cats and other animals. animal wellness

Preventing bone problems in pups

By Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Growing puppies are prone to angular limb deformities. Find out why, and how to prevent it.

you’ve adopted a puppy or young dog that’s still growing, you may be assuming you don’t need to worry about his bone health for years to come. But the fact is, growing pups are susceptible to specific bone issues, such as angular limb deformities. These are bone growth problems that cause limbs to develop in a curved or crooked direction rather than straight. • Angular limb deformities occur in young, developing animals as a result of trauma to the growth plate in the leg. Often, the trauma is caused when a puppy is hit by a car, stepped on, dropped or injured in some other way. • An angular limb deformity also sometimes results from the growth plates closing prematurely. Certain breeds, such as the basset hound, shih tzu and dachshund, are genetically predisposed to premature growth plate closure. Many of

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This x-ray shows an angular limb deformity in a puppy (lower right of image).

these dogs have short, slightly crooked legs. While this leg development is technically normal for some of these breeds, the problem is sometimes so pronounced it can cause lameness.

How can injury cause deformity? Most of your dog’s growth occurs between four and eight months of age. During this time, his bones grow and lengthen – a process made possible by the growth plates at the ends of long limb bones. When a puppy reaches about one year of age, the growth plates close. After this point, an injury to the leg won’t result in the overwhelming damage or deformity seen in puppies.

Skip the grains and carbohydrates – these are energy-dense foods that promote rapid growth. If an immature growth plate – which is often softer than other parts of the bone – gets injured, the damaged cells stop growing. Meanwhile, the uninjured cells continue to grow. Since growth plate injuries typically occur on one side of the plate or the other, the damaged side of the bone quits growing, but the healthy side continues to grow. This is how the bone ends up anything but straight. The most common angular limb deformity occurs in a puppy’s forearm, which has a two-bone system comprised of the ulna and the radius. If the growth plate of either of these bones is injured (usually it’s the ulna), the damaged bone will stop growing, but the other bone in the twobone system will continue to grow. The damaged, no-longer-growing bone acts like a rubber band, putting tension on the growing bone. This causes the healthy bone to bow, curve or rotate as it continues to develop. In some worst case scenarios, the bone can develop all three deformities – it can bow, curve and rotate. Younger dogs whose bones are still growing – especially large and giant breed puppies – are at much greater risk for developing a severe deformity after a traumatic injury than older animals are. If the problem isn’t diagnosed quickly and corrected with surgery, there can be much bigger problems in the future for the injured puppy. Limb deformities result in abnormal joint movement, which can be quite painful for the dog. Arthritis is another common outcome, along with the inability to move normally. If the deformity is severe and left untreated, a dog can actually lose all function in the affected limb.

Early diagnosis is crucial If you have a young, growing puppy, and know she’s been injured, it’s important to get her seen by your veterinarian right animal wellness

5 ways to prevent limb deformities

Avoid any trauma. Do what you can to prevent your pup from getting injured. Cover slick floors with runners. Puppies are clumsy. Their bodies are loose and cartilaginous, and they tend to be uncoordinated. I have found in my practice that puppies who slip, trip and fall regularly are much more inclined to develop bone growth problems, so covering slippery floors is an important part of reducing trauma to the growth plates. I also don’t recommend keeping puppies housed on hard surfaces like concrete. And be sure to gate oﬀ those stairs until the puppy is coordinated enough to use them without accidental slips.

Take care exercising him. Veterinarians will warn new pup parents not to engage their dogs in rigorous jumping or other very strenuous exercises until all the growth plates have had time to close and seal. I discourage jumping activities until after the dog is a year old, when growth plates are closed.

3 4 5

Feed a slow growth diet. This means skipping the grains and carbohydrates – these are energy-dense foods that promote rapid growth. Don’t supplement puppies with extra calcium or vitamins beyond a well-balanced diet. Don’t over-vaccinate. After the pup has had two to three well-timed puppy vaccines, he should be protected for life from parvo, distemper and adenovirus. Consider maintenance chiropractic care. I recommend doing this every three months during the period when your pup’s frame is developing. By keeping his growing body aligned, you can help prevent compensatory changes and joint stress. This can serve as a sort of insurance plan in case trauma to a growth plate does occur. Stress from injury is minimized when the body is in proper alignment.

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away. Early diagnosis of traumatic bone injuries is essential if your pup is to have a good treatment outcome. Crushing injuries that damage the cells of the growth plate aren’t picked up on x-rays. In addition, it can take a few weeks after your puppy is injured for an angular limb deformity to start to become obvious. It’s extremely important to know if your dog has sustained an injury, and you also need to continuously compare the length and straightness of a potentially damaged leg to the uninjured leg. If you detect any developing differences between the two legs, seek immediate veterinary care.

Treatment means surgery In some cases, surgery is necessary to make every effort to straighten the damaged bone. In severe cases, multiple surgeries will often be required. The type of surgery will depend on the injury, which bone is damaged, your dog’s age, and how much growing she still has left to do. Two primary types of procedure are performed to correct angular limb deformities.

1 2

For young dogs with forelimb damage and plenty of growing left to do, the ulna (which is usually the injured bone) will often be cut and detached from the radius. This allows the radius to straighten and the limb to grow normally. In older pups that are at, or very close to, their full adult size, a form of corrective surgery called an osteotomy is often performed. This involves cutting both the ulna and radius at the point of greatest curvature. The radius is then straightened, which allows for proper alignment of the elbow and wrist joints.

Corrective surgery requires about four to six weeks for healing. During this period, it’s really important your dog remains strictly confined in order to limit mobility. This will ensure efficient healing and the best outcome postsurgery. Some dogs will require a second surgery, called a limb-lengthening procedure, in addition to surgery for straightening the leg. Ensuring your pup matures into a healthy dog with straight bones means keeping problems from developing in the first place (see sidebar). Angular limb deformities sound scary, but by taking a few simple preventive steps while your dog is still growing, you won’t have to worry about them.

HELP VET BILLS?

Need with

By Charlotte Walker

Many people UNABLE to afford veterinary care are FORCED to give up their animal companions. Here is one organization that can help. Lulu is a boxer mix with severe ligament damage. Her family loves her, but couldn’t afford $2,000 for the stem cell therapy needed to treat her. A non-profit organization called The Pet Fund came to Lulu’s rescue by helping pay for the procedure. You’ve probably dealt with a few medical issues in your own dog, so you know how expensive veterinary care has become. “For many people, especially in today’s economy, these costs are increasingly beyond their reach, forcing them to surrender loved and cherished companions to shelters, or worse, have them euthanized,” says Karen Leslie, The Pet Fund’s executive director. This can be devastating, especially to seniors or the disabled, who often rely on their animals to alleviate loneliness and help them keep their independence. Luckily, The Pet Fund (thepetfund.com), which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, can help people pay for veterinary care when they can’t carry the bills themselves, so they can keep their best friends. “We receive upwards of 200 calls daily, all from people needing assistance with the cost of veterinary care,” says Karen. The Pet Fund helps people

cover medical costs that go beyond the normal expenses of routine checkups, spay and neuter ops, food, and other basics. This could include anything from surgery to cancer treatment to stem cell therapy, all of which can run into thousands of dollars, depending on the situation. It’s important to note that the organization has a wait list for funds, so it cannot help with emergency situations requiring immediate treatment. After being approved for funding by the organization (this must be done by phone), applicants are required to submit proof of income, a written copy of an estimate for the animal’s treatment from their veterinarian, and their vet’s name, address and medical license number. Funds are not sent to individuals, but to the treating veterinarian. Along with monetary assistance, The Pet Fund also educates people about preventative care and financial services in an effort to help them keep their animals healthy and avoid crises by planning for future veterinary expenses. The organization is all volunteer-run, and relies on donations. “We aim to provide help for as many companion animals as possible who are at risk of being separated from their families due to financial constraints,” says Karen. “Our ultimate goal is to work towards a future in which no animal is denied veterinary care because of cost.” animal wellness

WARM & FUZZY

Mr. Youwho By Louisa Lew

Above: Mr. Youwho clowns for the camera. Right: A big kiss of love and gratitude for Mariah.

Mariah Mountanos

was volunteering at her local shelter in 2005 when she noticed a young white heeler/ pit bull mix sleeping in his kennel. She couldn’t resist his large, pointed ears and speckled nose, and took him out to the yard to let him play. The dog was friendly and sweet, but seemed disoriented, bumping into things. Mariah began calling him back, but to no avail. She finally called out “Yoohoo, over here!” but again there was no response. Puzzled by how strangely “Mr. Youwho” was behaving, Mariah took him to the shelter’s veterinarian where it was discovered he was both blind and deaf. He was also suffering from hair loss, due to demodectic mange. “At that point, I knew this sweet guy was going to have a hard time finding a home,” says Mariah. She knew most people would give up on Mr. Youwho, but “not me”. She convinced her parents to allow her to take him.

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Living with a special needs dog It took three months for Mr. Youwho to become accustomed to his new home, but after that, training became easier as Mariah discovered ways to make life easier for him. She soon discovered that special needs dogs are like any other canines. They can enjoy a full, good quality life and take part in many activities, as long as you give them lots of love and attention. Mariah says that Mr. Youwho loves to swim (while on a long leash), go for runs or car rides, and play with other dogs. “He loves meeting new people,” she adds. “He’s just like any other dog, and loves it all! He has an endless supply of yummy treats and toys and is dearly loved by us as well as anyone else who meets him.” Mariah cautions that special needs dogs rely on their people for their safety, so you have to keep a close eye on them. For example, if a special needs dog gets lost, he won’t be able to make it on his own.

Inspiration and teacher Meeting Mr. Youwho inspired Mariah to work with other special needs dogs as well as those deemed “unadoptable”, such as shy, overly energetic or other “problem” dogs. She even has a website (pawstoadopt.com) devoted to teaching animal parents about the care and training of special needs dogs. “Many of these dogs get put down for no real reason, except they needed more time than other dogs,” she says. Sadly, the animal shelter system lacks the resources, including experienced volunteers, to work with dogs that require the extra attention they need to regain their confidence and become valuable family members.

“He’s missing a leg now, but is certainly .” not missing any part of his

spirit

“It is really hard when a shy dog you have been working with gets put down,” says Mariah. “The dog has usually been abused or neglected, which is why he or she has a hard time trusting people.” It’s the same for overly energetic dogs – in this case, their former families failed to give them the guidance and training they need. “I wish people would give all these special needs dogs a chance, because they have done nothing wrong,” says Mariah. “We have done them wrong.”

Mr. Youwho has been a valuable teacher as a well as an inspiration to Mariah. “He has taught me that no matter what obstacles you face in life, you can overcome them,” she says. “Mr. Youwho is blind and deaf but there is nothing that stops this boy!” And his challenges haven’t ended there. This past year, he was diagnosed with extraskeletal osteosarcoma (a rare malignant tumor) in his shoulder, and had to have one front leg amputated. Mariah reports that he is doing well as a “tripawd”. “He’s missing a leg now, but is certainly not missing any part of his spirit,” she says, adding that he’s still a friendly and charming dog who adores people. Mariah encourages people not to overlook special needs dogs when adopting a new companion. They are usually the first to be euthanized, so need our help the most. “They’re incredibly special and will change your life, giving you just as much love as a dog without special needs, and inspiring you as Mr. Youwho has inspired me!”

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homeopat hy

Breakthrough scientific research helps explain why this 200-year-old modality works.

How does

heal?

By Shelley Epstein, VMD, CVH, and Iris Bell, MD, PhD

As someone who wants holistic or integrative care for your furry friend, you probably know a bit about homeopathy. You may have used homeopathic medicines for your own dog, observed their results, and yet wondered how this modality actually works. What does “like cures like” actually mean, and how can something that’s so diluted have a healing effect?

Homeopathy has been around for over two centuries, but its acceptance into widespread use has been hindered by our inability to scientifically explain its mechanism of action. Until recently, that is. Advances in modern technology are now overturning the assumptions made by conventional medicine that homeopathy can’t possibly work.

Like cures like

Homeopathy is based on one unifying principle: like cures like. The medicines are first tested in healthy humans in a process known as provings or pathogenetic trials. The test subjects record their symptoms, paying special attention to what makes each symptom or the subject feel better or worse. The symptoms experienced by all the provers are then collated and organized into searchable books known as materia medicas and repertories. When a patient is sick, his symptoms are analyzed and he is given the medicine that most closely matches the symptoms experienced by the provers.

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For example, in the proving of Arsenicum album, a medicine derived from arsenic (with no toxic arsenic effects when homeopathically prepared), the provers reported frequent thirst for small sips of water, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness with severe weakness, with all symptoms worse after midnight. Likewise, when a dog wakes his family at 1AM with an urgency to go outside, and his diarrhea and vomiting are accompanied by pacing and thirst, Arsenicum album may help.

Why the cont roversy?

Preparing homeopathic medicines involves successive dilution steps. The first three steps entail grinding the starting material in milk sugar, typically using a mortar and pestle, or making a tincture following precise instructions in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia. The remaining steps entail dilution in ethanol and then water. Of major importance is the process known as succussion, which is the rigorous shaking or agitation of the solutions between each dilution step. Dilutions are performed in either a 1:9 or 1:99 series until the desired potency is reached. For example, a dilution of 1:9, first in milk sugar and then in ethanol, carried out 12 times, would be designated as a 12X dilution, where the “X” designates the “1 to 10” dilution. A dilution in the 1:99 series carried through 200 steps of dilution would be designated a 200C dilution, where the “C” designates the “1 to 100” dilution.

It would seem that after a total of 24 “X” dilutions or 12 “C” dilutions, no particles of the original substance should theoretically be present in the medicines. Yet most homeopaths use dilutions in the magnitude of 30C, 200C and beyond – way past the point where any starting materials should be present. To further confound the situation, according to homeopathic principles, the higher the dilution, the more “potent” the remedy! Homeopathy’s failure to secure a major role in modern medicine is therefore partly attributed to what many refer to as its “implausibility.” Simply stated, the argument claims that the high dilutions used in making the medicines means they contain nothing but water. In other words, the claims of tens of thousands of homeopaths and their patients, and the observed convalescence of animal patients, can be nothing more than placebo.

Homeopat hy and nanoparticles

As skeptical voices have been claiming homeopathy is nothing more than placebo, ordinary chemical analyses of these

dilutions have supported these claims. Conventional and even some integrative practitioners hesitate to use homeopathy for fear of being labeled unscientific. Yet homeopaths claim to cause significant reversals in the health of their patients –including animals, which are not susceptible to the placebo effect. So what’s going on? How could something so diluted possibly have such individualized properties? The answer is that homeopathic medicines contain small but detectable quantities of nanoparticles (NPs). Nanoparticles are simply extremely small particles of the original source material. A nanometer is 10 -9 meter in length in any dimension. NPs are similar in size to viruses, and can enter the body and its cells very easily. The properties of nanoparticles are very different from the bulk forms of the “same” material. When “down-sized”, NPs can acquire new electromagnetic, optical, thermal, biochemical and even atom-like quantum mechanical properties that their bulk forms do not possess. Continued on page 54.

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Nanopart icles

are similar in size to viruses, and can enter the body and its cells very easily.

Continued from page 53.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how this discovery was made. In 2010, Dr. Jayesh Bellare and colleagues at the Indian Institute of Technology noted that during the early stages of manufacture, many homeopathic medicines are often ground up or milled for hours in lactose. Extensive grinding or milling of the original bulk form material is currently one of many well-known modern techniques for manufacturing nanoparticles. The Bellare group investigated six different commercially made homeopathic metal medicines from two different well-known Indian manufacturers. Using sophisticated electron microscope methods and other confirmatory laboratory tests, they showed the presence of the original remedy source material in nanoparticle forms at 6C, 30C and 200C. At dilutions above 12C, no source material should have been present â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but it was. Quantities varied from batch to batch and from manufacturer to manufacturer, and they were estimated as quite small. But they were there for the eye to see, using state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation. (Another group from India later found nanoparticles in samples of three different plant medicines they studied, at potencies from 1C to 15C.) Further research by Dr. Bellareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group demonstrated that succussions will cause the nanoparticles to accumulate unevenly in layers toward the top of the solution. When a remedy maker then samples the last bottle in order to put a fraction of the succussed material into the next bottle of solvent, they are actually carrying the nanoparticles from bottle to bottle. The bulk form may be diluted out of solution past 12C or 24X potencies, but the remedy nanoparticles remain. Although more research is needed to confirm and extend these original observations, the discovery of nanoparticles in homeopathic medicines is only the beginning. Homeopathy is now positioned to use the

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Is it animal, vegetable or mineral? Homeopathic medicines are made from substances found in all the kingdoms of nature. • Animal kingdom medicines are made from products such as venom of the bushmaster snake (Lachesis), whole ground honeybee (Apis) and bitch’s milk (Lac caninum). • Plant medicines include poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), pot marigold (Calendula) and leopard’s bane (Arnica montana). • Mineral medicines are made from any element of the Periodic Table as well as any of their salts. Sodium chloride (Natrum muriaticum), phosphorus, and calcium carbonate (Calcarea carbonica) are three commonly used medicines. Many applications Holistic and integrative veterinarians use homeopathy for a wide range of conditions. In first-aid situations, it can be used for trauma, bite wounds, abscesses, musculoskeletal injuries and bee stings. Homeopathy is also used successfully for a wide range of chronic conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, cancer, seizures and behavioral problems. Homeopaths do not aim for just a disappearance of clinical signs. Rather, the goal is to cure the patient, and in the least harmful way. This means: • The symptoms are gone with no future relapses. • No more medications or remedies are required. • The patient’s level of health has been raised so that she feels better overall, has more energy and is more resistant to diseases and other physical and emotional influences. In other words, there is something special about a homeopathic medicine that does not simply suppress a symptom, but rather causes the entire body to heal itself – and become healthier.

vast and growing field of modern nanoscience to understand and improve medicine manufacturing and optimize healing action. In classical homeopathy, the overall goal is to cure rather than palliate by stimulating the organism as a whole to recover from health problems; it’s now poised for major advances in both basic and applied clinical research to help more people – and animals – in more effective ways than ever before. animal wellness

Does a cold nose mean your dog is healthy? Find out what her snout can truly reveal about her overall well being.

What her nose can tell you “Molly’s nose is cold and wet, so she must be in good health.” A lot of people believe the temperature and texture of a dog’s nose is a reliable barometer for how she’s feeling. While there’s some truth to this adage, it’s not as simple as it seems. The appearance of your dog’s nose can definitely tell you something about her overall health, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. To do so, we spoke to holistic veterinarian Dr. Patrick Mahaney.

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AW PM

Does a moist, cold nose signify good health, or this is just a myth? How does the temperature or dryness/dampness of a dog’s nose point to what’s going on in his body? The classic perspective of a dog’s moist nose indicating the utmost picture of health isn’t necessarily always the case. Just like the skin (the body’s largest organ), the nose is an indicator of overall health, but should not be the exclusive means of determining if a dog is well or ill.

However, the nose can yield some valuable information about what’s going on inside the body. For example, if the body is sufficiently hydrated, then it is more likely the nose will be adequately suffused with blood and will therefore seem moist. When the body is dehydrated, as occurs with diarrhea, vomiting, reduced interest in or ability to consume water (as occurs with kidney/liver disease, cancer, etc.), then insufficient blood reaches the nose and both its moisture level and appearance can change on a short- or long-term basis. Elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) can cause the nose to feel warm to the touch. Conversely, decreased body temperature (hypothermia) can make the nose seem cool.

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What should a healthy dog’s nose look and feel like? It should appear uniform in size (the right side equaling the left), and be moist to mildly dry to the touch. Look for smooth and consistent airflow in and out of both nostrils (more noticeable with a closed mouth). The nose should lack textural and pigmentary changes, both on the surface and in the deeper tissues, and should exude only small amounts of clear discharge.

Snifﬁng out the source “Problems that manifest as symptoms on the nose can have a variety of origins,” says Dr. Mahaney.

“Environmental

exposure: Chronic exposure to the sun’s damaging rays can alter pigment, cause sunburn, or even lead to cellular DNA changes and the development of cancer.

 Inflammation

and trauma: Irritation can be caused by allergens, trauma or exposure to chemicals, and can create an appropriate microenvironment for the development of infection.

 Infection: Bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites can potentially cause infection to the skin of the nose.

 Cancer: Imbalances between the appearance of the right

and left sides of the nose, masses (“growths”) and nonhealing skin lesions are common clues that a cancerous process could be occurring.

 Metabolic

disease: Glandular diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), and other conditions commonly cause mild to severe changes in the skin, including that of the nose.”

Continued on page 58.

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Continued from page 57.

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What does it mean if a dog’s nose is running, and when should I be worried? First, let’s explain what is meant by “running”. From my perspective, a “running nose” indicates the presence of some form of nasal discharge. Whether it’s clear liquid, thick opaque mucus, or blood, presence all discharge from the nose can have mild to severe potential associations with underlying health conditions. • Clear discharge: Often a normal occurrence in small quantities. However, irritation from inhaled environmental allergies (smoke, perfume, air freshener, pollen, etc.) can irritate the nasal passages and lead to an increased volume of discharge. • Thick opaque mucus: When irritation becomes more severe, or infectious organisms like bacteria grow in the nasal passages, the consistency and color of the discharge becomes more opaque and thicker (respectively). • Blood: Also called epistaxis, blood emerging from the nose can result from mild to severe trauma to the tissue at the outermost part the nose (nasal planum), where it meets up with the outside environment; or deeper in the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages. A penetrating injury, blunt trauma or scrape to the surface of the nose can cause bleeding that will typically stop with gentle pressure and by calming the dog down (sometimes requiring sedation and pain medication). When a piece of foreign material enters the deeper nasal passages and becomes imbedded there, or when a tumor grows and destroys normal tissues, there’s a higher likelihood that blood vessels will be eroded and major bleeding will occur.

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Do changes in pigmentation signal a problem?

Pigmentary changes in the nose’s tissue can potentially indicate a deeper health issue, but this is not always the case. Changes in pigment can also be correlated with a dog’s breed, age, environmental exposure, etc. However, in general, any changes in pigmentation should be addressed with a veterinarian.

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If the body is sufﬁciently hydrated, then it is more likely the nose will be adequately suffused with blood and will therefore seem moist.

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What about changes in texture? The nose’s texture and the development of scaling (skin flaking) or sores that don’t heal or are slow to heal, can certainly correlate with underlying health issues. Nasal hyperkeratosis is a disorder commonly seen in older dogs or certain breeds (e.g. cocker spaniel, Labrador retriever) where the nose takes on a dry, callus-like or cobblestone appearance due to excess production of keratin. It can be associated with a dog’s genes, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS), or even blocked tear ducts.

AW PM

What are some additional conditions that can manifest as symptoms on a dog’s nose?

Specific diseases that manifest as abnormalities on the nose include immune-mediated (autoimmune) conditions such as pemphigus foliaceous (PF) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). These skin diseases affect many mixed and pure breeds, with the Nordic (malamute, husky) and herding (Australian shepherd, cattle dog, collie) breeds being most susceptible. PF and DLE cause irritation, crusting and the development of secondary infections (bacterial, fungal, etc.) at affected sites, especially on the nose or the bridge of the muzzle. Squamous cell carcinoma (cancer of the skin’s squamous cells); adenoma (cancer of glandular tissue); lymphoma (cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell), and others can alter the gross appearance (size, shape, etc.) of the nose, and even create a nodular consistency to its surface.

Beyond the label Human foods for dogs – what’s good and what isn’t BY MICHELE DIXON

With the delicious aroma of holiday cooking in the air, your dog may have a hard time resisting a taste. But know that while some human foods offer tremendous health benefits, others are harmful.

5 foods to avoid 1 Onions can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, which could lead to anemia. 2 Chocolate contains a toxic agent called theobromine that can make your pup extremely ill and even lead to death. 3 Grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. 4 Macadamia nuts can make your pup very ill and can possibly be fatal. 5 Fat trimmings and cooked bones may be tempting, but increased fat could lead to pancreatitis and cooked bone can splinter, break teeth, and cause a blockage.

5 foods to share 1 Blueberries contain “anthocyanin”, the pigment that gives them their color. Anthocyanin is known to lower the risk of certain cancers, and aids in urinary tract health, memory function, and healthy aging. 2 Salmon is rich in Omega-3s, promoting healthy skin, coat and joints. 3 Chick peas are rich in prebiotics, which stimulate the activity of bacteria in the GI system, aiding in healthy digestion. 4 Papaya is rich in vitamin B, helping with cell metabolism, and also contains papain, a digestive enzyme. 5 Spinach is full of vitamin K, which allows calcium to bind to bones and teeth.

Michele Dixon is the Health and Nutrition Specialist with Petcurean Pet Nutrition (petcurean.com).

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INTEGRATIVE VETS Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: 323-304-2984 Animal Holistic Care Mark Haimann, DVM Floral Park, NY USA Phone: 718-631-1396

COMMUNICATORS Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 Email: angelwhispurr@gmail.com Website: www.angelwhispurr.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

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Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Website: www.AnimalWellnessCentre.com

Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643

Beechmount Animal Hospital Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: (519) 888-6590 Website: www.beechmountanhosp.ca

Home Vet Weston , CT USA Phone: (203) 222-7979 Website: www.homevet.com Horizon Veterinary Services Susan Maier, DVM Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: (502) 722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Website: www.horizonvetserv.com

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Family Veterinary Center Haydenville, MA USA Phone: (413) 268-8387 Website: www.famvets.com Gail Jewell, DVM Kelowna, BC Canada Phone: (888) 622-8300 Website: www.holisticvet.ca

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Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825 Jody Kincaid, DVM, ND Anthony Animal Clinic Anthony, TX USA Phone: 915-886-4558 Website: www.anthonyanimalclinic.com Mark Newkirk, VMD Margate Animal Hospital & Alternative Care Center Egg Harbor Township, NJ USA Toll Free: (609) 645-2120 Phone: (609) 645-2120 Website: www.alternativevet.com Secord Animal Hospital Toronto, ON Canada Phone: (416) 486-1700 Email: secordanimalhospital@yahoo.ca Shannon Hines DVM Orchard Animal Clinc Centerville, UT USA Phone: (801) 296-1230 Website: www.outskirtspress.com/holisticpetcare

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

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New England Brittany Rescue Perkasie, PA USA Phone: (781) 275-0630 Website: www.nebr.petﬁnder.org Pets & People Homeﬁnders Culver City, CA USA Phone: (310) 398-6683 Email: jc@pets-people.com Website: www.pets-people.com Golden Retriever Club of Greater LA Rescue Los Angeles, CA USA Phone: (818) 700-5200 Email: Hurd@pacbell.net Website: www.grcglarescue.org

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feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!

8 MYTHS

BUSTING Cat scratch

about cats

FEVER

– should you be worried?

Helping felines

GET ALONG

4 Holiday

foods you shouldn’t feed Fluffy feline wellness

BUSTING the

MYTHS about cats By Ramona D. Marek

A lot of tall tales are connected to cats. Some are totally false, while others are based on a grain of truth. Here are 8 of the most common – and strangest! CATS AND HUMANS have lived in close proximity for over 12,000 years. We understand more about feline behavior than we used to, but cats still retain an air of mystery, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Unfortunately, that air of mystery has perpetrated a variety of myths that range from the silly to the unsafe. Based on old wives’ tales and half-truths, many of these myths persist even today, but plain ol’ common sense and a dose of science can set the record straight so we can enjoy a safer, smarter and happier relationship with our kitties!

Myth #1: Pregnant women should give up their cats. Pregnant women, or those trying to become pregnant, do not need to give up their cats – but they do need to modify their kittycare routine. Cats can pass on toxoplasmosis (caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite) after eating infected rodents, birds or other small animals. The parasite is spread in the cat’s solid waste and can have severe consequences on a developing baby or anyone with a compromised immune system. If you’re pregnant, assign litter box cleanup to another person; if no one else is available, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with warm soapy water – something we should all do anyway. It’s important to note that toxoplasmosis is most often transmitted to humans by eating raw, undercooked or contaminated meats. According to the CDC, 60 million people are infected with toxoplasmosis, but never know it because their immune systems generally prevent the parasite from causing illness.

Myth #2: Cats suck the breath out of babies. Untrue. Cats have no supernatural powers that allow them to suck the breath from babies, or anyone else. Kitties are curious by nature, and have a strong sense of smell, so they

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may sniff around a baby’s mouth, especially after the infant has been fed. Cats also like to snuggle up in warm cozy places, and a baby’s crib is very inviting. Because accidents do happen, however, never leave a baby and cat alone together unsupervised.

Myth #3: Milk is a natural food for cats. They may love milk, but it’s not good for them. Most cats are lactose-intolerant after kittenhood and will experience diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. We often see kitties lapping bowls of milk in cartoons and movies – but we don’t see the aftereffects! You can ask your vet about milk drinks made especially for cats, as a special treat from time to time, but the best drink for cats is fresh clean water.

Myth #4: Felines always land on their feet. Cats have a remarkable ability to right themselves in midair when they have enough time and space to do so (about twoand-a-half feet), but that doesn’t mean they can walk away unharmed from a long fall. “High rise syndrome”, for example, is a real issue in which cats fall from the windows or balconies of apartment buildings, suffering chest trauma, broken bones, facial and dental injuries, and even death. Kitty-proof your home or apartment by securing unstable furniture, and closing open windows or covering them with sturdy screens. Add a screened enclosure to your balcony if you live in an apartment building.

Myth #5: Cats don’t need as much veterinary care as dogs. An astonishing 52% of household cats in the US have not had a wellness checkup in the last year, according to a study by Bayer Health Care and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Over 81% of study respondents said their cats are in excellent health, 53% reported their cats had never been sick or injured, and 81% said that cats are self-

remarkable

Cats have a ability to right themselves in midair when they have enough time and space to do so, but that doesn’t mean they can walk away unharmed from a long fall. sufficient, independent and low-maintenance. Clearly, consumer education about feline healthcare needs ramping up! All cats should have at least one checkup a year, while senior felines and those with chronic illnesses should have semi-annual checks. Cats are masters at disguising illness, and some health problems, like heart conditions and kidney disease, may have no visible symptoms.

Myth #6: Cats can survive outdoors on their own. Our feline friends are expert hunters and have an air of wildness about them, and many feral cats seem to do just fine. But cats are still safer indoors. Indoor cats live an average of three times longer than outdoor cats, whose average lifespan is just five years. Outdoor cats face many dangers, including disease, traffic, coyotes and other predators. If your cat enjoys being outside, train him to walk on a leash or install a screened enclosure.

Myth #7: My cat should have one litter of kittens before being spayed. Not true. In fact, medical studies report that cats spayed before their first heat, at approximately six months of age, will have virtually no risk of developing mammary cancer or the life-threatening uterine disease, pyometra. Neutering male kittens decreases the chance of prostrate disease and eliminates the risk of testicular cancer. Spaying your cat won’t make her fat (unless she’s overfed and under-exercised) or change her personality – but it will prevent unwanted kittens contributing to cat over-population.

Myth #8: Cats have nine lives. Seriously? Untrue, of course! Cats only have one life like the rest of us – and it’s up to us to make it as healthy and happy as possible by giving them proper nutrition, veterinary care and a safe, loving environment!

feline wellness

FOODS you shouldn’t feed

By Scott Hotaling

atti’s young daughter knows chocolate is toxic to dogs. But she figured it would be all right to try a bit on the family cat, just to see how he liked it. The result was vomiting, diarrhea and a trip to the vet. Luckily, their kitty didn’t consume enough of the sweet treat to cause any lasting damage, but it was an important wakeup call for both Patti and her daughter. We hear a lot about foods that are harmful to dogs, but not so much about those that may also bad for cats. In many cases, they’re one and the same. With the holiday season almost upon us, it’s important to know what foods to keep well out of your kitty’s reach.

Onions – It’s doubtful any cat would eat onions by choice, but if you feed your feline friend table scraps, make sure there are no onions in them. If ingested, onions can cause anemia, which destroys a cat’s red blood cells. Symptoms are loss of appetite, fever and pale gums and lips.

Chocolate – This popular holiday treat contains theobromine, a type of methylxanthine. Methlyxanthines are highly toxic to cats. Theobromine is found in cocoa beans, the fruit of the cocoa tree from which chocolate is made. Caffeine, another methlyxanthine, is also present in chocolate, but in smaller amounts than theobromine. White chocolate has the lowest levels of theobromine, while cocoa powder has the highest. Dark chocolate has higher levels than milk chocolate. When ingested, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more serious complications such as seizures and abnormal heart rhythms. In some cases, even death can occur.

Fluffy

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Uncooked ﬁsh – Most cats love fish, but when uncooked, it contains high levels of thiaminase, the enzyme that breaks down thiamine. Uncooked fish can lead to thiamine deficiency in cats, and may also contain harmful bacteria. Cooked fish does not contain these high levels of thiaminase because heat neutralizes the enzyme. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency are poor appetite, unkempt coat, a hunched body position, aggression, and in some cases even seizures.

Alcohol – It’s unlikely you would ever give your cat a glass of wine or a shot of rum, but what if someone spills their drink and your kitty laps it up? As with humans, alcohol depresses a cat’s central nervous system. It also affects his brain and liver. The blood chemistry changes and may lead to metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the blood becomes too acidic. This condition can lead to death. The higher the alcoholic content of the drink, the more toxic it is, so caution your guests to watch their glasses!

RESOURCES ASPCA, aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/people-foods.aspx PetMD, petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular The American Animal Hospital Association Encyclopedia of Cat Health and Care, The Philip Lief Group, Inc., 1994 The Veterinarian’s Guide to Your Cat’s Symptoms, Elizabeth Randolf and Lowenstein Associates, Inc., 1999

feline wellness

CAN’T you

MAKE friends? By Brandon Conley

When my two kitties couldn’t get along, I tried every trick in the book with no success. The solution? I let them work out many people, cats are like potato their differences on himself outdoors, especially near a busy chips; they can’t have just one. I am one of those road beside the high school. I couldn’t bring their own. people. It all started with Garfield, a friendly but myself to leave without the little guy, so I

For

cautious Tonkinese who appeared on my back porch one day. I started feeding him, and he began hanging around the house and sleeping in the garage. Soon, he was part of the family. Garfield is a very easygoing cat – his favorite thing to do is sit out on the driveway and play lookout. Though he mostly remains an outdoor cat, he often comes inside to nap on the sofa, especially during the cold winter months. Two years later, I happened to find a scrawny black and white male eating out of a trash bin. He immediately came up to me and flopped down at my feet. He was still really a kitten. Part of me worried that he might belong to someone, but he wasn’t neutered and looked like he had been on his own for a while. In any case, he was far too young to be fending for

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scooped him up and drove him home. After the vet confirmed he didn’t have a microchip, I had him vaccinated and neutered, eventually naming him Checkers. He was a bundle of energy and affection, and was particularly fond of playing hide and seek. When he wasn’t doing that, he could usually be found rubbing against my shoes. I kept him isolated in one room for the first few days, but I knew I would eventually have to introduce him to Garfield. The introduction did not go well. Checkers apparently thought Garfield was a big chew toy, and tried to pounce on him. Garfield responded by hissing and running away, which only made Checkers chase him even more.

Over the next few weeks, I tried every trick in the book. I let the two cats smell each other under a door. I fed them together. I even tried using a squirt bottle on Checkers when he attempted to launch an attack, but nothing deterred him. He insisted on terrorizing Garfield and ruling the house with an iron paw. The two of them had peeing contests in the litter boxes. Checkers even climbed on top of the dining table in order to ambush his housemate from above. Poor Garfield just wanted to be left alone. He didn’t know how to deal with a hyperactive cat who was several years younger than him.

tried to irritate Garfield, but Garfield came up with some clever ways to keep his housemate from bugging him. He figured out that if sat in a chair that matched his fur, Checkers wouldn’t even notice he was there. A little camouflage goes a long way! To this day, Garfield and Checkers still have their quarrels, but they tolerate each other most of the time. The experience made me realize that you can’t force cats to become friends; they have to go about it in their own way and at their own pace. Sometimes it’s better to just step back and let them work it out on their own.

After awhile, I gave up trying to make the two of them become friends and started keeping them separated, bringing Garfield indoors whenever I let Checkers out, and having them sleep in separate rooms. After about a year of playing this game of musical cats, things weren’t getting any better. Then one day, Checkers somehow got out of the house while I was gone. I came home to find both him and Garfield on the driveway. Checkers was happily rolling on his back. Garfield was sitting just a few feet away, obviously wary, but calm. I couldn’t believe they weren’t trying to kill each other! After that, I began putting them together more often, and the game of musical cats became more of a time share. Checkers still

Garﬁeld and Che but tolerate on ckers still quarrel occassio nally, e another.

Getting along Introducing cats to one another is often challenging. The existing cat may feel his territory is being invaded, while the newcomer is trying to adapt to a strange environment. Either way, both cats are feeling stressed. There may be a few days of hissing, growling and bottle-brush tails before the cats become friends or settle into an uneasy truce. In other cases, they may never learn to get along, and unwanted behaviors may arise, such as inappropriate urination. In worst case scenarios, the cats may fight tooth and nail. As Brandon notes in his story, “you can’t force cats to become friends”. With Garfield and Checkers, letting them sort out their differences at their own pace finally worked. They may not be friends, but they’re able to live together. However, if one or both cats are displaying outright aggression, it’s not a good idea to leave them to settle it between themselves. Cat fights can quickly escalate and cause serious injury. All cats are different, but the bottom line is that you need to monitor both kitties when introducing a newcomer. Some hiding, chasing, swearing or swatting is probably inevitable, but if the disagreements get more violent, take steps to defuse the situation before it gets out of hand. Flower essences and natural pheromones can help. Ask your vet for advice, or consult an animal behaviorist. If the fights continue to matter what, you may have to consider re-homing one of the cats. feline wellness

Cat scratch fever By Barbara Nefer

Should you be worried

You might know “Cat Scratch Fever” as a popular Ted Nugent song from 1977, but the phrase is not just a musical metaphor. It’s a real disease that affects about 24,000 people each year in the US, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Health. That’s a relatively low number, so is it reasonable to worry about cat scratch fever if you share your life with kitties? According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, a boardcertified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist, there is minor cause for concern – but mainly only among people who have immune system problems. “Cat scratch disease usually resolves on its own in a person with a healthy immune system,” says Dr. Jaliman. “The people who need to be treated are usually immuno-compromised.” Even for them, she adds, treatment is simple and involves a course of antibiotics.

What is it and how does it manifest? Dr. Jaliman states that cat scratch disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. You can get it when a cat carrying the bacteria scratches you and breaks the skin. In addition to the usual

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wound, a red bump will appear and your lymph nodes may swell. While this sounds unpleasant, it usually won’t send you to the doctor, and most otherwise healthy people don’t even realize they have something out of the ordinary. In very severe cases, Dr. Jaliman says you might experience symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, a sore throat, headaches, and an overall feeling of malaise. But this usually only happens if your immune system is weak, and you’ll only need treatment in the rare event that you even suffer these effects.

your cat great food,” says Dr. Alinovi. “A strong immune system makes him less likely to have flea problems and harbor nasty bacteria.” • If you do get scratched, Dr. Alinovi recommends washing the wound immediately and spraying it with colloidal silver. Oral immune-supporting supplements can also be used.

The bacteria comes from ﬂeas How do cats become carriers? Felines infected with the bacteria responsible for cat scratch disease get it from fleas, according to Dr. Cathy Alinovi, a holistic veterinarian and author of Dinner PAWsible. She adds that a study involving infected and uninfected cats living together showed that the bacteria was not transmitted between the felines unless fleas were present. It’s said that younger cats have a higher risk of being infected, but according to Dr. Alinovi, this risk has less to do with their age than their circumstances. She states that a heightened risk is more often found among stray cats because they’re more likely to have fleas; and among younger felines at shelters because they’re more likely to be born to strays with weak immune systems living in unhygienic conditions. Older cats that have been given good natural flea control for most of their lives don’t share this same risk.

Preventive precautions If you suffer from a compromised immune system, or are just overly cautious, taking some simple precautions is better than losing out on kitty companionship. • Dr. Alinovi recommends adopting an older, laid-back cat and being diligent about natural flea control. “Find out before you adopt if the cat likes to play aggressively,” she says. “That would make him less desirable than a kitty with a super mellow personality. Some cats will turn around and scratch whoever is petting them after a few minutes of being stroked. These cats seem to get over-stimulated, so they’re not ideal candidates for an immune-compromised person.” • One precaution Dr. Alinovi says you should definitely not take is declawing the cat. It’s a painful procedure and won’t stop the cat from being a carrier of cat scratch fever. • Strengthening both your own immune system and that of your cat is another helpful preventive measure. “Give

Cat scratch fever might sound intimidating, and it makes for great song lyrics, but the reality is much less dramatic. With such a low risk factor, and symptoms so subtle you might not even know it if you ever get it, this uncommon disease is no reason to shun cat companionship.

No need to avoid cats Should the possibility of contracting cat scratch fever make you think twice about sharing your life with a feline? Dr. Jaliman and and Dr. Alinovi both say the beneﬁts of being a cat parent outweigh the risks. “I had one client tell me she had the disease, yet she still had cats,” says Dr. Alinovi. “She loved them too much. She just knew to be careful.” Dr. Jaliman concurs that the low risk of contracting cat scratch fever, along with its relatively benign effects, should alleviate any concerns. “Even if you are immuno-compromised, the disease is so uncommon that it’s still worth having a cat,” she says. “The disease can be mistaken for a mosquito bite and resolves on its own, so you might even overlook it.”

feline wellness

BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: Cat Sense AUTHOR: John Bradshaw Cats are an inscrutable species, and understanding how they sense and interpret their surroundings can be challenging at times. In his new book Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet, cat expert and anthrozoologist John Bradshaw draws on the latest scientific and behavioral research to offer a definitive guide to the origins, evolution, and modern-day needs of our feline companions. Bradshaw offers an explanation of how cats think and what we know about their personalities. He looks at a variety of feline behaviors, quirks and characteristics, including why many cats don’t get along with others of their kind; why they can be picky eaters (there’s a nutritional reason for it); why it’s so important to socialize kittens; how training can help reduce stress; and much more. This thought-provoking book is sure to deepen your understanding of the feline psyche.

Publisher: Basic Books

TITLE: A Street Cat Named Bob AUTHOR: James Bowen Street musician James Bowen was living hand to mouth in London when he found an injured cat lying in the hallway of his apartment building. Though James barely had enough money to feed himself, he was drawn to help the sick cat, who he named Bob. At the time, he had no idea how the ginger tom would change his life. James shares their story in A Street Cat Named Bob. It begins with James taking his new feline friend out busking – and watching how Bob draws attention from passers-by and brings in extra earnings. James finds his lonely life expanding as he takes responsibility for Bob’s health and happiness, and makes new friends and contacts along the way. Man and cat stick together through the ups and downs of busking and selling magazines on the street – thanks to YouTube, the duo is now world-famous. James’ love for his feline friend is demonstrated on every page of this straightforward but heartfelt account, which has reached No. 1 on the London Times bestseller list.

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: Decoding Your Dog EDITORS: Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, DACVB

and John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB

Behavior issues are the number one reason dogs are surrendered to shelters and rescues. If more people had an understanding of why canines do what they do, they’d be better equipped to handle any behavior problems and less inclined to give up on their companions. This is the premise behind Decoding Your Dog, written by experts from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and edited by veterinarians and behaviorists Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. John Ciribassi. This comprehensive book analyzes problem behaviors, looks at the latest studies, and corrects common misconceptions and outmoded theories. You’ll find effective positive training methods, advice on socialization, housetraining and exercise, and even answers to problems like aggression and OCD.

Publisher: Houghton Mifﬂin Harcourt

TITLE: Wallace AUTHOR: Jim Gorant Wallace started out as an underdog. Shelter staff labeled him “unadoptable” because he was unruly and erratic. Then, Andrew “Roo” Yori and his wife Clara came along, and it was the beginning of an exciting new life for the young pit bull. Read his story in Wallace, by best-selling author Jim Gorant. This compelling narrative follows this special dog’s journey from being rescued after he and his littermates were abandoned following their owner’s death; to his life with Roo and Clara being trained and rehabilitated; and his subsequent career as a disc dog competitor and champion for pit bulls. Sadly, in the fall of 2012, Wallace was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. He lived another year after his diagnosis, but passed in August of 2013, just after Wallace was released. Thanks to this book, his story and legacy will live on.

Publisher: Gotham Books

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THE SCOOP GET A GRIP! Developed by a holistic veterinarian, Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips provide traction and confidence for senior and special needs dogs. These natural rubber rings slide onto your dog’s toenails – when he engages his nails for traction, the nonslip material grips the floor in a way hard toenails can’t. toegrips.com

STATS SAY IT ALL According to Packaged Facts, US retail sales of pet food in 2013 is estimated to be around $20 billion. Most significantly, the largest percentage of growth is occurring in premium foods as opposed to mass-market commercial foods – good news for the health of dogs and cats across the nation! packagedfacts.com

JOINT HEALING ChondroPaw is an all-natural product containing PSGAG (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) and micro-dosages of plant extracts. This unique combination helps with the repair and reconstruction of your dog’s joints – both hard tissues (bone/cartilage) and soft (muscles/tendons/ligaments). chondropaw.com

SHELTER MEDICINE The Houston SPCA and Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences have created a new program that exposes veterinary students to cases of animal cruelty, neglect and trauma. The goal is to ensure that future vets are more knowledgeable about the full spectrum of shelter medicine and animal welfare, including rescue and forensics investigations. houstonspca.org

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OPEN THE DOOR! Most dog doors are too cramped for big breeds like great Danes or St. Bernards. PlexiDor Performance Pet Doors has designed an extra-large dog door that even giant canines can access without damaging the door (or hurting themselves). Made from hardened aluminum and shatter-resistant acrylic, and sealed with industrial-grade weather stripping. plexidors.com

ROCK ON? A dog with an abnormal appetite underwent emergency surgery at the BluePearl Veterinary Partners referral medicine hospital to remove 16 rocks from his stomach. It’s believed that Gordon, a seven-year-old golden retriever, ingested the rocks from his family’s garden. The operation was successful and he is expected to make a full recovery. bluepearlvet.com

SHOW YOUR CLAWS The Kitty Scratch Pole is an eco-friendly scratching post that uses refillable and recyclable cardboard. It’s handcrafted from sustainably harvested wood, recycled cardboard and finished in a durable non-toxic finish. An economical alternative to “throwaway” carpeted and particle board posts. kittyscratchpole.com

IT WAS AN ACCIDENT! Last year, Veterinary Pet Insurance policyholders spent more than $37 million treating medical conditions related to accidents. The four most common conditions associated with accidents in dogs and cats include soft tissue traumas (bruises or contusions), cruciate ligament injuries, lacerations/bites, and eye injuries. petinsurance.com

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To the Rescue Models Supporting Animals

– Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA069 to Models Supporting Animals

Location: Richmond, VA Year established: 2012 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Around 30 volunteers including models, photographers, makeup artists, etc. Types of animal they work with: All animals, both domestic and wild Fundraising initiatives: MSA volunteers use their passion for modeling and fashion to raise awareness and educate the public on issues concerning all animals. “We are currently fundraising for the Richmond Wildlife Center, which opened in April 2013,” says owner/operator Nadine Rich. “It is the first and only professional wildlife medical center in the Greater Richmond region providing veterinary and rehabilitative care to sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.” Favorite story: “We featured kittens from Richmond Animal League in our Valentine’s Day photo shoot in February 2012. Within days, all the kittens got adopted (even the feisty one)! Being able to make a difference for animals (and people) by using our love of fashion and modeling is amazing!” modelssupportinganimals.com

Blind Dog Rescue

– Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA149 to Blind Dog Rescue

Location: Philadelphia, PA Year established: 2009 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Around 30 foster homes and 130 volunteers Types of animal they work with: Blind and visually impaired dogs of all ages and breeds Fundraising intitatives: “We are always raising money for the foster dogs in our care,” says president Karen Belfi. “Their vet work can be quite expensive – we’ve had to spend $5,000 or more on one dog. We’ve rescued over 300 blind and visually impaired dogs so far.” Favorite story: “We received an email about a blind/deaf senior Siberian husky that arrived at a shelter in Texas. He was just about to be put to sleep. I offered to foster him, we found someone driving from Texas to Pennsylvania, and the dog hitched a ride with them. “We’d had him about three weeks when we got a call from the shelter he came from. A couple had come in and told the staff they’d lost their 16-year-old blind/deaf husky Kodi. They’d been looking all over for him, but didn’t know about the shelter until someone told them to check there. We had their dog! He’d been with them since he was eight weeks old. The man was a

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Both male and female models come together to use their love of fashion to make life better for animals of all species, including wildlife as well as dogs, cats and horses.

pilot, so he flew standby to Philadelphia that night. He arrived at midnight, came right to my house to get Kodi, then rented a car and drove back to Texas.” BlindDogRescue.org

One of the goals of Blind Dog Rescue is to educate people about the beneﬁts of adopting a visionimpaired pooch.

Animal Wellness has supported rescue efforts for almost 15 years and is a proud partner of Best Friends Animal Society. This column honors the work of shelters and rescues across North America. For their full stories, visit www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA)

– Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA025 to VOKRA

Location: Vancouver, BC Year established: 2000 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: 400 volunteers and 250 foster homes Types of animal they work with: Cat of all ages, including special needs, injured and abandoned kittens and adults. Fundraising initiatives: “Our annual Walk for the Kitties took place on September 22,” says spokesperson Alexis Baran. “We raised $45,000 for our never-ending medical, food, supply and spay/neuter bills. This is our largest fundraiser of the year and its success is essential for our survival.” Favorite story: “Chance was found on a rainy evening, wailing loudly by the Coquitlam River. His fur was wet and he was shivering violently when he was picked up by two concerned residents. When he came to us, he was given veterinary care; no one was certain if he would make it, but we weren’t willing to give up on him. He was not able to stand up, his eyes were crossed and he had trouble focusing. With a lot of love and care, his health improved. We learned he had cerebellar hypoplasia – meaning his mother had been exposed to distemper while he was in the womb. As Chance gained confidence in his surroundings, the condition gave him a jaunty swagger that has been a hit with everyone. We can’t imagine who abandoned this little charmer, but we are so happy to give him a shot at a happy life!” orphankittenrescue.com

Triumphant Tails

Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California

– Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA171 to Basset Hound Rescue Location: Whittier, CA Year established: 1997 Number of staff/volunteers/ foster homes: All-volunteer board of directors and executive committee, 27 foster families and over 100 other volunteers Type of animals they work with: Hounds of every age and condition Fundraising initiatives: “We raise funds year round and are currently working to cover boarding costs and pay bills for our senior hounds,” says Annette Florez, marketing and fundraising coordinator. “So far in 2013, we have re-homed 99 Basset hounds. Last year, we spent over $40,000 on boarding fees and we expect to spend more this year since we have taken in more hounds. On average, we spend $800 on each hound we rescue.” Favorite rescue story: “Triumph, our billboard model hound, was found in a dumpster at just eight weeks old, soaking wet, emaciated and dehydrated. Our volunteers quickly banded together to get him immediate medical care. We discovered he had parvo and was given a 35% chance to live. We started a fundraising campaign on our Facebook page and supporters from all over the US donated money to get Triumph the care he needed to save his life. He spent several months living with one of our foster families and was adopted in 2011.” bassethoundrescue.org

– Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA162 to Triumphant Tails

Location: Kemah, TX Year established: 2011 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Wide volunteer base, five foster homes Types of animal2 they work with: All breeds of dog, including shelter and street dogs Fundraising initiatives: “A large portion of the funds required to run our organization on a day-by-day basis are provided by us personally,” says co-founder Kym Ann Dabideen-Denton. “For those ‘hard luck cases’ that require emergency or ongoing vet care, I post a plea for help on our Facebook page and create a fundraising account at YouCaring.com.” Favorite story: “In March of 2013, we received an email from a Houston resident asking for help. She attached a picture of a homeless

dog in horrible condition. The dog was missing most of her hair and her feet were bloodied and swollen. She was terrified of people, but we eventually captured her and rushed her to the emergency vet clinic. She was suffering from what our vet said was the ‘worst case of mange’ he had ever seen. “Now, six months later, Solitaire (as we named her) runs and plays like any other dog. She has grown hair and gained weight, and looks like a completely different dog. She immediately took up residency on our couch as though she had been a house dog all her life. She will live out her life with us. We’ve overcome so many obstacles with her, and have created such a bond, that it would be impossible to re-home her now.” triumphanttails.net animal wellness

HOME

SECURITY for your dog By Sandra Murphy

Do you worry about her when she’s home alone? Today’s high tech security systems help protect her from intruders – and let you check on her whenever you want.

Marg was shocked when she learned a house down the street had been broken into. The perpetrators were still at large, according to the police, and perhaps planning another crime. Marg and her husband, who have three Shelties, were planning to visit relatives during the holidays and had hired a pet sitter to look after the trio – but now they were worried about the dogs being alone in the house at night. They decided to cancel their trip. Whenever you’re away from home, whether it’s during the holidays or during the week, you want to know that your house, possessions – and most importantly, your human and animal family members – are safe from harm. Unlike people, animals are particularly helpless in a home emergency such as a break-in or fire because they can’t phone for help or open a window to escape. One way to help keep your canine safe when you’re away is with a home security system. 5 things a security system can offer

Today’s home security systems involve a lot more than just an alarm that rings through to the company’s headquarters or the police department in case of a break-in. These advanced high tech

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wireless systems not only protect what is most important to you, but also use smartphones, allow remote access, and monitor almost everything in the house, including your dog’s well-being. Here are some of the available features.

Remote door locks

“With apps, clients can have integrated door locks – no more handing out keys to pet sitters or neighbors,” says Brad Morehead of LiveWatch, a home security company. “Each authorized person has his own code. You receive a message that tells you who entered or left your house, based on their personal number. That’s how we found out that our dog was only being walked for 15 minutes by his sitter, instead of the 30 minutes we’d asked for.” Doors can also be unlocked and relocked remotely using your smartphone.

Nanny cams

Cameras give you a way to periodically check on your dog from your office, hotel room or friend’s house. They can be set up wherever your dog spends most of his time. Nanny cams are especially helpful for people who have dogs with separation anxiety. Instead of worrying about the dog all day, you can

use the nanny cam to show you how long he stays anxious and if he is able to calm himself. Cameras can also send a photo to your smartphone of who is entering and leaving your house. It’s reassuring to know that the neighborhood NANNY CAM teen hired to feed and walk your dog entered the house alone, and not with four friends carrying sixpacks. Cameras will also capture a photo of any sneak thief climbing through the window.

Home monitoring

A state-of-the-art security system helps you monitor your home’s systems. • If the furnace gives up the ghost when it’s near zero outside, or the air conditioner fails on a stifling summer day, your dog could be at risk. Companies like ADT and LiveWatch monitor temperature changes in common areas and alert homeowners to a problem. “Auto alert clients receive a text, email and

Photo courtesy of ADT

phone call from a live person, not an automated voice, to advise if the air conditioner or furnace has failed or if the basement is flooding,” says Brad. • “We also monitor carbon monoxide levels,” he adds. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, but if the monitor detects unsafe levels, an alarm sounds in the home and the company is notified to send assistance. • Security companies can monitor leaky or broken pipes and alert to basement floods, which can be distressing to your dog as well as damaging to carpets and furnishings. • You can use a smartphone app to remotely adjust the temperature in your home. For example, in case of a cold front and a sudden drop in temperature, you can remotely raise the thermostat a few degrees to keep Sparky warm.

Heat detectors

Smoke detectors have been in use for a long time, but they’re not appropriate for all areas of the home, such as crawl spaces, attics or the kitchen, where even a burnt piece of toast can set off the alarm. Security companies now suggest heat detectors instead of smoke detectors for the kitchen. A heat detector won’t sound the alarm for burned bread, but will for burning grease. Heat detectors as part of a security system are designed to alert to a rapid rise in temperature that could signal a fire.

Motion detectors

It used to be that motion detectors and animals were a bad combination. Animals would set off the alarm unless you set it to “stay” instead of “away” – which disabled the motion feature and defeated the whole purpose. Now, sensitivity can be set to allow dogs 80 pounds or less to move freely around the house without setting off the motion detector.

Home safety is a high priority, not only when you’re traveling, but also day to day. True, a security system can be a costly investment – but your dog’s well-being, and the peace of mind that goes with it, are priceless.

Home security companies ADT, adt.com Alarmforce, alarmforce.com Honeywell Security, security.honeywell.com LiveWatch, livewatch.com animal wellness

SOCIAL MEDIA WHAT ARE WE

blogging ABOUT?

Blogging is our way of being more interactive with our readers. If you have a question for a vet or trainer, leave us a comment on Facebook. Each week we choose a handful of questions and turn them into blogs written by one of our experts, including internationally known veterinarian Dr. Christina Chambreau and editor-inchief of Animal Wellness, Dana Cox. We also have the top professionals in the pet industry blogging about current trends, such as creative grooming, famous Facebook pet personalities, animal welfare issues, and more! Since animal wellness is our top priority, we have a blog dedicated solely to rescue organizations and the wonderful work they’re doing. We feature our Rescues of the Month, as well as heroic and inspiring tales of animal rescue. You can find this blog under the Ambassador tab on our website. Animalwellnessmagazine.com/ambassador

FACEBOOK

Above left: The NAPCG raised money for rescue organizations with the Bama Poodle. Above right: Editor-in-Chief of Animal Wellness, Dana Cox, and Dr. Christina Chambreau at the AHVMA Conference. Dr. Chambreau was a speaker at the conference, giving lectures about the beneﬁts of homeopathy. Bottom Right: Leading an Active Lifestyle is one of the Four Pillars of Animal Wellness. Here is Facebook celebrity, TuggerTails, enjoying his morning swim!

Feature: RESCUE OF THE MONTH

Each month we choose a Rescue of the Month based on nominations people leave on our Facebook page. Want to nominate a rescue? Just like our page and leave a comment! All our Rescues of the Month are Ambassadors and we always donate 40% when people subscribe using the rescue’s code. For September, we had Blind Dog Rescue Alliance. This network of volunteers is spread out across North America. They work to save, foster, and provide education about blind and visually impaired dogs. Their motto is, “Blind dogs see with their hearts!” Dogs in Brazil was our October Rescue of the Month. Jan and Carlos rescue and rehabilitate street dogs in Brazil. They take in tough cases and work with limited resources, but somehow they manage to save so many dogs! For November, we featured GROWL. This network of volunteers fosters animals until they can find forever homes. Fostering is an important method of reducing no-kill rates in shelters. Big special thank you to these companies for donating to our Rescues of the Month with us! We’re so happy to partner with companies like these in order to save more animals!

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Exploring THE SERVICE DOG PROJECT

The joy dogs bring into our lives is immeasurable, and even more so for people with disabilities. In addition to being loving companions, service dogs enable people to walk, to see, to complete tasks such as making meals, and so much more. Carlene White began the Service Dog Project (SDP) after her Great Dane stud got loose and bred with three females in one day! One pup went to her father, who had Parkinson’s, and one went to her friend, who had Multiple Sclerosis. White was inspired by how quickly their quality of life improved from the help of the Great Danes, and the Service Dog Project was born. Located on a 12-acre property in Ipswich, Massachusetts, SDP is a registered charity that places Great Danes with children, veterans, and people with disabilities. SDP has donated over 45 service dogs to people who have severe mobility limitations. All the dogs at SDP are kept on healthy diets, have lots of room to play and run, and are well cared for by volunteers. When it comes time for the dogs to retire, they either return to the property or are adopted by volunteers. Training starts at a young age. By the time they are six weeks old, the Great Danes begin food-motivated training programs. They are taught to sit and wait, which fosters patience and communication skills.

THE

As more and more people expressed interest in SDP, White realized just how much her Great Danes had to share with the world. Through explore.org, SDP set up cameras to capture the precious moments of socialization, training, and puppies being born. The explore cams proved to be quite popular and have over 4.3 million unique views. Most of the time the explore cams are fun, but White says it does have its moments. White is 75 years old and has an emergency button in case she falls. One night she accidentally threw the button in the washing machine with her clothes and got into the bathtub. A few minutes later, the alarm went off, and she had about 15 seconds to get to the machine and push the stop button. She jumped out of the tub and ran for the button, only to realize the explore camera was pointing directly at the button she had to push! If anyone is interested in seeing what SDP has to offer, information and the explore cameras can be found online. explore.org/ servicepuppycam

Miracle OF INTERSPECIES FRIENDSHIPS AT ROCKY RIDGE REFUGE

Janice Wolf has been on quite the journey with her animal sanctuary. For one reason or another, the most unique and wonderful animals find their way to Rocky Ridge Refuge.

get the animals safely into Janice’s hands. A BIG thank-you from Animal Wellness Magazine to Janice Wolf and all the people who support Rocky Ridge Refuge! Thank you for helping to save animals!

There was a Watusi Steer named Lurch, who made it into the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest horn circumference in the world. There’s Butterbean, a Bull Terrier that likes to befriend hoofed animals and nurse them back to health with her snuggles. Cheesecake the capybara adopts and mothers all the new puppies that come in, and Crouton the tortoise likes to hang with the dogs – even the big Great Danes. Due to the power of social media and the inspiring nature of Janice’s story, Rocky Ridge Refuge has garnered quite the following on Facebook. This enables Janice to offer adoption in and out of state, and has led to a network of volunteers across the country who help with transport, medical bills, and spreading the word. When local shelters are not able to take in tough cases – like Julep, a dog that was starved and shot in the head – Rocky Ridge Refuge supporters

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love

PASSAGES

Passing on the

By Phoebe Cole

best friend passed away on New Year’s Eve last year. Droopy, my beloved basset hound, was 13½ years old. She was my first dog, and came home with my husband and me just eight weeks after we got married. We could hardly remember our lives together without her. As Droopy aged, and her health declined, I became very aware that our time together was finite. I made it my aim to appreciate every moment we had left. I no longer took her presence for granted. I no longer felt impatient when it seemed to take her forever to get up, cross a room, and stiffly walk around outside finding a place to go potty. Just looking at her whitened face and increasingly bony little body, my heart would overflow with love, the memories of our years together flooding my mind. I tried to prepare myself emotionally for the day we’d have to say goodbye. But it’s impossible to be truly prepared for loss; no matter how you try, it’s still going to hurt.

Bittersweet holiday Three weeks before Droopy died, she began losing strength in her legs. It was several weeks before Christmas. When she finally lost her ability to move, we had to have her put to sleep. The day after she passed, I stood in my living room, surrounded by her bed, toys and our Christmas decorations. Everything I saw was a memory of Droopy, a reminder of the bittersweet holidays we’d just spent together. The sadness was so potent that I had an urge to clean up and put away everything that reminded me

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of how I was feeling. Removing all visual memories of Droopy’s passing might help lessen the pain. I cried as I packed up the Christmas decorations and put her dog toys in a box. Once the room was cleared, I did feel a little better. But while a part of me felt a sense of relief, another part felt guilty, as if by clearing out Droopy’s things, I had inadvertently erased all traces of her existence. Considering all that she meant to me, it felt awful.

The road to healing And so began the process of healing: learning to let go of guilt, and to roll with the sadness, knowing that eventually it would give way to hope. But even that made me sad – the thought of my fading memories, of new routines and a new life that would inevitably roll on without my precious dog. I didn’t want to forget Droopy. But life has to go on. I spent several days after I lost Droopy compiling all my photos of her onto one SD card, which I put in a digital frame. After making the coffee each morning, the first thing I do is turn on my digital picture frame. It’s my way of celebrating Droopy’s life, of remembering all the wonderful times we had together. Focusing on the joy she gave me, as opposed to the loss, has helped me heal. After Droopy, I knew I could no longer live without a dog, so I made a plan. I decided to give myself three months to grieve and heal, and then I would look for a puppy. I felt if I immediately got another dog, I would be dishonoring Droopy’s

memory somehow. It didn’t seem respectful to just run out and get another dog. After all, Droopy was irreplaceable, and to immediately “replace” her felt wrong. So I put a lot of thought into exactly what type of dog I wanted (a golden retriever), and determined to wait that three months before finding him or her.

Shiloh – the greatest healer My perfect plan failed miserably. After little more than a month (and hours and hours spent looking at dogs online), I couldn’t wait one more second and drove to the local Humane Society “just to look”. All plans to wait till the end of my predetermined threemonth grieving period, and then pick out my perfect dog, went out the window when I saw little Shiloh sitting in her shelter pen. This little German shepherd/Labrador/mystery breed has turned out to be my greatest healer of all. I’ve learned from her that there is no set grieving period, no single correct method of grieving. I’ve also discovered that everyone is different when it comes to coping with loss and grief. For example, when a friend’s dog was suddenly killed, she was heartbroken – but she went to the Humane Society and found a new dog the very next day. I didn’t judge her. I understand now that a new dog, whenever she joins her family, is not a “replacement”. She is an opportunity to focus on the hope and joy the future holds; a way to pass on the deep love left behind by her predecessor. Droopy is buried under the oak tree in my backyard. I often put flowers on her grave. I see her photos in my digital frame every day. I still miss her and feel sad, though the once intense pain has lessened. I understand my feelings of loss will never completely go away, but I’m learning to accept it. And I will never forget Droopy. She was the first, and will always occupy a special place in my heart. I tell stories about Droopy to Shiloh, and she listens attentively, cocking her head and gazing at me as if she understands. I continue to heal. And every day I honor Droopy’s memory in the best way I know how – by passing her love along to another precious dog.

Losing Droopy (left) broke the author’s heart, but adopting Shiloh (right) has helped ease the pain. animal wellness

Want to

foster dogs? By Allegra Abramo, MS

It’s rewarding, but it can also be a CHALLENGE, as we discovered when we took in an elderly beagle.

She wasn’t a herding dog that would try to round up my cats, or a puppy that would need to be housetrained. Just an aging beagle with a slight limp. A nice, easy dog to foster, I thought. “You’re taking Joy? Oh, thank you!” the harried shelter staff said. My partner and I foster dogs and cats from the city’s public shelter, or what used to be called “the pound”. I noticed the relief in their voices but thought: How hard can one little old dog be? Soon after I got Joy home, I noticed drops of moisture on the floors. I wasn’t sure which end was dribbling, but when Joy finally flopped down on the hardwood floor, a puddle began to form under her hindquarters. My dismay was quickly replaced by the realization that Joy’s incontinence probably would have gone undetected and

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untreated if she’d remained at the shelter. Going into problemsolving mode, I picked up the rugs, turned the couch cushions upright to prevent her from leaking on the upholstery, and ran to the pet store to see if they sold diapers for dogs. I had committed to caring for Joy until we found her a permanent home, and it’s not easy to find someone who wants to adopt a ten-year-old dog, especially one that’s incontinent – and that barks as much as Joy did. Our own dog informs us about all the comings and goings on our block, but at least she stops barking when the trespasser moves along. Joy, on the other hand, would get stuck in on mode. We called it “auto-bark” because she would emit seal-like “arfs” with the maddening regularity of a metronome. Riding in the car, being left alone in the house, or the possibility of food sometimes started her on barking benders that could last hours.

I attempted to “reward quiet” by giving Joy a treat when she stopped barking, even for a moment. The problem was, there were few pauses to reward, and the prospect of food only fueled her frenzy. Other times, I’d fire off a string of “Quiet! Shut up! Zip it! Enough!” in the hope I’d find the magic word to make her stop. Sometimes my interruptions would cause Joy to pause, like someone who has lost her train of thought mid-sentence. Then she would throw her head back and form her wrinkly lips into another “arf”. We also worked with the vet to resolve Joy’s leaking problem. After more than a month, we cleared up her kidney infection and incontinence. Things were looking up – we might be losing our hearing, but at least we were no longer stepping in puddles of urine. Best of all, we could return the couch cushions to their horizontal position. Finally, Joy was well enough to put up for adoption. I posted her profile online, along with several adorable pictures, on the slim chance someone might fall for her. Within ten days, we had a call – from Montana. The Bower family was looking for a second small dog to adopt, and were taken with Joy’s resemblance to their own beagle. I warned them about her barking and gave them a full account of her medical issues, but I could tell they had already made up their minds. When they

saw Joy’s profile, Mr. Bower simply told his wife: “Get that dog!” I felt uncomfortable about sending Joy to live in another state with people I’d never met, but I figured it was her best chance of finding a real home. Dispite h er issues, Joy fo und a lo The Bowers paid for ving new has home. Joy’s plane ticket, though I warned them they would have to pay for a return flight if things didn’t work out. I don’t remember whether Joy barked on the way to the airport. Even though I was relieved she had found a home, I worried about whether I had made the right choice. I sat

When people find out I foster animals, they frequently ask: “How can you stand to give them up?”

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Are you

cut out to be a foster parent?

Before deciding to become a foster parent for a shelter animal, make sure you’re up for the job. • First of all, know that a foster animal isn’t forever. Sooner or later, no matter how attached to him you get, he’ll be adopted and you’ll have to let him go. If you feel this will be too hard on you emotionally, then adopt rather than foster. • Do you realistically have the time, space and energy to foster a dog? There’s not a lot of point doing it if you already have multiple commitments or are away at work all day. Also, consider the size and breed you’re looking at fostering – if he’s a large, active dog, do you have the room to exercise him adequately, or can you take him for a long walk every day? • Dogs from shelters and rescues often have physical and/or behaviorial issues, which means you’ll have to do some work to make your foster more adoptable. Be sure to talk to the shelter or rescue about your capabilities and comfort levels, while also realizing that unforeseen problems may arise, as they did with Joy. Be prepared to make some vet visits, and/or do some training or rehabilitation. • Some shelters or rescues will cover the expenses (food, veterinary bills, etc.) incurred while their animals are in foster homes. Others may not, or may only be able to cover part of the cost. Be sure to find this out before you make a commitment. If you have to pay the bills, can you comfortably afford it? • If you already have a dog or cat at home, you’ll have to take steps to introduce the foster animal with the least amount of stress for all involved. • Don’t bite off more than you can chew by trying to foster more animals than you can realistically cope with at one time. Keep in mind that as much as you love them, you can’t save them all.

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with her before the flight and ran my hands over her velvety gray ears. “Be good. Have a good life,” I whispered. When people find out I foster animals, they frequently ask: “How can you stand to give them up?” It’s always difficult, and I usually whine to my partner “can’t we keep him?” even though I know the answer. We can’t keep them because there are still too many animals out there that deserve a second chance. I know the shelter came close to giving up on Joy. I also know she ended up there through no fault of her own. Like the rest of the animals there, she wound up there because of a human failure – a failure of compassion, responsibility or just common sense. Last we heard, Joy was learning about snow and chasing deer in Montana. I imagine her “arfs” echoing through the wide Montana wilderness, and feel grateful I was able to give her a second chance.

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Does he need an

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine

MRI? By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

How magnetic resonance imaging can help diagnose your dog.

helley’s vet suspected her dog might have a brain tumor, and suggested an MRI to determine if that was indeed the case. “I asked him to repeat himself, as I’d never heard of MRIs for animals and thought maybe I’d heard him wrong,” says Shelley. Her surprise is understandable. MRIs are often performed on people, but rarely done on dogs, although they’re becoming more common and have a variety of applications in veterinary medicine. This article will introduce you to the MRI, and most

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importantly, give you the information you need to help you decide if and when your dog might benefit from this important diagnostic test.

Magnetic attraction MRI stands for “magnetic resonance imaging”. Unlike a traditional radiographic procedure or CT scan, the MRI does not use ionizing radiation so there is no harm to the dog

I typically refer animals with NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS

such as seizures or an abnormal gait for an MRI, to help determine the cause and rule out ORGANIC BRAIN LESIONS such as tumors.

undergoing the procedure. Instead, it uses magnetic fields and radio waves to form an image of the body part being scanned. The technology is therefore considered less invasive than traditional radiography, which uses potentially harmful x-rays to make images of the body. For an MRI, the dog is given a general anesthetic to keep him still, and is placed inside a giant magnet that sends radio waves into his body. When the magnet is turned off, the body releases the radio waves, and the computer uses them to make an image of the body. More specifically, MRI technology utilizes subatomic particles called protons. If you imagine these protons as spinning tops, they’re spinning in a random manner within the body. When your dog is placed in the magnetic field, all the protons in his body start spinning in a synchronized fashion, creating a low energy field. When the MRI unit’s radio waves reach the animal, the protons move to a high energy level as they absorb the waves. Simply stated, the patient is absorbing energy in the form of radio waves. When the magnet is turned off, the “excited” protons release the energy they have absorbed as more radio waves, which are recovered by the MRI unit’s computer. The computer then turns them into a visible image.

What are MRIs used for? MRI scans are normally reserved for diagnosing problems and not typically prescribed as a screening procedure for dogs in good health. Most commonly, MRIs are used to diagnose problems with the brain and spinal cord after other tests fail to determine the cause of the animal’s illness. Continued on page 92.

Any metal in his body? Prior to an MRI, it is very important to let the doctor know if your dog has any metal implants. This includes pins, wires and screws that may have been used in the past to repair a fracture. Also, inform the doctor if your dog has a microchip, bullet fragments from a prior injury, or metallic clamps used during surgeries. Preliminary x-rays will often reveal these metallic items even if you are unaware of their presence. Metal will degrade the quality of the MRI images and may distort and obscure an important area. Some metallic implants are magnetic, and patients with these cannot have an MRI. animal wellness

Continued from page 91.

• Brain diseases diagnosed with an MRI include tumors, infarcts (lack of blood to an area of the brain), abscesses, and inflammation of the brain’s covering (meninges). • Spinal disorders that may be diagnosed with an MRI include herniated discs, stenosis (narrowing of the vertebral column), nerve root impingement, and spinal tumor I typically refer animals with neurological problems such as seizures or an abnormal gait for an MRI, to help determine the cause and rule out organic brain lesions such as tumors. An MRI might also be helpful for diagnosing problems with the bones and joints when traditional radiographs fail to reveal a cause.

A look at the drawbacks While an MRI can be quite helpful for the right patient, there are a few downsides.

Availability is limited. Only advanced diagnostic centers, usually located in larger cities and at veterinary schools, have the proper equipment (the scanners are very expensive). A referral from your veterinarian is needed in order to set up the procedure at a specialty center.

A technician at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine monitors a dog undergoing an MRI.

An MRI is expensive, with costs often running $2,500 and up per scan. However, this cost, which includes the scan, anesthesia and monitoring, is covered by many pet insurance plans.

Another consideration (not necessarily a drawback) is that the dog can’t move during the scan. Humans can be told to stay still, but in the case of an animal, complete anesthesia is required. In conclusion, an MRI test can help your dog’s doctor pinpoint the cause of certain health problems when other tests fail to reveal a source, and provide vital information to help your dog receive proper treatment.

Straightforward procedure • After the dog is anesthetized, he is placed on the scanner bed where anesthesia will be maintained and the dog monitored during the procedure. • The bed is moved into the magnetic chamber and the scan proceeds, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to possibly several hours, depending upon the body parts being examined.

It uses MAGNETIC FIELDS and RADIO WAVES to form an image of the body part being scanned.

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• Once the MRI has been completed, the bed is removed from the scanner and the dog wakes up. • The computerized images are then evaluated by the radiologist, who provides a diagnosis of the problem based on the results.

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CLASSIFIEDS Animal Communicators CAROL LYNN ANDERSON (SCHULTZ) – Animal Communicator/Intuitive Healing Support. Interactive, compassionate and insightful Consultations and Guidance for all animal species (including humans). Assistance with emotional, behaviorial, physical, end of life, in spirit, plus lost animals. (815) 531-2850 and SKYPE www.carolschultz.com or www.carol-lynn-anderson.com SHIRLEY SCOTT – Internationally known Animal Communicator & Clairvoyant connects with your pets here or in spirit. She reads emotional/behavior/health problems, provides classes & workshops in animal communication & training. www.animaltalkhealing.com (509) 526-5020

Associations INTERNATIONAL ASS’N OF ANIMAL MASSAGE & BODYWORK/ASS’N OF CANINE WATER THERAPY – Welcome trained practitioners of Animal Massage and Bodywork. The IAAMB/ACWT supports and promotes the practitioners of complementary care for animals through networking, continuing education, website, online referrals, newsletters, insurance, annual educational conferences, lobbying and credentialing of schools. www.IAAMB.org

Books & Publications 1000’s OF DOG BOOKS, DVD’S AND TRAINING TOOLS IN STOCK – Ready to ship. Dogwise has what you want! (800) 776-2665; www.dogwise.com

Chiropractic ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC – Contact Dr. Pip Penrose for your large and small animal’s chiropractic care at pip@drpip.ca, (519) 276-8800, www.drpip.ca. Caring chiropractic for animals and humans in Stratford and surrounding area.

Distributors/Retailers Wanted CANINE LIGHT THERAPY – Many veterinarians and therapists offer their clients the healing benefits of photonic energy with our Equine Light Therapy Pads! Contact us to learn more about the advantages of offering them through your practice! According to “Gospel”…Equine Light Therapy/Canine Light Therapy. www.equinelighttherapy.com, questions@ equinelighttherapy.com, (615) 293-3025

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Holistic Veterinarians BEECHMOUNT ANIMAL HOSPITAL - Dr. Kirsten Anderson, DVM. Offering Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Medical Massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cold Laser Therapy. 355 Erb Street W., Waterloo, ON. (519) 888-6590, www.beechmountanhosp.ca EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC HOLISTIC CENTRE – Dr. Paul McCutcheon, Dr. Cindy Kneebone & Dr. Anya Yushchenko. We provide a wide variety of integrative diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Please visit our website to explore our services. www.holisticpetvet.com eyac@holisticpetvet.com (416) 757-3569, 805 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, ON, M4B 2S7 ESSEX ANIMAL HOSPITAL, REHAB & K9 FITNESS CENTRE – Dr. Janice Huntingford practices integrative medicine for optimal pet health. Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Physical Rehab, Therapy pool and underwater treadmill, Alternative Medicine, Chinese Herbs, Holistic Consults. Please visit our website and facebook page. (519) 776-7325 Essex, ON. essexanimalhospital@cogeco.net www.essexanimalhospital.ca GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Dr. Smolkin is certified in Animal Chiropractic. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences. Contact Guelph Animal Hospital at (519) 836-2781 or www.quelphvet.com

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EVENTS No-Kill December 2013 December 1-31, 2013 – Los Angeles, CA

Bay Area Pet Expo January 11, 2014 – Santa Clara, CA

13th Annual World of Pets Expo January 24-26, 2014 - Timonium, MD

This can be the first month that no healthy and treatable animals are killed in Los Angeles city shelters. Save a life this holiday season by adopting or fostering from an L.A. city shelter. Together, we can make this a No-Kill December.

You will find tons of exhibitors and demonstrations as well as free nail trims. There will be prize giveaways and live entertainment. You can adopt from one of the many Rescue groups and also learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, training and much more!

This Expo features something for everyone!

Be sure to check out other Amazing Pet Expo events all year around at www.amazingpetexpos.com

Many activities and demonstrations will be directed toward children and the Expo is an exciting event for the entire family. In addition to the many popular returning entertainers, World of Pets Expo will be announcing new acts as contracts are finalized.

Let’s let the homeless pets of Los Angeles know that they are not alone, and that we are working for them this holiday season! For more information: http://bfla.bestfriends.org/nkla_december.html Holiday Pet Expo 2013 December 7, 2013 – Dallas, TX Fabulous Prize Giveaways & Fun for both the Two-Legged AND Four-Legged! Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event, Discounted Vaccinations, Micro-chipping and Heartworm & Flea Preventatives, Free Nail Trims, Agility Demonstrations, Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author Readings/ Book Signings . The Latest & Greatest Pet Products!

For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.bayareapetexpo.com North American Vet Conference January 18-22, 2014 – Orlando, FL The North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC) is a non-profit organization that provides world-class continuing education to all members of the veterinary healthcare team. Held each January in Orlando, Florida, the NAVC Conference welcomes over 15,000 attendees from over 70 countries.

Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How You Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet And MUCH MORE!

We offer 50 intensive Hands-on Laboratories, over 350 speakers, dozens of different daily lecture tracks, the largest meeting of exotics practitioners in the world and the largest exhibit halls in the industry.

For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.holidaypetexpo.com

An excellent opportunity to socialize and network with other industry professionals at our evening entertainment programs. For more information: (800) 756.3446 info@navc.com www.navc.com

4th Annual Holiday Pet Festival December 7, 2013 – Scottsdale, AZ

There will be workshops, educational seminars and entertainment. Pets covered in these seminars include dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, ferrets and other animals.

Exhibitors will fill the spacious Cow Palace with thousands of products and services for pets. For more information: info@worldofpets.org www.worldofpets.org Edmonton Pet Expo January 25-26, 2014 – Edmonton, AB Explore the product and service options available to owners and pets and give back to your community by supporting one of the local animal-focused charitable organizations, as well, learn more about the work that they do for animals and the community. You will find great activities for kids and as always, you can expect to find information, resources, and great tips on how to be a responsible pet owner from industry experts at the Edmonton Pet Expo! For more information: info@edmontonshows.com www.petexpo.ca

Join us for an exciting day of interactive activities, shopping, demonstrations, exhibitions and animals galore. Don’t miss out on all the fun! Over 200 animals from exhibiting animal rescue organizations found loving homes at last years’ event! You can expect to enjoy on stage entertainment, pet photos with Santa, a huge silent auction as well as many pet contests. You will also find free and discounted pet vaccinations and so much more! For more information: info@holidaypetfestival.com www.holidaypetfestival.com National Train Your Dog Month January 1-31, 2013 For the fourth annual National Train Your Dog Month, Association of Professional Dog Trainers will promote training the family dog with everyday manners – the behaviors found in the APDT’s Canine Life and Social Skills program! They will offer a variety of free webinars to the public with tips and tricks for teaching the “basics” – sit, down, stay, wait, coming when called and walking on a loose leash. Of course, what would National Train Your Dog Month be without contests? We have several contests set up, including C.L.A.S.S. “Viral”Video Contest, Local Promotion Contest and the Training Testimonials Contest. For more information: trainyourdogmonth@apdt.com www.trainyourdogmonth.com

Email your event to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com

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Becky comes first

TAIL END

By Saralee Perel

The first time is always the toughest. I knew it would be terribly hard for my husband, Bob. All through the night before, he thrashed around in bed.

Bob nixed lunch and came home, where he paced for three hours. Then he picked up our beautiful dog. That evening in the kitchen, he said, “I’m so glad it’s over.”

“It’ll be fine, sweetheart,” I said, snuggling with him.

“Me too. You did great with this whole thing,” I lied, holding up my arms for a hug. He raised his arms in return and walked past me to Becky. They sat on the floor together and embraced.

“Maybe I should cancel the appointment,” he said. “Bob, Becky is just getting groomed, for heaven’s sake.” “But what if they hurt her?” “Grooming is all they do. She’s got all that matted hair. You’ve got to pull yourself together and be strong. You slept like a baby the night before my surgery.” “But this is different,” he said, caressing Becky. “She’s not my wife. She’s my dog.” At nine o’clock the next morning, Bob called the grooming salon. “If she’s in pain, you’ll stop, won’t you?” he asked them. I grabbed the phone and whispered to him, “You called them yesterday and said the same thing!” I apologized to the secretary. “My husband’s a dork,” I said. Becky gets tranquilizers when there’s a thunderstorm because thunder freaks her out. Although she was very calm this morning, I asked Bob, “What about her pills?” “That’s a great idea.” He went to the medicine cabinet and took one himself. Then he slept until Becky’s appointment time. After he dropped her off at the groomers, he called me from his cell phone. “It’ll take three hours,” he said, sighing heavily. “You’re right near the pond,” I suggested. “Why don’t you take a walk?” “Without my dog?” he said, aghast. “Okay.” I was trying to be patient. “Why don’t you pick me up and we’ll have lunch?” “Without Becky?” “It’s not like she sits with us at the table.”

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There’s something very wonderful and tender about Bob’s love for his dog. That night in bed, I reached across Becky and put my hand on his arm. “I love you,” I said softly. I moved my hand past Becky’s head, which was resting on Bob’s shoulder, and gently combed his hair with my fingers. “I love you too,” he said in sleepy tones. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. But it’s too early,” he added, still in his dream state. “I’ll feed you in the morning.”

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