V17I1 (Feb/Mar 2015)

ANIMAL WELLNESS

For a long, healthy life!

Special Issue

EMOTIONS & BEHAVIOR

CAN HE GET

EBOLA? Separating fact from fiction

Why having an

ANIMAL

What’s

COMPANION can make you

STRESSING

her out?

HEALTHIER

Dealing with

OBEDIENCE training made

easy

HEALTH ISSUES IN

GIANT BREEDS

Diabetes

in dogs

Ian Somerhalder Turning passion into action through his Foundation

Keeping your big guy well and happy FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 Display until March 16, 2015

$6.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

BONUS INSIDE!

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Contents February/March 2015

Features

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18 WHAT’S STRESSING HER OUT?

Helping your anxious dog starts with determining what’s upsetting him in the first place.

22 TRAINING YOUR DOG

It’s about more than obedience – it’s teaching him the skills he’ll need to live successfully.

26 HAVING AN ANIMAL KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY

Our dogs and cats not only give us unconditional love and friendship – they also make us healthier.

30 HEALTH ISSUES IN

GIANT BREEDS

Here’s how to help keep your big guy or gal well and happy.

34 COULD HE BE A BLOOD DONOR?

There’s always a need for canine blood.

By finding out if your pooch is a donor candidate, you can help save the lives of other dogs.

How an “ah-ha” moment during a hike inspired a company that specializes in natural treats for dogs and cats.

60 FELINE COVER STORY BLACK CAT RESCUE

Dark-coated kitties have a harder time getting adopted than their more colorful cousins, but this organization is changing that.

62 TOP 5 HEALTH CONCERNS IN CATS

38 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

From obesity to kidney disease, these common conditions are preventable with good nutrition and regular veterinary care.

42 COVER STORY IAN SOMERHALDER

Many lost or relocated cats are able to find their way home again, even over vast distances. How do they do it?

46 CANINE DIABETES

Why are these behavioral issues so common in dogs and cats, and how can they be resolved?

52 IS YOUR DOG DEPRESSED? He can get the blues just like humans do,

Once regarded with skepticism, animal communication is now often seen as an effective way to reach the root of many problems.

Check out this rundown of dog and catrelated “holidays” for 2015.

How the actor and his foundation are turning passion into action.

Getting a handle on this common condition – its causes, treatment options and prevention.

and for similar reasons. Acupressure is one way to revitalize him.

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58 FOLLOWING THE TRAIL TO HEALTHY TREATS

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79 FAMILY AFFAIR

Like father, like son…this company’s dedication to safe, quality pet food spans more than 50 years.

82 CAN HE GET EBOLA?

The risks are minimal on this side of the Atlantic, but here’s what you should know.

88 RVTS AND UNREGISTERED ASSISTANTS – WHAT ARE THEIR ROLES?

Get to know your veterinarian’s support staff and how they help care for your dog or cat.

64 HOMING INSTINCTS

70 ANXIETY AND AGGRESSION 76 TALKING TO THE ANIMALS

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88 Columns

12 Yakkity yak 66 Cat chat 67 Feline book reviews 74 Passages 80 To the rescue 84 Warm & fuzzy

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92 Book reviews 98 Tail end

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Departments 8

Editorial

50

Product picks

56

Animal Wellness resource guide

68

The scoop

86

Social media

Tips, contests and more!

Like us /AnimalWellnessMagazine

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Marketplace

Updates, news, events! @ AnimalWellnessMagazine

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Events calendar

Product reviews and tutorials!

AnimalWellnessTV

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Classifieds

Social media

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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1

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 Editor: Jasmine Cabanaw Webmaster: Brad Vader Tail End Illustration: Libby Sinden Cover Image Courtesy of: HSUS/Long Photography, Inc. Feline Cover Courtesy of: Black Cat Rescue

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: HSUS/Long Photography, Inc. He’s more than the star of The Vampire Diaries. Actor Ian Somerhalder is also passionate about animals and the natural world. In 2010, he founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which has become a driving force for the protection and welfare of animals of all species, as well as the environment. Turn to page 42 to learn more about Ian, the ISF, and his own beloved animal companions.

ON THE FELINE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: Black Cat Rescue

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Who can resist these gorgeous green eyes?

Though most shelters find it’s harder to adopt out black cats than those of other colors, and the reasons why aren’t clear, dark-coated kitties make wonderful animal companions too. Black Cat Rescue can attest to that fact – read about this unique organization and its work on page 60.

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kim Baker, MS, RMT, ECT Claudia Bensimoun Tiana Bodine Janet Caplan Carmen Colitz, DVM, PhD, DACVO Daniel Q. Estep, PhD, CAAB Lisa Evans Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CAAB Jennifer Hinders Janice Huntingford, DVM Cathleen Kenney Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA Ramona D. Marek, MS Ed Terri McCalla, DVM, MS, DACVO Johanna Mejia-Fava, PhD, DVM Sandra Murphy Nancy Scanlan, DVM Karen Shaw Becker, DVM Debby Smith, RPh, Compounding Pharmacist Amy Snow Victoria Stilwell Charlotte Walker Nancy Zidonis ADMINISTRATION & SALES President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Accounting: Karen Tice Circulation & Office Manager: Libby Sinden 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.

ADVERTISING SALES National Sales Manager: Ann Beacom, (866) 764-1212 ext. 222 annbeacom@redstonemediagroup.com Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com Marketing Coordinator: Jessica Apro, (866) 764-1212 ext. 115 jess@redstonemediagroup.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Libby Sinden 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 315 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 Libby at 1-866-764-1212 ext 100 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at 705-742-4596 or e-mail at libby@animalwellnessmagazine.com

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2015. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: January 2015.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS...

ONE READER AT A TIME.

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EDITORIAL

Sweet EMOTION I love this issue of AW. Finally we can talk about the emotional needs of our animal companions, as well as their physical health. Looking back at my own four-legged friends, I’m amazed at how well they communicated their concerns.

Sabrina, our Siberian husky, was a lovely soul – gorgeous inside and out. Shortly after adopting her from a home where she was often tied outside without any attention, she started to “act up”. My husband or I would come home to find the contents of the garbage can emptied out and strewn throughout several rooms. Since she was clearly stressed, we decided to offer her even more attention in the form of an extra daily walk. The shredding stopped.

Our husky/shepherd Sasha was a bit tougher. She came out of a situation of severe neglect. Although I was able to housetrain her in two weeks through positive training, sometimes separation anxiety would get the better of her if we weren’t at home, and she would sneak downstairs to piddle. Since we can’t take her everywhere, we turned our mudroom into a comfortable resting space for her and her canine sister. Now when the humans get ready to go out, Sasha heads to the mudroom. She’s actually excited about it because she knows a treat is coming her way. Just as I head out the door I always tell her, “I’ll be back. Please take care of the house.” Whether she understands my words or not, she’s now more comfortable because she knows what to expect.

It’s no secret that emotional health is closely tied to behavior and training so in this issue we focus on both. Animal behaviorists Drs. Suzanne Hetts and Daniel Estep look at why anxiety and aggression are such a problem in many animals, and what we can do about these behaviors. Internationally-renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell offers her advice on obedience training, with the revelation that it’s less about obedience than it is about teaching him important skills. Also featured are articles on identifying and dealing with the stress factors in your dog’s life, as well as how to use acupressure to relieve canine depression, courtesy of Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis.

Fans of The Vampire Diaries will instantly recognize Ian Somerhalder on our cover, but what you may not know is that along with starring in CW’s hit TV series, he’s also a passionate animal lover and activist – read the full story on page 42. This issue also offers insight into some of the common health problems associated with giant breed dogs; explores the growth and evolution of the field of animal communication; and presents a fun 2015 calendar celebrating the numerous animalrelated “holidays” that take place throughout the year. In our Feline Wellness bonus section, you’ll find the profile of a rescue organization just for black cats, as well as a fascinating look at the feline homing instinct.

Whether you have a dog or cat – or both! – there’s plenty in this issue to educate and inform while lifting those winter blues.

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

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CONTRIBUTORS

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1. Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker received her degree from the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine.

She owns/operates Natural Pet Animal Hospital, Feathers Bird Clinic, TheraPaw Rehabilitation and Pain Management Clinic and Covenant Wildlife Rehabilitation in Illinois. She co-authored Real Food for Healthy Pets and hosts a holistic animal wellness website (mercolahealthypets.com).

Turn to page 46 for Dr. Becker’s article on canine diabetes.

2. Victoria Stilwell is a world-renowned dog trainer, TV personality, author and public speaker, best known as the star of the international hit TV series It’s Me or the Dog, through which she reaches audiences in over 100 countries. Appearing frequently in the worldwide media, Victoria is widely recognized as a leader in the field of animal behavior. She is the Editor-InChief of Positively (positively.com) and CEO of Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training (VSPDT), the world’s premier network of positive (force- and fear-free) dog trainers.

See page 22 for Victoria’s advice on obedience training.

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

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Wellness, offers integrative medicine.

Dr. Mahaney writes a veterinary blog for patrickmahaney.com and is working on his first book, The Uncomfortable Vet. For this issue, he writes about getting to know your vet tech (page 88).

4. Veterinarian Dr. Nancy Scanlan is Executive Director for the AHVM Foundation. She has been using complementary therapies in her veterinary practice since 1969 -- nutraceuticals, acupuncture, non-classical homeopathy, Chinese and Western herbs, and homotoxicology. Dr. Scanlan recently resigned from three years as Executive Director of the AHVMA to work fulltime for the AHVM Foundation. On page 30, Dr. Scanlan discusses health concerns in giant breed dogs.

5. Veterinarian Dr. Janice Huntingford practices integrative medicine in Essex, Ontario. She is certified in animal chiropractic, acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy. Her clinic features a state of the art underwater treadmill and fitness pool for dogs. Dr. Huntingford is married and lives on a farm/winery complete with horses, cattle, chickens, cats, dogs and three children.

Dr. Huntingford focuses on the top health concerns in cats – see page 62.

6. Dr. Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., CAAB and her husband Dr. Daniel Estep, Ph.D., CAAB are award-winning speakers and authors,

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having lectured on four continents to animal parents and professionals. Their company, Animal Behavior Associates, Inc., provides behavior education to animal parents at SensibleDogTraining.com and CatBehaviorHelp.com. Go to page 70 for their article on anxiety and aggression in animals.

7. Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of Acupressure, Acu-Dog: A Guide to Canine Acupressure and Acu-Cat: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass offering books, manuals, DVDs, apps and meridian charts, as well as training courses, including a 300-hour Practitioner Certification Program. It is an approved school for the Dept. of Higher Education through the State of Colorado, an approved provider of NCBTMB Continuing Education credits, and accepted by NCCAOM (888-841-7211, animalacupressure.com or Tallgrass@animalacupressure.com).

For this edition (page 52) they discuss acupressure for animal depression.

8. Kim Baker, MS, RMT, ECT is an author, photographer and speaker as well as an animal communicator (KimBakerAnimalCommunicator.com) and natural horse clinician. She also hosts her own radio show “The Kim Baker Show -- the amazing connection between horses, animals, and humans”. Kim holds a Master’s degree in Integrated Sciences and a Bachelor’s in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She is a Certified Reiki Master

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Teacher and Equine Craniosacral Therapist.

On page 26, read Kim’s article on why animals are good for human health.

9. 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 animal health and welfare. She finds inspiration in her two feline muses, Tsarevich Ivan, a pedigreed Siberian, and Natasha Fatale, a full-time diva adopted from the local shelter.

Turn to page 64 for Ramona’s article on the feline homing instinct.

10. Claudia Bensimoun is a freelance writer in West Palm Beach who specializes in writing about dogs and horses. On page 18, she looks at how to identify stress factors in your dog, and what to do about it.

11.Jennifer Hinders is a freelance writer, editor and dog lover who lives in Fairfax, Virginia. For this issue (page 82), Jennifer looks at the risks of canine Ebola, and if you should be concerned.

12. Lisa Evans is a freelance health, beauty, fitness, lifestyle and travel writer.

Her work has appeared in Alive, Canadian

CONTRIBUTORS

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Living, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star and others. Lisa looks at canine blood donation on page 34.

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri.

When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter. Turn to page 76 for her article on the evolution of animal communication.

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 ANIMAL GUARDIANSHIP IS GOOD FOR YOU The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI, habri.org) • 75% of physicians indicated that Foundation recently did an innovative survey detailing the views one or more of their patients’ of family physicians on the benefits of animals to human health. overall health improved, and It involved an online panel survey of 1,000 family doctors and 87% said their patients’ mood general practitioners. Here are some of the key findings: or outlook improved.

• 74% said they would prescribe an animal to improve overall • More than 85% of doctors who have worked with animals in health if the medical evidence a hospital, medical center, or medical practice to assist patient supported it; 8% said they therapy or treatment reported that interactions with animals would prescribe an animal for a improve patients’ physical condition, mental health condition, specific condition. mood or outlook.

• 97% of doctors said they believe health benefits result from To learn more about the health having an animal companion.

• 60% have recommended that patients get an animal – 43% benefits of animal guardianship, recommended the animal to improve overall health and 17% read our article on page 26. made the recommendation for a specific condition.

BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES Last year, Super Typhoon Haiyan slammed the Philippines, and thousands of rescue workers were deployed to help the people and animals whose lives were devastated by the storm. Sadly, the region was hit again this past December when Typhoon This little girl’s puppy Hagupit took a similar path was among the many animals helped by through the archipelago.

IFAW during last year’s The good news is that many Super Typhoon Haiyan. human and animal lives were spared this time around, as more people obeyed the orders to evacuate in advance of Hagupit. The International Fund for Animal Welfare is just one organization that has again sent a team to the area, to help provide food and veterinary care to the animals affected by this latest storm. ifaw.org

When buying kibble, look for a QUALITY product that has a whole named meat as its first ingredient.

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ANIMALS

Victims of domestic violence who have animals are often reluctant to leave their abusive partners, either because they fear their dogs or cats will be harmed in their absence, or because they don’t know where to take their furry friends. But there are organizations that can help. For example, RedRover provides grants to victims of domestic violence – and to domestic violence shelters so they can build additional onsite shelters for animals. Those seeking a safe place for themselves and their animals can do a search at SafePlaceforPets.org.

BEWARE OF ALGAL BLOOMS It might seem okay to let your dog drink from a lake or pond, but depending on the quality of the water, it can make him very sick.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), for example, are overgrowths of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can result in the production of potent toxins.

Veterinary College. “That could be changing since HABs have become more prominent in the news, as exemplified by the microcystin bloom in Lake Erie [last summer] that affected the water supply of Toledo, Ohio.”

The brochure is available for download at nyseagrant.org/habs.

Because HABs are increasing in many areas, the number of dog poisonings from cyanobacterial toxins is also on the rise. New York Sea Grant (NYSG) recently issued a brochure entitled Dogs and Harmful Algal Blooms, which features a safety checklist of HAB poisoning symptoms and steps that can be taken if a dog is exposed to HABs. “Cyanobacterial poisonings are under-reported in domestic animals because people haven’t been aware of the problem,” says Dr. Karyn Bischoff, a toxicologist at Cornell University

A DACHSHUND WITH NARCOLEPSY It isn’t just a human condition – forms of narcolepsy can also occasionally affect animals. When Melissa Trybom noticed that her six-year-old dachshund, Toby, kept falling asleep while eating, she took him to her veterinarian who referred her to specialists at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. There, Toby was diagnosed with a rare form of canine narcolepsy. His signature symptom was cataplexy – a sudden loss of muscle control and function caused by excitement or food. Toby is currently being treated with medication, and is responding well and expected to live a normal life.

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YAKKITY YAK DOG OF THE YEAR There are so many incredible canines out there, and Canadian Dogs Annual 2015 is celebrating them with its Dog of the Year contest. And the winners are:

FIRST PLACE –

Smiley from Stouffville, ON

Smiley is a St. John Ambulance therapy dog and a certified child therapy dog. He was born without eyes, and visits children in their classrooms to teach them about overcoming obstacles. Smiley also participates in the Reading for Paws program at his public library. Children with difficulties reading can cuddle up next to their “fur-friend” and read their favorite books to him.

RUNNERS UP from Fort McMurray, AB

Rolo

Rolo has canine epilepsy but that doesn’t stop him from helping others. Despite his health issues, he is a registered therapy dog and spends lots of time with his mom, Kimberley Matchem, volunteering at the FMSPCA. Together, they’ve raised $7,000 for the organization, in addition to wish list items for dogs in need. “If I could describe my dog in one word, it would be ‘inspirational’,” says Kimberley.

Hero from North Bay, ON

Hero is only three years old, but he has traveled all over North America performing and spreading awareness In May 2014, Smiley was invited to spend the afternoon with of positive reinforcement training Desmond Tutu and Governor General David Johnston at the methods. He enjoys performing over King Edward Hotel in Toronto. “He is a very special and inspiring 300 behaviors, competing in every dog,” says mom Joanne George. dog sport, and visiting old age homes and hospitals. “He is my superhero,” says his mom, Sara Carson.

CELEBRATING “NEW YORK’S KINDEST” Photo courtesy of Jack Reynolds Photography

Animal lovers from all walks of life came together at NYC’s City Winery on December 5 to take part in the second annual New York’s Kindest Dinner & Awards, which honors individuals and organizations who have helped change the lives of animals in need. The event is also a fundraiser for Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C), a non-profit that takes in approximately 30,000 animals each year.

A trio of dogs and their guardians strut their stuff on the stage at New York’s Kindest Dinner & Awards.

Among this year’s award recipients was Anjellicle Cats Rescue (ACR), an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and finding homes for NYC’s homeless cats and kittens. Also honored at the dinner was the Mayor’s Alliance/ Wheels of Hope Transport Program, which transports animals from AC&C to rescue groups and foster homes 365 days a year, at no charge.

The event raised more than $95,000, which will be used to design and build backyard playgrounds at AC&C’s Brooklyn and Manhattan Care Centers, and promote dog socialization and enrichment. nycacc.org

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YAKKITY YAK NATURAL PET FOOD ON THE RISE More and more animal guardians are turning to high quality natural diets for their dogs and cats. Research company GfK has also noticed some interesting trends within this market: • Sales of frozen/refrigerated dog and cat foods have increased by 17% from January through August of 2014.

• Gluten-free dog and cat food sales have grown by almost 40% over the same period.

• Freeze-dried food sales have risen by almost 44%, again over the same period.

Collectively, the freeze-dried, frozen/refrigerated, and gluten-free categories accounted for over $566 million in sales in the first eight months of last year – more than double the $243 noted during the same time frame two years ago!

When training your dog, reward good behavior and NEVER punish bad behavior.

GO GIZMO! He’s a tiny little guy, but he has a huge heart. Gizmo is a therapy dog with Paws For Friendship, Inc., a non-profit organization of volunteers who share the unconditional love of their personal animals with people in need. Twice a month, Gizmo visits the Hartford Public Library in Connecticut to take part in its “Paws To Read” program. There, he provides a gentle atmosphere for children who might otherwise have trouble reading aloud to others.

Gizmo is featured in a short video at hooplaha.com/2014/12/adorabletherapy-dog-helps-children-read-betterthan-ever.

This bright little guy has enough energy for a dog twice his size. Among other things, this tiny therapy dog helps children with their reading skills through the Hartford Public Library’s “Paws To Read” program.

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What’s

stressing her out?

By Claudia Bensimoun

Helping your anxious dog starts with determining what’s upsetting her in the first place.

Dogs get stressed just like we do. The difference is, we can usually pinpoint what it is that makes us tense and anxious, be it family problems, work deadlines, money or health worries. With our dogs however, it’s more difficult. They can’t verbalize their concerns, so we may not even be aware of, much less understand, what it is that’s making them skittish and fearful. And that can make it harder to alleviate their stress.

WHAT CAUSES STRESS IN DOGS?

SYMPTOMS MAY NOT ALWAYS BE OBVIOUS

• Going to the veterinarian • Being left alone at home • Loss of a canine companion • Separation from the family • Introduction of a new animal • Moving house • Children returning to school on Monday or after holidays

The first step is to recognize when your dog is stressed out. Obvious symptoms include fearfulness, aggression or destructiveness, but other signs may not be as clear. You need to be tuned in to your dog’s personality and behavior so you’ll notice if he starts acting differently. Restlessness, hiding, excessive sleeping and other uncharacteristic behaviors can sometimes go unnoticed, especially if you lead a busy life and/or are out a lot.

Any unexplained change in the way your dog acts, even if it’s subtle, is a red flag. Start by taking him to the vet for a physical checkup to ensure he isn’t ill or in pain. If he gets a clean bill of health, then something in his environment may be stressing him out.

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Numerous things can make your dog feel anxious and fearful, and not all may be factors you would consider stressful yourself.

So again, you need to be observant and pay attention to how your dog reacts at certain times or in particular situations. “Dogs have an increase in stress hormones when life is uncertain,” says Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, adding that the following situations are among the most stressful for dogs:

There are many additional causes of stress, and how your dog reacts to them can vary depending on his temperament. For example, the noise and upheaval of a home renovation project might not affect a laidback animal at all, while a more sensitive one might start displaying stress-related behaviors such as hiding, whining or pacing.

DOGS HAVE AN INCREASE IN STRESS HORMONES WHEN LIFE IS uncertain.

Once you have determined that your dog is experiencing stress, and what the causes are, it’s time to do something to help alleviate his fear and anxiety.

LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE While some sources of stress can be eliminated or minimized, others cannot. Veterinary visits and bereavements are just two stressful situations that usually can’t be avoided. However, there are ways to help your dog react to these events in a healthier manner.

“If we want to support ‘good’ stress response in our dogs, I believe the best method is a holistic approach that considers all the factors – major and minor – that enable a ‘good’ versus a ‘bad’ response,” says dog behaviorist Karen Rosenfeld.

“To understand how we can best support ‘good’ stress response, we need to consider factors that contribute to stress reactivity.

These include inherited and acquired traits, environmental influences (animate, inanimate), previously conditioned behavior, communication, diet, physical and mental health, psychology, emotional intelligence and physical capacity.”

By addressing as many of these factors as possible, you can help your dog learn to cope with stressful situations in a less fearful way.

COMBATING STRESS WITH DIET Ensuring your dog stays in good overall health is one important way to help him deal with stress. A proper diet is key.

“If his food does not support good gastrointestinal, glandular and brain function, the ability to cope with stress is adversely affected,” says Karen. “Real food (not highly processed), combined with herbs and nutraceuticals, form the basis of a diet that supports good physical, physiological and mental health. Add some real meat and bone broth to your dog’s food, especially if you are feeding him a dry diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also important.

Continued on page 20.

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When dealing with stressful situations, be sure to analyze how your own reactions may be influencing your dog.

“One way to help your dog overcome negative stress reactions to things like thunderstorms or being left alone is to examine your reaction to these situations,” says Karen. “Examine how you feel when about to enter a situation in which your dog normally gets stressed. If you are anticipating a ‘bad’ stress reaction, if you are anxious, tense, frustrated or otherwise emotional, you are directing your dog to feel the same way.

“If you are grounded, and if you feel normal and well-adjusted, you can then begin to work with your dog to un-condition his ‘bad’ stress reaction,” she adds. “You must take over all decisionmaking, and not allow him to decide what he should do. For example, a dog that has thunderstorm anxiety may react by pacing, then hiding, then getting back up to pace and look for another hiding spot. Making these decisions is stressful for him – if he knew what to do, he would not be anxious. Take over for him – you decide where he should lie down. If he gets up, don’t be annoyed. Simply direct him back to the spot you selected and direct him to lie down.”

EXERCISE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT Regular physical activity is one of a dog’s most basic needs.

“Exercise minimizes stress,” says Dr. Dodman. “Dogs should run, swim, or participate in aerobic exercise like flyball or agility. Exercise has both calming and mood-stabilizing effects.”

Dr. Dodman also suggests creating an enriched environment for your dog. Helping to keep him busy, engaged and mentally stimulated can calm negative stress reactions. Consider adding the following to your canine companion’s environment.

• Interactive toys • Dog TV Windows with a view so he can watch birds feeding or • squirrels playing • Food puzzle toys

Photos courtesy of Nina Ottosson

LEAD BY example

Leading by example, through your emotions and actions, can help your dog calm down and respond to stressful events in a calmer, more positive way.

Continued on page 20.

Choose a fish oil sourced from wild-caught fatty fish, or use organic hemp oil.

“Coconut oil in combination with turmeric is another valuable addition. Include a good source of vitamin C and look after your dog’s gastrointestinal flora by adding some plain organic kefir, yogurt or fermented vegetables to his daily diet. Raw unpasteurized honey is also a good source of prebiotics and probiotics, while fresh pureed papaya is an excellent source of digestive enzymes.

“You can also consider adding some dog-safe foods that are high in tryptophan, such as pumpkin seeds, bananas, eggs, turkey, and kelp.”

HERBS AND HOMEOPATHY CAN HELP A variety of homeopathic remedies and herbal tonics can help calm overly stressed dogs. “They are best used as secondary support in combination with a proper diet and behavioral mentoring,” says Karen. Work with an integrative or holistic veterinarian when choosing an herbal or homeopathic remedy for your dog, since his individual situation and needs have to be taken into account.

“Organic chamomile and ginger are two readily available herbs that can be added to food in tea or powder from,” adds Karen.

Flower essences, in particular Bach Rescue Remedy, are another simple and effective way to help your dog de-stress.

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Puzzle toys and feeders keep dogs mentally stimulated and help reduce stress.

If you have a dog with a nervous or fearful temperament, either because of his breed or because he was abused, neglected or improperly socialized, positive training and behavior modification might need to be added to his de-stressing regimen.

It’s also vital to assess your own stress levels since dogs are very intuitive and will respond to how you’re feeling in any given situation (see sidebar).

By taking the time to pinpoint and understand your dog’s stress triggers, and using a well-rounded approach to improving his response to these triggers, you can help him deal much better with life’s ups and downs.

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By Victoria Stilwell

TRAINING YOUR DOG – IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN

Dog training

has undergone something of a revolution in recent years. People used to think it was only about teaching dogs obedience commands, usually with the use of heavyhanded punishment-based techniques. But these techniques have largely been overtaken by more science-based positive training methods that encourage dogs to learn through discovery, play and reward. Not only are these methods more effective, they also encourage cooperation based on mutual trust rather than pain, fear and intimidation.

When teaching your dog basic compliance or “obedience”, think less about him “obeying” you, and more about teaching him the skills he will need to live successfully in his environment.

Whether your dog is a puppy or a senior, it’s never too late to teach these skills, including basic cues that will help build a positive training foundation. Learning should be fun, challenging and something the whole family is involved in.

Although it never hurts to hire a trainer (see sidebar on page 24), the great part about positive training is that you can try these force-free techniques at home! You’ll notice that many of my methods outlined in this article involve letting your dog

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obedience

figure out what you want from him. It’s a more organic way of teaching; it encourages him to think rather than having you impose your will on him, or physically manipulate him into different positions. Your dog will learn faster and be more focused on you.

SIT The sit cue is often one of the first people want to teach their dogs. But before you start, ask yourself why you are teaching your dog this cue. Is it so you can control him in different environments? Is it a safety cue you can use in busy areas?

Will it encourage him to listen? If your answer is “all of the above” you’re ready to start. You should never push your dog into a sit – it’s incredibly easy to do without the use of force.

Teach your dog to sit quickly and painlessly by following these easy steps:

q Hold a treat or toy near your dog’s nose and wait for him to figure out

organic

It’s a more way of teaching; it encourages him to think rather than having you impose your will on him, or physically manipulate him into different positions.

never any need to force your dog into a down – it can (and should) be taught in a completely force-free way.

how he is going to get it out of your hand. Some dogs will lick or paw at the treat, but don’t give it to him until he puts his behind on the floor.

w Place your hand, with the reward in it, palm down on the

w When your dog finally works out that he’ll get the reward when his behind hits the floor, give him the treat or toy and praise him.

q Use a treat or toy and ask your dog to sit. floor. Let your dog sniff it, but do not let her have the treat or toy. Do not give a cue yet, or say anything at all.

e Your dog will try and work out how

e Repeat this process until your dog is sitting reliably, then add

she is going to get the reward from your hand. As soon as she lies down on her belly, give her the reward and praise her.

the word “sit” as he is in the process of sitting, so he begins to associate the word with the action.

r Repeat the same exercise several

r When

he is sitting repeatedly, start saying the word “sit” as you present the treat or toy to him. He will gradually associate the word with the action and respond to your vocal cue.

DOWN This is another basic cue that can be valuable for impulse control and for encouraging your dog to settle in any situation. There is

times: wait for the action, catch it, give her the reward, and praise her.

t The next step is to put in the vocal cue and hand signal. As your dog is in the act of lying down, say “down” and lower your hand, palm down, onto

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the floor. Repeat this, but not so many times that your dog gets bored. If you have a large dog, the action of having to lie down and get up again multiple times might be too much for her, so go easy.

 Finally, ask your dog to “down” using the vocal and hand signal before she has even started to lie down.

 Release your dog by saying “okay” when you want her to get up again.

RECALL Having a dog that comes when called is a critical part of the teaching process. This is one of the most important cues you can teach your dog. Do not make the mistake of using a shock collar for recall training. These devices can cause your dog extreme physical and emotional distress.

A really reliable recall is taught in stages. If you take this training slowly and don’t rush your dog through the process, you’ll find that he’ll want to come to you.

Stage one: Catching the behavior • Start in a distraction-free indoor environment so your dog can

WHEN SHOULD YOU

call in A TRAINER?

Even though it’s not essential, I advise people to hire a private trainer to teach compliance cues, or else take their dogs to training classes. There are some behaviors, however, that warrant calling in a trainer immediately, especially if there are children in the home. If you have a dog with anxiety/fear issues or who is exhibiting aggressive behaviors such as snapping, growling, lunging or biting, don’t waste any time getting help.

Avoid trainers who offer quick fixes, or who use physical corrections and/or devices such as shock and prong collars. While these types of training methods and tools may work in the short term, they will cause your dog long term stress and frustration that can lead to aggressive and fearful behavior.

Hiring a qualified truly positive trainer will ensure that any money you spend on training will be returned to you and your dog exponentially in the form of a healthy relationship and a harmonious household.

To find a positive trainer in your area go to:

positively.com/trainers 24

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focus only on you.

• Whenever he comes to you on his own, wait until he is a couple of feet away, then say his name and the word “come”.

• When he gets to you, praise him as much as possible.

• With this exercise, your dog will learn that coming to you is a really good thing. After awhile, you can lengthen the distance between the two of you and start using the word “come” when he is approaching you from further away.

• Coming to you should always be rewarded, whatever the circumstance and no matter how long it took your dog to respond.

• Motivate your dog to come by acting exciting, running away from him, waving a toy, or having delicious food for him when he gets to you. This will show him that coming back to you is the best thing he can do.

Stage two: Solidifying the cue through play • Make sure you play this game with another person your dog is comfortable with.

• Start the game in a quiet indoor environment so it is easy for your dog to focus on you.

• Hold your dog back while the other person calls him excitedly.

Try not to use his name or the cue word, but talk excitedly to “gee” him up. Do not release him until the person calls his name, followed by the cue word “come”.

• When the cue word is given, release your dog and let him run to the person calling him. As soon as he gets there, the person should praise and reward him with a game of tug or a food reward.

• When your dog has had his reward, have the other person hold him back as you call him, the release him as you say his name followed by the “come” cue word. When he comes to you, reward him with another game of tug or a treat.

•R epeat this game back and forth, but only do a few repetitions so your dog does not get bored or too tired.

Keeping it fresh means the game is always fun to play.

Stage three: Adding vocal cue and hand signal •N ow that your dog knows what “come” means, you can use the cue word to call him to you while adding a hand signal. Hand signals are always good to build with vocal cues – this way, even if your dog can’t hear you, he will understand what the hand signal means. This is important if your dog is some distance away from you.

•S tart in a quiet indoor environment. Walk away from your dog and call his name followed by the cue word and a hand signal. Praise and reward him when he comes to you.

•S tart increasing the distance you call him from, and praise him for compliance. If he does not respond, go back to the previous shorter distance and repeat.

•O nly practice this cue for a few minutes so your dog does not get bored. Again, the secret to success is to always keep it fun, exciting and fresh.

•W hen your dog recognizes the hand signal, try calling his name and using the hand signal by itself, without the vocal cue. You will then be able to use a combination of the vocal cue only, the hand signal only or the two together.

•N ow that your dog knows what the “come” cue word means, you can start to call him from different rooms or other areas where he cannot see you. This will encourage him to respond even when you are out of sight.

Stage four: Taking it outside •N ow that your dog is consistently coming to you in a distraction-free indoor environment, you can proof your recall cue by taking it outside.

•P ractice the recall in your yard and then gradually build up to the point where you can use it in a park or similar environment.

• The ultimate test is to use the recall when your dog is engaged in a different activity. Wait for a lull in that activity, and then call your dog to you. Praise his decision to comply.

Training your dog does not have to be costly or intense, and the more enjoyable it is for both of you, the better the results will be. animal wellness

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companion animal away Having a

keeps the doctor

By Kim Baker, MS, RMT, ECT

D gs Cats

Our dogs and cats not only give us unconditional love and friendship – they also make us healthier.

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aren is an actress who used to burn the candle at both ends. That is, until she rescued a beaten and abandoned dog named Valoche. As she cared for her new friend, she experienced a renewed sense of responsibility and pride. Valoche filled her up with love. Karen started taking better care of herself, and began reassessing her career and relationships.

One day she took Valoche for a walk at the local dog beach.

There, she met Todd, a cute guy with a gorgeous purebred Lab. While they talked, the dogs engaged in a game of rolling in dead fish, and Todd suggested they take them to a self-serve dog wash. Todd graciously paid, and Karen in turn offered him two tickets to her show that night. Todd showed up by himself, sat in the front row, and just over a year later, proposed to Karen on the dog beach. That was almost 20 years ago, and Karen and Todd are still married and have three children. They also share their home with a dog, to remind them how critical it is to live a balanced life.

If sharing your own life with a dog or cat makes you feel happier and better about yourself, it’s no illusion. Nor is it any wonder. Unlike many people in our lives, companion animals give us unconditional love. They live in the moment, they’re extremely compassionate and forgiving, and they don’t hold a grudge when you mess up. They don’t care what you’re wearing or what you look like, or if you’re in a grumpy mood. They’re always happy to see you, regardless of the kind of day you’ve had. Dogs and cats are stress soothers and social magnets, put people in better moods, give life more meaning, and help integrate kids with special needs into social situations.

A 2001 study2 found that having a dog reduced a rise in blood pressure by 50% in people exposed to mental stress.

PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS But it doesn’t end there. Research has shown that companion animals also improve our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Here are just a few examples of some of the studies that have been done on the topic.

• According to WebMD1, people with dogs have healthier hearts because they get more exercise and their blood pressure is lower. It makes sense: when you pet or stroke a dog or cat, you slow down and become present in the moment. It has a calming and soothing effect on the body and mind, allowing you to pause, relax and breathe, which in turn lowers your blood pressure.

• A 2001 study2 found that having a dog reduced a rise in blood pressure by 50% in people exposed to mental stress. The same study also found that having a dog increased a person’s mental function by 25%.

• A separate study3 found that owning a dog reduced the likelihood of dying one year after a heart attack, by a factor of six.

• There is also some evidence that having a dog or cat can benefit the immune system, perhaps because they’re so good at reducing stress.

• Another study4 done in 2012 found that “participants performed tasks requiring focused attention [such as driving and office work] more carefully after viewing cute images”, including those of dogs, cats and other animals.

Continued on page 28.

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Continued from page 27.

THE DATING SCENE Companion animals play a big role when it comes to matchmaking. Match.com5 surveyed 1,000 singles and discovered that 66% would not date someone who doesn’t like animals. In addition, 70% said that their date’s reaction to their animals is important, and 35% of women found men who have a companion animal more attractive. Interestingly, 59% of respondents were also more attracted to potential mates who adopt rather than buy their companion animals.

MORE PERSONAL STORIES Examples of how animals enhance people’s lives and well-being abound. Even those who have been hit with unimaginable tragedy can benefit. In 1995, Nancy lost her husband and two young boys in a plane crash on the flight home from a weekend in Las Vegas to celebrate her son Seth’s 11th birthday.

Fortunately, Nancy still had her two dogs, Shoshi (a golden) and Squeak (a Sheltie mix). They gave her the motivation to get out of bed every morning to take them outside and for walks. The dogs also served as a vital connection to her sons, because they “belonged” to the boys. When Seth was in Grade 5, he recorded in his journal that the best day of his life was when they got Shoshi, and the second best day was when they got Squeak.

Nancy says that Seth would lie with Shoshi and tell her all about his day, and how he was feeling. After her devastating loss, the two dogs were her lifeline – they gave her a reason to keep living and to come home each night.

Dogs and cats are stress soothers and social magnets, put people in better moods, give life more meaning, and help integrate kids with special needs into social situations.

Another moving story revolves around Margot, a woman who fought cancer for more than ten years and was in terrible pain as the disease ate away at her bones. She could barely walk or sit up. One day, as she was being transported to the University of Southern California in her makeshift ambulance (the back of an Audi SUV), some close friends met her and her husband to present her with a special gift – a painting of her beloved dog, a boxer named Duke. In happy tears, and despite her pain, Margot was able to sit up, get out of the car, and hug the boy who presented her with the painting. Her husband Michael, who founded the Love From Margot Foundation after her passing, often shares this story to inspire others.

The Dalai Lama wrote, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” Animals are the best examples of love and compassion on this planet.

Just as importantly, they also help us stay happy and healthy!

Top and center: Aaron and Carletta Wong are just one couple who find that sharing their lives with dogs strengthens their bond and improves their well-being.

Bottom: After tragically losing her husband and sons in a plane crash, Nancy’s two dogs, Shoshi and Squeak, gave her a reason to keep living.

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1

WebMD, webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/features/6-ways-pets-improveyour-health.

2

Allen K, Shykoff BE, Izzo JL. “Pet Ownership, but Not ACE Inhibitor Therapy, Blunts Home Blood Pressure Responses to Mental Stress”. Hypertension, 2001, 38:815-820.

3

Friedmann E, Thomas SA. “Pet Ownership, Social Support, and One-Year Survival after Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppressions Trial (CAST)”.

American Journal of Cardiology. 1995, December 15;76(17):1213-1217.

4

Nittono H, Fukushima M, Yano A, Moriya H. “The Power of Kawaii: Viewing Cute Images Promotes a Careful Behavior and Narrows Attentional Focus”. PLoS ONE, 2012, 7(9): e46362. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0046362

5

Match.com, wtoc.com/story/25662993/the-truth-about-pets-and-dating.

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Health issues in

GIANT

BREEDS

By Nancy Scanlan, DVM

VERY LARGE DOGS ARE PRONE TO SEVERAL COMMON CONDITIONS. HERE’S HOW TO HELP KEEP YOUR BIG GUY OR GAL WELL AND HAPPY. Giant dogs can have some giant health problems. These issues affect not only purebreds, but also very big dogs of mixed parentage. In my experience, “very big dogs” are those that weigh 95 pounds or

more. Although some mixed breeds are healthier than purebreds, others inherit the health problems of both parents. This article will cover some of the conditions most frequently seen in giant dogs.

BLOAT

• Dogs who gulp their meals are more likely to bloat. Besides feeding smaller meals, anything that will slow your dog down when he’s eating will help. For example, bowls that have protrusions in them make it harder to get the food out.

• Exercise or drinking large quantities of water right after eating are more likely to bring on bloat.

This is an issue in large, deep-chested dogs, especially males, and you will also see it listed as a problem in most giant breeds.

In addition, nervous dogs are more likely to bloat than laidback dogs, and those with a close relative that bloated are more likely to develop bloat themselves. There are a few things you can do to decrease the chances of bloat.

• Always divide your dog’s food into two or more feedings. Single large meals are more likely to cause bloat than multiple small meals.

• Feed your dog from the floor – an elevated dish is more likely to cause problems.

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Bloat is an emergency, requiring surgery. Do not wait – take your dog directly to a veterinarian. A gastropexy should be done (tacking down the stomach). This will not only prevent bloat, but it also prevents torsion (a situation in which the stomach twists, shutting off blood supply and killing tissue).

GROWTH-RELATED PROBLEMS Decades ago, when pet food was worse than it is now, and dogs were not looked upon as family members, giant breed puppies were fed less, both in terms of quantity and calories. This slowed their growth – but it also meant that growth-related problems were not seen as often as they are now.

In the 1970s, people started feeding for maximum growth. This might seem a good idea, but puppy skeletons have a lot of cartilage and multiple growth plates (a growth plate is the area of bone growth, commonly found at the ends of long bones but also in a few other bony areas). These plates are rich in blood vessels and cartilage, and are much more prone to damage than bone is. While it is soft, cartilage can’t support as much weight as regular bone.

If a puppy is heavy, damage to the cartilage occurs easily. This can result in temporary injury, with inflammation and swelling of the affected area, accompanied by lameness. It can also cause permanent injury, which can slow or stop growth at these areas.

The best way to prevent this problem is to slow down the puppy’s growth. Giant breed pups should stay on the thin side.

CALCIUM IMBALANCE Because giant breed pups grow so rapidly, too much calcium is as bad as not enough, and can lead to skeletal problems such as hip dyplasia, mineralization and others. If you are feeding your pup a diet that already has an adequate amount of calcium in it, it is important that you don’t add any extra in the form of supplementation.

Continued on page 32.

Large dogs, in general, have a higher incidence of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) than small dogs, and this is certainly true of GIANT BREEDS.

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Continued from page 31.

HIP AND ELBOW DYSPLASIA

BONE CANCER

As a group, giant breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia.

Growth that is too rapid can contribute to this problem, but so does the indiscriminate breeding of dogs with bad hips. It is often impossible to determine the parentage of a shelter or rescue dog, but if you are buying a giant breed puppy, choose a reputable breeder and make sure you see the health records and OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) grades of the parents and grandparents. While a good OFA score for a parent is no guarantee against hip dysplasia, it does mean the puppies are less likely to have bad scores.

Large dogs have a higher incidence of bone cancer

Dogs with hip dysplasia who exhibit pain can be helped with acupuncture, glucosamine, fish oil, and some herbal formulas. It’s important to work with a holistic or integrative veterinarian to properly manage this condition.

Elbow dysplasia is common in some giant breeds and not others, which means it has a hereditary component. Dogs with elbow dysplasia can be helped by the same means as dogs with hip dysplasia, but if the condition is too severe, surgery may be necessary.

ARTHRITIS All giant dogs are prone to some problems with arthritis, but if they’re overweight, this only makes the situation worse. Large dogs often have large appetites, so you may have to add extra vegetables and decrease the fat content in your dog’s diet in order to fill him up without overdoing the calories.

Canned pumpkin can help, and most dogs like the slightly sweet taste. Carrots can be a good snack as long as they are not swallowed whole, so shred them before feeding.

Acupuncture, trigger point therapy, cold laser therapy, glucosamine, fish oil, herbs such as boswellia, and heat on the affected areas can all help the dog with arthritis.

(osteosarcoma), and this is certainly true of giant breeds.

Any bone that has been injured is more likely to develop cancer, so a proper diet when the dog is a puppy is crucial for preventing growth plate inflammation. A diet high in antioxidants can help decrease the incidence of bone cancer.

Osteosarcoma is very painful, and the tumor tissue is much weaker than regular bone, so amputation of the affected limb is usually recommended. A proper diet is essential, and fish oil, some supplements and herbs may also be beneficial.

Unfortunately, by the time you know bone cancer exists, it has almost always spread to the lungs. In cases of osteosarcoma, therefore, cure is rare, so we focus on prolonging life.

Giant dogs may have special health considerations, and as a group, they have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs. But by arming yourself with some knowledge about your own dog’s risks, and working with a veterinarian who can create an individualized prevention and/or treatment plan for him, you can minimize the problems and enjoy his companionship for years to come.

Editor’s note

HEMANGIOSARCOMA IN LARGE DOGS Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that commonly affects larger breeds, although any dog can be affected.

Blood cells multiply uncontrollably and develop into huge, cavernous, blood-filled tumors. HSA can spread rapidly to the lungs, liver and local tissues.

Symptoms of HSA include reduced activity, pale lips and tongue, and an enlarged spleen and abdomen. Although there’s no cure, there are ways to help your dog. For example, I’m-Yunity® for Dogs (ImYunityforDogs.com) has been clinically proven to effectively extend the lives of canines with cancer, and improve immune health and quality of life.

GENETIC FACTORS Some of the health issues seen in giant dogs have arisen from past inbreeding, which brought out hidden problems lurking in the genes, including inherited illnesses.

• Von Willebrand disease (a type of bleeding disorder), can be protected against simply by checking for it before subjecting your dog to surgery, rather than having it discovered during the procedure.

• Inherited cardiomyopathy can be temporarily helped with supplements such as CoQ10, and treatments such as acupuncture.

• PRA (a degeneration of the retina), cannot currently be treated.

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Advertorial

HELP FOR CANINE

GLAUCOMA

By Carmen MH Colitz, DVM, PhD, DACVO, Terri L McCalla, DVM, MS, DACVO, Johanna Mejia-Fava, PhD, DVM, and Debby Smith RPh, Compounding Pharmacist

Many dogs are susceptible to glaucoma. The condition occurs when intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye becomes too high.

Normally, the aqueous humor (clear fluid inside the eye) is pumped into the eye at the same rate it outflows into the bloodstream through the iridocorneal angle.

Glaucoma is caused by an inherited abnormality (primary glaucoma) or acquired blockage (secondary glaucoma) of the iridocorneal angle. Both result in decreased outflow. If the IOP is too high for too long, the retina and optic nerve become permanently damaged, causing irreversible vision loss.

Primary glaucoma is seen in over 75 dog breeds, the most common being cocker spaniels, Basset hounds, chow chows, Shar peis, Jack Russell terriers, Shih tzus and Arctic Circle breeds (Siberian huskies and Norwegian elkhounds).

Glaucoma patients should be referred to a veterinary ophthalmologist. In a dog with glaucoma in one eye, the other eye is also at risk and must be treated with lifetime prophylactic anti-glaucoma medications and monitoring. In most dogs that still have vision in the affected eye, surgical intervention is necessary to control IOP and retain sight.

A study at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine showed that Ocu-GLO Rx™ vision supplement for dogs protects the retina and optic nerve from damage by glaucoma and decreases IOP. It is wise to place at-risk breeds on Ocu-GLO Rx for preventative care, along with regular IOP measurements of the eyes by a veterinarian.

Dr. Carmen Colitz is a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist with a PhD in Comparative and Experimental Medicine. Dr. Terri McCalla is a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist and a member of Animal HealthQuest LLC. Dr. Johanna Mejia-Fava is a graduate of the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Debby Smith is a compounding pharmacist with over 30 years professional experience as owner of Ballard Plaza Pharmacy in Seattle. animal wellness

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COULD YOUR DOG BE A

BLOOD DONOR?

By Lisa Evans

There’s always a need for canine blood.

By finding out if your pooch is a donor candidate, you can help save the lives of other dogs.

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Dogs enrich our lives in a multitude of ways – no doubt

about it. But did you know they can also give the gift of life to other canines through blood donation?

Just like people, dogs can sometimes require blood transfusions, and that means compatible canine blood supplies need to be available. Anemia, cancer, Von Willebrand disease, surgical procedures and serious accidents are all cases in which your dog, or someone else’s, may need blood. It saves lives, yet there is always a shortage of blood for dogs.

Several national animal blood banks, such as Hemopet and Animal Blood Resources International (ABRI), regularly collect blood, mostly from rescue dogs. However, Pat Kaufman of ABRI says the need for canine blood outweighs the supply provided by these blood banks. And because canine blood only has a shelf life of 30 to 35 days, regular donors are needed to replenish the supply so it’s on hand when animals need it. “There would not be near enough blood if people didn’t let their dogs donate,” Pat says.

COULD YOUR DOG BE A DONOR? Veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds, the founder of Hemopet, says the ideal canine blood donor weighs 50 pounds or more, (without being overweight), is between one to nine years old, has a stable, friendly temperament, is able to sit still, and is in good health and free of any infectious disease transmissible by blood, such as heartworm.

Your dog does not need to be SEDATED during the procedure, and can resume his normal activities IMMEDIATELY after donating.

She adds that short-haired dogs are often preferable since their hair is easier to keep clean and less likely to pose a risk of bacterial contamination. (Your bearded collie might make a great donor dog, but keep in mind that his hair will have to be shaved from the injection site.) Dogs with lean bodies and long necks with prominent jugular veins (like the greyhounds used by Hemopet) are also preferred as they’re the easiest to collect blood from.

This doesn’t mean your dog would automatically disqualify if he doesn’t quite measure up to the ideal. If you’d interested in him becoming a blood donor, consult your veterinarian. Some clinics collect donor blood, while others may refer you to a blood bank.

Depending on your jurisdiction, however, your pooch may or may not be able to donate at a blood bank. California law, for animal wellness

35

example, requires that commercial blood banks house their donor animals on site. The rescued greyhounds at Hemopet (based in California) serve as donors at its facility for 12 to 18 months before being adopted into forever homes.

HOW IS CANINE BLOOD COLLECTED? The process of collecting blood from dogs is similar to the human blood donation procedure.

The only difference is the vein the blood is drawn from. Canine blood is drawn from the jugular vein in the neck, since this is the most accessible and least sensitive site in the dog’s body.

The dog typically sits on a cushion, with a person standing behind him and gently holding his head up. The veterinary technician drawing the blood sits in front of the dog, shaves and disinfects the side of the neck that will be used for collection, and inserts a needle into the vein. A standard size human blood bag is used. The procedure is quick – only taking about five minutes. After the needle is retracted, pressure is applied to the injection site, and the dog is free to go home.

If you’re worried that donating blood will be hard on your dog, don’t be. Dr. Dodds states that it’s no more risky for dogs than it is for humans. Your dog does not need to be sedated during the procedure, and can resume his normal activities immediately after donating, although he may want to take a nap when he gets home. In place of orange juice, canine cookies are often provided to dogs as a reward for their donations.

Some dogs may develop a small lump at the injection site, but this will go away on its own.

BLOOD TYPING Just like humans, dogs have blood types, although the nomenclature is different. There are seven major canine blood groups, also referred to as DEAs (Dog Erythrocyte Antigens). Depending on which DEA a dog has, his blood type can either be positive for a certain antigen, or not.

“The ideal donor has blood type designation DEA 4,” says Dr. Dodds. This is considered the “universal” donor blood type since most dogs are positive for DEA 4. These dogs can give blood to other canines of any blood type without significant risk. DEA 4 dogs make especially ideal donors in emergency situations when the blood type of the recipient animal is unknown and there is no time to perform blood-typing tests.

weeks. According to Dr. Dodds, most volunteer donors make donations every two months. “A 250ml pediatric unit makes enough packed red blood cells for a 30 to 40 pound dog,” she says. “Smaller dogs need less than a full unit while larger dogs can require several of these units.”

If your own dog turns out to be a good candidate for blood donation, know that you’ll be helping save the lives of other beloved canines. And that spot of shaved skin on his neck will serve as a badge of honor at the dog park when you tell all the other puppy parents about your pooch’s act of service!

Dogs donating 250ml of blood can donate every ten to 14 days; those donating 450ml can donate every three to four

TO LEARN MORE Animal Blood Resources International, abrint.net Hemopet, hemopet.org

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animal wellness

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416.407.8898 info@smoochypoochy.com petsfuture.com

Herbal help for immunity

Strong immunity is a foundation of health. ESSIAC® for Pets is an immune system support for cats and dogs. Made from Nurse Rene Caisse’s original herbal formula, it contains four herbs: burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark and Indian rhubarb root. It helps naturally and gently cleanse and detoxify your animal’s immune system through the mucus membranes, kidneys and skin.

Capsules (60): $42 essiacforpets.com animal wellness

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CHECK OUT THIS RUNDOWN OF DOG AND CAT-RELATED “ ” FOR 2015.

holidays

We love and cherish our animal companions. They’re our best friends, confidantes and beloved family members. We go out of our way to ensure they stay healthy and happy, and spend thousands of dollars each year on their veterinary care, food, toys and training. Animal organizations abound, all doing their best to improve the lives of dogs and cats across the country, whether it’s by rescuing and rehoming them, or teaching the public about responsible animal guardianship or healthcare.

A more recent phenomenon is the growing proliferation of dog and cat “holidays”. Each year, specific days, weeks

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D gs Cats

and even months are dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of various aspects of companion animal care and welfare. Some have been established by particular organizations or associations, usually for the purposes of education or public awareness, while the origins of others are less certain and seem to have developed mostly through general consensus. Here’s a list of just some of this year’s animal “holidays”. Each offers great opportunities to learn more – and teach others – about responsible dog and cat guardianship, and to celebrate the joys your four-legged friend brings you throughout the year.

Apr Mar Feb Jan

National Walk Your Dog Month National Train Your Dog Month January 2 National Pet Travel Safety Day

National Pet Dental Month Responsible Pet Owners Month February 14 Pet Theft Awareness Day February 20 Love Your Pet Day

March 1 to 7 Professional Pet Sitters Week March 15 to 21 Poison Prevention Week March 23 National Puppy Day

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month National Pet First Aid Awareness Month Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month National Heartworm Awareness Month April 26 April 11 National Pet Day

April 19 to 25

National Pet ID Week

National Kids And Pets Day

April 29

International Guide Dog Day

April 24

Hairball Awareness Day Continued on page 40.

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May

Continued from page 39.

National Service Dog Eye Examination Month Pet Cancer Awareness Month May 3

May 9

National Specially-Abled Pets Day

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

May 3 to 9 National Pet Week

May 3 to 9

May 17 to 2 National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Adopt-a-Cat Month June 4 Hug Your Cat Day June 14 World Pet Memorial Day June 26 Take Your Dog To Work Day

July 15 Pet Fire Safety Day July 31 National Mutt Day

Aug

Jul

Jun

Be Kind To Animals Week

August 2 to 8

National Assistance Dog Week

August 26

August 15

National Dog Day

International Homeless Animals Day

August 22

National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

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August 30

National Holistic Pet Day

Dec Nov Oct Sep

Responsible Dog Ownership Month Pet Smile Month World Animal Remembrance Month September 13 National Pet Memorial Day September 20 to 26 National Dog Week September 20 to 26 National Deaf Dog Awareness Week Adopt-A-Dog Month National Service Dog Month National Animal Safety & Protection Month National Pet Wellness Month October 1 October 8 National Fire Pup Day

October 1 to 7 Walk Your Dog Week

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

October 16

National Feral Cat Day

October 4

World Animal Day

October 29

National Cat Day

Adopt a Senior Pet Month Pet Cancer Awareness Month Pet Diabetes Month November 1 to 7 National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

December 2 National Mutt Day December 15 National Cat Herders Day

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Ian

SOMERHALDER: How the actor and his foundation are turning passion into action.

By Dana Cox, with Jasmine June Cabanaw

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Somerhalder learned through osmosis about the interconnection between the environment, animals and people. The fragile ecosystem of the bayous provided the perfect classroom, and Ian’s early lessons naturally led him to follow an environmentally-conscious lifestyle in adulthood. But after witnessing the devastating effects of the BP Oil Spill of 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico, the actor felt compelled to take his activism up a notch. He passionately reached out to the public through interviews and social media and discovered his appeals struck a chord. “A component as simple as compassion has the gravity to enliven wide-scale change,” says the actor.

AWM

Envisioning an organization that could harness this positive momentum to make a difference, Ian founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) in December of 2010. Today, the organization is a growing force in protecting and furthering animal and environmental interests. Animal Wellness Magazine (AWM) caught up with Ian recently to find out more about the amazing work ISF is doing, and what it means to him personally.

You’ve said the whole reason you started the Ian Somerhalder Foundation was the feeling of complete vulnerability you felt during the BP oil spill. How has ISF altered those feelings for you?

IS:

That is exactly right. My childhood was spent entangled in the raw, majestic ecosystem of the Louisiana bayous, so when the Gulf Oil Spill massacred those bayous, it felt like a direct attack on my being.

I felt the pain of every blackened blade of grass, flock of gasping geese, or ripple of contaminated water. To be so overcome, so vulnerable, to this manmade devastation was unbearable.

AWM

What happened next still gives me chills every time I say it: an international chorus of voices united in perfect harmony and demanded more for this planet. More for every vessel of life walking, slithering, flying or swimming around us. More for us as evolved human beings. This chorus of voices was the IS Foundation family. Seeing, hearing, and feeling the vigorous and weighty force of this united band of change-makers abolished any sense of helplessness I ever had. With this family of actionists – armed with more skill, talent, and passion than I have ever witnessed – we no longer have a reason to be vulnerable.

We’ve heard you have three rescue cats, a dog and a horse. Can you tell us a bit about your animal companions?

IS:

Growing up, our family home seemed to have a rotating door for all creatures in need. Whether we were fostering a kiddo without a family,

rehabilitating the wildlife surrounding us, or taking in new furry family members, our home was a sanctuary for every vessel of life.

This rotating door has carried into my own home these days!

Every time I am asked this question in interviews, I have a different answer. My team and I have rescued so many creatures that have either stayed with us or we have found homes for.

And with time, I realized that while I pat myself on the back for rescuing them, in reality they have always rescued me. What we must acknowledge is that our creature companions come into our lives with a very connected purpose. They are our ultimate teachers in understanding, interconnection, introspection and the ultimate capacity of compassion.

AWM

Growing up in Louisiana, The Vampire Diaries star Ian

We understand women are your biggest fans. In what ways are you seeing women getting involved with animal advocacy? Do you see a connection between women’s rights and animal rights?

IS:

Even more than that, I see a connection between women and creatures. Surely, all human beings are animals, therefore ultimately creatures, but it seems many of us men have strayed far from our most innate beings. We have lost a bit of our intrinsic creaturehood. But not most women. Women have fierce instincts, unsurmountable strength, unshakeable wisdom…and all this is wrapped in the most magnificent display of compassion, evolution and consciousness. That is what human creatures can be, and women so effortlessly guide our path back towards that purpose.

Continued on page 44.

“The desperation and greed driving elephant poaching and illegal ivory sales can be reversed,” said Ian, when he testified before a Congressional subcommittee in June, 2014 in support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s plan for a ban on commercial trade in elephant ivory. The actor supports funding international conservation efforts.

animal wellness

43

There is no species-specific boundary between us and the other “creatures” among us.

Onscreen, Ia n’s characte r Damon in Th above, has str e Vampire D uggles with hi iaries, s ‘humanity’. actor’s human Offscreenthe itarian, envirom advocacy ef ental and an forts are well imal recognized th rough ISF.

ISF Animal Sanctuary One of ISF’s goals is to open an animal sanctuary for neglected and mistreated animals.

They hope to run this in conjunction with a program for kids with bullying issues. “We know in our hearts that animals and bullies share common emotional baggage”, says ISF. “We will bring the bruised together as a family to learn just how unique – and just very the same – we all are.” Visit isfoundation.com for more info.

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AWM

IS:

Obviously, I will never condone the atrocity of abuse towards any living being, but as controversial as it sounds, we should be entangling ourselves with those who abuse to better understand them. Rather than scolding, punishing, and turning our backs on these bullies, we should really hunker down into the root of their intention and learn how to evolve that intention towards compassion. Only by diving into the problem will we ever truly understand it and make tangible progress. You see, bullies are actually leaders in their own ways. They just need to be empowered on how to use their innate ability to lead and captivate for positive collaboration with their peers – those who are like them and those who are not. As a society, we seem to focus far more on the consequences, victims, and statistics, rather than honing in on the problem itself. Within problems, we find true solutions.

AWM

Photo by Annette Brown/ The CW Network, LLC. AllThe CW 2014 rights reserved

ur family honestly. “O of animals creatures ll ve a lo r s fo hi r y o b o d Ian comes a rotating ve ha to ed home seem says. of need,” he

Considering many bullies have committed animal abuse, what do you think the consequence for animal abuse should be? For example, should there be tougher penalties, or a system of rehabilitation?

What kind of work is the ISF doing to support the homeless animal crisis? With shelters overflowing, what solutions do you see to this problem?

IS:

This year, ISF launched our first spay and neuter clinic “Missisnippin” (isfoundation.com/ISF-presentsmissisnippin), collaborating with the St. Francis Animal Sanctuary in Mississippi. With ISF’s two-day clinic, we were able to successfully spay 42 cats and 36 dogs. We also neutered ten cats and 15 dogs. While we considered our 103 procedures a great benefit to the community, our vet expert concluded that a single unaltered cat can be responsible for up to 420,000 kittens over seven years and a single unaltered dog is responsible for around 67,000 puppies in seven years. So by spaying 78 females in our clinic, we prevented up to 20,052,000 homeless kiddos over the next seven years. And by neutering 25 males, we prevented 55,000 new babies in one year alone. Spay/neuter procedures are key to diminishing the horrifying numbers in our homeless pet crisis. We assure you these procedures are worth every effort and we are so grateful for the organizations and veterinarians spending countless hours performing them.

IS:

Breed specific legislation is an absolutely antiquated way of thinking. To really evolve as people, we need to allow beings’ individual intentions and actions to speak for them rather than grouping them into stereotype-fueled herds. We do this all the time in our society. We group people where we believe they fit and from there – we do nothing but assume.

We assume we cannot collaborate with people who are unlike us. We assume youth are incapable of making real change for our modern world. We assume pit bulls are vicious and untrustworthy creatures.

Well, I have news for these people. My ISF family is a united force for change that is comprised of plenty of folks from different streams of life all unlike one another. They work together harmoniously. The most palpable, earthshattering changes I’m seeing made today are by our youth.

And lastly, I do have a pitbull daughter and she is the most gentle, nurturing, wise soul I’ve ever encountered. It’s time to extinguish these archaic assumptions!

You are involved with a lot of activism for both animals and the environment. In what ways do you think our animal companions are impacted by changes in the environment?

AWM

AWM

How do you feel about breed specific legislation?

IS:

At the IS Foundation, we believe there is no separation between us and the “environment”.

We are as much a part of the environment as it is a part of us. There is no species-specific boundary between us and the other “creatures” among us. We all share one tethered existence kept alive by a single consolidated, collaborative heartbeat. The planet’s trees are our lungs. The waterways, our bloodstream. A hoof in pain is ultimately our shared pain.

We live in a world riddled with vast global and planetary issues…but when we stop and realize that these issues are all interdependent, we can create interconnected solutions. By voting – whether through our consumer dollar or politically at a poll – for a conscious society, we heal our ecosystem, we rehabilitate our native habitats, our wildlife flourishes, and ultimately we revive ourselves as people.

For more information about the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, visit isfoundation.com.

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Canine diabetes

By Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

“ Your dog is diabetic.” It’s a diagnosis no one

wants to hear, but it’s becoming increasingly common. While the equivalent of human juvenile diabetes is rare in dogs – most are born with a fully functional pancreas that produces adequate insulin – middle-aged and older animals are much more prone to the disease. This is because they have encountered enough lifestyle obstacles to induce either a decreased production of insulin, or a diminished ability to use it efficiently.

Diabetes in cats typically occurs from an inefficient use of insulin, but in dogs, it usually arises from a problem with insulin production. That’s why even though dogs develop the disease later in life, like cats and humans with Type II diabetes, the disease almost always takes the form of Type I in canines. So when you see “Type I diabetes” associated with a dog, keep in mind that it’s an adult-onset disease and not a condition he developed early in life.

1

THE BIGGEST CAUSES OF CANINE DIABETES Poor diet and obesity Obesity and metabolically inappropriate foods are by far and away the biggest reasons dogs become diabetic. In fact, one of the best ways to prevent the disease is to maintain your dog’s weight throughout his life. You can help him

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stay trim by feeding a portion-controlled, moisture-rich, species-appropriate diet consisting primarily of a variety of unadulterated protein sources, healthy fats, low glycemic veggies and fruit in moderation, and specific nutritional supplements. This balanced, fresh food diet is also devoid of grains and excess starch.

Choosing low glycemic foods will not only reduce dietary stress in dogs that already have diabetes, but it also reduces pancreatic stress in healthy dogs, reducing the risk of diabetes developing. The glycemic index (GI) provides a measure of how quickly blood sugar levels rise after a particular food is eaten. It estimates how much each gram of available carbohydrate (total carbohydrate minus fiber) in a food raises a dog’s blood glucose level relative to the consumption of pure glucose. Glucose has a glycemic index of 100.

High glycemic foods include corn, whole wheat, rice, white potatoes, beets and carrots. Your dog has no biological requirement for grains or most other carbohydrates. Carbs, which can make up as much as 80% of the ingredient content of poor quality processed pet foods, turn into sugar in your dog’s body. Excess sugar taxes the pancreas, and this ultimately leads to diabetes.

2

Lack of exercise

3

Over-vaccination

Another lifestyle-related cause of canine diabetes, and one that often goes hand-in-hand with poor nutrition and obesity, is lack of physical activity. Your dog needs regular aerobic exertion to help maintain a healthy weight and keep his muscles in shape.

He should be getting 20 to 40 minutes of rigorous aerobic-type exercise at least several days a week, preferably daily.

A growing body of research connects autoimmune disorders to Type I diabetes in dogs. If your dog’s immune system attacks her pancreas, she can develop diabetes. One of the main ways her immune system can be over-stimulated is through repetitive yearly vaccinations against diseases she is already protected against.

If your dog was immunized as a puppy, there’s a high likelihood her immunity to those diseases will last a lifetime. Each time a fully immunized dog receives a repetitive set of unnecessary vaccines, it increases the risk of sending her immune system into overdrive, which can set the stage for an autoimmune reaction in the pancreas that ultimately affects insulin production.

Finding an integrative or holistic veterinarian who performs titers to measure your dog’s antibody response from previous vaccinations will reduce the likelihood of over-vaccination.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES Signs can develop very gradually and include the following: • Increased urination and thirst. These two symptoms are hallmarks of a diabetic condition, so watch closely for them, especially as your dog ages. Keep in mind as well that increased thirst and urine output are also signs of other serious health problems, so regardless of the age or condition of your dog, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian (and bring a urine sample) if you notice these symptoms.

• Increased appetite. Your dog might grow hungrier over time because the amino acids and glucose needed inside his cells aren’t getting there, or aren’t being used appropriately.

• Weight loss. When the cells are being starved of essential nutrients, the result is often an increase in appetite. But because the energy from food is not being used efficiently by the cells, your dog can lose weight even though he’s taking in more calories.

•L ack of energy and increased need for sleep. When the cells are deprived of blood sugar, your dog is apt to show a decreased desire to run, take a walk with you, or engage in play.

•V ision problems. Another symptom of diabetes in companion animals is blindness, which occurs when a whole host of animal wellness

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3WAYS

to

prevent diabetes

Despite ongoing research and all the tools and resources available to your veterinarian for treating diabetes, the ideal situation for your dog is to never acquire this debilitating, life-shortening disorder in the first place.

Here are three very important steps you can start taking today to prevent diabetes in your canine companion: 1. Feed a balanced, carbohydrate-free, species-appropriate diet. Control your dog’s caloric intake to maintain an optimal weight. Carbs break down into sugar, and a lifetime of sugar will tax his pancreas and ability to produce and be sensitive to insulin.

2. Avoid unnecessary vaccinations that can overstimulate your dog’s immune system and create immunemediated diseases.

3. Make sure your dog gets adequate daily exercise and maintains an optimal weight.

inflammatory and degenerative eye complications occur secondary to high blood sugar.

•U rinary tract infections. It’s not uncommon for diabetic dogs to acquire secondary urinary tract infections. This happens because the more sugar there is in the urine, the greater the likelihood that bacteria will grow in the bladder.

•K idney failure. Kidney disease is another common secondary symptom of diabetes. The sugar that is meant to be retained in your dog’s bloodstream spills over into the urine and is very damaging to the kidneys.

The gene therapy given to the dogs in the Barcelona study is minimally invasive and consists of a series of injections in the rear legs. The injections contain gene therapy vectors that express both the insulin and glucokinase genes. Glucokinase is an enzyme that controls the uptake of glucose from the blood. Acting together, the genes function as a sensor that automatically regulates the uptake process, decreasing excesses of blood sugar.

The researchers believe their study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of gene therapy using a new generation of vectors known as adeno-associated vectors derived from nonpathogenic viruses. The treatment involves transferring two genes to a muscle in the rear leg.

The dogs in the study, once treated, experienced good glucose control across the board, whether fasting or eating. This is a better result than what daily insulin injections provide, and there were also no episodes of hypoglycemia, even after the dogs were exercised. In addition, the study dogs experienced improved body weight and developed no secondary complications four years after treatment.

“The study is the first to report optimal long-term control of diabetes in large animals,” reported Medical News Today. “This had never before been achieved with any other innovative therapies for diabetes. The study is also the first to report that a single administration of genes to diabetic dogs is able to maintain normoglycemia over the long term (more than four years). As well as achieving normoglycemia, the dogs had normal levels of glycosylated proteins and developed no secondary complications of diabetes after more than four years with the disease.”

TREATMENT OPTIONS Treating canine diabetes can be complex and time-consuming.

It involves regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, ongoing dietary adjustments, insulin given by injection or oral glucoseregulating medications.

Holistic veterinarians may prescribe nutraceuticals and herbs that can reduce the amount of insulin needed and may help better regulate dogs with hard-to-control diabetes. Ginkgo biloba, CoQ10, cinnamon, fenugreek, banaba leaf, lipoic acid, carnosine and garlic have all been used to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels in animals.

GENE THERAPY HOLDS PROMISE In an exciting development documented in a 2013 study , researchers in Barcelona, Spain used a single gene therapy session to treat dogs with Type I diabetes. The dogs in the study regained their health and showed no further symptoms of disease. Some of the dogs were monitored for over four years with no recurrence of the condition.

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The researchers believe the excellent results achieved with diabetic dogs can eventually translate to gene therapy treatment of diabetes in veterinary medicine, and ultimately, human medicine. While the news of a diabetes cure for dogs is certainly encouraging and exciting, as always, there are many hurdles the treatment must overcome before it becomes an option available to us, your real life veterinarians.

Canine diabetes may be prevented with a few simple lifestyle changes (see sidebar). Even if your dog has already been diagnosed with this serious condition, a healthy diet, adequate exercise and weight control, along with an integrative treatment plan, can help manage the condition.

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PRODUCT PICKS Natural

sleep

Your dog deserves the best when it comes to his bed. All Natural Dog Beds feature quality products hand-sewn in the US using organic fabrics produced without the use of toxic chemicals. They wash and dry easily and come in several styles, including the new Simplicity Dog Bed, made from a high quality foam mattress with a luxurious organic cotton cover in a range of colors and patterns. All beds are designed to be earth-friendly.

Starting at $65 allnaturaldogbeds.com

Treat him to real salmon

What dog or cat doesn’t love salmon? Tuffy’s Pet Foods has introduced two new Salmon Fillet offerings from Pure Vita. Made in the US from wild-caught Pacific Northwest salmon, these healthy fillets are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids for promoting a healthy coat and skin. Use them as a gourmet topping to dress up your dog or cat’s favorite dinner. This unique product from the makers of NutriSource is shelf stable and ready to serve from package to plate.

4 oz. (dog) – $4.99 to $5.99 2 oz. (cat) – $3.99 to $4.99 klnfamilybrands.com

For trauma and

transition

Being adopted into a new home, losing a beloved companion, or surviving a natural disaster…many things can traumatize an animal. Ani-Mates from Flower Essence Services can help. This gift set contains two premier flower essence formulas that work together to help a dog or cat overcome trauma or weather a transition. Animal Relief Formula calms and comforts while Five Flower Formula is prepared according to Dr. Bach’s original Rescue Remedy. $14.80 fesflowers.com

Food as medicine

Feeding your companion the right foods and supplements is the cornerstone to keeping him healthy and happy. Dot’s Wonder Pet Supplements were named after Dot, the owners’ high energy German shorthaired pointer. Dot’s Arthritis supports joints in mature and athletic dogs and cats with glucosamine, MSM, collagen, antioxidants and more; while Dot’s Vitality and Veggie Vitality contain antioxidants and other ingredients to boost his energy, immunity, digestion and coat health.

8 ounces – $9.95 to $11.95 dotsproducts.com

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Calm and collected

Soothe your companion’s stress gently and without sedation. Natural Canine PetCalm Herbal is a traditional formula that’s helpful for anxiety, agitation, whimpering, irritability, fear aggression, phobias and restlessness at night. All the company’s herbals are formulated by a licensed herbalist with over 25 years of experience, and are high quality, full spectrum, non-irradiated, and contain no fillers. They are also organic and wild-crafted when possible.

50 grams – $26.50 naturalcanine.com

Odor-free litter

solution

ARM & HAMMER™ Clump & Seal™ is the biggest advancement in cat litter history. No other litter forms a tight seal around odor and destroys it with unique odor eliminators and ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda. Try it for a seven-day odor-free home guaranteed. Visit us on Facebook or at ClumpandSeal.com for special offers, product information and reviews from cat owners who made the switch. After you have made the switch to ARM & HAMMER™ Clump & Seal™, be sure to tell us how it feels having an odor-free home for seven days.

Prices vary according to size clumpandseal.com animal wellness

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depressed?

Is your dog

By Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis

Acupressure is

ONE WAY to revitalize him.

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Jazz is a four-year-old Labrador/standard poodle mix with energy galore. Up until a month ago, she lived to play with any dog or human who came her way. To keep her from bouncing off the walls, her guardians had to take her out for a vigorous run or a dash around the dog park at least twice a day.

But now she just isn’t herself, and her guardians are baffled.

Where did their happy, athletic girl go? The jingle of the leash is met with little enthusiasm; she looks at them as if to say, “Okay, if we must, I guess I’ll get up and go for a walk.” A full food bowl used to fill her with excitement, but now she just takes a bite or two and goes back to her bed to sleep.

The first step to figuring out why Jazz’s behavior changed so radically was to make sure she has no physical health issues, so her guardians took her to the veterinarian. Many underlying physical issues, including pain, can cause a dog to lose her zest for life.

Once medical conditions are ruled out, Jazz’s guardians need to think back to anything that may have happened a month or so ago, when her behavior began to change. As it turns out, that’s when their son left for college. The first week after he left, Jazz looked for him all over the house, and sat next to the door waiting for him to come home. As time went on, she slept more and lost interest in playing, eating and socializing. Jazz had slipped into a deep depression.

WHAT MAKES DOGS BLUE? Dogs experience depression much the way people do, and for similar reasons. The most common causes are the loss of a companion animal or person, moving to a new house, a change in schedule, loneliness, or an unprecedented lack of attention (for example, when a newcomer arrives or a crisis occurs in the household). Dogs can also react to depression in their guardians.

Other triggers include abuse, neglect, pain, aging, and even seasonal changes.

Indicators of depression in dogs include excessive sleeping, minimal or no interest in play or exercise, loss of appetite or overeating, low energy levels, withdrawn behavior, a tucked tail and dull eyes, and peeing or pooping in the house. Some dogs become agitated and restless when depressed, and cannot be comforted or calmed. The main thing to watch for is a change in behavior, whether it happens suddenly or gradually. Before assuming any uncharacteristic behavior is depression, be sure to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.

ACUPRESSURE AND BEHAVIORAL TECHNIQUES Most dogs will recover from depression on their own within a animal wellness

53

Dogs experience much the way people do, and for similar reasons.

depression

short time. However, some have trouble bouncing back to their normal selves – these dogs are suffering and need help.

Acupressure is one way to bring renewed vitality to your dog. Whether he is grieving a loss or bewildered by changes in his life, depression indicates he has lost that vitality. In Chinese medicine, chi (life-promoting energy) can become blocked and stagnant when an animal is sad.

By stimulating specific acupressure points (see accompanying chart), you can revitalize the flow of chi throughout your dog’s body, which in turn can re-energize his emotional well-being.

It can take a few sessions to see the effects of working with acupoints known to enhance and restore a harmonious flow of chi, especially when your dog has been experiencing depression for a long time. Another benefit of giving your dog acupressure is that you are providing him with the attention he really needs at this time. If some change in your “pack” has triggered his depression (a death, someone leaving home, a new animal, etc.), it’s important that you become the agent of his revitalization.

Canine behaviorists offer a lot of additional suggestions for helping your dog overcome depression.

• Providing your dog with extra attention by playing with him, going for walks, or heading to the dog park for more canine socializing are all good ways to get her going again. The more exercise you can give him, the better his chi energy will be.

• Dogs like routine, so be sure to maintain a consistent meal and exercise schedule. When he shows more interest in an activity, be sure to reward him with a special treat.

• Be careful not to reward his depressed inactivity. You can snuggle and love your dog, because that’s good for both of you, but try not to link his sad behavior to your loving attention in such a way that he thinks you’re rewarding him for it.

By nature, dogs are fun-loving creatures. If your dog is depressed, you can help bring him back to his happy energetic self with acupressure, exercise, and some extra love and attention.

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animal wellness

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INTEGRATIVE VETS Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: 323-304-2984 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 Janice DeFonda Can We Talk Fayetteville, NY USA Phone: (315) 329-0116 Email: angelwhispurr@gmail.com Website: www.angelwhispurr.com

Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Website: www.AnimalWellnessCentre.com Beechmount Animal Hospital Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: (519) 888-6590 Website: www.beechmountanhosp.ca

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

Individualized, Integrative Veterinary Care • Acupuncture • Chiropractic •Conventional Medicine •Therapeutic Nutrition •Traditional Chinese Medicine Guelph, Ontario, Canada (519)836-2782 www.GuelphVet.com info@GuelphVet.com Harwood Oaks Animal Clinic Bedford, TX USA Phone: 817-354-7676 Website: www.harwoodoaksanimalclinic.com Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital Lacey, WA USA Phone: (360) 459-6556 Email: hawksprairievet@yahoo.com Website: www.hawksprairieveterinaryhospital.com Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643 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 Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide 1-866-764-1212

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Dr. Shawn Messonnier Paws and Claws Vet Clinic Plano, TX USA Phone: (972) 712-0893 Email: shawnvet@sbcglobal.net Website: www.pettogethers.net/healthypet

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NATURAL PRODUCT

MANUFACTURERS & DISTRIBUTORS Azmira Holistic Animal Care Tuscon, AZ USA Phone: (800) 497-5665 Email: info@azmira.com Website: www.azmira.com

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

California Coastal Horse Rescue Ojai, CA USA Phone: (805) 649-1090 Website: www.calcoastalhorserescue.com

SCHOOLS & WELLNESS EDUCATION PetMassage, Ltd. Toledo, OH USA Toll Free: (800) 779-1001 Phone: (419) 475-3539 Email: info@petmassage.com Website: www.petmassage.com Healing Touch for Animals Highlands Ranch, CO USA Phone: (303) 470-6572 Email: drea@healingtouchforanimals.com Website: www.healingtouchforanimals.com

Treetops Rocklyn Limited Alliston, ON Canada Toll Free: (866) 919-8733 Phone: (705) 735-6174 Dog Gone Dirt All Natural Dog & Horse Skin Email: info@treetops.on.ca Care Products Website: www.treetopsweb.com Crescent City, FL USA Phone: (386) 559-3454 Well Animal Institute Email: doggonedirt@yahoo.com Brighton, CO USA Website: www.doggonedirt.com Phone: (303) 514-0076 Email: info@wellanimalinstitute.com Website: www.wellanimalinstitute.com

REIKI THERAPY

Boston Terrier Club of America PA USA Phone: (724) 883-4732 Email: btcaresc@greenepa.net

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

Columbia-Willamette Beagle Rescue Portland, OR USA Phone: (503) 243-4619 Golden Retriever Club of Greater LA Rescue Los Angeles, CA USA Phone: (818) 700-5200 Email: Hurd@pacbell.net Website: www.grcglarescue.org Grey2K USA Somerville, MA USA Toll Free: (866) 2-GREY2K Phone: (617) 666-3526 Email: christine@grey2kusa.org Website: www.grey2kusa.org Greyhound Rescue & Rehabilitation Cross River, NY USA Phone: (914) 763-2221 Email: greytest1@aol.com 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

American Brittany Rescue Sugar Grove, IL USA Phone: (866) BRIT-911 Email: rhonda@americanbrittanyrescue.org Website: www.americanbrittanyrescue.org Animal Avengers Los Angeles, CA USA Phone: (323) 655-4220 Email: admin@animalavengers.com Website: www.animalavengers.com Animal Rescue of the Rockies Breckenridge, CO USA Phone: (970) 389-8324 Email: arrcolorado@gmail.com Website: www.animalrescueoftherockies.org

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FOLLOWING THE TRAIL TO healthy treats

By Charlotte Walker

Left: Chris Meiering enjoys the great outdoors with Milo and Zeke.

Right: Patrick Meiering got the idea to start a treat company while hiking with his dog, Zuke.

How an “ah-ha” moment during a mountain hike inspired a company that specializes in natural treats for dogs and cats.

Patrick Meiering was hiking in the mountains of southwest Colorado with his dog, Zuke, when he realized the chocolate Lab was tiring. On a whim, he gave Zuke a piece of his own energy bar, and was amazed at how the dog perked up.

“At that moment, Patrick realized animals need healthy, natural treats just as much as people do,” says his brother Chris Meiering, Marketing Director of Zuke’s, the company Patrick founded as a result of that serendipitous moment. “He believes dogs should have the same nutrition available to them that their humans do in order to live healthy and active lives.”

That hike took place in 1995, and Zuke is gone now, but the company named for him is still going strong and heading into its 20th anniversary. Now more than ever, people are looking for nutritious treats for their dogs and cats, and in response to this demand, Zuke’s offers 13 different lines of natural treats and chews.

“They are all formulated with antioxidant-rich whole food ingredients and are free of wheat, corn, and soy,” says Chris.

“We also have grain-free offerings, a wide variety of protein choices, vegetarian and vegan selections, as well as treats for training, and hip and joint health. We wouldn’t feed our animals anything that we wouldn’t eat ourselves, and our ingredient selection and sourcing reflects that philosophy.”

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Owned and staffed by dog lovers, Zuke’s also gives a high priority to helping animals in need. “We have donated to hundreds of animal-centric charities, and with the creation of The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund in 2007, in memory of Zuke, we took our devotion to a whole new level,” explains Chris.

“We donate a portion of every sale to the Fund, which directly supports animal parents by helping them pay for cancerrelated veterinary bills if they are unable to afford the cost themselves. To date, we have helped over 200 dogs and cats get cancer treatment.”

Not surprisingly, the Zuke’s facility in Durango, Colorado is a dog-friendly environment. “Whether we are putting in long hours to develop the newest treat recipe or debating the best name for a product line, we have our dogs by our side to help diffuse the stress, lighten the mood, increase collaboration and restore our energy,” says Chris. “Although some of us go running with our dogs or play in the yard during our breaks, it’s really more about having a dog stroll through a meeting and rest his head on your lap for a quick pet, or curl up under your desk as a sleepy sidekick.

Their quiet (and sometimes not so quiet!) presence is ingrained here. They’re a great reminder of why we do what we do, and are the reason we love our jobs so much.”

feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!

TOP

5

HEALTH CONCERNS IN CATS

How good nutrition and regular vet care can prevent these common conditions

The feline

HOMING INSTINCT – exploring an incredible mystery

Cat

CHAT

Black Cat Rescue

Potential adopters often overlook black cats, but this organization is changing that mindset

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BLACK CAT RESCUE

By Ann Brightman

Starring from left to right: Izzy, Daisy, Jack and Ronnie

Dark-coated kitties have a harder time getting adopted than their more colorful cousins, but this organization is changing that.

When Jennifer Stott and Samantha McDuffee adopted a black cat, they were surprised to learn that darkcoated felines are much harder to find homes for than kitties of other colors. “And when cats are not adopted quickly, they are often euthanized,” says Lisa Jean Treacy. “Jen and Sam feel this practice is both unfair and unethical, so they founded Black Cat Rescue.”

“We have a core team of seven volunteers and approximately 25 foster homes. We take in cats from individuals and shelters across Massachusetts.” She adds that each cat receives any veterinary care he needs, and goes into a foster home, where he remains until he is adopted. “When necessary, our foster homes will also spend a lot of time making sure the cat is socialized, and will work with him to train away any bad habits he may have, like jumping on counters or playing too roughly.

The no-kill non-profit organization was established in 2007, and Lisa Jean is its social media coordinator. “As far as we know, there are no concrete reasons why black cats have a harder time finding homes, but there are lots of theories,” she explains. “One is that black cats are associated with bad luck, witchcraft and the occult, which may turn off adopters. Another theory is that black cats may not catch a potential adopter’s eye among the more brightly colored cats in a shelter setting. It could also be that black cats are harder to photograph and advertise because of their dark coats, or that people simply think black cats aren’t as friendly as others.”

“Every potential adopter is thoroughly screened,” Lisa Jean continues. “When approved, they visit the cat in the foster home and have the opportunity to chat with the foster parents and learn as much about the cat and his habits/ personality as possible.”

As the name indicates, Black Cat Rescue (blackcatrescue.com) is devoted to finding forever homes for these unfairly-maligned felines. “We are made up strictly of volunteers,” says Lisa Jean.

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Black Cat Rescue is funded entirely by donations. “We hold a few fundraisers every year where we take donations and also sell animal rescue merchandise and raffle tickets for prizes donated by local businesses. We also work with a number of partners like Amazon Smile and the ResQwalk app so our supporters can help black cats as part of their daily routines. We are a relatively small organization, but we’ve experienced a lot of growth just in the past 18 months, and we’re looking forward to launching some new initiatives this year.”

AS FAR AS WE KNOW, THERE ARE NO CONCRETE REASONS WHY BLACK CATS HAVE TIME FINDING A HOMES, BUT THERE ARE LOTS OF THEORIES.

harder

Asked about her favorite rescue story to date, Lisa Jean admits there are almost too many to choose from. “The one that comes immediately to mind involves Oliver, who came to us as an obese, sickly 13-year old cat in September of 2013. We discovered he had diabetes, but with insulin and a new diet, he lost weight and his disease actually went into remission! Now, his blood sugar is completely managed through a healthy diet and he no longer requires insulin.”

By the fall of 2014, Oliver was ready for adoption. “We held ‘Ollie October’ to promote him on social media, with daily posts of his adorable face and super cute new ‘do’. On the first week of November, Oliver went to his new home with an amazing new family who will spoil him rotten for the rest of his days.”

Lisa Jean, Jennifer, Samantha and the other volunteers of Black Cat Rescue are passionate about what they do. “While black cats may have a harder time being adopted overall, we have discovered a dedicated base of black cat fans who swear they are the best felines and who would never consider adopting one of any other color,” says Lisa Jean. “Plus, black cats look like miniature panthers, which is super cool!

“The most rewarding part of working with Black Cat Rescue is the impact we can have on a cat who comes into a foster home scared and shy, and blossoms to find an adoptive family who will love him and appreciate his unique personality.”

Lisa Jean adds that Oliver is also arthritic and unable to groom his back, which meant his fur had become greasy and matted. “With occasional pain medication and a brand new lion cut to give his back a break, he was like a brand new cat at 14 years old.”

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TOP health concerns

in cats

By Janice Huntingford, DVM

Most of our kitties, at some point in their lives, will develop issues such as kidney disease, dental problems, or obesity. The good news is that many of these common conditions are preventable with good nutrition and regular veterinary care. Here’s a look at the top five diseases that cats are susceptible to.

1

OBESITY in animals is defined as being 15% to 20% over ideal body weight. More than 50% of household cats are overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. This makes it the number one problem in companion felines.

Excess weight diminishes a cat’s quality of life and predisposes him to diabetes, arthritis, liver disease and cancer. Obesity results from inactivity and an overconsumption of food that is often quite high in carbohydrates.

If your cat is overweight, the best thing to do is to put him on a diet that is high in protein but low in carbs. If you simply cut back on the food you are already feeding your cat, or switch him to reduced amounts of a “lite” diet, you can shortchange him when it comes to vitamins, minerals, and protein. Weight loss should occur at 1% to 2% per week and be monitored by your veterinarian.

2

FELINE LOWER URINARY TRACT DISEASE (FLUTD) is another common problem in cats. It can be caused by bladder infections, stones, stress, tumors or cancer. Common symptoms may include straining to urinate, blood in the urine, painful urination and licking the genitals. It can be a life-threatening problem if the cat is unable to empty his bladder, and requires immediate veterinary attention.

It is important to get to the root cause of FLUTD in your cat. It may be preventable with a change of diet, or treatable with herbs or medications.

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3

DENTAL DISEASE is rampant among felines and can lead to a host of other health problems. It is estimated that 85% of cats over three years of age have some form of dental disease.

Dental problems are not just cosmetic. Cats tend to accumulate plaque and tartar, which causes halitosis or bad breath. Other signs of dental disease can include excess salivation, difficulty eating, bleeding from the mouth, lethargy and a reduced appetite. Dental disease has also been linked to heart and kidney disease.

A proper high quality diet, together with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, are the best preventive measures you can take.

4

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) can occur in any cat but is very common

in those over seven years of age. It is a progressive disease with a myriad of causes, including toxins (drugs or medications), infections (including dental), tumors, chronic dehydration (from feeding only dry foods), or age-related changes. CKD requires lifelong management, and is eventually fatal.

By the time your cat shows signs of CKD, two-thirds of the kidney is damaged. This makes early detection paramount. All cats over seven should be tested annually for CKD. Classic signs are increased urination and thirst, weight loss, decreased appetite and perhaps vomiting. Some cats will have high blood pressure from undiagnosed kidney disease; in others, the first sign may be blindness.

Diagnosis is made by analyzing blood and urine for abnormal levels of kidney enzymes, or abnormal cells or protein in the urine. The foundation treatments for CKD are fluids (orally or subcutaneously), diets low in phosphorus and high in quality protein (but restricted in some forms of protein, depending on the stage of the disease), Omega 3 fatty acids, and pre- and probiotics. Herbal formulations can help the kidney cells to function, and acupuncture can help increase renal blood flow.

Conventional medications or herbs can be used to regulate blood pressure.

It is important that a cat with kidney disease continues to eat, so if he turns his nose up at special food, it’s better to compromise and find something he will eat. Balanced homemade diets can work well for this condition.

5

HYPERTHYROIDISM is often found in older cats. It is associated with a

tumor in the thyroid gland at the base of the neck. Typical signs include weight loss, increased appetite and thirst, increased activity, vomiting, panting and perhaps sudden blindness (from elevated blood pressure). A blood test can confirm this disease and check the status of the kidneys and heart, as these can be damaged by the elevated thyroid hormone.

Treatments can include radioactive iodine, a special diet with restricted iodine, or medication and herbs. Caught early, hyperthyroidism can be very treatable. If the heart and kidneys are already damaged, these organs may still need to be treated after the thyroid condition is under control.

Many of these common diseases are preventable with attentive lifelong care that includes high quality nutrition and veterinary checkups at least yearly. Even if they do develop, they are treatable if diagnosed early.

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Homing

instincts

Many lost or relocated cats are able to find their way home again, even over vast distances. How do they do it?

By Ramona D. Marek, MS Ed Holly was a four-year-old tortoiseshell that returned home after being lost 200 miles away. She spent two months traveling from Daytona Beach, Florida, where she went missing, back to her family in West Palm Beach. How on earth did she manage it?

Feline behavior is often mysterious, misunderstood, and even miraculous. One of the most intriguing characteristics of cats is their ability to find their way home across vast distances.

This homing instinct is well studied in many other animal species, including birds, bees and fish. But how lost or relocated cats find their way home remains a mystery.

Scientists have learned that migratory birds like geese use visual cues such as rocks and landscapes, as well as the orientation of the sun, moon and stars, to find their way.

Salmon, meanwhile, use scent cues to return to their home waters thousands of miles away. Still other animals use magnetic cells in their brains to orient them to true north.

Exactly how cats do it, however, remains a mystery. To date, all we have on this topic are anecdotal stories and two old and obscure studies:

 The oldest of the studies, conducted by Francis H. Herrick in 1922, tested the hom-

ing instincts of a female cat who was motivated to return home because she had kittens there. She successfully made her way home seven times from seven different locations ranging from one to three miles away.

 A 1954 study conducted by H. Precht and E. Lindenlaub in Germany involved taking cats to the center of a circular maze with six equally-spaced exits – 60% of the time, the cats chose the exit nearest the direction their homes were in, when the homes were in a range of 3.1 miles.

ANECDOTAL STORIES ABOUND We’ve all heard accounts of cats with unerring homing instincts. For example, the story of Sushi made headlines in the animal world in September of 2013 when she turned up two years after getting lost during her family’s evacuation from out-of-control wildfires near Austin, Texas. No one knows where she had been all that time, but wherever it was, she brought a feral black kitten home with her!

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The PBS Nature program “Extraordinary Cats” has highlighted some incredible journeys made not just once, but multiple times, by various displaced felines: • After moving with his family to a new house eight miles away, Pilsbury went right back home again – 40 times – and had to be retrieved by his family on an almost weekly basis.

• Tigger made the three-mile round trip to his old home an amazing 75 times, no mean feat considering he only has three legs.

• Ninja moved with his family from Farmington, Utah to Mill Creek, Washington – a huge distance. He left the new house and showed up in Utah one year later, after travelling a distance of 850 miles.

WHAT ARE THE THEORIES? There’s no denying that cats have an unerring homing instinct, but how can it be explained? Until more studies are done, there’s no definitive answer, but there are some interesting if disparate theories.

“Probably all cats possess some degree of ‘homing instinct’, but some may be genetically predisposed to having a better sense of direction than others,” says Alice Moon-Fanelli, PhD, CAAB, a certified animal behaviorist. “Whether or not they use this skill is likely influenced by experience; a feral [or free-roaming] cat will exercise the skill on a regular basis whereas an indoor cat that gets lost outside might be clueless and frightened. Motivation also probably influences a cat’s will to return ‘home’ – the presence of young, reliable shelter, food, and so on.”

Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT, offers an interesting mix of theories.

“Cats likely rely on their somatosensory system,” he says. “They may possess some unidentified geomagnetic polarity cellular structure, or perhaps it’s a mix of olfactory cues and magnetic fields.

“Another hypothesis that may be at play involves the disequilibrium that forms when closely-bonded individuals get separated,” Hartstein continues. “This phenomenon is illustrated by Bell’s Theorem, which proposes that ‘all electrons function in pairs, with each electron spinning in the opposite direction of the other electron’. When the spin of one electron is changed, the other senses it and alters its direction according to the first one. In space experiments, when the spin of one electron was changed, its bonded electron back on earth correspondingly and immediately altered its own spin. Perhaps when the physical bond between a cat and his family is disrupted by separation, this disequilibrium helps to drive them back to homeostasis.”

This may seem like a stretch, especially as it doesn’t explain why humans don’t possess a homing instinct, but it’s an intriguing theory. Hopefully, more studies will eventually be done on how and why cats are able to traverse huge distances and know exactly where they’re going. In the meantime, we can continue marveling at this mysterious ability! feline wellness

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CAT CHAT NEW MARKER FOR DETECTING FELINE KIDNEY DISEASE Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death in cats. In fact, renal decline is normal in most cats when they reach 12 to 18 years of age The trouble is, it’s is not often caught until it’s quite advanced.

The only existing test for kidney disease checks for blood levels of creatinine, a marker for the breakdown of muscle protein.

Since cats lose lean body mass as they age, however, creatinine levels may be normal. Recently, researchers from Oregon State University and other institutions developed a new biomarker called SDMA, which can provide earlier identification of this ultimately fatal disease. SDMA is not influenced by lean body mass and thus can more accurately diagnose the loss of kidney function.

A new test based on this biomarker, when available, will help cat guardians and their veterinarians watch for kidney disease through periodic checkups, and start treatment while it’s still in its early stages. Studies have shown the condition can be managed with a diet that reduces protein and phosphorus and includes fish oil, antioxidants, L-carnitine and medium-chain triglycerides. Along with other therapies, early detection and diet changes can add months or years to the lives of affected felines.

CAT CAFÉ AIMS TO BOOST ADOPTIONS They’re popping up all over! The US is now home to its first permanent cat café, which opened in Oakland, California in October. The Cat Town Café gives people the opportunity to enjoy a locally-sourced menu while meeting and interacting with cats that are up for adoption.

“You walk in, get your goodies, then go into the Cat Zone,” says coowner Ann Dunn, who is also the founder of Cat Town, a non-profit that rescues at-risk shelter cats in partnership with Oakland Animal Services. The goal of the new café is to get more cats out of shelter cages and into loving homes.

The space is illuminated by large windows for natural daylight, and features cat beds and play structures inspired by Oakland’s architecture.

It also features a rotating cat-centric art gallery and a variety of catrelated merchandise. cattowncafe.com

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: A Letter to My Cat AUTHOR: Lisa Erspamer If you sat down to write a letter to your cat, what would you say to her? Author and producer Lisa Erspamer explores this question in her delightful new book, A Letter to My Cat. It features a collection of heartwarming, moving and humorous letters penned by cat lovers from all over the world.

Many of the letters come from famous names such as Dr. Oz, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, actress Beth Stern, Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba, and many others. “I knew from the moment you came into our lives that you were the perfect addition to our family,” Dr. Oz tells his favorite feline, Baby Cat; while Beth Stern tells her blind rescue cat Bella, “You are a survivor. Now, relax, sweet girl, and enjoy the life you so deserve.”

Illustrated with gorgeous color portraits of cats, this book is perfect for dipping into during quiet moments – but be prepared to get hooked into reading the whole thing!

Publisher: Crown Archetype

TITLE: Hollywood Cats PHOTOGRAPHY: John Kobal Foundation We hear a lot about famous canine movie stars, but not so much about the many cats who also made it to the silver screen. Hollywood Cats is a photographic tribute to those talented felines.

This beautiful gallery of black and white and color portraits show dozens of well-known celebrities from past decades, acting, playing and relaxing with their kitty co-stars and companions. From Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable to Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, you’ll recognize many faces from Hollywood’s golden age -- and maybe even some of the cats as well, such as Pyewacket the Siamese from the 1958 movie Bell Book and Candle, or feline celebrity Orangey, who starred in Breakfast at Tiffany’s along with Audrey Hepburn.

The introduction by Gareth Abbott provides a detailed history of felines in film, making this a perfect coffee table book for anyone who loves cats and classic movies.

Publisher: ACC Editions

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THE SCOOP THE ULTIMATE ARTIFICIAL GRASS SYNLawn Pet Platinum is a realistic artificial grass for dogs. It’s designed for maximum drainage, lasting durability and resiliency, and is made of 100% nylon fibers with exclusive HeatBlock™ Technology that lowers surface temperatures.

No more worries about mud, allergies, brown spots or odors.

Visit synlawn.com/awmag for a special deal.

CANINE GRADUATES Bretagne (left), a two-year-old golden retriever, is the first diabetes alert dog to graduate from the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. The event took place on October 28 and also included the center’s first urban search and rescue dog, a yellow Lab named Morgan, and narcotics detection dog Thunder, a chocolate Lab. pennvetwdc.org

HELP HIM CALM DOWN Herbsmith’s Calm Shen® is for dogs with nervousness, hyperactivity and discontentment arising from environmentally-induced stress. It may help with thunder phobia, sensitivity to loud noises, fear aggression, clinginess, shyness and more. It can also maintain ease during separation, travel, and changes in daily routine. herbsmithinc.com

TAKE PART IN A STUDY! Researchers at Purdue University are looking for at least 50 subjects for a study on the health benefits of dog-walking. The goal is to discover if the increased walking done by dog guardians yields better heart health, blood sugar levels, etc. To find out if you and your dog could participate, email crearick@purdue.edu.

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SUPPORTING SERVICE DOGS Dog is Good for Patriots is a year long fundraiser that launched on November 11, 2014. It’s designed to raise awareness of the important work dogs do for military veterans and others with disabilities. Helping to promote the initiative is service dog Gander, and his “battle buddy” Lon Hodge, who has PTSD and mobility issues. dogisgood.com/patriots

JUST ADD WATER Embark® is a grain-free recipe from the Honest Kitchen made with cage-free turkey and wholesome fruits and vegetables. High in protein and fat, it’s perfect for all life stages, including puppies and active adult dogs. Just add water for a wholesome and minimally processed food for your canine. thehonestkitchen.com/embark

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife (CLAW) applauds a recent decision by the city’s Department of Recreation and Parks to stop the use of second generation rodenticide in all local parks and wilderness areas. This decision will reduce the high rate of unintentional poisoning of companion animals and wildlife in LA. clawonline.org

LOOKING HIS BEST Skin & Coat from Springtime Inc. is a blend of seven highly nutritious plant oils.

Pour it over your dog’s food for a soft, brilliant, weatherproof coat and healthy, itch-free skin. It’s a more economical solution than similar oil products, does not require refrigeration, and offers the convenience of an easy-pour bottle. springtimeinc.com/product/Skin-and-Coat

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& AGGRESSION Anxiety

?

Why are these

D gs Cats

behavioral issues so

common and how can they be resolved

By Suzanne Hetts, PhD, CAAB, and Daniel Q. Estep, PhD, CAAB

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About three years ago, our Irish setter Coral developed a fear of thunderstorms. She was seven at the time, and prior to that, she’d completely ignored thunder and even fireworks. We have no idea why her behavior changed, as she was never trapped outside in a storm or experienced any traumatic event associated with thunder. However, several scientific journal articles revealed that when older dogs develop behavior problems, fear or anxiety are the most common1.

In fact, fear and aggression are generally the most frequent problems seen by animal behaviorists1. Whether they actually occur more often than other types of behavior, or whether people just tend to seek help for them more, because of their negative impacts, is not known.

Because fear and anxiety especially can motivate so many different behaviors, including barking, aggression, destructiveness, and house-soiling, it’s not surprising that behavior and training professionals see them so often. On the other hand, it’s also possible that some fear-related problems go unrecognized, because people are not always aware of the signs of stress, anxiety and fear in their dogs or cats. One study revealed that behavior and training professionals with more than ten years of experience were better able to recognize such signs in dogs than people with less experience2.

Every animal can be expected to experience short-lived fearful responses, or even display aggression in rare circumstances. For example, because Coral was previously attacked by an off-leash dog, she will bare her teeth at a dog she doesn’t know well who jumps on her during an initial greeting. But when these behaviors become so frequent or intense that they negatively impact the animal’s quality of life and his relationship with his family, as well as his safety and that of others, they become a problem.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT THESE BEHAVIORS • A thorough medical evaluation is always warranted, especially for sudden displays of fear or aggression that are out of character for the animal. Pain, disease, or illness can manifest as fear or aggression.

• Despite the varied reasons for fear, anxiety and aggression, they often respond well to behavior modification programs that include counterconditioning, desensitization, and shortterm avoidance of situations animal wellness

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or stimuli that trigger the behaviors. While this may sound simple, the actual implementation can be quite complex.

Gradual exposure to the eliciting stimuli, while simultaneously managing the animal’s environment to prevent full-blown fear or aggressive reactions, can be problematic.

• An objective evaluation of a dog or cat’s environment, relative to his behavioral needs, and the sources that trigger anxiety or aggression, should be part of the behavior modification plan. It’s probably not realistic, for example, to expect any and all dogs and/or cats to adapt to living peaceably with each other. Sometimes re-homing is the kindest option for a stressed-out animal that is being constantly bullied or harassed by another; conversely, the animal that is causing the stress may also be re-homed.

• Increased physical exercise and opportunities for play may help dogs and cats compensate for environments that contribute to fear and aggression. When Coral is on a walk, for example, and thunder rumbles in the distance, she is much more relaxed and almost oblivious to the sound, as compared to when she is inside with little to distract her. After a storm, a walk or other form of physical activity may help dissipate the biological chemicals released from the adrenal glands as part of the fear response.

• We’ve seen improvements in a percentage of fear and aggression issues caused by relationship problems, when people are instructed to not scold, “correct” or grab for their animal for at least one week.

Instead, they must use verbal cues, treats, toys, and other enticements to elicit the behaviors they want. This is combined with using techniques such as a blocking board (an opaque board used to cut off visual contact between the animal and the aggravating stimulus) to prevent unwanted behaviors when necessary.

• In our experience, mild anxiety can respond to homeopathic or naturopathic interventions.

• When an animal’s fear is debilitating or dangerous (including aggression, self-injurious behavior or risky escape/avoidance reactions), veterinarians may prescribe medications that can help, particularly if they’re used in conjunction with behavior modification.

• On a broader scale, the perpetuation of fearful traits and tendencies through breeding practices that don’t consider the future welfare of the animals, and/or that don’t provide adequate socialization in the breeding environment, should be minimized. More attention needs to be given to cat socialization, as well as the socialization of adolescent animals. All these have the potential to help animals become

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WHAT CAUSES

1 2

Why some animals develop fear and aggression issues and others do not isn’t fully understood.

Behavioral research can shed some light on the issue, as can rational arguments and practical experience.

We know that fearful temperaments are significantly influenced by genetics, and that fearful puppies tend to become fearful adults3 (generalized fear tends to persist, often despite intervention). Thus, poor breeding practices are likely one contributing factor.

Secondly, while the importance of puppyhood socialization is well known, that doesn’t mean it is widely implemented. Under-socialized puppies, and those that have frightening or traumatic experiences during the sensitive socialization period, are more likely to have fear-related problems as adults.4 Unfortunately, socialization for adolescent dogs has not been promoted, yet many behavior professionals believe that continued socialization during this developmental period is extremely important for stable adult temperaments.

Cats are rarely selectively bred for behavioral traits, and because their sensitive period for socialization occurs at such a young age (two to seven weeks), we believe that many felines are poorly or under-socialized, resulting in excessive fear, and sometimes aggression toward unfamiliar people, other cats, and/or dogs.

3

Another possible reason for the prevalence of fear and aggression is environments that produce ongoing social stress. This has to do with peoples’ expectations and knowledge of the behavioral biology and needs of companion animals. Both cats and dogs in multianimal households are sometimes forced to live with animals they really can’t get along with.

more adaptable and resilient in response to change and unfamiliar experiences.

When dealing with these problems in a dog or cat, the most important starting point is for the household, veterinarian and other professionals to be able to recognize the signs of stress and anxiety, and when behaviors of all sorts, including aggression, destructiveness and others, are in reality fearrelated problems. Understanding and addressing these issues as soon as possible can avoid a lot of heartbreak and ensure your bond stays strong.

THESE ISSUES? Dogs have a substantial repertoire of conflict avoidance behaviors, allowing many canines to live peaceably together. But if one dog in the house is a “bully” and doesn’t respond normally to appeasement behaviors from other dogs, social conflict and ongoing aggression and fear often result.

Cats in multi-feline families (and in group housing at shelters) often live in densities that are literally hundreds of times greater than what is seen in freeranging conditions or feral colonies.5 Cats have far fewer conflict avoidance behaviors than dogs do, and rely much more on their environment to provide sufficient hiding places, vertical space, and safe escape routes that allow them to avoid social crowding. No data have been gathered to assess the quality of the environments average household cats live in.

4 5

A number of scientific papers report that socially confrontational training methods (“scruff shakes” and “alpha rolls”), and those that include corporal punishment, are associated with fearful and aggressive responses from dogs.6

A large body of scientific literature about both human and animal behavior documents that unpredictability and lack of control over one’s environment are two of the most common contributing factors to ongoing stress and anxiety.7 People naturally control most aspects of their animals’ lives, but outdated relationship recommendations based on a misunderstanding of social dominance advocate an elevated level of control that is harmful to the wellbeing of dogs. These include a multitude of rules such as never allowing a dog to initiate play, ignoring him when he wants attention, or not allowing him on the bed or furniture, or to lie in doorways.

1

Landsberg G, Hunthausen W, and Ackerman L. Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat, Second Edition. W. B Saunders, NY, 2003.

2

Wan M, Bolger N, Champagne, FA. “Human perception of fears in dogs varies according to experience with dogs”. PLoS ONE, 7(12), e51775, 2012.

3

Goddard ME, Beilharz, RG. “Genetic and environmental factors affecting the suitability of dogs as guide dogs for the blind”. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 62: 97-102, 1982.

4

Fox, MW, Stelzner D. “Behavioural effects of differential early experience in the dog”. Animal Behaviour, 14: 273-281, 1966.

5

Bernstein, PL, Strack, M. “A game of cat and house: spatial patterns and behavior of 14 domestic cats (Felis catus) in the home”. Anthrozoos IX (1): 25-39, 1996.

6

Herron, et al. “Survey of the use and outcome of confrontational and non-confrontational training methods in client-owned dogs showing undesired behaviors”. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2009; 117 (1-2): 47 DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.12.011.

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Hetts, S. “Psychological wellbeing: conceptual issues, behavioral measures, and implications for dogs”. Vet. Clinics of North America, Small Animal Practice 21: 369-387, 1991.

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PASSAGES

Down t he road

By Cathleen Kenney

I didn’t want her to go. But the medications that were keeping Jenna comfortable, keeping her eating, were beginning to fail.

As the week progressed, she declined. I noticed changes that indicated a much larger faltering in her ability to live a full life.

For example, each day when I came home from work, I used to see two elderly dogs coming down the dirt road to greet me, eager to shave 30 seconds off our time apart. Mulder trotted along sideways with his previously-broken tail held off to the right, while Jenna would prance towards me with her bushy tail swinging.

But now, only my side-trotter was making the trip down the road to greet me. I’d get out of my truck and find Jenna sprawled on the concrete in front of our home, or inside sleeping on her bed. She started needing encouragement to go outside – strange for a dog who relished all things outdoors. She shook upon standing, and walked hesitantly.

On our last night together, Jenna had no appetite. I fed her vanilla ice cream, a marrow bone, and turkey. She had little interest in any offering. This was a couple of days before the

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Memorial Day weekend. I had planned to go away, but given Jenna’s condition, I felt uncomfortable leaving her. The next morning, I dropped her off at the vet before work, and Mulder went with her for moral support. If I had to drive home without Jenna, I wanted to have Mulder to lean on.

The vet called me not two hours later. “It’s time to put Jenna to sleep,” she said.

I wasn’t caught off guard, but anxiety and fear still choked me. My stomach lurched. Tears fell. The vet told me I could take Jenna home for one more night, and bring her back in the morning. She then talked about a large liver tumor that had ruptured bloody fluid into her abdomen. I didn’t want to prolong Jenna’s suffering, and the vet said I could come in immediately.

I ran out of my office mumbling to my co-workers about where I was going. The words made me sick. At the vet clinic, the receptionist ushered me into the last waiting room, where Jenna half lay on a thick, fleecy layer of blankets. I encouraged her to move into a more comfortable spot. I knew she did not

feel well and that no amount of love, supplements, medication or even surgery could make her feel better.

She looked at me with soft eyes. She did not pant. She did not wag her tail. She was stoical, and I knew she was ready to leave.

I lay next to my Jenna and hugged and kissed and stroked her, hoping that every touch conveyed to her the 13 years of love in my heart. I hoped she was remembering all the places we’d traveled and lived, the things she’d sniffed, the animals she’d chased and the carcasses she’d rolled in, the swims she’d taken and the mountains she’d climbed.

I recalled how much of my own life I’d experienced with Jenna by my side. She was my first dog – and boy, did she have to deal with a steep learning curve on my part! However, learn I did, and we grew into adults together. We traveled all over the US and Canada. She flew in an airplane and rode in boats. She helped me through a failed engagement. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, she slept next to me when I was home alone, and gave me a reason to get out of bed. When I faced sickening heartbreak, she patiently took a backseat to my grief.

She was the ultimate companion, asking only that I respect her individuality and provide for her basic needs.

I buried my face in Jenna’s fluffy mane. I wanted to make some deep connection so that I could always recall her scent. I couldn’t decide if I wanted the vet to come in as soon as possible, or if I wanted her to get caught up in emergencies for the rest of the day. I wished I had spent more time hugging Jenna during her lifetime, and mourned not only the future without her, but also all the moments I might have missed and that could now never be retrieved.

The vet came in and gave Jenna a sedative. There was no lengthy discussion. I told her I didn’t want a lot of time to pass once Jenna was under anesthetic, that I wanted Jenna to be given the euthanasia shortly thereafter.

After the vet administered the euthanasia, I felt Jenna’s heart continue to beat – and then without major consequence or fanfare, I felt it no more. Her nerves continued twitching after her heart stopped. Given her lifelong penchant for following her nose, it was quite apropos that her whiskers twitched the longest, as if her nose was taking the lead, navigating her out of the physical world. Jenna fell asleep for the last time with her head resting softly on my lap, my fingers touching her gray face and rubbing her soft ears.

I keep Jenna’s collar along with a photo of her looking comfortable and content, embracing life, on my mantel. I feel she is watching over Mulder and me, and waiting for us somewhere down the road.

ult imate

She was the companion, asking only that I respect her individuality and provide for her basic needs.

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Talking to the animals

By Sandra Murphy

D gs Cats ONCE REGARDED WITH SKEPTICISM, ANIMAL COMMUNICATION IS NOW OFTEN SEEN AS AN EFFECTIVE MODALITY FOR GETTING TO THE ROOT OF A VARIETY OF PROBLEMS.

Taylor still remembers talking with the veterinarian about her dog’s inexplicable behavior problems. It was the mid-1980s, and both she and the vet were flummoxed

by Ally’s sudden and unprecedented fear of loud noises. A physical workup revealed no medical causes for the change, so Taylor wondered aloud if it would be worth taking the dog to a local animal communicator she knew of.

“I’ll never forget the way the vet looked at me, as if he thought I was crazy,” Taylor says. “He just shook his head, and dismissed the whole idea.” She nevertheless made an appointment with the communicator, who revealed that Ally’s fears had sprung from an incident when she was home alone and the teenagers next door let off some fireworks in their backyard. Taylor was intrigued, but she wanted confirmation. “I asked the neighbor kids if they’d been playing with fireworks recently and they said yes. Not only that, but they did so on a weekend my husband and I were away and had left the dog in the care of a pet sitter. Ally’s fear of noises had started right after that weekend.”

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40 YEARS OF EVOLUTION The field of animal communication has been around for decades.

In fact, Penelope Smith, the field’s pioneer, has been helping animals through communication since 1971. She calls the technique “interspecies telepathic communication” and draws on human counseling methods to help her clients. She has authored several books on the topic, and her training classes have educated many and given the field acceptance and respectability. Today, Penelope is only one of many successful animal communicators who have effectively helped thousands of dogs and cats by getting to the root of their emotional, behavioral and sometimes even physical issues.

Though animal communication is still dismissed as bogus by mainstream veterinary medicine, those with an interest in alternative and holistic healing are more open to it. Some holistic veterinarians are even referring patients to animal communicators for a second opinion when their own skills and tools can’t get to the bottom of a particular problem.

Dr. Cathy Alinovi is one of these vets. “I’ve seen it work,” she says. “A client will say an animal communicator mentioned a health concern so they’ve come to me to have it checked out.”

She adds that animal communication is also very helpful when it’s time for an animal to cross over. “People are reassured and don’t second guess themselves about the timing.”

Information comes in diffe rent ways, sometimes as a picture, a knowing or a sound.

It also works the other way around: an animal communicator will often advise someone to take their dog or cat to the vet because she senses he has a physical ailment requiring medical attention.

WHY ANIMAL COMMUNICATION? There are many reasons why someone might take their dog or cat to an animal communicator. Perhaps the animal has an emotional or behavioral issue that just isn’t responding to treatment or training. Perhaps he isn’t bonding with his human family for some reason, despite everyone’s best efforts. Or perhaps his person just wants to understand and connect with her companion better.

There are also many reasons why someone chooses to become a communicator. For Penelope, it was her lifelong ability to telepathically commune with animals. Carol Schultz, meanwhile, left the corporate world 15 years ago to train as an animal communicator after her cat, Panda, went into sudden kidney failure.

Continued on page 78.

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Continued from page 77.

“I met someone who was able to let me know how Panda was reacting to what I was doing for her,” Carol explains. “As Panda’s illness progressed, I found I was able to understand her too. That experience was a complete joy. It made her passing a time of discovery instead of sorrow. I wanted to help others connect in the same way, so I set out to learn more.” Carol adds that public awareness and acceptance of animal communication has grown even since she began her own practice. “I now find books on animal communication in the big bookstores, not just the mystic shops.”

Janet Dobbs heard about animal communication from a store clerk who told her about a class being offered. She was cynical, but signed up and took her cat, Kate, with her. At one point, the animal communicator heading the class announced: “Kate says she has a beautiful butt.” As she said it, the cat turned around and showed the whole class. “It caused a laugh, but at the end of the two days, all 15 people in the class, along with a Washington Post reporter, had received validated information about their animals,” says Janet. She went from cynical to convinced and is now an animal communicator herself.

HOW IS IT DONE, AND HOW DOES IT WORK? Those who doubt that animal communication is possible usually don’t understand how a non-verbal being such as a dog or cat can “talk” to a human being. But words are not necessary, according to Janet. “Information comes in different ways, sometimes as a picture, a knowing or a sound,” she says. “The challenge is putting it into words.” For example, Eddie’s person wanted to know if her little dog enjoyed the show ring. Janet says she saw him puff himself up in her mind as if to tell her that he loved to walk in the ring so people could see him.

Animal communication is often done in person, but it doesn’t have to be – a definite advantage if the communicator nearest you lives hundreds of miles away. In fact, Carol says most of her consultations are done by phone – she works from a photo of the

animal, and also asks the client for his name, age and a description of where he lives. Communicator Miranda Alcott also works this way, according to Vivian Eisenstadt, whose newly rescued Schnauzer, Hope, had been peeing on the bed for six months. Using a photo of Hope, Miranda learned about the trauma the dog suffered before Vivian found her on the street, and then explained to her that peeing where you sleep is an unacceptable behavior. “Right after our consultation, Hope stopped peeing on the bed,” says Vivian. “I could get rid of the plastic mattress covers. And I learned better ways to communicate with my dogs.”

Animals are usually just as eager to enter into communication with humans – and sometimes their messages are life-saving. “Animals have a role as messengers,” Carol says. “They come to us for a reason. One cat I talked to was not using his litter box. When I listened to him, he told me he was fine but one of his people was sick.” After hearing what Carol passed along, the man didn’t believe it but went to his doctor anyhow. He was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. His cat resumed using the litter box.

Animal communication can be emotional, rewarding and lifechanging for client, communicator, dog and cat alike. Penelope, Carol and Janet state that everyone is born intuitive, so we all have the ability to communicate with animals if we can quiet our minds, pay attention to the animal, listen with our hearts, and find a supportive teacher to help us learn more. “If we all could just hear and listen to the animals, it would be a totally different world,” says Janet.

Disclaimer: Animal communication is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog or cat is sick or injured, take him to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Opening the channels

As with anything else, be sure to choose an authentic, experienced and respected animal communicator, such as one of the following.

Penelope Smith animaltalk.net

Janet Dobbs

animalparadisecommunication.com

Carol Schultz

carolschultz.com

Miranda Alcott

mirandaalcott.com

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affair

Family

By Charlotte Walker

Like father, like son…this company’s dedication to safe, In 2013, Tuffy’s owner Kenny Nelson (fourth from right) received an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

quality pet food spans more than 50

Back in the 1960s, premium pet foods were largely unheard of. But even then, a few savvy folks were noticing a niche that needed to be filled. Darryl “Tuffy” Nelson was one of them. In 1964, he started Tuffy’s Pet Foods, which offered a fresher and more nutritious alternative to the cheap, low-grade dog and cat foods of the era. Today, just over 50 years later, thanks to our realization that animals need high quality wholesome diets made from safe ingredients in order to thrive and enjoy good health, premium pet foods abound, and Tuffy’s is still among them.

“Tuffy’s son Kenny obtained the company in 2001, and it fell under the KLN Family Brands umbrella,” says sales manager, Dan Schmitz, adding that their pet food line expanded around the same time to encompass several other brands and labels.

“Super premium food was gaining in popularity, and we had a long history of making safe pet foods in our plant. And since food safety has never been a bigger issue than it is today, it’s still our highest priority. We have always maintained a very clean track record when it comes to food safety, and this remains our focus moving forward.” Dan adds that the company will be moving to a new manufacturing facility this year in order to increase the safety and quality of its pet foods even more. They also use quality US suppliers to manufacture their products. “This gives us the confidence that we are putting the very best ingredients in our pet foods,” says Dan.

years.

The Tuffy line is all natural and offers a wide selection of products.

“The NutriSource lineup includes grain-free products as well as treats and canned foods,” Dan explains. “The Pure Vita line is a single-source holistic food for both dogs and cats, while Natural Planet Organics includes chicken-based and turkey-based dry foods for dogs. These are Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.

Meanwhile, our Good4Life system provides superior vitamin and mineral combinations as well as palatability.”

As a family-owned company, Tuffy’s puts a lot of emphasis on helping others. “We support organizations across the country both with donations and through various programs,” says Dan. To consolidate these efforts, the 30 sales reps located throughout the US and Canada do more than just sell: “They help support these different organizations within their own particular territories and communities.

“Animal parents are very passionate and our philosophy is to support this passion,” Don adds. “Our family values extend not just to our retail and business partners, but also to our customers and their companion animals.” In an age when it’s often difficult to know what’s in our dog or cat’s food, or where it comes from, it’s comforting to know that Tuffy’s is one of a growing number of companies that care about quality and safety, and the wellbeing of our four-legged friends. animal wellness

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To the Rescue Sanctuary for Senior Dogs – Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo Location: Cleveland, OH Year established: 2000 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: One staff member, 25 dedicated volunteers, 20 casual volunteers, 18 to 22 foster homes Types of animal they work with: Senior dogs, age seven and older, of any breed or mix Fundraising projects: “We have Graying Muzzles, our annual calendar that celebrates old dogs,” says Deborah Workman.

“And our Summer Scoop fundraising event is a party in the park for old dogs and the people who love them. In 2014, over 125 senior dogs came to the party.”

Favorite rescue story: “In April 2013, we rescued an 11-yearold deaf collie mix called Delilah. She was nearly 40 pounds underweight and had mammary tumors. Once her surgery was behind her and her health improved, her true personality emerged. Engaging, loving, and interested in everything, Delilah won the hearts of everyone she met. Believing in her potential as a therapy dog, her foster caregivers took her to training classes and taught her hand signals. She soon earned

Leave No Paws Behind –

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“Delilah visited nursing homes and adult group homes, sharing her infectious spirit with young and old alike. She was with us 18 months before her health failed completely, but during that time, she loved every minute of her new life, and brightened the days of many people.” sanctuaryforseniordogs.org

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA229 to Leave No Paws Behind.

Location: Sun Valley, CA Year established: 2011 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Three full-time volunteers and 32 long term/hospice foster homes Types of animal they work with: “We are an all-breed dog rescue, specializing in seniors, terminal and end-of-life animals, and those with special medical needs from high-kill shelters,” says founder Toby Wisneski.

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her Canine Good Citizenship and passed her therapy dog test with flying colors.

Fundraising projects: “On October 18, we participated in the Race for the Rescues in Pasadena. From time to time, we also fundraise by offering special limited t-shirts and participating in activities with area restaurants.”

Favorite rescue story: “In February of last year, we received an SOS call from a shelter asking if we could help an emaciated boxer named Brian. It was believed he was used as a stud breeding dog, and when he was of no more value to the breeder, he was tossed outside and left to starve.

“In just two short weeks, Brian had rallied around, gained a few pounds, and was ready to enter a loving foster home, into which he was later officially adopted. He now weighs 95 pounds and is training to be a therapy dog so he can work with sick children. Along with so many of our rescues, Brian is living proof that with love, kindness and good medical care, these animals can go on to enjoy the gift of life and the promise of many more tomorrows.” leavenopawsbehind.org

Photos courtesy of Portraits by Martha, Cleveland, OH

code AWA092 to Sanctuary for Senior Dogs.

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

West Side Cats –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA231 to West Side Cats.

Location: Youngstown, OH Year established: 2008 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: 20 volunteers, 15 foster homes Types of animal they work with: Cats Fundraising projects: “We host many fundraising activities including an annual motorcycle run, a yearly game night, an annual Christmas basket raffle and sale, bi-monthly garage sales, as well as sales of t-shirts, cookbooks, baked goods and buttons. We also take part in area craft fairs and online auctions.”

Favorite rescue story: “It’s a toss-up, as we’ve had so many special cats come through the shelter. If I had to pick one, Stevie the Wonderful Blind Kitty comes to mind! Born with recessed eyes (microphthalmia), Stevie has been adopted into a loving home, and is an inspiration for other people with sick or disabled kitties through his own Facebook page at facebook.com/Steviethewonderfulblindkitty.” westsidecats.com

Education not Euthanization –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA230 to Education not Euthanization.

Photo courtesy of C. James Photography

Location: Alberta, Canada Year established: 2014 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Approximately 25 volunteers Types of animal you work with: Dogs, especially bully breeds, which often end up in shelters and are euthanized Fundraising projects: “We fundraise through Teespring shirt campaigns as well as other sales of merchandise,” says founder Tanisha Degenhardt.

Favorite rescue story: “That is a very hard question.

Every story becomes our new favorite, every animal saved is worth all the effort. We will never have just one favorite, they are all just as amazing and important as the others!”

The organization’s website also promotes and celebrates the joys of bully breeds by sharing inspiring stories about them, such as the pit bull that saved a deaf boy from a burning building in Indianapolis, and the service dog who dialled 911 when his guardian, a military veteran, was suffering a seizure. educationnoteuthanization.ca

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Can he get

D gs Cats

?

By Jennifer Hinders and Ann Brightman

The risks are minimal on this side of the Atlantic, but here’s what you should know.

Most of us have been following the ongoing news of the devastating Ebola outbreak in Africa, and keeping a close eye on the disease’s sporadic appearance in other countries, including the United States.

But few of us associated Ebola with companion animals until Excalibur, a dog belonging to Spanish nursing aide Teresa Romero Ramos, who contracted the virus, was promptly euthanized because of his exposure to the disease. Many believe that Spanish officials acted too hastily, and that there was no evidence Excalibur was infected with Ebola or could have passed it on to others.

In a second case in the U.S., a King Charles Cavalier spaniel named Bentley was quarantined for three weeks after his guardian, Dallas nurse Nina Pham, was infected with Ebola. Happily, his tests came back negative and he was subsequently returned to Nina.

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(CDC), there is no indication that it can be spread by air, water or insects.

The first recorded Ebola outbreak occurred in 1976 in the Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo, where humans and a few fruit bats were infected. “According to the CDC, scientists believe the first patient became infected through contact with an infected animal, such as a fruit bat or primate, which is called a spillover event,” reports BluePearl Veterinary Partners. “Personto-person transmission follows and can lead to large numbers of affected persons.”

So the question remains – can dogs or cats actually get Ebola, and if so, would they pose a public health threat?

Because of its zoonotic nature, dogs, cats and other mammals may also contract Ebola. In dogs, it is asymptomatic, meaning it doesn’t produce symptoms like fever, malaise and bleeding. “There have been no reports of dogs becoming sick with Ebola, even though they may develop antibodies from exposure to the disease,” states BluePearl. “Certainly a greater understanding of the effects of Ebola on dogs is needed.”

A ZOONOTIC DISEASE

MORE RESEARCH IS NECESSARY

First of all, the chances of a major Ebola outbreak here in North America are remote, so the risk to the general population and our companion animals is very small. However, it’s still important to be informed, and research does confirm that Ebola is zoonotic, which means it affects both humans and animals. The disease is transmitted via direct contact with blood or body fluids; according to the Centers for Disease Control

Unfortunately, very little research has been done on Ebola in canines, and none appears to have been done on cats. “I’m not aware of any robust studies on canine Ebola virus,” says Dr. Michael Blackwell, Senior Director of Veterinary Policy at the Humane Society of America.

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In fact, the most up-to-date research done on Ebola and dogs is now ten years old. Entitled “Ebola Virus

Antibody Prevalence in Dogs and Human Risk”, the study was published in 2005 and details the results of blood tests given to over 400 dogs in villages across Gabon, which suffered an Ebola epidemic from 2001 to 2002. The results showed that nearly 32% of the dogs tested positive for the virus, most likely from eating the carcasses of infected animals, although they remained asymptomatic and had developed antibodies to Ebola.

The researchers also found no evidence that these dogs had transmitted the disease to other animals or people.

“There’s nothing new since [2005],” adds Lois Allela, one of the study’s authors and a veterinary inspector with the Ministry of Environment of Gabon. “The lab hasn’t approved any further research to discover if maybe we can find a vaccine.”

The good news is that the CDC reports no documented cases of dogs or cats spreading Ebola to humans or other animals, even in the hardest hit regions of West Africa.

PROTECTING YOUR COMPANION The evidence to date suggests there’s little reason to be concerned about Ebola affecting either your human or animal family. “From the standpoint of the U.S., we shouldn’t have any grounds for concern for our animals,” says Dr. Blackwell.

Veterinarian Dr. Cathy Alinovi concurs. “While it is certainly a very scary disease, most of us are well protected from any exposure or infection,” she writes in an article at truthaboutpetfood.com. “Those at highest risk are people who travel to Africa and provide aid to the people suffering from Ebola infection. If you or anyone you know plans to travel to Africa and deliver humanitarian aid to the sufferers of Ebola, then you’ll want to avoid contact with animals on your return. Essentially the same quarantine time for avoiding humans would be how long you should avoid your dog or cat.”

Dr. Alinovi also recommends keeping your dog or cat’s immunity strong. “Supporting a healthy immune system will work great to protect your animals, no matter what the illness,” she advises.

“Echinacea is a commonly used herb that can strengthen the immune system and can be used in dogs and cats. Herbal blends like Yin Qiao are great antiviral formulas. Ask your holistic veterinarian about proper dosing to protect your four-legged family.”

As of this writing, BluePearl states that “scientists and veterinarians with the AVMA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the CDC and others are continuing to develop additional guidance for the U.S. pet population”. In the meantime, there’s no need to be overly concerned about Ebola. The best protection is simply to maintain good health in yourself and your animal friends. animal wellness

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WARM & FUZZY

W

Learning to love Wally

By Janet Caplan

He was a challenge at first, but we have learned to embrace Wally’s foibles.

ally has been an education. To say we were sold on his looks would be an understatement. Yes, he’s a beauty, but oh, is he lacking in brain capacity! “Never buy the packaging” is what I tell those who ask me about our beautiful black-andwhite cocker spaniel. Do we love him? Without a doubt. Would I trade him in or give him up? Never!

Admittedly, this was not always the case. Wally’s failure to socialize with other dogs along with his general fear of people caused us great concern. He barked incessantly, obeyed on a random basis at best, and was unable to control himself in the house.

We must have been inadequate trainers, we deduced, and felt we were letting Wally down. So we sought professional advice.

Our vet put him through a battery of tests in order to ascertain if there might be a physical problem or chemical imbalance.

Thankfully, Wally passed all the tests with flying colors.

Next, we found a trainer. After our inaugural meeting, she went away convinced that Wally was smart and therefore trainable, and that she could definitely fix him up. Flash forward to the second half of our second session, and the trainer’s tune began to change. Wally definitely didn’t fire on all cylinders. By the third

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meeting, she advised us that with persistence, the walking and noise issues might eventually abate, and that Wally’s toileting problem, might remedy itself as he aged. Well, we had already figured these things out for ourselves. I guess we were comforted by having it confirmed (at great expense, of course).

We followed all the trainer’s instructions and suggestions, and life with Wally continued. As you might imagine, though, he became a major focus for our household. At least one of us, whether it was my husband, daughter or myself, experienced some daily fiasco with Wally. Peeing on the carpet, chewing toss cushions, snapping at somebody’s fingers and lunging at other dogs on a walk were routine events.

We were also faced with issues regarding Wally’s interactions with our other cocker spaniel, Huey. In general, Huey accepted him from the start, but there were days when I wondered about our decision to not only bring Wally home, but to keep him. I’ve seen Huey leave a room when Wally walked in. I’ve watched Wally steal Huey’s favorite toys right out from under his paws.

Huey doesn’t fight with Wally; he ignores him and sometimes simply retreats into himself for a while. I felt badly about this initially, but things have since worked out reasonably well between the two dogs.

Training has helped Wally overcome some of his issues.

And how is Wally doing now, at the age of two-and-a-half?

Has he miraculously changed, become that perfect, obedient, well-behaved animal that every dog owner wishes for? Well, no…but he’s better. Some of the training aids have helped and the toileting issues are somewhat improved, although Wally continues to be fearful and nervous: not so much of people anymore, but of dogs, particularly big ones.

What has really changed is my attitude – my family’s collective attitude, actually. It finally set in about six months ago. Wally is what he will always be – a little disconnected, not the sharpest pup in the kennel, simply not like the other dogs we have owned. His troubles might continue to resolve themselves to some degree, but they’ll never disappear.

When I accepted Wally’s limitations, everything improved. I had spent too much time and energy attempting to fit him into a pre-determined mold. For example, he should be able to let us know when he had to relieve himself outside. He should be sociable with other dogs. He should obey and listen. He should be like Huey, not only beautiful, but perfect and brilliant, too.

Well, these things were never going to happen, so I decided to embrace Wally, warts and all.

When I did that, I relaxed and stopped getting angry and frustrated. Wally taught me to let go. What I can’t fix, I can’t fix – so now I just don’t worry about it. I love Wally for all he is.

What he isn’t simply doesn’t count.

All our dogs have had different personalities and I’ve loved them for that. I fought Wally’s for two years simply because he didn’t fit my idea of how a dog should be.

Now that I’ve accepted him, and am able to work with his foibles, I have come to love him as much as our other animal companions.

Tolerance, patience, acceptance…they’re all critical attributes when it comes to knowing and working with people. They’re pretty important traits for dealing with a Wally kind of dog, too!

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SOCIAL MEDIA Rescues of the Month Congratulations to our Animal Wellness and Feline Wellness Rescues of the Month!

The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs is dedicated to the rescue, adoption, and lifelong care of senior dogs abandoned in shelters and pounds in Cleveland, Ohio. Read more about them on page 80.

West Side Cats

December Rescues of the Month: Photo courtesy of Portraits by Martha, Cleveland, OH

November Rescues of the Month:

West Side Cats is an all-volunteer 501c3 licensed No-Kill cat rescue and adoption service in Youngstown, Ohio.

Learn more on page 81.

Hope for Paws

Hope for Paws is best known for their viral videos of their amazing rescue work. This non-profit Los Angeles 501c3 ALL animal rescue organization is going to be on the cover of the upcoming issue of Animal Wellness Magazine!

Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies is a national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. This organization provides education about assisting homeless cats, including trap-neuterrelease programs.

Thank you

to Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips, Priscilla’s Pet Products, One Dog Organic Bakery, and Boo Boo’s Best for donating to rescue organizations with us!

Are you Tweeting with us?

Follow us on Twitter to get the latest natural pet health news, enter fun contests, and get the scoop on upcoming events!

BONUS: We do a random draw every month and send one lucky Twitter follower a free copy of Animal Wellness Magazine!

Tweet us today @AW_magazine

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Remembering Lucky The Golden Retriever who inspired Dog Bless You has sadly passed on to the Rainbow Bridge.

Charlie Annenberg adopted this loveable canine in 2001 and since then the philanthropic duo have teamed up for a variety of causes, including therapy work and fundraising for both human and animal charities. One of Annenberg’s projects is explore.org, an organization that sets up web cams that enable people to view causes in action, including service dog training and animal adoption centers. As the spokesdog for explore.org, Lucky has garnered hundreds of thousands of fans on Facebook and Twitter and will be greatly missed by fans worldwide. Learn more at Facebook.com/

DogBlessYou and explore.org

Attention all cat lovers!

Follow Facebook.com/FelineWellnessMagazine for Daily Tips, natural health info, recipes, natural remedies, contests and more!

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RVTs and UNREGISTERED ASSISTANTS D gs Cats

– what are their roles?

By Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA

support staff

GET TO KNOW YOUR VETERINARIAN’S AND HOW THEY HELP

CARE FOR YOUR DOG OR CAT.

ou know your veterinary clinic has vet techs and assistants on staff, but what exactly do they do? Are they just there to fill in when your veterinarian isn’t available, or do they have their own job descriptions? What are they qualified to do, and what must they leave to the veterinarian?

In any given clinic, there are a variety of necessary tasks to be performed that can be done without having attained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD) degree. These tasks are crucial to ensuring that your dog or cat is well cared for. By having registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) or unregistered assistants carry out these responsibilities, the veterinarians at the practice can focus on their own duties.

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Continued on page 90.

WHAT ARE THEY

qualified

TO DO?

An RVT or unregistered assistant can perform a wide range of procedures under the indirect supervision of the attending veterinarian. They can: • Administer controlled substances – only RVTs, not unregistered assistants, can do this.

• Perform initial patient evaluation – assess vital signs (heart and respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure), obtain body weight, collect basic history from the animal’s person, etc.

• Restrain patients – holding a cat for wound care, restraining a dog for a blood draw, etc. Working with an experienced individual who understands how to provide appropriate restraint is key to the veterinarian’s ability to perform a thorough physical examination.

• Expose radiographs (taking x-rays) – setting the computer (digital x-rays), keeping the patient still during imaging, developing film-based x-rays for the veterinarian to review, etc.

• Collect blood, urine, fecal, and other bodily secretion samples – many RVTs are more adept at collecting samples than the veterinarians for whom they are providing assistance.

• Place intravenous catheters – when a patient requires intravenous (IV) fluids or injectable medications, it’s often the RVT or unregistered assistant’s responsibility to place and secure the catheter so the prescribed treatment can be safely given.

• Administer medication – oral, injectable or topical medications, supplements and other treatments can be administered by the RVT or unregistered assistant under the direction of the overseeing veterinarian. However, only an RVT can induce anesthesia (i.e. make an animal lose consciousness so an examination or procedure can be performed).

• Apply bandages – for example, covering a wound on a leg, keeping an ear flap flat to the head post-surgery, etc.

• Clean teeth – some RVTs are quite skilled at dental cleaning. However, regulations around teeth cleaning beyond brushing or wiping have some specific legal restrictions in different regions.

• Review invoices and estimates – conferring with you about the costs associated with veterinary care is an important part of the RVT’s or assistant’s job. This way, your veterinarian can focus on creating a treatment plan for your companion instead of determining the means by which payment for services will be provided.

• Communicate with you – placing phone calls, sending emails, or partaking in other forms of communication (discharge sheets, etc.) to inform you of your animal’s health status, etc.

• Perform administrative duties – tracking product orders, performing inventory checks, and cleaning often fall under the responsibilities of an RVT or unregistered assistant.

adept

Many RVTs are more at collecting samples than the veterinarians for whom they are providing assistance.

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By having REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIANS or UNREGISTERED ASSISTANTS carry out these responsibilities, the veterinarians at the on their own duties. practice can

focus

Continued from page 88.

The following procedures can only be performed under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian: • Inducing anesthesia

From

• Applying casts and splints • Performing dental extractions • Suturing cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, gingiva and oral mucous membranes • Creating a relief hole in the skin to facilitate placement of an intravascular catheter As you can see, veterinary technicians and unregistered assistants play a vital role in the daily operation of your veterinarian’s practice. These support staff members are invaluable members of a skilled and experienced team that’s dedicated to giving your beloved animal companion the best care possible.

Most veterinarians, including myself, spent time working as assistants before going on to veterinary school. It’s an essential part of developing the skills and experience that are crucial to effectively functioning as a veterinarian. Although nearly anybody can work as an unregistered assistant, my recommendation for anyone who plans on achieving a long-term supporting role in a veterinary clinic is to attain their RVT. The educational programs that train RVTs provide a deeper understanding of the duties and circumstances that will be faced in a hospital setting.

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assistant to veterinarian

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: SpOIL Your Pet AUTHORS: Mia K. Frezzo, DVM and Jan C. Jeremias, MSc Essential oils have powerful healing qualities you can share with your animal companion. In SpOIL Your Pet, veterinarian Dr. Mia Frezzo and clinical research scientist Jan Jeremias share their knowledge and expertise about these natural therapeutic remedies.

The comprehensive handbook opens with important guidelines about how to safely and effectively use essential oils with both dogs and cats. It then covers more than 50 common ailments, from anxiety and arthritis to urinary issues and worms, complete with a description of each condition and recommendations as to which essential oils can be used to alleviate it. You’ll also find recipes for shampoos, sprays and salves you can make at home using essential oils and a few other simple ingredients.

SpOIL Your Pet is well organized and easy to follow, and makes a valuable addition to the holistic animal care library.

Publisher: Jan Jeremias, MSc and Mia K. Frezzo, DVM

TITLE: Canine Play Behavior AUTHOR: Mechtild Käufer All dogs love to play, whether it’s with other dogs, their human families or favorite toys. But there’s more to play than just having fun. In her new book Canine Play Behavior, professional dog trainer Mechtild Käufer draws on the findings of scores of researchers to explain why our pooches play, the benefits they derive from it, and how to recognize canine “rules” of play.

Learn what canine play entails, and the differences between solitary and social play behaviors. There are sections on the signals dogs use to invite play, and the different kinds of play dogs use among themselves. Find out how to defuse potential danger by recognizing signs of escalating aggression in play situations, and how to get the most out of your own playtime with your dog.

Of course, play should always be fun, and this book helps you ensure it stays that way.

Publisher: Dogwise Publishing

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TITLE: My Dog, My Friend AUTHOR: Jacki Gordon If you enjoy true stories about the friendships people share with their four-legged friends, then My Dog, My Friend is for you. Editor Jacki Gordon has brought together a collection of heartfelt tales from TV personalities, broadcasters, writers and others about the joys of canine companionship.

Brought to life with photos of each contributor and his or her dog, this book celebrates the positive impact canines have on our lives and hearts. There are stories from figures such as British actor Simon Callow, Academy Award-winning film producer John Landau, veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, and many more.

TITLE: Watermelon Party AUTHOR: Jasmine June Cabanaw The Rocky Ridge Refuge animal sanctuary in Arkansas is home to a huge variety of rescued animals, from dogs and cats to horses, geese and even a tortoise, zebra and capybara. One hot summer day, founder Janice Wolf decided to give her many charges a treat by putting out a watermelon for them. To her delight, animals of all sizes, shapes and species came together to sample the refreshing fruit.

This simple demonstration of friendship inspired Animal Wellness’s Social Media Editor, Jasmine Cabanaw, to write Watermelon Party, a children’s book illustrated by John Moriarty. It’s designed to help youngsters learn to read, while introducing them one by one to a range of animal species, and to the concepts of cooperation and the joys of animal rescue.

Publisher: Green Bamboo Publishing

All author royalties are donated to Samaritans, a charity dedicated to helping people deal with emotional distress and suicidal behaviors.

Publisher: Hubble & Hattie

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E-Training for Dogs

100% ONLINE COURSES! Certification Provided in Some Programs Many More Courses Available!

Learn from the comfort of your own home

Online courses for the dog owner, trainer, breeder and enthusiast.

•Dog training • Holistic methods & remedies •Canine massage •Service dog • Performance dog •Pet loss counsellor conditioning & rehabilitation •Fitness & nutrition

www.E-TrainingForDogs.com

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970-231-9965

If you would like to advertise in Ad Spots, please call:1-866-764-1212

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EVENTS

Las Vegas Pet Expo February 7, 2015 – Las Vegas, NV

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!

Be sure to check out other Amazing Pet Expo events all year around at www.amazingpetexpos.com For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.vegaspetexpo.com Aggression and the Law: What Trainers Need to Know February 19 – March 11, 2015 – eLearning Certificate Course Heidi Meinzer will be the instructor for this 3 week online Certificate Course and will be geared towards trainers who handle aggression cases.

Some of the highlights include what can go wrong, what king of legal liability you can face and what you can do to limit your liability and insure your business. Also covering other ways to protect yourself and how to create solid policies and procedures.

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View recorded lectures, participate in online discussion, & submit homework assignments at your convenience, regardless of schedule or time zone. Full time Students must complete assignments by weekly deadlines. Auditing students do not have deadlines.

For more information: (800) 738-3647 education@apdt.com www.apdt.com Whiskers Wine & Dine 2015 March 21, 2015 – Lakewood, WA

In its 11th year, this annual fundraiser’s goal is to help raise money to end pet overpopulation. This event will be held at the Sharon McGavick Convention Center and includes dinner as well as a silent, live and dessert auction.

Proceeds support Northwest Spay and Neuter Center, a local nonprofit providing affordable spay and neuter services for cats, dogs and rabbits.

For more information: wwd@nwspayneuter.org www.nwspayneuter.org

Healing Touch for Animals® Level 1 Course March 27 - 29, 2015 – Phoenix, AZ Introduction to Healing Touch: Friday / 6:00pm - 10:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Small Animal Class.

Small Animal Class: Saturday / 9:00am - 6:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Large Animal Class.

Large Animal Class: Sunday / 9:00am - 6:00pm This class is required in order to apply to become a Healing Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner. Working with the horses’ large energy systems benefits students with greater energetic awareness and a wellrounded experience.

Registrations & payments in full must be received and/or postmarked by March 1, 2015, to qualify for the Early Bird Tuition prices.

For more information: (303) 470-6572 Phoenix@HealingTouchforAnimals.com www.healingtouchforanimals.com

Email your event to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com

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.

(541) 577-3051, sscott@shirley-scott.com, www.shirley-scott.com 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

EAST YORK ANIMAL CLINIC HOLISTIC CENTRE – Dr. Paul McCutcheon, Dr. Cindy Kneebone & Dr. Candice Chiu. The first and oldest integrative veterinary clinic in Ontario with over fifty years of service to the community and our collective veterinarian experience of 95 years. We provide a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing the latest research in integrative medicine. 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. essexanimalclinic@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

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

Natural Product Retailers PETS GO NATURAL – Safe toys, eco-friendly beds and collars, natural vitamins and supplements, natural, organic and grain-free food. Feel good about what you buy your pet.

Go natural! www.petsgonatural.com Schools & Training INTEGRATED TOUCH THERAPY, INC. – Has taught animal massage to thousands of students from all over the world for over 17 years.

Offering intensive, hands-on workshops. Free Brochure: (800) 251-0007 wshaw1@bright.net www.integratedtouchtherapy.com PETMASSAGE (FOR DOGS) TRAINING AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE – “Remove Disease from Your Pet’s Body Using Only Your Hands.” Skype and written interview: Jonathan Rudinger with Dr. Karen Becker – Dr. Mercola’s August 2014 Healthy Pets Newsletter: Link on homepage of www.petmassage.com WALKS ‘N’ WAGS PET FIRST AID – National Leaders in Pet First Aid Certification Courses for dogs and cats. Learn preventative skills and practice emergency bandaging with live wiggly pets. Distance Learning also available. www.walksnwags.com or (800) 298-1152 Test at Home Low cost alternative to going to the vet – Test at Home – Save $100 or more per pet and the trip – dogs, cats, horses, livestock, etc., Test accuracy guaranteed! www.furrytails4grooming.com

Holistic Veterinarians DESERVING PETS – Dr. Khalsa, CVA, FBIH, author, lecturer, has integrated the best holistic approaches creating incredibly effective treatment protocols for many problems including allergies. Worldwide consults. Free videos and articles at www.doctordeva.com, (215) 550-4474

Classified Rates Sizes 30 words of text Each extra word

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ORDER YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

1-866-764-1212 or classified@animalwellnessmagazine.com

animal wellness Animal Wellness Magazine reserves the right to refuse any advertising submitted, make stylistic changes or cancel any advertising accepted upon refund of payment made.

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TAIL END

THINGS

5

I learned from Bombur

By Tiana Bodine

I’d never really planned on getting a puppy. Totoro, my ten-yearold Chihuahua, had been with me five years, and I was perfectly content with my single-dog household. After all, Totoro is the world’s best lapdog: an easygoing cuddle-bug who likes nothing more than to snooze at my feet while I work. Why would I want to add a high-energy, attention-demanding puppy to the mix?

r YOU LEARN GOOD LEADERSHIP QUALITIES.

Well, they say when your head and heart get into a disagreement, your heart always wins. That was certainly the case when Bombur, an eight-week-old dachshund, bounced into my life.

He’s just shy of a year old now, but he’s taught me an awful lot for such a young dog.

t YOU LEARN THE VALUE OF EVERY MOMENT.

q PUPPIES KEEP YOU ON TOP OF HOUSEKEEPING.

Of course, these lessons aren’t limited just to puppies. But as Bombur has shown me, what really matters is how sharing your life and love with a living creature that depends on you for his well-being is one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever have!

Puppies are inquisitive. If something is within reach, you can be sure they’ll get into it. This includes the laundry hamper, the trash can, bookshelves, your closets and anything else at puppy level.

Nothing will convince you to clean up your clutter as quickly as seeing your pup running around with a mouthful of dirty socks or junk mail.

w THEY GIVE STRUCTURE TO YOUR DAYS.

A new puppy must have his needs catered to. You’ll quickly fall into a rhythm of playtime, mealtime, potty time and naptime, and you learn to structure your own plans around those moments.

For example, you don’t feed your puppy just before you leave for work, when you won’t be able to take him out. And you try to get household chores done while he’s napping rather than underfoot.

e YOU REALIZE MATERIAL THINGS JUST AREN’T THAT IMPORTANT. If you care deeply about your Oriental rug or $300 pair of heels, maybe a new puppy isn’t right for you. Puppies are destructive, and that means a lot of chewing and digging happens before you’re able to train them. And while any pup can be successfully housetrained, some accidents are inevitable. You quickly learn your new friend is worth more than any object he might have destroyed.

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As the responsible adult in your puppy’s life, it’s your job to guide him toward making the right choices – such as what’s appropriate for chewing or whether it’s okay to bark at the neighbors. You have to teach these lessons with a gentle hand, without allowing your emotions to cloud your actions.

Puppies grow up so fast you’d swear they sprout up during the night. Learn to relish every moment you spend with your pup, and be sure to take a lot of pictures. You’ll miss your sweet, goofy pup once he grows up into a handsome dog!

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