V17I3 (Jun/Jul 2015)

ANIMAL WELL WELLNESS

-VY H SVUN OLHS[O` SPML

CROSSTRAINING your dog

Naturopathic ONCOLOGY

New technology

BONE

THAT BRINGS

LOST DOGS

BROTHS

HOME

– the soup craze du jour

4 SIMPLE

STRETCHING EXERCISES to

keep him supple

Acupuncture for joint problems

Have you tried

TREIBBALL? This exciting new sport

Momo Finding

Why people are falling for a fun-filled border collie who loves playing hide and seek

combines herding and obedience

MLSPUL WELLNESS /PW JVVS HUK OLHS[O`

JUNE/JULY 2015 Display until July 13, 2015

MERCURY RY IN HER FISH? ?

$6.95 $6.95USA/Canada USA/Canada

VOLUME VOLUME17 16ISSUE ISSUE3 6

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Contents June/July 2015

48

Features

20 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO CROSS-TRAIN YOUR DOG

Maximize fitness and minimize injury by exercising all his muscle groups.

22 BONE BROTHS

Rich in nutrients, these simple stocks have much to offer and can be enjoyed year round.

26 TREATING CHRONIC PAIN WITH ESWT

Extra-corporeal shock wave therapy eases the discomfort of joint, back, muscle and tendon problems.

30 TRACKING LOST

41TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG MADE EASY

ANIMALS

This company helps you find canine-friendly accommodations – and supports animalrelated causes.

34 4 SIMPLE STRETCHES FOR DOGS

44 ACUPUNCTURE FOR

Technology offers new ways to bring them home.

Help keep him limber with these gentle exercises.

38 HEALING WITH

HYDROTHERAPY

This rehabilitation technique draws on the properties of water to help dogs back on their feet again.

JOINT DISEASE

It can effectively reduce pain, improve mobility and better his quality of life.

48 COVER STORY CAN YOU FIND MOMO?

How a border collie who loves hide and seek inspired a photographic project that’s captured the imagination of thousands.

56 GIVE TREIBBALL A TRY! This canine herding sport is taking the world by storm.

61 PARTNERS IN THERAPY

Meet a human/canine therapy team who’ve made more than 1,000 visits to schools, assisted living facilities, day care centers and more.

62 NATUROPATHIC ONCOLOGY

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Conventional cancer care be debilitating. Alternative therapies like herbal medicine help decrease side effects and improve treatment efficacy.

67 ELK VELVET ANTLER

Domestically raised and humanely harvested – a responsible philosophy is the basis for these premium supplements for dogs and cats.

68 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROVER!

Hosting a party for your dog? Here’s how to ensure a celebration that’s safe and fun for everyone.

80 WHAT HOLISTIC VETS DO

Aside from offering a more natural approach to animal healthcare, how does a holistic veterinarian’s day differ from his conventional counterpart’s?

90 FELINE COVER STORY GET TO KNOW NALA

This gorgeous “undercat” is an internet star and poster child for shelter adoption.

92 GERD IN CATS

It’s more than just “heartburn”. Diet is key to managing this condition.

94 FELINE FITNESS

Cats need exercise at every stage of their lives.

Here are 10 ways to keep Tabby trim.

96 FELV – IT’S NOT A DEATH SENTENCE

A holistic approach gives your cat the best fighting chance against feline leukemia.

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Columns

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14 Yakkity yak 42 Warm & fuzzy 73 Book reviews 76 Passages 78 To the rescue 88 Tail end 98 Feline book reviews

96

Departments 8

Editorial

54

Product picks

59

Animal Wellness resource guide

74

The scoop

82

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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ClassiďŹ eds

Social media

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VOLUME 17 ISSUE 3

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 Web Design & Development: Brad Vader Tail End Illustration: Libby Sinden Cover Image Courtesy of: Andrew Knapp Feline Cover Courtesy of: @nala_cat

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: Andrew Knapp

As you can tell from this photo, Momo has loads of personality and a quirky sense of humor.

This clever border collie is the inspiration behind photographer Andrew Knapp’s “Find Momo” project, an internet sensation that’s now also the topic of two books. Turn to page 48 for the full story.

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nadia Ali Sally E. Bahner Claudia Bensimoun Kris Betker Audi Donamor Barbara Fougere, BSc, BVMS (Hons), BHSc (Comp Med), MODT, MHSc (Herb Med), CVA, CVCP, CVBM Elizabeth Hershey, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), CVA Janice Huntingford, DVM Lisa Jensen Cindy Kneebone, DVM Tom Lloyd Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Sherrie Owens Amanda Page Sean Prichard Karen Shaw Becker, DVM Charlotte Walker Joan Marie Williams 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.

ON THE FELINE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: @nala_cat

Just look at those gorgeous eyes! Nala is a striking Siamese/tabby mix who started life as an unwanted shelter kitten, but is now a social media star and adoption ambassador. Read about her rise to celebrity status on page 90.

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ADVERTISING SALES National Accounts 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

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: May 2015.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS...

ONE READER AT A TIME.

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EDITORIAL

Keeping

fit

One of my greatest memories of our husky, Sabrina, is our daily runs. In the city, of course, she would run on the other end of a leash. For the first mile, she ran for the sheer joy of it, and I struggled to keep up. During the second mile, she slowed down to match my pace and we ran in sync. By the third mile, she switched into “sniff” mode, stopping regularly while I simply ran on the spot. More satisfying were our runs at the cottage, where Sabrina could be off-leash, stopping at whim, then sprinting past me like I was standing still. She would often run ahead, then pause and wait for me to catch up a bit. “C’mon!” she seemed to be saying with a smile, “You should see what’s over this hill!” As Sabrina got much older, our runs turned into walks, which still kept us in shape and gave us our quality time together. It was great for both of us, physically and mentally.

In this issue of Animal Wellness, we cover a multitude of ideas for keeping your own dog or cat active, and his joints in good working order. For starters, why not introduce your dog to treibball, a fun new canine sport that combines herding with

obedience, and provides him with mental stimulation as well as physical exercise? Or engage him in some simple stretching exercises recommended by veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker. We also look at the importance of cross-training, and show you some simple way you can minimize injury and maximize fitness by working all his muscle groups.

When injuries do occur, there are lots of ways to help relieve the discomfort without resorting to drugs. Dr. Janice Huntingford looks at the latest advances in hydrotherapy, while Dr. Elizabeth Hershey explains how acupuncture can reduce pain and improve mobility. A more recent arrival on the veterinary scene, as explained by Dr. Cindy Kneebone, is extra-corporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), another non-invasive way to relieve joint, back or muscle pain in animals.

Be sure to also read our AW and FW cover stories, and meet a clever border collie who inspired “Find Momo”, a fun photographic project that’s taken social media by storm; and Nala, a gorgeous Siamese/tabby cross who’s not only an internet star, but also an ambassador for animal adoption. You’ll find advice on how the latest technology is making it easier to track missing animals, how to plan a birthday party for your favorite pooch, and learn about the amazing health benefits of bone broths. Cat lovers, meanwhile, will want to read up on FeLV (a holistic approach can improve health and longevity), and try out our tips for keeping Fluffy fit and svelte.

Happy reading!

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 coauthored Real Food for Healthy Pets and hosts a holistic animal wellness website (mercolahealthypets.com).

See page 34 for Dr. Becker’s article on simple stretching exercises for dogs.

2. Veterinarian Dr. Barbara Fougere graduated in 1986, and was named the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Educator for 2011.

She is the principal and one of the founders of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.

Dr. Fougere has continued studying over the last 26 years, and has three Bachelor degrees, two Masters degrees, three post-graduate diplomas, several certifications and numerous other courses under her belt. For this issue, she writes about the benefits of naturopathic oncology (page 62).

3. Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Hershey received her DVM from the University of Minnesota. In 2001, she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, subspecialty of oncology. In 2005, she opened Integrative Veterinary Oncology in Phoenix, Arizona. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture and trained in Chinese herbal medicine, food therapy, ozone and ultraviolet light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. She is a member of American Association of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, the AHVMA, and others. Turn to page 44 for Dr. Hershey’s article on acupuncture for joints.

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4. Veterinarian Dr. Janice Huntingford is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, and is certified in animal chiropractic and animal acupuncture.

She received her certification in Veterinary Rehabilitation through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in 2007, and opened Ontario’s first salt water canine therapy pool and rehabilitation center. Dr. Huntingford is a Certified TCVM Practitioner, and a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner. This year, she became a board certified specialist by earning a Diplomate from the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She practices integrative medicine in Essex, Ontario (essexanimalhospital.ca). On page 38, she looks at the latest in hydrotherapy for dogs.

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creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics. His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally. com), is in Plano, Texas. See page 80 for his article on a day in the life of a holistic vet.

7. Audi Donamor has been successfully creating special needs diets for companion animals for nearly 20 years. She is the founder of the University of Guelph’s Smiling Blue Skies® Cancer Fund and Smiling Blue Skies® Fund for Innovative Research, and is the proud recipient of a variety of awards, including a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Turn to page 22 for Audi’s tips on the nutritional benefits of bone broths.

5. Veterinarian Dr. Cindy Kneebone received her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College.

She received diplomas in homeopathy from the British Institute of Homeopathy; in Chinese herbal medicine from Huang Di College of Traditional Chinese Medicine; and in veterinary acupuncture at the Michener Institute. She is certified with the IVAS. Dr. Kneebone practices at the East York Animal Clinic in Toronto. For this issue, she discusses radial shockwave therapy for joint issues (page 26).

8. Sean Prichard is certified in Canine Fitness Training and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. He is the founder and president of canine fitness training company Pant & Wag (pantandwag.com). He relies on his academic, professional and sports background to educate and communicate with humans while training and exercising dogs. He has been a professional dog walker/dog daycare attendant, and a Division I tennis player and former developmental coach certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association. Read his tips on cross-training your dog on page 20.

6. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier wrote The Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs, and 8 Weeks to a Healthy Dog. He’s the pet care expert for Martha Stewart Living’s “Dr. Shawn – The Natural Vet” on Sirius Satellite Radio, and

9. Nadia Ali is a freelance writer who was born in London, England and now lives on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. She is inspired by Cici, her family cat. Her work has been published online and in print. In this issue (page 92), Nadia discusses the ramifications of acid reflux in cats.

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10. Sally E. Bahner specializes in cat-related issues, specifically nutrition, holistic care and behavior. She has offered her services as a feline behavior and care consultant and gives classes on cat care. Sally is the resident cat behavior expert on Tracie Hotchner’s Cat Chat radio program, and a member of the Cat Writers’ Association and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. In this issue (page 94), Sally shows you how to keep your kitty fit and trim.

11. Claudia Bensimoun is a freelance writer in West Palm Beach who specializes in writing about dogs and horses. Check out her article on birthday parties for dogs (page 68).

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CONTRIBUTORS

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12. Lisa Jensen has been a freelance writer since 1990. She writes on numerous subjects but has a special interest in animal topics. She lives with dogs, cats, an African gray parrot and a husband, and her animal family has many times included special needs animals. Lisa attended Idaho and Boise State Universities. On page 96, she shares what she’s learned about FeLV.

explores the latest in high-tech devices for tracking lost animals – see page 30.

Joan Marie Williams is a writer and editor living in Keene, Ontario, where her foster dogs chase balls or snooze until they find their forever homes.

She is the founder of K9training4life, a program that guides young people in training shelter dogs to facilitate canine adoption. In this edition, Joan

Submissions

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter.

Turn to page 56 for her article on Treibball, an exciting new canine sport.

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 ACTING AWARDS

Photo courtesy of Barry Wetcher Photography

Move over, Oscars! American Humane Association’s 2015 T, Puppers and Ice – Best PAWSCARS is honoring the top animal stars in film and television Young Animal Performers with their own acting awards. Here are a few of the winners: The Drop is a tense mob drama notable for being Wolfie – Best Puppy Under Pressure James Gandolfini’s final The cutest star in last year’s infamous movie The Interview was film. At the heart of the undoubtedly Wolfie, a King Charles spaniel. American Humane story is a pit bull puppy Association Certified Animal Safety Representatives were on named Rocco. Because hand to make sure Wolfie was kept safe in the midst of all the three different puppies – T, chaos and action depicted in this controversial film. He was Puppers and Ice – were used never near any explosions, gunfire, or loud noise – all that was to play the same character, added post-production, or a stuffed double was used. makeup was needed to make them all match. AHA Bob (Tom Hardy) is one of the main Nicki and King – Best Chase Sequence made sure the makeup was characters in The Drop, along with pit bull pup Rocco (played by three In Sex Tape, Jason Segal and Cameron Diaz try to track down nontoxic, that none of the different puppies). their personal sex recording which has accidentally been sent to pups were overworked or their friends. As Segal searches one friend’s home, he encounters asked to do anything beyond their capabilities, and that they had a German shepherd – played by two dogs named Nicki and King – a safe and comfortable environment on set and off. and the chase is on. Again, AHA was on set for these scenes. In the treadmill gag, the machine was never running while the dog was Hosted by Pauley Perrette (NCIS) and Lou Wegner (The Pledge, on it; stuffed animals and CGI were used for all the dangerous parts A Christmas Tree Miracle), the 2015 PAWSCARS can be viewed and the full scene was put together in post-production. online at americanhumane.org.

RISE OF THE BULLDOG

TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK!

For the 24th year in a row, the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in the US, says the American Kennel Club (akc.org). But the bulldog is steadily climbing the list and has achieved his highest ranking in the breed’s history, overtaking even the popular beagle. It’s not really surprising, since the gentle bulldog makes an excellent family companion and has an easy-to-care-for coat and minimal exercise needs. His little cousin, the French bulldog, is also rising in popularity and has broken into the top ten for the first time in nearly a century. Here’s the full list: q Labrador retriever w German shepherd e Golden retriever r Bulldog t Beagle y Yorkshire terrier u Poodle i Boxer o French bulldog a Rottweiler

Mark June 26 on your calendar – it’s Take Your Dog To Work Day! Created by Pet Sitters International, this special day encourages people to explore the benefits of having dogs in the workplace. Those interested in participating can download the free 2015 Action Pack from the event website (takeyourdog.com).

It provides step-by-step instructions for planning an office event, addresses common management concerns and includes a sample “dogs at work” policy and event participation forms.

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Dogs in the workplace can help improve morale and reduce stress.

A STEP FORWARD FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION “The way we treat all animals, whether domesticated or wild, reflects our values and has an incredible impact on the livability and vitality of our communities,” says Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) “They not only enrich our lives, they all deserve humane and compassionate treatment.”

This past February, Congressman Blumenauer and Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) announced the re-launch of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus (CAPC). Formed in 2009, the CAPC seeks to highlight important issues affecting animals. It also tracks the progress of relevant legislation and strives to build broad coalitions in support of common sense, humane animal welfare laws and policies.

“The CAPC will be a bipartisan forum to educate, encourage and organize members of Congress to be an effective, powerful voice for animal protection,” adds Congressman Blumenauer.

TOP 10 TOXINS Accidental poisoning is a common veterinary emergency. Over the past two years, in fact, Trupanion (trupanion.com) has paid over $1.3 million in claims for toxicity and poisoning in dogs and cats.

The company recently looked into its database of toxicity and poison claims to find the ten most common culprits. q Chocolate w Rat poison e Common household drugs (like NSAIDs, Advil, and acetaminophen)  Xylitol (commonly found in chewing gum) t Grapes and raisins y Wild mushrooms (many species growing on lawns or in wooded areas are poisonous) u Plants (such as lily or sago palm) i Marijuana (overdose, eating the plants) o Onions a Antifreeze

Carry FRESH WATER when hiking with your dog – DON’T let him drink from PONDS OR STREAMS.

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YAKKITY YAK WANT TO HELP SAVE DOGS?

IN THE WAKE OF CYCLONE PAM On March 14, the island nation of Vanuatu in the south Pacific was slammed by Cyclone Pam. Considered one of the worst natural disasters in the archipelago’s history, the Category 5 storm caused catastrophic damage and left thousands homeless. The worst hit was Epi Island, where whole villages were destroyed, leaving both people and animals dangerously short of shelter and fresh water. Along with other human and animal aid groups, World Animal Protection (formerly the WSPA) headed to the islands in the cyclone’s aftermath to help dogs, cats and livestock animals urgently in need of food, water, veterinary treatment and shelter. worldanimalprotection.ca

Photo courtesy of World Animal Protection/Nicky Kauatonga

A young boy’s puppy received care from the World Animal Protection team sent to Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam.

Professor of veterinary medicine, Dr. Nick Dodman, is studying the human/canine bond, and is looking for volunteers.

Problems with the humancanine bond often lead to behavioral issues in dogs. And because behavioral issues are one of the major reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters, they’re also an indirect cause of shelter overcrowding and unnecessary euthanization.

By learning more about the bond between people and their canines, therefore, many lives could be saved.

Dr. Nick Dodman, a worldrenowned professor of veterinary medicine at Tufts University, and animal behaviorist Dr. James Serpell at the University of Pennsylvania, are embarking on a study to do just that. Working under the auspices of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, the Animal Ownership Interaction Study is examining the factors underlying the bond between humans and canines. By doing so, the potential exists for making inroads into dramatically attenuating the relinquishment and euthanasia of canines. The interactive behavioral aspects to be researched also have a bearing on enhancing human-canine relationships in general, including helping to pair the right person with the right dog in the course of adoption.

Volunteers are needed to make this study a success. You can participate by registering for free at centerforcaninebehaviorstudies.org.

“GET HEALTHY, GET A DOG” Looking for a way to get healthy or stay that way? Get a dog!

That’s the advice of a new report on the health benefits of canine companionship from Harvard Medical School and MSPCA-Angell.

Get Healthy, Get a Dog delves into the many ways dogs can improve the health of their human partners. Authored by Dr. Elizabeth Pegg Frates, Clinical Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, and Dr. Lisa Moses, Staff Veterinarian at Angell Animal Medical Center, the report shows that dogs can: • Provide companionship • Boost your activity level • Help you become calmer, more mindful and more present in your life • Encourage kids to be more active, social, secure and responsible

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• Improve the lives of older individuals • Help you feel more social and less isolated The report also highlights the responsibilities and steps people should take to ensure a healthy lifestyle for their canines, from daily physical activity and healthy nutrition to veterinary care and obedience training. It can be purchased online at health.harvard.edu/dogsheal.

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YAKKITY YAK COMPANION ANIMAL SPENDING KEEPS RISING We love our animals, and a lot of that love is reflected in how much we spend on caring for them. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) recently announced that overall spending for 2014 exceeded $58 billion.

Pet food accounts for a large percentage of that spending, coming in at more than $20 billion over the year. As the pet food industry continues to mirror human food and diet trends, people are more aware of the quality and source of the foods they’re giving their animals, and are paying extra for better diets.

Animal services, which include grooming, boarding, walking, training, daycare and even spa services, was the spending sector with the largest growth, at close to 10%. Second is veterinary care spending, at just under 5% growth from 2013; even though actual visits to the vet have plateaued and even decreased, expenditures per visit continue to go up as more expensive procedures grow in popularity. americanpetproducts.org

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SHARE YOUR STORY Situated in Acton, California, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue is a 115-acre nokill sanctuary that’s home to more than 1,500 dogs, cats and other animals. Founded in the fall of 1979 by Leo Grillo, one of the pioneers of the no-kill movement, it’s a “care for life” sanctuary. D.E.L.T.A is marking its 35th anniversary, and to celebrate, Leo is compiling a book called Rainbow Bridge is Real, a collection of stories about how animals and their human friends bond together forever. He is currently soliciting stories and photos from across the country – if you have something you’d like to share, send it for consideration to donate@deltarescue.org. deltarescue.org PIN

CIRO

ROMEO

TABBY

The dogs and cats of D.E.L.T.A Rescue have a home for life at the Acton, California sanctuary.

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5CROSS-TRAIN

simple ways to your dog

By Sean Prichard

Do

you cross-train your canine companion? It may sound rather intimidating, but it simply means engaging him in a variety of different exercises to ensure all his muscle groups get worked. It’s a great way to maximize his fitness while minimizing the risk of injury.

It can admittedly be more challenging to cross-train your dog than yourself, since he doesn’t have access to the equipment human gyms offer. However, with some creativity and a little practice, you can find more than enough types of cross-training exercises. Here are five simple suggestions.

Participating in just one type of exercise, such as walking or running on flat surfaces, only works certain muscle groups but not others. This can result in an overuse of some muscles and an underuse of others, causing an imbalance that may lead to injury. Cross-training aims to eliminate this.

RUN OVER DIFFERENT TERRAINS

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Cross-training your dog doesn’t just reduce injuries; it also enhances his fitness and saves you time. Dogs, like humans, become conditioned to the same exercise routines. Unlike us, however, a dog’s conditioning takes place incredibly fast. He might become tired after his first long run, but by his third or fourth he’ll be completely conditioned to it. Without crosstraining, the only way to advance this dog’s fitness level would be to run further and longer – but few people have the time or energy to run with their dogs several hours a day. With crosstraining, you can keep your dog both physically and mentally stimulated by incorporating different exercises into his fitness regimen, without having to add extra time or distance.

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Walking or running your dog around the neighborhood works the same muscles every time. But going uphill works different muscles than going downhill, and both work different muscles than running on a flat surface. Vary the terrain your dog walks or runs on to hit different muscle groups.

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CLIMB STAIRS

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Climbing stairs is a great way to work your dog’s leg, shoulder, hip and lower back muscles. Each step requires the dog to lift his entire body weight through the height of the stair. Going downstairs involves negative contraction of the quadriceps, intensifying the workout considerably. Additionally, stair climbing helps the dog with coordination and agility.

HIKE, HIKE, HIKE Wooded areas provide a natural cross-training environment.

Jumping over logs, rummaging through brush, scaling ridges and valleys, and climbing over rocks provide a full body workout.

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TRY A BALANCE BALL

Give your dog’s joints a rest by using a balance ball. This impact-free workout will increase his core strength, balance and range of motion. It’s an especially great exercise for elongated dogs like Corgis and dachshunds, which are prone to lower back injuries, as well as giant breeds such as mastiffs and great Danes, whose core and back muscles have to support a tremendous amount of weight. And since it can be done inside, inclement weather is no excuse not to do it!

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USE A DOG BACKPACK Adding weight with a dog backpack is a great way to intensify his workout. Dogs will often change their gaits to compensate for added weight and this works their muscles in a way they rarely get worked otherwise.

Check with your veterinarian before starting any new exercise regime. Once your dog has been cleared, he’ll be ready for a crosstraining program that will help keep him healthy and happy for years to come!

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Bone broths

By Audi Donamor

Rich in nutrients, these simple stocks have much to offer and can be enjoyed year round.

D gs Cats

We have come a long way since I first wrote about bone broths.

Back then, I was often asked what they were and what they were good for. Today, mineral-rich bone broths are the soup craze du jour. In fact, just this past March, six popular restaurants in New York came together to host the city’s first Broth Fest!

The most basic bone broths are made with bones, water, and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apple cider vinegar releases calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur and other trace minerals and amino acids from the bones into the broth. Once you have your basic broth, you can add all kinds of nutritious and delicious ingredients to it, from carrots and celery, to shiitake, maitake and reishi mushrooms, to Kombu kelp (see sidebar on page 24).

Bone booster broths, as I call them, are also a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine. According to TCM, carrots can be added to broths to aid digestion; celery to support the large intestine; fennel for an upset stomach; wild rice to support the kidneys and bladder; and quinoa as a kidney tonic and heart support.

Bone booster broths are a powerhouse of nutrients, including protein, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, as well as amino

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acids and glycine, collagen, keratin and gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. The University of Nebraska Medical Center conducted a study on chicken soup, and found it was beneficial to the immune system because chicken broth inhibits neutrophil migration. So your mother knew what she was doing when she gave you chicken soup when you were sick!

Bone booster broths are also excellent for your dog or cat.

They’re an easy way to provide him with quick nourishment, support the healing process, and give him an extra boost during strenuous activities. Each of the broths featured in this article is easy to make and store in the freezer. And they’re not just for winter – they can also be served cool in the summer or frozen in ice cube trays for treats. They also make excellent meal toppers.

The ingredient choices for bone booster broths are almost endless, but do try to use organic, free-range or pastured meats with no antibiotics or hormones – from chicken and duck to goose, turkey or beef. You can even add chicken or sheep liver to help support liver health.

In short, bone booster broths are health tonics we can all share!

h

t o br r e t s o bo e n bo f e be r o y r Poult Ingredients ds

bones OR chicken or turkey 1 to 2 poun or knuckle bones 2 large beef marrow (optional) • 2 cloves garlic ar (not white apple cider vineg • 1 tablespoon on m ½ lem vinegar) or juice fro r te wa • Filtered rly) parsley (flat or cu • ½ cup fresh

•

or e bones, vinegar s Instructionnic possible. Place th er ev er. en ok wh co ts w en slo ingredi or other

t, crockpot Choose orga in a large soup po ulates” and rlic ga d an , ce jui ming the “partic im sk lemon il, bo a to mer. Leave the d water. Bring e heat to a low sim th Cover with filtere wn do re rn tu en the top, th few minutes befo foam that rise to the parsley just a d t Ad . ea ht m e nig th or all y all da s, but keep bones to simmer Discard the bone s. ne bo e th m fro h t. you drain the brot for your dog or ca great meal topper a as e lag rti ca d an ding them to your ef bones before ad be e th ted n ow br h, ef brot g them in a prehea For extra tasty be ting pan and bakin as ro a in em th ng stock pot by putti minutes.

425°F oven for 40 in e week, or frozen fridge for up to on e th d in rre s fe jar ns s tra as gl d in these can be Broth can be store zed portions too; -si be cu ice on up containers. Stock onths. d stored for six m to freezer bags an

Stock that rocks

Ingredients

24 cups filtered water 3 pounds chicken necks and backs • 2 carro ts, in pieces • 2 ce lery stalks, in piec es • 3 shiit ake mushrooms, dried or fresh • 2 ga rlic cloves (optio nal) • 1 piec e fresh ginger • 12 pe ppercorns • 1 to 2 tablespoons ko sher salt or sea sa • Hand lt, to taste ful fresh parsley, flat or curly •

•

Additional options:

Chicken feet, fo r extra gelatin Other fresh herb s to taste – e.g. thyme, oregano, 1 piece of turmer sage, marjoram ic or ½ teaspoon powdered turmer ic

Instructions

Choose organic ingredients when ever possible. Pu stock pot. Bring t all ingredients to a rolling boil, in a large skim off the foam simmer, and leav , turn the heat do e the pot to sit an wn to d stew all day. Re morning, skim of frigerate overnigh f the fat, remove t. Next the meat and ve into storage cont getables, strain ainers and freez the stock e. This will give to add to any re you a nutrient-d cipe, including bi ense broth scuits and treats, meals. or as a topper fo r regular

Continued on page 24. animal wellness

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Continued from page 23.

Longevity broth

Fiskesuppe Ingredients fish

the s, tails, and including head s, ne bo 2 pounds cleaning trimmings after salt a se on 1 teaspo af le y 1 ba ter or curly parsley 4 cups filtered wa d, including flat de ad be so al Herbs can

For a very simple bro th, visit an organic bu tcher for chicken and pork bones. Place bones on a cutting bo ard and very carefully crush them with a mallet or hamm er. Place in a sauce pot, and cover with filtered water an d lots of fresh ginger. Bring to a bo il, then turn down to a simmer and leave to bubble away for one hour. Sieve, co ol and serve.

Instructionsnic

all possible. Put nts whenever ie ed wn gr in do rn Tu Choose orga Bring to a boil. large stock pot. remove the en Th . ur ingredients in a ho e w simmer for on using a very the heat to a lo out the bones, in ra st d an e ov er a clean pot. pot from the st pulled tightly ov th clo se move ee ch en spoon to re fine sieve or a ladle or wood of ck ba e th Press with all liquid. d a variety of h, you can ad ot br ur ps. yo ve nnel or parsni Once you ha and celery, fe ts rro ca e lik , vegetables too. great addition Potatoes are a

Healthy broth additions • Kombu kelp is the largest of the sea vegetables. It is a meaty high protein seaweed that supports liver, stomach and kidney function. Kombu contains iodine, carotenes, vitamins B, C, D and E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silica, iron and zinc, and is higher in natural mineral salts than most other seaweeds. Kombu also contains glutamine and fucoidan, a complex polysaccharide. In Japan, studies have shown that when fucoidan is administered to cancer cells in a Petri dish, the cells are destroyed within 72 hours through a self-induced process called “apotosis”. Simply soak dried Kombu pieces in filtered water until they are soft. Drain and cut into small pieces, filling ½ to 1 cup, and add to your bone broths.

• Parsley improves digestion and is beneficial for kidney and urinary tract ailments. It contains vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, calcium, chlorophyll, iron and magnesium.

• Shiitake mushrooms have a long and storied history, going back over 1,000 years to ancient China, where they were considered a symbol of longevity. They contain an active compound called lentinan, a beta-glucan that supports the immune system and helps fight infection. Beta-glucan has also been shown to have anti-cancer activity.

• Turmeric has been used for health and healing as far back as 250BC, when it was cited in a Sanskrit medical treatise used in Ayurvedic and Unami medical systems as an ingredient to combat food poisoning. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. It contains the active compound, curcumin, a more powerful antioxidant than vitamin E that provides essential disease-fighting compounds that protect the body by neutralizing free radicals.

• Garlic is a controversial ingredient with some, but a dog would need to consume a full container of spilled garlic, or two whole bulbs, in order to develop the toxicity seen with the ingestion of onions. Holistic veterinarians all over the world encourage the feeding of garlic because of its many nutritional and medicinal benefits.

Garlic contains potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamins A, B1 and C, calcium, manganese, copper and iron. It has been found to have antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Garlic helps to stabilize blood pressure and supports the immune system.

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25

TREATING CHRONIC PAIN WITH ESWT

By Cindy Kneebone, DVM

D gs Cats

Recently introduced to veterinary medicine, extra-corporeal shock wave therapy eases the discomfort of many joint, back, muscle and tendon problems.

C

hronic pain can be debilitating and draining. What you may not know is that it’s a learned pain, and an illness in itself.

For example, consider a dog with shoulder pain. When he puts his weight on the sore leg, he develops a protective posture. In other words, the shoulder muscles contract to protect the leg from impact, thereby creating a limp. This contraction also leads to a reduction in blood flow to the area, a decrease in proper muscle function, and a buildup of lactic acid and other chemicals that maintain inflammation. If the pain is persistent, it becomes stored in the brain and at that point becomes a chronic illness, a memory engram. Every time the muscle contracts, the brain thinks there’s going to be pain, and that perpetuates it and makes it chronic. The pain switch is always in the “on” position because the initial (acute) painful event was not remedied.

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Conventional treatments for chronic pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and non-opioid drugs, but what happens when the pain can no longer be successfully or safely treated with these chemicals? Recent research and advances in veterinary physiotherapy have opened doors on many new ways to help reduce or eliminate chronic pain. These include massage therapy, therapeutic exercises, acupuncture, lasers, ultrasound, TENS therapy, hyperthermia, nutraceuticals, support devices like braces and wheelchairs – and more recently, extra-corporeal shock wave therapy or ESWT.

ESWT EXPLAINED ESWT is used in human medicine for the breakdown and disintegration of kidney stones. But it has some interesting side effects – it reduces pain and stimulates healing in areas of the body not related to the kidney stones. In other words, people

with sore backs were no longer feeling their back pain. Hence, ESWT can be an effective way to deal with chronic pain in companion animals.

ESWT is administered via shock waves generated within a handheld unit placed on the affected area. The animal’s hair is first shaved, and a gel is applied to the skin to conduct the pressure waves.

THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF ESWT UNIT

1 2

Focused shock wave devices deliver waves deeply into the tissues. However, this deep penetration can be painful and usually requires sedation or analgesia in order for the treatment to be performed.

Radial shock wave units create a wave of pressure closer to the skin’s surface; this is less painful and can be used without sedation to treat joints and tendons. The radial head can be pressed more firmly on the area, sending the waves deeper into the tissue; or backed off to lessen the wave’s intensity if the animal finds it too uncomfortable.

Shock waves provide analgesic effects via a number of mechanisms. ESWT causes hyper-stimulation of the nerves that send pain to the brain, thus blocking the nerve pain impulse according to the gate-control theory. ESWT distorts the cell membranes so the pain receptors cannot build up a pain firing potential. It causes a buildup of free radicals in the area, which stimulates the release of chemicals to inhibit pain. ESWT also allows for new blood vessels to grow in the tissue, which helps remove inflammatory chemicals and debris and allows proper nutrients to reach the area. In chronic conditions, the tissue is

more fibrotic and ESWT helps to remove the scarring. It can also improve muscle rigidity and spasticity through all the above healing mechanisms.

Continued on page 28.

What are the contraindications?

There are some situations in which ESWT should not be used: • Immediately after surgery. ESWT should be used only after eight weeks of healing have occurred following any joint surgery.

• When metal implants are used in knee operations; ESWT should not be used directly over these implants.

• If the injury is acute; ESWT is meant only for chronic conditions.

• If there’s a tumor in the treatment area, whether on the skin, within the muscle or in the bone.

• When a young animal is still growing.

• If the animal has a bleeding disorder or there’s an infection in the area.

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Shock waves provide analgesic effects via a number of mechanisms.

Continued from page 27.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM A TREATMENT? ESWT can be used for joint conditions in the hip, knee or elbow, and for tendinopathies in the shoulder. It can also be used for back soreness, muscle pain and bursitis. It’s important to know, however, that every case has to be individually evaluated for ESWT by a veterinarian knowledgeable in this type of therapy.

ESWT treatments are usually given every two weeks for a total of three. Possible side effects include some bruising and swelling, and a temporary worsening of the condition that usually subsides in two days. Be patient. It can take several weeks for ESWT to take full effect, and up to a month after treatments have finished for pain relief to be noticed. Sessions can be repeated after a month following final treatment to increase the benefits and maintain a pain-free or reduced pain status.

Any pain medication should be withheld for two days before ESWT treatment is applied to the body. Because we are dealing with a chronic condition, adjuvant therapies such as massage are also recommended.

Given the detrimental effects of conventional pain medications when used long-term, the addition of extra-corporeal shockwave therapy to the list of alternative treatments for chronic pain is a definite advantage.

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Track ing lost animals

By Joan Marie Williams

D gs Cats

Technology offers NEW WAYS to bring them home.

“Hopeless and helpless.” That’s how Massachusetts native Jenni Kung says she felt when her dog Lexy went missing. One day, the Lab/terrier mix deviated from her usual routine; instead of trotting indoors after Jenni, she bolted after a neighbor’s dog into the path of a minivan. Despite being injured, she kept on running. Jenni ran after her, but before she knew it, Lexy was out of sight.

Millions of animals go missing each year in the US and Canada. If it’s ever happened to you, you know the feelings of panic and dread, the inability to rest until you get him back.

You search the streets. You phone animal control, shelters and animal hospitals. You plaster utility poles with pictures and posters.

The good news is that technology is making it easier to locate lost and missing animals. Along with traditional ID tags and microchips, there’s now a growing market of collars or collar add-ons that use GPS (global positioning systems), Bluetooth technology, cell phones and smart phone applications to locate lost animals (more on these later). And thanks to the internet and social media, numerous online networks are sprouting up to help reunite missing animals with their families by spreading the word far and wide whenever a dog or cat gets lost.

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For Jenni and her boyfriend, Mark Puglisi, the hours following Lexy’s disappearance were fraught with anxiety.“It was already starting to get dark,” Jenni says. She and Mark cruised up and down the streets of Quincy and surrounding towns. Although Lexy was microchipped, she wasn’t wearing an ID tag, so Jenni – unable to sleep – spent the rest of the night calling police, leaving messages with animal control, local shelters and pet hospitals. She posted Lexy’s disappearance on Facebook and checked and rechecked Craigslist for found dogs.

The next day, Mark continued searching by car while Jenni roamed the area on foot looking for any sign of her dog. “At that point, I just knew Lexy was nowhere near home,” she says. “She would have come back.”

And then, someone who had seen Jenni’s Facebook posting sent her a link to the Missing Dogs Massachusetts (MDM) website.

MDM is one of the many networks of volunteers dedicated to reconnecting dogs with their human parents. Established this past January, the organization’s Facebook page attracted 10,000 followers within a month. “The more ‘eyes’ we have, the better,” says Beth Corr, Board President.

Beth adds that when an animal goes missing, fear naturally takes over. “People panic and don’t know what to do.” For anxious guardians, MDM’s website offers a recovery blueprint: step-by-

step instructions on what to do and when.

It shows you how to create eye-catching posters and flyers, as well as fill out a form that MDM volunteers can use to create a virtual lost-dog flyer on their Facebook page.

The volunteers will even set up live traps and help post signs around neighborhoods.

By now, Lexy had been missing for 36 hours.

Jenni and Mark spent the morning writing up “lost dog” signs according to MDM’s template.

Yet another day went by. Then someone who had seen Jenni’s flyer on MDM’s Facebook page contacted her. The caller was certain she’d spotted Lexy in an industrial park five miles from Jenni and Mark’s home. They jumped in the car and drove.

Until recently, the identification technology most of us relied on may have been our animals’ microchips. But an embedded chip is a passive device; it requires a veterinary clinician or shelter officer to scan the number, and then track the animal’s family down.

“Today’s technology helps you find your own animal,” says California-based electronics engineer, Synette Tom. “And that reduces worry.” Here are three examples of high-tech ways to track down missing animals.

q Along with her sister, Sheri Loui, Synette is the creator of Gibi, a slim, lightweight GPS-based device that attaches to existing dog and cat collars. It can track

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and display the whereabouts of an animal in real time. “Someone who lives in Los Angeles but has travelled to New York can see on the app exactly where her animal is back in California,” says Synette, adding that the device also works well for locating lost dogs or cats. You define “safe zones” using your desktop computer, tablet, Smartphone or Android device; safe zones could be a backyard, a dog park, or the route to your kids’ school. If a Gibi-enabled animal goes beyond those boundaries, you’re alerted via text or email, and the app allows you to see on your screen where he can be found.

PetHub digital ID tags each bear an individual QR code.

When it comes to satellite technology, accuracy is affected by atmospheric conditions like temperature, air pressure or humidity, and terrestrial features such as dense undergrowth or tall buildings. Synette says the Gibi is accurate to within ten feet, and operates within a temperature range of 14°F to 131°F.

w PetHub

is another company that uses technology to streamline the process of finding lost animals. You add your dog or cat to the company’s National Recovery Database, buy one of their digital ID tags, and link the tag’s individual QR code with the PetHub Protection Program. If your animal goes missing, you can flag him as lost on your account and the service forwards a lost-animal profile to local shelters, pet stores, and other locales.

Someone who finds your animal can tap the tag with a Smartphone or scan the QR code to access your contact numbers. GPS data can be pulled from the mobile device used by the finder so that both you and PetHub know exactly where your animal was scanned.

The person finding your animal can also call the company’s 24-hour hotline, or log onto the website; the operator then accesses your animal’s profile, calls you, and facilitates his return. It’s proving to be an effective system. Since its start-up five years ago, PetHub reports that 500 animals have been returned to families worldwide – 97% of them in less than one day and 25% of those in under one hour.

ENSURE HIS SAFE RETURN Arden Collar, ardencollar.com (launching this fall, available for pre-order: collar + software: $149 to $350/domestic cellular network $5 to $10 monthly/rechargeable battery life: seven days/backup battery life: one year) Finding Rover, findingrover.com (uses facial recognition software) Gibi, getgibi.com (device: $129.99/service: $99 yearly/rechargeable battery life: five days Missing Dogs Massachusetts, missingdogsmass.com PetHub, pethub.com (tags: $10 to $20/service: free + purchased upgrades/ replaceable battery life: six to 12 months PiP, pipmypet.com (uses facial recognition software)

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e Fear

of losing her own dog Midi has inspired singer/songwriter Jann Arden to design the Arden pet collar, which comes out this fall.

It will not only use GPS, but also cellular SIM technology (SIM is an acronym for “Subscriber Identity Module”, a smart microprocessor chip). This acts as a backup tracker when a satellite cannot read an Travis sports a Gibi GPS-based animal’s location because he device on his collar. taken cover under a bridge or in deep foliage. In either tracking mode, the Arden application will map the animal’s location on the device so his person can fetch him immediately.

Even more SOPHISTICATED technologies are starting to appear, including facial recognition software as well as embedded GPS devices powered not by batteries, but by the animal’s own muscle energy!

Additionally, when you activate the Arden app’s emergency “strobe” mode, the silicone collar will flash bright LED lights that keep a roaming animal visible both day and night. For the person who finds the dog or cat, an NFC (near field communications) chip automatically displays information that enables him/her to reunite your animal with you. A Smartphone within two feet of the animal can retrieve contact information and any other data the owner has entered. (To ensure privacy, this info appears only in strobe mode.) For those without cell phones, a web address will be embossed into the collar, and the finder can retrieve the animal’s information via the internet.

As amazing as these devices are, even more sophisticated technologies are starting to appear, including facial recognition software as well as embedded GPS devices powered not by batteries, but by the animal’s own muscle energy!

Nearly 45 hours after her dog went missing, Jenni found Lexy at the industrial park. The dog was sore and dehydrated after her ordeal, and Jenni and Mark drove her straight to the vet, where she received the treatment she needed.

Jenni was awed by the number of complete strangers who helped her bring Lexy home, and grateful for the technology that connected them. She and Mark are now also considering a GPS-enabled device. When asked what it was like to find her dog after almost two days, Jenni said,“I’ve never felt joy like that before.” animal wellness

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4 SIMPLE STRETCHES for dogs

By Karen Shaw Becker, DVM

Help keep him limber with these gentle exercises.

Give yourself a stretch. Notice how good it feels, and how it helps you feel more relaxed and supple. Your dog can benefit from stretching too. In fact, gentle stretching exercises are a wonderful way to improve his well-being, whether he’s an athlete, senior citizen, a giant breed, or just deserving of some extra attention (and what dog isn’t?).

• Dogs who are getting up in years are prone to joint problems, muscle loss, decreased flexibility, and the aches and pains of an aging body. Stretching can help alleviate these issues.

• If your dog is an athlete – especially in a strenuous sport like flyball or agility – he’s putting stress on his body whenever he competes. Stretching is extremely beneficial for him.

• Large and giant breeds typically have more musculoskeletal problems than smaller dogs, so keeping your big guy or gal lean, strong and supple with stretches will serve him well throughout his life.

YOU CAN KEEP HIM FLEXIBLE Conventional veterinary medicine doesn’t have much to offer dogs with sore bodies beyond drugs and surgery, and these treatments are typically attempted only after a problem has developed and the animal’s mobility and quality of life are

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compromised. That’s why natural therapies like stretching, regular physical activity and chiropractic are so important to maintaining your dog’s comfort and flexibility, no matter what his age or activity level.

All it takes is a few minutes a day to help your dog preserve and even improve his mobility and range of motion – and prevent or alleviate pain. The key is to do it consistently. Daily walks followed by a short session of gentle stretching are a great way to keep him limber and conditioned for a lifetime.

FOCUS ON THE HIPS, SHOULDERS AND BACK Stretching is especially beneficial for three areas of your dog’s body – the hips, shoulders and back. The following stretches, done slowly and gently, are well tolerated by most dogs. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to do these stretches, consider asking your veterinarian or a veterinary chiropractor to demonstrate them for you so you can do them at home.

For most of these stretches, it’s best if your dog is standing, but you can also do them when he’s lying on his side, or in the case of the chest stretch, on his back. Needless to say, if he shows any sign of pain during stretching, discontinue the movement and have him seen by your vet or rehab therapist as soon as possible to determine where the pain is coming from.

Tips for

1

1

r. Becker’s husband demonstrates the hip stretch on their D rescue dog, Roscoe.

STRETCHING THE HIP FLEXORS

successful stretching

Following these guidelines will help your dog (and you) get the most out of your stretching sessions: • Do the exercises in a safe, quiet environment – a place where your dog feels completely at ease.

• Set a mental intention to heal or comfort your dog.

• Be gentle and patient, and stay present in the moment.

• Follow your dog’s lead.

The hip flexors are muscles that allow your dog to move his legs and • Observe him for any signs of discomfort hips while walking, trotting or running. To stretch the hip flexors, or uneasiness and adjust your approach as ask your dog to stand, and grasp a back leg above the knee. Gently and necessary. slowly move the leg back straight out behind your dog’s body. When you • Take note of bumps, lumps, areas of reach a point of resistance, where further extension would require applying heat or sensitivity, and changes in pressure, hold the leg in position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat this stretch two or the skin or fur. Discuss anything three times with each back leg.

Benefits your dog will receive from this stretch include increased movement and flexibility in the hips and spine, improved conditioning of the lower back, hip and leg muscles, and a reduction in arthritis-related discomfort and pain.

Continued on page 36.

out of the ordinary with your veterinarian.

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2

2

Roscoe enjoys a shoulder stretch. Pick a quiet, relaxing spot, either indoors or out, in which to do these exercises.

Continued from page 35.

STRETCHING THE SHOULDER FLEXORS Shoulder flexors enable smooth movement and proper use of your dog’s front legs. To stretch them, have your dog stand and grasp a front leg above the elbow.

Place your other hand under the elbow to stabilize it, and gently move the leg forward (imagine you’re teaching your dog do a “high five”). At the point of resistance, hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat two or three times with each front leg.

Not only does this stretch improve the integrity of the dog’s shoulder structure, it also benefits the wrists and elbows, and increases his breathing capacity by loosening his chest muscles.

STRETCHING THE BACK

3

For the back stretch, move a treat slowly towards your dog’s tail so he’ll turn his head to follow it, stretching his body into a “C” shape. Do this exercise on both sides of the dog.

This stretch requires a few training treats. With your dog standing, position yourself to one side of her and move the treat slowly in the direction of her tail, encouraging her to follow it with her eyes – turning only her head. This will require her to bend her body into a “C” shape. Hold her in this position for 15 to 30 seconds, then step to her other side and repeat the exercise. Do two or three stretches on each side.

After you’ve stretched your dog’s back, she’ll really enjoy a sacrum and back rub. The sacrum is the area in front of the base of the tail, between the hipbones.

Using light pressure and circular movements, massage the hard flat surface of the sacrum. Move your hands slowly up your dog’s spine and back, using gentle massage strokes. Regular sacrum and back rubs decrease anxiety, increase the flow of spinal fluid, enhance mobility in the hips and spine, and help bring your dog’s body into balance.

4

STRETCHING THE CHEST

4a

The chest stretch helps to relieve strain in the dog’s chest muscles. Remember to be gentle when doing this and any other stretches.

4b

Don’t make your dog lie on his back if he doesn’t like it. Because Roscoe isn’t happy being on his back, Dr. Becker’s other dog, Ada, demonstrates this version of the chest stretch.

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a)

Here’s one more stretch to try. The muscles in your dog’s chest undergo a great deal of strain from day to day. This exercise is called an abduction stretch, meaning a stretch away from center. With your dog standing, grasp one front leg near the wrist and gently open it out to the side. Hold for several seconds and release. Repeat with the other front leg.

b)

You can also do this stretch while your dog is lying on his back, if he is comfortable doing so. Grasp both front legs near the wrists and gently open them out to the side. Hold for several seconds, release and repeat. Since your dog may also expect a chest or tummy rub (he’s on his back, after all!), you can relax him further by giving a gentle chest massage using light pressure and circular strokes.

Regular stretching not only helps keep your dog’s muscles supple and flexible; it also boosts circulation, increases oxygenation and hydration, produces a calm and contented feeling, and enhances the bond you share with him.

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Healing with

Hydrotherapy

This rehabilitation technique draws on the properties of water to help dogs back on their feet again.

By Janice Huntingford, DVM

You know how soothing water can be.

A warm bath can do wonders to relax stiff muscles and calm stressed nerves. People have been enjoying the benefits of warm water therapy for millennia.

Water can also help with healing. Hydrotherapy, also called aquatic therapy, has become an important part of physical rehabilitation following injury or surgery. It was initially used for horses; the first equine hydro-treadmill was developed in the early 1970s. In the mid-1980s, the hydro-treadmill also became available for human patients. And in 1998, TOPS Veterinary Rehab near Chicago introduced the use of hydro-treadmills for dogs. Since then, hydrotherapy, whether in a pool or on an underwater treadmill, has proved to be a valuable tool for canine rehabilitation.

AQUATIC THERAPY HAS MANY ADVANTAGES Hydrotherapy relies on the properties of water to help with the rehabilitation process.

• The water provides buoyancy that aids in the rehabilitation of weak muscles and painful joints. This buoyancy allows the patient to stand and exercise while minimizing the amount of weight his sore joints have to bear. If a dog is immersed in water to mid-chest, his joints are only bearing 38% of the weight they would on dry land. With less of a load on painful joints, the dog is able to exercise more comfortably. A paralyzed dog, meanwhile,

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is more willing to walk in water than on land because the water holds him up and prevents him from falling. This greatly reduces his anxiety about exercising. Weak patients are able to move more comfortably in water than on land.

• Aquatic therapy is also useful for swollen joints or limbs, and other tissues that are retaining fluid. This is because the water pressure reduces swelling and provides stimulation to the nerve receptors in the skin. This stimulation decreases the animal’s pain perception and allows him to exercise with considerably less discomfort.

• The resistance of the water allows the dog to get a more intense workout in a shorter period of time.

• Exercising in water has many additional benefits. It improves strength and muscular endurance, cardiovascular fitness, range of motion, and well-being. Most dogs find water exercise, particularly swimming, to be fun. Dogs recovering from anterior cruciate surgery, fractures, neurological conditions, and tendon or ligament injuries benefit greatly from aquatic therapy as part of their rehabilitation. Overweight, arthritic and senior dogs, or those with hip dysplasia or spondylosis (a disease of the spine) are also candidates for hydrotherapy.

Increasingly, swimming or underwater treadmill walking is used with sporting dogs for conditioning and to maintain fitness in the off season.

Continued on page 40.

CASE STUDY – Spencer Spencer (seen at right) is a 12-year-

walk while the treadmill moved. A therapist

old

neutered miniature Schnauzer who

was in the treadmill with him to place his

presented to our rehabilitation facility unable

feet so he could relearn how to move his

to walk. He had a fi brocartilagenous embolism legs properly. During rest periods in the involving his spinal cord. This happens when

treadmill, Spencer received a stimulating

disc material from the intervertebral disc

water massage to “wake up” his muscles

ruptures into the spinal blood vessels, causing

and nerves.

an obstruction (embolism) similar to a blood clot. This embolism prevents normal blood fl ow to parts of the spine, and the nerves in that area stop functioning and die. This leaves the dog paralyzed in at least one limb.

After fi ve sessions, Spencer started to move his legs on his own. Soon after that, he regained enough strength to start walking outside the treadmill. He continued to make progress, building up strength in his back leg muscles by

Spencer was paralyzed in both back legs and

walking backwards in the water, and doing

his muscles were quite weak. He was treated

balance exercises during session breaks. His

with pain medication, acupuncture and

owners also did exercises with him at home

exercise therapy. The hydro-treadmill was also

and he continued to have acupuncture and

added because his muscles were spastic as

pain meds.

well as weak; warm water is known to facilitate weak muscles, reduce spasms and increase nerve conduction velocity.

Now, almost one year later, Spencer can walk, run and play just like any other dog, though he still comes for regular treatment.

The buoyancy and viscosity of the water

Rehabilitation therapy worked extremely well

allowed Spencer to stand and attempt to

for him.

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39

Continued from page 38.

TODAY’S TREADMILLS ARE HIGH TECH Unlike the original models, hydro-treadmills now are quite high tech. They have been redesigned for easy cleaning and so that the temperature and level of the water can be adjusted. The water temperature in most hydro-treadmills is maintained between 80°F and 90°F since warmer water is beneficial to neurological patients.

However, cooler temperatures may be desired for conditioning.

Many hydro-treadmills have jets for resistance swimming and also feature an incline function – great for conditioning sporting dogs.

Often, if a dog is nervous about water, he will be fine in the hydrotreadmill because there is no swimming involved. Most underwater treadmills have glass sides so the patient can see “mom” or “dad” for reassurance and encouragement.

Many hydro-treadmills have jets for resistance swimming and also feature an incline function – great for conditioning sporting dogs.

Many of the newer models can also run without water so they double as dry treadmills. Land or dry treadmills may be used for limb strengthening and to improve endurance in canine athletes.

They will often be used later in rehabilitation, when a dog is ready to return to sport, to improve cardiovascular fitness.

Assistive devices such as life jackets, floatation cuffs and therapy bands may be used in the pool or hydro-treadmill to assist in walking or swimming, or to improve joint range of motion during recovery. As the patient recovers use of the affected limb, weights are sometimes added for extra resistance and to facilitate muscle strengthening.

PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS Some precautions need to be taken before instituting a hydrotherapy program for a dog. Animals with open wounds or sores, and those that have breathing difficulties or heart disease are not candidates for aquatic therapy. In addition, if a dog panics in water, swimming may not be right for him as he may injure himself thrashing about.

Lifejackets, swim buddies and competent aquatic therapists may be able to assist such a dog get used to a pool, but a hydro-treadmill might be a better option. The therapist must determine the dog’s fitness level as swimming in particular can be very strenuous. After surgery, it is not uncommon for a dog to be able to swim or walk in an underwater treadmill for only a short time, due to fatigue.

A variety of injuries and health conditions can negatively impact a dog’s mobility, causing pain, stiffness, paralysis, balance issues and more. Hydrotherapy is an effective way to help an affected dog regain his ability to walk normally – and that in turn improves his happiness and quality of life.

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Traveling

easy

with your dog made

By Charlotte Walker

Founded by a two animal-loving sisters, this company helps you find canine-friendly accommodations – and supports animal-related causes.

Colleen Avery and her family were planning a trip to Oregon and wanted to take their dogs with them. But trying to locate accommodations that would accept their four-legged friends put a crimp in their vacation. “Finding canine-friendly lodging en route was so tedious and complicated that we questioned whether it was worth the headache to bring the dogs along for the trip,” Colleen says.

Although the number of hotels and other lodgings that accept animals is growing, searching for them and determining their exact policies can become a time-consuming chore, as Colleen discovered. After her own experience, she saw a niche that needed to be filled, and along with her sister Cathy Zvetina, a fellow animal lover with experience in the hotel affiliate booking industry, she co-founded GoDoggy Vacations, with two offices – one in La Jolla, California and the other in Jacksonville, Oregon. “We decided it would be a wonderful opportunity to fill a practical need, while promoting charitable giving toward organizations that focus on animal welfare,” says Colleen.

“Using our booking engine, people can easily search for animalfriendly destinations worldwide, filter through the available hotels, and safely and securely book online with us,” Colleen explains. “We have already done all the work and research on the accommodations, with customer reviews, animal policies and more.” The site also gives you the option to search for

animal-friendly vacation rentals, from cottages to condos, in locales around the world, and offers articles and travel guides for further information.

But the company does much more than help people find animalfriendly destinations and lodgings. “GoDoggy was founded by animal lovers, for animal lovers, and our mission is to raise awareness and financial contributions to support the efforts of animal welfare groups,” says Colleen. “A portion of every booking made on our website goes to a charity that helps animals in need. Providing financial contributions and generating awareness for organizations that promote animal welfare, rescue, adoption and education, in addition to supporting longlasting relationships between humans and their pets, is at the core of our purpose. We are also expanding our compassion to rescuing and rehabilitating dogs and horses at our Oregon location, where we have ten acres to welcome those animals that need us most.”

Combining their love of animals and travel has opened all kinds of doors for Colleen and Cathy. “We love meeting and talking with our clients about their animals,” enthuses Colleen. “We understand how they feel about their ‘kids’ and we love to hear all the stories and see the pictures of their vacations together.

We are also so inspired by the rescue organizations we support.

They are all truly amazing!” animal wellness

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WARM & FUZZY

Rock

By Amanda Page

hound

After six years of chasing Frisbees at dizzying speeds, Brodie, my 50-pound Rhodesian ridgeback, started limping one day following a rigorous workout at the park. When the limping continued well into the week, I took him to see the veterinarian.

“Looks like a torn cruciate ligament,” the vet said.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“It means surgery,” she explained. She referred us to a surgeon who spent five minutes with Brodie before confirming the diagnosis.

He wobbled when he walked, and seemed uncertain as to why.

But in four short weeks, he was putting weight on his leg. Then he wanted to take longer walks. And when the surgeon finally gave us the go-ahead, Brodie was rewarded with a short and gentle game of chase the Frisbee. He wore out quickly, but seemed pleased to start playing again.

Six months later, Brodie started limping again. Opposite knee, same problem. I knew what was coming, but the thought of a matching scar was too much. I asked the surgeon about options.

We didn’t have any.

“For a dog his size, there are two options,” he said. “The standard surgery, which consists of a metal plate being screwed to his bone, or a clinical trial.” The surgeon explained that if I chose the trial, Brodie would have a type of organic tissue in place of the metal plate.

There was a lot to think about, including the doubts I had about letting my dog be part of a medical experiment. But if we pursued the clinical trial, Brodie wouldn’t need a metal plate, and I’d heard horror stories from people about metal plates. Dogs were left permanently lame; the screws sometimes got loose; dogs were in more pain than they were prior to surgery.

I desperately wanted Brodie to be able to play again. He lit up at the mere mention of the Frisbee, which we called a “Flippy Flopper”. Whenever I said the words “Flippy Flopper”, Brodie lifted his head, raised his ears, and did a dance in front of the shelf where I kept it. I couldn’t let that be over for him.

After careful consideration, I chose the clinical trial, and prepared the house for Brodie’s convalescence. I set up a kennel and filled it with his favorite blankets. I borrowed a futon mattress from a friend and slept next to the kennel through his entire healing process. I kept a close eye on him.

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animal wellness

“Brodie was a model patient,” he said. “The clinical trial worked well for him. But unfortunately, the procedure wasn’t approved.”

I gulped.

“You can still opt for the metal plate,” he said.

Forced to give up Frisbee, Brodie discovered a new hobby – collecting river rocks!

He kept pawing the rock and watching it move until he’d rolled it over to the bank where I stood, incredulous.

But I couldn’t. It still made me nervous for all the reasons it had before.

We went home. I knew Brodie’s Frisbee days were over, but he didn’t seem to be in too much pain, and still wanted to go for walks, so I took him to the park. We stopped to cross the creek when he noticed another dog splashing in the water.

“Ma,” he seemed to say when he looked back at me. “I could do that, too.” He waded out a little.

After that, it was hard to get him to leave, so we came back to the creek regularly for several months. I noticed that the more time Brodie spent in the water, the less he limped later.

I read about hydrotherapy and how it’s used to speed up recovery from surgeries like the one Brodie endured. It required a pool and a treadmill. It was expensive. But the creek offered a no-cost version we could access any time.

And it offered us something else.

Another hobby started to emerge. Brodie wasn’t just wading into the water. He had an agenda out there.

At first, I thought it was a fluke. He saw a rock under the water and started to hit it with his paw. When it moved in the silt, he was shocked. He jumped back. He looked at me as if to say, “Did you see that?” Then he went to work. He kept pawing the rock and watching it move until he’d rolled it over to the bank where I stood, incredulous. It took him over ten minutes, but he stayed focused and got the rock. He looked up at me and whined. I picked it up and brought it home.

I bring all the rocks home.

Brodie has made it a regular thing. He gets in the water and finds a rock for his collection. He favors no particular size or shape, he just works at the ones that strike his fancy. He rolls the rocks through the creek bed until they land at my feet. It’s my job to pick them up and carry them home. I arrange them around his water bowl.

“Let’s go get a rock,” I say, and he dances around in circles while I grab the leash. When I say “Flippy Flopper”, his face still lights up, but there’s no fanfare. There’s no longer a dance for it. It’s clear Brodie has moved on. He’s a rock hound now, wading in the water, taking his time. He searches a little, until he finds a good one. Then he works at it. Like a dog with a bone.

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for joint disease It can effectively reduce pain, improve mobility and better his

D gs Cats

quality of life.

By Elizabeth Hershey, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), CVA If you’re interested in alternative therapies, then you probably know something about acupuncture. It uses thin metallic needles to stimulate certain anatomical points on the body.

Although considered a relatively “new” modality in Western medicine, acupuncture is one of the oldest of medical treatments, originating in China over 2,000 years ago.

Acupuncture is one of the five key components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), along with food therapy, Tui-na, herbal medicine and Qi-gong. TCM is based on the belief that an essential life force called Qi (pronounced “chee”) flows through the body along meridians. These meridians act as channels that irrigate and nourish the body’s organs and tissues.

Any obstruction in these channels acts like a dam that blocks the vital energy flow, creating pain and disease. In TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of opposing and connected forces – yin and yang. Among the major assumptions in TCM is that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a balanced state, and that disease is due to an imbalance of yin and yang.

More than 2,000 acupuncture points connect to the body’s meridians. They occur in areas where there is a high density

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animal wellness

of nerve endings, inflammatory cells and small blood vessels. Stimulating these points with acupuncture can promote the flow of Qi, alleviate pain, and restore balance in the body. This stimulation results in several physical effects: it releases endorphins (the body’s pain relievers), reduces inflammation, and deactivates trigger points (tender, reactive areas within muscles). Acupuncture can also help balance and regulate the immune, gastrointestinal, hormone and reproductive systems.

JOINT PROBLEMS IN DOGS AND CATS Joint disease is common in dogs and cats. Arthritis, cruciate ligament rupture and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) are some of the joint conditions that can be treated successfully with acupuncture.

Arthritis and acupuncture Arthritis is inflammation of one of more joints. The main symptoms are pain and stiffness. The animal may have difficulty getting up, be reluctant to play or jump in the car or on furniture, be unable to walk long distances or stand for long periods. He may also limp on the affected limb or lick excessively at the

painful joint. The most common types of arthritis in dogs and cats are osteoarthritis and immune-mediated arthritis.

 Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common joint problem affecting older dogs and cats.

It’s caused by chronic inflammation due to the deterioration of joint cartilage. OA can be a primary disease, caused by “wear and tear” on the joints with aging, or secondary to underlying disease.

Secondary causes of OA include congenital abnormality of the hip or elbow (dysplasia), trauma, dislocation of the knee or shoulder, and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in which an abnormal flap of cartilage forms within the joint. Regardless of the cause, OA results in pain, stiffness, decreased mobility and a reduced quality of life.

In humans, there is increasing evidence that acupuncture can play a role in the treatment of chronic OA. One study conducted by the National Institutes of Health concluded that combining acupuncture with conventional drug therapy can relieve pain and improve movement in people with arthritis of the knee better than drug therapy alone. A systematic review concluded that the use of acupuncture to manage OA symptoms in people is associated with significant pain reduction, improved mobility and better quality of life.

Acupuncture can also be helpful in the management of OA in dog and cats, by decreasing pain, increasing mobility, and potentially reducing the amount of conventional drug therapy that might be required for pain control.

 Immune-mediated arthritis occurs when the body’s own immune cells invade the joint, causing inflammation. Conventional therapy

Acupuncture can relieve the discomfort of arthritis, IVDD and cruciate ligament rupture.

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requires high doses of immune-suppressive medications such as steroids, which can cause unpleasant side effects. Acupuncture can help manage pain and balance the immune system, reducing the dose of conventional medications the patient is taking, and in some cases, allowing them to be discontinued altogether. Studies in humans show that acupuncture is capable of reducing the inflammatory markers associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Several studies have demonstrated a reduction in pain as well as a decrease in morning stiffness with the use of acupuncture for RA. Cruciate ligament rupture and acupuncture This problem is common in dogs, and less so in cats. Conventional therapy often consists of surgical stabilization of the knee, and anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Acupuncture is helpful in the treatment of cruciate ligament disease in both dogs and cats. In cats and small to medium-sized dogs, it can promote healing and return the leg to full function within three to four months – without surgery. Larger dogs may not have these results with acupuncture alone; however, acupuncture used post-surgically in these dogs can help reduce post-operative pain and facilitate a quicker return to function.

Intervertebral disc disease and acupuncture IVDD is a degeneration of the fibrocarilagenous “cushions” that sit between the vertebral bones of the spine. These degenerated discs can bulge or even rupture into the spinal canal, causing pain or paralysis.

Multiple studies demonstrate the benefits of acupuncture in dogs with IVDD. One showed that it took dogs less time to recover their ambulation and experience relief from back pain when treated with electroacupuncture (EAP) as opposed to conventional drug therapy. The relapse rate was also significantly lower in dogs receiving EAP. Another study suggests that EAP was more effective than decompressive surgery for recovering ambulation and improving neurologic deficits in dogs suffering from long-standing thoracolumbar IVDD.

HOW MUCH ACUPUNCTURE WILL HE NEED? The number of acupuncture treatments your dog or cat will need depends on the nature and severity of his disease and the associated pain, as well as his response. The more long-standing and severe the problem, the longer it will take for balance to be restored and improvements in pain and movement to be noted.

For most chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, treatments are recommended once weekly for four to six weeks; after that, the intervals between treatments are gradually increased.

Animals with IVDD in which paralysis has occurred are treated two to three times weekly until ambulation returns, then at less

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animal wellness

“Needling” techniques • Dry needle acupuncture involves the use of needles only.

• With aqua-acupuncture, a substance such as vitamin B12 or a homeopathic medicine is injected at the acupoint. This allows for longer-lasting treatment effects. Aqua-acupuncture is also useful in dogs or cats that will not hold still long enough for dry needling, or for an extremely painful point where the animal will not tolerate dry needling. It is common to use a combination of dry needles and aqua-acupuncture in the same animal.

• Electro-acupuncture involves the use of very small electrical impulses delivered through the needles. This technique can enhance pain relief and stimulate neurological repair. It is used most commonly with IVDD and other severe pain conditions.

Heat may also be applied to the needles by burning the herb moxa (Artemisia), a technique known as moxibustion.

Moxibustion can help relieve pain and promote Qi flow along the channels.

frequent intervals until full function is noted. These animals will often benefit from regular maintenance therapy every three to four months to prevent relapse.

For osteoarthritis, particularly in the geriatric animal, chronic maintenance therapy, generally once a month, is needed to maintain comfort. For more acute joint disease, such as IVDD, trauma or cruciate rupture, treatments may be discontinued once function has been restored.

Acupuncture points are selected to treat the TCM pattern observed in the animal, but commonly involve tonifying or strengthening the kidneys (for the bones); liver (for the tendons and ligaments); and spleen systems (for the muscles). Local points at the site of injury or pain (hip, knee, elbow, neck, back, etc) will also be treated. For immune-mediated diseases, points to strengthen the immune system and relieve heat will be selected.

Most animals will receive ten to 20 needles per treatment.

Several types of “needling” techniques are used: dry needle, aqua-acupuncture and electroacupuncture (see sidebar).

In summary, acupuncture is a useful adjunct in the management of joint disease in dogs and cats. It can help with pain control, improve mobility, reduce the need for conventional pain medications and enhance overall quality of life. And most animals appear to enjoy the treatments.

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47

Can you find

Momo?

By Ann Brightman

How a border collie who loves hide and seek inspired a unique photographic project that�s captured the imagination of thousands.

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animal wellness

W

hen they choose a dog, a lot of people look for one that’s going to be easy to take care of. But freelance photographer and designer Andrew Knapp wanted a challenge. So when he decided to bring a dog into his life, he chose a border collie, a breed renowned for its intelligence and need for exercise and mental stimulation.

“I’d been wanting to get a dog for a long time, but wanted to wait until I had the time,” Andrew says. “When I was ready, I knew it would be a border collie. I heard they were hard work, and I liked the idea of working hard with your dog.”

Andrew, who lives in northern Ontario, Canada, located a reputable breeder, and hit it off with his new four-legged friend as soon as they met. “The moment I touched him, he flopped on his back and I rubbed his belly. There was no way I was leaving without that squirmy little guy!”

Andrew named his new friend Momo, and devoted himself to training, exercising and caring for him. “I find exercise and attention to be the best ways of keeping a working dog happy and healthy, so I spend a lot of time with Momo. I walk and run him a lot, and I think this keeps his immune system boosted, his coat looking shinier and cleaner, and his satisfaction level high. Like most border collies, Momo is very intense, and very active. He can go from sleeping to chasing a ball in a split second.”

Image from Fi

nd

printed ew Knapp. Re Momo by Andr

with permissi

on from Quirk

Books

But Momo has a special trait that sets him apart from most other dogs. He likes playing hide and seek. “He would perch himself behind rocks and tree stumps in the woods, waiting for me to throw a stick for him,” explains Andrew. In time, the border collie’s cute habit inspired a unique idea in the photographer’s mind – a visual project called “Find Momo”. It’s a growing collection of photos taken in a

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He would perch himself behind rocks and tree stumps in the woods, waiting for me to throw a stick for him. wide variety of different settings, from cities and playgrounds to landscapes and streetscapes, store interiors and public buildings.

What ties all the images together is that Momo is hiding somewhere in each and every one, perhaps peering over a rock, peeking through a window, perched on a wall or concealed behind a lamppost, under a shelf, or in tall grass.

“I often tell people it was Momo’s idea, because it kind of was,” Andrew says. “He has been very well trained, so if he happened to be in the perfect spot, I would just say ‘stay’ and take a photo.

This started happening more and more in different settings, rural and urban, indoors and out.”

Andrew self-published a book of his photos for his nieces and nephews, not expecting the project to attract the attention of anyone much beyond his family and friends. But when he started posting his photos to Instagram, he found that people loved them.

“It started with friends sharing with friends,” Andrew says. “A friend or two had blogs, and shared the photos there. I think the whole thing just snowballed from there. Bigger blogs were noticing, then news channels/websites started picking the project up, and before I knew it I was on the phone with my publisher signing a book contract.”

drew Kna

pp

Andrew’s first book, Find Momo, was published last year by Quirk Books and features nearly 100 artistic and intriguing color photos in which to search for Momo. The second book, Find Momo Coast to Coast, just came off the press a few months ago and includes dozens more photos taken by Andrew while on a road trip across the US and Canada with his dog. In some of the photos, it’s relatively easy to find Momo; in others, you really have to look hard in order to spot him. If you can’t find him no matter how much you search, the answers to his location in each image are in the backs of both books.

f An ourtesy o Photos c

Although Andrew didn’t expect the “Find Momo” project to take off the way it has, he admits it really isn’t surprising. “It just makes a lot of sense – nice photos with a cute dog hidden in them,” he muses. The interactive nature of the photos also holds a lot of appeal. “People are invited to explore the settings. Normally, you’d glance over a photo quickly, but this is a way to get people

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animal wellness

Continued on page 52.

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51

pp Photo courtesy of Andrew Kna

Continued from page 50. to engage with the environments I present to them. I’ve always been an advocate of exploring off the beaten path, taking the road less traveled, and to me, that’s the message these books deliver.”

Along with the books, you can also look for Momo online – on Instagram, Facebook, and the gofindmomo.com website. “From my perspective, the most important thing is to just keep on doing it – people really dig consistency,” says Andrew. “It’s loads of fun.

I walk Momo a few times a day and get a few new shots in. My time is divided between the ‘Find Momo’ project and the local community arts initiative.”

It’s clear that Andrew has a special bond with his dog – and that the success of the “Find Momo” project hinges on the close collaboration and communication the two share. In fact, it’s mainly because Andrew spends so much quality time training and walking his dog that they are able to work so well together and produce the photos they do. But Andrew stresses it goes beyond even that. “I think any good idea is really just a result of observing the things that are happening around us,” he says. “If this project offers anything other than a cute dog and a fun game, let it be that it might awaken your own innate desire to explore.”

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animal wellness

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53

PRODUCT PICKS Learn at home

Home-prepared food made easy

Making dog food at home is great – if it’s done properly.

WellyChef Make At Home Dog Food Balancing Base Mix lets you safely and easily make nutritious, properly balanced dog food using your own fresh meat, raw or gently cooked. It comes in two versions, depending on which type of meat you use, to ensure a proper balance of essential nutrients, including calcium to phosphorus.

3 lbs – $38.95

Correspondence courses give you the opportunity to learn no matter where you live. The Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage is now offering correspondence courses in: Canine Massage, Aromatherapy and Essential Oils for Animals, Large and Small Animal Acupressure Theory, Canine Anatomy, and many more. The courses are self-paced with an 18-month completion time.

Starting at $150 rmsaam.com

wellytails-store.com

Dental care – without

anesthesia

Too many people avoid having their animals’ teeth cleaned because it usually involves anesthesia. Animal Dental Care provides anesthesia-free maintenance dental care to dogs and cats under the supervision of licensed veterinarians across the country. The procedure is known as a Preventive Dental Cleaning & Assessment (PDCA) – highly skilled technicians perform a complete oral assessment and teeth cleaning for your dog or cat. animaldentalcare.info

Stay

hip!

Your dog’s hips are among his most important joints. Zuke’s Hip Action treats help maintain hip and joint function with glucosamine, chondroitin, whole food antioxidants (e.g. blueberry, rosemary, turmeric), co-factor vitamins and minerals. They also contains eggshell membrane, rich in collagen and naturally-occurring nutrients that provide structural support and inhibit the production of chemicals causing inflammation and pain.

6 oz bag – $8.99 1 lb bag – $18.99 zukes.com

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animal wellness

Grass kits for

kitty

Cats and other animals can benefi t from fresh quality grasses to aid digestion and help eliminate hairballs.

Priscilla’s Pet Grass Combo Kits include a special lowcal blend of grass seeds (barley, oats, wheat and rye), organic peat pods and growing trays, and a decorative planter available in several designs. Grown at home, these grasses give your companion a treat loaded with protein, vitamins and chlorophyll. $16.95 priscillaspetproducts.com

New look, same great quality

One of the best ways to ensure good health in your dog or cat is to feed him high quality food. Evanger’s Dog & Cat Food Company is celebrating its 75th anniversary with new labels for its grain-free Signature Series Stews and Hand Packed Dinners. The stews are slow-cooked with fresh chicken, beef, lamb or turkey, and fresh vegetables, while Hand Packed Dinners feature whole meat pieces such as chicken thighs or drumettes, beef roast, etc.

Signature Series – $24.80 to $33.23 per 12 or 24 (5 oz) cans Hand Packed Dinners – $26.60 to $36.52 per 12 cans evangersdogfood.com

A set of

wheels

A wheelchair can greatly enhance a dog’s quality of life by giving him back his mobility. Eddie’s Wheels makes quality wheelchairs and carts for dogs, cats and other animals. Products include variable axle carts that can be adjusted to meet an animal’s changing needs; front wheel carts for forelimb disabilities; and four-wheeled options from walkers to full quad carts. $325 to $1,200 eddieswheels.com

Get back on

track

If you’re looking for therapeutic gear for your dog, Back on Track’s Mesh Dog Blanket is a great investment. Every dog – whether young or old, hardworking athlete or family companion – can benefi t from the natural warmth therapy this blanket provides.

It effectively warms his muscles before exercise, and helps to reduce the risk of strains and other injuries. $79 to $109 backontrackproducts.com/Dog-Products-c12/ animal wellness

55

GIVE

T REIBBALL A TRY!

THIS CANINE HERDING SPORT IS TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM

By Sandra Murphy

“Bizkit is a shepherd/malamute mix, full of nervous energy,” says his person Mary Perrego. “He loves to train – and treibball is his favorite activity.”

Also sometimes referred to as urban herding, treibball (pronounced “try-ball”) is among the latest and hottest canine sports, and only several years old on this side of the Atlantic. It combines herding and obedience, but instead of using live animals like sheep or ducks, participants “herd” balls – ranging from soccer-sized to giant Pilates balls – into goals. Treibball is a great way for dogs and their people to have fun together, work on problem-solving skills, practice obedience, and form a stronger bond. It’s especially good for dogs that crave and enjoy activity and challenge. In fact, treibball originally started in Germany as a way to give bored dogs mental and physical stimulation.

In 2010, after seeing a treibball video, three American dog trainers – Hilary Lane, Dianna Stearns and Mary Manka – formed the first treibball training group in Denver, Colorado. At the time, it was one of only three in the US. But word soon spread and treibball became a fast-growing sport. “We have members in Canada, Japan, South Africa and Italy,” says Dianna, who is now president of the American Treibball Association (ATA).

Border collies, shelties, Corgis and Australian shepherds are among the 26 breeds the American Kennel Club recognizes as herding dogs. But is treibball just for them? “Not at all,” says Dianna. “We’ve had pugs, all kinds of terriers, German shepherds and mixes in class. One rescue Cairn beat out the border collies, and a Papillion has won titles too.”

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“It takes thinking, communication and coordination of the team to get the driving done, and all those balls (sheep!) in the goal.”

GETTING STARTED To learn the basics, you and your dog can take one of a growing number of treibball classes. “Our classes are indoors, so we have a smaller environment for the dogs,” says Kathy Thorpe, a Zoom Room dog training franchisee. “We teach them the skills so they can transfer to working outdoors. Obedience is a prerequisite to ensure you have a relationship with your dog and that he’ll listen. A good recall is important.” Obedience training is a also must because your dog must work off-leash in order to learn the sport, and because the distance between you is increased as you both improve your skills.

Treibball training is all positive, with lots of rewards such as treats or a chance to play with a favorite toy. “Clicker training is a phenomenal way to teach an ambiguous skill, like touch, at a distance,” adds Kathy.

A basic treibball class involves training your dog to go to a designated spot, to walk and wait, move left or right, stay at a distance, touch the ball with his nose or shoulder (no biting), push it in a straight direction into the goal, and to stand. “Most dogs are taught ‘sit’ or ‘down’ when waiting,” Kathy says. “In treibball, ‘stand’ is a new command for them to learn.”

“Training can be intensive at the beginning,” adds Mary. “It takes a while for the dog to figure it out and for both of you to coordinate. The hardest part for us was convincing Bizkit to push the ball instead of biting or swatting it with his paw.”

GRADUATING TO COMPETITION Although treibball classes start with just one ball per dog, experienced canines work with as many as eight in preparation

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Photo courtesy of Fred Stearns

The dog’s job is to not only bring the balls to the goal one at a time, but in order as directed by the handler. It might be all the yellow balls first, or all the small ones.

for competition. The balls can be set up on the field in various configurations, or for more advanced work, scattered behind obstacles like rocks or trees to simulate reluctant sheep.

The handler stands near the goal and positions her dog in the field. The dog’s job is to not only bring the balls to the goal one at a time, but in order as directed by the handler.

It might be all the yellow balls first, or all the small ones. Speed is also important – you and your dog have ten minutes to get all eight balls in the goal, ending with your dog in a ‘down’ position in front of the goal. You can talk to your dog during competition, and use hand signals and body language to give him instructions.

Treibball takes patience from both you and your dog. He needs to wait for your direction as to which ball to bring to the goal; and you need to learn how to keep his attention in the midst of distractions, help him figure out a way around obstacles without physically showing him, and how to relax and have a good time.

MANY BENEFITS Treibball is great exercise for a dog’s mind and body, and is perfect for dogs who excel at obedience and love both herding and chasing. It can also help with some behaviorial issues by channeling a dog’s energy into something constructive. “Bizkit used to chew on things he shouldn’t, and get into other mischief,” says Mary. “Treibball turned his frustration into confidence and focus. He has something to concentrate on, instead of finding things to do on his own.”

Dogs of many breeds love and excel at treibball.

Photo courtesy of Fred Stearns

Photo courtesy of Fred Stearns

Mary adds that not all dogs may enjoy treibball, and that it’s important not to force them into it. “There are other things to do, but for a dog who needs a job, like Bizkit, it’s perfect. It’s such joy to watch him think, and to figure out how much fun this is. All I have to do is glance at the ball and he’s ready for more!”

TO LEARN MORE Visit americantreibballassociation.org or worldtreibballleague.com, or check out the ATA’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/user/AmericanTreibball.

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COMMUNICATORS

INTEGRATIVE VETS Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: 323-304-2984 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 Dr. Lisa Burgess Millgrove Veterinary Services Millgrove, ON Canada Phone: (905) 690-4557 Email: service@burgessvet.com Website: www.millgrovevet.com Sharon R. Doolittle, DVM, Inc. Smithfield, RI USA Phone: (401) 349-2668 Email: vetinfo@holisticanimalvet.com Website: www.holisticanimalvet.com

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

Dr. Autumn Drouin, DVM, ND and Dr. Sasan Haghighat (Hyatt), DVM, CVA North-East Newmarket Veterinary Service Newmarket, ON Canada Phone: (905) 830-1030 Email: holisticveterinarian@gmail.com Website: www.holistic-vet.ca

Family Veterinary Center Haydenville, MA USA Phone: (413) 268-8387 Website: www.famvets.com Dr. Caroline Goulard, DVM, CCRT, CVA, CVPP Paws on the Go Laguna Woods, CA USA Phone: (949) 707-1696 Email: cgoulard@pawsonthego.net Website: www.pawsonthego.net

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

Lydia Hiby Mysticviz Burbank, CA USA Phone: (818)-244-0091 Website: www.lydiahiby.com

Horizon Veterinary Services Susan Maier, DVM Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: (502) 722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Website: www.horizonvetserv.com

Lynn McKenzie Animal Energy Sedona, AZ USA Phone: (512) 827-0505 x 8642 Email: lynn@animalenergy.com Website: www.animalenergy.com

Carrie Hutchinson, VMD Rockledge Veterinary Clinic Rockledge, PA USA Phone: (215) 379-1677 Email: info@rockledgevet.com Website: www.rockledgevet.com

Maia Kincaid, Ph. D. Communication with Animals Sedona, AZ USA Phone: (928) 282-2604 Email: maia@maiakincaid.com Website: www.maiakincaid.com

Integrated Veterinary Clinic Sacramento, CA USA Phone: 916-454-1825 Gail Jewell, DVM Kelowna, BC Canada Phone: (888) 622-8300 Website: www.holisticvet.ca

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communicators • integrative vets • natural products Reiki therapy • schools & wellness education • shelters & rescues

Steven Marsden, DVM Edmonton Holistic Veterinary Clinic Edmonton, AB Canada Phone: 780-436-4944 Dr. Shawn Messonnier Paws and Claws Vet Clinic Plano, TX USA Phone: (972) 712-0893 Email: shawnvet@sbcglobal.net Website: www.pettogethers.net/healthypet Mark Newkirk, VMD Newkirk Family Veterinarians gg Harbor Township, NJ USA Phone: (609) 645-2120 Email: mnewk@alternativevet.com Website: www.alternativevet.com

Amy Pikalek Hikari Natural Healing Madison, WI USA Phone: (608) 886-8778 Email: hikarihealing@yahoo.com Website: www.hikarihealing.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

Dr. Judy Stolz, DVM, ND Phoenix, AZ USA Phone: (480) 838-9724 Email: drstolz@gmail.com Website: www.drstolz.com

Healing Touch for Animals Highlands Ranch, CO USA Phone: (303) 470-6572 Email: drea@healingtouchforanimals.com Website: www.healingtouchforanimals.com

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 Dog Gone Dirt All Natural Dog & Horse Skin Care Products Crescent City, FL USA Phone: (386) 559-3454 Email: doggonedirt@yahoo.com Website: www.doggonedirt.com

REIKI THERAPY Aileen D’Angelo, RMT, Cn. TPM Hoof, Paw & Claw Reiki Northboro, MA USA Phone: (508) 393-3684 Email: hoofpawclaw@verizon.net Website: www.reikiforcritters.com

Treetops Rocklyn Limited Alliston, ON Canada Toll Free: (866) 919-8733 Phone: (705) 735-6174 Email: info@treetops.on.ca Website: www.treetopsweb.com Well Animal Institute Brighton, CO USA Phone: (303) 514-0076 Email: info@wellanimalinstitute.com Website: www.wellanimalinstitute.com

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

Advertise your business in the Wellness Resource Guide

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Boston Terrier Club of America PA USA Phone: (724) 883-4732 Email: btcaresc@greenepa.net California Coastal Horse Rescue Ojai, CA USA Phone: (805) 649-1090 Website: www.calcoastalhorserescue.com 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 Rocky Mountain Rescue Ranch Walla Walla, WA USA Phone: (509) 526-5020 Email: Shirley@AnimalTalkHealing.com Website: www.animalrescueranch.com

By Kris Betker

THERAPY

Partners therapy animal team and have made more than 1,000 volunteer visits to schools, assisted living facilities, day care centers and other sites. They’ve comforted seniors near the end of life, calmed frightened children, and eased the pain of hospital patients.

Before becoming a therapy dog, Molly was a rescue. When just three years old, she barely survived Hurricane Katrina. Abandoned and scheduled to be euthanized, she was given another chance by Boxer Aid and Rescue Coalition in Tallahassee, Florida.

That’s how Ed met Molly. The Florida retiree had recently lost a boxer and didn’t know if he was ready for another dog, but agreed to take a look. When the two met, it was love at first sight.

Molly quickly settled into her new home and Ed realized she would make a perfect therapy dog. “She is the most lovable, affectionate dog,” he says. So he and Molly applied to Pet Partners to become a therapy animal team. The duo has been touching lives in the Tallahassee area for over a decade now.

Ed tells the story of one man in an assisted living facility they visited for about a year. Charlie used a wheelchair and usually sat alone – at least until Molly arrived. To his delight, she would sit right next to him, sometimes putting her front feet and head in his lap.

When Charlie took a turn for the worse, the team visited him in his room, and Molly lay on the bed next to him, resting her head on his stomach. On the shelf in Charlie’s room was a photo of a boxer that his daughter identified as a dog from his past named Princess.

Although Charlie was very weak, he turned to Molly and said quietly, “Princess is here to say hello. Thank you Princess – I love you so much.”

Charlie passed away before Ed and Molly’s next visit. His daughter said his last words to her were: “Thank you for bringing Princess to see me one last time.”

Ed says becoming a Pet Partners therapy animal team with Molly is the best thing he’s ever done. “This is the most fabulous experience of my life. It’s a great experience for Molly and the people we visit as well… everyone wins.”

PARTNERS

in

M

eet Molly and Ed Fangman. The personable boxer and her person make up a Pet

Pet Partners is the largest and most prestigious non-profit that registers animals of multiple species and their handlers as therapy teams. For more information about how to become a registered team, or to start a visiting animal program, please visit petpartners.org.

May 18 marked the first annual National Therapy Animal Day™, created to recognize and honor exceptional therapy animal teams. Pet Partners celebrated with its Treats and Sweets Day, in support of training and registering more therapy animal teams like Ed and Molly. Thousands of bakers broke out their mixing bowls and made some sweets and treats for the event. For more info, visit treatsandsweetsday.donordriveorg Kris Betker is a Seattle-based freelance writer who specializes in profiles of people and animals.

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Most people diagnosed with cancer

By Barbara Fougere, BSc, BVMS (Hons), BHSc (Comp Med), MODT, MHSc (Herb Med), CVA, CVCP, CVBM

D gs Cats

NATUROPATHIC

ONCOLOGY Conventional cancer care can sometimes be as debilitating as the disease itself. Incorporating alternative therapies such as herbal medicine into the regime helps decrease side effects and improve treatment efficacy.

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dread the treatments as much as the disease itself. Chemotherapy, radiation and drugs can have serious side effects and make you feel sicker than the cancer does.

So it’s not surprising that naturopathic oncology is becoming well developed in human medicine. And as people demand alternative services to help them cope with the ravages of conventional cancer care, they are also seeking similar options for their animal companions.

THE NATUROPATHIC APPROACH Although naturopathic medicine draws on diverse and seemingly very different healing traditions, certain principles are shared across these traditions.

1. Look at the whole animal The diagnosis of cancer is important, but the definitive diagnosis is not central to the naturopathic approach. Naturopathic oncology takes the position of evaluating the whole patient and focusing primarily on improving health and well-being. It addresses all aspects of health promotion, including physical factors and conditions as well as diet, environment and genetics, and even spiritual aspects and the bond between the animal and his family. If conventional cancer care is being used, a veterinarian using an integrative approach will also look for natural, non-invasive ways to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy or radiation, minimize side effects, and empower you to take control of your animal’s health.

2.“First do no harm” Naturopathic oncology emphasizes therapies that are non-invasive and natural and that do not make animals less well. These can be the main treatments or used with chemotherapy or radiation.

3. Use the healing power of nature This approach also pays attention to the basics of improving general health:

• Moderate or gentle exercise.

• Positive thinking on your part – using terms like “living with cancer” or “treating it like a chronic disease” rather than regarding the disease as a “war” we are “fighting”.

• Attention to healthy air and environment – e.g. avoiding toxins, giving the animal pure water, spending time in nature.

• Most importantly, a great diet to meet the individual animal’s needs.

4. Treat the imbalance Veterinarians who practice naturopathic oncology look for underlying contributing factors to the imbalance in a dog or cat’s health – often, lifestyle (obesity, lack of exercise), exposure to chemicals and some drugs, chronic stress and dietary influences play a role. From a naturopathic perspective, cancer arises from an imbalance or accumulation of toxicity, causing a lack of immune surveillance or control that allows cancer cells to grow.

This approach therefore uses therapies to restore balance.

5. Practice preventative medicine If your dog or cat has had any kind of tumor successfully removed, it’s important to realize that the tendency to produce further tumors has not yet been healed. You need to make sure that everything you do for your animal helps strengthen his

immune system and minimize the risk of new cancers. Attention to vaccination, chemical use, parasite control and drug use is especially important.

If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with cancer, working with an integrative or holistic veterinarian with a knowledge of naturopathic oncology will give you the best of both worlds when it comes to treating him. A good starting point is with his diet.

NUTRITION Highly processed commercial foods may encourage some forms of cancer to grow through their effects on metabolism.

Fresh whole foods, meanwhile, may enhance the potency of chemotherapy and help protect cells from toxicity.

Phytochemicals in plants improve immunity and health. Quality or home-prepared diets are also more palatable and nutrientrich, often enabling you to hide supplements and herbs in the food. Try to look for organic foods, if possible, to minimize chemical exposure. Make sure food is cooked if the animal is on chemotherapy, immune-suppressive or gut-damaging drugs. A diet comprised of protein (meat, eggs, fish, chicken), vegetables (especially above-ground vegetables), a small amount of whole grains (<25% of calories), oils and supplements is ideal.

Continued on page 64.

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Continued from page 63.

SUPPLEMENTS Along with a nutrient-dense whole food supplement that’s high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, the following are important considerations.

• Fish oil supplements – DHA • Green tea – a highly concentrated source of antioxidants • Melatonin – may be useful • Whey protein – improves immune function and maintains body weight • Mushrooms and mushroom extracts • Turmeric – especially the concentrated extract, curcumin; can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy Which supplements you use, and what the dosages will be, depends on your individual animal’s requirements, which is why it’s important to work with a vet.

as radiation therapy) are immunesuppressing and cytotoxic in nature, and associated with short- and long-term side effects. Immune-modulating and immune-stimulating herbs may prevent or minimize the undesired adverse effects of these agents by strengthening resistance to the treatment’s side effects or to the cancer. They may also offer anti-neoplastic activity. There are many effective anticancer medicinal fungi as well.

A mong the recommended medicinal fungi or other immune-supporting herbs are cat’s claw, phytosterols, astragalus, Echinacea, cordyceps, and withania. Studies indicate that daily dietary administration of Echinacea purpurea root may result in significant elevations in natural killer cells, suggesting that it may have a prophylactic role in normal animals.

HERBAL MEDICINE

People often remark on their animals being “more well” than they’ve been in years, despite the presence of cancer!

Herbs offer a variety of benefits in the integrative treatment of cancer. Herbal medicine can reduce the toxicity of treatment; support the animal through surgery, chemotherapy or radiation; or provide a palliative option when conventional treatment is declined.

Ideally, herbs are prescribed according to the animal’s vitality, energetics, symptoms, concurrent treatment, prognosis and diagnosis. Selecting the right herbs to support the animal, improve vitality and immunity, and provide anticancer activity must be done by either a qualified veterinary herbalist or a veterinarian with in-depth knowledge of herbal medicine for cancer treatment.

• Many adaptogens such as astragalus, withania, Siberian ginseng and Korean ginseng can strengthen body resistance and enhance vitality, particularly in debilitated animals. These herbs also have anti-cancer properties.

•M ost conventional veterinary chemotherapeutic agents (as well

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Gut function also impacts innate immunity, so appropriate diet and support (probiotics, marshmallow, licorice, glutamine, fiber, antioxidants, or antioxidant herbs) will help.

• Detoxification is an herbal medicine principle in cancer treatment, because cancer is thought to be the end result of accumulated toxins in the body.

The use of alteratives, which improve elimination and physiology (not to be confused with the word “alternatives”), appears helpful, particularly in the early stages of cancer when vitality is still good. Essiac is a commonlyused formula that consists of four herbs, three of which are considered mild alteratives. This formula is also beneficial in the palliative care of endstage cancer patients. Other alteratives include dandelion root, yellow dock, burdock, red clover and sheep sorrel.

• Antioxidants are important to cancer treatment and palliation. Often, the animal is subjected to free radical damage Continued on page 66.

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Antioxidant herbs*

• Green tea – an effective chemo-preventive agent • Milk thistle • Silymarin and silibinin (silybin) – anti-cancer effects • Turmeric – scavenges free radicals • Curcumin – halts carcinogenesis by inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzyme activity and increasing levels of glutathione-S-transferase • Dan shen – free radical scavenging activity; one of its tanshinone constituents possesses cytotoxic activity against many kinds of human carcinoma cell lines • Schisandra – lignans act as free radical scavengers; geranylgeranoic acid, a constituent of schisandra, has been shown to induce apoptosis in a human hepatoma-derived cell line • Ginkgo biloba leaf extract – signifi cant antioxidant activity because of its fl avonoid and terpenoid components; the anti-cancer properties of ginkgo are related to its antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and gene-regulatory actions • Rosemary – antioxidant activity *It’s best to not give your dog or cat herbs without first consulting with a veterinarian well-versed in herbal medicine. The selection and dosage of herbs will vary depending on your animal’s disease state and needs.

Continued from page 64. through treatment. Herbs with antioxidant activity can reduce the side effects of both chemotherapy and radiation, as well as the oxidative stress of general anesthesia. There are several promising herbs whose antioxidant activity has been demonstrated in relation to anticancer properties, cancer prevention, and treatment (see sidebar above).

The number one goal of naturopathic oncology is to improve systemic health. Dogs and cats can and do go into remission with this approach – but more frequently, they can live with the chronic disease of cancer in a well state. The nearer your dog or cat’s vitality is restored to normal, the better the expected outcome. Despite the poorest prognoses based on diagnosis, wellness and vitality are still achievable in some cancer patients. In my experience, people often remark on their animals being “more well” than they’ve been in years, despite the presence of cancer!

Learn more about natural animal healthcare at civtedu.org.

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Domestically raised and HUMANELY HARVESTED – a responsible philosophy is the basis for this line of premium supplements for dogs and cats.

By Ann Brightman

Klint Wylie runs the Wolf Creek Elk Ranch, with wife Lora and their daughters Georgianna and Oakley.

ELK VELVET ANTLER The majority of dogs and cats experience joint and mobility issues at some point in their lives. Nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid can help alleviate these conditions, and one of the best sources is elk velvet antler.

Craig Wylie had this in mind when he bought 240 acres in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, and turned it into the Wolf Creek Elk Ranch. “He was intrigued by the opportunities in raising these majestic animals,” says Bridget Titterud, Marketing Director for Wapiti Labs, the company Craig and his son Klint founded in 2000.

“Wolf Creek Elk Ranch markets green and freeze dried antler as an ingredient product, and Wapiti Labs produces premium supplements for humans, dogs and cats using elk velvet antler and herbs grown in their natural habitat and acquired in their full plant form,” Bridget explains.

Along with supplements for mobility and strength, the company also creates formulas for strength, post-

trauma recovery, and for respiratory and GI support. “Elk velvet antler naturally contains vital components to support joints, mobility and hips, as well as the liver, kidneys, immune system and overall health for active animals,” says Bridget.

“It’s an adaptogen that is easily and quickly absorbed into the body.” Elk velvet antler can also improve energy levels, support normal red blood cell production, and even enhance the body’s ability to deal with stress. The website notes that the company uses “a proprietary heat-free process that ensures key organic compounds and elements from the elk velvet antler and herbal ingredients remain intact.”

Along with supplements, Wapiti Lab offers hard antler chews to help promote dental health in dogs.

They’re made from antlers that are naturally shed by the elk, and are a safer and longer-lasting alternative to rawhide chews.

Along with their dedication to formulating high quality

supplements, Wapiti Labs takes pride in the fact that their elk velvet antler is harvested humanely and responsibly. “Male elk regrow antlers every year, making this a completely renewable resource,” says Bridget. “Antlers are removed once a year from healthy bulls, using a low stress process under direction of the herd veterinarian.”

To help people care for their dogs and cats as well as possible, the company also makes education a priority. “We offer special training and education programs for consumers on joint, mobility, kidneys, liver, immune system and overall health,” says Bridget. “Our goal is to increase the health and happiness of animals and people through proper supplementation. We love being able to help animals, getting phone calls and testimonials from customers and hearing what a difference our products have made to their animals.

It’s wonderful to hear that a dog or cat is now able to jump up on a bed or walk up the stairs again.” animal wellness

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Happy birthday, Rover!

Hosting a party for your dog?

Here’s how to ensure a celebration that’s safe and fun for everyone.

By Claudia Bensimoun with Ann Brightman

Rex recently celebrated his sixth birthday.

But instead of candy, video games, and a trip to the zoo with friends, his parents provided “pupcakes” and beef treats, and invited 15 canine guests. Rex is a black-and-white terrier, one of a growing number of dogs being treated to birthday parties by their doting families.

A birthday party for your dog, his fourlegged buddies and their human caregivers is a great way to bond with fellow dog lovers – and most pooches love all the fun and excitement! It can involve just about anything, from games of ball in the

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backyard to agility events, a trip to the local dog park for some fun and exercise, and/or a selection of goodies and gifts for all. In order for the party to be safe and successful, however, you need to keep some things in mind. The key to a great canine birthday party is careful preparation and planning. By addressing factors such as locale, space and safety, as well as what kinds of activities, gifts and treats to offer, you can help ensure that everyone has fun.

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Joann Mercado plans her dog’s birthday parties a few months in advance. “I throw a party for Lily every year,” she says, adding that her dog is now ten. “Our parties started out small with just family and friends in our home, but for the past few years they’ve been getting much bigger.” Joann now rents out space at a doggie daycare for Lily’s birthdays, and invites around 50 canine friends!

CHECKLIST FOR A GREAT PARTY Before even starting, consider your dog’s personality. Is a birthday party something he’s going to enjoy, or will having a lot of dogs and people around stress him out? If he has issues interacting with other dogs and people, it might be better to scratch the idea. Remember – your dog’s comfort and happiness is more important than any party.

Party treats

al Wellness

Magazine

A growing number of bakeries for dogs offer custom cakes, cookies and other goodies for special occasions like birthday parties. Many will even ship orders.

• One Dog Organic Bakery specializes in natural, organic treats perfect for serving or giving as gifts at your dog’s party. They’re available in a variety of wholesome flavors. Grain- and glutenfree selections are available. onedogorganic.com • Dog Cakes For Dogs makes peanut butter banana birthday cakes and cupcakes with yogurt icing. The cakes can be personalized with your dog’s face or name, and are made from natural ingredients with no preservatives or additives. They’re free of gluten, sugar, soy and trans fats. thedawgiebag.com • Canine Cupcakes offers “pupcakes” in healthy flavors such as apple, pumpkin, peanut butter, carrot, blueberry, banana and carob. There are also wheat-free options. The cakes can be customized with the dog’s name and age. caninecupcakes.com

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“I don’t know my dog’s birthday!”

If you adopted your dog from a shelter or rescue, it’s unlikely you even know what month he was born in, let alone the exact day.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a birthday party for him. You can always celebrate the anniversary of the day you first met him, decided to adopt him, or brought him home for the first time. Your dog won’t care, as long as he’s getting lots of attention!

Photos courtesy of Smita Sharma

treats, or simply cut up fresh fruit and veggies such as apples, carrots and broccoli, or bits of cheese, cooked chicken or beef. Nina Ottosson of Dog Activity Toys and Puzzle Games in Sweden regularly hosts birthday parties for her dogs, and makes treats by cutting up small pieces of liver and drying them in the oven at a low temperature. “They’re perfect to use for rewards or when training,” she says. “All dogs absolutely love them.” It should go without saying that any party where dogs are present should not include chocolate in any form; the same applies to grapes and raisins.

Continued from page 69.

The same rule applies when inviting other dogs and their people to the party. Find out beforehand if the animals are going to be compatible with one another. If someone has a dog that’s anxious or aggressive around others of his kind, if might be best to cross them off the guest list and get together with them another time.

Consider whether the party will be indoors and/or outdoors, and how much space you’re going to need for games and activities. Decide what you’ll do if it’s wet out – set up a rain date or keep the celebrations inside?

Make sure there’s an easily accessible outdoor spot for the dogs to go potty in, and supply several water bowls in various locations, or invite guests to bring their own if they wish.

Plan some games and activities to keep everyone busy and having fun – see page 72 for some ideas.

If you’re going to serve cake, cookies and/or other treats, make sure they’re healthy and dog-friendly, and check with your guests to see if any of their dogs have allergies or intolerances to particular foods. Canine bakeries have sprung up that offer sugar-free birthday cake and cookie options especially designed for canine palates and digestive systems (see sidebar on page 69). You can also bake your own doggie birthday

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If you’re giving your dog and his guests gifts, bags of healthy treats or safe dog toys are great options. “I wrap gifts in nice paper with small pieces of tape,” says Nina. “The dog gets to open the gift himself. Don’t use bows, strings or ribbons, as these can be harmful to dogs.” Another alternative: in lieu of having guests bring presents for your dog, Joann suggests asking them to donate to an animal rescue organization instead. “We also have raffles to raise money,” she says. “At our last party, we raised over $800 for Yorkie911.”

Throughout the party, stay aware of your dog’s body language, and the body language of your canine guests. “When dogs get together and there’s food and toys involved, they’re sometimes like kids and don’t want to share the fun,” says Nina. “So be aware of your own dog’s signals, as well as the signals from others, so you can prevent possible fights. It’s important not to let other dogs get too close to the one opening a gift, especially when it comes to edible items.”

FUN AND GAMES It’s important to have some games and activities planned so your canine guests will have something Continued on page 72.

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Continued from page 70. to do at the party. Nina notes that dogs enjoy and appreciate completing various tasks and challenges, especially with their people.

“Outdoor activities are perfect for summer,” she says. “For example, you can organize some challenges to collect points.”

People can have their dogs walk around a chair or person, or jump or step over a small obstacle – they get two points for completing the challenge successfully, one for almost doing it, and no points for failing to do it. “People have two minutes to complete each challenge, and all tricks and bribes are allowed except touching the dog.” Here are some more ideas for activities and games: • Put the following items in a row, about three feet apart: a ball, a piece of meat, and a small bowl of food/treats. Have each dog and his person walk zigzag back and forth between the items without the dog stealing anything. The team gets three points for completion, but loses one point for every item the dog takes.

• Have each dog jump up on a low table, and sit or lie still for ten seconds. (Put a rug or something on the table so he doesn’t slip.) He gets two points for completion, one if he moves, and zero points if he doesn’t jump at all.

• Consider setting up a simple agility course in your backyard and host your own competition.

• “Some of the games we play include ‘doggy musical sits’, which is just like musical chairs except the dogs have to sit when the music stops,” says Joann.

• “At a Parisian-themed birthday party for Lily we played ‘how much do you adore your dog?’” she adds. “The dog parents were blindfolded and had to identify their pups by touch.

• “We also play a recall game we call ‘come to mama’ or the always fun ‘not your mama’ where you have to get your dog to run to someone else.”

• Arts and crafts are another fun birthday activity – how about doing paw prints in clay, or paw painting with your canine and human guests?

“We don’t get to have our pups forever so I think every birthday should be a celebration,” says Joann.

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: Canine Nutrigenomics AUTHOR: W. Jean Dodds, DVM and Diana R. Laverdure Optimum health begins in your dog’s cells. Nutrigenomics is the science of how diet affects gene expression at the cellular level, creating either vibrant health or chronic disease. In their new book Canine Nutrigenomics, veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds and health writer Diana Laverdure explain this powerful approach to feeding your dog.

The book opens with an overview of nutrigenomics, and moves into a discussion of which foods create optimum gene expression and vibrant health – and which lead to disease.

You’ll learn about the amazing healing powers of functional foods; the “Three Keys” to creating a foundation diet for your dog; and the ten “canine functional superfoods” and how they can supercharge his health.

Also included is advice on using functional ingredients to treat, manage and even reverse a wide variety of canine health conditions.

Publisher: Dogwise Publishing

TITLE: Tuna Melts My Heart AUTHOR: Courtney Dasher He was our cover dog for the Oct-Nov 2014 issue of Animal Wellness, but now he has a book of his own! Tuna the Chiweenie – the underdog with the overbite – is the star of Tuna Melts My Heart, a collection of adorable color photos and whimsical prose that describes a day in the life of this little cutie.

Written by Tuna’s “mom” and animal advocate, Courtney Dasher, this delightful gallery of images takes you from his morning wakeup call into a full day of adventures that include playing with his favorite toy “Old Colin”, posing in costumes for a calendar project, going to the beach, visiting “girlfriend” Fiona, having a bath, then heading to bed.

Fun, quirky and colorful, Tuna Melts My Heart is sure to bring a smile to your face. You’ll find yourself picking it up over and over again.

Publisher: New American Library

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THE SCOOP A TRIBUTE TO YOUR FURRY FRIEND PetPrints 3D creates custom-made one-of-a-kind models of companion animals. Based on photos you provide, each model is digitally sculpted by a graphic artist, produced on an industrial-sized 3D printer, and finished with care. The result is a lasting keepsake of your animal. Order online and your model will be shipped to you.

PetPrints3D.com

GOING WILD Sojos recently launched a new, ultra-premium grain-free line called Sojos Wildâ&#x201E;˘. The recipes are made with raw, freeze-dried venison, wild boar and wild-caught salmon as the number one ingredients. The foods are shelf-stable and easy to prepare, with none of the natural nutrients cooked out. Just add water, soak and serve.

Sojos.com

A PRESTIGIOUS ACHIEVEMENT Veterinarian Dr. Janice Huntingford of the Essex Animal Hospital (and regular contributor to Animal Wellness) is the newest Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. This puts her in an exclusive group of just 142 Diplomates worldwide; she is also one of only three Canine Specialty Diplomates in Canada.

EssexAnimalHospital.ca

YOUR GO-TO GETAWAY For the perfect vacation with your dog, visit The Getaway at Glen Highland Farm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 175 acres of off-leash adventures in upstate New York. Hike, run, swim, play or relax with your dog by your side. Stay in cabins, cottages, tents or RVs. Glen Highland Farm is also home to a border collie rescue; proceeds from your stay benefit the rescue!

GlenHighlandGetaway.com

HEALTH AND WELLNESS WEBINARS Expand your knowledge with up-to-date, quality, online learning opportunities at e-trainingfordogs.com. E-training has been offering webinars in animal care and behavior since 2005, with courses in hospice, animal first aid, herbal applications, nutrition, fitness, tissue mineral analysis and more.

E-TrainingForDogs.com

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100 YEARS OF HEALTH HISTORY ESSIAC® For Pets is an immune system support that also acts as a gentle cleanser and detoxifier. The famous proprietary herbal formula is the same one used by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse almost a century ago. TRU-PINE® For Pets is a powerful antioxidant made from Canadian pine bark, known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

EssiacForPets.com

FOUR NEW FOODS Petcurean presents four new recipes. Additions to the NOW FRESH™ line of dry foods made from 100% market-fresh meat include Small Breed Puppy, Adult & Senior Recipes for dogs, Fish Recipes for dogs and cats, and a new Red Meat Recipe. Also new is the GO! SENSITIVITY + SHINE Venison Recipe. Grain-free, with no by-products or artificial preservatives.

Petcurean.com

GOURMET JERKY TREATS While looking for treats for her dog Cooper, Vicki Price tried to find quality, natural, US-made jerky. She couldn’t find any, so she made her own. Cooper’s Way prides itself on having the world’s shortest ingredient list. Each gourmet jerky treat is made from a single ingredient, whether it’s beef heart, pork loin, chicken breast, or sweet potatoes.

CoopersWay.net

SUMMER FUN WITH SWIM COLLARS These buddies are enjoying summertime in the water while wearing swim collars made by Smoochy Poochy. The material is an alternative for non-leather users; it won’t stretch or take on odor, is easy to clean and available with stainless steel hardware. Lots of styles and colors!

The optional hands-free leash fits into you and your dog’s lifestyle: hiking, shopping, training, walking – and summer fun.

PetsFuture.com

TRY GOAT’S MILK Goat’s milk is rich in nutrients and a great alternative to cow’s milk for many animals. Pro Bloom from The Honest Kitchen is instant goat’s milk with health-enhancing probiotics and digestive enzymes. Perfect for dogs and cats of all life stages, it’s human-grade and made in the US Pacific Northwest with milk from pasture-raised, free-ranging goats.

TheHonestKitchen.com/pro-bloom

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PASSAGES

By Sherrie Owens

The

newspaper ad said “golden retriever puppies for sale”.

The following week, it read “puppy for sale”. We went to see the litter and asked which one was yet to find a home. He was the reddish one sitting on my foot, staring up at me. We named him Triumph, after the motorcycle my husband, Kim, had always wanted. It would prove to be a perfect name for him.

It was 2001, and Kim’s birthday was coming up on September 8. We had plans to celebrate by sailing our 22’ Catalina on the Sacramento Delta for a week. Those plans didn’t include a tenweek-old puppy, but we decided it would be a great way to bond with Triumph. It turned out to be a fortuitous decision.

On September 11, we pulled into a marina for fuel. At a nearby camping area, a number of people were standing around a small television. As we got closer, we could see them holding each other and crying, while on the TV screen, men and women jumped from the windows of one of the Twin Towers as it collapsed. A woman in the group asked if she could hold Triumph, and he was passed from person to person. They buried their faces in his soft coat and inhaled his puppy breath. We learned that day that puppies can bring solace to broken hearts even in the worst of times.

In the years that followed, Triumph continued to bond with others in profound ways. In 2008, wanting to do something more with my passion for dogs, I spotted an empty building for

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lease near Sebastopol, California and opened a doggy daycare.

Triumph became our official greeter – whenever a new dog came in, he was the one who made that dog feel comfortable. He knew how to engage other dogs in play, and to work his way between them when they had their hackles up.

In 2011, I suffered sudden cardiac arrest while sitting on our sofa in the living room. My husband was in the kitchen doing dishes when Triumph barked in alarm. Kim looked into the living room to see Triumph standing next to me. He barked again, and Kim ran into the room to discover my heart had stopped. After calling 911, he performed CPR on me until the paramedics arrived. I was in a coma for three days. Kim spent those days at the hospital, and came home at night to sleep with Triumph. Miraculously, I made a full recovery. Certainly, Kim saved my life with CPR, but Triumph also played an important role by alerting him to my condition.

In September of 2013, when Triumph was 12 years old, he started limping on his right hind leg. We took him to the veterinarian and discovered he had osteosarcoma. The doctor recommended amputating the leg, but cautioned that the cancer would probably move to his lungs. We might buy him another six months at most. In March of 2014, Triumph started breathing heavily and was having a difficult time sleeping. We took him to the vet again, and had x-rays taken of his lungs. As

predicted, the cancer had spread, and we were told Triumph probably only had one more month. We began the process of palliative care, managing his pain while allowing him to still enjoy the things he loved.

Triumph lived up to his name one more time by surviving longer than the doctors predicted. Over the next few months, we made many trips to the ocean to visit his favorite beach. He didn’t want any help as he made his way down the slope to the sand. He even made some gallant three-legged attempts to chase the sea gulls.

By the middle of July, his breathing was becoming more labored.

Another trip to the vet for more x-rays showed the terrible progress the cancer had made. His lungs were now full of lesions, and the healthy tissue wasn’t able to compensate. His birthday was the following day, and he was going to be 13. We made “the appointment” to end his life for the following Monday. On his birthday, he seemed to rally; someone forgot to tell him he was dying, and we cancelled the Monday appointment. Dogs are very stoic, and it is difficult to know precisely when the joy in their lives is outweighed by suffering.

He even made some gallant three-legged attempts to chase the sea gulls.

A few days later, Triumph had a really bad night. Next morning, we lay on the bed with him, staring into his dark eyes. He seemed to tell us he was finally ready to let go, and we made the final trip to his vet.

Triumph had a wonderful life, and died a dignified death. He will be missed, but will live on in our memories, and in our dreams. animal wellness

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To the Rescue Boxer Rescue Ontario –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA 217 to Boxer Rescue Ontario.

Location: Ontario, Canada Year established: 2000 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: Three directors, 250 volunteers, 30 foster homes across Ontario Types of animal they work with: Boxers Fundraising projects: Various activities, including an annual online auction, Cupcake Fundraiser, Bowling for Boxers, and adoption weekends at various pet stores and outdoor events throughout the province.

Favorite rescue story: “We received a call from a shelter to rescue seven homeless boxers whose owner passed away,” says Director of Fundraising, Laura Fyfe. “There was no next of kin to deal with

the dogs, who ranged from about one to three years old. They were emaciated and in very bad shape, the victims of a hoarder situation that left them with sores on their bodies from living in cages and on concrete floors. Some did not even know how to walk properly on grass. Despite what they went through, they were still friendly and we were confident we could find these babies their forever homes after they had been brought back to health. We found foster homes for all seven of these beautiful boxers until we felt they could be adopted. Thanks to our loyal supporters, we raised most of the funds for the care and vetting of these dogs. All seven boxers were adopted out to loving homes within a four-month period!” boxerrescueontario.com

These seven boxers were rescued from a hoarding situation and went on to be adopted into loving homes.

The Cat Network –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA 045 to The Cat Network.

Location: Miami, FL Year established: 1995 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: One staff vet tech, 400 active volunteers, 200 foster homes and 3,500 members Types of animal they work with: Cats Fundraising projects: Include Le Chat Noir, Toast to The Cat, and various small events organized by the coordinators of participating Petsmart and Petco venues.

Favorite rescue story: “A two-month-old Siamese mix with a slight front leg injury was turned into Miami-Dade County Animal Services,” says Jill Steinberg. “A volunteer saw Max, thought he’d be a great foster candidate and rescued him. The leg injury was just a sprain and Max was bouncing around in no time. Unfortunately, his bounce got the better of him; he got a rear leg wedged in a folding chair and ended up with a severe corkscrew fracture. The leg had to be amputated, but Max’s recovery was swift. He was adopted by a woman named Monika who was looking for a special needs kitty.

She saw Max’s picture and bio online, and he seemed to fit the bill, so she drove down from Fort Pierce to see him. It was love at first sight, and she immediately adopted him. “‘Thank you again for blessing us with our new kitten – he is amazing,’ she later wrote us. ‘We have decided to call him Hedwig, because he looks like Harry Potter’s owl. He took to

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a leash and harness like a pro. Yesterday we took him to the beach and he absolutely loved it!’” thecatnetwork.org

Hedwig (formerly Max) is a big hit with his new family – at left, with Monika; at right, enjoying the beach on his new harness and leash.

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

Animal Friends Foundation Bourgas –

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA 239 to Animal Friends Foundation Bourgas.

Location: Bourgas, Bulgaria Year established: 2009 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: “Overall, we have four people – two couples,” says founder Miglena Ivanova. “We also have come-and-go helpers for transport, and two foster homes.”

Types of animal you work with: Dogs and cats Fundraising projects: “We host charity evenings, and picnic afternoons for donations, fun and meeting with our animals.

We also sell all kinds of items for people and animals, have an online bazaar and adoption campaigns.”

Favorite rescue story: “Tat was a homeless dog with two broken legs – not due to an accident or genetics, but because of human cruelty. For months, he’d been struggling to walk; his legs didn’t work the way they used to, so just getting around was hugely difficult for him, and every day was a battle to find enough to eat. Thankfully, he was given a second chance when one woman started feeding him, and then another brought him to us. We took Tat straight to the veterinary clinic, where he was given surgery in both legs. It was a success and Tat was able to walk again. Today, he’s happy and healthy, lives in

Colony Cats (& dogs) –

Belgium with a loving family, and gets all the care he deserves after so much suffering.” koi-me-iska.com

Tat was a homeless dog with two broken legs when he was rescued. Surgery helped him walk again and he now lives with a family in Belgium.

Animal Wellness will donate 40% of each subscription purchased using promo code AWA 235 to Colony Cats (& dogs).

Wendy

Location: Dublin, OH Year established: 2002 Number of staff/volunteers/foster homes: 175 volunteers Types of animal they work with: Cats and dogs Fundraising projects: The biggest event is the Annual Garden Party fundraiser held every September.

Favorite rescue story: “Zane and Zachary are two blind cats who were tossed over a fence into someone’s yard,” says Meg Long. “Fortunately, the homeowner noticed them in her backyard and contacted us. The cats came to live in our ‘Quiet Room’ at the adoption center. The vet estimated them to be four or five years old; often, adult cats are overlooked at shelters, in favor of kittens, and the fact that Zane and Zachary are blind decreased their chances of adoption even more. But one day a gal came into the center to meet them. She had seen them on our website, and then read all she could find about caring for blind cats. She felt up to the challenge, and adopted Zane and Zachary. She often sends us updates on Facebook along with photos of the cats looking peaceful and happy in their new home.” colonycats.org

Autumn

Daisy

Charlie

Just four of over 7,500 cats (and dogs) re-homed by Colony Cats since its founding.

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ASIDE FROM OFFERING A MORE NATURAL APPROACH TO ANIMAL HEALTHCARE, HOW DOES A HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN’S DAY DIFFER FROM HIS CONVENTIONAL COUNTERPART’S?

WHAT

holistic vets do If you’re thinking of switching to a holistic veterinarian, you probably have some questions. Along with providing alternative treatments and therapies like acupuncture, supplements or homeopathy, how does a holistic hospital differ from a mainstream one? I’m often asked just what it is holistic veterinarians do, and how our days compare to those of our conventional colleagues.

To start with, holistic veterinarians have two categories of client, unlike conventional doctors.

1. The first are usually regulars of the practice who come in for wellness care. Their dogs and cats are typically seen annually for a checkup. This includes blood titer testing to replace unnecessary vaccines, as well as other typical lab tests: a. A blood profile to monitor organ function and allow for early screening for cancer and other inflammatory conditions b. A fecal analysis to screen for intestinal parasites c. A blood test to screen for heartworm infection d. A urinalysis to check for disorders of the urogenital system, liver and pancreas.

D gs Cats

By Shawn Messonnier, DVM allow for early disease diagnosis and treatment, these regular patients are seen for other things such as dental cleanings and the removal of tumors and cysts. In general, these patients tend to stay very healthy due to the holistic approach favored by the doctor and the animals’ parents; rarely do they develop severe problems that require aggressive treatment.

2. The other client category encompasses those seeking a more natural approach to disease prevention/wellness in their dogs or cats, or whose animals suffer from chronic illnesses.

These illnesses can include cancers, immune disorders, allergies, seizures, arthritis, disc problems, and diseases of the internal organs. Typically, these people prefer a safer, more natural approach to treatment rather than using conventional medications over the long term. Often, their animals have not been helped by conventional doctors, or have been turned away because their cases are diagnosed as “hopeless” by mainstream medicine. While holistic vets love keeping their regular patients healthy and free of disease, the real challenge and satisfaction comes from helping the “hopeless” cases.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HOLISTIC VET The lab tests are done every six months for animals five years of age and older, and titer testing is done annually regardless of age. In addition to this wellness care, which is designed to

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What follows is an example of a typical day at my clinic – a day very similar to those experienced by my colleagues in the holistic field.

• First appointment: A regular patient comes in for his biannual visit. It involves examination, a discussion of any concerns with his person, and lab tests (blood, urine, feces) for diagnostic evaluation. His supplements are refilled to maintain his health.

• Second appointment: A patient returns for laser/acupuncture treatment for his arthritis.

• Third appointment: Another patient is dropped off for dental cleaning using holistic anesthesia, and the removal/biopsy of small skin tumors. Both procedures are performed, dental radiographs are taken, and blood is drawn for the early detection of cancer.

• Three animals are dropped off for continued fluid therapy and detoxification for liver and kidney disease.

• Another is dropped off for a cardiac ultrasound to evaluate heart murmur/disease.

• Lunch break: Charts for hospitalized animals are reviewed, and service codes are updated. Some time is spent responding to client emails, working on an article, writing a column for the practice newsletter, working on a consulting job for a supplement manufacturer, and/or preparing notes for an upcoming lecture to a local dog club.

• First afternoon appointment: A phone consultation with someone in California who does not have a local holistic veterinarian includes speaking with her about her animal’s cancer diagnosis and recommended therapy. Various herbal remedies are shipped to help her animal battle the disease.

•S econd afternoon appointment: A new patient with skin disease comes in. He is examined and his medical records reviewed. Due to the chronic nature and severity of his condition, and the lack of a proper diagnosis, blood is drawn and urine and feces collected for evaluation. A skin biopsy and culture is scheduled for the next day.

•H ospitalized pets are released to their families, with discharge instructions.

• Time to go home, after a long day saving lives naturally!

While reading the above, you might have noticed that a holistic doctor sees far fewer patients (usually only half as many) as a conventional vet. This is because we spend more time on each case rather than trying to cram as many appointments as possible into our days. By spending more time with each appointment, we can offer a more personalized approach to an animal’s care, accurately assess each case, and are less likely to misdiagnose a serious problem.

Some holistic veterinarians (including yours truly) also stay busy doing other things. We write books (and articles like this one!) to educate clients and other veterinarians. We speak at veterinary meetings, sharing our passion for the wonderful world of natural healing. Some of us have our own lines of natural products that we use in practice and sell to the public, helping to ensure our patients have access to the best supplements to keep them healthy.

The life of a holistic practitioner is a very busy one, but it’s never boring. Every day presents its own unique challenges as we do our best to help all animals, especially those who haven’t been helped by conventional medicine.

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SOCIAL MEDIA Video Series

At Animal Wellness Magazine, we believe the foundation of optimal wellness and happiness is built upon FOUR PILLARS — Natural Health, Natural Nutrition, Positive Training, and Active Lifestyle.

And now you can catch these Four Pillars in action in our all new Facebook video series!

Find the videos by clicking the “videos” tab at Facebook.com/AnimalWellnessMagazine

Strudel will be providing Natural Health how-to’s, such as how to use canine massage.

Teach your dog amazing Positive Training tricks, demonstrated stepby-step by Hero the Super Collie.

Learn how to make your own dog food and treats from Grizzly, our Natural Nutrition Ambassador

AW Tweets

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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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

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EVENTS

Central Bark Fido Fest June 13, 2015 - Milwaukee, WI

Enjoy a day filled with a wide array of vendors, doggy activities, lure coursing, dock diving, live music, great food, contests and demonstrations. Don’t miss out on the K9 Splash Zone. Fido Fest will benefit Barkley’s Forever Friends and will be held in conjunction with the 18th annual Hart Fest.

For more information: (414) 771-7200 fidofest@centralbarkusa.com www.hartfest.com WienerFest Home Country Festival June 20, 2015 – Embro, ON Helping homeless pets and celebrating all that is dachshund!

Join in at the Embro Recreational Arena for a fun filled day of exhibitors, a costume contest, ask a trainer or vet, puppy races and more!

For more information: (800) 774-8315 info@wienerfest.ca www.weinerfest.ca DogLoversDays June 27 - 28, 2015 – Chatham, ON Come and enjoy a fun filled family day with your dog!

This is a complete interactive “dog” festival where the family dog has fun running agility and speed tracks and much more.

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Email your event to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com

Your dog can have a ball running a lure course, get the star treatment in the Pamper Zone, have some fun in the Doggie Play Zone, or visit a Holistic Healer at the Health and Wellness Centre.

There are numerous vendors and lots to see.

All DogLoversDays shows raise funds for local charities including pet rescues and various service clubs. In the case of pet rescues, any and all dogs on display may not be adopted at the event to avoid impulse purchasing.

For more information: (289) 997-3333 emily-dogloversdays@hotmail.com www.dogloversdays.com Nashville Pet Expo July 11, 2015 – Nashville, TN 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.nashvillepetexpo.com

Mr. Spot Dog Camp July 12-18, 2015 – Kingston, ON New! All-inclusive: 6 night accommodation for you and your dog. All meals and a variety of dog-sports to try! Come and enjoy agility, obedience, rally, lure coursing and more for dogs of every breed, size and age.

Space is limited! Register now for early booking discount.

For more information: (613) 530-7768 www.mrspotdogcamp.com SuperZoo 2015 July 21 - 23, 2015 – Las Vegas, NV SuperZoo is the pet industry’s leading place for business with a combination of fun and function, no wonder pet professionals love it! Come out this year to network, expand your customer base and improve your sales.

For more information: (800) 999-729 info@wpamail.org www.superzoo.org

CLASSIFIEDS Animal Communicators

Books & Publications

CAROL SCHULTZ – Animal Communicator.

Intuitive Healing Support. Consultations and Energy Balancing for all species. Assistance with end of life, emotional, behavioral, and lost animal concerns. Classes and mentoring available. (815) 531-2850, www.carolschultz.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

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” sscott@shirley-scott.com, www.shirley-scott.com

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

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

needs and preferences. Contact Guelph Animal Hospital at (519) 836-2781 or www.quelphvet.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

Holistic Veterinarians

Schools & Training 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

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

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TAIL END

The “Flea Party”

By Tom Lloyd

When we walk around our local dog park, we have to watch our step because there seems to be a dog park version of the Tea Party taking root there. I like to call it the “Flea Party”. Its mission, it seems, is to resist any and all “government regulations”. You know – the sort of things the rest of us just call “dog park rules”.

Luckily, the “Flea Party” is small. Most of the fellow dog lovers we share the park with are courteous and responsible. But for those few who aren’t, I’ve drawn up what I believe might be their manifesto, if they had one!

“Everyone except me should pick up poop. I am (choose one of the following) too dignified, too lazy, or too busy talking on my cell phone to pick up dog poop.

“Toys are not allowed for anyone’s dog but mine. If I throw a ball and some other dog gets it, I can demand the other dog and his person leave ‘my’ park immediately.

“If my dog bites another dog, he’s just being playful. If another dog bites my dog, that animal is a vicious cur and I’m calling my lawyers and a guy named ‘Guido’ to deal with both the other dog and his person.

“It would be nice if dogs had access to water at the dog park but it would be nicer if I had a gazebo to sit in and a waiter to bring me margaritas.

“Keeping an eye on my own dog is just too taxing, and since the Flea Party hates taxes as much as the Tea Party, he can do whatever he wants as long as he doesn’t chew on my new Gucci handbag.

“If Fido digs a hole so deep that Shaquille O’Neal could disappear into it, all I have to do is drag a lawn chair over the hole and the dog park fairies will magically fill it in overnight.

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“All city or county park employees are my personal ‘Carson the Butler’ because I was Lord or Lady Grantham in a previous life.

Everyone else was a housemaid or footman.

“If I bring my kids into the dog park armed with plastic Flintstones caveman clubs, they are free to swipe them at your dog as often as they like.” (Writer’s note: Trust me when I tell you that it doesn’t end well when a small child smacks a 95-pound Doberman on the head with a plastic caveman club.)

You probably recognize some of these views in a few of the people you encounter at your own local dog park. It’s easy to get angry and upset with “Flea Party” members…but on the other hand, sometimes a touch of humor is the best way to cope!

feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!

Feline FITNESS 10 tips for keeping her off the couch

“HEARTBURN”

IN CATS

How diet can help

Feline Leukemia Why a holistic approach is the best option for treatment

Nala ...

Her gorgeous good looks and “rags to riches” story have made her an internet sensation and an inspiration for animal adoption. feline wellness

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Nala

“UNDERCAT”

IS AN INTERNET

STAR AND POSTER

CHILD FOR SHELTER ADOPTION.

By Ann Brightman

THIS GORGEOUS

here’s something arresting about Nala’s eyes. Perhaps it’s because they’re such a clear beautiful blue, or contrast so nicely with her silvery facial markings. Maybe it’s because she has such a direct, appealing gaze. Whatever the reason, those eyes have helped the five-year-old Siamese/tabby cross become an internet celebrity, and an ambassador for shelter adoption.

Thanks in part to the natural grain-free diet she gets, Nala soon grew up into a healthy, happy cat. Pookie wanted to share Nala with her friends and family back home, so she created an Instagram account and starting posting pictures. She had no idea at the time that Nala would capture the hearts of hundreds of thousands of followers, and go on to become an Internet star.

Nala was five or six months old when she was adopted by Varisiri Methachittiphan – better known to her friends as Pookie. “She was a left at a shelter along with her siblings,” says the Los Angeles resident. “When I found her, she was the last one left. She had an upper respiratory infection, which is pretty common in shelter animals.” The sight of the little kitten all by herself in a big cage, sneezing her head off, touched Pookie’s heart. “Although I had no intentions of adopting that day, the moment I saw her, I knew she was coming home with me.”

Pookie adds that when she first picked Nala up, the kitten licked her face – that clinched it!

“Aside from her cuteness, one of the reasons Nala is famous is because of her story,” says Pookie. “She’s kind of an ‘undercat’.

Like a lot of others, she was left at the shelter by owners who weren’t able to take care of her. Now, she’s one of the most popular cats in social media.”

Separated from her siblings and thrust into a strange new environment, Nala was naturally frightened at first, but with veterinary care and lots of love and patience, she soon started to blossom. “You could tell she was at home,” says Pookie, who quickly became enchanted with the kitten’s beautiful looks and affectionate personality.

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Now five years old, Nala not only has an Instagram account, but also her own website (nalacat.com) and Facebook page – the latter has almost a million “likes”. The website not only highlights the latest Nala photos, but is also a vehicle for promoting animal adoption. “I never imagined she would have this many followers, but now that we are where we are, Nala and I try to help spread the word about adopting and getting donations to shelters,” says Pookie. They make regular donations to a growing list of shelters, and the website also features a full page of adoptable cats from various shelters. “I felt sad that I couldn’t adopt more cats and give them loving homes, so I try to contribute to animal shelters and adoption awareness as much as possible.”

The kitty’s website also offers some adorable merchandise for sale, ranging from Nala t-shirts, hoodies and tote bags to scarves, ties and throw pillows.

“After several meet and greets, her fans wanted souvenirs,” says Pookie. “In the beginning, they were meant for fans only, and they were free. However, the demand for products started growing, and it costs money to make them, so I had to start charging. For every product sold, a portion of the proceeds goes to animal shelters.”

ASIDE FROM HER

cuteness, ONE OF THE REASONS

NALA IS FAMOUS IS BECAUSE OF HER STORY.

Nala’s popularity aside, Pookie is as much in love with her cat as she was on the day they first met. “All cat people know that cats are the best,” she quips. “And while Nala can be focused on playing with the printer or busy doing the other random, quirky things that cats do, she is still very affectionate. When I come home after a stressful day, I open the door and she’s right there, greeting me with a meow. The stress seems to melt away and I feel a lot better.

“The best thing about Nala is that she is just Nala,” Pookie muses. “I know she’s a cat and probably doesn’t know how famous she is. In the end, she’s still just my little Nala. It’s hard to explain because she isn’t really special – but she’s special to me, and any cat parent would know what I mean.”

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GERD in cats It’s more than just “HEARTBURN”.

By Nadia Ali

As I watched our cat Cici grooming her paw, I noticed something wasn’t right. She seemed to be pawing at her mouth rather than licking at her foot. Suddenly, she flicked her head and a string of saliva swished through the air. Then she crouched down and started coughing. I was taken aback to say the least, especially as Cici repeated these actions several times as I looked on.

A number of things ran through my mind as to the possible cause of Cici’s alarming behavior. Was something stuck in her mouth or throat? Was she choking? Were her teeth bothering her? Was it a hairball? Had she ingested something poisonous?

Any and all of these might have caused what I was witnessing. For example, drooling and pawing at the mouth can be signs of oral pain and discomfort brought about by advanced periodontal disease. A hairball can cause coughing and salivation, as can a foreign object lodged in the throat.

Drooling can also signify nausea or even mouth cancer. The only way to be sure is to take the cat to the vet, which is what I did with Cici.

A DIAGNOSIS OF GERD An x-ray revealed Cici was suffering from acid reflux or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). It’s caused by a backup of gastric fluids into the esophagus. While veterinarians aren’t sure what causes it, one theory is that cats with GERD have a weak esophageal sphincter, the muscle that prevents stomach acids and food from flowing back up the esophagus. GERD is very uncomfortable for the cat, and along with symptoms of drooling, coughing and difficulty swallowing, she may vomit more than normal, lose her appetite and drop in weight.

DIET IS KEY Because my current vet is conventional, Cici was prescribed medications including a gastric acid inhibitor and an antibiotic to soothe and protect the lining of the esophagus.

However, I wanted to take a more integrative approach so I did some additional research and learned that diet is a primary key to managing GERD in cats.

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Always visit the vet

Given that many other conditions can give rise to the same or similar symptoms as GERD, it’s important to get your cat to a vet as soon as possible – especially since anything that causes her to drool, cough, throw up, or go off her food must be causing her considerable discomfort. “If you notice any change in your cat’s usual behavior or activity level, always take her in for an examination right away,” says veterinarian Dr. Stefani Schwartz.

“I recommend a fresh, organic, nutritionally-balanced, whole food species-appropriate diet supplemented with organic herbs and nutraceuticals specifically selected to treat and remedy the symptoms of GERD,” says integrative veterinarian Dr. Karen Rosenfeld. She adds that low quality commercial foods and treats can further aggravate GERD, and that a homemade diet is best for cats with this condition. Her suggestion is to give the cat lean ground meat from organic pasture-fed animals, and add kefir, fresh sauerkraut or even some natural honey to help soothe the lining of the esophagus. (Note: before switching any cat to a homemade diet, it’s extremely important to work with a veterinarian who is well-versed in feline nutrition, in order to prevent deficiencies and other problems.) “Four to six small meals should be provided daily – no large single portions and no freefeeding,” Dr. Rosenfeld adds.

Along with the correct diet, Dr. Rosenfeld recommends some additional ways to help alleviate GERD. “Don’t allow your cat to be over-vaccinated, and use truly natural solutions for routine oral, fur and skin care. Avoid unnecessary use of conventional drugs such as antibiotics, antacids, and insect and parasite preventatives.”

Although Cici temporarily lost her voice due to acid reflux, it was as good as ever once it returned. We have learned that the best way to manage her GERD is to feed her a healthy natural diet and keep an eye on her for any signs of discomfort.

FOR MORE INFORMATION aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/vomiting hillviewvet.com/2013/09/01/acid-reflux-in-cats ottawavalleydogwhisperer.blogspot.com/2013/12/acid-reflex-gerd-indogs-cats-natural.html petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_gastroesophageal_reflux petmeds.org/petmeds-spotlight/fascinating-feline-facts-catsaliva/#.U_s0s2d0xLM feline wellness

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FELINE fitness 10 WAYS TO KEEP

By Sally E. Bahner

TABBY TRIM.

Cats are popular because they’re “easy” to care for. They don’t have to be walked or trained like a dog does. But that makes it easy to forget that they have the bodies of athletes. They aren’t meant to spend all their time sleeping or lying around, but that’s what many end up doing, especially if they’re indoor cats.

Because of this, a large number of kitties today are on the chubby side. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 57.6% of cats are overweight, and that can lead to diabetes, respiratory and heart disease, joint problems, some forms of cancer, kidney disease, and overall decreased life expectancy.

Keeping your cat fit shouldn’t be limited to kittenhood.

Many people assume that cats slow down once they mature, so they don’t need to play or exercise as much. But exercise and fitness should remain a priority throughout the cat’s life. Some may play and run on their own, but more often than not, you’ll have to take responsibility for keeping the wiggle in your kitty’s butt by initiating a play routine. Think of it as spending quality time together!

GET HER OFF THE COUCH Short of enrolling your cat in a gym membership, what can you do to keep her fit and healthy?

 Nutrition is a foundation. We often equate food with love, and grab the treat jar or fill the bowl at the first pleading meow. A high quality, species-appropriate, whole meatbased diet is essential to maintaining optimum health, as well as good muscle tone and body condition. Avoid free-feeding – cats allowed to nibble 24/7 soon gain weight, especially if they’re given cheap carbohydrate-laden kibble.

 Make your cat work for his treats by using puzzle toys – it’ll bring out her prey drive, keep her moving and stimulate her brain. Much better than simply camping out at the food bowl.

 Cats are designed to hunt, and play is the best way to hone that skill. Fishing pole toys are a good way to start; they’re a dime a dozen and the permutations are endless. Learn how

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to make the toy act like prey and watch your cat leap and soar. Our young cat, Celica, favors an innocuous fuzzy square on a leather thong attached to a stick. Her athletic prowess is remarkable!

r Laser toys can also give your cat a workout, but they can be a source of frustration if not used properly. Every hunt should end in a capture, so be sure there’s a reward for the workout – catnip or a treat. Keep in mind this mantra from cat guru Jackson Galaxy: “Hunt, catch, kill, eat.”

t Boxes and paper bags are universally adored. Add a ping pong ball and let the fun begin!

Get her engaged

People often say their cats don’t like to play, that all they want to do is lie around. But you have to be persistent and find the right toys and methods of play. Many cats love fishing pole toys, but others prefer to wrestle with a catnip toy or chase a crinkle ball. Take the time to figure out what your cat enjoys, especially if you’re just embarking on a fitness program for her.

y The

Turbo scratcher has been around for ages.

It combines a ball in a track with a replaceable cardboard scratching pad. They last forever and kitty gets a great workout by batting the ball around and using the scratcher.

u Although

it’s essential to have at least one good, tall, sturdy scratching post, a few extra inexpensive cardboard scratchers, placed all around the house, are great for working out (and saving your furniture). Look at your cat when she stretches: her back is elongated and her butt elevated. The muscles in the front legs are being exercised while the rear legs are extended to support the back and butt.

around. But when Celica arrived at just four months old, her energy definitely awakened their inner kittens!

It goes without saying that kittens are natural athletes. They have limitless energy and their activity is non-stop. The key is to sustain that energy through adulthood by maintaining a regular routine of play along with proper nutrition.

i If you have a treadmill, see if you can get your cat interested in it. Just be sure to supervise her while she’s on it, for safety’s sake, and don’t force her to get on it if she doesn’t want to. Cat exercise wheels are also becoming available, but again, there’s a need for supervision – and they don’t come cheap.

o It’s no secret that cats need vertical space as well as horizontal surfaces.

Nice tall cat trees and kitty condos allow them to stretch and jump.

Photo courtesy of V. Bychkov, Confetti Cattery

a If

Cats and kittens love interactive play, and adopting two can help double the fun and activity.

you’re thinking of adopting a kitten, adopt two. Kittens have boundless energy and a pair is sure to be active and self-amusing. And when added to a family of one or two adult cats, a kitten can add new life. In my own family, Tekla is 11 and Mollie is five. They’re in excellent health and not opposed to moving feline wellness

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FeLV FeLV

By Lisa Jensen

– it’s NOT a death sentence

Athena, a fluffy black kitten born to a feral mother, captivated me and my husband when she first crossed our path. Because of her background, we had her tested for feline leukemia (FeLV), though we considered it little more than a formality. So my heart dropped when the veterinarian told us Athena had FeLV.

FELINE LEUKEMIA FACTS FeLV infects 2% to 3% of cats in the US.1 It’s most prevalent in kittens before their immunity is fully developed, and in older cats whose immune systems are declining.1,4 The virus is passed through saliva and urine, but it can’t be transmitted to humans or dogs.3 It can be spread through bite wounds and from a mother cat to her kittens.1,4 There are three scenarios for cats who test positive for FeLV: •A

handful fight off the virus and live a normal lifespan, virus-free.

• Another

small percentage carry the virus and spread disease to other cats without becoming seriously ill themselves.

•

Most become increasingly ill and eventually die from secondary infection or are euthanized, usually within two years of diagnosis.

“Until a cat fights off the virus and tests negative, he’s considered viremic and is still contagious,” cautions Veterinarian Dr. Danielle Newman.4

VACCINATION ISN’T THE ANSWER Once in a cat’s system, FeLV produces an enzyme that allows it to insert copies of its own genetic data into the cells it infects, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.1 Vaccines don’t provide a viable solution, and FeLV isn’t considered a core vaccine for cats. Vaccination can cause reactions such as fever, sneezing, lameness and loss of appetite. Other less common yet life-threatening effects include anaphylaxis and the development

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of sarcomas.2 These side effects are the reason many holistic and integrative vets don’t recommend FeLV vaccines for cats who aren’t at risk.

SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR Feline leukemia itself has no noticeable symptoms, but it breaks down a cat’s immunity, opening the door to numerous secondary diseases. Signs that may indicate FeLV include: • Appetite • Poor

and weight loss

coat condition

• Fever • Inflamed

gums

• Diarrhea • Persistent

eye, skin, urinary tract and/or upper respiratory infections

• Behavior

seizures

changes and

FeLV is commonly diagnosed using the ELISA test (EnzymeLinked ImmunoSorbent Assay). If the ELISA is positive, an ImmunoFluorescent Assay (IFA test) will determine how advanced the disease is by showing if it has spread to the bone marrow.1,4

HOLISTIC TREATMENT IS BEST BET There is no cure or effective treatment for feline leukemia.

Conventionally, Interferon and a few other medications have been studied, but with inconclusive and mixed results.6 Consequently, treatment is usually ongoing and directed at the infection or disease of the moment, rather than the virus itself.

Veterinarian Dr. Michele Gaspar encourages holistic treatment for cats with FeLV. Any cat’s odds of beating the virus and/ or living out a normal lifespan depend on factors such as age, lifestyle and overall health. Dr. Gaspar says that treatment should be approached realistically, by giving your cat a fighting chance but keeping in mind that it could go either way. There’s always hope, however, and her recommendations give kitties a definite advantage.

“Holistic methods need to be approached with a vet who is comfortable with them,” Dr. Gaspar says. She recommends reishi, shiitake and miitake mushrooms for the immune system, and adds that Andrographis, a South Asian plant with antiviral properties, is also useful.

“I also suggest a pharmaceutical-grade L-lysine product and great nutrition with a species-appropriate diet, one that’s high in protein and less than 7% carbs. Meat should be lightly cooked as FeLV cats aren’t the best candidates for a raw diet.”

As it turned out, Athena is one of the lucky few who are able to fight off the virus – her second FeLV test came back negative.

I feel fortunate to still have my fluffy, nutty cat and to have learned so much from our early ordeal, especially that FeLV in any form isn’t a death sentence.

1

Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline Leukemia Virus, vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/brochure_felv.cfm.

2

Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline Vaccines: Benefits and Risks, vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_resources/Vaccines.cfm.

3

WebMD: Facts About Feline Leukemia, pets.webmd.com/cats/facts-about-feline-leukemia-virus.

4

Danielle Newman, DVM, Mountain View Veterinary Hospital, Pocatello, Idaho.

5

Michele Gaspar, DVM, Feline DAVBP, Urban Veterinary Care, Chicago, Illinois.

6

Withrow and MacEwen’s Small Animal Clinical Oncology, Stephen J. Withrow, David M. Vail and Rodney Page, pp 23-25.

7

Frederick Cat Vet: Not Eating Well? How to Boost Your Cat’s Appetite, frederickcatvet.com/boostingappetite.html.

Living with FeLV

Provide high quality nutrition.

•

Work with a holistic or integrative vet who can prescribe herbs and supplements that are right for your cat.

•

Maintain hydration: provide fresh water and keep the environment on the humid side.6

•

Encourage appetite: serve food warm and sprinkle a bit of catnip over it.

•

Minimize stress: keep kitties warm and stimulate circulation through petting, massage and grooming.7

Keeping kitty FeLV-free 1,3,4,5

If your cat has not been diagnosed with FeLV, you can keep him that way by:

exposure by keeping him indoors, in a 1Preventing secure outdoor enclosure or on a harness and leash when outside (always supervised).

new cats and kittens before allowing contact with 2Test infection-free cats.

FeLV cats from uninfected cats in the same 3Segregate household. Don’t allow interaction or sharing of litter boxes, food or water dishes.

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BOOK REVIEWS TITLE: My Street Cats AUTHOR: Raphaella Bilski Stray cats are a fact of life in communities worldwide. Some people ignore them, others look after them; some campaign for their rights, others for their removal. My Street Cats is written by animal lover Raphaella Bilski, a member of the department of political science at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, as well as a social and welfare policy advisor to several Israeli prime ministers.

In the early 1990s, Raphaella began taking care of a colony of street cats, and this book is based on her experiences. It includes her observations of how these cats survive – their social lives, behaviors and hierarchies – and also raises awareness of their needs and vulnerabilities.

The author describes dozens of stray kitties she has known and loved, how she provides food for them, cares for them when they’re injured and sick, and turns her home into a haven for those trusting enough to come inside.

By the end of the book, you’ll have a whole new perspective on – and respect for -- the humble street cat.

Publisher: Samuel Wachtman’s Sons

TITLE: The Secrets of Lost Cats AUTHOR: Dr. Nancy Davidson When her orange tabby, Zak, disappeared, Dr. Nancy Davidson did what many people do when their animals go missing – she made a lost cat poster. Thankfully, she found Zak within a few days, but her experience sparked an interest in other people’s lost cat posters. A psychotherapist by profession, she studied the language, composition and design of the posters she saw, and became intrigued by their messages.

Dr. Davidson started calling the numbers on the posters and offering people her empathy and support. Before long, they were confiding in her and asking her for advice, and as a seasoned therapist, she was perfectly positioned to help them.

The Secrets of Lost Cats is the result. In this unique book, Dr. Davidson tells the stories behind 20 lost cat posters, the people and families who created them, and the cats themselves.

While some of the stories have sad endings, others end with joyful reunions – and both are testimony to the profound love we share with our feline friends.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

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