V18I5 (Oct/Nov 2016) by Redstone Media Group

ANIMAL WELLNESS

For a long, healthy life!

TOP

Annual nutrition issue

pet food ingredients to AVOID THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF DOGS

SCALY SKIN

COLOSTRUM for your companion

– WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Learn how it can BOOST his health.

HIGH DOSE VITAMIN C THERAPY

Interactive FEEDER TOYS for raw diets

CCL disease – did you know manganese

deficiency may be the culprit? OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 Display until November 16, 2016

$6.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 5

Luna,

How to find the

PERFECT dog walker

the Korean MEAT DOG,

escapes death & finds her forever home. Find out what’s being done to help Koreans see these precious dogs as companions, not cuisine.

AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

BONUS INSIDE!

Animal Wellness

October/November 2016

Contents October/November 2016

Features

18 INTERACTIVE DOG FEEDERS AND RAW DIETS

Puzzle toys and interactive feeders are a great way to mentally stimulate your dog and encourage her to work for her food. But are they okay to use with raw diets?

22 DOES YOUR DOG OR CAT HAVE SCALY SKIN?

Scaly skin in pets may be nothing much to worry about. But if it’s excessive, it can signal a more serious underlying issue, and should be checked out.

26 HOW TO FIND A DOG WALKER

Before hiring a dog walker, check to make sure she possesses these 12 qualities and attributes.

30 HOW TO KEEP YOUR OLD DOG YOUNG – PART 2

In the second part of this article, we look at the crucial roles played by diet, supplements and exercise.

34 HIGH DOSE VITAMIN C

THERAPY FOR PETS – PART 1

When injected at high doses into an animal, vitamin C offers some amazing healing benefits and can even help treat cancer.

42 REPLACING CRUELTY

WITH COMPASSION

Luna started her life as a meat dog in South Korea, before being rescued and adopted into a loving home. Millions more need saving – find out what’s being done to help them.

Dogs have a rich secret language that is only just being discovered, and research results shine more light on just how incredible our canines are.

54 MANGANESE DEFICIENCY AND CCL DISEASE

90 FERMENTED FOODS – GOOD FOR DOGS!

Contrary to popular belief, most cranial cruciate ligament problems in dogs don’t arise from acute injuries. A lack of manganese in the diet is a major contributor.

58 SERVICE DOGS FOR

AUTISTIC KIDS

Dogs specially trained to work with children on the autism spectrum have been successfully helping youngsters and their families cope with this difficult condition.

62 GEMMOTHERAPY CAN HELP HEAL YOUR PET

This gentle healing system involves the use of plant bud extracts to address health issues and help detoxify your dog or cat.

69 AZMIRA HOLISTIC ANIMAL CARE

Founded by Dr. Lisa Newman, a pioneer in alternative pet care, this company offers a complete line of natural products for dogs and cats.

Bovine colostrum supplementation is showing a lot of promise for health issues in dogs and cats – from respiratory infections to diarrhea to periodontal disease.

These keen-nosed working dogs are experts at stopping contraband foods and plants at the border.

Animal Wellness

84 THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF DOGS

From by-products to soy to rendered fats – here’s what to steer clear of when buying food for your dog or cat.

46 COLOSTRUM CAN

BOOST YOUR PET’S WELLNESS

50 TOP PET FOOD INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

76 BEAGLE BRIGADE

From borscht to kefir, fermented foods are packed with nutritional benefits you can share with your dog.

98 CHOOSING HEALTHY TREATS FOR YOUR CAT

High quality cat treats made from natural, domestically-sourced ingredients are nutritious as well as delicious.

100 FOSTERING FELINES

Do you have what it takes to be a cat foster parent?

102 ATCHOUM LE CHAT

Hailing from Quebec, this unique Persian kitty is the only known feline with hypertrichosis, a condition that causes excess hair growth – and it’s made him world famous!

Columns

12 52 66 70 80 88 96 105

Yakkity yak To the rescue Passages Rewind Warm & fuzzy Book reviews Tail end Feline Wellness book reviews

Social media Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine News, events, and tips! @ AW_magazine Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness

Departments 8

Editorial

Product picks

The scoop

Animal Wellness resource guide

Social media

Marketplace

Events calendar

ClassiďŹ eds October/November 2016

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 5

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Senior Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Senior Graphic Designer: Sylvia Lisi Social Media Manager: Kyle Dupont Web Design & Development: Brad Vader Tail End Illustrations: Libby Sinden Cover Image Courtesy of: EK Park Feline Cover Image courtesy of: Nathalie Côté

ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF:

EK Park Luna has a lot to smile about, but it wasn’t always this way. Her life began on a meat dog farm in South Korea, with nothing ahead of her but suffering and death. But thanks to the amazing folks at Free Korean Dogs, she’s now living a happy and healthy life with a loving family in Oshawa, Ontario. Turn to page 42 to learn more.

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sally E. Bahner Aouatef Bellamine, PhD Stephen R. Blake, DVM, CVA, CVH Cindy Carol Maureen Cooke Audi Donamor Kyle Dupont Fanna Easter, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, ACDBC John A. Ellis, DVM, PhD, dip ACVP, dip ACVM Lisa Mackinder Ramona D. Marek, MS Ed Erin Mayo, DVM, CVA Shawn Messonnier, DVM Joseph Moore Sandra Murphy Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc Tom Schell, DVM, CVCH Karen Shaw Becker, DVM Victoria Stilwell Michelle Tilghman, DVM, CVA, CCRP Charlotte Walker ADMINISTRATION & SALES President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Accounting: Karen Jeffries Circulation & Office Manager: Libby Sinden SUBMISSIONS: Please email all editorial material to Ann Brightman, Managing Editor, at ann@redstonemediagroup.com. We welcome previously unpublished articles and color pictures either in jpeg, tif 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. You can also mail submissions to: Animal Wellness Magazine, 160 Charlotte St., Suite 202, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8. Please direct other correspondence to info@redstonemediagroup.com.

ON THE FELINE COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF:

Nathalie Côté Yes, he’s a real Persian kitty, and a famous one at that! Atchoum is the only known cat with hypertrichosis, a condition that causes rapid and constant hair growth. His unusual appearance and striking golden eyes have inspired people to compare him to everything from an owl to a Dr. Seuss character. Despite his extraordinary looks, Atchoum is a friendly, fun-loving boy with thousands of fans. Read his full story on page 102.

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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 Multimedia Specialist: Kat Shaw, (866) 764-1212 ext. 315 katshaw@redstonemediagroup.com Subscription Services Manager: Brittany Tufts, (866) 764-1212 ext. 115 brittany@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 115 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© 2016. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: September 2016.

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

editorial

Food,

GLORIOUS food!

ur adopted shih poo, Muffie, came with a warning. “She’s really funny about eating her food,” explained her foster mom. After looking at the commercial kibble in her dish, I wasn’t really surprised. I promptly switched Muffie to a fresh food diet and voila! – her appetite immediately improved.

Lately, though, something has changed and I’m beginning to think Muffie has been watching too many episodes of Chopped. Our observant furry princess has decided that her high quality diet requires a little something extra. It doesn’t have to be fancy – a bit of steamed asparagus, a morsel of leftover fish; heck, even a few Rice Krispies will do the trick – as long as she sees us adding that piece de resistance to the bowl. When it doesn’t happen, she scolds us, dancing around and making a fuss until we give up and drop in the coveted “topper”. To make matters more hilarious, while all these antics are going on, our cat Katy is trying to sneak in and devour Muffie’s unadorned food, so the dog has to keep breaking from her dance to run over and guard her dish. Ah, don’t you just love the unique personalities of your fur-kids?! By now, you may have guessed that this is our annual nutrition issue, and as always, it’s full of essential information to help keep your dog or cat healthy for years to come. If you’re a raw feeder, you’ll find our article on interactive dog toys for raw food interesting as well as useful. For those who might be just beginning the healthy diet journey, our article on the top pet food ingredients to steer clear of will give you a great head start. Dr. Michelle

Animal Wellness

Tilghman focuses on diet and supplements in part two of her article on keeping old dogs young, while Audi Donamor reveals the amazing health benefits of fermented foods, and how they can enhance your best friend’s wellness. And did you know that a manganese deficiency may lie at the root of CCL tears in dogs? Dr. Karen Becker explains the connection. Finally, don’t miss Dr. John Ellis’ look at how bovine colostrum supplementation can help with a variety of health issues in dogs and cats. On another note, our cover story this issue highlights a very special dog named Luna. Now a much-loved member of an adoring family, this sweet pooch started life as a Korean meat dog. Our article explores what’s being done to change the mindset of those who see these beautiful dogs as cuisine rather than the wonderful companion animals they are, and how you can help. Our Feline Wellness section kicks off with advice on choosing healthy treats for your kitty. You’ll also find tips on fostering cats, and be sure to check out our cover cat – Atchoum le chat, a French Canadian feline with a very unusual condition that’s made him world-renowned! Have a happy and healthy autumn!

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

October/November 2016

contributors

1. Veterinarian Dr. Stephen R. Blake has been practicing in San Diego for over 40 years. He dedicates his energy to holistic veterinary medicine, practicing classical homeopathy, acupuncture, Bach Flower therapy, aromatherapy, massage, Gemmotherapy, glandular therapy and nutrition. He is a member of the Council of Elders for the AHVMA, certified by IVAS in veterinary acupuncture, certified by AVH as a classical veterinary homeopath, and author of The Pet Whisperer and Gemmotherapy for our Animal Friends. Turn to page 62 for his article on Gemmotherapy. 2. Veterinarian Dr. John Ellis is a Professor of Veterinary Microbiology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatoon, where he teaches diagnostic virology. After graduating from the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois, he received his PhD from Colorado State University. He is a diplomate with both the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. For this issue, he discusses the health benefits of colostrum (page 46). 3. 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 creator of Dr. Shawn’s Pet Organics. His practice, Paws & Claws Animal Hospital (petcarenaturally.com), is in Plano, Texas. See page 22 for his article on scaly skin problems.

Animal Wellness

4. Veterinarian Dr. Tom Schell is a private practicing veterinarian and researcher in North Carolina, heading up research and product development for Nouvelle Research, Inc. His main interest in practice and research is the impact of inﬂammation on chronic disease and the use of herbs to help improve clinical outcomes. He may be reached at tschelldvm@ gmail.com. For the first part of his article on high dose vitamin C infusions, see page 34. 5. Veterinarian Dr. Karen Shaw Becker received her degree from the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. She owns/operates Natural Pet Animal Hospital, Feathers Bird Clinic, TheraPaw Rehabilitation and Pain Management Clinic and Covenant Wildlife Rehabilitation in Illinois. She co-authored Real Food for Healthy Pets and hosts a holistic animal wellness website (mercolahealthypets.com). Read her article on the link between manganese deficiency and CCL tears (page 54). 6. Veterinarian Dr. Michelle Tilghman has been practicing since 1982 and is a graduate of the University of Georgia. She focuses on complementary modalities, is certified as an acupuncturist through IVAS, and received certification as a canine rehabilitation practitioner at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Tilghman was past president of the AHVMA and is an adjunct professor at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Part 2 of her article on keeping old dogs young appears on page 30.

7. Victoria Stilwell is a world-renowned dog trainer, TV personality, author and public speaker, best known as the star of the hit TV series It's Me or the Dog. Appearing frequently in the worldwide media, Victoria is widely recognized as a leader in the field of animal behavior. She is the Editor-In-Chief of Positively (positively.com) and CEO of Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training (VSPDT), the world’s premier network of positive (force- and fearfree) dog trainers. In this issue (page 84), we present an excerpt from Victoria’s new book The Secret Language of Dogs. 8. Audi Donamor has been successfully creating special needs diets for companion animals for two decades. She is the founder of the University of Guelph’s Smiling Blue Skies® Cancer Fund and Smiling Blue Skies® Fund for Innovative Research. She is the proud recipient a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and most recently, was honored with the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, for her work in cancer, from the University of Guelph/Ontario Veterinary College. On page 90, Audi looks at the health benefits of fermented foods. 9. Fanna Easter is a freelance writer and professional dog trainer; she has earned several national behavior certifications (CPDTKA, KPA CTP, ACDBC). Currently, she is lead writer for DogTrainingNation.com and teaches reactive dog group classes. She shares her home with her beloved bull terrier, Rottweiler and husband. Fanna looks at interactive toys for raw feeding on page 18.

Submissions

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. On page 100, Sally writes about fostering cats. 11. Ramona Marek is a writer who has been published in many national and international print and digital magazines. She is a former director of the Cat Writers’ Association and has been a professional member since 2007. She is also one of a handful of non-veterinarian

members of the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians, and a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). On page 98, Ramona discusses healthy treats for cats. 12. Joseph Moore is a writer, photographer, dog lover, and former veterinary technician who is constantly looking for ways to combine these elements in his work. He is the author of several collections of short fiction: Surf Zombies and Other Horrors, Christmas Wishes, and Latent Images. He lives in Southern California (tradeschoolpress. com). For this issue (page 58), Joseph looks at how therapy dogs can help autistic kids.

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

contributors

Cindy Carol is a member of the Toronto Dog Walkers Association and owner of For Dog’s Sake, serving certain neighborhoods in Toronto’s west end. She’s an experienced dog walker and trainer, a volunteer and foster home for Australian Shepherd Rescue and a member of the High Park K9 Committee. Read her tips on finding a dog walker on page 26. Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she's not writing, she works as a pet sitter. Turn to page 76 for her article on the Beagle Brigade, a unique team of dogs and handlers who patrol American borders for contraband foods and plants.

October/November 2016

yakkity yak 10 PET-FRIENDLY CITIES Nearly 80 million American households have companion animals. WalletHub recently took an in-depth look at this year’s most petfriendly cities. The stats were based on 19 key metrics, ranging from veterinary and pet insurance costs to the number of pet businesses and shelters per capita. Here are the top ten cities according to their results:

 Orlando, FL  Birmingham, AL  Tampa, FL  Lexington, KY  Scottsdale, AZ

 Reno, NV  Colorado Springs, CO  Cincinnati, OH  Las Vegas, NV  St. Louis, MO

Visit wallethub.com/edu/most-pet-friendly-cities/5562/ for the full report.

PET SITTERS OFTEN HAVE PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS People from a variety of professional backgrounds are finding they can turn their love of animals into a rewarding career as a pet sitter. In its 2016 State of the Industry Survey, Pet Sitters International (PSI), found that only 3% of its members pursued pet sitting as a first career immediately following high school or college. While nearly 40% of PSI members decided to start a professional pet sitting business after retiring or being laid off, the majority – a whopping 58% – chose to leave another career to open their own professional pet sitting business. These members came from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, ranging from business management to education to veterinary and medical support. “Pet sitting is a viable career option with significant earning potential for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, a love for pets and commitment to professionalism and hard work,” says PSI president Patti Moran. petsit.com

Pumpkin is not just a traditional fall

food – it’s also good for your dog and its

fiber content

can help with both constipation and diarrhea.

Animal Wellness

CANCER RISK BY BREED While cancer can affect any dog, certain breeds have a known • Irish setter – This breed is predisposed to the development higher risk for certain types of the disease. Here’s a partial list of insulin-producing tumors called insulinomas, which arise from the Morris Animal Foundation: in the pancreas. • Bernese mountain dogs – A recent study found a relationship If you have one of these breeds, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce between joint disease and later cancer development in the same joints. his risk, so keep diet and exercise top of mind – and keep reading • Golden retrievers – Researchers have found two genes related Animal Wellness! morrisanimalfoundation.org to cancer development in golden retrievers. • Boxers – A recent survey of brain cancer in dogs found that boxers were one of the most commonly affected. • Scottish terriers – This breed is at a higher risk of bladder cancer, although a study showed that adding vegetables to their diet reduced that risk by 70%. • Bouvier des Flandres – Bouviers are predisposed to gastric carcinoma. • Rottweiler – Bone cancer can be a problem in these dogs because of their large bone structure. • Rhodesian ridgebacks – They have a high incidence of several types of malignant tumors, including soft tissue sarcomas. • Airedale terrier – Nasal cancer is the most common cause of chronic nasal discharge and bleeding from the nose, and Airedales may be predisposed to nasal tumors.

October/November 2016

yakkity yak

WORKING CONDITIONS FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATORS

Venturing into difficult and risky situations comes with the territory for animal cruelty investigators. But enforcement officers with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) are underequipped compared to their police service counterparts, says a new report from Brock University and the University of Windsor. “OSPCA officers have the same legal authority as police to enforce animal cruelty legislation, yet key elements of their working conditions are quite shocking,” says Kendra Coulter, associate professor in Brock University’s Centre for Labour Studies, and lead author of the report. For example, most OSPCA officers must work alone, and some are responsible for regions that take five hours to cross. They do not have two-way radios and those in remote areas are regularly without cell phone service. They also experience many kinds of disrespect, including verbal and physical abuse, on the job. The report makes several recommendations to government, industry and the OSPCA on how to better support cruelty investigation officers and the animals they’re trying to protect, as well as improve their safety and effectiveness. humanejobs.org, ontariospca.ca

Remember to help your pooch weather with a

transition to colder

cozy doggie sweater or jacket.

During the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in August and September, millions of people flocked to Rio de Janeiro to see events in over 30 different sports facilities. Many animals live close to these venues, including stray dogs and cats, as well as wildlife and livestock. “Huge global events like the Olympics mean that stray animals are put at risk – from the building of major stadiums, the influx of people, or by local authorities wanting to ‘clean up’ the streets,” says Elizabeth Sharpe of World Animal Protection, which partnered with the Organizing Committee for the Games to help the city’s animals before and during the event. The charity trained Olympic operational teams to correctly handle animals that might enter venues during the Games; offered guidelines on responsible pet ownership for the communities of Rio de Janeiro; carried out community awareness-raising events about the importance of keeping domestic animals at home during the competitions; and organized adoption campaigns for dogs and cats in partnership with Special Secretariat for the Defense of Animals (SEPDA). worldanimalprotection.ca

Animal Wellness

Photo courtesy of World Animal Protection Dado Galdieri

PROTECTING RIO’S ANIMALS DURING THE OLYMPICS

October/November 2016

BLANKET POLICY

Among the many supplies animal shelters need on a regular basis are blankets for bedding, warmth and comfort. Comfort for Critters is an all-volunteer program that creates hand-made (knitted or crocheted) blankets to comfort animals in shelters. While these pets await adoption, the blankets provide a comfortable bed year-round. When they are adopted, their blanket goes with them, providing something familiar as they adjust to their forever homes. Last year, the organization delivered over 8,000 blankets to more than 100 animal shelters in the US. They have participating shelters in every state, so new crafters are always wanted to create blankets for shelters in their own areas – yarn, crochet hooks and knitting needles are provided free of charge.

Photo courtesy of Tree House Humane Society

yakkity yak

Comfort for Critters is also in need of yarn to reach their goal of delivering 10,000 blankets to abandoned pets before the end of the year. Yarn donations can be sent to CFC’s headquarters at 3s139 Sequoia Drive, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. ComfortForCritters.org

ANIMAL WELFARE AWARD It’s important that those who spearhead improvements in animal welfare be recognized for their efforts. The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies recently announced that Dr. David Fraser was the recipient of their 2016 Frederic A. McGrand Lifetime Leadership in Animal Welfare Award. Dr. Fraser is Canada’s pre-eminent thinker in the field of animal welfare science, and is also a co-founder of the country’s first and only graduate research program in animal welfare, which he established with his colleagues Dr. Dan Weary and Dr. Nina von Keyserlingk at the University of British Columbia in 1997. He is also one of the original members of the Animal Welfare Working Group of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), which develops global animal welfare standards on behalf of its 180 member nations. “Dr. Fraser has helped immeasurably in shaping animal welfare thinking and focusing our efforts on the best possible solutions for improving quality of life for animals,” says Barbara Cartwright, CEO of CFHS. “He…did pioneering work on identifying emotional states in animals.” cfhs.ca

NATURAL PET FOODS A GROWING TREND If you want proof that natural and grain-free pet foods are increasing in popularity, here it is. Data recently released by GfK shows that natural pet food cornered well over half (58%) of the US’s total $13 billion spent in the “pet specialty” market last year, while grain-free foods came in just short of the 30% mark. The growth of natural and grain-free pet food is not limited to the US either – the UK, Czech Republic and Greece all showed notable demand within both product areas. “Consumers have been aware for some years of the health benefits of a natural diet for themselves – and that thinking is jumping across into what people choose to feed their pets,” says Pushan Tagore, vice president of global marketing for pet care at GfK. “Even in markets where the current share for natural or grain-free pet foods is low, the year-on-year growth is significant. This was particularly evident in this year’s Interzoo conference in Nuremberg, where natural pet food had a significantly increased presence across the show.” gfk.com

Correction: In the article “Elbow dysplasia and how it affects dogs” by Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA (AW Aug-Sept 2016), the bones that make up a dog’s elbow are the radius, ulna and humerus, not the tibia, fibula and humerus. We apologize for the error.

Animal Wellness

October/November 2016

Interactive dog feeders & raw diets

– are they compatible? By Fanna Easter, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, ACDBC

PUZZLE TOYS AND INTERACTIVE FEEDERS ARE A GREAT WAY TO MENTALLY

stimulate

YOUR DOG AND ENCOURAGE HER TO WORK FOR HER FOOD. BUT ARE THEY OKAY TO

Outward Hound's Fun Feeder is an ideal choice for raw feeding.

USE WITH RAW DIETS?

xercising your dog’s mind is very important. She needs daily doses of mentally challenging activity to help keep her happy and well-adjusted. Stuffing food into interactive feeders and puzzle toys is a wonderful way to give her brain a workout while she enjoys her daily meals. But what if you feed your dog a raw diet? Aren’t interactive feeders and puzzle toys designed for kibble only? Not necessarily. If your dog eats it, you can stuff it into a toy or feeder! You just need to choose the right product, and know how to fill and clean it properly.

Animal Wellness

CHOOSING IT When selecting an interactive feeder or puzzle toy for a raw diet, look for something that features holes and crevices you can easily stuff the food into. It’s also very important to pick something that’s going to be easy to clean properly. I recommend products such as Kong rubber toys, Outward Hound puzzle bowls, the Starmark Pickle rubber toy, and Nina Ottosson brain games. Regardless of your dog’s chewing style, she will love these durable toys! Be sure to buy something that can’t completely fit inside your dog’s mouth. If your dog is a power chewer, a natural rubber toy with large cavities made for food is a good choice; they’re tough yet flexible, and able to withstand repeated chewing. Other ideas for interactive raw feeding include stuffing food into hollowed-out marrow bones. Or take a muffin tin, form the raw food into the cups (like pushing piecrust into a pan) and let your dog work it out under your supervision. For quick puzzle solvers, you can change things up by turning the muffin tin upside down and forming the food over the outsides of the cups. Whether you buy a toy or feeder, or create your own, always keep your dog’s safety in mind. You don’t want her to chew off and ingest foreign objects. My own dogs enjoy their food puzzles under the kitchen table while we eat dinner; this keeps them busy yet close enough for us to supervise.

FILLING IT

stimulation

WHY IS MENTAL SO IMPORTANT?

Mental stimulation is extremely important for all living beings; we must use our brains every day while working, solving problems, and watching TV. Our dogs don’t watch TV or go to work every day, so they need another way to exercise their brains. Think about it from your dog’s point of view. Looking at the same four walls all day can get boring really fast. This boredom will manifest as extra energy or a tendency to destroy household items, bark excessively, or even compulsively chew on herself – all unwanted behaviors. Mental stimulation is different from physical exercise. Daily exercise is also very important, of course, but layering it with several mentally-stimulating opportunities is even better. Interactive feeders and puzzle toys are ideal for this because you can use feeding times to provide this mental exercise and engagement.

If you’re giving your dog a frozen raw food diet, simply put it inside the toy or feeder the way you would canned food. If you give your dog freeze-dried raw food, put a few large chunks of fruit, such as pear or apple, into the feeder or toy along with the

October/November 2016

The Kong is perfect for stufﬁng with food.

food, to prevent the latter from falling out too quickly. With dehydrated raw food mixes, prepare her meals per the label instructions and put the food into the toy; plug holes with peanut butter to prevent it from leaking out. In the beginning, make the challenge easy to solve by loosely stuffing the food into the cavities or crevices of the toy or feeder. This means the food will come out easily with slight movement, and teaches your dog that moving the toy or feeder around makes the food appear. Once she learns this, make it a bit tougher each time by packing the food more tightly into the toy or feeder, so it takes more effort to remove it. When your dog gets really good at solving these food puzzles – meaning she can get the food out within five to ten minutes – try freezing the food-stuffed toy overnight. Plastic and rubber toys and feeders do well in the freezer. If you’re freezing a toy stuffed with freezedried food, you’ll need to add a bit of moisture so it will stay frozen; put a bit of water or broth inside the toy along with the food, and plug holes with peanut butter before tossing it in the freezer. Once frozen, your dog must lick away at the food until it melts, then figure out how to remove the semi-frozen chunks from inside the toy.

Animal Wellness

Starmark's Pickle Pocket toy is another option.

CLEANING IT Thoroughly cleaning up after handling raw meat is a must. This applies to your dog’s interactive feeders and puzzle toys as well as the surfaces he eats from. When giving your dog toys or feeders filled with raw food, confine her to an area of easyto-wash flooring, or have her eat outdoors (weather permitting, and with your supervision). The toy or puzzle itself also needs to be washed thoroughly after each meal, which is why it’s so important to look for a product that is easy to clean. Rubber toys clean well in the dishwasher; clean plastic feeder puzzles in hot soapy water. So there’s no need to give up your dog’s raw diet in favor of some mental stimulation at dinnertime. Give some thought to choosing, filling and cleaning an interactive feeder or puzzle toy, and you can easily use it with raw food!

The Dog Tornado from Nina Ottosson has traylike levels that would be great for raw food.

Special

nutrition & digestive health

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October/November 2016

D gs Cats

SCALY SKIN IN PETS MAY BE NOTHING MUCH TO WORRY ABOUT. BUT IF IT’S

excessive, IT CAN

SIGNAL A MORE

SERIOUS UNDERLYING ISSUE, AND SHOULD BE CHECKED OUT.

Does your dog or cat have

SCALY SKIN? By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Scaly skin, often referred to by pet owners as “dandruff”, is a common condition in dogs and cats. While it can often be “no big deal,” excessive scaliness is sometimes a symptom of something more serious. This article will explore the various causes of scaly skin in dogs and cats, and how they can be treated.

UNDERSTANDING THE SKIN The epidermis of the skin has five layers: the basal layer (which provides new skin cells that migrate to the surface of the epidermis), the spinous layer, the granular layer, the clear layer, and the horny layer (the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the epidermis that protects the pet’s body from external assaults). The cells of the stratum corneum are constantly being shed, since they are technically dead skin cells. These dead cells are replaced by cells from the basal layer. The process of shedding dead cells and replacing them with new cells takes approximately 22 days in pets. When this process is interrupted, scaliness results and is seen as the white flakes we call scale (or “dandruff”) on the skin and coat.

Animal Wellness

By itself, the presence of scale is not specific to a disease but rather indicates some malfunction of the normal growth process of the skin’s epidermal layer. Excess scale on the skin indicates a problem (that may or may not be serious) which should be examined.

WHAT CAUSES SCALY SKIN? There are numerous causes of scaliness, so testing must be done to determine the specific cause and hence the proper treatment. In my practice, the following causes are the most common:

 Some dogs and cats show excessive scaliness without a definitive cause, and sometimes it’s worse during certain seasons of the year (typically the winter when there is less humidity). The only way I can arrive at this diagnosis, however, is to rule out other causes of scaliness via diagnostic testing (more on this later).

 Here in Texas, I commonly diagnose allergic skin disease in patients. These pets may exhibit excess scaliness or greasiness.

 Primary

or secondary infections, typically from bacteria (sometimes MRSA) or yeasts (usually Malassezia), often result in scaly skin. Bacteria usually cause scaliness, whereas yeasts usually result in greasy skin.

 Parasites, especially fleas, can cause either scaly or greasy skin. In certain areas of the country, lice can also cause epithelial disorders resulting in scaliness. Infection with a specific mite (Cheyletiella) results in a specific type of scaliness called “walking dandruff”. In this condition, the scale actually “moves” or “walks” when closely observed. The mites are easily seen when the “dandruff” is examined microscopically.

 Ringworm is not as common in older pets as most people think (it’s much more common in puppies and kittens), but when it occurs, this fungal infection usually causes scaling. Even though these external causes of scaly skin are most common, there are also internal causes. Thyroid and adrenal disease can affect the skin and hair, but so can any other internal disease including cancers, diabetes, and conditions of the liver and kidneys.

Antioxidants help reverse oxidative damage to the skin, reverse inﬂammation, and control itching.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IS IMPORTANT When determining the cause of scaly skin in a dog or cat, I usually start with easy tests I can do in the office, such as a skin scraping (looking for mites and lice), and a skin cytology (looking for yeasts and bacteria). I also send off a blood profile to look for problems such as thyroid and adrenal disease, and run a fecal analysis (for GI parasites) and urinalysis (to evaluate kidney and bladder function). If I don’t get a diagnosis with these tests and suspect further investigation is needed, I schedule the pet for a skin biopsy. This allows me to remove a few small pieces of affected skin for the pathologist to review microscopically, and for the microbiologist to culture and look for bacteria in (especially MRSA, a severe form of Staphylococcal infection I wrote about in a past issue – see AW Dec-Jan 2015/16) Following this testing, I arrive at a diagnosis. If no diagnosis is reached, then the scaliness is not caused by any of the mentioned diseases, and I treat the pet using holistic therapies to control (and possibly cure) the problem. If a definitive diagnosis is made (hypothyroidism, mange, skin infection, etc.), the appropriate treatment is given along with regular shampooing, fatty acids, and antioxidants.

INTEGRATIVE TREATMENT PLAN Because scaliness is a skin disorder, it makes sense to treat it topically by shampooing. Various ingredients in the shampoo can normalize the epithelial rate, remove excess scale, and kill pathogenic organisms that may contribute to scaliness. The ingredients typically seen in conventional pet shampoos for this purpose include selenium, salicylic acid, coal tar (for dogs only, as it’s too toxic for cats), and ketoconazole (a potent antifungal medication). In general, mild cases of scaliness respond to ingredients October/November 2016

Dandruff and seborrhea

– HOW DO THEY DIFFER FROM SCALINESS?

In people, excess scaliness of the scalp is called dandruff. It indicates a disorder of the epithelium and can indicate various conditions such as skin dryness, eczema, psoriasis, and even Parkinson’s disease, although it most commonly occurs with a yeast (Malassezia) infection of the scalp. When dandruff affects other areas of a person aside from the scalp, it’s called seborrhea. In pets, seborrhea is a descriptive term (usually not a diagnosis) that means either dry ﬂaky skin or greasy oily skin. Many disorders can cause either the dry or oily form. • Primary seborrhea is a true disease that occurs with no speciﬁc inciting cause. It is rare, but when it occurs, it’s often as a genetic condition seen in certain breeds such as the cocker spaniel, springer spaniel, Westie and Bassett hound. • Secondary seborrhea is more common and can be seen in any breed, including those that can develop primary seborrhea. It occurs secondary to another disease (any external or internal insult that interferes with normal skin cell turnover), but is often seen in pets with mange or a bacterial or yeast skin infection. Again, testing is needed to determine the proper diagnosis and treatment, but in all cases in both people and pets, regular cleansing (shampooing) is important. such as selenium or salicylic acid, while more severe cases may require “harsher” treatment with coal tar shampoos. As in people with dandruff, frequent bathing is important. I usually recommend daily shampooing for one to two weeks, and then a maintenance protocol of one to three times weekly. Nutrition and supplements also play an important role in controlling scaly skin. • A high quality natural food is crucial for minimizing the scaliness that can occur with low end foods filled with additives and poor quality ingredients. • Fatty acids are helpful when given orally or applied topically in a conditioner or after-bath rinse. For scaliness, orally-administered fatty acids are usually given in at least double the label dose. • Antioxidants help reverse oxidative damage to the skin, reverse inflammation, and control itching.

Animal Wellness

October/November 2016

HOW TO FIND A

DOG WALKER Before hiring a dog walker, check to make sure she possesses these 12 qualities and attributes.

By Cind

ONE

AWARENESS AND FOCUS A good dog walker is always focused on the dogs in her care, constantly alert to body language and canine dynamics, looking ahead for potential trouble, and aware of surrounding and incoming people, dogs, and the environment. Potentially harmful items on the ground, an aggressive dog approaching, or a play interaction that is becoming a bit tense…these are the kinds of situation a walker should be on the alert for and ready to adjust to, by changing direction or moving away as needed.

TWO

KNOWLEDGE OF DOG BEHAVIOR This may seem obvious, but a good dog walker has a working understanding of dog behavior, canine body language and dogdog and dog-human interactions. This understanding is gained through observation, education and experience with many different dogs of varying ages, breeds and temperaments. Some people make the mistake of assuming all dogs will behave the same way their own dogs do, and this is simply not the case.

Animal Wellness

THREE

You want to make sure you find a responsible individual who will look after your dog properly and has his best interests at heart. You want someone who understands the essence of being a dog walker – to love and care for your four-legged friend, have some fun and exercise, and bring him home safe. Here are some qualities to consider when hiring someone.

GENUINE CARING

FOUR

Most of us lead busy lives these days, which means we don’t always have time to walk our dogs as often as we should. Hiring a dog walker to give your pooch the regular exercise he needs to stay healthy and happy is a great solution.

INTEGRITY AND GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS

FIVE

y Carol

GOOD OBSERVATION SKILLS

Caring for your pet does not necessarily mean your dog walker fusses and gushes over your pooch every time she sees him (though it may!). It does mean she cares about you and your pet wholeheartedly, and wants the best for both of you. It means she’ll go the extra mile to do what is needed to keep your dog healthy, happy and safe. Those who love what they do have a sense of responsibility – and usually make great dog walkers! Caring alone is not enough, however, and needs to be accompanied by many other qualities and skills.

Much of the work dog walkers do is unseen. A dog walker enters your home when you are away, and takes your dog for walks when you are not around. She must have a high level of integrity, delivering her services safely and as agreed upon, communicating to you any changes in schedule or a dog’s behavior, or difficulties encountered along the way. A successful relationship is based on trust, and in large part, the truth between you and your dog walker is based on open and clear communication.

The better your dog walker knows your dog, the safer and more enjoyable their walks will be. Through careful observation and daily interaction, your walker will learn what your dog likes and dislikes, his habits and tendencies, and will notice any physical or behavioral changes that may be early indicators of discomfort or illness.

SIX

GENTLENESS, CLARITY AND CONSISTENCY

SEVEN

COURTESY AND POLITENESS IN PUBLIC

EIGHT

GOOD JUDGEMENT AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS

NINE

TO THINK AND ACT APPROPRIATELY IN EMERGENCIES

ELEVEN TEN

CURIOSITY AND AN INTEREST IN LEARNING

TWELVE

ENERGY AND A SENSE OF FUN!

Managing a group of dogs requires establishing clear guidelines and expectations for behavior, and implementing them consistently. It does not require force, but rather a gentle and compassionate approach, combined with a communication tool, such as positive reinforcement training to effectively create the desire behaviors.

As a dog walker cares for your dog, she represents you. It is important that she is able to interact with your neighbors, service people and the public in a kind and conscientious manner.

This is a rather intangible quality, but when hiring a dog walker, it may be one of the most important attributes to look for. Can this person observe a situation, assess any areas of potential difficulty, and make appropriate decisions to avoid any problems? Does she have what might be a called a “good head” on her shoulders?

Thankfully, emergencies don’t happen often, but if one does occur it is important that your dog walker is able to think and act in an effective manner. This is a skill that can be learned and improved upon through education such as pet first aid training, and through foresight and planning about what to do if something unforeseen does happen.

Dog walkers who enjoy what they do are interested in learning new skills, engaging in continuing education opportunities and educating the public about ogs and their profession. It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks, and that includes dog walkers!

ATTENTION TO DETAIL Skilled dog walkers are good multi-taskers. Not only do they keep track of schedules and understand basic safety protocols about things like open doors and pet-safe temperatures in cars, but they must be able to keep track of their charges’ individual needs. Things they might need to consider include which dogs have food allergies, who’s afraid of thunder, how best to manage group and park dynamics, secure handling of keys and contact information – and much more. Something as simple as a dropped or inappropriately hooked leash, or the unsafe opening of a vehicle door, can mean the difference between a pleasant walk and an accident.

Need we say more? October/November 2016

By Stacey Oke DVM, MSc

Omega-3s FOR KEY STAGES IN YOUR DOGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LIFE

The use of nutritional supplements to support joint, skin and coat health in dogs is very popular. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) from freshwater fish, are excellent choices for joints, skin/coat and more. In fact, scientific evidence supporting the benefits of Omega-3s is robust, suggesting multiple uses of these fatty acids at all stages of your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life.

PUPPIES According to one research group, Omega-3 fatty acids facilitate training in puppies. This is because DHA plays an important role in brain and retinal (eye) development in young animals. More specifically, 50% of the brain is comprised of fat, and DHA makes up 10% to 20% of all the fat found in the brain. DHA impacts attention, memory, and even trainability. Compared to unsupplemented puppies, those fed a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids performed better at various learning tasks, visual contrast discrimination, and psychomotor performance tasks, which included solving T-mazes with and without obstacles to find food rewards.

disorders (e.g. heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension) as well as inflammatory, autoimmune, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. IBD).

SENIORS In older animals, joint disease (osteoarthritis) and declining cognitive function are the main targets of Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties and benefit dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. One study reported that dogs were more comfortable, had an increased willingness to rise from resting positions, were more interested in play, and showed a significant improvement in their ability to walk after only a few weeks of fish oil supplementation. Dogs with declining cognitive function associated with aging also benefit from fish oil. Recognition of family members and other dogs, excessive licking, and patterned pacing behaviors all improved following dietary supplementation with Omega-3 fatty acids, according to one study. Other studies suggest that dogs with epilepsy and aggression also benefit from EPA- and DHA-containing supplements.

ADULTS Several published reports suggest that Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation benefits dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a common skin disease that causes hair loss, itching, redness and decreased quality of life. Although fish oil alone cannot completely control CAD, studies show that supplementing with Omega-3s decreases required doses of corticosteroids and cyclosporine A. These drugs have side effects, so decreasing their usage with fish oil is both advantageous and economical. Omega-3s also maximize skin and coat quality in dogs without CAD. They decrease mat formation, scales, dandruff, general itchiness and dry skin. Evidence also supports the use of fish oil supplements for certain cardiovascular

Animal Wellness

CHOOSING A SUPPLEMENT When seeking any nutritional supplement, choose wisely because not all products are manufactured using appropriate quality control/assurance protocols. Select a manufacturer that relies on sound science to support their products rather than testimonials, and that provides clear administration recommendations, and customer support. Such products are more likely to contain the type and amount of ingredient listed on the label and are therefore more likely to benefit your dog.

Dr. Stacey Oke is a practicing veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. Since 2005, she has been a research consultant for nutritional supplement companies, assists physicians and veterinarians publish research articles and textbooks, and writes for educational magazines and websites.

October/November 2016

How to keep your old dog young – part 2

Good health and quality of life ensure your dog’s golden years are the best they can be. In the second part of this article, we look at the crucial roles played by diet, supplements and exercise.

By Michelle Tilghman, DVM, CVA, CCRP ur dogs are living longer than they used to. What steps can we take to keep them happy and healthy through their senior years? In Part 1 of this article (AW V18I4), we looked at pain management, making changes at home to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort, and avoiding over-vaccination. Now we’re going to focus on the importance of diet, supplements and exercise.

DIETARY CHANGES

Make protein more bio-available Geriatric-conscious nutrition is key to keeping old dogs young. The older dog’s ability to digest protein and synthesize vitamins from food is decreased, and his intestinal absorption can also be impaired, which means normal food rations are not being utilized for their necessary nutrients. The net effect is a loss of weight and muscle. Therefore, keeping the geriatric dog eating and adjusting for his deficiencies is important. The diet he has eaten and thrived on up until now may no longer be viable. There are some important nutritional facts we need to know as our dogs age. Proteins need to be digestible and easily absorbed from the digestive tract, which means feeding smaller meals and cooking meat beforehand may make the protein more accessible. Many premium food brands have a nice base mix to which you can add a proper amount of fresh cooked protein. If you are feeding packaged foods, stick to the highest quality products possible, and ensure they’re made with named whole meats.

Animal Wellness

Give him antioxidant-rich foods As we and our dogs age, our tissues start to oxidize; you can think of it as “rusting”. Antioxidants counteract the damaging effects of tissue oxidation, and are present in many foods, primarily the colorful pigments of vegetables and fruits. The brighter the color, the higher the antioxidant value of the vegetable or fruit. Adding fresh colorful fruits and veggies to your dog’s food on a daily basis gives him lots of antioxidants. Sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, beets, blueberries, carrots, green beans, and more can enhance the antioxidant quality of each meal you feed your dog. Keep in mind, however, that some dogs, especially geriatric pets, may not be able to digest raw vegetables, so slight steaming or blanching, along with finely chopping or pureeing, is advised. One tablespoon of fresh, chopped, colorful veggies and fruit in each meal is advisable.

TWO KEY SUPPLEMENTS FOR SENIORS

P robiotics are all the rage, and for good reason. Amazing studies have been done on the human gut biome, with some researchers concluding that it can be considered a second brain. The same probably holds true for dogs, though we don’t have the same research as we do for humans. I ntestinal flora (bacteria) is vital to digestion and the absorption of vitamins such as B12. Some guidelines to follow are to always use a probiotic during the entirety of an antibiotic regime, and for an additional seven days afterwards. However, day-to-day administration of probiotics is also a good thing to do. There are many probiotic sources on the market and rotation of products is a good idea. Buy a quality product, and place it in the refrigerator after opening as the bacteria are very heat sensitive.

Fatty acids are important for aging dogs because they provide a source of anti-inflammatory agents. There are three main types of fatty acid – Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. Omegas 3 and 6 are essential fatty acids and mammals must ingest them for health because the body is not able to make them and can only derive them from food. Omega 6 can contribute to inflammation in the body, and is abundantly present in almost all food sources. Omega 3s are the anti-inflammatory fatty acids and these are the ones we want to boost in the diet. The ratio of Omega 6 to 3 is very important. In the average American diet, the ratio is 30:1 – the ideal ratio should be ≤10:1. The good fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the fatty acid derived from plant/nut sources (e.g. flaxseed, chia seeds, vegetable oils). October/November 2016

KEEP HIM EXERCISING

Physical activity is vital for the geriatric dog. Old dogs who spend all their time lying on the ﬂoor and not moving will not enjoy a very long life. We must get them up, and commit some time every day to retaining their muscles, which are vital to keeping their overall structure strong. The bones are held in place by muscles, and the only way to keep them strong is by moving them. At home, I start with a simple physical therapy walk that covers at least four different surfaces. A typical walk might look like this – up the grassy slope, down the grassy slope to the curb, over the curb, over the pine straw bed and then onto the gravel. You can substitute all types of surface if you don’t have one or more of the above. For example, you might walk in a lightly wooded area, a field with tractor ruts, in sand or snow, along a creek bank, over a bed mulched with pine bark, etc. The important thing is to mix it up! These surfaces engage different muscles for stability, and the nervous system for proprioception (body awareness), which is important for maintaining upright balance. Another activity to try is cardio-walking, where you briskly walk your dog and increase both your heart rates for ten minutes (this varies by the size of the dog, and his medical condition). You cool down as you head home by letting your dog take a more leisurely sniffing and peeing walk. Do cardio-walking at least three days in a row, with one day off for rest, and continue that rotation. Home exercise programs can be set up for you by a canine physical rehabilitator based on the needs of your dog. These programs can target the areas of his body that need strengthening. Play is another great way to exercise and not make it a chore. Dogs love to play and be outside; and of course, both you and your dog benefit from the one-on-one time.

ALA must first be converted by the body into EPA before it can be utilized. Unfortunately, dogs have very few of the enzymes necessary for the conversion process, so only 5% to 15% of the ALA they ingest is turned into a usable form. Marine sources supply the best EPA and DHA. Vegetarian fish such as sardines and anchovies have the highest levels of Omega 3s. Adding fatty acids to the daily ration of all dogs, young and old, is advisable. The older the dog, the more important the role fatty acids play. Studies have shown that in geriatric humans, increases in dietary fatty acids improved dementia and mental capacity. A basic recommended dose for all dogs is 675 mg of EPA and DHA per 50 pounds. The older the dog, the higher the dose. In the clinic, when dealing with patients with cancer and inflammatory conditions, we will slowly increase the dose to three times the normal to provide the anti-inflammatory effects of the fatty acid. Recent research in human and animal fields has shown that fatty acids have also improved cardiovascular health, gingival disease, and macular degeneration. Read product labels, as not all fatty acids are the same. The front of the bottle may say 1,500 mg of fish oil, but the back may reveal that that the product contains only 200 to 300 mg total EPA and DHA. Also check the dosage size. The 200 to 300 mg total EPA and DHA might be found in one capsule, but depending on the “serving size” listed on the bottle, that dose might be divided between two or more capsules. In conclusion, remember that “old” is not a diagnosis. Give more thought to the changing dietary needs of your senior canine and consider adding the necessary supplements to help maintain health. Make every day a physical therapy day (see sidebar) to keep him fit and strong. Love your dog every day and give him quality of life!

Animal Wellness

October/November 2016

HIGH DOSE vitamin C therapy D gs Cats

f or pets

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; part 1

When injected at high doses into a pet or person, VITAMIN C offers some amazing healing benefits and can even help treat cancer.

By Tom Schell, DVM, CVCH

Animal Wellness

Vitamin C is a well-known nutrient. It’s an organic compound with notable antioxidant properties, and is present in many fruits, including the ever popular orange. We are all familiar with vitamin C’s ability to help battle colds and flu, but when given intravenously, this nutrient can offer additional levels of protection and benefit to the body, whether human or animal, and can help treat cancer and other conditions. In Part 1 of this article, we’ll look at the development and benefits of high dose vitamin C therapy.

INJECTING HIGH DOSES OF VITAMIN C Back in the 1930s and 40s, several physicians and researchers – most notably Frederick Klenner, MD, and Linus Pauling, PhD – began to explore and utilize high dose nutrient infusions for a variety of conditions in human patients, with great success. Dr. Klenner injected variable doses of vitamin C into his patients, and noted rapid improvements in conditions ranging from allergic reactions to bleeding, pain and even cardiac concerns. He quoted Hippocrates by saying, “of several remedies, physicians should choose the least sensational”, and noted that vitamin C meets that requirement – it’s unsensational in presentation but not in function or impact on the patient.1 I understand this as a veterinarian, since we are often more inclined to use heroic methods to aid our patients, utilizing high-powered medications and procedures, when in reality, nature can actually provide a nice remedy. Since the early 20th century, vitamin C has proven beneficial not just for preventing scurvy, but for improving overall health and immune support in humans. Dr. Klenner and many others utilized high and variable dose vitamin C injections in their patients with tremendous results, often when other therapies had failed and research was not yet available to support the use of intravenous vitamin C.

VITAMIN C AND CANCER In 1954, Dr. W.J. McCormick theorized that cancer was a disease of collagen deficiency (thus really a type of scurvy) resulting from vitamin C deficiency. Some theories state that cancer not only develops but potentially grows and spreads as a result of collagen loss, because collagen helps create a barrier around the tumor. Over time, certain therapies, such as Gerson Therapy, incorporated diets high in vitamin C into cancer treatment. But it wasn’t until 1971 that high dose vitamin C therapy became increasingly well known, with the help of Dr. Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron, MD. Although many physicians utilized the therapy for quite some time prior to this, research and October/November 2016

More about VITAMIN C

support in the medical community was lacking. Even after 1971, Dr. Pauling noted that there was a lot of debate and resistance to the idea, despite research and clinical work demonstrating efficacy. So even though high dose vitamin C therapy became well known and debated, it wasn’t necessarily accepted.2 High dose vitamin C and nutrient therapies were further defined and refined by Dr. John Myers, whose therapy was named the Myers Cocktail.3

More properly known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is found in many plants in varying percentages, from 0.01% in apples to 1% in rose hips and citrus fruits. In many animal species, this vitamin is normally produced by the body from glucose or sugar, but humans, guinea pigs, non-human primates and fruit bats have lost this capability and need vitamin C in their diets. Dogs and cats are naturally able to produce vitamin C in their bodies, along with utilizing what is provided in their diets.2

How vitamin C is able to aid cancer patients is not precisely known even today, but we do know several mechanisms of action that may be of benefit. Vitamin C has been proposed to benefit the body through several mechanisms (see sidebar on page 38).2

Probably one of the most well-known traditional uses of vitamin C is the prevention and treatment of scurvy, a disease in humans that results from vitamin C deficiency. Scurvy was a common problem among sailors back in the day, but became less prevalent as ships began to stock citrus fruits. Vitamin C is directly involved in the production of collagen, a structural protein related to connective tissue. When vitamin C is deficient, clinical signs begin to develop due to the loss of collagen production. These signs can include fatigue, bleeding gums, tooth loss, open bleeding wounds, skin discoloration and eventual death due to blood loss.4

HIGH DOSE VITAMIN C THERAPY FOR ANIMALS

The majority of animals are exempt from the development of scurvy, because they are able to generate or produce vitamin C internally. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean their bodies cannot become depleted, depending on their health condition or status. The interesting thing about vitamin C, as with many other nutrients, is the supply and demand type of relationship it has with the body. In many cases, we may have a sufficient intake of vitamin C, but depending on our state of health and our body’s current requirements, that intake may actually be inadequate. Even in animals capable of producing their own vitamin C, it has been theorized that in times of physical or mental exhaustion, including illness, their bodies cannot keep up with the demand for vitamin C and don’t produce enough. This often equates to a relative deficiency, and in some of those cases, both animals and humans can develop a scurvy-type condition.

As a practicing veterinarian, I was familiar with vitamin C, but not its extraordinary potential for benefiting dogs and cats. In 2006, I was approached by an alternative human research facility to evaluate high dose nutrient infusion therapies in canine patients afflicted with cancer. It turned out that this research facility had been using nutrient infusion therapies in their human patients for quite some time with interesting results. This was an interesting time during my career – not only did I learn quite a lot about alternative options for my patients, but I was able to see firsthand how these therapies could benefit animals with a multitude of illnesses. During this research trial, which spanned many months, we utilized derivatives of the original Myer’s Cocktail in patients afflicted with different cancers, from lymphosarcoma to osteosarcoma. The infusions consisted of high doses of vitamin C, but also included other nutrients such as magnesium sulfate, calcium gluconate, B vitamins and other cofactors. The infusion were designed to be administered twice weekly as a solo therapy, or along with traditional chemotherapy, if chosen. The animals were monitored for blood tumor markers, both initially and post therapy.

We learned and observed several things. First, the therapies benefited the animals on many levels, mainly by restoring their energy, healing ability and appetite. Secondly, in a large majority of the patients, we saw a reduction in blood tumor

Continued on page 38. Animal Wellness

October/November 2016

HOW VITAMIN C CAN HELP CANCER PATIENTS

• Enhances the immune system • Forms collagen, allowing for “walling-off” of tumors • Inhibits hyaluronidase, which keeps the ground substance around cells intact, limiting spread or metastasis • Inhibits oncogenic or cancer-causing viruses • Corrects vitamin C deficiency, if present • Improves wound healing • Potentially enhances the effects of certain chemotherapy agents • Reduces the toxicity of some chemotherapy agents • Reduces or neutralizes free radicals, reducing oxidative damage • Neutralizes carcinogenic substances

Continued from page 36. markers, indicating recovery or a step towards recovery. In a few cases, we even saw a complete remission of the presenting condition.

catheter for future use, but this is not really an option in pets as most will not respect the catheter nor keep it clean. We resorted to placing a new venous catheter with each infusion, but after a week or two, access to those veins was often poor. Another limiting factor, in all honesty, was client compliance. Despite the fact that the infusions for this trial were performed at no charge, clients would often not show up for the next appointment or simply felt that the next infusion was not needed due to short term improvements in their pets. In the end, we witnessed some dramatic positive changes in our trial patients, indicating that dogs and cats with cancer can benefit from high dose vitamin C therapy the way humans do. We also learned a tremendous amount that will benefit future animal patients outside this research trial. Part 2 of this article (AW, Dec-Jan 2016/2017) will cover approaches to high dose vitamin C therapy in dogs and cats, and also outline some cases.

Frederick Klenner, MD. “Significance of High Daily Intake of Ascorbic Acid in Preventative Medicine”. (Personal manuscript, publication date unknown).

We found that one of the biggest limiting factors in giving high dose vitamin C injections to animals was venous access or the ability to administer the infusion intravenously. In human patients, physicians have the option of leaving in an indwelling

Animal Wellness

Head, K. “Ascorbic Acid in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer”, Alt Med Rev, Vol 3, No.3, 174-186. Gaby, A. “Intravenous Nutrient Therapy: The ‘Myer’s Cocktail’”, Alt Med Rev, Vol 7, No 5, 389-403.

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus (online).

October/November 2016

pic product picks Sensitive skin? Itching and irritation are two signs of sensitive skin, and can make your dog very uncomfortable. Roxy’s Remedies’ natural solution for dogs with sensitive skin is Pure Relief Spray Gel, rich with the company’s exclusive blend of natural botanicals, and blended to optimize relief for itchy sensitive skin. Containing Roxy’s highest levels of East Indian Sandalwood Oil, this light gel formula stays on the skin, delivering calming and soothing antiirritants from nature. 2 oz – $12 6 oz – $28

RoxysRemedies.org

Anti-aging

antioxidant

Keeping your dog or cat younger longer just got easier, thanks to Restorapet®. This breakthrough blend of 12 antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids also contains 50 milligrams of Vitalitrol®, a proprietary antioxidant that begins working from the very first dose to rehabilitate and protect every cell type in your pet’s body. If offers many positive anti-aging benefits, such as increased energy, reduced pain and inflammation, a healthy coat and skin, optimal immune function and more. 2 oz – $29.95

RestoraPet.com

Raw goes

wild

A raw food diet is an excellent choice for your dog, but it’s important to know where the meat comes from. RAW WILD Premium Raw Dog Food features wild elk and deer from the Rocky Mountains of the US. It contains no antibiotics or growth hormones, and is free of grains, pesticide residues, artiﬁcial additives, GMOs and Chinese ingredients. Completely unprocessed except for grinding and mixing, it provides a complete and balanced ancestral diet for a shinier coat, more energy, relief from allergies, improved digestion and longevity. 12 lbs to 48 lbs – $120 to $480

RawWild.dog

Follow the

light

Minimizing pain and speeding the healing process are two important goals when it comes to dealing with discomfort or injury in your dog. Canine Light Therapy is an effective way to help him feel and get better. Available in three sizes, the company’s light therapy pads use speciﬁc light wavelengths in the red and infrared spectrum to reduce inﬂammation, treat sore muscles, heal soft tissue injuries, reduce healing time, increase circulation and relieve pain. Small – $199 Medium (with foam-lined carrying case) – $449 Large (with foam-lined carrying case) – $715

CanineLightTherapy.com

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Easing the pain Help your dog or dog recover from injury, surgery, chronic pain and loss of ﬂexibility. Recovery® SA is a potent solution that targets the root causes of pain. It contains Nutricol®, a proprietary combination of proven antioxidant bioﬂavonoids that decrease trauma by increasing the cells’ resistance to damage and improving their ability to repair damage. Also contains L-lysine, MSM, glucosamine hydrochloride, hyaluronic acid, and other healing ingredients. $22 to $55

purica.com

Raw diet for pups The earlier in life you can get your canine companion on a raw diet, the better. Sojos’ new Complete for Puppies combines raw freeze-dried turkey and salmon with select superfoods and a blend of essential vitamins and minerals. It targets the unique nutritional demands of your pup’s ﬁrst formative year, and the “soft serve” mix is particularly friendly to developing teeth and gums. Also new is a complementary pair of raw all-meat treats: Sojos SimplyPuppy includes a choice of protein-rich turkey and salmon or beef and venison. 1 lb Complete for Puppies – $12.99 4 lb Complete for Puppies – $47.99 SimplyPuppy treats – $9.49

Sojos.com October/November 2016

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Our cover dog, Luna, is one of many gorgeous canines who started their lives as meat dogs in South Korea, before being rescued and adopted into loving forever homes. Millions more need saving, and helping dog meat consumers see them as companions rather than cuisine is the key to success.

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love

ooking at her big smile and appealing brown eyes, you’d assume Luna has enjoyed a happy, healthy, pampered life right from puppyhood. But nothing could be further from the truth. Believe it or not, this beautiful pooch started out as a meat dog on a farm in South Korea. “Two years ago, a courageous and compassionate woman named Jinoak Oh was told that 20 dogs living at a chicken farm near her house would be sold to a dog meat market,” says EK Park, the founder and director of Free Korean Dogs, a Toronto-based non-profit organization that works to end the dog meat trade through education, community outreach and an international adoption program. “These poor dogs had been fed diseased and dead chickens,” says EK. “Due to the horrible smell and taste of the chickens, the dogs often refused to eat them until they couldn’t handle their hunger. No water or shelter had been provided by the farm owner.” For months, Jinoak visited the farm to give the dogs fresh food and water, even though the farmer threatened and verbally abused her. When he decided to sell the dogs to the meat market, Jinoak raised $5,000 US to rescue

them. “She also gave the owner another $1,000 US to sign an agreement to never have dogs on his farm again.” After asking many Korean animal shelters for assistance with the 20 rescued dogs, but with no success, Jinoak built Gin Oak Shelter so she could take care of the animals herself. Free Korean Dogs stepped in to lend a hand, and since then, Gin Oak Shelter has been helped with donations and by people in the US and Canada who are eager to adopt the “chicken farm” dogs, and others, and give them the loving homes they deserve. One of those people is Nichole Ryan, who lives in Oshawa, Ontario. She adopted Luna, formerly known as Sharon, an affectionate young female who loves people despite her miserable past on the chicken farm. Luna has settled in well to her new home, and has become a beloved member of the Ryan family, proof positive that these dogs make wonderful and loyal companion animals. Happily, all 20 “chicken farm” dogs have been adopted since they were rescued by Jinoak in 2014. But the dog meat trade is still big business in South Korea, so there’s a huge amount of work yet to

Dogs are kept in dirty, conﬁned conditions on the farms.

October/November 2016

do. “Each year, over two million dogs are slaughtered by Korea’s unregulated dog meat industry, often after enduring unbearable suffering,” says EK. As horrendous as it is to contemplate, the dogs are tortured before being killed and made into stews and soups, because it’s believed the extra adrenaline in their bodies makes the meat taste better and increases the virility of those eating it. Men over 50 make up the largest demographic of Koreans supporting the dog meat industry. Because those who consume dog meat regard it as a cultural delicacy, getting them to stop eating it isn’t easy. The approach has to include educating people about the terrible cruelty involved in slaughtering the dogs, teaching them about compassion, and showing them what wonderful loving companions these dogs make. “We have a three-point strategy to end the cruelty and promote compassion toward dogs in Korea,” says EK. “Education and awareness are critical for permanent change. If the story of Korea’s dogs is told effectively and shared broadly, demand for dog meat will decrease and the industry will decline. To that end, we are shooting a documentary film to share the story of Korea’s dogs and highlight the efforts of our colleagues.” Entitled Compassion Soup: the End of Dog Meat in Korea, the documentary is being directed by EK, who was born in Korea and lived there for 30 years before moving to Canada – along with being the founder of Free Korean Dogs, she is also a

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As of this writing, EK is in South Korea working on the film, which is designed not to vilify dog meat eaters, but to appeal to their compassionate side. “Criticizing dog meat consumers as barbaric simply won’t work as they will argue back with cultural relativism,” says EK. “Paradoxically, shaming Korean dog meat consumers has contributed to making dog meat advocates and nationalists raise their voices even stronger. You can change someone’s actions with blame or punishments; but without true understanding of why those actions are not right, real change won’t happen. “To end the dog meat trade, we need to build understanding, empathy and compassion in Korea and around the world,” EK continues. “Only then will we see real progress toward replacing cruelty with compassion for dogs in Korea, and for all other animals on earth.”

soon

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photographer and videographer. “Through our crowd fundraising campaign we raised $12,756 US for the film,” EK says. “This helped us start the documentary here in Canada. But it costs a lot to shoot a feature film, especially in two languages across two countries. The production cost of Compassion Soup was estimated at $55,000 US, so we still need $42,244 US.” Donations for the film, and/or for Free Korean Dogs’ other work, can be made through the website at freekoreandogs.org.

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Animal Wellness

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October/November 2016

can boost your pet’s wellness D gs Cats BOVINE COLOSTRUM supplementation is showing a lot of promise for health issues in dogs and cats – from respiratory infections to diarrhea to periodontal disease. By John A. Ellis, DVM, PhD, dip ACVP, dip ACVM Colostrum is the “high octane milk” produced by mammals during the last few weeks of pregnancy. It can be considered “high octane” because it contains factors not found in the “regular” milk produced during the rest of lactation. Colostrum contains a combination of mammary gland secretions and proteins that are actively transferred from the blood under hormonal influence, resulting in a nearly 100-fold higher concentration of immunoglobulin as compared to regular milk. Traditionally, the necessity of colostrum for providing lifeassuring passive immunity to the immunologically-naïve neonate has been most recognized in large animal medicine. However, colostrum is equally essential to companion animal species like dogs and cats, since compared to humans, all domestic animals receive very little, if any, immunoglobulin transplacentally. Recently, there has been growing interest in the administration of bovine colostrum (BC) to animals and humans beyond the neonatal period.

THE COMPONENTS OF COLOSTRUM Generally, aside from being a source of protein, bovine immunoglobulins would be of little benefit in other species. But most of the other active ingredients in BC have a propensity for cross-reaction in other species, such as dogs and cats.

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• Bovine colostrum contains a variety of factors related to the innate or nonspecific immune system, including lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and lysozyme, all of which can have direct “toxic” effects on bacteria and/or viruses. • Colostrum also contains soluble mediators or cytokines, including interleukins and interferon. These “messengers” are involved in immune regulation, inflammation and immune cell recruitment. • The sugars or oligosaccarhides in colostrum may affect the growth of pathogens, but perhaps more importantly, they promote the growth of beneficial microflora in the large intestine, thereby affection overall gut health. • In addition to various immune mediators, bovine colostrum also contains a variety of growth factors, including insulin-like growth factors, as well as epithelial, endothelia, fibroblast and platelet-derived growth factors. These offer both local healthpromoting activity in the gut, and act systemically. The main reason bovine colostrum has been used as a supplement in other animals is a simple matter of production volume and accessibility. Calves ingest/require two to four liters of colostrum in the first few hours of life, yet dairy cattle make about 15 liters of high quality colostrum over a 24-hour periparturient period. Since colostrum by law can’t be included in the milk supply for human consumption, extra colostrum has historically been discarded or fed to a lucky barn cat. This unused

extra colostrum is now used for the production of colostrum supplements, generally in the form of powder.

COLOSTRUM USE IN COMPANION ANIMALS Many more studies have been performed on the supplemental use of BC in humans than in companion animals. However, here are some reasonable uses of bovine colostrum in dogs and cats, based on available data and current immunological and physiological thinking.

RESPIRATORY DISEASE Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is one of the most common infectious disease syndromes encountered in veterinary practice. BC could be beneficial as a prophylactic against URTI, especially if given to animals before and during boarding or other stressful events involving exposure to infected animals. From a clinical perspective, there have as yet been no field trials to directly address this issue in cats and dogs; however, an association between BC supplementation and reduced clinical or subclinical URTI has been reported in people, and more recently, horses. The mechanism of action could arise from the direct action of colostral antimicrobial factors, such as lactoferrin. In culture, bovine lactoferrin has been shown to have antiviral activity on feline and canine herpesviruses and feline calicivirus. Alternatively, or in addition, disease-sparing could result from the cumulative action of colostral factors in supporting or enhancing immune functions. Enhancement of antibody responses to canine distemper vaccinations in BC-supplemented dogs supports this concept. Human literature also supports the concept of immune enhancement. In addition, as suggested by the human literature, BC may have little beneficial effect once an animal has clinical respiratory disease; therefore, the timing of BC supplementation may be critical to observe a desired effect. Continued on page 48.

Based on the multi-systemic effects of BC, all dogs and cats, regardless of age, may benefit from BC supplementation. A reasonable starting point may be a teaspoon (about 5 gm), depending on the size of the pet, given twice daily or at the normal feeding time. BC powder is hydroscopic and sticks to individual pieces of dry food. It mixes well with wet food, or can be simply â&#x20AC;&#x153;top-dressedâ&#x20AC;?. Almost universally, anecdotal owner observations indicate that BC is very palatable, and often even increases the palatability of food for most animals.

October/November 2016

Continued from page 47.

DIARRHEA AND GUT HEALTH Diarrhea presents frequently in small animal practice. Three studies in dogs examined gut-related issues in the context of BC supplementation, and suggest that BC can favorably alter (increase the diversity of) gut microflora and increase fecal IgA immunoglobulins, as well as positively affect fecal consistency. As suggested in both veterinary and human studies of BC supplementation, reducing diarrhea, promoting a healthy gut and suppressing gut inflammation could be mediated by the direct antimicrobial and endotoxin-neutralizing effects of several BC components. In addition, the growth factors in BC may promote mucosal integrity and tissue repair.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE Periodontal disease (PD) and associated tooth loss is the number one health problem seen by small animal veterinarians. Since the disease is multifactorial, involving complex interactions between host genetic factors, diet and oral microbes, it is difficult to

Available data and anecdotal observations indicate that BC is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in dogs and cats. However, because it is milk, idiosyncratic reactions can occur in individual animals, and possibly in lines within a breed, based on an intolerance to milk sugars or a true hypersensitivity to milk proteins. Excluding mild idiosyncratic reactions, there are no reports in the literature of serious side effects or toxicities in people using BC supplementation. BC contains a multitude of bioactive compounds with different and often overlapping activities, making it very difficult to “license” BC for a particular activity (at the exclusion of others) under standard regulatory practices. Further complicating any standardization of bioactivity, as mirrored in the many brands of BC, are variations in colostrum (milk) collecting times, processing and formulation. Many of the “goodies” in BC are labile and variably susceptible to standard dairy processing methods, including pasteurization as well as other procedures sometimes used in the production of BC powder. All BC products are not created equal. It is important to inquire about what quality control criteria have been applied in the production of any brand of BC. It is important to also ask about the cows being milked – their food sources, environmental conditions, etc.

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develop a model in which to specifically assess prophylactic and therapeutic interventions such as BC supplementation. Several factors in BC could counteract or delay periodontal disease. Since oral bacteria are thought to be the inciting factor in PD, the antimicrobial factors in BC such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase and lysozyme could have a direct effect on the oral bacterial load. PD is an inflammatory process associated with tissue damage, and immune-modulating factors in BC reduce the pathogenic host response to infection. As well, the many growth factors in BC could, through activity on fibroblasts and epithelial cells, aid repairing damaged tissue. As this juncture, unpublished anecdotal observations tend to support the prophylactic/therapeutic use of BC for PD in dogs and cats.

COAT AND HAIR QUALITY A small-scale unpublished study, relying on owner observations, suggests that BC supplementation may improve the hair coat in dogs. This could be consistent with the activity of epidermal and/or fibroblast growth factors in colostrum and warrants further investigation.

DETERIORATION IN AGING A major factor of aging across mammalian species is the weakening and loss of skeletal muscle together with bone resorption. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is an anabolic hormone responsible for muscle hypertrophy and regeneration. It decreases with age, but is in high concentration in BC. Although there are no published studies on the effects of IGF-1 in dogs or cats, in a recent study of 50- to 60-year-old exercising humans, it was found that both whey protein and BC promoted more lean muscle mass, but only the BC increased leg strength and reduced bone resorption. These results suggest that BC together with exercise may combat age-related degradation of the musculoskeleton in dogs as well. Colostrum is being increasingly used for a variety of illness as well as for health enhancement in dogs and cats. And as we learn more about its benefits, this use will continue to grow.

October/November 2016

T P PET FOOD INGREDIENTS TO AVOID D gs Cats

By Ann Brightman

From by-products to soy to rendered fats – here’s what to steer clear of when buying food for your dog or cat. Educating yourself about healthy nutrition for your dog and cat may seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. One of the best ways to begin is learning how to read pet food labels, so you can avoid the ingredients harmful to your pet’s health. A good pet food is made from whole food ingredients, including named meats, fresh veggies and fruit, herbs and healthy oils. But most cheap commercial diets contain things your dog or cat shouldn’t be eating, such as by-products, corn, soy, unnamed meat or grain meals, rendered fat, artificial preservatives and coloring. If you see any of these bad guys in the ingredients list of a pet food, put the product back on the shelf. To help get you started, here’s a closer look at some of the worst offenders.

spleen, kidneys, brain, livers, blood, bone, partially defatted low-temperature fatty tissue and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents.” At first glance, this might not sound too bad, since wild carnivores consume the organs of their prey along with the muscle meat. The problem is, by-products in cheap pet foods often come from diseased, dead, dying or disabled animals, and that’s not healthy for your dog or cat.

ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES, COLORS AND FLAVORS In the preservative category, the three main culprits are BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin. They can cause or exacerbate allergies and may even be carcinogenic. Look for natural preservatives such as rosemary or vitamin E.

BY-PRODUCTS By-products encompass the waste left over from the production of feed animals, and in many cases may not contain much actual meat. AAFCO defines unnamed by-products as “non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals. It includes, but is not limited to, lungs,

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A lot of pet foods made from cheap ingredients contain artificial colors and flavors to make them look, smell and taste better. Blue 2, Red 40, and Yellows 5 and 6 are examples of artificial colorings. You can also sometimes tell by looking at the food whether or not it has been artificially colored, especially when it comes to kibble. Unrealistic pinks and reds are a sign that the food contains artificial colors. Also be sure to check labels for any artificial flavorings.

Quality foods made from nutritious ingredients don’t need these additives because they’re already naturally palatable!

CORN AND SOY Corn and soy are often used as cheap protein substitutes in commercial pet foods. However, they’re not an adequate source of protein for our carnivorous dogs and cats. Corn provides more carbohydrates than anything else, and can contribute to a range of health issues, such as diabetes, weight gain and allergies. Soy is another common allergen in pet foods, and both corn and soy are usually genetically modified – another strike against them. The presence of corn and/or soy ingredients in a pet food means it contains more carbs than protein and isn’t a good choice for your dog or cat.

RENDERED FAT AND MEAT MEALS It sounds innocuous, but rendered fat can contain a host of nasty substances. Rendering involves converting waste animal tissue into “value-added” materials. This tissue can include slaughterhouse waste such as fatty tissues and offal, restaurant grease, expired meat from grocery stores, meat from animals that have died on farms or in transit, and other questionable products. These materials are ground up and cooked for long periods so that the fat separates out from the solids. This fat is then added to commercial pet foods to help make them smell and taste better.

The solids left over from the rendering process become “meat meals” that are used as cheap protein sources in low end pet foods. Unfortunately, meat meats usually only contain around 50% protein – the rest is made up of ash (which in itself is not good for your dog or cat), fat and moisture.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL Used to maintain moisture content and add flavor to low quality dog foods, propylene glycol is the chemical that’s also found in “pet-friendly” antifreeze. Though the FDA categorizes propylene glycol as a GRAS (generally recognized as safe), it’s not something you want your pet to be consuming on a regular basis through his food. The fact that it isn’t even allowed in cat food because it can cause Heinz body formation in felines should be a red flag. In dogs, propylene glycol poisoning would typically be caused by the consumption of a large quantity of antifreeze. Quantities of this chemical in pet foods are not large enough to cause that level of toxicity, but the long-term consumption of small amounts of propylene glycol over time may be harmful, so it’s best avoided altogether. By becoming a savvy pet food label-reader, and avoiding these harmful, low-end ingredients, you’re taking a big step towards protecting your dog or cat’s health and longevity.

Continued on page 64.

October/November 2016

to the rescue Beagle freedom project

Photo courtesy of Susan Weingartner

Photo courtesy of Emotions of Light

Photo courtesy of Susan Weingartner

Rescue code: AWA271

Junior and Raymond were both rescued from laboratories. Today, they’re happy playful dogs awaiting their forever homes.

LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA (but rescues nationally and internationally) YEAR ESTABLISHED: ARME (Animal Rescue, Media, and Education) was established in 2004 and its mission, Beagle Freedom Project, in 2010. NUMBER OF STAFF/VOLUNTEERS/FOSTER HOMES: Ten staff, with countless volunteers and foster homes. TYPES OF ANIMAL THEY WORK WITH: Focuses exclusively on the rescue and rehabilitation of “experimentally-spent” research animal survivors. “The most common animal we rescue is the beagle, the canine breed of choice for experimenters because of their docile and people-pleasing nature,” says Kevin Kjonaas, Vice President of BFP. “We also rescue cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, pigs, goats, rats, ponies, and even goldfish from laboratories.” FUNDRAISING PROJECTS: “We are always raising funds to support this delicate and expensive rescue work. Many animals that survive laboratory experiments are often recovering from injuries or psychological trauma. We also raise funds to support educational programs that highlight the importance of cruelty-free shopping, and support public policy that advocates for animal rights.” FAVORITE RESCUE STORY: “While we have conducted hundreds of rescue missions, one of our favorites was the ‘Hollywood Hounds’ rescue

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.com//beaglefr ok eedom

from May of 2014. We saved four mature beagles from a Southern California lab with the help of Assembly Member Matthew Dababneh, and our very talented friend – and music superstar – Sia Furler! “The dogs, Hitchcock, Hughey, Martin and Burton, are all named in honor of Hollywood greats. They’re an older group of dogs, and with a little white on their muzzles and a few extra pounds around their waistlines, they look like funny but adorable old men. While they wear years of laboratory life on their bodies, their spirits have not been broken! “Straight out of their crates, these inquisitive little guys did not waste much time exploring every smell, friendly human touch, and each other. There was lots of wrestling and playtime and all four loved to be picked up and held. They were like four big furry sponges waiting to absorb every drop of affection. “We were happy to share this rescue occasion with friends. Sia wore an infectious smile and instantly bonded with all the dogs. She has previously performed for the BFP Gala and also testified for the Beagle Freedom Bill in Sacramento. “Matthew, author of the Beagle Freedom Law, also celebrated the release of these four dogs with us. He got to see firsthand the kinds of dogs his important bill is saving.”

beaglefreedomproject.org

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

CANADA

DINO Rescue Calgary, AB Rescue Code: AWA203 www.dinorescue.com Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund Calgary, AB Rescue Code: AWA138 www.smilingblueskies.com Pilots and Paws Canada Vancouver, BC Rescue Code: AWA112 www.pilotsnpawscanada.com NWT SPCA Yellowknife, NT Rescue Code: AWA005 www.nwtspca.com Boxer Rescue Ontario Oakville, ON Rescue Code: AWA217 www.boxerrescueontario.com Canadian Dachshund Rescue Hamilton, ON Rescue Code: AWA226 www.wienerdogrescue.com Guelph Humane Society Guelph, ON Rescue Code: AWA218 www.guelphhumane.ca Helping Homeless Pets Markham, ON Rescue Code: AWA024 www.helpinghomelesspets.com Peterborough Humane Society Peterborough, ON Rescue Code: AWA151 www.PeterboroughHumaneSociety.ca Westies In Need Tottenham, ON Rescue Code: AWA039 www.westiesinneed.com

USA

Rocky Ridge Refuge Midway, AR Rescue Code: AWA089 www.RockyRidgeRefuge.com Canine Cancer Foundation Phoenix, AZ Rescue Code: AWA013 www.wearethecure.org Boxer Rescue LA Venice, CA Rescue Code: AWA191 www.boxer-rescue-la.com Bullies and Buddies Redondo Beach, CA Rescue Code: AWA206 www.bulliesandbuddies.com Leave No Paws Behind, Inc. Sun Valley, CA Rescue Code: AWA229 www.leavenopawsbehind.org

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue San Francisco, CA Rescue Code: AWA116 www.muttville.org

Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue Ranch Imnaha, OR Rescue Code: AWA032 www.animalrescueranch.com

Delaware Humane Association Claymont, DE Rescue Code: AWA009 www.dehumane.org

GROWL Williston, SC Rescue Code: AWA176 www.mygrowl.com

Canine Assisted Therapy, Inc. Oakland Park, FL Rescue Code: AWA168 www.catdogs.org

Feral Friends Community Cat Alliance Richardson, TX Rescue Code: AWA134 www.feralfriends.org

The Cat Network Miami, FL Rescue Code: AWA045 www.thecatnetwork.org

Furry Friendzy Animal Rescue & Wildlife Rehabiliataion Kaufman, TX Rescue Code: AWA135 www.FurryFriendzy.org

First Coast No More Homeless Pets Jacksonville, FL Rescue Code: AWA095 www.fcnmhp.org Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Alpharetta, GA Rescue Code: AWA120 www.angelsrescue.org Georgia Center for Humane Education Atlanta, GA Rescue Code: AWA177 www.Human-animalbond.org Lifeline Animal Project Atlanta, GA Rescue Code: AWA021 www.LifelineAnimal.org Anderson Animal Shelter South Elgin, IL Rescue Code: AWA172 www.andersonanimalshelter.org Animal House Shelter Huntley, IL Rescue Code: AWA072 www.animalhouseshelter.com Gentle Giants Rescue and Sanctuary Wayne, NJ Rescue Code: AWA068 www.gentlegiantsinc.org One Step Closer Animal Rescue Sparta, NJ Rescue Code: AWA027 www.OscarAnimalRescue.org Bobbi and the Strays Glendale, NY Rescue Code: AWA085 www.bobbiandthestrays.org North Shore Animal League America Port Washington, NY Rescue Code: AWA107 www.animalleague.org Sanctuary for Senior Dogs Cleveland, OH Rescue Code: AWA092 www.sanctuaryforseniordogs.org West Side Cats Youngstown, OH Rescue Code: AWA231 www.westsidecats.org

SAVE Rescue Coalition Houston, TX Rescue Code: AWA212 www.saverescue.org SPCA of East Texas Tyler, TX Rescue Code: AWA077 www.spcaeasttx.com Greyhounds Rock Spotsylvania, VA Rescue Code: AWA157 www.greyhoundsrock.org Wags to Riches Yakima, WA Rescue Code: AWA050 www.wagstorichesanimalrescue.org For Cat's Sake Rescue West Milwaukee, WI Rescue Code: AWA241 www.forcatssake.org Lakeland Animal Shelter Elkhorn, WI Rescue Code: AWA180 www.lakelandanimalshelter.org Dog is my CoPilot Jackson Hole, WY Rescue Code: AWA080 www.dogismycopilot.com

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By Karen Shaw Becker, DVM Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in dogs arises all too frequently these days. It’s a very common reason for hind leg lameness, pain, and arthritis of the knee in affected dogs, and can be quite serious and debilitating. Although it’s natural to think all CCL problems are caused by sudden or acute injury, that isn’t the case. CCL ruptures can be partial or complete. Although the word "rupture" or "tear" draws a mental picture of a sudden (acute) injury, in the vast majority of dogs, the ligament has been gradually deteriorating over a period of months or years. Thankfully, conventional veterinarians are now acknowledging what holistic veterinarians have known for a very long time: healthy ligaments just don't spontaneously tear. One way the CCL can be injured is through an acute and notable trauma, such as being hit by a car. But in the absence of such a trauma, what would cause a healthy ligament to slowly break?

WHY DOES NORMAL ACTIVITY RESULT IN CCL DAMAGE? We know dogs are meant to sprint upstairs, occasionally slide across slippery floors, and repeatedly jump on and off things, and not tear a ligament. Yet most veterinarians, including myself, regularly see patients who were just living their normal lives and suffered no trauma, but developed CCL disease. This isn’t how healthy bodies are designed to respond to an active lifestyle. I noticed many years ago that CCL problems were the most common soft tissue injuries I was seeing in my practice. Since very few of these injuries were caused by trauma substantial enough to warrant a rupture, I went digging for clues and found that my CCL patients fell into four different categories:

q Those that experienced a traumatic injury (what I call the "Mack Truck" scenario). w Those that were large or giant breed dogs, or were 54

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Manganese

deficiency and

CCL disease

overweight. Alternatively, the condition had a genetic component, or the dogs were over-vaccinated, or spayed/ neutered versus sterilized (via ovary-sparing spays, which maintain health hormones but prevent pregnancy). Those that were eating poor quality processed foods to which equally poor quality synthetic vitamins and minerals had been added to meet AAFCO minimum nutrient requirements. Those that were eating imbalanced homemade "prey model" diets offered by owners who believe recipes are unnecessary and that "balance will occur over time"

Interestingly, the vast majority of dogs I was seeing with CCL damage were active, healthy animals that had been sterilized but not de-sexed. They weren't over-vaccinated, and they weren’t overweight. But many clients were feeding prey model homemade diets (80% meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) that weren’t nutritionally balanced. This made me suspect inadequate nutrition as a potential cause for most CCL injuries in my patients.

MANGANESE – THE MISSING INGREDIENT I continued my research and came up with one recurring factor related to connective tissue resiliency: the dietary intake of manganese (Mn). Manganese is required for healthy, strong ligament development and maintenance. A dog's manganese requirements are high, and food sources vary as to the amount of manganese they contain. Poor quality processed dog foods don’t contain enough manganese. And among those who home-prepare their dogs’ food, many don’t believe in following recipes. Most prey model feeders mistakenly assume that the variety of free range, organic meat, bone and organ blends they feed their dogs contain all the minerals they need. However, the sheer volume of nontraumatic CCL tears that veterinarians are seeing in prey modelfed dogs tells a different story.

MANGANESE IN THE CANINE ANCESTRAL DIET Where does manganese come from in the ancestral canine diet? Pet food formulator Steve Brown answered this question for me (see Table 1 on page 56). Minute amounts come from meat, liver and bone, but these sources don’t provide nearly enough manganese to meet a dog's daily requirements, which is why so many dogs become deficient. The richest sources of manganese actually come from the animal parts none of us use – primarily hair, feathers and wool. The wild dog’s ancestral diet and lifestyle provided an abundance of opportunities for consuming manganese; but this is simply not the case for domesticated dogs. The ancestral diet provided, on average, 3.1 mg of manganese per 1,000 kcal (calories) – a very ligamentsupportive diet. In contrast, AAFCO minimum manganese requirements are 1.8 mg per 1,000 kcal of food (and this is the new standard – the old standard was even less, at 1.4 mg per 1,000 kcal). This is roughly 50% of the manganese the ancestral diet provided.

PREY MODEL DIETS LACK MANGANESE Instead of feeding more nutritionally compete ancestral diets, many people give their dogs homemade prey

ANCESTRAL DIET VS. PREY MODEL DIET

Mimicking the canine ancestral diet can be difficult for many reasons. Soil depletion means even organic foods don’t contain the nutrients they once did. Factory farmed animals have entirely different fat profiles than free range and wild prey animals. An ancestral diet involves feeding dogs whole prey animals – not just pieces and parts of carcass – including brains, pituitaries, adrenals, the pancreas and thyroid glands, as well as eyes, teeth, organs, hair, feathers and some entrails. Wild dogs also consume a variety of grasses, seeds, berries and other roughage that we oftentimes don’t give our domesticated canids. Most dog owners (including me) are unwilling or unable to feed their dogs whole animals. So we improvise, but often incorrectly. When we omit any of the body parts dogs would consume naturally in the wild (brains, for example), we need to make up the nutritional deficiency with a viable substitution. Making sure we’re meeting our dog’s nutrient requirements can be challenging and requires thought, time and energy. In the last 20 years, a vastly-simplified popular alternative to the ancestral diet, called the prey model diet, has emerged, I believe out of a need for convenience. Prey model feeders give their dogs a rotating blend of meat, bone and organs, assuming that all nutrient requirements will be met over time. However, this is not the case.

October/November 2016

Table 1: Where manganese is found in prey animals

SO WHAT’S THE SOLUTION?

Bone

1.5 to 2 ppm

Liver

1.4 to 2.5 ppm

My recommendation to help your dog avoid CCL injuries is simple – don’t guess at his diet.

Pancreas

1.2 to 1.6 ppm

Testes

1.3 ppm

Hair of adult cow

12 ppm

Goat hair

11 ppm

Pullet feathers

11.4 ppm

Lambs’ wool

18.7 ppm

model diets instead (see sidebar on page 55). A prey model diet of "80/10/10" lean beef supplies 0.22 mg Mn per 1,000 kcal (and that figure is even lower if the meat is less than 90% lean). An 80/10/10 prey model diet using chicken supplies 0.12 mg Mn per 1,000 kcal. This is even more deficient in manganese than AAFCO's too-low recommended minimums found in processed foods. These figures highlight two important things: The difference between supplying just enough nutrients to survive (AAFCO standards) versus supplying the vast nutrients needed to thrive (ancestral diet nutrition parameters) means a lot of dogs are ending up at the veterinary orthopedic surgeon's office.

Prey model feeders – those who are spending a lot of money feeding unbalanced, fresh food diets to dogs with torn cruciate ligaments – need to reassess how well their "balance over time" approach is really working. Honestly, how many prey model feeders consistently add lambs’ wool to their dogs’ bowls?

• If you’re feeding homemade, make sure his meals meets the ancestral diet requirements for optimal nutrient intake (not just for manganese, but for all nutrients). Follow a recipe that gives you the amount of manganese per serving or 1,000 kcal. • There are also premium foods available that are formulated with the more demanding ancestral diet standards versus AAFCO’s deficient minimums. Call the company and ask what formulation guidelines they follow (AAFCO or ancestral), or how much manganese (per 1,000 kcal) is in their food. • Supplement as necessary with whole foods or a supplement (such as Standard Process E-Manganese) to meet manganese requirements. Steve Brown has put together some helpful information on foods that contain manganese. As you’ll see from Table 2 (below), you couldn’t feed these foods in high enough concentrations to meet your dog's manganese requirements, but adding them in small amounts can be beneficial. • It’s also important to keep your dog in good physical shape, and avoid over-vaccination by asking your vet about titer testing. • Keep your dog intact by opting for an ovary-sparing spay or vasectomy when possible. If your dog is eating a ligament-supportive diet, he shouldn’t develop degenerative cruciate damage unless he gets into a serious accident. If your dog has sustained a CCL injury, partner with a high quality canine rehabilitation facility as well as a proactive veterinarian who can offer him the best chance of recovery.

Table 2: Manganese content of selected foods Food

Mg per 1,000 kcal

Grams needed to obtain 1 mg manganese

kcal total after adding 1 mg manganese

Spinach, raw

111

Mussel, blue, raw

Blackberries, raw

155

Lettuce, green leaf, raw

400

Spirulina, dried

200

Beef liver, raw

2.3

323

418

Beef heart, raw

0.3

2,857

3,053

Chicken dark meat, lean, raw

0.15

5,556

6,528

Beef, ground, 90% lean, 10% fat, raw

0.06

10,000

16,955

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the scoop PURE, NATURAL TREATS

All-natural, grain-free dog treats from VitaLife are specially formulated for healthy and tasty snacking. They’re handcrafted with the finest, carefully-sourced, pure and simple ingredients. There are only one or two human-grade ingredients in these treats – that’s it! No by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors or flavors. VitaLifeMadeWithLove.com

PET SAFETY TOUR

The 10,000-mile Pet Safety Tour is rolling across the southern US this fall with Denise Fleck, a pet first aid instructor and author who has appeared on national TV “helping people to help their pets”. Tour highlights include animal first aid and CPR classes at shelters, provision of pet first aid kits for therapy dog handlers, etc. SunnyDogInk.com

BOOSTING IMMUNITY

A proprietary medicinal mushroom extract, I’M-YUNITY® helps reduce pain and fatigue, improve energy levels, mobility and appetite. Recommended by vets as nutritional and immune support, complementary treatment with chemo post-surgery, or when surgery or chemo is not an option (-5% with code: Wellness). ImYunityForDogs.com

TWO DECADES OF HEALING

Healing Touch for Animals® (HTA) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. HTA is a holistic approach inﬂuencing the health and well-being of animals through energy and intention. It combines philosophies, techniques and applications to promote energy balance and healing while providing physical, emotional, mental and instinctual stability. HealingTouchforAnimals.com

TECHNOLOGY THAT GETS HIM HOME

If your dog gets lost, My Pet Code has upgraded traditional microchip technology to give anyone access to his vital information. With a tap of their Smartphone, a rescuer can view your pet's proﬁle, phone blast up to ﬁve contacts simultaneously, trigger email and sms alerts and even provide their GPS location. MyPetCode.ca

WANT A TREAT, MATE?

Kangaroo is one of the most hypoallergenic meats, very easy to digest, and great for teeth and gums. Companion Pet Products introduces Pawzzie Kangaroo Treats and Chews by True Raw Choice. These fresh, all natural, dehydrated treats and chews are high in protein and low in fat. CompanionPetProducts.ca October/November 2016

Service dogs for

autistic kids By Joseph Moore

It’s a relatively new idea, but dogs who are specially trained to work with children on the autism spectrum have been successfully helping youngsters and their families cope with this difficult condition.

Anyone with a child who has been diagnosed with autism knows what a life-changing event it is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 68 children has autism spectrum disorder, so it’s an increasingly common condition. There are many ways to help these children with their development and day-to-day functioning, and among the more recent aids are service dogs that are trained specifically to work with autistic youngsters.

WYATT AND JACQUES When he was four years old, Andy and Lisa Bourne’s autistic son, Wyatt, became a runner. Without warning, the little boy would speed off, sometimes entering dangerous situations. The Bournes knew they needed extra help with their active child, but were stymied about where to turn. Serendipitously, friends of the Bournes who also had an autistic child found help by acquiring a specially trained dog. Now, both at home and on outings, Wyatt enjoys the company of his own service dog, a standard poodle named Jacques. The two are tethered together by a leash that attaches to a belt around Wyatt’s waist, and to a special harness worn by Jacques. “It not only prevents Wyatt from taking off, but having the dog there focuses him and keeps him grounded, because he has a job to do,” says Lisa. “We tell him to ‘walk your dog’, and that distracts him from engaging in the running behavior.” Wyatt seems to especially like being tethered to Jacques when walking uphill, as he has learned he can lean back on the tether and let his dog do most of the work. “Most of our autism clients have children that are starting to take off and run away,” says Nicole Meadowcroft of Custom Canines Service Dog Academy in Madison, Wisconsin. “So they’re looking for some relief as well a safety component to any public outing they’re trying to go on. Most parents with ‘runners’ don’t leave the house as a family. They’re afraid the child is going to run off, or have a tantrum in the middle of the store and attract a lot of attention. To the parent, it just becomes easier to get a babysitter and go to the store alone – or to just not go anywhere.” This is where a service dog can really help.

Photos courtesy of Custom Canines

Wyatt and his autism therapy dog, Jacques. The dog helps focus Wyatt and keep him from running off unexpectedly.

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AUTISM SERVICE DOGS ARE A RELATIVELY NEW IDEA The training of specialized service dogs for autistic individuals is a fairly new development. “Our organization started in 2007, and to date we have placed 80 dogs,” says Wade Beattie, founder of Autism Service Dogs in Ontario, Canada. “We mostly use retrievers, who are calm, patient and tolerant. It takes about 18 months to raise and train a dog to become an autism service dog.”

“The dogs are taught to react when a child gets overwhelmed by stimuli and begins to have a tantrum or engage in similar behavior, by nuzzling or even just putting a paw on the child,” says Nicole. “The dogs are also trained to perform compression by becoming a ‘weighted blanket’, lying on the kids when they start to get upset. The kids who have had their dogs for a while will actually ask them to come lie across their laps, before they get to that point of acting out.”

THE APPLICATION PROCESS For the family in need of the services of one of these highly trained dogs, the process begins with filling out an application with the organization, which then reviews the request. An in-home interview follows in order to assess the specific needs of the family, and to determine the appropriateness of a service dog for the individual and the household. “When we interview a child/family for a service dog, we need to know the child will enjoy having a dog, that all signs suggest the child will be good with a dog, and that the parents and we ourselves believe a dog will be of benefit to them,” says Wade. “If the child is aggressive towards animals or people, or doesn't like or is extremely afraid of dogs, a placement will be deemed unsuitable.”

A “LIFE-ENHANCING” EXPERIENCE The phrase “life-enhancing” is frequently inserted into the conversation when discussing autism service dogs, whether you’re talking to trainers or clients. Lisa concurs that Jacques has immensely enhanced the lives of Wyatt and the family. “Just the fact that he notices the dog, calls

him by name, talks about Jacques, and starts to think outside his world has been amazing in and of itself. “When Wyatt gets upset and throws tantrums, it gets very dramatic,” Lisa adds. “Jacques will come to him and we give him the command ‘cuddle’ [lie across the child’s lap like a weighted blanket], but what Jacques has started doing is licking Wyatt’s face, kissing him and making him giggle. So during the tantrum, Wyatt will alternate between crying and laughing, until eventually Jacques takes him out of that moment by totally distracting him until he can’t be upset anymore. It’s amazing.” Lisa and Andy say that right from the start, Wyatt and Jacques formed a palpable, positive bond that was almost magical. “It was beautiful when Jacques entered our family." October/November 2016

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“Our team of nutritionists and holistic experts pair ingredients to ensure animals receive the maximum nutritional benefits of each ingredient, plus the advantages of their combination,” says Heather. “For example, lamb and pumpkin are both beneficial for better digestion. Pumpkin has great soluble fiber content, whereas lamb is an easy-to-digest protein.” Every dog and cat is different in terms of age, size, and dietary requirements, so a food that’s ideal for one dog or cat might not be ideal for another. To make the recipe selection easier for the pet parent, Nutram has developed the Nutram Number®. To determine your pet’s Nutram Number®, there is a short online quiz about your animal’s life stage, their size (for dogs), and grain preference. It then lets you click on the special needs your pet might have, such as sensitivities or weight concerns, and ends by giving you one or more suggestions for the Nutram recipe suggested for your pet. For example, a wholesome grain recipe for a large-sized puppy points you to Nutram Number® S3, the Nutram Sound Balanced Wellness Large Breed Puppy Food. What about an adult cat with a grain-free preference and no special pet wellness needs? The pet parent has a flavor choice between T22 Nutram Total Grain-Free Turkey, Chicken & Duck Cat Food or T24 Nutram Total Grain-Free Salmon & Trout Cat Food.

October/November 2016

Gemmotherapy CAN HELP heal YOUR PET

This gentle healing system involves the use of plant bud extracts to address health issues and help detoxify your dog or cat.

D gs Cats

BLACK CURRANT

By Stephen R. Blake, DVM, CVA, CVH

hen healing a dog or cat, our goal is to awaken the doctor within, and in the process do no harm. This means using gentle treatments such as Gemmotherapy, a drainage healing system developed in Europe over 50 years ago. In Gemmotherapy, the buds or shoots of young plants are macerated and extracted with glycerin for 21 days, then made into a 1X potency. In the system I use, 60 plants are utilized (see sidebar on page 64 for some of them). They work well in combination with homeopathy and other modalities, and are well tolerated by animals.

GEMMOTHERAPY MAY HELP WHEN OTHER MODALITIES DON’T I have used homeopathy, acupuncture, glandular therapy, nutrition, aromatherapy and Bach flowers in dogs and cats for over 30 years. Sometimes the cases were not progressing, or there was a factor none of my modalities could remedy. It wasn’t until I discovered Gemmotherapy that I was able to help these otherwise incurables. It can complement any modality you and your vet are presently using, including conventional treatments such as surgery and pharmaceuticals. The beauty of Gemmotherapy is that you and your vet (as always, it’s important to work with a veterinarian who understands this therapy) can start your dog or cat on it along with other selected treatments to get a complementary effect. Areas of the body most negatively impacted by the environment need continued support to prevent them from rebuilding toxins that can inhibit the body’s ability to replicate cells. Since most toxins impact the cardiovascular system, digestive system, lung/large intestine, kidney/bladder and liver/gallbladder, these are prime areas of concentration for drainage treatment and prevention.

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TREATMENT PROCESS After evaluating each patient individually and assessing his current level of toxicity, I select one to eight Gemmotherapies and have the pet owner administer them at a frequency suited to the animal’s particular needs and responses to treatment. I also make sure the owner understands what healing is all about, so she doesn’t react to symptoms the cat or dog generates in the process of healing. The concept of starting and stopping a remedy is also explained so the owner doesn’t treat too fast and make the animal uncomfortable by accelerating the detoxification process too quickly. Our goal is to get to a point where we can give a few drops of the Gemmotherapy with no detectable physical or emotional response for a week; then we are ready to proceed to maintenance. It’s important to realize that each Gemmotherapy is specific for detoxing and strengthening the particular organ system that needs drainage and support. The animal may worsen before improving, indicating that the body is responding to the medicine. Overall, Gemmotherapy is very effective healing modality with a wide range of uses in dogs and cats.

For more information on using Gemmotherapy, visit Dr. Blake’s website (thepetwhisperer.com) for his book Gemmotherapy For Our Animal Friends, and for webinars on the topic.

Dosage and administration Quantity: I recommend a very low dose – one to two drops per dose for cats, and five for dogs. The easiest way, which works 95% of the time, is to put it in food. For more discerning animals, especially cats, you can massage it into their ears. Put the dose on the tip of your finger and massage the inside of the ear. When the remedy is absorbed transdermally, it may take a little longer to see the effect. Frequency: Give daily one to four times a day until there are no clinical symptoms of the disease, then give a maintenance dose once per week. The weekly maintenance dose helps prevent further pathology from developing, given that dogs and cats are exposed to physical and emotional stress throughout their lives. If an animal should relapse during the course of his healing process, I instruct people to go back on daily doses. Dosing with more than one remedy: If a dog or cat has a great deal of physical pathology, I recommend one to five drops and a rotation of remedies, so that on any given day, he only gets one Gemmotherapy at a time. Dosing ultra-sensitive animals: One drop of the Gemmotherapy can be diluted in half a cup up to a gallon of water, depending on how sensitive the patient is. Start with one drop of this mixture. Repeat once a day for three days. If there is no aggravation, decrease the volume of water by half and repeat the same threeday process. Do this until you are down to one ounce and then try going to one straight drop per day (or the dose you are trying to achieve). This allows a more gradual detoxification process. If the dog or cat does experience an aggravation, this is a healing response which means you need to go slower. Back off for a few days until the animal is feeling well again, then resume where you left off. Continue this until there is no aggravation and the animal is LIME TREE responding at a sub-clinical rate.

October/November 2016

MATERIA MEDICA OF GEMMOTHERAPIES In the past ten years of using this system, I have found that the following Gemmotherapies are most common. Black Currant (Ribes nigrum) – Adrenal Stimulates the adrenal cortex and adrenal gland. Is antiinflammatory, and treats asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases and anaphylaxis. This is an excellent detoxing and strengthening Gemmo for the adrenal glands. I dose it at one to four times per day as needed for any allergic condition. It is an excellent substitute for cortisone, antihistamines or any other anti-inflammatory product you may be using. I find it very helpful in puritis cases to help manage the itching while I am detoxing and balancing the patients’ immune systems. Bloodtwig Dogberry (Cornus sanquinea) – Thyroid This is indicated for any thyroid-related problem. I have used it in hypo, hyper and cancers of the thyroid gland. It is an excellent adjunct therapy for helping detox and strengthen the thyroid gland. I dose at twice per day. Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) – Liver and kidney Young shoots of juniper are useful in hepatic insufficiency, in a decompensation phase with jaundice, and markedly disturbed laboratory tests. It is also useful for obesity and allergies. Best given daily for six weeks and then once per week thereafter for the remainder of the patient’s life. If I have a patient with chronic degenerative hepatitis or cancer I continue them on it for life. Do not use for cancer of the kidney. English Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) – Heart Increases myocardial tone, particularly in the left side of the heart. Has a sedative effect on all pericardial pain. Indicated in cardiac insufficiency and associated symptoms, cardiac spasms, tachycardias, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias, as well as in pericardial pain, palpitations from anxiety and thyroid issues. Dose at twice per day depending on the patient’s need. I have been able to get cardiac patients off all medications utilizing this particular Gemmotherapy. European Oak (Quercus pedonculata) – Adrenal and male hormones, gum mucosa I use this in neutered males to help establish a better hormonal balance secondary to their castration. It is excellent for deficient adrenal glands and can help in Addison’s disease cases. It is excellent for strengthening the mucosa in cases of periodontal disease. I recommend twice per day. European Walnut (Juglans regia) – Pancreas, antimicrobial, bronchitis This is an excellent drainer and support for the pancreas. I recommend two drops a day in cats and five drops in dogs, twice per day to help balance their blood sugars. Can be used for cancer, but not of the kidneys.

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Fig Tree (Ficus carica) – GIT and antibacterial This is the most incredible remedy for any GI-related illness. I have used it for IBD, colitis, acute or chronic diarrhea, and any form of vomiting. I dose once per meal or as needed for vomiting and diarrhea. Also could be used for obesity and warts. Giant Redwood (Sequoia gigantean) – Nervous and hormonal systems This particular remedy is excellent for weakness of anything below the waist. I have found it excellent for urinary incontinence, paraparesis and paralysis of the rear limbs, and low endurance. I have had several prostatitis cases that responded immediately to this Gemmo and that continued to have no further problems. I dose twice per day. This Gemmo is an estrogen precursor, so is good for spayed animals with weight or incontinence issues post ovario-hysterectomy). It’s also a testosterone precursor – good for males with deﬁciency issues post castration. Lime Tree (Tilia tomentosa) – Nervous system I have utilized this many times in behaviorial conditions and found it to be very effective in calming the nervous system so the animal can act instead of react. This is an excellent remedy for epilepsy, rabies miasms, vaccinerelated neurological disease and phobias. I dose one to four times per day as needed. Mountain Pine (Pinus montana) – Spine and joints For any spinal-related disease, I recommend this Gemmo one to four times per day. It will strengthen and detox the spine and alleviate any small joint problems. I have used it in disc-related paralysis, spinal trauma, spondylosis, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative arthritis and chronic back issues. It also drains the liver. Rowan Tree (Sorbus domestica) – Venous system I use this remedy in all ear, nose and throat cases to assist the body in clearing any toxins that may be blocking its efforts to heal in these areas. I have used it for hearing loss, chronic otitis, nasal discharge, tonsillitis and chronic choking conditions. Dose at twice per day. Wild Woodvine (Ampelopsis weitchi) – Cartilage This Gemmo rebuilds and repairs joints – i.e., hip dysplasia, anterior cruciate ruptures, sprains/strains, degenerative arthritis, cartilage damage, ankylospondylosis, etc. COMMON JUNIPER

October/November 2016

passages

Triscuit – the hardest decision

By Maureen Cooke

have lost so many animals over the years: dogs, cats, even ducks. Most recently, it was Triscuit, my 14-yearold Australian shepherd/collie mix. She had a good long life, a cause for celebration. Yet I don’t feel like celebrating. Why does my grief so outweigh the joy she gave me during her life?

Moments later, I followed the two younger dogs as they raced across the yard. That’s when I found Triscuit lying halfway off the patio. I rushed to her and tried again to help her stand, but her legs wouldn’t support her. So I lifted her – all 50 pounds – and carried her into the house and back into my bedroom.

I never wanted to euthanize Triscuit. I wanted her to die peacefully in her sleep. Not an unrealistic desire, given her health. She was deaf, arthritic, and her kidneys were failing; I assumed she would die without my intervention. I was wrong.

I called my son, Schuyler, told him about Triscuit and asked if he wanted to see her. There was a long pause, and I knew immediately that he couldn’t watch her die. I told him it was okay and called my daughter, Kimberly, who said she’d be over within the hour.

One morning not long ago, I woke to discover she had defecated on the floor during the night. She never had “accidents”. I should have known, when I found her hiding behind a chair, looking mortified, that this was the end. Yet my desire that she stay alive overrode my ability to recognize how much worse she had become. I knelt beside her, ran my hands through her coat – collie-gold, soft and dense – and whispered that it was okay, the floor would clean. Then I helped her to her feet so she could go outside. I supported her back end as she struggled to stand. Legs trembling, she walked out the door. Her pack mates, Rocky and Annie, immediately rushed the door to join her, barking and pawing at the glass.

Animal Wellness

Next, I called a veterinarian who specialized in at-home euthanasia. I explained my preference that Triscuit not be euthanized, if possible, but I knew she needed to be seen, and asked if Dr. K could come to the house to examine her. Dr. K agreed and got to the house just as Kimberly showed up. Dr. K sat on the floor next to Triscuit, did a brief exam, and told me she was septic, probably due to an embolism that had blocked the blood flow in her spine. “Can it be cured?” I asked.

Continued on page 68.

October/November 2016

Continued from page 66. Wrong question, because it took me down the path of doubting what I already knew: that Triscuit was dying and in pain, and needed my help ending that pain. Dr. K acknowledged that sepsis could possibly be cured, but qualified her statement that it require Triscuit being hospitalized and hooked up to IVs – both for fluid and antibiotics – and then waiting, hoping and praying that the sepsis would abate. “Even then, you'd still need to remove whatever blockage caused the loss of blood flow,” she said. Now I was well down the path of thinking Triscuit could be healed. I could treat the sepsis, have the blockage removed, and I'd have...a 14-year-old deaf, arthritic dog, with failing kidneys. But I didn't see that. I saw the healthy Triscuit, the dog who loved chasing the shadows of butterflies as they skittered across the lawn. I saw the Triscuit who loved to climb ladders, and who used to limp whenever she got in trouble – looking for sympathy, no doubt. I saw the young healthy dog I’d had for so many years – a dog who no longer existed. In short, I saw a miracle. I saw a world where dogs don't get old, and owners don't euthanize. My daughter, crying, shook her head and reminded me that Triscuit had always been terrified of vets. “Given her condition, I can’t honestly say she’d have even a fair prognosis of healing from either the sepsis or the surgery,” Dr. K added. I agreed to euthanasia. Dr. K first gave Triscuit some pain medication, and she instantly dozed off, snoring. The vet then said she was about to give the anesthesia that would euthanize Triscuit, and explained that dominant dogs will sometimes fight it, though she didn't think that would happen in this case. Dr. K also explained that 20% of dogs display involuntary muscle movement and respiration after they die, which she also thought wouldn’t happen, but she didn't want us to be frightened or think Triscuit might still be alive. She asked if we were ready. I nodded. I was doing the humane thing, right? Dr. K injected the anesthesia. Triscuit fought it. It was a few seconds before her body finally relaxed. “She's a fighter,” Dr. K said. Kimberly acknowledged that Triscuit fought distemper when she was young, and arthritis when she was old. I wanted to scream: Stop! I've made a mistake. Triscuit can fight this, and she'll be healthy once again. Never mind that she can’t stand, can’t hear, and her kidneys are failing. She's a fighter. Stop! But I didn't scream. Instead I cried. I’d lost someone I loved, someone I needed. I’d lost Triscuit.

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PET CARE

Photo courtesy of Vern Pilling Photography

natural A PIONEER OF

Dr. Lisa Newman is well known for her pioneering work in animal nutrition and natural healthcare.

A tragic experience inspired Dr. Lisa Newman to create Azmira natural products for dogs and cats.

By Charlotte Walker ack in the 1980s, natural healthcare products and services for animals were scarce. Dr. Lisa Newman, ND, PhD, found this out the hard way when she lost her ninemonth-old Rottie to parvo, even though the pup had received her core vaccines and was eating a “scientific” puppy food. “I was stunned to find out what I had actually been feeding this poor little girl,” she says, adding that her research into pet nutrition showed traditional products had little to offer. “I was shocked not only by the lack of quality in existing products, but by the lack of all-natural pet supplements in the marketplace.” To fill the niche, Dr. Newman founded Azmira Holistic Animal Care. “I drew upon my post graduate education in human nutrition, homeopathy, herbs and other alternative care protocols to develop safe and effective programs for animals,” she says. She created her own product line, and in 1991, was joined by Marcy Merin, a former client so inspired by the health improvements she saw in her dogs that she encouraged Dr. Newman to become a pioneer of natural pet food development. Azmira provides a wide variety of products, including a line of high quality dog and cat foods, and a selection of supplements such as acidophilus, glucosamine, grape seed extract, garlic, and blends for allergies and digestive issues. The company also offers flower essences; homeopathic remedies; an organic shampoo and conditioner; and product kits for common conditions like allergies, arthritis, parasites and yeast infections.

Education is a big part of Azmira. Dr. Newman’s Holistic Animal Care LifeStyle® is a three-step system she created to help educate animal parents. “It effectively addresses serious issues affecting a pet’s inability to live an emotionally and physically stable life,” says Dr. Newman. “As you follow each step, you reverse deeper symptoms more quickly. With nutritional, herbal and homeopathic approaches to support the body’s ability to prevent disease or heal itself – rather than simply suppressing symptoms – wellness can be easily realized.” The system is explained in detail in Three Simple Steps to Healthy Pets: The Holistic Animal Care LifeStyle®, one of nine books Dr. Newman has written on alternative animal care. Dr. Newman’s educational initiatives also extend to “retailers, animal service providers, holistic and especially allopathic veterinarians. We encourage them to use holistic care alternatives first, when medically possible.” Azmira participates in local adoption and fundraising events in its home city of Tucson, Arizona. “We help promote the Pima Animal Care Center/Shelter as well as smaller animal rescue, adoption and foster organizations - especially those who take in ‘death row pets’ – with funds, food, remedies and supplies.” This is just a sampling of everything Azmira and Dr. Newman do for animals. “I want to help them get and stay well, through the fastest, easiest ways possible.”

October/November 2016

This column features comprehensive articles from our Animal Wellness library. AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

Canine

HEART

DISEASE

Cardiac disease can afﬂict dogs of all breeds and sizes. Find out what the signs are, and how these conditions can be diagnosed and treated using an integrative approach. By Erin Mayo, DVM, CVA

hether you have a Chihuahua or a great Dane, your dog is at risk of developing heart disease at some point in his life. Unlike humans, dogs rarely have heart attacks or develop heart problems from a buildup of cholesterol in their blood vessels. Most canine heart disease arises from normal wear and tear on the heart structures.

TYPES OF HEART DISEASE IN DOGS There are two main categories of canine heart disease – congenital and acquired.

1. Congenital heart diseases are problems a dog is born with, such as a hole in the wall between heart chambers (known as a ventricular septal defect). These diseases are rare and tend to be very severe, limiting the dog’s lifespan.

2. Acquired heart diseases are more common and develop over time. They are frequently associated with aging or physical injury to the heart from trauma (such as getting hit by a car) or certain infections (like heartworm disease). The location of the problem and the specific tissues involved determine the type of acquired heart disease. • Valvular disease occurs when the valves between heart chambers leak. This leads to abnormal blood flow in the heart and can result in hypertension and fluid collection outside the blood vessels, commonly in the lungs and belly. The most frequently involved valve is the mitral valve.

Older small breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, miniature and toy poodles, Pomeranians and miniature Schnauzers, are predisposed to this condition. • Myocardial disease involves the heart muscle. It can occur if the heart muscle becomes too thick (hypertrophic), too thin and stretched (dilated), or has been damaged from injury or infection. • Arrhythmia is a general term describing abnormal electrical signals in the heart that cause individual cells in the muscle tissue to contract at different times or at an incorrect rate. This can lead to a heartbeat that’s too fast or too slow, or to a lack of coordination between the different parts of the heart. In any of these situations, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.

DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES Diagnosis always begins with a thorough examination. The veterinarian will ask about any abnormalities you’ve noticed and check the dog for any telltale signs of heart disease. These may include any of the signs listed in the sidebar on page 71, along with a heart murmur (abnormal heartbeat sound), abnormal sounds in the lungs, weak pulse strength or lack of regularity, and signs of fluid collection in the legs or belly. Continued on page 72.

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CASE STUDY George is a nine-year-old poodle who developed a heart murmur that was detected during a routine checkup. Around six months later, his family noticed he was “not his normal spunky self”, and was panting and restless. Radiographs of George’s chest showed a large heart and ﬂuid in his lungs. An echocardiogram revealed a leaky mitral valve. The diagnosis was congestive heart disease. George was given emergency treatment with a diuretic to reduce the ﬂuid in his lungs. His family was presented with several long term treatment options, including drugs, herbs and nutritional therapy. Because George was in heart failure, his people opted to take an integrative approach and use every possible treatment, both conventional and alternative. So he was started on an ACE inhibitor along with hawthorn extract and a Chinese herbal formula called Wu Ling San. His family also started adding vegetables to his diet, all with good results.

SIGNS OF A HEART PROBLEM The symptoms of heart disease in dogs depend on the type of disease and its location in the heart. In general, the signs include:

The most common reason for a trip to the veterinarian is coughing. It can be a soft, quiet cough that occurs at night or when the dog is lying down, or a loud, hacking cough that occurs randomly. Dogs with arrhythmias can have no signs of disease other than “fainting” episodes. The dog is completely normal, then suddenly collapses for several seconds to minutes. Unlike a seizure, the dog does not twitch but should recover completely within minutes of an episode.

October/November 2016

Continued from page 70. The next step is imaging. Chest radiographs look at all the organs in the chest, including the heart and lungs. Changes in the shape or size of the heart, and fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) can both readily be seen. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that provides more detailed information about the thickness and function of the heart muscle. It can also show abnormal blood flow through valves and find small abnormalities not visible in radiographs. Further testing may involve electrocardiography, which measures electrical activity in the heart. This is important for diagnosing arrhythmias. The NT pro-BNP is a blood test that measures the level of a protein released when the heart muscle is stretched beyond normal capacity. This test can be useful when it’s not certain whether symptoms are related to the heart or lungs. While it is a useful screening tool, its results cannot be used to make a definitive diagnosis of heart disease.

TREATMENT OPTIONS Conventional options include drug therapy and procedures to manage fluid accumulations. Drug therapy is aimed at managing symptoms, such as slowing the heart rate, as well as helping the heart function more effectively. Different types of medication (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, anti-arrhythmic drugs, diuretics) are chosen depending on which type of heart disease is present. Alternative therapies can be effective on their own or used in combination with conventional treatments. Just remember that when herbs are combined with some cardiac drugs, unwanted side effects or contraindications might occur. Always discuss any herbs or other supplements with an integrative veterinarian before giving them to your dog, especially if he’s already on heart medication. • C hinese herbal formulas can be very helpful for treating heart disease as well as other problems that may accompany it. Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang is traditionally used for blood deficiency and stagnation. Wu Ling San has diuretic properties, so can help resolve fluid accumulations. • Western herbs can also be effective: o H awthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) increases heart muscle contractility and reduces the resistance of blood flow in small vessels. It may, however, enhance the effects of digitalis, so these two treatments should not be combined. o G inkgo (Ginkgo biloba) relaxes blood vessels to enhance circulation. o S alvia miltiorrhiza increases blood flow to the vessels of the heart. o D andelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is another effective diuretic that helps resolve fluid accumulations. • Nutritional therapy is important. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce the potential for arrhythmias and are antiinflammatory. Carnitine improves metabolism in heart muscle cells. The combination of selenium and vitamin E scavenges free radicals that promote heart muscle cell injury. Supplementation with these nutrients will help decrease further injury to muscle cells and, hopefully, slow disease progression.

CAN THESE DISEASES BE PREVENTED?

While there is no specific research on how to prevent heart disease in dogs, there is some evidence that reducing inflammation can improve heart function. The best recommendation is to give your dog a lifestyle that does not encourage inflammation in the body. Do not allow him to get overweight and give him plenty of exercise. Good dental hygiene and a diet rich in antioxidants will also help keep systemic inflammation to a minimum, so brush your dog’s teeth and feed him plenty of fruits and vegetables along with whole high quality meat. Heart disease can be scary, but with the right combination of treatments it can be managed.

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October/November 2016

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

Shirley Scott Pet Psychic & Clairvoyant Imnaha, OR USA Phone: (541) 577-3051 Email: sscott@shirley-scott.com Website: www.shirley-scott.com

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Individualized, Integrative Veterinary Care • Acupuncture • Chiropractic •Conventional Medicine •Therapeutic Nutrition •Traditional Chinese Medicine Guelph, Ontario, Canada (519)836-2782 www.GuelphVet.com info@GuelphVet.com Harwood Oaks Animal Clinic Bedford, TX USA Phone: 817-354-7676 Website: www.harwoodoaksanimalclinic.com Hawks Prairie Veterinary Hospital Lacey, WA USA Phone: (360) 459-6556 Email: hawksprairievet@yahoo.com Website: www.hawksprairieveterinaryhospital.com Holistic Animal Care Stephanie Chalmers, DVM, CVH Santa Rosa, CA USA Phone: (707) 538-4643 Home Vet Weston, CT USA Phone: (203) 222-7979 Website: www.homevet.com Horizon Veterinary Services Susan Maier, DVM Simpsonville, KY USA Phone: (502) 722-8231 Email: horizonvetserv@yahoo.com Website: www.horizonvetserv.com

Lydia Hiby Mysticviz Burbank, CA USA Phone: (818)-244-0091 Website: www.lydiahiby.com Lynn McKenzie Animal Energy Sedona, AZ USA Phone: (512) 827-0505 x 8642 Email: lynn@animalenergy.com Website: www.animalenergy.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

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

Essex Animal Hospital Essex, ON CAN Phone: (519) 776-7325 Email: info@essexanimalhospital.ca Website: www.essexanimalhospital.ca Family Veterinary Center Haydenville, MA USA Phone: (413) 268-8387 Website: www.famvets.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SCHOOLS & WELLNESS EDUCATION

NATURAL PRODUCT

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

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

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 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

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October/November 2016

By Sandra Murphy

eeping contraband foods and plants out the U.S. is a vitally important job. Detecting and confiscating prohibited agricultural items such as fruit and vegetables, meat products and plants from high-risk countries is the responsibility of U.S. Customs and Border Protection â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and of dozens of teams of specially-trained beagles and their handlers.

Dino, along with her human handler, Anita Hartman, is a skilled member of the Beagle Brigade.

The Beagle Brigade originated in 1984, when the USDA established a small program at the Los Angeles International Airport. It started with just one beagle who was trained to find plants and animal products in luggage and carryons after the arrival of international flights. Since then, the Beagle Brigade has expanded to include dozens of skilled teams patrolling airports, seaports and other border entry points, and even international mail facilities and cargo warehouses.

why beagles?

By Sandra Murphy

BEAGLE

BRIGADE THESE KEEN-NOSED WORKING DOGS ARE EXPERTS AT STOPPING CONTRABAND FOODS AND PLANTS AT THE BORDER.

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A scent-trained dog can detect an odor in seconds, whereas his human handler would have to open and inspect each bag separately and might still miss an item. Beagles and beagle mixes are the preferred breed for this job because of their exceptional sense of smell, gentle disposition, non-threatening size and food drive. Humans have about five million scent receptors while beagles have over 220 million. So in the sniffing arena, beagles win, no contest! Their keen noses can sometimes even pick up the scents of things that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t show up on x-rays.

the training process All dogs in the Beagle Brigade are either rescues from shelters or donated by breeders or owners. Training takes ten to 13 weeks and is all positive. It takes place at the National Detector Dog Training Center in Orlando, Florida,

THESE BEAGLES ARE VALUED EMPLOYEES! Unlike police dogs, Beagle Brigade dogs do not live with their handlers but reside in private boarding facilities that give them a chance to hang out with other dogs.

“Their working hours vary,” adds Anita. “They get a chance to nap when their handlers have paperwork to do, or planes get delayed. They also get a ‘union break’ and an opportunity to go outside every hour. Their health and wellness is of prime importance. We have stringent standards for their care and living environment.” When dogs retire from the Beagle Brigade, they either go to live with their handlers, or are placed into a special adoption program. They are never euthanized. where the beagles are tested for a high food drive, reactions to crowded noisy situations, and their ability to maintain focus on the job. “The first time I went through training, it was a ten-week class,” says Anita Hartman, Agricultural Specialist Canine Handler at the Port of Chicago. “When that dog retired, I went back for a four-week refresher course and another dog. Class size is small and there are more dogs than people. We rotate so each person works with each dog to find the best match between dog and handler. Instructors take a lot of time to see how we work together.” The dogs start with typical nosework training. They’re taught to give a passive or active alert; sitting quietly by a box with the correct scent, or pawing at it. Continued on page 78. October/November 2016

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Continued from page 77. Beef, citrus and mango are the first scents they learn. “They naturally want more treats, so they teach themselves about new items,” says Anita, who has been part of the Beagle Brigade for 11 years; her current beagle partner is named Dino. “The dogs think ‘If I get a treat for an orange, would I get one for leaves?’ and alert us to new trends.” It’s easy for foreign pests to hitch a ride on leaves, and that could lead to a devastating loss of crops in the U.S.

on the job The training facility is a quieter environment than a busy airport, so before a Beagle Brigade team can graduate, they have to work at an airport in the midst of constant distractions – people wanting to pet the dog, announcements being made, people rushing by, and arrivals forgetting they brought a couple of burritos home in case of a hunger emergency. Like the burrito-bearing folks above, most of the people who Beagle Brigade teams stop aren’t even aware they’re carrying contraband, according to Anita. “When we ask ‘do you have food in your bag?’ a tired traveler may say no. If we ask ‘do you have an apple in your bag?’ the answer might be yes. To someone who has been on a plane for hours, they’re two different questions.” Along with being able to detect things x-ray machines can miss, the beagles also find contraband that’s in plain sight, but which their handlers might not notice. “Returning from Hawaii, I got tagged by one of the dogs,” says traveler Suzanne Furesz. “The handler and I didn’t know what was wrong. I didn’t have food or plants with me but the dog insisted. Then we noticed the dog was focused on my face. I had forgotten I had a real flower tucked in my hair. I swear the dog gave us an ‘I told you so’ look!”

L-Carnitine

for your pet’s well-being

by Aouatef Bellamine, PhD L-Carnitine helps use fat to produce energy in the body. This means supplementation can help manage weight in dogs and cats, especially as they get older. A large number of pets are overweight, not only from overfeeding, but also because most are living longer and receive limited daily exercise.1 The AVMA’s 2012 US Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook stated that 48% of dogs and 50% of cats were aged six or older; in 1987, the figures were only 42% and 29% for dogs and cats respectively.2 And according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, a 2013 study concluded that 52% of dogs and 57% of cats are either overweight or obese.3 As a dog or cat ages, the available L-Carnitine in the body decreases, which means supplementation is important. Lonza, a well-respected Swiss-based company, developed a high quality premium brand of L-Carnitine for animal nutrition known as Carniking®, which has been used over the years to boost energy and support a healthy active lifestyle in cats and dogs. Carniking® L-Carnitine is manufactured under strict quality control standards and offered to quality pet food manufacturers around the world. It’s AAFCO-approved for use in pet foods, snacks and treats, and in dietary supplements for the support of energy metabolism. Banfield Pet Hospital State of Pet Health 2013 Report, stateofpethealth.com/ Content/pdf/Banfield-State-of-Pet-Health-Report_2013.pdf

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, pijac.org/sites/default/files/images/speakers/ DeHaven2013T2T.pdf

Experienced detector dogs have a 90% success rate and can recognize and remember approximately 50 different smells. “Their cuteness is deceiving,” Anita says. “They’re here to do a real job and they take the work seriously. My first dog, Gidget, once sniffed the luggage of a man arriving from China, who said he was bringing in decorations for his restaurant. What he actually had were mangrove tree roots, spray painted purple, blue and green to look like plastic. Even though Gidget wasn’t specifically trained to find mangrove roots, she alerted.” Anita says that Dino is as amazing as Gidget. “He was the best choice for me. He loves to sniff and find his target. We get to see people from all over the world, work together and protect the U.S. food supply. We have the best job ever!”

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Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, petobesityprevention.org/pet-obesity-fact-risks

Dr. Aouatef Bellamine is the Global Scientific Manager for Nutrition at Lonza, where she heads the research and clinical development program. She earned her PhD cum laude in life science from the University of Sorbonnes in Paris, France. She is also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society of Nutrition, American Diabetes Association and the Society of Toxicology.

October/November 2016

warm & fuzzy

Sadie’s story

– saved for a reason By Kyle Dupont

n the spring of 2012, a small group of people out for an afternoon hike in the mountains of Kentucky stumbled across a seriously wounded dog. She had a bullet hole between her eyes, and another in her back, and had clearly been abandoned and left to die. She was barely clinging on to life, but had refused to give up. The hikers knew there was little time to spare. They were able to safely transport the dog to a nearby veterinarian where she was stabilized. Once out of danger, she was sent to a local nokill shelter in Wisconsin to await adoption. There, she crossed paths with Joal Derse Dauer, a native Wisconsinite who has had a passion for animals since she was a child. Joal was visiting the shelter to donate some blankets, something she often did, when she first met this special dog, named Sadie. “As I was walking out, I saw her and asked what her story was. I was curious because even though her head was hanging down, I thought she was beautiful. At the time, though, I had no intentions of adopting another animal because I already had three at home.”

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Once Joal heard Sadie’s horrific tale, however, her heart sank and she knew she had to do something. “I asked if I could take her to a veterinarian, and I was told I could as long as I paid for it,” Joal says. “So off we went.” The first vet they saw took some x-rays of Sadie and confirmed that bullets were still lodged in her back and between her eyes. She was told Sadie would need a cart to get around. The second vet they went to told Joal that Sadie was incontinent and that the “right” thing to do would be to have her euthanized. Joal refused to accept this because she saw something in the little dog she just couldn’t let go of. She was determined to do whatever she could to help Sadie. So she brought her home that night, and set up a comfortable space in the garage where Sadie could rest. Joal’s next visit was to holistic veterinarian Dr. Jodie Gruentstern at the Animal Doctor Holistic Veterinary Complex in Muskego. There, Joal was assured that everything would be done to give Sadie the life she most definitely deserved. Continued on page 82.

October/November 2016

Continued from page 80. “Sadie received every therapy known to man,” says Joal, adding that the dog’s treatments included acupuncture, aquapuncture, cranial sacral therapy, chiropractic, laser therapy, Power Plate sessions (whole body vibration), and infrared therapy. Four years later, Sadie still receives regular therapy and is living a happy life full of love and care. Because the bullets and shrapnel are too deeply embedded in her brain and body to remove, she doesn’t walk like other dogs, but this doesn’t dampen her spirits. In fact, she has a definite purpose in life, says Joal, who travels with her canine friend on a mission to raise awareness of animal abuse, and to teach people about accepting those with special needs, both human and animal.

children in wheelchairs especially love Sadie because they are able to relate to her. “We met one older boy named Todd who was in a wheelchair and also visually impaired,” Joan explains. “It seemed he was just 'stuck' so I moved Sadie over to him. The person with him put Todd’s hand on Sadie and we heard actual sounds coming out of the boy's mouth. Not words, but sounds. Todd actually felt something through Sadie.” A true “media darling”, Sadie has been featured in newspapers and on radio and TV, and has even had a presence at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. She is also co-author of her own children’s book, Sadie and the Superstars. And that’s not all. Sadie is a Peer Ambassa-Dog with Generations Against Bullying, an organization that helps people understand that the scars left from bullying last a lifetime. Sadie’s story illustrates the fact that animals need someone to stand up for them because they have no voice, just as children who are bullied need someone to stand up for them too. Last but not least, Sadie’s full life story will become available in print with the release of Saving Sadie – How a Dog That World, to be published by No One Wanted Inspired the World Kensington/Citadel in September of 2017. “I have had dogs my whole life and have never had one like Sadie,” Joal says. “From day one, she has taught me to savor every moment of every day. Sadie was saved for a reason!”

“We help the people we meet in nursing homes, schools and libraries to think about what they can do and not what they can’t do, just as Sadie does,” Joal explains. “Sadie teaches us that no matter what your condition is, your life is so worth living to the fullest.” Despite her tragic background, Sadie is a sweet and loving dog with a huge personality. “She can do high-tens over her head and she recently taught me how to howl,” Joal laughs. Sadie loves children and has no problem with hundreds of them lining up to pet her during an event. According to Joal,

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October/November 2016

The

Language of Dogs By Victoria Stilwell

Because dogs have evolved so closely with humans, most people who share their lives with them have developed an incredible ability to communicate across species. There is, however, a rich secret language that is only just being discovered. Did you know, for instance, that how dog's use their bodies affects their emotional state?

ou might be surprised to learn that the way your dog wags her tail, smells an object, or manipulates a toy is linked to her emotional state. Lateral bias is apparent when a human or animal shows a preference for one side of their body over the other, which is linked to the primary use of the left or right brain hemisphere.

PAW PREFERENCE Just as humans favor one hand (and arm, leg, and foot) over the other, dogs tend to have a bias when it comes to using their paws. Watch your dog play with a toy and see if she favors one paw over the other. This is called paw preference, and most dogs favor using one paw over the other, while a minority show dexterity with both (called ambilateral in dogs), just like a person who is ambidextrous. Evidence suggests that paw preference and the strength of that preference are closely linked with emotions and behavior. Dogs that favor the left paw more often use the right hemisphere of their brain, while right-pawed dogs have a more active left hemisphere, and this difference is reflected in their behavioral tendencies. These findings arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprising, considering that the right brain hemisphere

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Continued on page 86.

October/November 2016

Continued from page 84. controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body. The left hemisphere is activated when the brain is processing positive emotion such as happiness, excitement, attention, and affection, as well as something familiar; the right hemisphere takes over when the brain processes sadness, fear, and other negative emotions. Various studies have shown that right-pawed dogs are less easily aroused and are better able to cope with novel environments and situations, whereas leftpawed dogs show more stranger-directed aggression than right-pawed or ambilateral dogs.1 Other studies have shown that dogs with no paw preference were more reactive to loud noises, whereas dogs with a strong paw preference were more confident and playful and less anxious or impulsive than dogs with weaker paw preferences…..2

DECODING THE WAG Does your dog wag her tail more to the right or the left? The sweep and direction of the tail wag is an outward expression of emotion and reflects the way the two sides of the brain process information. Studies have shown that dogs wag their tails more to the right when greeting people they know and like, as well as unfamiliar people (if they are social dogs), although the tail wags lower. They wag their tails more to the left when seeing an unfamiliar dog.3 Again, the right tail wag is controlled by the left brain hemisphere, which is associated with more confident behaviors, while the left wag is controlled by the right brain hemisphere, associated with more cautious approach behaviors.

Lara S. Batt, et al., “The Relationship Between Motor Lateralization, Salivary Cortisol Concentrations and Behavior in Dogs”, Journal of Veterinary Behavior 4, no. 6 (2009); 216-222; L. A. Schneider, P. H. Delfabbro, and N. R. Burns, “Temperament and Lateralization in the Domestic Dog (Canis familiaris)”, Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Application and Research 8, no. 3 (May-June 2013); 125-134.

Batt, et al., “The Relationships” (2009).

A. Quaranta, M. Siniscalchi, and G. Vallortigara, “Asymmetric TailWagging Responses by Dogs to Different Emotive Stimuli”, Current Biology 17, no. 6 (2007); R199-201.

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Excerpted from The Secret Language of Dogs – Unlocking the Canine Mind for a Happier Pet, by Victoria Stilwell; Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House, Emeryville, CA; October 2016.

October/November 2016

book reviews

Title: For Dog’s Sake! Author: Amy Luwis If you’re looking for a fact-packed book about canine safety, For Dog’s Sake! might be for you. Written by Amy Luwis, the cofounder of Adopt-a-Pet.com, a non-profit dedicated to saving shelter animals, this fun and accessible book is full of information about protecting your dog from everyday dangers that could threaten his well-bring. Charts, infographics and delightful illustrations make the book punchy and easy to read, with quick bytes of information on everything from household and backyard dangers, to toxic foods like chocolate and grapes, to holiday safety, heatstroke and Halloween hazards. No wading through paragraphs of text to find what you’re looking for – just flip to the section you need and the well-organized facts jump right out at you. You’ll also find bonus sections on how your dog’s poop can reveal a wealth of health information, as well as a chapter on enhancing his wellness with superfoods like blueberries, carrots, fermented foods and spirulina. Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Title: Greening Your Pet Care Author: Darcy Matheson Environmental problems like climate change, pollution and shrinking resources are causing more people to reduce their ecological footprints – and those of their pets. Greening Your Pet Care is a comprehensive guide to making companion animal care more environmentally friendly. It’s authored by Darcy Matheson, an animal advocate, dog blogger and television journalist. The book opens with simple steps to going green – removing plastics and chemicals from his (and your) life, protecting wildlife by not letting him roam free, looking for eco-friendly products, and more. There are sections on the environmental advantages of adopting rather than buying pets; how to green your home by nixing toxins and replacing them with safe alternatives; and how to responsibly dispose of pet waste. Subsequent sections focus on different pets – dogs and cats as well as birds and small animals – and how to green their lifestyles. For example, a natural diet for dogs and cats is more earth-friendly because the food is cleaner, without additives and chemicals, and also results in smaller poops. Publisher: Self-Counsel Press

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DUST MITES AND ALLERGIES As clean as you think your house is, it’s nevertheless home to dust mites. These microscopic creatures are a fact of life, and although invisible to the naked eye (they’re never more than 0.5mm long) they can spell big trouble for people and animals with allergies. Dust mites descended from parasites, although they no longer bite us or our animals. However, their cast skins contain powerful allergens. The two most common species are the North American house dust mite and the European house dust mite. They are related to ticks and spiders, and eat dead skin flakes that people and companion animals shed onto carpets, bedding and furniture. Dust mites prefer warm, humid environments and are most prolific in the summer months. If your dog is allergic to dust mites, you can take steps to reduce the effects of these tiny creatures in your home. Keep the humidity levels in your house below 55%, and the temperature

no higher than around 70°F. Also try to keep your house as dust-free as possible with frequent cleaning and dusting, and wash and dry your bedding – and your dog’s – once a week in very hot water. Vacuum carpets, upholstery and drapes once or twice a week, and clean bare floor surfaces with a mop as often as possible. Remember to clean under furniture, where “dust bunnies” can quickly accumulate. There are also products that can help ease your dog’s allergic reaction to dust mites. Studies have shown that regular applications of Sturtevant’s Veterinary Remedy canine formula have proven effective in eliminating the itch and inflammation associated with irritations caused by the allergens found in dust mite skins. Made in the US from all naturally and organically sourced ingredients, this effective multipurpose antiseptic powder is specially formulated to promote the healing of damaged tissue. Its non-irritating formula kills harmful bacteria and creates a dry, clean surface enabling healing to take place.

October/November 2016

Fermented foods – good for dogs!

By Audi Donamor

From borscht to keﬁr, fermented foods are packed with nutritional beneﬁts you can share with your dog.

ermented foods are nutritional powerhouses for both people and dogs. Fermentation preserves food and provides a variety of taste sensations. Best of all, fermented foods provide our dogs (and ourselves) with many health benefits. They support the gastrointestinal tract by improving the absorption of nutrients, and enhance the entire immune system. In addition, the probiotics produced by fermentation help replenish healthy bacteria in both the canine and human gastrointestinal tract.

A short history of fermentation

Long before probiotics lined the shelves of health food stores, cultures around the world were fermenting foods.

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Fermentation dates back as far as 7000 to 8000 BC, and touches international cuisines in many forms, from chutneys and sauerkraut to kombucha and even pickles, which are lacto-fermented in saltwater brine. Louis Pasteur was the one who discovered the science behind fermentation. The process brings about changes in yeast and microorganisms, in the absence of air. The food therefore retains its enzymes, vitamins and minerals, which are usually destroyed by processing. Here’s a smorgasbord of fermented food recipes for your dog – you and your human family can also enjoy these healthy, wholesome foods.

Suzi Sunshine Beet Borscht Beet borscht is a unique source of betain, a nutrient that helps fight inflammation. It also offers a complement of other valuable nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, potassium, manganese and folate. It supports liver health as well.

Ingredients 2 pounds beets, peeled 6 cups filtered water, bone broth or chicken stock 19 ounces tomato juice ¾ cup cane sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1½ teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions Choose organic ingredients whenever possible. Start by grating the beets; this is easily done in a food processor. Combine with remaining ingredients in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for at least one hour. Test to see that the beets are tender. Serve at room temperature to your dog. A little goes a long way, so begin with ½ to 1 teaspoon per meal for small dogs, 2 teaspoons for medium dogs, and 1 tablespoon for large dogs, along with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of kefir. For the human members of your family, borscht can be served chilled with a scoop of yogurt or sour cream, or served hot with boiled potatoes. Borscht keeps two to three weeks in the refrigerator, when stored in tightly sealed jars. It can also be frozen in yogurt containers.

Cabbage and Bone Broth Borscht Ingredients 2 beef marrow or knuckle bones 2 garlic cloves (optional) 12 cups cabbage, shredded 1 tablespoon caraway seeds 2 teaspoons sea salt 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions Choose organic ingredients if you can. In a large stockpot, cover bones with filtered water and bring to a boil. As soon as bubbles appear on the surface, turn down the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Skim the top. Add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer for two hours. Remove the bones and simmer for another half hour. Cool and serve. This make the perfect topper for your dog’s meals. Store the borscht in the refrigerator or freezer.

Recipes continued on page 92.

October/November 2016

Recipes continued from page 91.

INGREDIENT GLOSSARY Beets

originated in North Africa and grew wild along the seashores of Asia and Europe. Betanin and vulgaxanthin, two of the most researched phytonutrients in beets, have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and to support detoxification. In recent studies, the betanin pigments from beets were found to lessen tumor cell growth through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Beets also contain folate, manganese, potassium, copper, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, iron and vitamin B6.

Cabbage has a long history as both food and medicine. It was developed from wild cabbage, a vegetable that looked more like collards and kale since it was made up of leaves that did not form a head, like the cabbages of today. It’s believed Celtic wanderers brought wild cabbage to Europe around 600 BC. Cabbage was grown in ancient Greece, and Roman civilizations held it in high esteem, using it to treat a variety of health conditions. The Romans ate raw cabbage with vinegar both before and after meals.

Cultured Cabbage Juice Fill your blender to the 2/3 mark with chopped, green, fresh organic cabbage and distilled water. Turn the blender on to high speed for one minute. Pour the mixture into a large bowl, and repeat the process two more times. Then cover the bowl with Saran wrap and let the cabbage mixture sit at room temperature for three days. Now strain the cabbage out, so you are left with only the juice. This juice is loaded with friendly lactobacteria (13 strains), and its lactic acid will help kill many strains of fungi, parasites and other pathogens. Store your cultured cabbage juice in the refrigerator. Again, a little goes a long way, so for your dog, mix 1 teaspoon of cabbage juice with 1 teaspoon of filtered water. If you want to try it yourself, use 1/4 cup of the cultured cabbage juice with 1/4 cup water; you can add carrots to the mix to add some sweet to the sour.

Research has shown that cabbage juice helps heal stomach ulcers and has a positive impact on the entire digestive tract. Cabbage contains a variety of nutrients that support the stomach and intestinal linings, including glucosinolates and the anti-inflammatory isothiocyanates or ITCs made from them; polyphenols; and glutamine, an amino acid essential for intestinal health. It has also proven to be both antibacterial and antiviral. Cabbage contains S-methylmethionine, another compound with anti-ulcer properties, and its lactic acid helps settle gastritis.

Caraway

is an aromatic member of the parsley or Umbelliferae family. Caraway seeds have many health benefits. They are a rich source of dietary fiber and contain beneficial essential oils that have antioxidant, digestive, carminative, and anti-flatulent properties. They are also an excellent source of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and zinc, along with vitamins A, C, and E and B-complex vitamins, including niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and thiamin.

SHARE YOUR SCOBY

If you happen to make your own kombucha tea, and your scoby supply never seems to dwindle, here’s a simple idea for you and your dog. Baste a scoby (the word stands for “Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast”) with bone broth, sprinkle with your choice of herbs, then dehydrate or dry it in a low oven, preferably on a convection setting, all day or night, so what you are left with resembles fruit leather. Cut into strips and store in an airtight container. Before serving, you can even add a smear of nut butter. Your dog will love it!

Step-By-Step Kefir Kefir is a fermented milk made with kefir grains (a yeast/bacterial fermentation starter). It has a very long history dating all the way back to the nomads of the Caucasus Mountains. Kefir grains consist of casein (protein) and gelatinous colonies of microorganisms that have grown together. One absolutely amazing thing about kefir grains is that the culture is a living organism with an indefinite lifespan, so you can use the grains over and over again. Packed with probiotics, this whole food has antifungal properties, helps relieve flatulence, and can even kill yeast. You may be surprised to learn that kefir contains ten strains of bacteria!

1. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons kefir grains in a sterilized glass jar. Large Mason jars work well.

2. Add 2 cups fresh milk. Try goat or sheep milk; you can even use almond or coconut milk. Room temperature milk works best.

3. Gently stir the contents with a wooden spoon. 4. Cover the jar with cheesecloth or tea towel, and place the jar somewhere out of direct sunlight, or in a cupboard.

5. Leave the kefir grains and milk to ferment for at least 24 hours,

but no more than 48 hours. 6. Strain out the grains and preserve them for re-use by putting them into another sterilized glass jar. These grains can be rested in the refrigerator for up to seven days when covered in milk or yogurt. If you want to wait longer before making a new batch of kefir, add fresh milk or yogurt to your kefir grains. 7. Now your kefir milk is ready to serve, to your dogs and yourself. Kefir milk is a great topper for any meal. It provides the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial bacteria, and it’s nutritious, containing not only probiotics but also vitamins, amino acids and natural enzymes. It may even help with severe allergies. Begin with 1 teaspoon for small dogs, 2 teaspoons for medium dogs, and 1 tablespoon for large dogs.

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October/November 2016

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classifieds Animal Communicators CAROL SCHULTZ – Animal Communicator/Intuitive Healing Support. Interactive, compassionate, practical, and insightful Consultations and Energy Balancing for all species. Assistance with emotional, behavioral, physical, end of life, in spirit, plus lost animals. Classes & mentoring available. (815) 531-2850 www.carolschultz.com SHIRLEY SCOTT – Internationally known Animal Communicator & Clairvoyant connects with your pets here or in spirit. She reads emotional/behavior/health problems, provides classes & workshops in animal communication & training. (541) 577-3051, sscott@shirley-scott.com, www.shirley-scott.com

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

Books & Publications 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

events

Holistic Veterinarians 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.eastyorkanimalclinic.com eyac@holisticpetvet.com (416) 757-3569, 805 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, ON, M4B 2S7 GUELPH ANIMAL HOSPITAL – Offers a full range of conventional veterinary services as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal and nutritional. Dr. Rob Butler is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and is also trained in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine. Dr. Smolkin is certified in Animal Chiropractic. By integrating conventional and complementary therapies, treatments can be tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences. Contact Guelph Animal Hospital at (519) 836-2781 or www.quelphvet.com MAIN STREET VETERINARY SERVICES – Our mission is to help guide our animal companions to better health naturally. We provide a variety of veterinary medical services for pets from conventional services to holistic services such as chiropractic or acupuncture care. Our commitment to our patients, high quality customized medicine and customer service will be evident in all that we

do. 2360 Main Street, London, ON N6P 1P9. (519) 203-2000; www.mainstreetvetservices.ca/

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

Schools & Training 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

Email your event to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com

C.A.R.E. 4 Paws’ 9th Annual Wags n’ Whiskers Festival October 1, 2016 – Santa Barbara, CA

Tucson Pet Expo 2016 October 29-30, 2016 – Tucson, AZ

Ottawa Pet Expo 2016 November 12-13, 2016 – Ottawa, ON

This event – the largest animal festival in Santa Barbara County – features adoptable dogs, cats and bunnies from close to 25 animal shelters and rescue groups and showcases a wide range of local pet service providers and animal welfare groups.

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!

The Ottawa Pet Expo is for pet owners...and their pets. Bring your dogs and cats and birds and rats!

Festival-goers enjoy a great mix of activities, such as performances by Disc Dogs in Southern California, agility by Goleta Valley Dog Club, Flyball with the Santa Barbara Supersonic and a police-dog show.

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

For more information: (613) 241-7775 www.OttawaPetExpo.ca

Don’t forget about the fun Pawsitive Thinking Kids Corner inviting children to discover how to care for all living beings. For more information: info@care4paws.org www.Care4Paws.org Whole Life Expo 2016 October 21-23, 2016 – Toronto, ON Whole Life Expo is Canada's largest showcase of natural health, alternative medicine, and eco-friendly lifestyles. With 75 speakers and over 200 exhibitors, it brings you the most comprehensive array of special promotions and free samples from natural health products retailers presented by our dynamic exhibitors. For more information: (416) 515-1330 info@wholelifeexpo.ca www.WholeLifeExpo.ca

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

Shop for unique pet products, meet animal rescue groups, speak with breeders, learn about pet nutrition, and have FUN!

Atlanta Pet Expo November 12-13, 2016 – Atlanta, GA

Healing Touch for Animals® Level 1 Course November 4-6, 2016 – Dallas, TX

Fabulous Prize Giveaways & Fun for both the Two-Legged AND Four-Legged!

Introduction to Healing Touch: Friday / 6:00pm - 10:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Small Animal Class. Small Animal Class: Saturday / 9:00am - 6:00pm This class is a prerequisite of the Large Animal Class.

Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event, Discounted Vaccinations, Micro-chipping and Heartworm & Flea Preventatives, Free Nail Trims, Agility Demonstrations, Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author Readings/ Book Signings. The Latest & Greatest Pet Products!

Large Animal Class: Sunday / 9:00am - 6:00pm This class is required in order to apply to become a Healing Touch for Animals® Certified Practitioner. Working with the horses' large energy systems benefits students with greater energetic awareness and a well-rounded experience. Registrations & payments in full must be received and/or postmarked by October 9, 2016, to qualify for the Early Bird Tuition prices.

Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How You Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet And MUCH MORE! For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.AtlantaPetExpo.com

For more information: Diana Tilton (214) 945-4827 Dallas@HealingTouchforAnimals.com October/November 2016

tail end

Marley’s

bathroom antics By Lisa Mackinder

There he balanced. Proud, all four feet barely fitting on the tree stump. Why had our 169-pound Komondor precariously poised himself on this stump – within an ecological study zone, I might add, where he ran before I could stop him? “Marley!” I knew his intentions. Too well. My calls would accomplish nothing, but I tried, glancing furtively around to see if he had spectators. Marley liked a crowd. “Well, hurry up,” I sighed. Resigned, I waited for Marley to finish his “business”. Then the grand performance. A pleased Marley bounded towards me, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth, acting as if he deserved applause. Oh, brother. In almost every other way, Marley was the perfect dog. He usually followed instructions, had a comical, friendly disposition, and interacted well with other animals. But he had extremely odd bathroom habits. Consider the time my mom came to visit and we took him on a walk. Coming to an open field, I let Marley off the leash. Someone had cleared brush and limbs and placed them in a pile about five feet high. Marley made a beeline for it. “Oh no,” I said. “He’s going to climb that pile, get to the top, and go to the bathroom.” “No way!” Mom exclaimed. Up the stack Marley clambered. Limbs crackled, brush and leaves rustled, then Marley was proudly perched atop the pile so all could witness the upcoming presentation. He looked as thrilled as if he had scaled Mount Everest. Behind us, cars passed by. A real treat awaited drivers on their travels today. “See?” I said, as Mom gasped. But even that paled compared to what happened at my sister-inlaw’s house one day when Marley noticed a party next door. He

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took off, bolted into the neighbor’s yard, and thoughtfully left party tokens for them. The neighbors expressed no gratitude. On other occasions, Marley executed his business on the sly. Once while on a walk, and unbeknownst to my sister and I, he left a trail of “bread crumbs” for anyone intent on tracking us. Turning around to look at something, my sister discovered his path of clues dotting the sidewalk behind us. We had no idea how he so casually walked along while also tending to other matters. I could recount endless stories of Marley’s bathroom antics, but I’ll end with the time we were at the local high school football field. As my sister and I ran the track, Marley deposited presents on various yard lines. “Look!” cried my sister, pointing. Then we heard another voice: “Get him off the field!” It was a fuming football coach. I turned red and explained that I needed to fetch bags for cleanup. And Marley? He proudly galloped around the field, tail held high, as if the crowd was roaring, “Touch down!”

WELLNESS feline Healt hy Hip, cool and healthy!

treats for kitties WOULD YOU

MAKE A

GOOD FELINE

FOSTER

PARENT?

Atchoum le Chat Born with a hormonal disorder that results in an extra-hairy appearance, this elegant young Persian has thousands of followers.

October/November 2016

CHOOSING

HealthyFORtreats YOUR CAT High quality cat treats made from natural, domestically-sourced ingredients are nutritious as well as delicious.

By Ramona D. Marek, MS Ed. As a cat parent, you lavish your kitty with love, attention… and treats. Love and attention are calorie-free – treats not so much. This means cats can easily become overweight. So when reaching for the cat treats, be sure to reach for healthy options.

Take a careful look at the ingredients on treat packages before making a purchase – if it’s a long list filled with chemical names you can’t identify, put the product back on the shelf.

A growing number of cat parents are choosing natural, healthy diets for their cats, and this extends to treats as well. Unlike dogs, many cats don’t like snacking on raw fruits and vegetables, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat your cat with foods from your fridge or cupboard. Small tidbits of cheese, cooked fish, chicken or turkey all make good treat options. And if you’re buying treats, you have access to a good variety of quality products nowadays. You just need to know what to look for, and what to avoid.

Look for high quality treats made from natural ingredients – the fewer and simpler the ingredients, the better. “More and more health-conscious pet parents are recognizing that treats are more than an indulgence – they’re an extension of their cats’ daily diet,” says Ward Johnson, the co-founder of Sojos, which offers cat treats made from dehydrated and freeze-dried raw venison liver, wild-caught salmon or turkey liver. “Cats love the taste of raw meat and fish, plus there’s the added benefit of knowing the natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals haven’t been cooked out.”

WHAT TO STEER CLEAR OF When shopping for cat treats, ignore the cheap commercial products full of artificial colorings, flavors, fillers and preservatives. “Always avoid treats containing by-product meals, grains, artificial ingredients, sugars or that are high in carbohydrates,” says Patti Salladay, head of sales and marketing for North-west Naturals. “Food too high in carbohydrates can alter the blood sugar balance in many cats and contribute to obesity. In addition, treats derived from plant protein, not animal protein, work against the metabolic design of the strictly carnivorous feline.”

WHAT TO BRING HOME

“Cats are obligate or ‘true’ carnivores, which means they depend on nutrients supplied by protein and fats,” adds Patti, stating that cats need species-appropriate treats. “They have a need for an essential fatty acid called arachidonic acid, which plays a vital role in fat utilization and energy production. This particular EFA is found primarily in raw meat.” Northwest Naturals’ raw freeze-dried single-ingredient liver treats are available in beef, lamb, chicken and salmon. The company also offers raw freezedried nibbles made of 98% meat, organs and bone, and available in chicken or turkey recipes; they can be used as treats, toppers, or a complete diet. Other companies offering high quality cat treats include The Real Meat Company, whose jerky treats are made from natural, domestically-sourced meats such as free-range venison, beef and lamb. Still others are adding to their product lines to meet growing consumer demand for high quality cat treats. “We’re in

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INGREDIENT SOURCING IS IMPORTANT With pet food recalls happening regularly, it’s vital to pay close attention not only to where food and treats are made, but also where the ingredients are sourced. Patti says there are two important things to look for: 1. “Quality of ingredients – Where are the ingredients sourced from? Can their origins be traced? Treats that are USDA inspected and passed for human consumption are higher quality, while Chinese ingredients have many food safety issues. If you have questions or concerns, contact the manufacturing facility and they should be happy to answer your questions. 2. “Quality and safety of manufacturing: Ask what kind of food safety protocols are in place. Does the manufacturer engage in annual third party food safety audits, and how do they score on these audits?” “As with any pet product, especially raw food and treats, safe manufacturing practices are key,” adds Ward. “One of the most common concerns with raw treats is the possibility of foodborne pathogens. But in reality, with human-grade ingredients and proper preparation, quality raw pet treats and diets are at least as safe as any other food form. At Sojos, for example, our no-heat process eliminates pathogens without damaging nutrients. In addition, we test all raw ingredients before and after freeze-drying.”

SHOPPING LIST Northwest Naturals, nw-naturals.net Redbarn Pet Products, redbarninc.com Sojos, sojos.com The Real Meat Company, realmeatpet.com

the process of debuting new, limited-ingredient freeze-dried cat treats,” says Allison Arcos of Redbarn Pet Products. If you already feed high quality treats to your cat, you’re part of a growing trend. “Concerned cat parents are looking beyond cute brand names and clever packaging, and making informed treat choices based on ingredient lists,” says Ward. “They understand that treating is not only a fun way to share their love, but it’s also an essential part of a healthy daily routine. As such, they also look for treats that complement their cat’s main meal. For example, if you’re feeding your cat a grain-free diet, also avoid treats with grains. If you’re feeding a raw diet, look for treats made from dehydrated or freeze-dried raw meat.” Healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Far from it. You can easily indulge your cat with tasty treats that are also good for him. Just remember to look for quality ingredients, regard treats as an extension of his diet, and treat in moderation.

October/November 2016

Fostering felines

Ophelia and Hamlet are foster cats with Bernadette Kazmarski.

Find out what it takes to foster cats.

By Sally E. Bahner

ost animal shelters and rescues are full to the brim with homeless cats and kittens. Providing food, veterinary care, and socialization can be overwhelming to even the most well-funded and well-staffed facilities. In order to save as many lives as possible, many organizations rely on a network of foster homes to take in and care for some of these kitties until they can be adopted out.

also provide a calm, nurturing environment for shy cats who also would not do well in a busy shelter.

Fostering cats is a great way of volunteering to help local shelters and rescues. Just ask Pat Cotton, shelter director at the Branford Compassion Club (BCC) in Branford, Connecticut. When BCC first started out, it relied on a network of in-home caregivers; even today, with a brick and mortar facility to house animals, the organization still needs its foster caregivers. “We have 25 cats being fostered out of the shelter,” Pat says. “We make sure [the caregivers] live within driving distance so they can have contact with our vet.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE A FELINE FOSTER “PARENT” For kittens, Robin recommends the following:

FOSTERING FELINES REQUIRES COMMITMENT Those who foster are a unique breed. They provide a warm home environment, love, and supportive care to their foster kitties – and then they let them go, which is one of the hardest parts. Caregivers may also become responsible for the most difficult phases of a cat’s life. They are often called on to foster newborns and feed “bottle babies” – a round-the-clock job. In a shelter environment, very young kittens are vulnerable to infectious disease, which is why foster homes are the best option for them. Foster “parents”

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Feline Wellness

Robin Olson of Kitten Associates, a non-profit rescue based in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, has been fostering for 15 years. Among her current charges are four kittens who were rescued with their mom from under a house.

• Baby scale to monitor their weight. • Paint roller pan for a litter box (it fits kittens really well). • Covered space with towels and puppy training pads if a mom cat is nursing kittens; a bathtub can work well. • Syringes and bottles, goat’s milk (which Robin prefers to commercial formulas) and chicken baby food; the rescue organization you are working with should be able to help you source these items.

For adult cats, you’ll need: • High-backed litter pan combined with a short-sided, under-bed storage container to keep litter from going all over the place. • Cat tree, ideally with a cubby where the cat can hide, placed near the window in the foster room. • Vertical and horizontal scratching pads and posts, and bedding. • Food dishes, water bowls and toys. • A large folding dog crate comes in very handy, but it’s not necessary right away.

“FOSTER FAILURES” When Pat first began fostering in 1999, she ended up keeping her first foster cat. She says this often happens when people are starting out – and it’s not surprising, since it can be very hard to give up your foster kitty to adoption. “Foster failures” are often unable to keep fostering, so it’s important to think about whether or not you’ll be able to say goodbye to a cat you’ve loved and cared for when the rescue finds a permanent home for him. For those who discover that fostering works well for them, it can be very rewarding. “When you start fostering, it’s hard to let them go,” Robin says. “Then you keep getting new cats and all of a sudden you realize you have this yearning to keep on doing it, because fostering saves lives.”

What if you already have cats? Because they’re cat lovers to start with, many foster parents also have their own cats. Keeping your own cats separate from the fosters is important, so you need to make sure you have adequate space before taking this step. “You absolutely need to have a separate space to foster,” stresses Robin. “You want to limit your own animal’s exposure to the foster cats or kittens in order to avoid possible disease transmission Say you had four cats, then took on four foster kittens that turned out to have roundworms, which is very common in kittens. If they all share the same litter pans, your cats would get roundworms, too. Now you’ve doubled the number of cats that need veterinary care or medical treatment. This is not math I like to do.” Robin adds that having a separate space for foster felines also allows you to control where they are at all times. “Foster cats that are new to your home could hide or get into something you might not be able to get them out of,” she says. “When they’re in their own room, they can also de-stress much faster since the space will only smell like them.” Bernadette Kazmarski, who is part of the Homeless Cat Management Team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been fostering for 30 years. She tells the story of letting her ﬁrst foster walk right in the door, without knowing whether or not he was positive for feline leukemia or feline immunodeﬁciency virus. She quickly learned otherwise after receiving a stern lecture from her veterinarian. Bernadette and has gone on to foster many cats, including her current charges, Ophelia and Hamlet. Both Robin and Bernadette use a spare bedroom/studio and bathroom for their foster cats and kittens. Pat also keeps a cage in her kitchen for cats that are healthy but need socialization.

October/November 2016

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Atchoumle chat Photo courtesy of Meow Quarterly

By Ann Brightman

Hailing from Quebec, this unique Persian kitty is the only known feline with hypertrichosis, a condition that causes excess hair growth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made him world famous! 102

Feline Wellness

He's

Photos courtesy of Nathalie Côté

been compared to an owl, an Ewok, Dr. Seuss’s Lorax, and even Albert Einstein. Whichever one you think he resembles most, there’s no denying Atchoum is a very unusual-looking kitty. This distinctive Persian cat was born with an extremely rare hormonal condition called hypertrichosis, or werewolf syndrome, which results in rapid and continual hair growth. And it’s because of this condition, together with his arresting amber eyes, that he has become one of social media’s most famous felines! Atchoum first met his person, Nathalie Côté, at the veterinary hospital in Repentigny, Quebec, where she works. “He was given as a gift to a vet,” she says, adding that because hypertrichosis results in a thickening and deformation of the claws, it was unfortunately necessary to declaw the kitten for his own safety and comfort. “After the surgery, I asked the vet if I could take him home for his recovery. My family and I fell in love with him, so we decided to adopt him.” The name “Atchoum” is French for the sound we make when we sneeze, explains Nathalie. Atchoum is the only known cat with hypertrichosis. “Once he reached the age of one year, we began a series of tests to ensure his condition did not affect his health,” Nathalie says. “Since this condition is unknown in cats, it’s impossible to say how it will develop, but for now, he's doing great and doesn't suffer at all.” The condition has also given Atchoum unusually small teeth, but Nathalie says it doesn’t affect his ability to eat. In fact, apart from his extra-hairy

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thalie Côté Photo courtesy of Na

appearance, you wouldn’t know he was different from any other kitty. “Atchoum is a real clown!” laughs Nathalie. “In the mornings, he is very active and demands a lot of attention. It’s not easy going to work when Atchoum is making sweet eyes at you! He loves playing with pieces of ice from the dispenser and is never far from the fridge.” Atchoum needs regular grooming, and Nathalie says he loves to be brushed. “His grooming sessions last for several minutes.” Not surprisingly, it took only one photo of Atchoum posted to BuzzFeed to make him famous. “In just one day, he went around the world!” says Nathalie. “Since then, requests from various media – television, radio, magazines and websites – haven’t ceased. Luckily, Atchoum likes cameras and the cameras like him.” Though he's only two years old, he already has his own website, as well as a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Tumblr. Nathalie uses Atchoum’s popularity to help support shelters. A recent project involved a 2016 calendar, available in both English and French – revenue from sales went to a local rescue. “And last summer, Atchoum participated in the Internet Cat Video Festival, which allowed us to pick up several thousand dollars for the SPCA in Montreal.” He has also teamed up with Oreo, another internet celebrity cat from Canada, to tackle the problem of bullying in

schools; the two kitties are featured together in a book called First Day of School. “It’s a heartwarming story about friendship, kindness and what makes each of us special and unique,” says Nathalie. Additional Atchoum merchandise includes cushions and a sleeping mask created by Quebec designers, and fans are also clamoring for a plush toy lookalike. Atchoum’s unique appearance and beautiful eyes have inspired a lot of creativity in his followers, whose imaginative fan art is featured on his website. “People are really extraordinary with their drawings, paintings and sketches,” says Nathalie. “I like people to draw and paint Atchoum, and to see through their eyes how they perceive him!” At home, Nathalie says her other cats don’t play with Atchoum. “They don’t recognize him as one of them, due to his appearance,” she explains. But he gets plenty of attention from Nathalie and her family, who delight in his impish personality. “He always finds a way for us to have fun, with the little sounds he makes or his funny expressions and poses,” she says. “Things have changed in a beautiful way because he takes up much space in our lives.”

FIND ATCHOUM ONLINE

atchoumthecat.com atchoumfan.tumblr.com facebook.com/pages/Atchoums-fan/972103262805506?fref=ts instagram.com/atchoumfan twitter.com/Atchoumfan youtube.com/channel/UC-HEBQJTTsKD5Npw7L0vIUw

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Feline Wellness

Cats have a lot to teach us. Ingrid King, the awardwinning author of several books and The Conscious Cat blog, presents an exploration of our relationship with cats in her new book Purrs of Wisdom: Enlightenment, Feline Style. She draws on her own expertise and experience with her own feline friends to add insights on how cats can inspire, soothe and even help heal us. As the title suggests, Purrs of Wisdom looks at how communing with our cat companions can help us to a better life. Find out why stretching is so good for you, and why it’s okay to sometimes do nothing and take time for yourself, the way kitties do. Discover the seven habits of happy cats and humans, the secrets to contentment and play, and the peaceinducing beneﬁts of accepting what is. Illustrated with delightful photos, each section is short and easy to read, making this book ideal for dipping into whenever you take time out from your busy day.

book reviews

Title: Purrs of Wisdom Author: Ingrid King

Publisher: Mango Media Inc.

Title: Meow Editor: Anouska Jones Mesmerizing, amusing, elegant, mysterious – cats possess all these qualities and more. Compiled by Anouska Jones, an editor hailing from Australia, Meow is a “book of happiness for cat lovers”. Every page of this beautiful volume features a gorgeous color portrait of a cat or kitten, along with quotes from a variety of writers, philosophers and artists, including Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, Leonardo da Vinci and many others. Designed to capture the essence of the feline psyche, the photos and quotes come together to form a beautiful coffee table book that’s perfect for browsing through and musing over. Sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking, Meow gives you a varied and evocative view of cats through the eyes of photographers and writers. Publisher: Exisle Publishing

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Supplements for OSTEOARTHRITIS

in cats

By Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc As the years go by, our frisky felines slow down. Ambling about only to use the litter box, or to eat, they gain weight and sleep most of the day, rarely jumping on or off furniture the way they used to. Though often attributed to laziness, these signs aren’t always “normal” and may suggest our feline companions are suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) – a painful, debilitating condition affecting joints such as the hip, elbow and stifle, and causing lameness. Recognizing the importance of osteoarthritis in cats, the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery recently devoted an entire issue to lameness and OA in cats. “Orthopedic disease, particularly osteoarthritis (OA), is emerging as one of the most important disease conditions in cats, with some studies indicating a prevalence of up to 90% in cats,” wrote Sharon Kerwin, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS, of Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine, in this special edition. “Still, much remains unknown about the etiology, prevention and treatment of feline orthopedic disease, and its recognition is often a challenge in the clinical setting.”

SIGNS OF OA IN CATS Cats are extraordinarily stoic masters of disguise. They are able to mask their discomfort, rarely showing overt signs of pain. Examining cats in a veterinary hospital is challenging, which further complicates the picture. History is therefore key when diagnosing osteoarthritis. Signs that your cat suffers from OA include: • Decreased ability or willingness to jump • Lower jumps • Lameness or stiff gait • Reduced activity level • Suppressed appetite and grooming • Behavioral changes

MANAGING FELINE OA Once OA is recognized, a multimodal treatment approach maximizes quality of life and minimizes welfare issues.

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Feline Wellness

Veterinary-prescribed medications such as NSAIDs (meloxicam, robenacoxib), alternate analgesics (gabapentin, tramadol), and stem cell therapy remain important treatment options. Physical/ massage therapy, environmental enrichment, and diet-related changes are equally important. In terms of dietary management, oral joint health supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU); Omega-3 fatty acids/fish oil containing EPA and DHA; and weight management, are all advocated. Studies support the use of each of these approaches for improving a cat’s mobility and overall quality of life. •G lucosamine and chondroitin sulfate provide precursors of cartilage metabolism to help build healthier cartilage, while ASU possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for arthritic joints. •C ats with degenerative joint disease supplemented with fish oil experience improved activity levels compared with cats fed a diet without fish oil. In addition, despite the fact that fish oil is “fat”, cats offered Omega-3 fatty acids tend to lose excess body weight.

STRATEGIC SUPPLEMENTATION Choose high-quality nutritional supplements that are more likely to benefit your cat. As succinctly summarized in one article in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery’s lameness edition: “It is the authors’ opinion that products produced by reputable veterinary manufacturers should always be used….” Products supported by science rather than testimonials and word of mouth will be more beneficial and economical than poorer quality supplements.

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Animal Wellness