V21I3 (Jun/Jul 2019)

ANIMAL

For a long, healthy life!

WELLNESS TIPS FOR DOGS WHO BARK & LUNGE ON WALKS

5CANCER

STEPS TO REDUCING THE RISK OF

DO YOU AND YOUR DOG SHARE PERSONALITY TRAITS? MUST-HAVE GEAR

FOR ADVENTURE DOGS CAN CBD HELP TREAT CANCER?

STOP EAR

INFECTIONS

– ONCE AND FOR ALL!

A DOG’S JOURNEY The story of “A Dog’s Purpose” continues with this heartwarming sequel, featuring Odin as Bailey!

JUNE/JULY 2019 Display until July 9, 2019

$6.95 USA/Canada

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 3

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BONUS INSIDE!

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CONTENTS

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Walden Media

June/July 2019

Columns 18 TRENDING NOW

58

Features 14 – is it possible?

P reventing cancer in pets

While no one can predict which dogs or cats will develop cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk.

28 and cats

O rgan meats – superfoods for dogs Packed with vital nutrients, organ meats such as liver, kidney and heart can add a rich array of health benefits to your animal’s diet.

32 for dogs

M ust-have outdoor adventure gear Whether you hike, camp, swim or kayak with your dog, you need the right gear! Take a look at some essential canine adventure equipment.

58 COVER STORY – Odin 72

The story of A Dog’s Purpose continues with a heartwarming sequel, starring the lovable Odin as Bailey!

Does your dog lunge and bark on walks?

The key to stopping your canine companion from barking and lunging on the leash is to identify his triggers and re-train him not to react to them.

90

Keep your kitty’s eyes healthy

A variety of eye problems can affect cats. Know what a healthy feline eye looks like, and how to recognize any red flags that require veterinary attention.

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Dedicated living spaces for dogs and cats

Trends show that a growing number of people are incorporating dedicated spaces for their animal companions into their home designs. Here are 5 cool ways you can do the same.

22 HEALING

INSIDE & OUT

Does your dog have recurring ear infections?

Most canine ear infections are caused by yeast, not bacteria, and conventional treatments usually result in recurring problems. A more holistic approach can yield better results.

26 CANINE BEHAVIOR

“P-mail” – how dogs use urine to communicate

Dogs may not have access to email or social media, but they have their own ways of communicating long distance. One is through their urine.

36 DIAGNOSTICS

Cancer tests for dogs and cats

Early diagnosis is vital when dealing with cancer.

Learn how a blood profile and ultrasound can help catch signs of inflammation or malignancy before your dog or cat gets sick.

40 AGING WELL Canine cataracts

Cataracts in dogs have many causes. While surgery is the only treatment, there are ways to help prevent or slow the progression of this common condition.

42 FUN & GAMES

Water sports for you and your dog

Looking for a way to stay cool this summer? Grab your canine companion and try one – or all – of these exciting water sports!

48 NATURAL REMEDY

How cannabis benefits animals with cancer Hemp-derived CBD may help treat cancer in dogs and cats, while easing symptoms and treatment side effects.

52 CASE STUDY

Tilley’s tale – how a senior dog adapted to blindness When this high-energy canine developed cataracts and glaucoma, an integrative treatment approach, including acupressure-massage, helped her adjust to being blind.

94

48 62 IN FOCUS

76 HEALTH ALERT

Clear Canine Cancer

This non-profit foundation funds research into canine cancer, and produces documentaries for those whose dogs have been diagnosed with lymphoma and other malignancies.

68 NEED TO KNOW

Flying with your dog?

Thanks to public demand, air travel for dogs is improving, but you still need to take steps to ensure your canine’s safety and comfort.

71 Top animal-

friendly US airports

Planning a trip with your dog or cat? Try to work one of these airports into your itinerary and enjoy all the animalfriendly amenities!

Leptospirosis – should you vaccinate your dog?

Find out what causes leptospirosis, how it’s treated, and whether or not you should consider vaccinating your dog.

78 VET Q&A

96 MODALITY HIGHLIGHT

Acupuncture has many applications for cats

This ancient healing modality can effectively address a wide range of health conditions in felines.

98 Do you and

Can a ketogenic diet help animals with cancer?

your dog share personality traits?

Cancer is not only a genetic or inflammatory disease – it’s also a metabolic disease. A keto diet can starve a dog or cat’s cancer cells by targeting their metabolic characteristics.

A new study reveals that you probably do!

78

94 LIFESTYLE

6 steps to mastering “cat-mindfulness” You don’t need to take a course to learn to be mindful – let your feline friend be your teacher!

Departments 8 From the Editorin-Chief

12 In the news 25 Product picks 47 Business profile – Rover’s Pet

61 Cool ideas for summer

66 Wellness

resource guide

82 To the rescue

86 Classifieds 87 Must reads 88 Events 93 Cat chat

83 Let's get social 85 Marketplace

Social Media

Tips, contests and more!

AnimalWellnessMagazine

News, events, and tips! @ AW_magazine

Tips, pet photos, and more!

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Crafts, laughs, and more!

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ANIMAL

For a long, healthy life!

WELLNESS

VOLUME 21 ISSUE 3

EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Editor-in-Chief: Dana Cox Managing Editor: Ann Brightman Associate Editor: Emily Watson Senior Graphic Designer: Dawn Cumby-Dallin Graphic Designer: Alyssa Dow Social/Digital Media Manager: Elisabeth Dunphy Web Design & Development: Lace Imson AW Cover Image Courtesy of: Todd MacMillan/ Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures FW Cover Image Courtesy of: Coupek Martin

ON THE AW COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF:

Todd MacMillan/Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures Starring alongside Dennis Quaid in A Dog’s Journey (the sequel to A Dog’s Purpose), Odin is a gorgeous great Pyrenees/Bernese mountain dog who plays the role of Bailey in the recently-released film. With his expressive face and lovable personality, this cuddly canine is the perfect choice for the part!

Read all about Odin and his rise to stardom on page 58.

ON THE FW COVER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF:

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nadia Ali Carmen M.H. Colitz, DVM, PhD, DACVO W. Jean Dodds, DVM Jodie Gruentstern, DVM, CVA Jean Hofve, DVM Janice Huntingford, DVM Deva Khalsa, VMD Ingrid King Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT Terri McCalla, DVM, MS, DACVO Ada McVean Shawn Messonnier, DVM Sandra Murphy Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT Amy Snow Leigh Spicher Kim Vanderlinden, ND, DTCM Tonya Wilhelm Nancy Zidonis ADMINISTRATION & SALES President/C.E.O.: Tim Hockley Accounting: Susan Smith Circulation & Office Manager: Libby Sinden Subscription Services/Marketing & Administration Associate: Ericka Carbonneau 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.

ADVERTISING SALES Western Regional Manager: Becky Starr, (866) 764-1212 ext. 221 becky@redstonemediagroup.com National Sales Manager/Editorial Associate: Kat Shaw, (866) 764-1212 ext. 315 katshaw@redstonemediagroup.com Editorial & Multimedia Specialist: Carlisle Froese, (866) 764-1212 ext. 224 carlisle@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: (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 (866) 764-1212 ext 100 and ask for dealer magazine sales, fax us at (705) 742-4596 or e-mail at libby@animalwellnessmagazine.com

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Coupek Martin This kitty’s emerald eyes seem to be reflecting the rich hues of the summer greenery around him.

Most people would agree that a feline’s most mesmerizing features are his eyes, but that’s just one reason to factor ocular and vision health into his wellness regime.

Keeping your cat's eyes healthy is also vital to his happiness and well-being – turn to page 90 to find out more.

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Animal Wellness Magazine (ISSN 1710-1190) is published six times a year by Redstone Media Group Inc. Publications Mail Agreement #40884047. Entire contents copyright© 2019. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, without prior written permission of the publisher. Publication date: April 2019.

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

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Making prevention a

Few of us are untouched by cancer, whether we’ve received a diagnosis ourselves, or are supporting a loved one who is battling the disease. Sadly, cancer rates are rising in our companion animals, too. One of our own dogs – our husky/ shepherd, Sasha – died as a result of cancer at the age of about 12 (you’re never quite sure how old rescues are). But I’ve known at least two other families whose dogs received a cancer diagnosis and passed at the age of only two years.

Fortunately, you can help reduce the risk of your beloved companion developing this dreaded disease – and that’s what this issue is about.

If you’ve seen the recently-released film, A Dog’s Journey, you’ll want to read about its lovable canine star, Odin, who plays the role of Bailey in the movie – he’s our cover dog for this issue! We also offer fun ways to get the most out of summer with articles on must-have equipment for adventure dogs, and canine water sports you can try with your own pooch.

Along with advice on the importance of organ meat in his diet; creating dedicated spaces for your dog or cat in your home; and how flying is getting safer for animals, this edition is packed with plenty of summer reading!

Enjoy the warmer weather!

A good place to start is with our article on five important factors that can increase your animal’s chances of staying healthy. We also talk about the importance of cancer testing for animals; how CBD may help treat the disease and ease symptoms; and how a keto diet can support animal cancer patients.

Eye and ear care is the other theme of this issue, so be sure to read our articles on ear infections and cataracts, and how acupressure helped a dog with glaucoma adapt to being blind.

Diabetes is a real and present danger for our canine friends when it comes to impaired vision. A neighbor’s dog went blind due to complications from this disease, so it’s important to stay on top of the signs, and quickly seek veterinary help.

And because eye issues aren’t limited to dogs only, our Feline Wellness section features an article on eye care for kitties.

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As always, yours in health,

Dana Cox Editor-in-Chief

Visit our facebook page at facebook.com/AnimalWellnessMagazine

CONTRIBUTORS Veterinarian Dr. Jean Dodds received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she established Hemopet, the first nonprofit national blood bank program for animals. Dr. Dodds has been a member of many committees on hematology, animal models of human disease and veterinary medicine. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994. Turn to page 76 for her article on leptospirosis.

Veterinarian Dr. Jodie Gruenstern graduated from UW-Madison in 1987.

She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and food therapist, vice president of the Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy Association (VMAA) and member of the AHVMA. Dr. Jodie is the author of Live with Your Pet in Mind! and the founder of Dr. Jodie’s Natural Pets (DrJodiesNaturalPets.com), Integrating People for Animal Wellness (iPAWaid.com) and Dr. Jodie’s Integrative Consulting, PLLC. On page 28, she writes about organ meats for pets.

Retired veterinarian Dr. Jean Hofve earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University.

She also studied veterinary homeopathy, homotoxicology, Reiki and other holistic modalities. She has researched pet food and feline nutrition for more than two decades, and is an expert on holistic pet health and the commercial pet food industry. Dr. Hofve is an official advisor to AAFCO, and co-authored the books Holistic Cat Care and Paleo Dog. For this issue (page 78), she looks at how keto diets can helps animals with cancer.

Veterinarian Dr. Janice Huntingford is a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, and is certified in animal chiropractic and acupuncture. She received her certification in Veterinary Rehabilitation through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, and opened Ontario’s first saltwater canine therapy pool and rehabilitation center. She is a Certified TCVM Practitioner, a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner, and a board certified specialist, earning a Diplomate from the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (essexanimalhospital.ca). See page 96 for her article on acupuncture for cats.

Veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa authored Dr. Khalsa’s The Natural Dog and co-authored Healing Your Horse: Alternative Therapies.

She lectures internationally and is a professor at the British Institute of Homeopathy. She has almost 30 years’experience in holistic modalities. Dr. Khalsa writes about ear infections on page 22.

Veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause graduated from Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.

She incorporates many modalities into her practice, including acupuncture and herbal formulas as well as laser therapy,

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myofascial release, physical therapy, nutrition and more. Dr. Angie’s goal is to use the body’s innate healing ability to improve the health and longevity of dogs and cats. She has a house call practice called Boulder Holistic Vet (BoulderHolisticVet.com). Turn to page 48 for her article on CBD for cancer.

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. Dr. Messonnier discusses cancer tests on page 36.

Veterinarian Dr. Judy Morgan graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. She earned her certification for Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation in 1995, then earned her certifications for Acupuncture and Food Therapy from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Morgan is a nationally-renowned author, speaker and holistic veterinarian certified in acupuncture, food therapy, and chiropractic care for dogs, cats and horses. She has authored four books on holistic pet care and feeding, and has over 700 educational videos on Facebook and YouTube (drjudymorgan.com) On page 14, she provides recommendations for protecting pets from cancer.

Dr. Carmen Colitz is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, who has extensively researched antioxidants in eye health. Based out of Florida, her work has helped countless dogs, cats and aquatic mammals over the last 20 years. Dr. Colitz and Dr. Terri McCalla are founders of Animal Health Quest Solutions and formulators of Ocu-GLO, a vision supplement for dogs and cats comprised of 12 antioxidants. They co-wrote an article on canine cataracts on page 40.

Dr. Terri McCalla has been a boardcertified veterinary ophthalmologist for over 30 years, and has an MS in Comparative Pathology and a special interest in retinal disease in animals.

Her private referral practice is located in Bellingham, WA. Dr. McCalla and Dr. Carmen Colitz are founders of Animal Health Quest Solutions and formulators of Ocu-GLO, a vision supplement for dogs and cats comprised of 12 antioxidants. They co-wrote an article on canine cataracts on page 40.

Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis are the authors of ACU-DOG: a Guide to Canine Acupressure and ACU-CAT: A Guide to Feline Acupressure. They founded Tallgrass Publishers, offering books, manuals, DVDs, apps and meridian charts. Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute provides a 300-hour hands-on and online training program worldwide.

It is an approved school by the Dept. of Private Occupational Schools State of

Colorado and an approved provider NCCAOM CE’s (PDA #1181).

Contact 303-681-3030, animalacupressure.com or Tallgrass@ animalacupressure.com. Read Amy and Nancy’s case report of a blind dog on page 52.

Ingrid King is a former veterinary hospital manager and author of five cat books, including Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher and Tortitude: The BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude. Her blog, “The Conscious Cat”, is an award-winning resource for conscious living, health and happiness for cats and their humans (ConsciousCat.com). Ingrid writes for magazines and websites around the world. For this issue, Ingrid discusses feline eye health (page 90).

Tonya Wilhelm is a dog training and cat care specialist who promotes positive ways to prevent and manage behavior issues. Named one of the top ten dog trainers in the US, she has helped thousands build happy relationships with their dogs using humane, positive training methods. She wrote Proactive Puppy Care; offers dog training classes; provides training and behavior services; and does workshops at pet expos (raisingyourpetsnaturally.com). Read Tonya’s article on helping dogs that lunge and pull (page 72).

Leigh Spicher is the National Director of Design Studios at homebuilder Ashton Woods. She passionately believes in “designing happiness” into all homes.

For more than a decade, she has been leading gifted design teams to help people build homes that reflect their personal lifestyles. She makes sure every home is built with essential design principles and emboldens unique character and high design. More importantly, Leigh ensures every home is designed with the personal stories of the owners (and their animals) in mind. Want to know how to incorporate dedicated pet spaces into home design? Turn to page 18.

Nadia Ali is a freelance writer who was born in London, England and now lives on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. She is inspired by Cici, her family cat. Her work has been published online and in print.

For this edition, Nadia shows you how to master “cat-mindfulness” (page 94).

Ada McVean is a science communicator who recently finished her Bachelor of Science, with a double major in chemistry and gender studies. She has been with McGill's Office for Science and Society since 2016 and works with the Damha Research Group at McGill University. Turn to page 26 for her insights on how dogs use urine marking to communicate.

Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she's not writing, she works as a pet sitter. On page 68, she looks at how air travel for dogs is changing for the better.

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IN THE NEWS NEW BILL WILL PENALIZE THOSE WHO ABANDON DOGS IN DISASTERS Far too often, dogs are left tied up and abandoned during natural and manmade disasters, and are forced to fend for themselves in fatal situations. In recognition of this problem, the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee has put forth a bill that would make it a first-degree misdemeanor to abandon companion animals during hurricanes, fires and other such circumstances. The bill was filed on March 1 of this year, and was approved later the same month.

“We’ve seen numerous dogs left tethered to things,” said Republican Sen. Joe Gruters during a committee hearing, according to the News Service of Florida.

“We want to give them a fighting chance.”

Under the bill, those who leave their animals unattended or restrained during a disaster would face up to a year in jail or a fine of up to $5,000.

flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/01738

SAVING ANIMALS FROM “ECONOMIC EUTHANASIA” Veterinary bills can be expensive – especially if your dog or cat suffers from a lifethreatening disease or injury. Unfortunately, a lack of funds prevents many animal parents from accepting treatment for their companions. Troubled by this issue, which plagues so many families, the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE) provides financial grants to those unable to afford the cost of their animals’ emergency or critical care.

“Our vision is to create a world where no family pet dies due to financial hardship,” says Rachel Rothstein, communications and events manager.

To date, FACE has assisted nearly 2,300 pets in San Diego County by providing financial grants in partnership with over 165 veterinary partners.

face4pets.org

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The number of overweight animals continues to rise, and along with it comes an increase in obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, joint problems and hypothyroidism, according to PetFirst Insurance. In fact, 60% of cats and 56% of dogs in the U.S. are obese (petobesityprevention.org).

A healthy diet and exercise are still the best ways to combat health issues associated with excess weight.

“With our busy lives, it’s hard to find time to exercise ourselves – and it can be even harder for our pets, who are often home alone during work hours,” says PetFirst’s CEO, Katie Blakeley. She stresses that it’s important to find time each day to walk your dog and engage your cat in play, especially if they’re gaining weight.

On top of establishing an exercise routine, it’s vital to invest in the healthiest diet you can afford for your animal companion, and pay attention to portion control. You’ll help keep your companion at a healthy weight, save money on vet bills, and increase his longevity and quality of life.

petfirst.com

Photo courtesy of FACE

FACE is a non-profit that was created in 2006 to combat the problem of “economic euthanasia” – the tragedy that occurs when people are forced to euthanize their companion animals because they can’t afford veterinary care. The organization typically assists low-income families, senior citizens, veterans, military families, students, disabled individuals, and other hardworking families and individuals who struggle to survive paycheck to paycheck.

EXERCISE – IT’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

Luna comes from a military family that didn’t have the funds to fix her broken leg. FACE stepped in to help, and she is now pain-free.

Image courtesy of Clif Bar & Company

IN THE NEWS LABS ARE STILL AMERICA’S FAVORITE DOG! The American Kennel Club has released their annual mostpopular breeds list and – surprise, surprise – Labs are in first place again! This marks the breed’s 28th year at the top, followed closely by German shepherds in second place and golden retrievers in third.

Meanwhile, as these popular breeds hold the top spots, the German shorthaired pointer is slowly climbing the list. Moving up one rank to number nine and bumping the Yorkshire terrier down to number ten, this hunting dog is now more popular than it’s been since it was first recognized by the AKC in 1930.

Aside from this change, the top ten favorite breeds didn’t vary from last year.

Sully Photo courtesy of the AKC

q Labrador retriever w German shepherd e Golden retriever r French bulldog t Bulldog y Beagle u Poodle i Rottweiler o German shorthaired pointer a Yorkshire terrier akc.org

Rendering of the new facility

$1.5 MILLION FOR NEW BUTTE COUNTY SHELTER Natural disasters are happening more and more frequently, and the toll they take on impacted communities is astronomical. Earlier this year, Clif Bar & Company launched the CLIF Second Responder Fund, dedicated to helping communities recover from natural disasters. A full 100% of net profits from the sale of their Sierra Trail Mix energy bars will go toward this cause.

The fund’s first project is to provide $1.5 million to the community affected by the devastating Butte County Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The funds will help break ground on a new Humane Society facility to shelter and care for the estimated 20,000+ animals impacted by the fire, and to serve as an emergency center for Northern California in the event of future disasters.

“The devastation created by these fires is unfathomable,” says Gary Erickson, co-owner and co-CEO of Clif Bar & Company.

“After the flames are extinguished and the camera crews leave, these communities are still desperate for help. This fund will help communities around the country for years to come.”

clifbar.com/hub/clif-responder-fund

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D gs Cats

PREVENTING

CANCER IN OUR PETS

– is it possible?

By Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT

WHILE NO ONE CAN PREDICT WHICH DOGS OR CATS WILL DEVELOP CANCER, THERE ARE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE THE RISK. Cancer rates in dogs and cats are rapidly increasing, much to the dismay of animal parents everywhere. One in three cats and 1.65 of every two dogs are estimated to develop cancer; half of all dogs over the age of ten will be given this dreaded diagnosis.

These alarming statistics are enough to make any animal lover cringe, but is it possible to decrease the chances that your dog or cat will die of cancer? There has not yet been enough research in the veterinary field to ascertain exactly what causes certain types of cancer in dogs and cats, or how to prevent them. But there are measures you can take to help ensure optimum health and longevity for your own canine or feline companion.

1. FEED HIM A HEALTHY WHOLE-FOOD DIET First and foremost, diet is key. Food is the foundation of life; without good nutrition, it is impossible to achieve optimum

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health. While many say that raw feeding is the only way to go, there really is no “one way” to feed dogs and cats. Some will thrive on raw diets, while others may struggle with digestive disorders when fed raw meals.

Rest assured, however, that fresh, organic, antibiotic- and hormone-free whole-food diets provide the best nutrient quality for promoting health and longevity. Preparing meals at home will provide the freshest ingredients, although it’s not always easy to do. For those who want to homeprepare meals for their dogs and cats, it is crucial to ensure the diet provides all the essential vitamins, minerals, fats and amino acids necessary for each species. It may be difficult to provide completely balanced meals without the addition of synthetic vitamins and minerals, unless the animal parent is willing to source some unique ingredients.

Working with a veterinary nutritionist or food therapist is

the best way to ensure that all nutrients are provided in the right amounts. In general, the less processed the food, the better.

If you are buying packaged foods, select the highest quality products you can afford. Avoid foods that contain dyes, preservatives such as BHT and BHA, added sugars, and ingredients that are suspected carcinogens, such as carrageenan.

Unfortunately, glyphosate (the chemical weed killer known as Roundup) is infiltrating many of the food and water supplies to which our animals (and we) are exposed. Glyphosate is found in grains, animal meats, fruits and vegetables. Feed your dog or cat non-GMO, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods that have undergone high heat processing, such as lowend commercial kibbles.

2. KEEP HIS WEIGHT AND STRESS LEVELS DOWN Maintain a healthy weight in your dog or cat, and do not allow him to become obese. Obesity causes inflammation, which can lead to cancer. Exercise and mental stimulation are extremely important to maintaining optimum health. Frustration, separation anxiety and confinement can lead to emotional imbalances that contribute to immune system stress. Appropriate outlets include exercise, competition and training. Don’t forget about indoor cats – they need stimulation too. Interactive toys can be a great way to get them moving.

3. AVOID OVER-VACCINATION This is critical to canine and feline health. While vaccines provide immunity to life-threatening diseases, they should be given in moderation. Research has shown that dogs and cats maintain immunity against the core diseases of distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and rabies for many years, and possibly for life.

Unfortunately, since rabies is a zoonotic lethal disease, current laws mandate vaccination boosters much more often than our dogs and cats might require.

Boarding, daycare, grooming and training facilities, along with many veterinary hospitals, require proof of annual vaccination, resulting in the over-vaccination of millions of dogs and cats each year. When a vaccine is given, the immune system must respond by making antibodies against the injected antigen particles in the

FOODS THAT STRENGTHEN IMMUNITY • Foods that may help decrease the risk of cancer by strengthening the immune system include medicinal mushrooms, cruciferous vegetables, colostrum, turmeric and ginger.

• Supplements with antioxidant power, including coenzyme Q10, green tea extract and Omega 3 fatty acids, will help scavenge cancer-causing free radicals in the body.

• Good gut health is essential to overall immune function. The addition of digestive enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics support proper gut function.

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vaccine. When the immune system works hard to process multiple vaccines, the result can be allergies and auto-immune reactions, in which the body attacks its own cells.

Preservatives in vaccines can also cause an inflammatory reaction within the body, resulting in allergic reactions and sometimes tumors in the skin and muscle. Cats are particularly prone to developing fibrosarcoma tumors secondary to vaccination. The rabies vaccination has been most commonly incriminated in the development of these masses. Request a thimerosal-free product when the rabies vaccine must be given, to help decrease the chances of tumor formation.

Blood tests called titers can be done to determine whether an animal has immune antibodies against a disease; if antibodies are found, no vaccination is necessary. Titer tests are most commonly used for distemper, parvovirus and panleukopenia. Rabies titers are not accepted as proof of vaccination for licensing purposes in the US, even though many animals will hold valid immunity, based on titer testing, for ten years or more.

Consider your animal’s lifestyle when discussing vaccinations with your veterinarian. Leptospirosis, Lyme, influenza, feline leukemia and bordetella are all considered lifestyle vaccines and should only be given when there is a high risk of exposure.

4. COUNTERACT CHEMICAL OVERLOAD Chemical overload has become a big problem for our dogs and cats over the past few decades. Pharmaceutical companies have worked very hard to develop preventative medications, that are convenient and easy to use, to keep our pets free from heartworm, intestinal parasites, and external pests such as fleas and ticks.

DELAYED SPAY AND NEUTER CAN PROTECT AGAINST CANCER Recent studies involving golden retrievers and Rottweilers have shown that delaying spay and neuter at least until the dog has reached full maturity seems to have a protective effect against cancer. More research needs to be done to understand the ideal age for spay or neuter.

Female cats left intact have a high risk of developing mammary cancer, which is more aggressive than in dogs.

It is still recommended to spay cats once they reach maturity around eight to 12 months of age.

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Unfortunately, this chemical load comes with a high price, not only for your wallet but also your dog or cat. Many of these medications are tested on only a few hundred animals before being released to the market, meaning your dog or cat is the “testing laboratory” for side effects and illness.

Once a product is released, recall is very difficult. Hundreds or thousands of animals can become ill or die before a recall will occur. In most cases, it takes years to know if a particular product causes cancer.

Oral preventative products that last for a month or more cannot be taken back out of the body once administered.

If your dog or cat has a reaction or illness secondary to administration, supportive care is the only option. Some immune-suppressant drugs used for allergy therapy are now being linked to increased cancer risk.

Essential oils are a great alternative for pest prevention.

Application will be required more often, however, which translates to less convenience with some people. Essential oils must also be top quality and appropriately diluted when used on animals. Only use products from trusted sources.

Instead of routinely giving de-worming medications, have a stool sample tested twice a year, and only treat the animal if parasites are found. Find out what the prevalence of heartworm is in your area, and only medicate seasonally if needed.

5. HAVE HIM CHECKED REGULARLY AND PROMPTLY Grooming should be an ongoing routine for every animal, since the simple act of brushing may reveal a new lump or bump that could signal a problem. When you find a mass, have it checked right away to determine whether or not it could be suspicious. Proactive diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome when cancers are caught early.

Up until the age of seven, your dog or cat should receive a complete annual physical examination with laboratory samples; once he’s over seven, exams and tests should be done twice a year.

While it is impossible to predict which animals will get cancer, we can nevertheless fight back by being our dogs’ and cats’ best advocates. Genetics and environmental factors may be beyond our control, but we can still reduce our animals’ risk of cancer by making good choices regarding food and supplements (see sidebar on page 15), exercise, chemical and vaccine loads, and veterinary check-ups.

Photo courtesy of Standard Pacific Homes

TRENDING NOW

D gs Cats

Want to create dedicated living spaces for your dog or cat?

By Leigh Spicher

Trends show that a growing number of people are incorporating dedicated spaces for their animal companions into their home designs. Here are 5 cool ways you can do the same.

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From learning a new trick to passing an obedience class, dogs and cats are celebrated for much more than just their birthdays nowadays. In a survey conducted last year, homebuilding company Ashton Woods found that more than 70% of future homebuyers are interested in incorporating dedicated pet spaces into their homes.

This trend transcends multiple generations as Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers alike say they are looking for ways to integrate their companion animals’ needs and preferences into the comfort and luxury of their homes.

Here are five ideas for creating special spaces in your own home for your canine or feline companion.

station 1 Feeding and food storage

Food and water bowls on the kitchen floor look disorganized and can get in the way — especially when near high-traffic areas. Not only can haphazardly-placed bowls lead to messy floors thanks to an accidental kick or step, but bowls without proper traction can be sloshed around by messy drinkers and eaters.

Incorporating pet feeding stations into your cabinetry will give you a clean neat kitchen and prevent annoying accidents.

A pull-out drawer with built-in bowls within the kickplate of the cabinetry is a nice hidden option, but keep in mind that it limits your animal’s access to water when it’s closed. A better option is to build out an open-access shelf at the end of a kitchen island or row of cabinets. This not only picks the bowls

Incorporating feeding stations into your cabinetry will give you a clean neat k itchen and prevent annoying accidents. up off the floor, but also gives your dog or cat 24/7 access to water.

Now let’s talk about storing pet food.

We design pull-out cabinets for those decorative serving trays we never use — so why not incorporate a pull-out

drawer to hide that five-pound bag of dog food, or flat of cat food tins?

A pull-out drawer next to the feeding station can be an excellent way to keep everything easily accessible while ditching the eyesore. Built-in pull-out waste baskets offer a great solution for storing large bags of food.

2 Dog shower

If your dog is too big for the sink, bath time can become challenging.

Washing Fido in the bathroom is a logical choice — except bathrooms are rarely located near entryways, which means muddy footprints and a second mess to clean up. Not to mention the logistics of getting a larger dog in and out of a tub!

Dedicated pet showers are all the rage.

Ideally located near an entrance to your home, a dedicated pet shower in

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Incorporate your animal’s needs into the design All dogs and cats are different and have different needs. Consider your animal’s personality and temperament when choosing where to put pet spaces in your home.

Some dogs and cats like to be in the middle of all the action, where they can get maximum attention, while others prefer the peace and privacy of an intimate hideaway.

If your animal likes privacy, consider the mudroom or a tucked-away spot in your office or bedroom for a dedicated space. If he needs to be around people, consider multipurpose furniture or pull-out beds in the kitchen or living room.

And while age may only be a number, it’s something to keep in mind when installing dedicated pet spaces in your home. For example, older dogs and cats need easy access and minimal stairs.

a mudroom will prevent hair, suds and water from getting into your living space while keeping all the dirt in one place. A detachable shower head makes it easier to hose down your dog and ensure all the suds are left in the tub, and not in his coat.

A walk-in shower will also eliminate the barrier issues posed by traditional tubs when it comes to older or larger dogs.

Add a hook in the wall for your pooch’s leash, and you’ll be able to focus on scrubbing him rather than wrestling to keep him under the showerhead.

An elevated farmhouse sink makes a great wash area for smaller pups and cats, and eliminates the back problems and bruised knees that result from trying to wash animals in a normal tub.

3 Built-in sleeping area

Are you tired of staring at that big ugly kennel in the corner of your living room, or the pet bed in a spot that was clearly not intended for such a use — e.g. the middle of the hall floor? Your dog or cat will appreciate the coziness of a tucked-away space just for him.

Built-in beds underneath cabinets or shelves provide the cozy spot your

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companion deserves. Cabinet and furniture makers have also designed several ways to integrate stylish dog crates into home décor, including cabinet doors with crate-like metal mesh or coffee or side tables with built-in crates, to be used when needed.

4 Under-stairs nook

No one ever said the dog house had to be outside, and you certainly don’t need to knock down walls to create spaces for your animals. If you have a multi-level home, convert the space underneath your stairs into a special place for your companion so he can have alone time when he wants it.

With larger staircases, you could go as far as creating a complete room for your animal — including a bed, food bowls, and storage for toys (maybe even a small closet for those pet sweaters!). If you have a smaller space, a dog bed only needs three to five square feet, depending on his size.

A decorative gate that matches your home décor turns this nook into a dog crate when needed. Don’t be afraid to get creative with those smaller spaces hidden around your home!

5 Cat adventure park

Open wall spaces are perfect for creating an adventure park for your feline.

A variety of carpet-covered shelves placed high on the walls are sure to satisfy your cat’s love for heights. You can also consider clearing off multi-level shelves that are already in place. For another easy addition to your cat’s play area, find a decorative basket that matches your interior design style, fill it with blankets, and fasten it to one of the shelves.

As you can see, it’s very possible to integrate companion animals into the home environment without surrendering your sense of style. Utilize small spaces around your home, consult with your builder, and keep these ideas in mind when planning your renovation or shopping for your next home.

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HEALING INSIDE & OUT

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE RECURRING

EAR INFECTIONS?

By Deva Khalsa, VMD

MOST CANINE EAR INFECTIONS ARE CAUSED BY YEAST, NOT BACTERIA, AND CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS USUALLY RESULT IN RECURRING PROBLEMS. HERE’S WHY, AND HOW A MORE HOLISTIC APPROACH CAN YIELD BETTER RESULTS. Ear infections are among the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian. Often, these infections are hardly noticeable when they first start. It’s only after the dog is scratching his face and flapping his ears that his folks notice something is wrong and peek inside his ears. By then, the infection is well established. Addressing the problem promptly, and treating it naturally and over the long term, can help ensure a successful outcome without recurring infections.

We’ve all heard that skin is one of the first lines of defense against disease.

In fact, the skin’s first line of defense actually consists of a bunch of bugs.

The collective group of all these bugs is called a microbiome. A microbiome is defined as the collection of microbes or microorganisms that inhabit an environment, creating a “miniecosystem” of symbiotic, beneficial and pathogenic bacteria (along with fungi and viruses) that call the mammalian body they inhabit “home”.

YEAST IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE

Under normal conditions, these many different types of bacteria and yeast live in balance on a dog’s skin, respecting each other’s boundaries – but this isn’t the case when it comes to Malassezia (see sidebar on page 24).

Interestingly, the most common culprit when it comes to ear infections is not bacteria, but a yeast called Malassezia.

This yeast normally lives on the skin and in the ears of our dogs. In fact, modern research is finding out that “bugs” make up a significant percentage of mammalian bodies, and that when they’re in harmony, they actually perform an extremely important role in maintaining health.

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Many people head back to their veterinarians a month or two after their dogs are treated for ear infections because “the infection came back”. In truth, the infection never went away. So let’s find out how to successfully treat

these all-too-common ear infections in our dogs.

TREATMENT NEEDS TO START PROMPTLY AND LAST SEVERAL MONTHS Even though the most common organism causing ear infections in dogs is a yeast, they’re often conventionally treated with an ointment containing steroids, antibiotics and antifungals.

This treatment lasts for two weeks at the most, with the ear infection often returning a few times a year.

After months or years of this kind of treatment, the problem changes to a bacterial infection. At the bitter end, we wind up with resistant bacteria as the source of infection. This is why we have to get ear problems handled properly and completely right from the start.

We’re all used to thinking that bacterial and yeast infections, when treated with appropriate conventional drugs, will simply respond and clear up uneventfully. While this may be

the case with something like a bladder infection, the ear is an ongoing science experiment.

Basically, it’s a petri dish where anything can grow depending on the dynamics within the ear.

The ear is moist, damp and dark, and particularly ideal for yeast growth. That’s why treatment has to be prolonged over several months, until a healthy balance becomes naturally maintained.

Malassezia yeast grows slowly, yet tenaciously. It can be difficult to get rid of because once it’s established it’s slow to recede.

That’s why you have to persist over time with the treatment – and be ready to act when summer comes if your dog swims in lakes or swimming pools.

A dog’s ear canal is very long, unlike the human ear canal. Those

prescribed ointments typically clear up the part of the ear closest to the surface, while the yeast shelters deeper in the ear canal and grows back up the drain, so to speak, when conditions become suitable again. The deeper sections of the ear will still contain that overgrowth of Malassezia, which then moves back up to the more external parts of the ear canal when the conventional treatment is ended.

STABILIZING THE MICROBIOME TAKES TIME The goal of treating a yeast infection in a dog’s ear is to stabilize the microbiome – and this takes time. Killing the bacteria and yeast with a conventional ointment, as discussed above, often only results in recurring infections. Treatment has to be multipronged as well as long-term.

Continued on page 24.

LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF AN EAR INFECTION

Red flags to watch for are a yeasty smell from your dog’s ears, and frequent scratching and head shaking. If you see nothing when you look into your dog’s ears, don’t assume all is well. I suggest you take a soft tissue, wrap it around your finger, and gently move it into the ear canal. If the tissue comes out with something dark brown on it, it’s likely there’s an excess of Malassezia in the ear canal. If more identification is needed, the yeast can be stained at your veterinarian’s clinic and examined under a microscope.

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MALASSEZIA

– no respect for boundaries

It’s only after the dog is scratching his face and flapping his ears that his folks notice something is wrong and peek inside his ears.

The Malassezia yeast will take advantage of excess moisture and/or lipids in the area it inhabits, and will consequently overgrow and create a problem.

When Malazzesia steps over the line and goes beyond its boundaries, the result is some pretty intense itching. Thus, the dog starts shaking and scratching his head and flapping his ears.

Just like any other yeast,

Malassezia likes to grow in moist dark areas where the “sun don’t

Continued from page 23.

Dogs with allergies often get more yeast infections in their ears, and additional Malassezia yeast growth on their skin, because the inflammation from the allergies increases moisture on the skin.

shine”. It likes ears (where it is commonly mistaken for a dark sweet-smelling earwax), the underarms and groins, under the chin and around the anus, private parts and between the toes.

Malassezia is lipophilic, which means “having an affinity for fats or lipids”. You many have come across Malassezia treatment options that suggest regimens similar to those for people with candida. But nothing could be more wrong. Candida loves sugar and starch, but the

Malassezia yeast that grows in a dog’s ears and on his skin loves lipids and couldn’t care less about starch. This yeast gets turned on when there’s excess moisture in the area and, of course, the ears are the perfect place for this to happen.

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If the dog has allergies, getting to the root of any food sensitivities or intolerances clears them up in as natural a way as possible. My latest book, The Allergic Pet, Holistic Solutions to End the Allergy Epidemic in Our Dogs and Cats, has many options and solutions.

I also cover solutions for allergies at allergyelimination4pets.com.

Enzyme products that kill the yeast are my favorites. Zymox makes an allnatural enzyme-based ear medication, one that contains a steroid and one that does not. I reserve the steroidcontaining product for inflamed and painful ears, and use it for only a few days. It’s really important to note that any dog with a yeast infection in his ears must be treated over a few months, but not continuously. What this entails is treating both ears with Zymox once a day for seven to ten days, then for one week of every month for four to six months. This is so the microbiome in the ear can balance out, since the yeast will continue overgrowing for some time after the initial treatment.

Products containing gentian violet can also be used in the ear. The Allergic Pet and Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog contain recipes to make this inexpensively at home. Companies such as Liquid Health have a product called K-9 Ear Solution that contains all the ingredients. If your dog’s ears are sensitive, I recommend getting Tris-EDTA solution and adding a drop or two of gentian violet to the solution for use in the ears.

Boosting your dog’s immune system will help create the healthiest balance of bugs in his ears. A good multivitamin mix given every day can make a difference.

If your dog is suffering from allergies, make sure the supplement does not contain brewer’s yeast, as this is a highly allergenic food.

Ear infections in dogs can be successfully cleared up, and you can often do it at home. What’s important to remember is that the balance of “bugs” can change due to circumstances, which means you have to be always on alert for a yeasty smell from your dog’s ears, or any signs of the onset of an infection, such as scratching and head shaking. Treatment needs to begin immediately and must be continued over a few months, not just a few days. A stitch in time saves nine visits to the veterinarian!

Product Picks

Breathe easy with new cat litter Your cat is a special member of your family, which means cleaning the litter box is an important part of caring for him. But at the same time, the surrounding space can get messy fast. New ARM & HAMMER Cloud Control™ litter solves the problem by reducing dust, dander and other nasties when you scoop – so what happens in the litter box stays in the litter box!

AHCloudControl.com

What we love: These treats are soft and easy to break apart.

Healing from within Healing and true health start from within. The Lord Jameson Dog Apothecary Collection includes Chill’n, a treat especially formulated to help relieve anxiety and promote overall wellness in dogs. Chamomile and hemp hearts (each treat contains 3 mg PCR hemp) are layered with handselected superfoods, including coconut and roasted peanut butter. Made with all-natural 100% organic ingredients that are free of wheat, corn, soy, dairy, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. LordJameson.com

What we love: This litter is 100% dustfree and guarantees seven days of odor control.

Super tasty treats

What we love:

Treats need to be healthy as well as delicious! These allnatural, preservative-free soft sticks from Farm Fresh Pet Foods are super tasty and ideal for treating and training – even the fussiest dogs love them. They’re made with only nine ingredients, including beef or pork, oatmeal, honey and sea salt, so you can feel good about treating your dog. In fact, they smell so good, you might want a bag for yourself! FarmFreshPetFoods.com

Contains important antioxidants – grapeseed extract, lutein, Omega-3 fatty acids, astaxanthin and rutin.

Support her eye health Your furry friend’s ocular health is vital to her well-being. Over the last decade, patented Ocu-GLO™ vision supplement has been supporting healthy eye function in dogs and cats. Developed by veterinary ophthalmologists and backed by clinical research, it provides 12 key antioxidants to strengthen and support healthy vision and protect against oxidative stress. Available in a gelcap or powder blend capsule. Ocuglo.com

What we love: They’re made from 100% Canadian ingredients.

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CANINE BEHAVIOR

“P-mail” – HOW DOGS USE URINE TO COMMUNICATE

By Ada McVean, BSc

Dogs may not have access to email or social media, but they have their own ways of communicating long distance. One of those ways is through their urine.

If your dog frequently stops to pee when you’re out walking him, it doesn’t mean he’s having bladder problems. He’s just doing what dogs do – communicating with others of his kind by leaving urine markers. While most of our domesticated dogs are sterilized, they’re still instinctual creatures, so you’ll probably see some of the following urinary behaviors in your own canine when you’re on walks together.

• Urine can tell another dog how he was feeling when he peed. Dogs produce different hormones when exhibiting different emotions, and these hormones can be detected in their urine. When another dog sniffs the urine, he can determine the “pee-er’s” stress levels.

•M ale canines (both domesticated and wild) tend to prefer peeing on

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vertical surfaces (like fire hydrants and trees), but why do they do it? It’s partly because the added height allows the scent to be carried more easily by the wind, and also because it conveys the dog’s size to other canines. The higher up the object the pee mark is, the bigger the dog.

•A ll canines use urine, as well as secretions from the preputial glands, to mark their territories. A sexually mature unneutered or wild male dog is more likely to urinate when a potential mate or male competitor is present. A feral female dog is more likely to leave her scent when near her nest or den.

•U nneutered and wild male dogs are more likely to raise their legs to pee (as opposed to squatting) in the fall

and winter, likely because this is mating season. They will sometimes even raise their legs when their bladders are empty, performing what is called a raised-leg display, or pseudo-urination.

•T he height to which a dog raises his leg also seems to be associated with getting a mate, defending territory, or intimidating other males. One study found that male dogs raised their legs higher when near the edges of their territories, or when they were with their mates. But proportionally, smaller dogs raised their legs much higher than their big friends. One theory is that this is their way of making themselves seem larger, like a betta with its fins, or a cat with his fur!

ADVERTORIAL

DENTAL CARE for companion animals – an affordable natural solution that works

By Dr. Kim Vanderlinden ND, DTCM

Despite their families’ best intentions, 70% to 80% of cats and dogs in North America have dental health issues so challenging that their overall health is impacted.

OUR FURRY FRIENDS SUFFER IN SILENCE Your animal can’t tell you if his teeth feel loose or that he has pain when he eats. Instead, you have to rely on looking for indicators of bad dental health and be ready to deal with them fast. Luckily, dental health trouble is visible. The easiest sign to spot is bright red, inflamed or bleeding gums. This sign should send you straight to the veterinarian!

VET’S POINT OF VIEW Dental health issues are evaluated through gum inflammation, bleeding points and pocket depth. Unfortunately, when these issues get too bad, tooth removal may be recommended to prevent further complications. However, recent university studies have revealed an alternative to immediately pulling teeth – cetylated oils. So before you take this major step, ask your vet about these oils – see the graph

RED GUMS TO HEALTHY PINK GUMS Leading dental health professionals, as well as numerous case studies of happy healthy pets, all point to DentaPet as a powerful tool to solve your dog or cat’s dental health problems.

DentaPet is a completely safe supplement made from a blend of natural food oils. This impactful treatment has been shown to reduce tooth pocket depth, stop bleeding, end inflammation and often render scheduled tooth removal unnecessary. This inexpensive, safe and natural option is guaranteed to restore red bleeding gums to healthy pink gums.

BONUS – IT ALSO HELPS WITH JOINT HEALTH! Veterinarians and dog/cat parents often report that when they use DentaPet for their animals’ dental issues, they’re also able

to move much easier, and run and play again. This makes perfect sense, since if DentaPet can help with inflamed gum tissue, it can potentially help with joints as well.

Studies strongly support this dual benefit. DentaPet oils have undergone clinical trial research conducted by leading experts published in both the Journal of Periodontology and the Journal of Rheumatology. In fact, the research on these remarkable oils has consistently shown far more benefits in clinical trials than glucosamine. So don’t be surprised if your older pet uses DentaPet and then has an extra bounce in their step!

DentaPet is a natural, safe and guaranteed supplement that has been shown to restore dental health, saving your animal from pain and you from worry. Ask your vet about DentaPet. For more information please visit HopeScienceVet.com.

Dr. Kim Vanderlinden almost drowned when he was six – then his uncle's black Lab jumped in, grabbed him and swam him to shore. He's grateful to be giving back by providing to animals formulas he developed for people. Dr. Vanderlinden has degrees in both Naturopathic and Chinese medicine, and wrote a book on IP6 for cancer, bone density and sugar metabolism – for a free electronic copy, email drkimv@hopescience.com.

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ORGAN MEATS – superfoods for dogs and cats Packed with vital nutrients, organ meats such as liver, kidney and heart can add a rich array of health benefits to your animal’s diet.

By Jodie Gruenstern, DVM, CVA

D gs Cats

In the wild, a carnivore receives balanced nutrition by consuming a prey animal. Inside that rabbit, squirrel or mouse are naturallybalanced proportions of flesh, bones, pre-digested vegetation – and organs. The latter provide a necessary array of nutrients for dogs and cats, yet the diets we feed our companion animals often contain a limited quantity of organ meat (see sidebar opposite). Truth is, organ meats can be considered superfoods for our animal companions, and adding them to the diet can enhance their health in many ways.

LIVER Liver is one of the most commonly-fed organs, perhaps because it is the most readily available.

The liver often receives a bad reputation as food because it is a detoxification organ. Studies prove that the liver is a filter. It does not store toxins. There are no more toxic residues left in the liver than in the kidneys or muscles when analyzed post-mortem.

The liver provides a whole-food source of vitamins A, D, E and K – all the important fatsoluble vitamins. Studies show that dogs and cats have as many or more toxins in their systems as their human counterparts in the same home and environment. The livers in these animals need help with detoxification. Many are born with liver diseases that compromise their ability to detox, and many others develop liver disease, even cancer, as they age. Add liver, obtained from young animals, as an adjunct to a fresh, healthy and complete diet.

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HEART The heart is high in an amino acid called taurine. This nutrient is vital to proper heart function but is destroyed in the heating process. Interestingly, taurine levels are highest in the heart muscles of mice, which means the species most profoundly affected by dietary taurine deficiency is the feline. Cats that eat diets lacking in taurine succumb to a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy.

Heart is also the best food source of CoQ10, an enzyme important for energy balance and preventing oxidative stress. Many patients with chronic conditions are deficient in CoQ10 and have mitochondrial damage. Mitochondria are the furnaces in your pet’s cells. Bison, venison and beef hearts are some of the best sources of CoQ10. Many scientists now believe that mitochondrial malfunction is the underlying cause of cancer.

Continued on page 30.

MANY PET FOODS LACK

ORGAN MEAT

Nature designed prey animals to provide predators with a balanced diet. When we cook and process food, we unknowingly destroy many nutrients. Adding these missing nutrients back in with synthetic vitamin/mineral versions can be inadequate or even toxic. For example, recent news reported an excess of vitamin D in recalled processed pet diets. Other reports say some dogs are suffering from taurine deficiency due to a lack of this nutrient in certain dry kibble diets.

What can we do to ensure our dogs and cats receive all these important nutrients in the correct amounts? One option is to feed fresh food and supplement or treat with a variety of organs or entrails. Thankfully, many pet food, treat and supplement manufacturers have recognized this need. Although many people may find the thought of obtaining and feeding organs to their dogs or cats to be grotesque, it’s important to realize that our own human ancestors realized the value of organ meats and consumed them on a frequent basis. Many cultures still do so today.

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Continued from page 29.

In addition, heart is a source of iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins, and is considered a superfood because it contains these important nutrients. It is vital that heart, with all its diversity of nutrients, be included in the carnivore diet.

STOMACH (tripe) Tripe is the lining of a ruminant’s stomach. It might come from beef, lamb or venison. The organ takes on the odor of the animal’s ingesta or stomach contents (the “cud”), a churned, fermented herbaceous and grassy food material. Green tripe is rich in healthful probiotics, which are vital to a healthy microbiome and immune system.

Keep in mind that this benefit is lost when tripe is canned or dried. Tripe’s strong odor and delicious flavor appeal to

THE GLANDULAR THEORY

Organs provide a range of nutrients that are considered necessary for a balanced diet, but it doesn’t end there. Many naturopaths and holistic veterinarians believe that organs or body tissues can be matched to an individual to prevent or treat disease.

For example, if you have a breed predisposed to heart issues, such as a King Charles Cavalier spaniel, a boxer, a Doberman, or a Persian kitty, than I suggest you give him heart. Heart is high in taurine and perhaps other yet-to-bediscovered nutrients that support heart health.

If you have a golden retriever diagnosed with thyroid disease, give her thyroid. It will provide her with that missing thyroid hormone. In fact, there are natural pharmaceuticals available today that do just this by dessicating thyroid tissue and providing it in tablet form for both humans and pets.

MANY NATUROPATHS AND HOLISTIC VETERINARIANS BELIEVE THAT ORGANS OR BODY TISSUES CAN BE MATCHED TO AN INDIVIDUAL TO PREVENT OR TREAT DISEASE. carnivores, increasing palatability when it’s mixed with other foods. Use this trick to get your picky pet to eat better, or to disguise the odor of supplements or medications you may have added to the food.

KIDNEY Kidney contains an incredible amount of protein and folate. It’s nutrient dense, like liver. Beef and lamb kidneys are commonly available. Grass-fed beef or lamb kidney fat contains antiinflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids. Many dogs and cats develop kidney disease as they age. Perhaps this is an organ you should add to your companion’s bowl!

BRAIN Predators in the wild often consume the skull, brain and spinal cord tissue of their prey. While brain from venison may contain prions that can cause chronic wasting disease, and neurologic tissue from cows may cause a similar condition (commonly called Mad Cow Disease), many reputable pet food manufacturers include the safer porcine source of pig brain in their products. This dietary addition may be used to prevent or manage neurologic disorders by providing unique nutrients that feed the nervous system.

OVARIES, TESTES, UTERUS Do we really believe there are no adverse consequences to routinely removing these reproductive organs from our dogs and cats, even at a very early age? Consider adding these organs to your animals’ meals. It may provide natural replacement hormones to manage common problems such as spay incontinence, or more serious problems such as cancer (neutering has been correlated with an increased incidence of osteosarcoma or bone cancer in large breed dogs).

We consider kale, spinach and mushrooms to be superfoods, but for our carnivorous companions, organs are superfoods! Each species, breed and individual has specific and unique dietary needs, but by incorporating the right organs into your dog or cat’s diet, you’re adding a big boost of flavor and nutrition to his meals.

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Photo courtesy of Drew Smith (RexSpecs)

Do you and your dog spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer? Whether you hike, camp, swim or kayak, you need the right gear! Take a look at some essential canine adventure equipment.

MUST-HAVE

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GEAR for dogs

By Emily Watson

1. HARNESSES AND COLLARS No matter what outdoor activity you enjoy with your pup, he’ll need a good collar and harness. You can pick up these items at any pet store, but not all of them are created equal. Active dogs need harnesses made of quality materials that are equipped with the bells and whistles – in some cases, literally! The key is to find one

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that fits your dog comfortably, and meets all your needs.

“A harness provides color and visibility, distributes pulling force from excited dogs across the chest, and can provide a grab handle for extra control,” says Katherine Hayman, Social Media Manager at Hurtta America. “Of course, make sure to have a sturdy leash, too!”

When buying a collar, opt for one that’s waterproof. “As any dog owner knows, collars can get gross,” says Spencer Williams, President and CEO of West Paw. “A waterproof collar is easy to clean, and doesn’t

Photo courtesy of West Paw, Inc.

Attention, adventurers! If you and your canine companion are enjoying the great outdoors this season, you need to take a lesson from the Boy Scouts of America – be prepared! That means planning your adventure ahead of time, conditioning your pup (and yourself) physically and mentally, and of course, packing the right gear! To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some essential adventure equipment that’ll make your excursion safer and more comfortable.

2. COATS AND BOOTS

Photos courtesy @ruffwear

A coat and boots will prove useful in the wild, regardless of the climate. “Apparel is another opportunity to outfit dogs as we'd outfit ourselves, so we can both expand our comfort zones and explore further together,” says Susan Strible, Director of Marketing at Ruffwear. If it’s rainy, a lightweight waterproof jacket will keep your dog warm and protect his hair from getting wet, muddy and messy.

Hurtta's sleeping bag has a round shape and overlapping panels to keep dogs warm, and its heat-reflective foil makes it compact enough to carry – no puffy insulation!

Photo courtesy of Hurtta

hold odor. So dogs can do whatever they like in the outdoors – swim, roll around in mud, etc. – and all you have to do is wipe the collar down or give it a quick rinse.”

tent or cozy sleeping bag!

Again, you can buy this equipment at any outdoor gear store, but it’s important to find one that accommodates your four-legged companion. Many one- and two-person tents aren’t large enough for your pup to squeeze into, and we don’t have to tell you there’s only enough space in your sleeping bag for you.

To get around these common camping issues, buy a tent that fits your whole family (be sure to read the reviews before committing) and get your pup his own sleeping bag. “A sleeping bag designed specifically for a dog’s shape traps warmth and reduces air pockets around his body,” says Katherine.

4. LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL DISHES Fuel your pup’s adventures with some basic mealtime essentials!

Great for long hikes, drives, boat rides and camping trips, collapsible

Photo courtesy of Muttluks

In hot dry climates, a set of booties will protect your dog’s feet from blistering surfaces that can cause paw pads to crack.

“Hot temperatures create hot surfaces that burn and Summer boots are designed blister paws in seconds,” says with cooler, breathable fabrics that dry easily, so Marianne Bertrand, founder your pup can wear them in the water! of Muttluks. “If you’re unable to walk in your bare feet due to hot surfaces, your dog can’t either.” Other reasons to buy your pup a set of summer boots include the risk of laceration from broken glass, cactus needles, sharp burrs or zebra mussels.

“Paw balms are a good alternative for dogs that won't wear boots, or if you simply don't have the budget for the boots you want,” adds Marianne. “Applying paw balms before and after your trek will moisturize and sooth paws. Those made from natural ingredients do the best job.”

3. DOG-FRIENDLY TENT AND SLEEPING BAG There’s nothing more magical than sleeping next to your dog under the stars…as long as you’re protected by a sturdy Animal Wellness

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food and water bowls come in a variety of colors and sizes, and are a cinch to fold up and transport. Silicone is a popular material – just be sure it’s food-grade and BPA-free.

Extra space in your dog’s backpack? Toss in these additional items for peace of mind.

LIGHT-UP COLLAR ATTACHMENT Designed to be visible for hundreds of yards, these clip-on safety lights let you keep an eye on your dog after dark.

GPS TRACKER These devices fasten to your dog’s collar so you can track his location at all times. If he happens to wander off, you can log in to an app on your phone and pinpoint his whereabouts.

REFLECTIVE VEST Ideal for both night and day, reflective vests are a great way to make your dog more visible – no batteries required!

Reflective collars, leashes and harnesses are also available.

Fabric bowls, like the ones made by Outward Hound, are another great option. They’re ultra-light, and fold up so small you can fit them in your pocket. They’re also leakresistant and fast-drying, so you can pack them up again immediately after use. Just add some of your dog’s favorite dehydrated raw food and a splash of water, and he’ll be ready to keep adventuring!

Photo courtesy of Drew Smith (RexSpecs)

SAFETY ACCESSORIES

5. DOGGY GOGGLES If your dog runs full speed through brush and grass, or enjoys kicking up sand on the beach, he needs some goggles!

“Any dog that spends time outdoors is susceptible to UV rays, dust, dirt and debris that can be harmful to his eyes,” says Monica Purington, Director of Marketing at RexSpecs. “Goggles can help your pup live a long, healthy, adventurous life – free of eye injuries.”

RexSpecs goggles are designed with fully adjustable and dynamic straps to ensure full range of motion.

Look for goggles that won’t hinder your dog’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.

RexSpecs, for instance, feature straps that are fully adjustable to allow for full range of motion in a dog’s jaw. They also have impact-resistant spherical lenses designed to not obstruct a dog’s field of view, including his peripheral vision.

6. NATURAL BUG REPELLENT AND SUNSCREEN No adventure is complete (or enjoyable) without something to protect your pup from pesky insects (including ticks) and damaging UV rays. When it comes to bug repellent and sunscreen, it’s important to buy products that are dog-friendly. Natural ingredients are best but not always effective, so be sure you find a product that works.

When shopping for bug sprays, essential oils of citronella, catnip, patchouli and cedarwood tend to give good results. Sunscreens should contain a dog-safe oil (such as coconut oil), and natural ingredients that protect against the sun’s rays, such as raspberry oil, carrot seed oil and arrowroot.

Remember, any product you’re applying to your dog’s skin and coat should be “lickably” safe, so avoid anything containing alcohol, DEET and zinc oxide.

7. LIFEJACKET No matter how skilled your dog is at swimming, a floatation device is a wise choice. Like us, dogs get tired in the water. The weather can also change on a dime, causing the waves to pick up, and boats can capsize. Play it safe by investing in a quality lifejacket for your pup. Look for one that isn’t too bulky, and pay attention to the size and weight recommendations to ensure it fits him properly. Lifejackets with handles are convenient when he needs assistance, and bright-colored options will help you spot him in case of emergency.

The right adventure equipment will stand up to the test of the most rugged excursions – and the most rambunctious dogs. So be safe, comfortable and prepared this summer by packing quality products you can trust, and enjoy every moment!

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DIAGNOSTICS

CANCER TESTS for dogs and cats

D gs Cats

By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

An early diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death for animal cancer patients. Learn how a blood profile and ultrasound can help catch signs of inflammation or malignancy before your dog or cat gets sick.

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It seems hardly a day goes by that I’m not asked to consult on a cancer case.

Clients come to me to see if there are any alternatives to conventional cancer treatment (there are many), or if supporting their dogs’ or cats’ immune systems might help them recover from or even be cured of their cancers. While I love treating animals with cancer, I love preventing it even more. And when I can’t prevent it, I like to diagnose it early, before the animal becomes ill and cure may become impossible. In this article, I’ll share some tests that allow for early cancer diagnosis, in the hopes you might be able to save your own dog or cat from this devastating disease.

There are two basic categories of cancer testing. The first involves simple and inexpensive blood testing done at least every six months (more often if the testing is abnormal). The second category is ultrasound testing, also done every three to six months.

1. BLOOD TESTING FOR INFLAMMATION/OXIDATION/ EARLY CANCER

in people, predisposing them to inflammatory disorders.)

Several tests are done as part of a blood profile to detect occult cancer or the predisposition to develop cancer. The cancer/inflammatory profile I use checks for three biomarkers – CRP, TK and vitamin D-3.

C RP rises within two hours of the onset of inflammation and peaks at 48 hours. Its half-life in people is about 18 hours; in dogs, elevated CRP levels are present for about one to two weeks following the initial insult. Dogs with increased CRP levels have something causing inflammation internally, and further testing is needed. Because cancer rates are increasing in animals, I recommend further investigation to rule it out. If cancer is detected, it is likely caught at a very early stage and treatment may lead to cure. If no cancer is detected, the CRP levels are normalized via various herbs and supplements and the animal is maintained on the therapy to keep inflammation in check. Ongoing monitoring is done as needed to make sure cancer does not develop.

• CRP, or C-reactive protein, is produced by the liver and increases when there is inflammation throughout the body.

CRP is one of the acute phase reactant proteins that go up in response to inflammation. Basically, when white blood cells called macrophages and T cells are stimulated, they produce cytokine chemicals such as interleukin-6, which stimulates the liver to make more CRP. Various inflammatory conditions such as cancer and heart disease, traumatic injury to tissue, hard and constant exercise, and cell death can increase CRP levels, but infections with bacteria and fungi can also stimulate synthesis.

(In people, but not dogs, fat cells stimulate increased levels of CRP; increased body weight is a common cause of low grade inflammation

inflammation somewhere in the body.

If the levels are mildly elevated, I will usually treat these animals with antiinflammatory doses of herbs, fish oil or both. Following this treatment, patients are maintained on supplements and closely monitored for any indication that CRP levels (or TK levels, see below) are increasing, at which point more testing may be needed. Dogs with very high CRP levels need more immediate evaluation that may include cultures, specialized blood tests for infectious diseases, and radiographs and ultrasound examination to look for tumors and abscesses.

Continued on page 38.

I n my practice, about half the normal dogs we test have increased levels of CRP (virtually all dogs with obvious inflammatory diseases show high levels). When I find an increased CRP level, it indicates excessive

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WHICH TEST IS BETTER?

I’m often asked whether it’s better to do blood testing or ultrasound testing to diagnose cancer. My general comment is that it’s better to do both, as it’s possible one test may show a problem when the other fails to find the cancer. Of course, you must do what’s affordable, but the more you can do the better the chances of finding cancer.

If I had to choose only one test, however, I would pick the blood profile, due to the high likelihood of finding problems on the blood profile as compared to the ultrasound test. This allows us to find abnormalities of inflammation and easily fix them using natural therapies, thereby reducing the occurrence of numerous diseases, including cancer.

+

Continued from page 37.

•T K (thymidine kinase) is an enzyme that rises with inflammation, specifically with diseases such as cancers and certain infectious disorders (e.g. rickettsial diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, transmitted by ticks.)

• Vitamin D is often at low levels in the general population and predisposes the animal to developing both inflammatory diseases (such as cancer) and infectious diseases (kennel cough, dog flu, etc.) In my own practice, the majority of normal dogs tested have increased TK, CRP – and/or low vitamin D levels. In fact, over 90% are low on vitamin D because dogs do not make this vitamin from sunlight and diets are too low in D to produce high enough blood levels to be considered “healthy”.

In my practice, 100% of dogs with cancer have low vitamin D3, again showing how important testing is and how essential it is to normalize D3 levels. Animals and people with normal vitamin D3 levels are less likely to have cancer. Vitamin D supplementation is needed for those with low blood levels of vitamin D,

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and supplementation is used based on the animal’s weight and health condition as well as the vitamin’s blood level.

2. ULTRASOUND EXAMINATIONS FOR EARLY CANCER DIAGNOSIS Another series of tests for early cancer diagnosis involves ultrasound examinations of the chest and abdominal cavities. Ultrasound uses harmless soundwaves to form a computerized picture of the body’s organs.

Finding both cancerous and benign tumors on the ultrasound exam allows us to treat and possibly cure the animal at an early stage.

I like using ultrasound examinations to look for solid tumors, particularly of the liver, spleen and heart. The tumor of most interest is hemangiosarcoma, a very common abdominal and less common chest cancer. In my practice,

we also often find problems we weren’t even looking for, such as bladder stones or various disorders of the gallbladder and adrenal glands.

Finding both cancerous and benign tumors on the ultrasound exam allows us to treat and possibly cure the animal at an early stage.

It’s an exciting time for animal lovers and veterinarians because so many advances in healthcare allow for the early diagnosis, treatment and even cure of cancer and other diseases. In fact, I think early testing for cancer is a much better use of funds than unnecessary vaccinations, drugs and chemicals.

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AGING WELL

CANINE

CATARACTS

By Carmen M.H. Colitz, DVM, PhD, DACVO and Terri McCalla, DVM, MS, DACVO

Cataracts in dogs have many causes – aging, diabetes, genetic predisposition and more.

While surgery is the only treatment, there are ways to help prevent or slow the progression of this common condition.

As dogs age, many develop cataracts.

Their eyes start to look cloudy, and their vision begins to decline.

Canine cataracts also have other causes, including diabetes mellitus, genetic predisposition, progressive retinal atrophy, and exposure to the sun’s UV rays, as well as metabolic and nutritional imbalances. So it’s important to consider your dog’s eye health throughout his life, especially as he gets older. In this article, we’ll look at what cataracts are, why they form, and how we can help prevent them or slow their progression.

HOW CATARACTS DEVELOP The eye’s crystallin lens is an immortal organ, made up of compressed

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layers of special transparent proteins called "crystallins". The lens grows throughout life, with the oldest layers in the center (nucleus).

Lens proteins are hidden from the immune system by the lens capsule.

If these proteins leak from the lens, the immune system detects them, misinterprets them as being foreign, and attacks the eye. This leads to lensinduced uveitis (LIU), which can have devastating consequences for vision and even survival of the eye.

Proteins in the body typically last no longer than a few days. However, lens proteins become terminally modified and entombed inside lens fiber cells;

they must "live forever" in an insoluble state in order to retain lens transparency and vision. A cataract occurs through the activation of oxidative mechanisms that result in the aggregation of damaged lens proteins.

The lens is exposed to profound oxidative stressors, especially sunlight.

Just as raw egg whites turn opaque when cooked, due to protein breakdown, the clear lens of the eye also turns white when its proteins break down.

Cooked egg whites cannot be uncooked, and cataracts cannot be reversed. There is no non-surgical way to treat cataracts; only surgery will sufficiently address vision impairment. This means it’s

critical to prevent cataract formation and progression.

SLOWING THE FORMATION AND PROGRESSION OF CATARACTS Once a cataract begins, many genes in the lens become activated or down-regulated. These genes include telomerase, estrogen receptor alpha, and protein kinase B (pAkt). Furthermore, any stage of cataract can cause LIU, which further exacerbates progression.

The ultimate outcome is a progressing cataract, although the rate of progression is unpredictable.

Controlling LIU is imperative for diminishing the risk of secondary glaucoma and/or retinal detachment.

Many antioxidants possess antiinflammatory properties and may be helpful in controlling LIU. These include grapeseed extract, lutein, astaxanthin, Omega-3 fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, curcumin and green tea extract.

The lens has an arsenal of protective strategies to minimize damage from oxidative stress, including antioxidants such as ascorbate to help keep proteins soluble and clear. The most important lens antioxidant system is glutathione in its reduced state. Low glutathione levels diminish lens protection and cause cataracts due to damage to DNA, cell components and proteins.

Additionally, dogs with cataracts have lower plasma ascorbate levels than normal dogs.

Dietary modulation of the pathways that promote cataract formation may slow or inhibit the process. Micronutrients

with antioxidant properties can potentially stop oxidative damage, either by attenuating or repairing damaged lens proteins. Antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, grapeseed extract, and vitamins C and E have been shown to protect the lens against a variety of oxidative stressors.

This antioxidant protection reduces reactive oxygen species, lessens lipid peroxidation, and thus decreases the risk of cataract development or progression. Lutein and zeaxanthin are oxycarotenoids that selectively accumulate in the lens; supplementation in cultured lens epithelial cells protects lens lipid, protein and DNA from oxidative damage. Grapeseed extract inhibits pathways associated with cataract formation.

Supplementation with these antioxidants may especially benefit dogs at risk for genetic cataract formation, or those in the early stages of cataract development. Even if cataracts progress in affected dogs, specific antioxidant supplementation should continue to help make these dogs better candidates for cataract surgery, and to aid in limiting the damaging effects of LIU even if surgery is not chosen.

Supporting vision health in dogs includes lens-healthy strategies such as feeding a low fat diet with high quality protein and carbohydrate sources; reducing food sources that trigger systemic inflammation; maintaining a healthy weight; and reducing chronic exposure to sunlight. In dogs predisposed to developing cataracts, lifetime supplementation with specific antioxidants for lens support will help maintain optimal vision health.

MAINTAINING HEALTHY LENSES

Maintaining healthy lenses in spite of daily oxidative stressors and aging involves multiple strategies.

• Aging lowers the body's antioxidant levels, so it may be helpful to supplement with a variety of dietary antioxidants known to protect the lens. A low-fat grain-free diet that includes high lutein levels and excellent protein sources may help slow the effects of aging in canine lenses.

• Genetic cataracts are caused by mutations in the process responsible for maintaining normal lens transparency and metabolism. DNA testing for genetic cataracts in a few dog breeds is available from Optigen (optigen.com) and the Animal Health Trust (aht.org.uk).

• It is estimated that 75% of dogs with diabetes mellitus will develop cataracts within a year of diagnosis, with the cataracts quickly forming and blinding affected dogs. Once diabetes is diagnosed, lens support is essential, and includes specific antioxidants, proper diet, and aldose reductase (AR) inhibition; the latter has been shown to prevent or delay diabetic cataract formation. AR activity can be inhibited by providing natural supplements such as plant extracts containing alpha lipoic acid, quercetin, rutin and possibly turmeric. Combining these with other extracts possessing strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, free radical-scavenging properties and lipid peroxidation inhibition further helps control oxidative stress. A clinical study evaluating a commercially-available antioxidant blend for vision support showed that it significantly delayed cataract formation in diabetic dogs given the supplement on a daily basis.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited progressively-blinding disease affecting numerous dogs. DNA testing for PRA is available from Optigen and the Animal Health Trust. Most dogs with advanced PRA develop secondary toxic cataracts, which are thought to be caused by degenerating photoreceptor (rod and cone) outer segments that generate toxins due to peroxidation of polyunsaturated lipid components.

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FUN & GAMES

Water sports

By Emily Watson

for you and your dog

It’s no secret that many dogs love the water. Some breeds can swim for long periods, while others prefer to enjoy water from a safe distance, paddling in the waves or cooling off by the river’s edge. But regardless of your pup’s propensity for H20, it might be fun to mix things up this summer! Believe it or not, many of the most popular water sports can be adapted to incorporate dogs. Read on to determine which ones your pup might enjoy, strap on his lifejacket (and your own), and head out for some fun in the sun!

KAYAKING Dogs of all sizes can make great kayaking buddies. Like you, your pup will enjoy taking in the view from the kayak, and inhaling the smell of the open water. But don’t be fooled – just because Fido doesn’t have to do anything (paws aren’t ideal for paddling!), it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be trained before hopping aboard.

The first step is to teach him the basics – commands like sit, lie down and stay are all essential when kayaking.

Once he’s mastered those behaviors, you can move onto step two: getting your dog used to the kayak. Teach

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him to climb into the boat while it’s on land or tied to the dock, so he knows what to expect. When you’re ready to set out, stick close to shore, and make sure the water is calm to prevent any excessive rocking. Have a friend waiting on shore in case your dog decides to jump for it and swim to land.

Things to keep in mind: • Excited dogs aren’t the best candidates for kayaking, especially if they’re over 30 pounds. The last thing you want is to capsize because he jumps whenever the fish do!

Looking for a way to stay cool this summer? Grab your canine companion and try one – or all – of these exciting water sports!

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING SUP boarding looks a lot harder than it is. In fact, once you get the hang of it, this popular water sport is a serene relaxing experience that’s easy to enjoy with a four-legged buddy by your side.

Like kayaking, the first step is to make sure your dog is well-behaved enough to hop aboard. Nervous, disobedient and high-strung dogs have no place on any type of water vessel.

Once your pup is familiar with your SUP, have him sit on it while you wade out into shallow water. Gauge his reaction – if he seems okay, you can join him on the board. Start seated, then progress to your knees, and eventually your feet if you feel

comfortable. Stick close to shore the first few times.

Things to keep in mind: • Your dog should be sitting in front of you at all times so you can keep an eye on him. Carry a few treats to reward him for staying calm and still.

•A lifejacket with a handle can come in handy for stand-up paddle boarding. This way, if your dog takes a tumble into the water, you can get on your hands and knees and hoist him back onto the board. Of course, this will only work if your dog is small. If he’s too big to lift, encourage him to swim to shore while you paddle alongside him.

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Continued from page 43.

DOCK JUMPING Since the late 1990s, the trend of dock jumping (or dock diving) has been on the rise. This is a great water sport to try if your dog prefers to stay active, and is especially enjoyable for pups that thrive on being challenged. Just as it sounds, dock jumping involves a dog running and jumping off a standard-sized dock (roughly 2’ above the water). In competitions, a toy is thrown, and the dog who jumps the farthest wins. The dog is not required to retrieve the toy… but most do!

The best way to get your dog involved in this water sport is to enroll him in a dock jumping class. A quick internet search should bring up those being held in your area. Of course, you can also casually participate in this sport by teaching your dog to jump off your own dock! Simply grab his favorite floating toy, ask him to sit, then toss the toy into the water and ask him to fetch it. For safety purposes, ensure the water is at least 4’ deep, and

lay down a rubber mat so your pup doesn’t slip.

Things to keep in mind: • Some dogs are natural dock jumpers and require very little training. Others might be hesitant to jump into the water from a height, and it can be particularly difficult to get dogs excited about dock jumping if they don’t like to fetch. In these cases, help build both confidence and anticipation by doing some groundwork. In your yard or a field, use a platform to teach him the basic skills involved in the sport. Make sure the ground is soft and non-slippery to prevent injury when landing.

•L ife jackets are permitted but not required in many dock jumping competitions. Use your judgment when deciding whether or not your pup should wear a floatation device for dock jumping. Whatever you decide, make sure he’s a strong swimmer!

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Continued from page 44.

SURFING Hang ten, dude! Okay…your pup might not be able to master that particular move. But he can certainly learn to surf! As with kayaking and paddle boarding, he’ll need you to be his hands for this sport – at least at the beginning. Grab your board and head to a dog-friendly beach near you, preferably during a time when it’s not too crowded. At this point, he should already be used to your board and the way it moves (practicing in a pool or shallow lake is a good first step). Use treats and praise to encourage your dog onto the top third of your board – this is ideal placement for optimal balance.

Unlike stand-up paddle boarding, surfing is a fast sport that requires a great deal of stability, so training your dog to remain steady and counterbalance the board is the next – and most challenging – step. When

you feel he’s ready to practice his skills in the ocean, head out on a day when the waves are small or nonexistent. As with all water sports, the key is to ease him into it!

Things to keep in mind: • A longer surfboard is best if you’re planning to hit the waves with your canine companion. Look for something that’s in the 7’ to 9’ range.

If you’re teaching your dog to surf solo (for advanced surfer pups only), opt for a shorter board with a hard non-slip surface.

• Do not attach your dog to a surf leash. If he falls off, it could do more harm than good. Instead, minimize wipeouts by picking a time of day when it isn’t too wavy.

When it comes to water sports, all dogs have different skills and preferences.

So go with the flow this summer, and enjoy some cool, quality time with your best friend!

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BUSINESS PROFILE

This family-owned company educates consumers on the truth about CBD for animals, and manufactures products that support their mission.

By Matthew Berk

These days, it seems you can buy CBD products on every corner. But how do you know which companies to trust, and what exactly determines quality? These are the questions Mark and RaChelle Lobre faced when their beloved pup, Ozzy, was diagnosed with cancer. They decided to pursue CBD as a way to make Ozzy comfortable during his final days, and tried a few different brands, but none delivered the promised results, even though the prices were high.

Discouraged by the available options, the Lobres decided to develop their own CBD product for animals.

Mark and RaChelle first spent two years going over three decades of research from top veterinary universities, in order to learn everything they could about CBD and how it works to heal animals. This measured approach served them well, and resulted in the launch of Rover’s Pet, a company offering superior quality CBD oil and treats.

“There are so many myths surrounding CBD, due to products that came

out too soon,” says RaChelle. “The research on what is safe for pets was not done, and the ones who are suffering are our fur babies.”

Because of these myths, a big part of the company’s mission is to educate consumers. It’s important to Mark and RaChelle that pet parents such as themselves understand the risks associated with buying low quality CBD, so they devote a lot of resources to spreading the word. Meanwhile, they manufacture their own CBD oil and treats using innovative nanotechnology, which removes all traces of THC from the formula, leaving only the beneficial cannabidiol (CBD) intact.

Because CBD is not psychoactive like THC, the result is products that are safe and effective for animals.

Dedicated to transparency, Rover’s Pet posts all their purity tests online for customers to see. “Our oils are lab tested and come from a certified organic farm,” says RaChelle. “The treats contain no wheat, soy or chemicals – just fresh USDA protein and quality CBD oils.”

Rover’s Pet also believes in operating on a “seed to sale” system, which means their CBD comes directly from the grower, bypassing distributors who may dilute the oil for profit. All these quality assurance measures assure the company’s customers that they’re investing in the right products for their pet – a guarantee that the Lobres wished they’d had for Ozzy.

“Due to the painful difficulties Ozzy went through, we donate 5% of our proceeds to cancer research for pets,” says RaChelle. “Because of the changing environment of these organizations, we decide each year which one will receive our donations.

We want to know for certain the money is going toward research.”

One thing’s for sure – when consumers choose Rover’s Pet, they can rest assured their money is being spend on products they can trust. “Helping people understand and obtain knowledge from someone who cares about their beautiful fur babies is why we do what we do.”

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NATURAL REMEDY

How

CANN BIS benefits dogs and cats with cancer D gs Cats

By Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT

Hemp-derived CBD may help treat cancer in dogs and cats, while easing symptoms and treatment side effects.

The cannabis industry is exploding in both the US and Canada. It’s not surprising, since people and companion animals alike are being helped thanks to the therapeutic effects of the cannabis plant. In this article, I will outline the benefits and practical applications of using cannabis in cats and dogs with cancer.

LET’S START WITH THE BASICS The cannabis industry is rich with confusing scientific terminology. It’s important to understand the differences between marijuana, hemp, CBD and THC in order to ensure your dog or cat is getting a safe and effective product.

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•C BD (cannabidiol): A component of the cannabis plant that does not cause a “high”. CBD is generally derived from the hemp plant, but can also be derived from the marijuana plant.

•T HC (tetrahydrocannabinol): This component of the cannabis plant is psychoactive and causes a “high”. THC is federally illegal in the US, though is legal for recreational and medicinal use in several states, as well as in Canada.

• Cannabis: This label is used for both the marijuana and hemp plant. These plants look identical but vary in the amounts of THC and CBD they contain.

•M arijuana: This type of cannabis plant contains high levels of THC and low levels of CBD, and will cause a “high”. In the US, it is currently illegal at the federal level, but it is legal in some states and in Canada.

•H emp: This plant contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. To legally be classified as hemp, it must contain less than 0.3% THC. Therefore, this plant cannot cause a “high”. Hemp is now federally legal thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018.

In summary, CBD products are generally hemp-derived, do not cause a “high”,

and are legal at the federal level.

While marijuana may have medicinal applications for animal cancer patients in the future, this article will focus on hemp-derived CBD.

4 WAYS THAT CBD CAN HELP DOGS AND CATS WITH CANCER CBD can be useful both in the treatment of cancer, and for the many symptoms that accompany conventional cancer treatments. It has shown to kill certain cancer cells and stop the growth of blood vessels to tumors. CBD may also have antioxidant properties and can help slow down tumor progression. In addition, new studies suggest that CBD may help chemotherapy work more efficiently in people with cancer.

The cannabidiol component is not the only part of the cannabis plant that may be useful for fighting cancer.

Hemp extract is also rich in other natural compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids. Limonene, a terpene

found in hemp, has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Flavonoids, such as luteolin and kaempferol, are found in hemp and have been shown to cause disruption to cancer cells. When selecting a CBD product for your dog or cat, look for a full spectrum or broad spectrum hemp extract.

Here are four ways that cannabis can support animal cancer patients:

1. Stimulates appetite It can be difficult to keep your dog or cat eating when he has cancer; as well, many types of cancers cause weight loss. Maintaining body mass can be crucial for the longevity of your animal, yet the symptoms of cancer combined with the side effects of some medications can cause nausea and low appetite. It was previously thought that THC provided most of the appetite stimulation associated with the cannabis plant (consider the “munchies” that people get when using marijuana) But

WHAT ABOUT DOSING? For cats and dogs with cancer, it’s recommended to start at 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily, and gradually increase to 1 mg/kg twice daily over three days.

Increase up to 2 mg to 3 mg/kg twice daily, if needed.

To calculate a dose of CBD, convert your animal’s weight in pounds into kilograms. There are 2.2 pounds in one kilogram, so dividing his weight in pounds by 2.2 will yield his weight in kilograms.

Multiply the dose by the number of kilograms to get the dose in milligrams.

Here are two examples: 1. For a 50 lb dog

2. For a 10 lb cat

50 ÷ 2.2 = 22.7 kg

10 ÷ 2.2 = 4.5 kg

0.5 mg/kg x 22.7 kg = 11 mg

0.5 mg/kg x 4.5 kg = 2 mg

Start with 11 mg CBD twice daily

Start with 2 mg of CBD twice daily

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CAN CBD HELP PREVENT CANCER? Many factors, including chronic inflammation, can contribute to cancer in dogs and cats. CBD and other phytocannabinoids help reduce inflammation and have antioxidant properties, which may help lower the risk of developing cancer. For prevention purposes, I recommend 0.2 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT CBD CAN KILL CERTAIN TYPES OF CANCER CELLS. full spectrum hemp extract that’s rich in CBD can also help decrease nausea and increase appetite.

2. Helps treat tumors (when applied topically) CBD may offer benefits with applied directly to tumors. Studies have shown that it can kill certain types of cancer cells. Cannabis extract may also speed wound healing while decreasing pain, which may be beneficial for skin tumors that become open wounds. While there are no current studies investigating the topical treatment of cancer in dogs and cats, there is no known harm in applying hemp extract to tumors.

3. Manages pain Cancer pain can be severe, especially when the tumors are associated with bone. CBD has been shown to decrease pain and inflammation. It should not be used on its own for pain management, but it can be added to a more traditional drug regimen. While more studies are

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required, there have been no reports of interactions between CBD and other drugs when treating pain in dogs and cats. Higher doses of CBD (2 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg twice daily) may be warranted to help manage cancer pain.

4. Can reduce side effects of chemo and radiation A few studies suggest that the use of CBD during chemotherapy and radiation may help reduce side effects and even have a synergistic effect. However, more studies are needed to confirm this benefit for dogs and cats.

Before using CBD with your animal, whether or not he has cancer, discuss it with your veterinarian, and be sure to do your homework and find a high quality hemp-derived product formulated for dogs and cats. Using the right product in the right way (see sidebar on page 49 for tips on dosing), can help treat cancer in companion animals, while alleviating symptoms and treatment side effects.

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CASE STUDY

When this high-energy canine developed cataracts and glaucoma at the age of seven, an integrative treatment approach, including acupressuremassage, helped her adjust to blindness.

Before: Tilley at one year of age.

TILLEY’S tale

By Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis

– HOW A SENIOR DOG ADAPTED TO BEING BLIND

As they age, dogs are subject to a variety of eye problems that can affect their vision and even cause blindness. Often, what concerns their humans most is how these dogs are going to adapt to being blind. As Tilley’s case reveals, dogs are incredibly resilient and quickly learn to rely on their other senses to help them acclimatize to vision loss.

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Tilley’s story Tilley was a “Humane Society Special”, or at least that’s what we tell her. Along with her litter mates, she was found in a dumpster somewhere in Oklahoma. The Humane Society in our area of Colorado has a high adoption rate, so lovely puppies often are sent there.

We thought Tilley was mostly Corgi, but her legs kept growing and we realized she was a delightful mix of many breeds.

Because she was a well-mixed mutt, we figured her hybrid vigor would portend a long life of good health.

As a puppy, Tilley was a busy highenergy girl. She was (and still is) highly

food-motivated, which made training her relatively easy. Being able to have fun training her, while keeping her busy mind working, turned out to be important for what was to come.

During the summer that Tilley was seven years old, we noticed a reflective quality in her eyes. At first it wasn’t obvious, and we made excuses – e.g. the sun was in her eyes.

By the end of the summer, however, it was obvious she had cataracts and it was time to go to the veterinarian.

A diagnosis of cataracts – and glaucoma Our veterinarian checked Tilley’s eyes thoroughly and found she had cataracts that

were impinging on her visual acuity. But the more pressing issue was glaucoma. The vet’s concern for Tilley’s condition became evident before we even left her office, when she made an appointment with a canine ophthalmologist for the following morning at nine.

The next morning, the ophthalmologist didn’t mince words. Between the cataracts and the increasing pressure caused by glaucoma, Tilley would become blind.

It was just a matter of time.

We began conscientiously administering eyedrops to keep her comfortable. At first, it was two sets of drops two times per day, but this progressed to two sets of drops four times a day.

Continued on page 54.

After: Tilley at nine, after surgery to remove her eyes.

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Continued from page 53.

Acupressure-massage for eye support During this time, we offered Tilley acupressure-massage sessions to support the health of her eyes. Specific acupressure points and hands-on techniques can help mitigate pain and provide the dog’s eyes with lifepromoting energy and a sustaining circulation of fluids (see diagram below).

Using an integrative medicine approach, we did our best for as long as we could.

Predictably, however, the pressure in Tilley’s eyes continued to increase and the cataracts continued to grow.

After a year-and-a-half, it was clear that Tilley was pretty much blind.

But being a clever girl, she was doing an outstanding job of adapting to her limited vision by depending on her other senses. It was time to have the surgery to remove her eyes. There was no other way left to reduce the pressure and pain she was experiencing.

Tilley’s experience versus ours As the humans in this situation, we were heartbroken, and were projecting our

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sense of loss onto Tilley. Thankfully, she was oblivious to our sadness.

She was living her life in the moment. We scanned the internet for guidance on how to work with a blind dog. We found a lot of information, which helped us move through our heartbreak and get on board with Tilley’s acceptance of reality.

During the first few weeks after her surgery, Tilley bumped into furniture and seemed confused. To help her, we bought a few harnesses and put them around the house so we could find them quickly. These harnesses covered more of her body to give her more sensory security; we attached short leads to them to help her feel a direct connection to being guided. Tilley seemed to welcome our help.

It was interesting. Tilley walked very slowly and cautiously in the house.

Yet when we were out on walks, she trooped along either in front of or just behind us, off-lead and sniffing along

Points

Location

LI 4

Between the first and 2nd metacarpal bones, on the medialside of the 2nd metacarpal.

St 2

Below St 1, in depression at the center of the infraorbital opening.

Liv 3

Above Liv 2, between 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones at the junction of the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Animal Wellness

Resources for living with a blind dog care.com/c/stories/6299/17-tipsfor-living-with-a-blind-dog/ thesprucepets.com/living-with-ablind-dog-4120134 petcoach.co/article/living-with-ablind-dog-helpful-tips/ akc.org/expert-advice/health/howto-help-a-blind-dog/

just as she always had. Her confidence on these walks was apparent, and we realized she could feel when she was on different terrains and correct herself more easily than when she was in the maze of the house.

Tilley today It has been three months since Tilley’s surgery, and her ability to adapt to blindness is truly inspiring. Her early training served us all well. She is safe because her “recall” is excellent; she comes on the spot when called. On a walk, when we stop and draw in our feet, she hears us and sits at a heel. She reliably knows the cues for wait, sit and down. Within a week, she learned the word “step” to deal with stairs.

She follows us around, listening to our footsteps, and we give her frequent verbal cues.

We would like to believe our beautiful Tilley is super smart and special, but in truth, all dogs have the capacity to adjust to being blind with a little help from their guardians. Dogs are realists and do a far better job of adapting to their circumstance than we do. We can learn a lot from them!

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those ticks with

SONICGUARD Ticks have become a huge problem in recent years. They’re spreading everywhere, and they can carry some scary illnesses, such as Lyme disease, that affect pets as well as people. Finding effective, affordable, non-toxic ways to protect your animal from ticks can be a headache – but thanks to an innovative product called SonicGuard, which became available across North America early this spring, it just got a lot easier.

It all started ten years ago in Italy, where former dog house salesman Daniel Kiss met a professor who had lost his dog to a tick-related disease. The professor was experimenting with various ways to repel ticks and had come up with a unique idea – an innovative device that uses high frequency ultrasound to keeps ticks at bay.

Daniel immediately saw that this groundbreaking device – now called SonicGuard – could fill an important niche. Most tick products contain an arsenal of chemicals, yet more and more animal caregivers are looking for non-toxic solutions to ticks and other pests. SonicGuard offers the best of both worlds – it’s an effective tick repellent that’s also absolutely harmless to people and their pets. So Daniel purchased the rights to the device and

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started selling SonicGuard throughout Europe, where it soon became a number one product among those who want to repel ticks without resorting to toxic chemicals.

SonicGuard technology SonicGuard makes protecting your furry friend from ticks both simple and effective. The device is clean, safe, ecologically friendly and easy to use. Intended for preventive purposes, it works by emitting a series of ultrasound pulses that are harmless and imperceptible to us and our animals, but will disturb ticks, repelling them from pets and keeping them at bay.

Because it’s chemical-free, SonicGuard is a safe option for young, elderly, ill and pregnant animals. It’s also drop-proof and can stay on your animal 24/7 for continuous protection. And since dogs and cats are not the only species who have to worry about ticks, the company also offers products designed for humans (including infants and children) as well as horses.

The technology behind SonicGuard is firmly based in science, and has undergone several tests in laboratories, universities and tick-infested areas, with astonishing results. The latest testing, done just last year, yielded some impressive findings: 94% of the test participants had no ticks at all, 6% had fewer ticks, and zero participants had more.

SonicGuard devices also repel fleas, and the company has recently introduced a product line that repels dust mites, a source of allergies in many people and animals.

Though the technology was born in Europe, SonicGuard is now also available across the US and Canada. You can learn more about it – and purchase SonicGuard devices – at sonicguardusa.com.

Not only is SonicGuard a safe, non-toxic and effective tick repellent, it’s also more than affordable. You can get one year of protection for as little as $39.90 – that’s a lot less than what you’d spend on chemical tick preventives over 12 months, and a very small price to pay for protecting your human and animal family from Lyme and other tick-borne diseases!

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By Emily Watson

Odin

ollowing in the pawprints of Lassie, Air Bud and Beethoven, Odin is everything you’d expect in a canine movie star. He’s got the expressive eyes, the shiny coat, and most importantly, the charismatic personality that all great actors (both two- and four-legged) possess. Bringing life to Bailey, the reincarnated character from the 2017 drama A Dog’s Purpose (a different dog starred in this first movie), the great Pyrenees/Bernese mountain dog mix can be seen alongside Dennis Quaid in the follow-up film, A Dog’s Journey, which was released in May of this

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year. The on-screen chemistry between these two superstars is making quite an impact on dog lovers and Quaid fans alike, but their bond behind the scenes was equally touching.

In fact, Odin was adored by everyone on set, and vice versa. “Odin is a sweetheart,” says the film’s director, Gail Mancuso. “His favorite was Dennis Quaid. I think that’s because Dennis was always hiding treats in his pockets.” Given Odin’s weakness for treats, it’s no surprise that he took to his co-star. But there are many keys to a pup’s heart, and for Odin, the big one

wasn’t food, but love. “The thing that motivated Odin the most on set was attention,” says his lead trainer, Bonnie Judd. “He would do almost anything for a big bear hug! I’m not saying he didn't like food – you don't get to his size by being a fussy eater. But he truly loved his cuddles.”

A lot of training goes into priming a dog for a film, so both Gail and Bonnie were happy to find a canine star that was eager to please. But before the training process could even begin, a level of mutual trust needed to be built.

“The most important part of training

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Walden Media

COVER STORY

The story of A Dog’s Purpose continues with a heart-warming sequel, A Dog's Journey, starring the lovable Odin as Bailey!

a dog, whether it be for movies, dog sports or a family pet, is building a great relationship,” says Bonnie. “I look at training a new dog almost like dating. I spend a lot of time getting to know the dog, his likes and dislikes, and what he loves and fears.”

Bonnie first met Odin and his family for a meet-and-greet in a park. The second time, his family brought him to Bonnie’s farm. After that get-together, they began spending one-on-one time together, which is when their bond really solidified.

Eventually, Odin started spending longer stretches of time at Bonnie’s training

facility in Vancouver, British Columbia.

He “moved in”, and his family visited him on the weekends until it was time to relocate to Winnipeg, Manitoba for filming. During this time, Odin was given a lot of love, and was taught all the skills he’d need on set using positive reinforcement methods.

When it came time to film, the only scene he couldn’t do was because of his size, not his ability. “Odin is a big boy, well over 100 pounds,” says Bonnie. “The scene where he had to jump off of Dennis’ back and catch a ball was done by Odin’s sister. She looks just like Odin, but is smaller, so she was a great stunt puppy.

She was amazing and we didn't have to worry about her getting hurt or squishing Dennis!”

In between scenes, Odin hung out in his very own trailer. Talk about a cushy gig…and a lucky one, at that! When the casting crew for A Dog’s Journey set out to find a Great Pyrenees/Bernese Mountain Dog mix to match the dog that appeared in A Dog’s Purpose, they knew immediately on meeting Odin that he was a perfect fit for the role. And because they fell in love

Bottom left: Dennis Quaid (Ethan) and Marg Helgenberger (Hannah) with Odin (Bailey).

Right: Odin (Bailey) with Marg Helgenberger (Hannah) and Emma Volk (CJ as a toddler).

Photos courtesy of Joe Lederer/ Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Walden Media

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A cast of dog

lovers

Kathryn Prescott (CJ) with Max (Yorkshire terrier) as a dog-walker in New York City.

In A Dog’s Journey, Dennis Quaid returns to the character of Ethan Montgomery, whose life is forever changed by the Photo courtesy of Joe Lederer/Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, and Walden Media

reincarnating spirit of his childhood dog, Bailey. But this beloved actor’s love of animals extends off-screen too. His own dog, Peaches, is a close member of the Quaid family, and while she might not be a reincarnated soul, she does follow a long line of Quaid family dogs who’ve come before her.

“I’ve always been a dog person,” says Quaid, “and each one has meant a lot to me. When they go, it’s usually the first time that children in the family learn about death. That’s what’s so beautiful about these movies, with Bailey reincarnating and coming back as the same spirit.”

Josh Gad plays the voice of Bailey and, like Quaid, he felt the film drew many parallels to his own life and love of canines.

“I kept promising myself there was no way I was going to allow myself to cry when I sat down to read the script for

A Dog’s Journey,” he says. “Of course, I was immediately sobbing again. But what’s so incredible about the script and the movie – much like the first one – is although there are cathartic tears along the way, there’s also so much excitement.” Gad is grateful for the opportunity to help viewers work through the mixed feelings of love and loss that come with having a pet. Like Quaid, he adores dogs, and considers his rescue, Dede, a cherished member of his family.

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with him so quickly, they knew the audience would too. Throughout the film, Bailey’s thoughts are expressed by a human voiceover actor (Josh Gad, Frozen), and Odin was able to exemplify those thoughts like a pro by using body language. “Odin has very expressive eyes, and as we all know, dogs say so much with just a look,” says Gail. “I loved his temperament and the way he carried himself. He’s a star.”

It seems this is the general consensus among the entire cast and crew, including Bonnie, who teared up when asked about the bond she and Odin built. “To have the great privilege of knowing Odin…I just don't think it’s possible to not love him,” she says.

“He was the greatest therapy for a bad day! It was very gracious of his family to share him with us, and ultimately the world.” Working on a film set can be lonely but, as with most aspects of our lives, having a dog around makes it a whole lot brighter – especially when it’s a dog like Odin!

Of course, directing a dog on-screen comes with its fair share of challenges.

“Unlike actors who take their cues off each other, dogs take their cues off their trainers,” says Gail. “We would be in the middle of a dramatic scene with emotional dialogue and all of a sudden we would hear ‘sit Odin’, ‘stay’, ‘hold it, got to pay him’, and the trainer would walk on set and give him a treat!” But even Gail admits that the biggest challenge was pulling herself away from the between-scenes snuggles to call “action”! “I had the best job in the world when I got to direct Odin on A Dog’s Journey,” she says.

Just like his famous four-legged predecessors, Odin is so much more than a movie star. He’s a lovable personality who likes giving hugs, receiving bum scratches, and being around people…especially Dennis Quaid! Now that A Dog’s Journey has been released, Odin has returned home to his family. But he’s been gracing the big screen since May, and his fans are barking with excitement.

Indeed, it’s fair to say that the only thing more delightful than this highlyanticipated sequel is the lovable pup who stars in it!

summer COOL IDEAS FOR

Keep him well and active

Summer is a busy time and your dog or cat may need an extra wellness boost! Smart Hemp CBD offers a range of quality hemp oil CBD pet products to help with a variety of issues, including allergies (often worse in warm weather!) and joint issues, as well as behavioral problems like anxiety and aggression.

MySmartHempCBD.com

Model shelter saving lives

For saving animal lives, no matter what the season, a model shelter is the ideal solution. The independent Humane Society Silicon Valley is the first model shelter to meet all standards set forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians – and they’re sharing their practices with shelter management leaders all over the country.

HSSV.org

Something to smile about

Summer living is easier with a healthy mouth. Bristly’s new CBD Oil helps relieve the pain associated with periodontal disease while promoting oral health. The anti-fungal and antibacterial properties of CBD, plus the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil, battle bacteria and fight plaque buildup.

Bristly.com

Pet portraits Rest that rejuvenates

Your dog needs a comfy place to relax on hot hazy days (and any other time of year!). The UnderDog Orthopedic Pet Bed brings ROHO® Dry Flotation® Technology to your canine. It reduces painful pressure points through weight distribution, and improves circulation for increased energy and faster recovery after training or play.

UnderDogPetProducts.com

What better time of year to have a portrait done of your furry friend? Dina Pecci is a pet and wildlife portrait artist specializing in both colored pencils and pastels. She can create a portrait of your dog or cat from your own photograph – for more information on commissioning Dina to draw a custom portrait for you, or to see more samples of her work, visit DinaPecciArt.org or email dinapecciart@gmail.com.

Summer skin and coat health

From hot spots to fleas, your dog or cat’s skin and coat can take a beating during the summer. BioFATS from BiologicVET supplies your dog or cat with a precise ratio of Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids to support his coat, skin (and joint!) health year round. With molecularly-distilled fish oil from salmon, sardine, herring, mackerel and anchovy.

BiologicVet.ca

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IN FOCUS

CLEAR

Canine Cancer

By Ann Brightman

Renee Sparrow and her dog Aspen took part in CLEAR's most recent documentary, My Friend: Standing Strong.

Terry Simons shares a moment with Reveille, just three months before her passing.

Even though she has cancer, Sierra still knows how to enjoy life!

Inspired by the death of a beloved agility dog, this non-profit foundation funds research into canine cancer, and produces educational documentaries for those whose dogs have been diagnosed with lymphoma and other cancers.

“Your dog has cancer.” No one wants to hear those words. But Terry Simons had no choice when his border collie, Reveille, was diagnosed with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2011. Needless to say, Terry was stunned and devastated. “I went home and simply felt sorry for myself,” says the dog agility trainer and competitor. “The next morning, I did

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some research and promised Reveille I would never let her know she was sick.

We were not going to let cancer beat us, and I kept my promise.”

Terry did everything he could to get the best possible treatment for Reveille. In the meantime, they carried on doing what they most enjoyed – agility, herding, swimming and playing – before Terry had to make the

tough decision to let his “heart and soul” dog go, just one year after her diagnosis.

TURNING GRIEF INTO ACTION One thing that struck Terry when he was seeking treatment for his border collie was the lack of accurate information about the available options for canine lymphoma, one of the most common of cancers afflicting dogs. So he decided to turn his

grief into action in the hopes of helping other dogs with this dreaded disease.

“I had this idea that I would like to start a canine cancer foundation, in honor of Reveille and other dogs I lost to cancer,” Terry says. “I had no idea what I was doing or how much it would define my life. A simple plan of raising money for another foundation turned into raising money for my own foundation, and that’s when I realized what I wanted to do. I wanted to help educate dog owners about cancer, and fund the cutting-edge research to help diagnosed dogs.”

DOCUMENTARIES AS A TEACHING TOOL Terry called his foundation Clear Canine Cancer (CLEAR stands for Canine Lymphoma Education Awareness and Research), which launched as a 501(c) (3) non-profit in February of 2012.

One of his first projects was to make a documentary about canine lymphoma to teach people more about the disease.

“I had no clue what it took to make a documentary, so I reached out to a friend and that’s when Stacey Zipfel became an integral part of CLEAR.” Stacey became the director of My Friend: Changing the Journey, an awardwinning documentary that educates dog lovers about canine lymphoma. It includes interviews with oncologists and veterinarians, as well as three personal

stories about dogs battling – and in some cases beating – the disease.

Although CLEAR’s original focus was canine lymphoma, making the documentary prompted Terry and Stacey to widen their approach to include more cancers – and to film more documentaries – especially after FidoTV contacted them about airing My Friend: Changing the Journey.

“We couldn’t have been happier,” says Terry. “We now had a larger platform to get the word out, and when we received responses from those who saw the documentary, we knew we were doing the right thing. We feel this is a great venue for the public to learn about cancer, through the pictures and words of families and their struggles with the disease, mixed with advice from veterinarian professionals.”

CLEAR’s second documentary is titled A Reason to Change. “It’s a hybrid documentary dipped into a music video about comparative oncology,” says Terry. “I wrote the lyrics and the song was beautifully performed by one of our supporters, Page Jackson. The video tells a story of a boy and a dog who briefly meet and have their lives forever changed because of cancer.”

A Reason to Change was subsequently named Best Music Video by the Los Angeles Film Awards.

Continued on page 64.

The crew of My Friend: Changing the Journey included vets and oncologists.

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Terry and Reveille in 2008.

Applesauce, another dog affected by cancer.

Stacey Zipfel with canine cancer patient, Chopper.

Continued from page 63.

A MOVE INTO RESEARCH FUNDING “In 2016, we decided to take the plunge into research,” Terry says. “We chose to help fund research that was being conducted by Dr. Kristy Richards at Cornell University. She was involved in trying to create canine lymphoma cell lines (in simple terms, this is a way of having cancer live outside the body), so that researchers could use it to work towards better treatments. Dr. Richards and her team were successful in creating the cell lines, something that had baffled many researchers before her. So we had a homerun our first time out! When we learned Dr. Richards was working on a new project of using a simple blood test to detect tumor DNA in dogs, we wanted to get involved in that as well.”

CLEAR has also launched a series of Pop Up Canine Cancer Talks, a community outreach initiative to help people learn more about cancer in dogs. “The idea is to work with a local veterinary hospital or two, and invite their clients and the community to a talk about canine cancer with Dr. Avenelle ‘Avey’ Turner from The Veterinary Cancer Group. We have done a couple of Pop Ups in Southern California, and one in Edmonton, Alberta, and are continuing with more this year.”

Along with everything else the foundation does, Terry and his team

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host an annual fundraising event – Help CLEAR Strike Out Canine Cancer. For the last few years, the event has taken place at Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood – last year, it raised $70,000, all of which goes to education, awareness and research. The foundation also holds smaller fundraising events during the year, and welcomes donations from individuals – just visit their website (clearcaninecancer.com) and click on the donation button. “You can be assured that your money goes directly to helping increase awareness of canine cancer, or to help fund research on cancer.”

Most recently, the organization has released a third documentary called My Friend: Standing Strong. “It’s an innovative journey through the lives of families with dogs afflicted by canine bone cancer,” Terry explains.

“The most common form of bone cancer is osteosarcoma (OSA), which accounts for approximately 5% of all canine tumors, and 80% of all dogs with OSA will die of the disease. But we have options; not everything is a death sentence.”

For those who want to view CLEAR’s documentaries, My Friend: Changing the Journey airs regularly on FidoTV and on the foundation’s website, while A Reason to Change can be viewed on both FidoTV’s and CLEAR’s websites.

“My Friend: Standing Strong is currently entered into several film festivals and has already garnered a few laurels.” You can watch the trailer on YouTube. “All our documentaries/music videos have won film festival awards.”

When Terry reflects on how far CLEAR has come during the last seven years, he circles back to Reveille. “She was a truly amazing dog in the agility ring, and the bond we had on the course was like none other; people would stop just to watch us run and see our relationship. Honestly, I never thought that my motivation to do something because of Reveille would turn out to be her legacy.”

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COMMUNICATORS

INTEGRATIVE VETS Affordable Holistic Animal Therapies West Hollywood, CA USA Phone: 323-304-2984 Ballantrae Animal Hospital Margaret Hacking, DVM Stouffville, ON Canada Phone: (905) 640-6809 Website: www.AnimalWellnessCentre.com Beechmount Animal Hospital Waterloo, ON Canada Phone: (519) 888-6590 Website: www.beechmountanhosp.ca Dr. Lisa Burgess Millgrove Veterinary Services Millgrove, ON Canada Phone: (905) 690-4557 Email: service@burgessvet.com Website: www.millgrovevet.com Sharon R. Doolittle, DVM, Inc. Smithfield, RI USA Phone: (401) 349-2668 Email: vetinfo@holisticanimalvet.com Website: www.holisticanimalvet.com

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Animal Wellness

• 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

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

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Individualized, Integrative Veterinary Care

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

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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

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

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PET PSYCHICS

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PUBLICATIONS

Mark Newkirk, VMD Newkirk Family Veterinarians Egg Harbor Township, NJ USA Phone: (609) 645-2120 Email: mnewk@alternativevet.com Website: www.alternativevet.com

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American Brittany Rescue Sugar Grove, IL USA Phone: (866) BRIT-911 Email: rhonda@americanbrittanyrescue.org Website: www.americanbrittanyrescue.org

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NEED TO KNOW

FLYI NG with your dog?

By Sandra Murphy with Ann Brightman

Thanks to public demand, air travel for dogs is improving, but you still need to take steps to ensure your canine’s safety and comfort.

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Over the last number of years, we’ve seen several news stories of dogs that died while traveling by air.

Understandably, these stories might put you off the idea of taking your beloved canine companion on a plane.

In response to public demand, however, airlines and airports are upgrading their policies and improving their services.

Rules are changing at a rapid rate, and for the better (see sidebar below).

But the system isn’t perfect, so it’s important to do what you can to ensure your dog will arrive at your destination safe and sound.

RULES AND REGULATIONS Each airline has its own regulations for transporting animals. For example, the number of dogs allowed per flight is usually limited. Jet Blue sets the maximum at four. And depending on where you’re going, paperwork requirements range from vaccination records to a Certificate of Veterinary

Inspection and more. There may be breed limitations too. American Airline no longer flies Chow Chows, and as of May 2018, United Airlines updated its list of prohibited dogs to include bully breeds and large dogs, as well as brachycephalic short-nosed breeds that are more apt to suffer from respiratory distress under the best of circumstances.

“Some airlines make it difficult,” says Hernando Umana, who frequently travels with his seven-year-old Shih tzu, Blanche. Last year, they were in the air nearly once a week, visiting about 30 states, so they’re both seasoned flyers. “I like the airlines with clear simple rules,” Hernando adds. “My favorites are Delta and Jet Blue. I always triple-check to make sure they know Blanche is flying with me.”

“I look at policies for pets in the cabin,” says Heather Mellinger, another air passenger who travels with her dog. “I also check prices and see if they will fly dogs from Europe to the US. Azores Airlines, Iberia and Jet Blue are the ones we’ve used. Azores was by far the best, and very affordable from Madrid to Boston. Jet Blue is also fantastic. We had a very pleasant experience.” Jet Blue has a JetPaws program that offers a tag for pet carrier bags, a petiquette guide, and TrueBlue points for travel awards and other perks.

Continued on page 70.

STRIVING TO DO BETTER In April of 2018, The Washington Post reported that during the previous year, 24 animals died in transit when flying on American commercial air carriers – and 18 of those deaths (a whopping 75%) occurred on United Airlines.

To address the problem, the airline partnered with American Humane last summer to institute pressurized cargo compartments, 24-hour pet customer service, tracking availability, and a PetSafe team to ensure quality care. Dogs are now last on, and first off the plane.

You can view an American Humane video about their partnership with United at youtube.com/

watch?v=a0M1-96uy5Y&feature=youtu.be.

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Let the pilot and flight attendants know if your dog is flying in cargo.

Continued from page 69.

KEEP HIM COMFORTABLE AS WELL AS SAFE Consider your dog’s comfort as well as his safety during a flight, especially if he’s flying in cargo. “There are ways to make travel easier,” says Hernando. “Use playtime to tire your dog out so he’s not restless during a long flight. I also try to take a sweater or something soft and familiar for Blanche to nap on.”

Meals and bathroom breaks also need careful consideration. “My dogs’ last meal is six hours before a flight, and their last water is three hours before,” says Heather.

“I dole out a snack of eggs during layovers to give them moisture, but without the need for a potty break later.”

“Blanche gets a small meal in the morning, and water stops an hour before departure,” adds Hernando.

Remember to give your dog a bathroom break when switching planes. “We took one flight direct to New York, and then a connecting flight to Boston,” says Heather. “JFK has a pet area for potty breaks, which is very helpful. Philadelphia and Los Angles have them too.”

“I always bring a pee pad for Blanche to use in the restroom, just in case, but she’s never had to use it,” Hernando says. If your dog is traveling in the cargo area, and the layover is going to be lengthy, demand that he be removed from the plane until it’s ready for takeoff.

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Since airline policies can change, sometimes without notice, Petful.com/ travel/airline-pet-policies/ advises that it’s best to call ahead for the most current information surrounding the transportation of companion animals.

CABIN OR CARGO? Jet Blue does not ship dogs as cargo, but most others do depending on how large the dog is. In an airplane cabin, size matters. Qualified dogs must remain in a ventilated carrier, which counts as carry-on luggage and is placed beneath the seat near your feet. (Dogs do not belong in overhead compartments – ever.) Restrictions are based on the flight’s destination, type of carrier, and the dog’s age.

“My Australian terrier mix and Papillon mix did well,” says Heather.

“They’re each under 12 pounds, so they flew in the cabin with me.”

PointsGuy.com/guide/best-airlines-forpet-travel/ shows graphics for carrier requirements and more.

Most airlines use outside temperatures to decide when dogs can fly as cargo, and will cancel if it’s too hot or cold on the day of departure. It’s also important to know that relaxants can slow breathing rates to dangerous levels in some canines, so if a dog appears to have been sedated, many

Hernando Umana and his Shih tzu, Blanche, are seasoned fliers.

airlines will refuse to let him fly. Let the pilot and flight attendants know if your dog is flying in cargo.

Air travel is getting easier and safer for dogs, but you still need to do your homework. Start well ahead of time when researching airlines, so you can be sure they’re able to give proper attention and priority to your dog’s safety. Familiarize yourself with their rules and regulations, check for the latest policy updates, and consider your dog’s comfort as well as his safety. Before the trip, attach an ID tag to his collar with phone numbers for your destination, home and cell phone. Update your dog’s microchip contact information and carry a current photo of him. Now it’s time to get the suitcases out!

Top animal-friendly US airports

PLANNING A TRIP WITH YOUR DOG OR CAT?

Editor’s note:

Along with airports, various airlines are also taking steps to make flying safer and more comfortable for animals – see article on page 68 to learn more.

TRY TO WORK ONE OF THESE AIRPORTS INTO YOUR ITINERARY AND ENJOY ALL THE ANIMALFRIENDLY AMENITIES!

of Upgraded Point

s

The number of people traveling with their animals has increased substantially in the past few years. To accommodate their furry visitors, many airports are adding pet-friendly amenities, minimizing the stress of all those involved.

Here’s how the Top 10 list looks: q John F. Kennedy International w Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International e Sky Harbor International r Los Angeles International t Minneapolis-St. Paul International y Austin-Bergstrom International u Reno-Tahoe International i Dallas Love Field o Denver International a Dallas/Ft. Worth International

Infographic courtes y

Interested in this trend, Upgraded Points did extensive research to determine the top ten most animal-friendly airports in the United States.

They weighed factors such as the availability of pet relief stations and the quality and diversity of other amenities. A maximum of five points was awarded, based on quality, to airports with indoor relief areas. For other animal-friendly amenities (e.g. onsite dog parks that are fully fenced), a maximum of 4.5 points was awarded.

If an onsite boarding or daycare facility was available, another 0.5 point was granted.

upgradedpoints.co

m/most-pet-friend

ly-airports-in-the-

us/

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Does your dog

By Tonya Wilhelm

LUNGE & BARK

on walks?

They’re common problems, but they can make walking your dog less than enjoyable. The key to stop him from barking and lunging on the leash is to identify his triggers and re-train him not to react to them.

Do you cringe at the thought of walking your dog because he’s less than a gentleman on the leash? Does he pull, lunge or bark at every little thing that enters his line of vision? When you’re home from your “walk”, does it feel as if your arm is about to fall out of its socket? If you answered “yes”, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can transform these behaviors so you can enjoy walking your best friend again.

6 STEPS TO SET YOUR DOG UP FOR SUCCESS Teaching your dog to be calm and collected on a walk takes a big commitment. But it’s a commitment that is most definitely worth the effort. Walking and exploring the neighborhood,

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nearby parks and other destinations is so important for your dog’s physical and mental health.

1

B uy the right walking gear for your dog. A good front-clipping dog harness and 6' leash is in order. By utilizing a harness that clips to the front, you will be able to help turn your dog toward you to redirect his actions. Otherwise, he’ll be standing on his back legs with his front legs up in the air, like a rearing horse, whenever he overreacts to something he sees.

2

P rovide healthy treats and small motivational dog toys.

This is a must if you want to be able to attract your dog's

WHY ARE SOME DOGS SO RUDE ON THE LEASH?

attention away from his target. The treats and toys must be something your dog finds extremely motivating and engaging, and not just the same old snacks he gets for doing a sit in your living room.

3

L ist his triggers. Triggers are anything that causes him to become overstimulated and start barking, lunging or doing something else that makes it difficult for you to get his attention. Be specific. Don't just list “dogs” as a trigger. Break it down.

Maybe he’s fine if he see a dog 20' away, but goes crazy if the dog is only 10' away. Distance is a key element

in determining your training strategy.

When you are starting a training routine, you want to truly know what situations won’t cause your dog to explode, because that's where you are going to start in your training program in order to achieve success.

4

E xercise him before your walk. Yes, before. Walking a dog is not very physical for him, unless he's pulling you around like a maniac. If you want to increase your chances of a little more calmness at the end of the leash, a nice play session or ball toss is a great way to burn off some excess energy before heading out the door.

Continued on page 74.

It depends. Your dog may be a rescue who never even saw a leash until you brought him home. Maybe he didn’t learn any self-control during his early training; or worse, perhaps he was subjected to harsh training methods such as yelling, leash yanking, or other painful or scary experiences. Punitive training techniques lead to more arousal and stress at the end of the leash, rather than creating a well-behaved dog.

WHEN TO LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME

If at any time during the training regime you want to go for a brisk walk, hang out with your friends, or take the kids to the park, leave your dog at home. Remember, he needs to be successful in order to effectively change his behavior. The more he engages in the barking and lunging behaviors you want to change, the harder it will be to change them.

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ADDITIONAL TIPS AND THERAPIES

While learning not to go crazy on the leash, your dog may benefit from additional natural therapies such as flower essence, herbs, homeopathic remedies, chiropractic or acupuncture. Speak to a holistic or integrative veterinarian about your training program, to see if s/he can recommend any additional assistance.

5

Continued from page 73.

C hoose the right location and time of day for training.

Remember to think about your dog's specific triggers, and the distance he needs to be away from them in order not to react. This is what you will need to work with during your excursions. It may involve going to a quiet park instead of walking your dog out the front door. It's incredibly important to know his limits, and to stay within those limits, or you won’t succeed.

6

W alk only one dog at a time. If you normally walk more than one dog simultaneously, you will have to walk only one at a time during this process. This is important when training your dog to stop barking, pulling and lunging on the leash.

When a dog is un-learning a behavior, it's impossible to be successful with two dogs in tow. If this means you are taking each dog on shorter walks, that's okay. It's actually a great way to train and to connect to each dog individually. Once you get the behaviors you want nailed down, then you can think about merging them again.

THE TRAINING PROTOCOL Now that you have aligned all your tools, it's time to get started. Keep in mind that this is not going to be a race to the finish line, but rather slow steady progress with setbacks.

Knowing this when you start out will hopefully prepare you for what's involved.

YOU NEED TO SEE HIS TRIGGERS BEFORE HE DOES It's critical to your dog's success that you see his triggers before he does, so you really need to be aware of your surroundings.

Let's say you know he reacts to a dog 10' away. You see that dog coming down the street 100' away. You'll want to make sure that when your paths cross, you stay away from the 10’ mark by keeping your dog 15' or more away, even if it means you have to turn around and head in the other direction. This is why a specific destination isn't a goal in this type of training.

Once your dog sees the other dog, say “yes”, immediately feed him five to ten treats, and tell him how smart he is. You can then continue on and reward your dog for just looking, or turn in the other direction and wait for the next trigger to appear.

You want to continue this process for all your dog's triggers. When he gets to the point where he looks up at you when he sees a trigger, as if to say, “Hey, where's my treat?”, you know you are on the right path. That's when you can look at getting closer to that particular trigger. So instead of staying 15' away from the other dog, maybe next time it's 10', then 8', 6' and so on. How quickly you can get closer will depend on your dog's previous behavior and how often you are taking him out and practicing.

Decide on how long your training sessions will be. You can do this either by deciding how many treats you will provide, or how much time you will spend on the lesson. Don't choose a destination as a goal because, in the beginning, it's going to go slow.

During the training process, it's important to keep evaluating your dog's emotions and behavior. If it seems he's starting to get too worked up, take a step back, add distance from the trigger, and play some games. If a lot of triggers are happening at once, your dog will go into overload. Try to prevent this from happening by staying in his comfort zone, doing short sessions, and taking breaks.

Start walking your dog and reward him for good behavior. It doesn't matter if a trigger isn't present; you just want to start him in on the game of paying attention to you. Incorporate his existing training cues, such as sit, watch, or any other behaviors he knows.

Keep in mind that you don't have to do this alone. If you feel you need a little coaching or guidance, hire a positive dog trainer to help you navigate through this journey. With a good training plan, motivation and patience, you and your dog can tackle his leash madness!

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HEALTH ALERT

By W. Jean Dodds, DVM

LEPTOSPIROSIS – should you vaccinate your dog?

This serious disease is increasing in incidence, yet is still relatively rare in most regions. Find out what causes leptospirosis, how it’s treated, and whether or not you should consider vaccination.

If you’ve heard of leptospirosis, you may know that the number of cases has been increasing recently across both the United States and Canada. As a result, dog caregivers are asking if they should have their canine companions vaccinated against the disease. Let’s look at what causes leptospirosis, as well as its symptoms, treatment and prevention, and whether or not you should consider vaccination.

contract leptospirosis through breeding, or from the organism breaking through the placental wall from the infected dam to her puppies. Raccoons, skunks, foxes, moles, squirrels, opossums and rats are considered common carriers and can excrete the bacteria periodically or even continuously for several years.

Leptospirosis is rare in cats.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Symptoms are many and varied, and can be mistaken for other health problems. If your dog shows any of the following signs, take him to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up, tests and diagnosis.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can spread from animals to people. It’s caused by a Leptospira bacterial infection. Although there are over 200 strains of this organism found worldwide in soil and water, most do not cause clinical illness. Thus far, approximately seven leptospirosis strains (serovars) are considered clinically important for dogs.

The disease is found most commonly in areas with warm climates and high annual rainfall. Fast-flowing or large bodies of water are not usually of concern, but contaminated standing puddles and wet mud from high rainfall or flooding could be an issue. Dogs may also be exposed to leptospirosis when travelling through rural areas populated with infected wildlife, farm animals and rodents. Climate change and residential development in formerly rural areas open up another exposure source.

• Fever • Shivering • Muscle tenderness • Reluctance to move • Lethargy • Increased thirst • Changes in the frequency or amount of urination • Dehydration • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Loss of appetite • Jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and mucus membranes) • Inflammation within the eyes

Leptospirosis is spread through the skin or mucous membranes via contact with infected tissue, urine, blood or other bodily fluids, except saliva.

Most commonly, dogs acquire the disease by closely sniffing or walking through urine-contaminated water, soil or food. They can also get it from contaminated bedding, a bite from an infected animal, or by eating infected tissues or carcasses. Very rarely, dogs

As leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, those in contact with an infected dog should wear rubber gloves, clean up urine, and not let the dog lick their faces until treatment is completed. Try to encourage the infected dog to urinate away from standing water and where people or other animals congregate.

Wash your hands with warm soapy water each time you come into contacted with an infected dog.

Prompt treatment is paramount. If caught too late, leptospirosis can result in kidney failure, with or without liver failure. Less commonly, dogs may develop severe lung disease and difficulty breathing, swollen limbs from the accumulation of edema, or excessive bleeding (blood in vomit, urine, stool and saliva), nosebleeds and pinpoint hemorrhages in the skin or mucus membranes (called petechiae).

WHAT IS LEPTOSPIROSIS AND HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

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HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED AND TREATED? The most common diagnostic tool for leptospirosis is the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). This titer test measures the serum antibody increase against Leptospira spp. Serum titers of at least 1:1600 or higher, and an 8- to 16-fold rise in titer three to four weeks later, is typically expected to confirm the disease, but false positive results are quite common. A newer, more definitive and accurate diagnostic test is the DNA-PCR, which detects the DNA of the actual Leptospira spp in whole blood or urine.

Treatment requires conventional medication.

If caught early enough, leptospirosis is rapidly and effectively treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, doxycycline, ampicillin and amoxicillin. Late diagnosis may require emergency care, and some residual kidney or liver damage may result.

While the dog is being treated, be sure to support his immunity with a healthy lifestyle.

Homeopathic remedies such as Aconitum napellus, Arsenicum album and Mercurius corrosivus can also be helpful, but it’s important to work with a homeopathic veterinarian to ensure the correct remedies and dosages are used.

SHOULD MY DOG BE VACCINATED AGAINST LEPTOSPIROSIS? A vaccine is available for leptospirosis but it only covers four of the

seven clinically significant serovars: namely L. canicola, L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona.

The vaccination protocol is an initial shot and a booster three weeks later. After that, the vaccine is given annually to maintain efficacy. If the annual booster lapses, the dog should start the protocol again from the beginning.

However, please keep in mind that the leptospirosis vaccine is most commonly associated with acute and per-acute adverse reactions.

Also keep in mind that true confirmed clinical cases of leptospirosis are still rare.

This means you need to weigh the disease exposure risk in your area against the adverse vaccine reaction risk before making a decision to vaccinate your dog. As well, the leptospirosis vaccine won’t guarantee that your dog won’t get the disease anyhow (see sidebar at right).

WHY DID MY DOG DEVELOP LEPTOSPIROSIS, DESPITE BEING VACCINATED? It sometimes happens that a dog vaccinated for leptospirosis still gets the disease. The reasons could be any one of the following:

q Your dog was not vaccinated properly for leptospirosis (i.e. the protocol described in this article was not followed).

w The infecting serovar was not covered by the vaccine (quite common for L Bratislava, L. autumnalis and L. Hardjo).

e The vaccine is only 60% to 80% effective against leptospirosis.

r The diagnosis was incorrect.

Although leptospirosis is a serious disease, and its incidence is increasing, it’s important not to panic.

Do some research into whether leptospirosis is an issue in your area – your veterinarian, doctor and public health office can help. Consider the risks carefully before vaccinating, and in the meantime, give your dog a healthy lifestyle to help keep his immune system strong, and have him checked over by your vet if he shows any signs of illness.

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VET Q&A

Can a

By Jean Hofve, DVM

KETOGENIC DIET D gs Cats

help dogs and cats with cancer?

Cancer is not only a genetic or inflammatory disease – it’s also a metabolic disease. A keto diet can starve cancer cells by targeting the metabolic characteristics of this dreaded disease.

Q.

We’re hearing a lot about keto diets and their health benefits these days. What exactly is a ketogenic diet, and is there anything it can do for a dog or cat that has cancer?

A.

Cancer is afflicting a growing number of both dogs and cats. There are anti-cancer drugs, herbs and remedies galore, but an increasingly common strategy is to fight cancer with diet – specifically, a ketogenic ("keto") diet.

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Cancer has long been considered a genetic disease, but it is also an inflammatory and a metabolic disease.

Diet has profound effects on both inflammation and metabolism. The ketogenic diet is aimed at the metabolic aspect of cancer proliferation.

The goal of a ketogenic diet is to restrict carbohydrates and promote the production of ketones, small molecules made in the liver by the breakdown of fat. This fat may come from diet, or from stored body fat. The resulting

metabolic state is called ketosis. (This is not the same as ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition that can develop in diabetic animals.)

CANCER AS A METABOLIC DISEASE In normal metabolism, cells burn glucose (sugar) for energy. A ketogenic diet "trains" normal cells to use ketones instead of glucose by severely restricting dietary carbs. And because protein can also be used by the body to manufacture glucose, through a process called gluconeogenesis

("creating new glucose"), protein is also moderately restricted.

Normal cells can make the shift from glucose to ketones. Even the brain – the body's biggest consumer of glucose – can adapt to using ketones for much of its energy requirements. But cancer cells can't. They depend on glucose fermentation to obtain the energy they need to grow and spread. Their abnormal metabolism prevents them from utilizing ketones the way normal cells can. The energy production of cancer cells is inefficient, so they need an enormous amount of glucose to function. The keto diet reduces the availability of glucose so that cancer goes hungry, but still provides plenty of fuel for healthy cells to carry on.

THE EFFECTS OF CARBS ON THE BODY Giving your dog or cat carbohydrates has several effects on his body.

First and foremost, it stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, the hormone primarily responsible for glucose metabolism. It allows glucose from the blood to move into cells; and it promotes the storage of body fat from excess glucose. But high blood levels of insulin and glucose contribute to cancer development and growth.

When insulin shoves that excess glucose into body fat, the fat doesn't just sit there. It is metabolically active, sending out cellular messengers that promote inflammation. Remember, cancer is also an inflammatory disease. Carbs set the stage for cancer development. The keto diet, however, promotes the burning of body fat for fuel while preserving muscle mass, and it reduces overall inflammation.

WHAT KETO IS NOT Contrary to popular opinion, keto is not a high-protein or typical raw meat

diet. It is a high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carbohydrate plan. This is a common error you'll see in magazines and all over the internet, and is made by people who don't understand the science, and who equate keto with an Atkins-type low-carb diet.

A typical nutrient ratio is about 15% to 30% protein, 70% to 75% fat, and 5% to 10% carbohydrate. Contrast this with a typical commercial dry dog food, which contains around 20% to 30% protein, 10% to 20% fat, and 30% to 65% carbohydrate; or a similar dry cat food, which has about 30% to 45% protein, 10% to 20% fat, and 30% to 50% carbohydrate (see chart on page 80). Canned, freezedried, dehydrated and frozen diets tend to have more protein and fat, but depending on the product, may still contain 15% to 50% carbohydrate.

(You can estimate the carb content of a pet food by looking at the Guaranteed Analysis on the label.

Subtract the protein, fat, fiber and moisture from 100; the remainder is digestible carbohydrate.)

KETO SCIENCE Ketogenic diets have been used and researched for decades, primarily to control epilepsy. Their use for cancer is relatively new. However, studies have offered tantalizing evidence of their benefits. In the 1990s, researchers at Colorado State University found that canine lymphoma was vulnerable to a lowcarbohydrate diet. Further research has shown the same effect for many other types of cancer in both humans and animals, with rare exceptions.

WHAT ARE CARBOHYDRATES, ANYWAY? Carbohydrates are simply long chains of carbon molecules.

Plants (and algae) produce most of the carbohydrates on earth.

Carbs include sugars, starches and cellulose (fiber).

Simple carbohydrates, such as fructose, sucrose and lactose, are quickly converted into glucose and absorbed in the small intestine. But starches are also broken down into glucose in an animal's digestive system – nearly as fast as sugar is – and have the same effect on metabolism as pure sugar.

Fiber, such as cellulose, is a carbohydrate, but it is indigestible and contributes no calories or nutrition to the animal. It is, however, beneficial to the colon’s normal bacterial population.

One study found that a ketogenic diet stabilized advanced cancer in just four weeks; some patients even experienced partial remission.

Other studies have found that even Animal Wellness

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Typical dietary macronutrients (depending on the product – poor quality foods tend to contain more carbs)

Diet

Protein

Fat

Carbohydrate

Ketogenic

15-25%

65-80%

5-10%

Dry dog food

20-30%

10-20%

30-65%

Dry cat food

30-45%

10-20%

30-50%

Canned, raw, frozen, freeze-dried

35-70%

15-40%

15-50%

aggressive metastatic tumors respond to keto, thereby improving survival.

Human studies have shown that keto diets benefit survival time and, perhaps more importantly, quality of life in cancer patients.

CAUTIONS WHEN USING A KETOGENIC DIET

HOW TO GO KETO

•T he ketogenic diet may be problematic in some cancer patients because it tends to produce weight loss. Cachexia (wasting) is a serious issue for these animals. Increasing healthy dietary fats may help offset any potential weight loss. The best options are Omega-3s like EPA and DHA – which themselves have anti-cancer effects – and oils like flaxseed, olive and avocado. Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil with low lauric acid (as opposed to plain coconut oil) is easy to digest and rapidly increases blood ketones; a nice double whammy.

At this time, no commercial dog foods perfectly fit the ketogenic paradigm.

Even the few "keto" recipes for pets are unbalanced, deficient or inaccurate. A general rule of thumb is to use a fatto-protein ratio of 1.5-2:1, with up to 15% of the diet comprised of cooked or pureed non-starchy vegetables, such as kale, broccoli and green beans, to provide a variety of trace nutrients, fiber and inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Supplements, including calcium, are not optional.

Be sure to work closely with a veterinary oncologist and/or holistic practitioner when implementing keto for your dog or cat. Fortunately, fat tastes good, and most pets will enjoy the change.

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• Gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) may occur when starting a ketogenic diet, but usually dissipate as the body adapts to it.

•D ogs (and cats) who have eaten poor quality dry kibble most of their lives may be at risk for pancreatitis if they are switched too quickly to a high-fat diet. It takes a few weeks for cells to become fully fat-adapted.

Unfortunately, time is something a lot of cancer patients don't have; but any movement in the keto direction will be helpful.

Cooked fats are especially dangerous, as are proinflammatory Omega-6s like corn, sunflower and safflower oils.

•T he ketogenic diet is often used for children with severe epilepsy; about one in ten develop calcium oxalate bladder stones. This has not been studied or documented in dogs or cats, but drinking plenty of water is generally protective against bladder crystals and stones.

A ketogenic diet may be useful for preventing as well as helping treat cancer, and the benefits of this dietary approach in terms of overall health, energy and weight maintenance are certainly worth pursuing.

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TO THE RESCUE

Rescue code: WISE

Photos courtesy of Wise Tails

Wise Tails

Clockwise from left: Wise Tails provides all the necessary medical attention, nutrition and grooming services to the senior dogs in their care; The rescue’s brand new facility boasts an office and lounge, indoor and outdoor play areas, cozy sleeping accommodations, and a grooming center/medical room; 17-year-old Cain arrived at the rescue with severe arthritis, and heart and kidney disease. The staff and volunteers at Wise Tails filled his final three months with love and affection.

LOCATION: Simi Valley, CA YEAR ESTABLISHED: 2018 NUMBER OF STAFF/VOLUNTEERS/FOSTER HOMES: Wise Tails has five full- and part-time staff members and five volunteers. “We don’t have any foster homes, as our mission is not adopting out our residents, but rather providing them a loving forever home in our facility,” says Jerry Shumway, Vice President of Communications.

TYPES OF ANIMAL THEY WORK WITH: The rescue works with senior dogs that have been neglected, abused or were facing euthanasia.

“Our residents would most likely not have been adopted if they hadn’t arrived at Wise Tails, as they are older and have a wide range of medical conditions and special needs,” says Jerry.

FUNDRAISING PROJECTS: Since Wise Tails is a newly established non-profit, they receive the majority of their donations through Facebook. They have also received a great deal of support from other rescues and shelters in the area, including donations of food, bedding and supplies. “Our Amazon Wish List has been a valuable resource as well,” says Jerry, adding that they have some exciting fundraising projects planned for later this year.

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FAVORITE RESCUE STORY: “Managing a rescue can be an emotional experience,” says Jerry. “Seeing or knowing how some of our residents lived and were treated prior to arriving here can be disheartening.” One of the rescue’s first residents was a 17-year-old husky named Cain. Cain had lived chained to tree in a backyard for a few years until he was eventually discovered by neighbors who stepped in to rescue him. After Cain’s owner refused to relinquish him, Animal Control was forced to step in. Cain was placed in a temporary shelter, and Wise Tails brought him to his forever home at their sanctuary the following day.

Upon arrival, Cain was in poor physical condition. “He had severe arthritis, to the point that he walked hunched over and his back legs were numb,” says Jerry. “The hair around his neck was gone due to his collar rubbing on his skin for years, and he had both heart and kidney disease.” But despite his ailments, Cain expressed nothing but affection. He quickly became a loving member of the Wise Tails community, living out his final three months surrounded by family. “In that time, he was loved, cared for and pampered,” says Jerry. “That was what we could do for Cain. What Cain did for us was reciprocate the love back tenfold.”

Follow Wise Tails on Facebook at facebook.com/wisetailsrescue/

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How to avoid aggression (and other problems) at the dog park

By Linda Brent, PhD, MBA

Here’s what you can do to keep your pup safe at the dog park, and how hormones and training play a role in this social environment.

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to check it out!

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Books & Publications

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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 Pet Products

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MUST READS

Title: Unleashing Your Dog Authors: M arc Bekoff and Jessica Pierce You spend a lot of time with your dog…but do you understand his true nature? In their new book, Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible, Mark Bekoff and Jessica Pierce help you learn to listen and adapt to your dog’s needs so you can make his life as happy as he makes yours. Building on the latest research in canine science, the authors provide practical ways to exercise your dog’s senses, train him in a way he’ll appreciate, and unleash his true nature.

The way your dog smells, tastes, touches, sees and hears is entirely different from the way you experience those same senses. By recognizing these variances, you become more in touch with what makes your dog tick, thereby gaining the resources to improve his physical, mental and emotional health. Unleashing Your Dog aims to make readers aware of dog behavior and instincts so you can adapt to his needs. After all, he spends a lot of time adapting to and fulfilling yours!

Bekoff and Pierce bust the myth that dogs are “just furry people”, and set you – and your pup – up for a happier, more compatible life together.

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Title: Live with Your Pet in Mind Author: Jodie Gruenstern, DVM So many of the decisions you make affect your pet’s health and longevity. What you say, what you think, what you feed, the veterinary care you choose, the home you provide, and even your self-care has an impact on your pet, so it’s important to make mindful choices. Such is the focus of holistic veterinarian Dr. Jodie Gruenstern’s new book, Live with Your Pet in Mind. Dr. Gruenstern delves into the mind-body connection that controls your pet's emotional and physical well-being and offers advice on how to be a better pet parent by making better choices.

Discover how natural modalities such as acupuncture and essential oils can be easily incorporated into your pet’s health care routine. Learn how to identify and avoid toxins in your pet’s food, environment, and in your own lifestyle.

Finally, through Dr. Gruenstern’s real-life anecdotes, learn how you can advocate for your pet’s health to deepen your bond and enrich both your lives.

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Animal Wellness

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EVENTS 14th Annual Alive! Expo May 18–19, 2019 — Atlanta, GA Every year Alive! Expo brings together local and national companies that specialize in natural and organic products and foods. You will find alternative practitioners as well as many great retailers showcasing their products including ecofriendly products for the home, pets and the whole family.

Alive! Expo is "The Natural Products and Green Living" consumer event and is always a fun and exciting weekend!

For more information: www.aliveexpo.com Dallas Pet Expo May 18–19, 2019 — Dallas, TX Come enjoy tons of exhibitors and demonstrations as well as free nail trims! There will be prize giveaways and live entertainment. You can adopt from one of the many Rescue groups and also learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, training and much more!

Be sure to check out other Amazing Pet Expo events all year round at www.amazingpetexpos.com For more information: (800) 977-3609 www.dallaspetexpo.com 16th Annual Woofstock May 25–26, 2019 — Toronto, ON Woofstock is, without question, the largest outdoor festival for dogs in all of North America. This world-famous festival draws vendors from across Canada and the US. There isn’t a toy, fashion line, accessory, type of treat or exclusive service for dogs that you can’t find at Woofstock.

Quirky and fun, Summer Woofstock is free! The non-stop two-day party takes place at Woodbine Park in Toronto Beaches, the City’s most dog “Paws-itive” neighborhood!

Returning 2019!

For more information: info@woofstock.com www.woofstock.ca Bark in the Park June 9, 2019 — London, ON Join a fun-filled day for pets and the people who love them!

The Bark in the Park Festival is the largest fundraiser for the London Humane Society and helps care for nearly 2,000 animals that are abused, neglected, abandoned or no longer able to be cared for by their owners. Help them reach their fundraising goal of $100,000 by collecting pledges and you’ll be automatically entered to win great prizes!

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For more information: administration@londonhumane.ca www.hslm.ca/barkintheparkfestival/ United in Saving Lives Animal Welfare Conference June 18–21, 2019 — San Diego, CA Come out and enjoy three days in San Diego for this dual-country, one-of-a-kind conference bringing together world-class experts in the animal welfare field. Experience a unique and rare learning opportunity for effectively running your animal organization like a business with topics ranging from finance and budgeting to fundraising, PR and online marketing.

Plus, learn how top experts in the United Kingdom are making an impact in animal lives with practical and proven shelter operation techniques, best practices in the adoption journey, ethical decision-making and more!

For more information: www.animalcenter.org/conference2019 WienerFest Home Country Festival June 22, 2019 — Woodstock, ON Canada’s Largest Breed Specific Event! Helping homeless pets and celebrating all things dachshund. Join in at the Embro Recreational Arena for a fun-filled day of over 100+ exhibitors, a costume contest, ask a trainer or vet sessions, puppy races and more!

For more information: (519) 421-8131 info@wienerfest.ca http://wienerfest.ca/ Mr. Spot Dog Camp July 14–20, 2019 — Kingston, ON If you've always wanted to try a variety of dog sports, this is the camp for you. Featuring new all-inclusive 6-night accommodation for you and your dog! All meals and a variety of dog sports to try. Come and enjoy agility, obedience, rally, lure coursing and more for dogs of every breed, size, and age.

17th Annual Dog Days of Scugog July 21, 2019 — Port Perry, ON Come out and enjoy a weekend jam-packed with howling good fun that promotes the proper training and care of dogs, and to celebrate the joy of sharing life with canine friends.

We provide everything you and your canine companion could want! Enter a contest, participate in an agility course, talk to breeders and animal rescue agencies, or buy some of the hundreds of amazing products from vendors.

For more information: museum@scugog.ca http://www.scugog.ca/museum Best Friends National Conference July 25–27, 2019 — Dallas, TX The Best Friends National Conference is a place where you can learn, share and connect with like-minded people from around the country. With workshops and speakers on nearly every aspect of the no-kill movement, the conference has something for everyone.

You’ll be joined by more than a thousand fellow animal lovers, united by a passion for saving the lives of homeless pets. And true to Hollywood style, this event will be all about our favorite celebrities — the ones with four legs who like to cuddle!

For more information: conferences@bestfriends.org http://bestfriends.org/events/best-friends-national-conference SuperZoo 2019 August 20–22, 2019 — Las Vegas, NV SuperZoo is the pet industry’s leading place for business with a combination of fun and function. No wonder pet professionals love it! Come out this year to network, expand your customer base and improve your sales.

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

Space is limited! Register now for early booking discount.

For more information: (613) 530-SPOT info@mrspotdogcamp.com www.mrspotdogcamp.com/

Email your event to: info@animalwellnessmagazine.com

FELINE

Hip, cool and healthy!

WELLNESS

THE

EYES HAVE IT How to take care of your kitty’s eye and vision health

CAT CHAT

HOW TO MASTER

MINDFULNESS Let your cat be your teacher!

ACUPUNCTURE… THIS POWERFUL HEALING MODALITY WORKS WELL FOR FELINES

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KEEP YOUR KITTY’S eyes HEALTHY

By Ingrid King

A variety of eye problems can affect cats. Know what a healthy feline eye looks like, and how to recognize any red flags that require veterinary attention.

It’s said that the eyes are the window to the soul, and I think this is especially true when it comes to our cats. Gaze into your own kitty’s eyes, and you’ll see what I mean. It’s important to know, however, that cats are as prone to eye problems as many other animals, so you need to take care of your feline’s eye health, and be able to recognize any signs of trouble that warrant prompt veterinary attention.

COMMON FELINE EYE SYMPTOMS While cats don’t have as many eye problems as dogs, feline eye issues tend to be chronic and may require lifelong care. Detecting problems early can make treatment more effective. Here are some red flags to watch out for.

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1 1 . Blinking or squinting Frequent blinking or squinting is a sign of discomfort and may be caused by an infection, a foreign body in the eye, or a scratch on the cornea. Even tiny scratches can be painful, and lead to serious problems if left untreated — i.e. corneal ulceration, one of the most common eye problems in cats.

Some cats have long hairs around their eyes that may bend toward the

eye and scratch the cornea. You can trim these hairs back, but be very careful. If you can’t be sure your cat will stay absolutely still, this is best done by your veterinarian or a professional groomer. . Discharge from the eyes 2 Discharge can range from clear and watery to thick and yellow or even greenish. Cats with chronic viral Continued on page 92.

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Continued from page 90. infections may have occasional or permanent discharge. Frequently, eye discharge will accumulate as a crusty substance in the corners of the eyes.

Cats do a pretty good job at keeping their eyes clean through regular

THE EYES HAVE IT! Healthy cat eyes are clear and bright. The pupils are of equal size, and the area around the eyeball is white. Most kittens are born with blue eyes.

Between the age of three to eight weeks, their eyes begin to change color (depending on the breed), and may become green, yellow, orange, amber, copper, brown.

This color change is usually complete by the time a kitten is three months old.

Some cats have differentcolored eyes, a phenomenon known as heterochromia.

This is not unusual, and is most often seen in white cats, although it can be seen in any cat that possesses the white spotting gene (the same gene that creates a white blaze across the face, a white bib, tuxedo pattern, or dappled paws). Cats with blue eyes as adults have a higher rate of hearing issues, especially if they have a white coat, although not all blue-eyed or odd-eyed cats will be deaf.

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grooming, but if your cat has frequent eye discharge, she may need some help. Use a soft tissue moistened with warm water to wipe the area clean. . Visible third eyelid 3 Cats have an extra eyelid at the inner corner of each eye. It looks like a whitish or translucent film that moves over the surface of the eyeball. This protrusion is usually the result of pain or infection. . Redness or swelling 4 Redness and/or swelling in one or both eyes can be a sign of conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” a contagious inflammation or infection of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, exposure to chemicals, allergens or trauma. . Cloudiness or change in eye color 5 A dramatic change in eye color in an adult cat can be a sign of a serious medical problem. If your cat’s eyes appear cloudy, it may signal an inner eye or corneal problem. Cloudiness can also indicate cataracts.

Any of the above signs and symptoms warrant a prompt trip to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

KEEPING YOUR CAT’S EYES HEALTHY The best way to keep your cat’s eyes healthy is to keep her immune system strong. “Take good care of the cat,” says veterinarian Dr. Andrea Tasi.

“Most feline eye problems are related to the herpes virus, and a strong immune system will prevent or minimize issues.” She adds that stress management is an important part of maintaining health in cats prone to herpes flare-ups.

Veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker agrees.

“The key to feline eye health is to

3

4

5 recognize genetic predispositions and environmental stressors early, and begin supporting vision long before there are visible changes to your cat’s eyes,” she says. In addition to feeding a biologically-appropriate diet rich in naturally-occurring antioxidants, supplements can also be helpful.

“Vitamins E and C, lutein, zeaxanthin (or astaxanthin) and bilberry can play a beneficial role in slowing age-related ocular degeneration,” says Dr. Becker.

“Supplemental Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in krill, sardine, anchovy or squid oils (DHA and EPA, from purity-tested marine oils) also cross the blood-brain barrier to nourish ocular well-being throughout a cat’s life.”

Your cat may or may not experience eye problems during his lifetime, but it’s wise to support his ocular wellness with a healthy lifestyle, and be aware of any symptoms that may indicate an issue needing attention.

CAT CHAT RODENT PROBLEM? MANAGE YOUR CAT COLONIES!

Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals

Many metropolises throughout the US, including New York City, are overrun with feral felines. Citizens have been stepping in to help control these growing cat colonies with the aid of community initiatives such as the NYC Feral Cat Initiative (NYCFCI), a program of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals.

Feral cats are difficult to tame and best suited to living outdoors in familiar territory, so the NYCFCI promotes the practice of Trap-NeuterReturn (TNR) to humanely reduce cat populations.

Once managed, these colonies are effective rodent deterrents.

Neutered feral cats that are regularly fed and sheltered won’t roam far, and they’ll continue to hunt mice and rats. TNR caretakers in all five NYCFCI boroughs frequently report they don’t have rodent problems around their colonies, and broader research backs up this finding.

Not every home or business is lucky enough to have a colony of mousers around, and sometimes a cat colony isn’t able to stay in its territory, often because of real estate development. In these cases, the cats are at risk of euthanasia, so the NYCFCI matches up owners of rodent-infested environments with “working cats” in a special kind of adoption program. animalalliancenyc.org/feralcats/

COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN CATS

As some cats age, their mental faculties can decline, leading to what might be termed “kitty dementia”. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis from your vet, but you can also make changes at home to help your cat cope.

• If your cat is having trouble finding the litter box, move it closer to where he spends most of his time, or add more litter boxes.

• Don’t rearrange your furniture or make other changes to the home environment. This will only confuse your kitty even more.

• Stick to a regular routine. Cats love routine at the best of times, and doing the same things at the same times every day will reduce his stress.

• Give your cat some exercise and daily stimulation in the form of interactive play, and be sure to remain patient and loving.

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LIFESTYLE

6

You don’t need to take a course to learn to be mindful – let your feline friend be your teacher!

steps to mastering

“cat-mindfulness”

Mindfulness is not a new fad. It was first introduced to the world hundreds of years ago and is a practice attributed to Buddhism. According to the Foundation for a Mindful Society, it’s defined as “being fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us”. While you can read books or take courses on mindfulness, you don’t have to if you’re a cat parent – just study and imitate your kitty! Cats are fully present in life, very aware of what’s going on around them, and (under normal circumstances) maintain an enviable degree of peace and calm. Read on for six tips on mastering “cat-mindfulness”.

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1. BE PRESENT Look at your cat when she’s sitting quietly, staring into space, and you’ll soon feel a similar sense of serenity. Even when cats have their eyes closed, they are fully present, ears pivoting around like radars as they listen to sounds in the environment. There is no denying that cats live in the moment, listening, breathing, and staying aware of the here and now. These experiences coincide with the practice of mindfulness. In fact, veterinarian Dr. Nancy Scanlan told the New York Times that cats make it easy to be mindful.

2. DO NOTHING One of the obvious ways cats make it easy is to be mindful is when they

By Nadia Ali

seemingly do nothing. They sit in silence, eyes closed, enjoying the moment. Many of us consider doing nothing as a waste of time, but it’s a practice of mindfulness that allows us to take a mental break. Psychologist Dr. K. Anders Ericsson has shown that successful people operate with brief bursts of productivity followed by a pause. This pause is referred to as unstructured downtime, which in effect rebuilds productivity sources so you can get going again.

3. CLOSE YOUR EYES When your kitty’s eyes are closed, whether she’s drifting off to sleep or just “being”, she’s in a mindful state.

How often do you take a break to close

your eyes during the day, without the intention of falling asleep? Even if you just lightly shut your eyes (as your cat does when her lids are half closed but her eyes still follow you around the room), this is a good practice. According to Dr. Robert Nash of the University of Surrey in the UK, just closing your eyes for a few minutes blocks distractions, heightens your concentration, and helps build better memory skills.

4. JUST BREATHE Breathing is an important key to being mindful. Watch your kitty breathe, then focus on your own breathing.

Feel the air enter your body as you inhale, and then release it naturally.

Take a couple of deeper breaths, and focus solely on the act of breathing.

Scientists at Northwestern Medicine discovered that when we breathe in, it goes straight to the part of our brain where our memories and emotions are stored, enhancing emotional judgments and memory recall.

Breathing deeply and mindfully helps soothe the nervous system.

5. DON’T MULTI-TASK Watch your cat as you pull a piece of string across the floor. Her attention is undivided as she concentrates on the string. Meanwhile, as you’re pulling the string, you’re probably also “multitasking” – keeping an eye on your phone, thinking about what you have to do tomorrow, or trying to watch TV. Sharon Salzberg, an author and teacher of Buddhist meditation practices in the West, says we should try and concentrate solely on the

task at hand instead of multi-tasking, a behavior that propels us into anxiety.

6. BE HAPPY When your cat is happy, she’s not shy about showing it. Just crack open a tin of food and suddenly she’s darting in and out of your feet, joyfully purring and meowing. Even during quieter times when she’s on your lap, you can hear and feel the vibrations of her blissful purring. When a happy moment occurs in our own lives, we tend to downplay it or stifle our feelings. Why not take a moment to experience the joy, to think it, breathe it and feel it? We are happiest when we are mindful of the moment.

Our feline friends are fine examples of mindful teachers. Take your inspiration from your own kitty and develop the gift of “cat-mindfulness” for yourself. You’ll enjoy the well-being that comes from lower stress levels, better moods, and an improved quality of life.

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MODALITY HIGHLIGHT

Acupuncture

By Janice Huntingford, DVM

for cats

This ancient healing modality can effectively address a wide range of health conditions in felines.

Acupuncture is one of the fastest-growing complementary therapies practiced on cats, and the number of veterinarians seeking training in this modality continues to increase. Acupuncture is generally well tolerated by cats, and can be used to help treat a whole spectrum of feline health problems, from arthritis to urinary symptoms.

A BIT OF BACKGROUND Acupuncture was discovered by the ancient Chinese about 5,000 years ago. They learned they could affect physiological changes, control pain and stimulate organs or body parts by inserting needles into certain areas of the body.

The needles are not inserted at random, but rather into acupuncture points, also called acupoints. These acupoints are focal areas that have increased electrical

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resistance. When stimulated, they also have the ability to produce a response in a target organ.

Acupuncture helps the body heal itself.

When the acupoints are stimulated by tiny needles, natural chemicals are released that act centrally on the nervous system. They release natural painkilling substances called endorphins. They also stimulate the body’s defense system and increase circulation. Because the nervous system goes all over the body, chemicals released from one spot may affect an organ or muscle further away.

DO CATS TOLERATE ACUPUNCTURE? Acupuncture is not painful or distressing to a cat when done by a qualified and experienced veterinarian. The needles are very small – quite a bit smaller than

3 CASE REPORTS 1. CONSTIPATION

the hypodermic needles used to give vaccinations. There may be a mild sensation of warmth or tingling when the needle is inserted, but it’s very transient. There may also be a sensation at the prick of a needle, but this doesn’t last when the needle is left in the acupoint. Some points are more sensitive than others and most veterinarians will avoid them altogether or use other methods such as low-level laser to stimulate those points. Most veterinary acupuncturists who practice on cats try to use as few needles as possible, use very small needles such as Korean Hand Needles, or use low-level laser.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN A TREATMENT? Each acupuncture treatment is individualized to each patient.

The points selected, the number of needles used and the length of the session all depend on the condition being treated. In general, most patients are seen once or twice a week initially, then the number of treatments is tapered off. Although a response may be seen after only one treatment, four to six are usually needed. The treatments last ten to 20 minutes.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP? Acupuncture can be used along with regular veterinary medicine to

treat a variety of feline conditions.

We most commonly treat cats with musculoskeletal, renal and gastrointestinal problems, but many others can be addressed, including: Inflammation Pain Arthritis Neurological problems Traumatic injuries Intervertebral disc disease Inflammatory bowel disease Loss of appetite Liver with chronic elevated enzymes (support) Chronic constipation Endocrine and reproductive problems Thyroid disturbances Respiratory and cardiovascular conditions Asthma Hypertension Kidney chronic insufficiency (support) Painful urination syndrome Dermatologic problems Hyperesthesia (hair loss) Allergies Lick granulomas Behavioral problems Anxiety Immunologic condition FIV (support) Acupuncture can be a very powerful healing modality for cats (see sidebar at right), especially when combined with other therapies.

Muffin was 16 years old when she presented with a three-day history of constipation. She had a painful abdomen full of hard stool, was vomiting, not eating and very cranky. Due to her age, her family was reluctant to hospitalize her and have enemas performed. Instead, she was given acupuncture using small needles and a low-level laser. Acupoints were selected to relieve abdominal pain and intestinal spasms, and improve motility in the colon. Muffin was also dehydrated, so 120 ml of fluids were given subcutaneously. Immediately after the acupuncture, Muffin was less painful and had an improved disposition. Within eight hours of receiving the acupuncture, she passed a large quantity of stool and began eating again.

2. DISC DISEASE Panda was a 12½-year-old male cat that was brought in on an emergency basis for paresis of both hind legs. He was very painful and unable to stand. After radiographs, a diagnosis of intervertebral disc disease and arthritis was made.

Because Panda had underlying kidney disease, the selection of pain control medications was limited. The family decided to try acupuncture. Acupoints were selected for pain control and muscle relaxation. After the 20-minute treatment, Panda went from screaming in pain to relaxed and purring. He continued to have regular treatments as needed for his chronic disc problems.

3. ARTHRITIS AND HYPERESTHESIA Kujo was an 18-year-old male with hyperesthesia and barbering of hair on his lower back. He was very painful in the lower lumbar area and spent a lot of time pulling out his hair there. His back felt hot in that area. He was diagnosed with pain and arthritis of the lumbar spine. Chiropractic and acupuncture were performed on Kujo – these were his only treatments. After five acupuncture treatments, the hair-pulling had completely resolved. Kujo went on to have monthly maintenance treatments.

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Do you and your dog share similar

PERSONALITY TRAITS? A new study reveals that you probably do!

People sometimes say that dogs and their people start to look alike after a while, but is the same true of the way they act? A new study suggests it is. Recent research from Michigan State University reveals that a dog’s personality evolves over time as a result of “nurture”. In other words, how a dog is raised, and the person he shares his life with, can have an effect on his character, ultimately shaping the dog he becomes – and that can include sharing personality traits with his human guardian.

This fascinating study, published in the Journal of Research in Personality, is the largest of its kind to examine changes in dogs’ personalities. Lead researcher William Chopik surveyed the guardians of more than 1,600 dogs, both males and females, and including 50 different breeds. The canine participants covered a wide range of ages. The human participants were asked to evaluate their dogs’ personalities as well as their own by answering a series of survey questions pertaining to behavior, likes, dislikes and other qualities.

The results revealed that humans and their canine companions often have personality traits in common. For instance, dogs rated as more excitable and active tended to have extroverted guardians, while dogs that were more fearful and less responsive to training were often raised by people claiming to have a high rate of negative emotions.

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The research proves how much influence we have on our dogs, and demonstrates that, much like children, dogs are “sponges” and internalize the things we say and do. It also shows how fluid dogs’ personalities can be.

“When humans go through big changes in life, their personality traits can change,” says Chopik. “We found this also happens with dogs – and to a surprisingly large degree.

We expected the dogs’ personalities to be fairly stable because they don’t experience the wild lifestyle changes humans do, but they actually change a lot.”

Chopik plans to expand on these findings to learn more about how a dog’s environment can change his behavior. He hopes the results will influence the way we approach dogs with behavioral issues – specifically rescue dogs.

“Say you adopt a dog from a shelter,” he says. “Some traits are likely tied to biology and are resistant to change, but you then put him in a new environment where he’s loved, walked and entertained. The dog may then become a little more relaxed and sociable.”

To learn more about this research, visit sciencedirect.com/ science/article/pii/S0092656618301661?via%3Dihub

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