Pets

A Mediaplanet Guide to Safe Pet Traveling

Pet Health and Wellness

Brodie & Cliff The famous goldendoodle’s owner shares how he travels with his pup while ensuring Brodie’s safety and well-being How Doug the Pug’s owner treats his separation anxiety on the road How to prevent and treat your dog’s fearrelated anxiety

MARCH 2022 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM

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Ensuring the Best Diet Goes Into Your Dog’s Bowl

Americans spent nearly $60 billion on their pets in 2015, including $23 billion on pet food. While pet food choices can be perplexing, the good news is that our understanding of dogs’ nutritional requirements has increased dramatically in the last 50 years, and many great nutrition choices are available today.

Nutrition basics No matter what diet you are considering

— and before you make a significant diet change — ask the advice of your veterinarian. Dogs need a healthy balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The Association of American Feed Control Officials sets standards to ensure pet foods meet the nutritional needs of animals.

Making a nutritionally balanced homemade diet for your dog can be tricky — seek advice from a veterinary nutritionist to make sure your pet is get-

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ting all the nutrients he or she needs. If raw food is part of your dog’s diet, use good hygiene during meal preparation.

For dogs with certain medical conditions, including heart disease and kidney disease, prescription diets are available. These diets can help pets enjoy higher quality lives.

Canine-owning common sense Use common sense when feeding your pet any people food. Junk food is

not healthy for people, and especially not healthy for our pets. Additionally, know which food items are poisonous to dogs. Many foods that are harmless to people, such as onions and grapes, are toxic to dogs. And as is the case for people, fresh water is an essential component of every dog’s diet.

Nutrition research continues to refine our understanding of a dog’s nutritional needs. Canine diets may change over time as scientists learn

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more about how best to feed and care for our companion animals. But for owners today, common sense — and your veterinarian’s advice — will help keep your four-legged companions eating healthy. They will thank you with a shiny coat, sparkling teeth, a bounce in their step, and lots of love. n

Dr. Kelly Diehl Scientific Writer and Researcher, Morris Animal Foundation

PLEASE RECYCLE

Publisher Lauren King and Camilla Salemme Business Developer Neetu Wadhwani Managing Director Jordan Hernandez Lead Designer Kayla Mendez Designer Celia Hazard Lead Editor Jon Adams Copy Editor Taylor Rice Director of Content and Production Jordan Hernandez Cover Photo Cliff Brush Jr. All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve LA Times.

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Adjusting to Pandemic Pets If the “pandemic puppy” or “quarantine kitten” cuteness is wearing off, now is the time to establish a support system that includes your veterinary team.

One out of every three Americans have either adopted or fostered a new pet during the COVID19 pandemic, or have considered it, according to a TD Ameritrade survey. The number is even higher for millennials: 50% got a new pet or thought about it.

But, as the newness of the pandemic pets wears off, some things that seemed cute at first might become frustrating. Aggressive behavior, health problems, and the pet growing larger than expected accounted for 47% of rehomed dogs and 42% of rehomed cats, according to ASPCA’s

National Rehoming Survey. Pet owners don’t have to face these problems alone. The right veterinary team can help by providing quality healthcare, as well as giving educated advice on nutrition, vaccinations, and behavior-modification strategies.

Veterinarians can help According to the National Council on Pet Population and Policy, 33% of dogs and 46.9% of cats relinquished to shelters had never been to a veterinarian.

Reasons for not visiting the vet are likely to include cost and stress for you and your pet.

The cost of care Contrarily, bringing your pet to the veterinarian more often can save you more money. Wellness exams help spot disease symptoms earlier, keep up

with vaccinations, and monitor changes through different life stages.

Compare prices for the right pet insurance to cover wellness exams and cut the out-of-pocket cost for vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and emergency procedures. Without insurance, there may be payment plans or credit options to cover large expenses.

Visit your vet team When it’s possible to do so safely, you can stop by pet hospitals to familiarize your pet with their veterinary team. Bring your pet in occasionally just to say “hi” and get a belly rub or a treat.

To ease your cat’s fear, you might leave their carrier out rather than tucked away in a closet or garage. Also, put treats inside to make it a less scary place.

Choose an accredited hospital The quality of veterinary practices varies as much as in any other professional service. You might need to check out several before finding the right fit. This is going to be your support team throughout your pet’s life, so don’t hesitate to shop around.

Look for a hospital that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). AAHA evaluates veterinary practices on more than 900 standards in areas such as cleanliness, safety, best practices in patient care, and disease prevention. If a hospital is accredited by AAHA, you can be confident that they have done the work to prove that they are upholding the highest veterinary standards. For help finding an accredited veterinarian in your area, check out our AAHA-accredited hospital locator tool. n Cara Hopkins, American Animal Hospital

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Bloody nose While a bloody nose is usually not a cause for concern in humans, in pets it can indicate trauma, a nasal infection, or cancer.

5 Illness Indicators Pet Owners Should Never Ignore A responsible pet owner should always be watching out for the health of their four-legged friend, and that means being able to determine what’s normal and what might be a sign of something serious.

Your pet can’t talk, but signs that

they’re sick are right in front of your eyes — if you know where to look. Like humans, an animal’s eyes, ears, skin, hair, and nails offer telltale signs that something might be wrong, such as the following:

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Hair loss If your pet is experiencing hair loss, it

may indicate a hormonal disorder, such as an underactive thyroid gland. Your pet should see a veterinarian if hair loss is present anywhere on the body.

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Yellowing Pay close attention to the color of your pet’s eyes, the area around the eyes, gums, the inside of the lips, and the skin

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on the tummy. If the skin in any of these areas appears yellow, it could indicate a liver problem.

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Redness Redness in the whites of the eyes may indicate a serious health issue such as a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, or conjunctivitis.

Excessive drooling Excessive drooling should raise your level of concern. While all dogs drool, excessive drooling is a sign of a serious dental issue, gum disease, or even an oral tumor.

Programs such as the Animal Medical Center’s recently launched Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education are working to spread expert animal health knowledge with pet owners across the country and around the world. But the bottom line is, these are just a few signs to keep in mind, and no matter how informed you are, you can never be too careful when it comes to the health of your pet. Trust your gut — if you think your pet might be sick, it is always best to seek an evaluation by a veterinarian. n Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM, Staff Veterinarian, Animal Medical Center

What To Look For in Your Pet’s Food Products Kelly Walters, brand leader for pet food at Redbarn Pet Products, shares what pet parents should look for in their furry friend’s food and treats.

What ingredients should pet lovers be aware of and look for on nutritional labels to prolong the lives of their furry friends?

The primary ingredient of any dog food should be protein; it is essential for their muscle and tissue development, immune system health, energy, and healthy skin and nails. Dogs receive nutrition and energy from both plant 4

and animal nutrients. However, owners should stay away from foods where primary ingredients include carbohydrates, white flour, artificial colors, and by-products. Some dogs have food sensitivities; be sure to work with your veterinarian to identify the best options for a pet with allergies. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO), dog foods identified as “complete and balanced” maintain a minimum crude protein level. The protein levels needed in a dog’s food will vary depending on the dog’s age, weight, breed, and if they are puppies or pregnant. Make sure to speak with your veterinarian about the proper levels needed for your dog.

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What specific quality-control measures should pet parents look out for to assure the consistency and quality of the food they buy?

Pet parents should identify trusted brands that ensure high quality in all that they produce. This includes commitments to routine testing, quality standards, and maintaining high-quality standards for co-manufacturers. An SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing certification by the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Initiative means a company is serious about the quality of the food, treats, or chews they are producing. The SQF Initiative has been addressing food safety and quality requirements since 1994. Their pro-

grams are recognized internationally by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) to certify high standards of food safety and quality for food manufacturers and production companies across all industry sectors. At Redbarn, we are proud to say that our facilities in both Kansas and Paraguay have earned this certification.

This is not a requirement in the pet product industry, so having it means a company is highly dedicated to the safety and quality of their products.

What food/treats are best for pets’ dental health?

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, approximately

70% of dogs will have some degree of dental disease by the age of three. A daily dental treat can be a highly effective and easy way to combat this possible outcome. A treat with ridges and grooves to reach the nooks and crannies between a dog’s teeth and gums can help control tartar buildup while gently massaging gums and scraping away plaque. Just as they are with food, pet parents should read labels to make sure that the dental treats they choose use healthy, high-quality ingredients and are not high in sugars. Redbarn has recently launched Chew-A-Bulls®, our own line of treats that can be used as a daily dental solution, just for this reason. n

An InstaFamous Dog Owner’s Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

How did you get Brodie used to traveling?

I started him out very young as a puppy.

As part of the desensitization process, I would take him for car rides to get him accustomed to being in moving vehicles.

The main factor that has made travel so easy for us is the trusting bond we’ve built. Brodie trusts me and will happily go wherever I go. He knows I’ll keep him safe and is much less concerned with outside stimuli if he’s by my side.

Would you ever take Brodie with you somewhere internationally?

Yes! I’ve been trying to coordinate an international trip. However, traveling internationally as a human is difficult enough, and adding an animal brings in many more restrictions, like required quarantining for them. When travel restrictions ease up, we will definitely make a trip. Right now, Tokyo is No. 1 on our list!

Brodie the Goldendoodle (@brodiethatdood) and his owner, Cliff Brush Jr., love traveling together and documenting their adventures on on social media, where they have more than 3.7 million followers. Here are Clif�’s tips for taking your dog on your travels.

We know Brodie is always meeting new fans. Does he ever get anxiety?

If so, how do you combat this?

Brodie thrives on attention; he is happiest when he’s surrounded by people fighting for his love (and he has plenty to give).

When his fans want to show affection, he more than welcomes it. This is different from dog to dog, and many dogs will be overstimulated with crowds or groups of people talking to them at once. Slowly introducing them to these scenarios would be ideal for most pups.

PHOTO: CLIFF BRUSH JR.

What do you bring with you on trips to ensure Brodie is safe in all weather conditions?

We always bring a pair of dog goggles.

Brodie loves hanging his head out of the window, and these help protect from him wind and debris. They also protect his eyes from UV light, just like our sunglasses provide protection for ours. I also bring a dog backpack carrier. Brodie has a lot of fluff, so this makes some terrain a nightmare for his grooming. We avoid tall grass, mud, and filthy city streets.

However, if I’m up for the workout, I’ll carry him around in it. When we went to Zion National Park in Utah, I did a small hike with him in the carrier. n

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Everyone Is Feeling More Anxious These Days, Including Our Dogs Fear, separation, and aging or confusion are the major causes of anxiety in dogs. Fear-related anxiety can be triggered by loud noises, strange people or animals, visual stimuli like hats or umbrellas, new or strange environments, specific situations like the vet’s office, or even surfaces like wood floors.

By far the most dangerous expression of fear anxiety is aggression. This aggression can be targeted directly or indirectly, depending on the situation.

Direct aggression occurs when a dog acts aggressively toward people or other animals. Indirect aggression can be equally dangerous, and often hap6

pens when a person comes between the dog and the source of the dog’s aggression, such as another dog.

Separation anxiety is estimated to affect about 15% of dogs. Dogs with separation anxiety are unable to find comfort when they are left alone or separated from their family members.

Though this condition can involve any dog, there are certain breeds which may have a higher genetic predisposition to display more severe symptoms of separation anxiety, especially in some of the herding type breeds, where generations have been bred to work as herders or protectors of their “flock.”

Separation anxiety may manifest

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itself in undesirable behaviors, such as urinating and defecating in the house, destruction, and excessive barking.

Attempts to break out of dog crates, windows, and even doors can result in painful injuries.

In the current climate of the pandemic, many owners are living and working from the home. Our pets’ former routines may have been interrupted and they now are getting accustomed to having their best friends around 24/7. When people go back to their former work routine, it is very possible that we may see an increase in numbers of pets exhibiting this type of anxiety.

Age-related anxiety affects older

dogs and can be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).

In dogs with CDS, lack of memory, awareness, or perception leads to confusion similar to the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

The best way to treat anxiety is to talk with a veterinarian as early as possible. Behavioral issues have a much greater chance of improving the sooner they are addressed. Veterinarians must first rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms.

Your vet can then help you come up with a treatment plan for your dog’s anxiety. The best way to treat it is usually through a combination of basic

obedience training — which gives dogs confidence through proper exercise, counterconditioning, and preventative strategies — and in some cases, prescription medications. There have also been very promising studies on dogs with separation anxiety improving with the use of collar-like devices using targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF).

Don’t allow your dog’s anxiety to ruin your life or their own. With the right treatment strategy, you can help your dog overcome his anxiety. If you think your dog might have anxiety, talk to your veterinarian today. n Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer, American Kennel Club

Owner of the Internet’s most famous dog, Doug the Pug (@itsdougthepug), Leslie Mosier shares her tips forcombatting pet anxiety.

do you believe is the greatest way for animal owners to combat anxiety and better their pet’s overall mental state?

We cannot hear our pets tell us they are in pain, but we should always look for warning signs. How did you notice that Doug was suffering from separation anxiety?

Doug’s tail is very expressive, and it will drop if he is upset or nervous. He will also pace a bit and try to be as close to me as possible. Other signs include excessive barking and paw licking. Through training and repetition we have worked on this, and he now lays in his bed when we leave and is a lot calmer.

With Doug we love to make sure he is active and stimulated — going for walks, going to the park, and having other dog friends come over.

If we notice that Doug is visibly upset for some reason, we will quite literally lay on the ground with him and give him a big burst of love and pets. That always seems to help! One thing I’ve been doing recently is not getting out of bed with Doug until he’s had his morning belly rubs, tail wags, and stretches. It just starts the day off on a happy note!

From your experience with Doug, what

Doug is an experienced traveler and

PHOTOS: LESLIE MOSIER

How The Internet’s Favorite Dog is Treated for Anxiety celebrity. Are there any products or practices you find work best to ensure Doug’s physical and emotional comfortability when traveling and meeting people?

Doug’s stroller has been a game changer.

If you have a small dog, I highly recommend it. Being in a city setting and weaving through a lot of people can be stressful.

However, when he is in his stroller he is safe and treated like a prince. We also bring Doug’s blanket with us that has his smells of home, and we could never leave home without his lamby stuffed animal — that gives him instant comfort when we get to a hotel! n

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Pets in the Post Pandemic World The pandemic has proven the increasing importance of pets for everyone’s physical and mental health.

Steven Feldman predicts the future of pets after the pandemic.

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moment is their positive impact on mental health.

Research shows companion animals reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The pandemic has accelerated society’s recognition of these benefits.

Prediction 1: Pets will be acknowledged as essential to better mental health Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness.

The pandemic has created additional stress for everyone. One reason pets are having their

Prediction 2: Pets will become permanent co-workers Millions of Americans are working from home.

Pets are beneficiaries of this trend as they get better care and attention from their owners.

Employees are also more likely to be productive and collaborative when pets are present. In the post-pandemic world, all companies will need to show genuine concern for employees’ health.

According to surveys, 91% of employees who

or most of us, pets have been bright spots during the ongoing pandemic.

According to current estimates, 67% of American households have pets. However, this number can only have grown during the pandemic amid more pet adoptions.

Pets have found their way into our hearts and every aspect of our lives. There’s no going back.

Here are my predictions for a more pet-friendly post-pandemic society:

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work for a pet-friendly company say their company supports their physical health and wellness.

Prediction 3: Demand for petinclusive housing will grow A Human Animal Bond Research Institute survey studied the state of pet-friendly rental housing.

Faced with numerous restrictions, 72% of renters say that pet-friendly housing is hard to find.

The ongoing housing disruptions will potentially make things even harder for pet owners. To keep families together, more pet-friendly housing will be needed.

Prediction 4: Pets will receive a higher level of veterinary care

Veterinary care is essential for pets, but veterinarians are facing many challenges on how to safely deliver care. Some states have allowed veterinarians to offer telehealth options for pet owners. Pet owners want more of these services, so barriers to virtual care will continue to fall.

Prediction 5: Lawmakers will enact policies to support pet ownership and care Pandemic-borne economic hardship will affect many pets. Already, 69% of all pet owners believe that the government should help make pet care more affordable. Pet-related policies should increase in the future. n Steven Feldman, Executive Director, Human Animal Bond Research Institute

Going on the Road With Gabriel Iglesias and His Chihuahuas

Gabriel Iglesias goes on tours every year. Every time, he takes his two chihuahuas with him.

He talks about his dogs and his new Nickelodeon show How long have you had your two chihuahuas? Did you always know you wanted to get chihuahuas?

I’ve had Risa for 15 years and Vinnie for 8 years. Since I was a little boy, I’ve had chihuahuas. My love for them started with my first little guy, Dino.

What is your favorite activity to do with them? Has that changed in quarantine?

I love just getting them in the car and going for a nice drive. We then end up hitting a drive-thru and getting them a puppaccino. The main difference now is all the barking when they see masks at the drive-thru.

As we can tell from your Instagram, these two are avid travelers. Do they come on the road with you every time? Do you have any tips for traveling with dogs?

I take them every single time. They’ve already been to more than 35 states.

My main tip is to get them used to traveling by gradually taking them from short to longer trips in the car.

How did you come to land on the nickname “Fluffy”?

Many years ago, my mom called me Fluffy. She made it a point to tell me that I wasn’t fat, I was just fluffy.

PHOTO:COURTESY OF PAUL MOBLEY

Do you have a favorite chihuahua joke?

I have a 4-lb chihuahua that has no sense of humor, so I will respectfully pass on a joke.

Can you tell us a little more about your new show, “Unleashed,” on Nickelodeon?

The show did a great job of gathering the most impressive animal acts that you’ll ever see. We have a squirrel that can water ski. Enough said! n

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The Heart of the Matter: Cardiac Disease in Pets Understanding what heart disease symptoms to look for in your pet and how to ensure early detection will help in diagnosing and treating it.

About 1 in 10 dogs and 1 in 6 cats will develop heart disease in their lifetime.

Understanding what symptoms to look for and how to ensure early detection are the best tools pet owners can have in diagnosing and treating heart disease.

The most commonly diagnosed heart disease in dogs is the degeneration of the heart valves. It can affect close to 2 out of every 3 dogs under 30 pounds by the time they are 10 years of age. Over time, the leak in the mitral valve leads to heart enlargement and may ultimately result in congestive heart failure.

In large breed dogs as well as in cats, the most common cardiac conditions result from a problem with the heart muscle called cardiomyopathy. Some forms of cardiomyopathy are genetic and could help direct more aggressive screening in certain pets so that these conditions can be diagnosed early, even in pets that don’t yet show any symptoms. However, cardiomyopathy can present in many shapes and sizes of pets.

Heart disease symptoms Pets are very good at hiding early signs of heart disease. As your pet’s health advocate, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and to seek treatment quickly. Once signs of disease are present, the heart issue is often advanced.

The most common heart disease symptoms include tiring easily with physical activity, breathing with more effort, a faster breathing rate at rest, and/ or the onset of a cough. In some cases, episodes of weakness or collapse can develop, or the belly can be swollen due to fluid retention. The most severe cases can result in sudden death.

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Early detection and treatment With early detection and diagnosis, many heart disease conditions can be treatable. Primary care veterinarians in combination with veterinary cardiologists can formulate treatment plans that can help slow the anticipated heart disease progression.

Some pets with heart disease are born with malformations in their heart that can be managed with medications or, in some cases, surgery. A treatment plan can be highly effective at managing the progression of the disease and sustaining a good quality of life for your pet.

The role of diet While the pet’s diet is not commonly the cause of the heart disease, certain types of diets have been associated with some life-threatening heart conditions.

Once heart disease has developed, dietary changes can help fine-tune the

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treatment plan. Diet considerations include minimizing salt intake, ensuring adequate protein and potassium consumption, and supplementing certain types of fats.

Unlike heart disease in people, poor diet and nutrition are usually not the cause of heart disease. However, maintaining optimal body condition is still recommended for all pets. With the use of a quality balanced diet that accounts for the pet’s heart condition, nutritional supplements are often not necessary.

Prevention and proactive care Preventative therapies such as heartworm protection, prescribed by primary care veterinarians, can prevent the life-threatening parasites of your pet’s heart and lungs.

Regular annual examinations with your primary care veterinarian are highly recommended for all pets.

During these routine physical examinations, your veterinarian can assess for heart disease signs including heart murmurs, abnormal heart sounds, and irregular heartbeats, among others.

Sometimes a blood test can be a helpful tool in the early diagnosis, too.

Some dog and cat breeds have a higher incidence for heart disease.

Some of these include, but are not limited to, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Maine Coons, and Ragdoll cats.

For pets of any breed at risk of cardiac disease — or where there is a family history of heart disease in your pet — twice yearly examinations are recommended, especially in middle-aged to senior pets.

cardiologists to create a treatment plan. The plan may entail more defined diagnostic tests such as blood testing, electrocardiograms, chest x-rays, blood pressure evaluations, an echocardiogram, or a Holter monitor.

Medications can be very helpful in slowing the advancement of heart disease, reducing the severity of present symptoms and prolonging your pet’s life. Medications are commonly prescribed long-term, often for the duration of the pet’s life.

Early detection and proactive care are the best tools for owners of pets with heart disease. With early detection, heart disease is more treatable and you can improve the outlook and quality of life of your pet companion. n

Collaborative care approach Once a condition is identified, your veterinarian can work with veterinary

Steven Rosenthal, DVM, President and Veterinary Cardiologist, CVCA Cardiac Care for Pets

“The Bachelorette’s” Becca Kufrin and Her Adorable Dog, Minno Becca Kufrin loves her rescue corgi so much that she jokes that she wants her fur-baby to outlive her. Until then, she’s talking more about their quirky relationship.

Why did you decide to rescue Minno?

I’ve always grown up with dogs and knew that it was something I deeply wanted, but I’ve never had to ability to rescue one of my own. While living in Southern California, I heard about a local organization called Bunny’s Buddies that rescues dogs from the kill shelters and meat markets in China and South Korea. It just broke my heart knowing so many dogs were stuck in these horrible places. I connected with the organization and mentioned that if they ever happened to come across a corgi that needed a loving home, hit a girl up!

I probably put my relationship with my vet above my own doctor’s! Because I am so overly paranoid with her health and happiness, I knew I needed to find a caring, accessible vet to take good care of her. Luckily, many of my friends, who were also dog owners, passed along some great recommendations for the different areas that we’ve lived in.

How do you keep Minno’s health a top priority?

Minno’s health is a No. 1 priority to me. I’m a dog mom who got Minno her own health insurance. I also made her into a certified emotional support animal so she can travel with me. She’s chipped, registered in our city, and always given daily vitamins and supplements. I joke that I want her to outlive me, so I take her health the most seriously.

Have you had any medical scares with Minno?

What is your favorite activity to do with Minno?

Anytime something is remotely off it’s a scare to me. I’m so overly cautious and paranoid with her since she’s my little fur-baby, but there haven’t been any major scares.

As of late, the worst thing to happen was a really bad allergy; she licked her paws raw and bloody. I quickly determined that it was her diet causing these issues. She’s allergic to poultry. A change of diet was all she needed.

My absolute favorite activity to do with Minno is taking her to the dog beach. She absolutely loves being at the beach and romping around with other dogs. She is such a water baby, so it’s adorable to watch her venture out into the big waves and hop through the water like a little bunny.

Her favorite pastime is to be chased by other dogs. I swear she turns into the Energizer Bunny when she’s at the dog beach. I just have to be careful she doesn’t dig too much and start making her own sandcastles. n

How important is your relationship with Minno’s vet to you?

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