A personal journey by Alesia Shute

Recently, the New York Times reported that the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, part of the National Institutes of Health, is looking to study whether or not animals can have a positive effect on sick children.

According to the article, dozens of volunteers regularly take their dogs to visit patients at Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Southern California because children being treated for serious illnesses often have the blues, anxiety, or depression. “The dogs brighten them up,” said Emily Grankowski, who oversees the pet therapy program at the hospital.

My dog, Beepo, certainly fit that bill! As a kid, my colon cancer ruled our family’s world. Doctor visits and trips to the hospital filled up our days, in addition to all the “normal” routine activities and responsibilities that a family of five has on a day-to-day basis. Clearly, there was no room for a dog in our lives. My parents had enough to take care of between one sick child, two healthy children, their jobs, and running a household.

Of course, I always wanted a dog. What kid doesn’t? I would continually ask, but the answer was always no. One day, my therapist convinced my parents that a dog would actually be one of the best forms of therapy for me. So my parents got me a pet - Beepo.

Beepo came with her own name, and I didn’t want to change it. She was a beagle, and I loved her. It was a real special treat to have this dog. We took to each other right away. She slept under my bed, became my company, and even went to therapy with me. My therapist used Beepo as a way to talk to me, too. Looking back now, although Beepo was the family pet, she was clearly my dog. Even now, I am amazed at how pets sense when you are sick, and they snuggle with you, provide comfort, and want your attention. Pets are simple, so they make life feel simple.

It’s natural for them to do so.

Here are a few things to consider when introducing a pet into your home as a part of therapy:

- It doesn’t matter what the pet is as long as the animal is of interest to your child. A goldfish may provide amazing comfort to one child while a cat or dog will for another. Determine what type of pet you child wants first, and don’t assume that it has to be something your child can pet or snuggle up with. If your child doesn’t want a dog, then getting one won’t provide the therapeutic benefits. There must be a connection for your child for the greatest benefits.

- Consider your routine and schedule before committing to a pet. The last thing you need is added stress in your life, so select a pet that will work with your day-to-day schedule. Think about what the pet will require for care and who will be responsible for that. The responsibility should be your child’s, but what is the backup plan to care for the pet when your child is having a rough day? Again, a furry (or not-so-furry) friend that is low maintenance might work best for your family.

- Kitten or cat? Puppy or dog? Of course, the smaller the furry friend the better, right? Yes and no. While it’s great to get a young kitten or puppy because early stages of the socialization period in their lives allows you to bond with the pet, there are a whole host of other responsibilities that come along with having a “newborn” or “baby” on your hands. However, adopting an older pet takes time, as well, because you need to find one with a suitable disposition to match with your family’s personality and traits. Don’t be quick to jump at the first free pet available. Do some homework and find the best match for your child and your family.

In my book, Everything’s Okay, I dedicate a chapter to Beepo. I still remember that nothing felt better than to be loved by my dog - it was unconditional, non-judgmental, and probably one of the best things my parents could have done for me.

About the Author
When Alesia Shute was diagnosed with cancer at the age of seven, her life was redirected as was that of her entire family. She would go on to survive six major surgeries that had never been tested on a child, several minor surgeries and countless hours of pain and months of hospitalization. Alesia had to grow up quickly and adjust to being sickly and different from others. As shared above, her beloved pet played a major role.

Everything’s Okay is her story of survival that details not only her recovery, but also her struggles through school, boys, marriage, and pregnancy, with some hilarious tales of life and family to boot. Contact Alesia directly at Alesia@EverythingsOkayBook.com

Article Source: http://www.bizymoms.com/expert-advice

Pet expert Andrea Arden on how to keep your furry friends healthy

Summertime can be as much fun for your pet as it is for you. But pet owners need to take some precautions to keep their animal companions happy, cool and safe during the dog days of summer. Pet expert Andrea Arden offers these important hot-weather tips.

Sun protection
Many of the safety concerns we have for ourselves during the hottest months of the year also apply to our pets. Consistent use of sunscreen in order to avoid sun damage is as important for our pets as it is for us. This is especially important if your pet has short hair, white fur or pink skin. Talk to your veterinarian about choosing a sunscreen (most important to apply on ears and nose) and be sure to limit your pet’s sun exposure.

Avoiding heatstroke
Limiting and supervising time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day is also important for your pets because when it’s hot for you, it’s probably even hotter for them. Dogs aren’t as efficient at cooling down as we are, since they release most of their body heat only through the pads of their feet and by panting. Be especially careful with dogs that have short, pushed-in faces (e.g., bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers), puppies and elderly pets. Early-morning and evening hours are best for outdoor playtime, and be sure to provide plenty of water and even ice cubes. As an added precaution, you can soak a bandanna in water and let it cool in the refrigerator before putting it around your dog’s neck. Cooling vests such as the one from www.HelpingUdders.com ($99 - $129) are also a great way to help your pet avoid overheating.

Avoiding toxins
If you use fertilizers or other chemicals on your lawn or garden, make sure your pet doesn’t have access to these potentially toxic substances. Car antifreeze is also potentially life-threatening to pets and may leak from an overheating car. Keep your pet away from what to them is a sweet-tasting, but possibly toxic substance such as this.

Water safety
If you’re lucky, you and your pets will get to spend some time cooling down near water, whether a pool, lake or the ocean. But even dogs who are good swimmers need to be protected around water. If you have a pool, keep in mind your dog might jump in and not be able to figure out how to get out, so just as with children, never leave a pet unsupervised around water. This is especially true if you have a pool cover on, because pets can get caught under it. As an extra precaution your pet can wear a dog life preserver such as the ones from www.Hunterk9.com ($21 - $27) when enjoying supervised playtime in or near water. The Pool Patrol Alarm from www.Hunterk9.com ($149.95) is also a great precaution to have in your pool. It will alert you if anything that weighs more than 9 lbs. falls into your pool.

Parasite prevention
Mosquitoes, ticks, heartworm and other bugs and parasites are out in full force in the summer, and they can infect your dog or cat and cause potentially serious medical issues. Your pet might also carry these bugs and parasites into your home, so be sure to talk to your veterinarian about a preventative, such as those from www.Sergeants.com ($7.49-$9.99), that will protect your pet and your family.

Travel safety
Many summer travel plans are appropriate for pets to join in on the fun. But, just like we need to be safely secured in a car, so do our pets. They should travel in an appropriately sized crate or in a harness secured to a seat belt. Also, be especially careful not to leave your pet unsupervised in a car, even for just a moment, as animals can quickly overheat.

Summer storms
Many animals don’t react well to the storms that are common in summer. They may have a response to the change in air pressure or to the sound of thunder. Be sure to teach them to have a place they can safely rest, such as a crate from www.Petmate.com, ($26.99 - $199.00). If you consistently feed your pets their meals in there, they’ll learn to love it and see it as a reassuring place when they feel stressed. Herbal remedies such as Rescue Remedy and over-the-counter products such as Content-Eze from www.Sergeants.com, ($16.95), which contains trytophan (the same amino acid that makes us feel relaxed after ingesting turkey), may also help calm your pet.

If you take the proper precautions, you and your pets should enjoy a wonderful summer. But, if you suspect your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, contact your veterinarian immediately. Some signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, bright-red tongue and gums, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and body temperature of 104-110F degrees.

Editor’s Note: With summer bringing increased activity levels and greater exposure to outside chemicals and toxins, pets need more protection and energy support than ever. Poly-MVA for Pets, with its antioxidant effects and superior nutritional support, is ideal for cellular protection and energy restoration. Click here to read more about Poly-MVA for Pets and how it has helped pet owners and veterinarians in supporting overall pet health.

© 2010 MSNBC Interactive. 

Original URL: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/19666917/

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By Clare Bristow

In this article I shall describe five common cancers found in dogs, including some of the symptoms of these cancers. (And toward the end of the article, you’ll find research and information on the role Poly-MVA for Pets may play in integrative cancer protocols.)

The prognosis for the cancers I mention is not particularly good; the figures are broad generalizations, but they do highlight how important it is to detect and treat cancer as early as possible to give your dog every chance of a successful recovery or good remission prospects.

Cancer can be divided into two broad categories, defined below.

1. Carcinomas – These are malignant growths made up of epithelial cells (these are the cells that cover the lining of any body surface - such as skin, bladder and blood vessels) that pass into the surrounding tissues and give rise to metastases (the spread of cancer cells).
2. Sarcomas – These are malignant tumors that originate from connective tissue (such as bone, cartilage, muscle, blood vessels and lymph tissue). There is usually a prefix that describes the tissue of origin, for example, osteosarcoma is cancer of the bone.

Here is a list of five of the most common forms of cancer in dogs, and their symptoms:

1. Lymphosarcoma (Lymphoma)

This cancer is associated with your dog’s lymphoid system, which is an important part of his immune system. Lymphoid tissue is found in many parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen and skin. The most common form of lymphoma in dogs is the multricentric form that occurs in the lymph nodes.

A major symptom of lymph node cancer is swelling of the lymph nodes, and there are five major lymph nodes that you can feel on your dog. Speak with a very about locating these.

Other forms of lymphoma will show symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss and lack of appetite (gastrointestinal form), shortness of breath (chest form) and single or multiple lumps in the skin or in the mouth (skin [cutaneous] form).

Middle-aged to older dogs (aged approximately seven to ten years) are more prone to lymphoma, and no breed is particularly susceptible. This cancer can be very aggressive, and if left untreated the prognosis is a matter of weeks. With treatment, your dog’s life can be extended by several months to a year.

2. Hemangiosarcoma

This cancer originates from the cells that form your dog’s blood vessels. It can occur in any part of your dog’s body, but is mainly found in the spleen, liver, heart and skin.

The first sign of the cancer being present is usually a ruptured tumor, and because the tumor is formed from blood vessel cells, it is often full of blood.

If the tumor is in the liver or spleen, the ruptured tumor will cause anemia and weakness in your dog through the loss of blood. If the tumor is present in your dog’s skin, then a lump may be felt under the skin, and if it’s in the bones then a swelling of the bone may be felt.

Hemangiosarcomas usually occurs in older dogs, and some breeds seem to be predisposed to it - Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Portuguese Water Dogs and Skye Terriers.

The tumors aren’t usually detected until their late stages. In internal organs this is usually when the tumor has ruptured, and the prognosis is poor; less than 50% of dogs will survive more than 6 months. Survival rates are better when the cancer occurs in the skin because it can usually be detected and treated earlier.

3. Osteosarcoma

This is cancer that originates in your dog’s bones, more usually in the limbs but can occur in any part of the skeleton.

The symptoms include lameness, pain in the bones, swelling, and reluctance to exercise. Ninety percent of osteosarcomas spread to the lungs, and so your dog may show symptoms such as coughing and difficulty in breathing too.

Large dog breeds are more prone to osteosarcoma - Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Irish Wolfhounds in particular. Heavily built dogs such as Rottweilers, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Weimaraners, and Boxers are also at an increased risk.

Unfortunately this cancer is rarely detected before it has spread from the bones to other parts of the body. The prognosis is often poor; less than 50% of dogs will survive more than a year.

4. Mammary Carcinoma

Mammary tumors are the most common tumor in female dogs that haven’t been spayed - the risk of your dog developing this cancer is almost eliminated if she is spayed before her first season.

Provided the tumor is detected early enough, this cancer can usually be successfully treated. The symptoms are a solid mass or numerous swellings in the mammary glands; they tend to start off small and grow quickly grow in size.

As the cancer can spread to other parts of your dog’s body, any unusual swelling in the mammary glands should be investigated by your vet as soon as possible so that any malignant tumor can be treated.

5. Mastocytomas (Mast Cell Tumors)

Mast cells form part of the body’s tissue and play a role in the body’s immune system. Mastocytomas are most commonly seen in the skin, and can spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow. Not a great deal is known about this form of cancer - because it does not occur in humans, less research has been undertaken.

Symptoms include raised masses on or under the skin - single or multiple lumps, which may be smooth, bumpy or ulcerated. Your dog may also show a lack of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain.

These tumors usually occur in older dogs. The prognosis depends upon how far advanced the cancer is; broadly, if the tumor is on your dog’s limbs then he has a better prognosis than if the tumor is in the nail bed, genital areas and mouth. Mast cell tumors in the internal organs usually have a poor prognosis.

In conclusion, there are many forms of cancer, and each is a disease in its own right which has its own specific treatment and prognosis. Inform yourself about these and other canine health risks but doing your own research (online, talking with other dog owners, etc) as well as talking with your veterinarian about your specific pet’s needs and potential issues.

How Poly-MVA May Help Support Your Pet

Palladium Lipoic Acid Complex (referred to as PdLA and available in supplement form as Poly-MVA and Poly-MVA for Pets) has shown a remarkable history in research for supporting various types and levels of cancer patients because it targets basic cellular functions that support the body and healthy cells. That research is detailed below, and notable is the fact that a majority of the most common canine cancers have seen positive results when PdLA is a part of an integrative cancer protocol:

• The largest clinical integrative cancer investigation of PdLA was a veterinary oncology program, with over 900 dogs enrolled since its inception in January 2004. Patients received the PdLA supplement as part of their chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgical protocol. The PdLA seemed most effective in the cases of solid tumors (i.e. soft tissue sarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell, transition cell carcinoma, lung, anal sac carcinoma, renal carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, melanoma, menigioma, neuroblastoma, mammary adenocarcinoma). Some of the most effective findings were apparent in the osteosarcoma patients. (Notable is that the cause/origin of osteosarcoma in large dogs is considered identical to the disease progression in humans.) In this study, integrative PdLA support (PdLA + amputation) improved the animals’ median survival time 62% (103 days more) compared to surgery alone. When the PdLA supplement was added to the chemotherapeutic regimen, the dogs exhibited a 27% longer median survival (79 days more).

• A leading veterinary oncologist used PdLA in his practice and concluded that following PdLA complementary support, chemotherapeutic animals demonstrated improvements in various objective parameters (i.e. weight, anemia, liver and kidney function).

• In addition to the above enhanced clinical parameters, a subjective owner Quality of Life Survey resulted in an 86% improvement following the addition of PdLA adjunctive support.

To learn more about the benefits of Poly-MVA for Pets, as well as pet owner and veterinarian testimonials, please visit our website at www.polymvaforpets.com or give us a call at 866-POLY-MVA. 

By Jennifer Degtjarewsky

Just like their human counterparts, pets need a fitness regimen to keep them on the path to good health. The first key in any pet fitness regimen is you! As the owner, it is up to you to set the routine, find the motivation and get out there and exercise with your pet.

How do you find the motivation?

They key is to build your exercise routine with your pet into each week just like you would plug in an appointment to the vet, picking the kids up from school, or going to work each day. If you schedule it like any other appointment, the likelihood of deviating from it is less likely.

What is optimal?

Most experts feel that a thirty-minute routine, four times a week is sufficient for a dog of normal health. Though daily is even better if you have that much time to give. For a cat, fifteen minutes, once a day is sufficient for a cat of normal health. Though again, two fifteen minute sessions a day is optimal for an indoor cat. **If you suspect that your pet has any physical limitations, you should consult your vet before beginning any exercise routine.

What Works?

For dogs you have several options. You can either break your routine into two, fifteen minute sessions or if you and your pet are up to it, you can do the full thirty minutes all at once. Exercise options that work?

• You can play a vigorous game of fetch
• Go for a long walk
• Go for a jog
• You can play a wild game of chase
• If you have a water-loving breed, such as a Retriever, you can even go swimming
• Any game you and your pet can play that will get his heart pumping will do the job

Cats can be a little trickier because they type of play that they engage in is different than that of dogs. Cats engage in either social play, which is the romp, wrestle, and chase that you see between littermates or between cats living in the same household. Or they engage in object play, which is where they will stalk, pounce, chase and play with an object so they can kill it. Object play is what you should focus on when it comes to exercising your cat. There are many interactive type play toys on the market that work great when it comes to getting kitty’s interest. Several of these include?

• Feather toys (Any toy with a handle for you to hold, tied to a string with a feather on the end is sure to go over big with your cat)
• Some cats like to play fetch with furry mice
• Toy balls on a slick surface floor can peek some kitties interest
• Catnip toys can also aid in getting your cat into the game
• Laser toys are a big plus with many cats (**Though hazardous if pointed in the eyes)

Whatever game you and your cat enjoy will work, just remember to keep up the pace for fifteen minutes.

Diet is a factor

Of course your pets diet will factor into your exercise routine. A hard working pet may need more nutrients, or if you are striving for weight loss for your pet along with your exercise routine, your pet may need a lower calorie pet food. To find out how Poly-MVA for Pets can support your pet’s nutritional needs, click here. Either way you should check with your vet to find the diet that is right for your pet and their activity level.

What are the benefits of exercise?

The benefits you will experience for a regular exercise routine are endless.

• Pets who have had their bodies and their minds stimulated by regular play tend to act out problem behaviors less frequently
• Your pet will be gaining social skills by interacting with you on a regular basis
• The bond between you and your pet will be strengthened, creating an even happier home life for you both
• You will get exercise right along side your pet
• Your pet’s health will be improved so that they can live a longer and healthier life

To learn how Poly-MVA for Pets can support your pet’s nutrition and energy needs, click here to read more.

Original URL: http://home.ivillage.com/pets/cats/0,,p9rm,00.html

With the upsurge of pet care as a popular interest, treating our pets with the same care we extend to ourselves or our children is becoming standard. This is fantastic for most caregiving trends, except for some excessive grooming that may secretly be driving our dogs and cats batty. Another exception is the trial diets and pet supplements being provided to our pets. It is great to have our cats’ or dogs’ well being becoming of paramount interest, though it is of utmost importance that changes - especially in diet - are executed gingerly and with the care / guidance of a veterinary professional. Otherwise, our best efforts could prove more harmful than we ever would have intended for our loved pets.

The interest in shifting our dogs’ diets from grocery store-available kibble, wet or semi-moist (generally junk) food is a very positive trend for pet care in general. It is important that any dietary changes are given in a slow, transitional manner so as not to shock your pet’s system. The dietary choices being made include pet supplements to round out the availability of pet’s nutrition, and also encompass a switchover to different core diets themselves. This is where a debate between raw and cooked cat and dog food comes in.

Raw foods for pets seem like a logical move because our pets were once carnivorous, predatory animals. Raw pet food can be good in some cases in that it provides necessary enzymes, though on the other hand it can present salmonella or E. Coli bacteria that can make your pet ill. Cooked food for our pets, though we may think it to be a balanced meal having vegetables, rice and meat, may not be at all providing what your pet needs nutrition-wise. So where does this leave the pet-owner in choosing the best pet food for their cat or dog? First, have your pet examined by a veterinarian and then utilize the consultation session to ask questions about how to tailor the best diet to suit their specific health, breed, genetically predisposed or age-needs. Often times you will be recommended a pet supplement to fill in what isn’t being provided in the suggested core diet. Making certain that your pet is receiving the best diet available is an investment in their future. Keeping your pet healthy may seem costly, though the vet bills that could be incurred by neglecting their dietary needs early-on in life could require more of a sacrifice.

Editor’s Note: A key area that is missed with our animals is the nutritional supplements that our whole family should be on. Just like oursleves, our pets need dietary supplements - and in some cases they need extra protection depending on their age, breed and particular environment.  One supplement that is showing great promise, and covers many aspects of our pets’ health, is Poly-MVA for Pets. Its unique combination and formulation make it a universal product for pets with high cancer risks as well as for protecting and supporting the young, old and show animals so that they can live out their lives to the fullest with us. Learn more here.

Original URL: http://www.whypetsupplements.com/pet-food/raw-vs-cooked-dog-and-cat-food.html

Just like their masters, dogs have very specific needs nutritionally and care-wise in general when aging due to their system weakening and their less-active behavior. Old age in canines also sort of ’sneaks up’ as it does in humans, with a gradual process of systemic changes and decline. A dog that has lead a healthy youth, having been provided all necessary nutrients through dog diet and dog supplements, will be more apt to ‘ease’ into old age with fewer problems than a dog who has been denied basic care - even as early as the first days of life. One major difference between the dog’s aging and a human’s aging process is that of course the canine life-span is significantly shorter, with the medium to large breeds living between eleven and fourteen years and the smaller dog breeds living even longer. You may have heard that one human life-year is equivalent to 7 dog years, this isn’t quite correct as dogs reach adulthood in the first two years of life. So the calculation is slightly different: the first two years of a dog’s life are near equivalent to 10.5 human years (each year) and then after the first two years of a dog’s life the near equivalent is that one human year is like 4 years for the dog.

You can tell when a dog is entering ‘old age’ by noticing some behavioral and health changes, and it’s important that the pet owner takes a pet into their home knowing that they will need to offer close attention to them for more than a decade so as to ensure they live as comfortably, healthy and happy as possible. Decreased interest in goings-on around the house or neighborhood is one of the first signs of aging, though it could also be that your dog is bored and not getting enough attention/change of scenery. Sleeping sounder and for longer periods of time is also an indicative quality of the aging canine, as is the observed difficulty getting up from said night’s sleep or nap. As is the case in older humans, stiffness and aches need to be slowly worked out after a good rest. Making sure your dog gets ample exercise will help stave off this age-related stiffness. Temperature intolerance is also noted in aging dogs, where hot summer days or extremely cold winter days or nights when your pet used to run outside without flinching suddenly instill trepidation. Aging dogs are sensitive, however they also can be non-sensitive too in the fact that loss of eyesight and hearing can make them appear disinterested and unaffected. Loss of these two senses is very common in aging dogs! You will also notice changes in the fur coat of your aging dog, as just like human’s whose skin loses collagen with age the same affliction occurs in the canine and thus affects their ability to produce and maintain a healthy coat. With age all body systems deteriorate, in dogs you will see symptoms of the bladder and/or kidneys ceasing to function as well as other signs indicative of liver and heart-health decline. Immune system health also deteriorates with age, though ensuring that your dog had proper nutrition in the first few days (yes, days) of life can impact the rate at which their immune system breaks down in old age.

Supplements may be given to improve their collagen, either topically or to be mixed in their food i.e. flax seed oil. There are also dog supplements available that can help maintain their eye health, as well as any other organ that naturally deteriorates with time. Dog supplements used in addition to their core pet diet are widely available and quite necessary to be chosen and catered to your dog’s specific health and breed needs. Proper nutrition can help stave off the health problems that inevitably come with old age, if only for a few years. Adding a few years to your dog’s life is like adding a decade in the human equivalent, and who wouldn’t want to keep their best friend / companion as healthy and at peak vitality for as long as possible?

Editor’s Note: For this and many other reasons, the most powerful supplement we have seen for animals in a long time is Poly-MVA for Pets. This unique supplement not only protects and maintains your pet’s health, but it will also support and supply energy as our family friends get older. The complex of alpha lipoic acid and thiamin to a unique mineral has created a complex not found in any other supplement. Help your pet live a long and healthy life and keep them protected and supported with Poly-MVA for Pets. Learn more here.

Original URL: http://www.whypetsupplements.com/dog-supplements/information-about-aging-dogs.html

Whether you have chosen stewardship of a cat, a dog or both, providing proper care for your pet is a priority to ensure that they maintain long-term health and happiness.  In addition to caring for your pet in ways to prevent future health problems, such as choosing the best pet food and providing ample exercise outlets, love and attention are also integral to maintaining optimal pet health.  Here we will take a brief look at these three essential parts that form the foundation of a healthy pet partner.

In regards to your cat or dog’s health one of the most important investments that you can make is to provide high-quality pet food, and taking the time (online research, veterinarian consultation, etc.) to find the best quality and most suitable pet supplements to round-out your pet’s diet.  The old cliche  ‘you are what you eat’ holds as true for our pets as it does for us humans.  While there are many inexpensive pet food options available, the non-nutrient rich fillers that make up most of their contents not only deprive pets of needed vitamins and minerals they can actually cause harm in some cases.  An example is the dog who is gluten-sensitive, though we also need to demonstrate caution with feeding our pets cheap, filler-based pet food as the corn / grain they are comprised of is often-times genetically modified - a process that no one has yet witnessed the long-term effects that such consumption might bring, and there are ongoing debates over the effect of genetic processing on nutrient density.  In short, choosing the higher-end pet food can help ensure that your pet is getting the most nutrient-dense diet available.  And supplementing the pet’s diet, in a way that is specific to your pet’s particular health needs (i.e. arthritis, coat health, heart issues), with vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, minerals and omega fatty acids is essential to round-out the dietary needs of pets of all ages and health conditions.

Just as with humans, exercise is just as essential for the pet to maintain optimal health.  Keeping within a healthy weight range is even more of a careful requirement for a pet than for a human.  For instance, on a cat just one or two pounds over weight this can present the same burden that thirty pounds on a human might.  Exercising your cat or dog in a healthy manner (not over-exerting, just a healthy play-session workout) will keep them occupied (we all know that a bored pet usually results in a naughty pet, eating anything in site including the couch or socks or other things that present a choking hazard and, well, destroy your household), and this daily attention will lift their spirits.  A happy pet is more likely to live a longer, healthier life and exercise outlets are an integral part of keeping your furry friend’s spirits high.

Another preventative pet care measure involves a small, monthly pet insurance premium.  Many pet insurance plans are under $20 a month and provide stock benefits like preventative pet healthcare (think vaccinations)  as well as coverage for major health events like surgery or other emergency care.  Keeping your pet healthy can help prevent the onset of very costly emergency veterinary visits.  Small investments of your time in the form of attention and love, as well as choosing high quality pet food and pet supplements, can help prevent future health problems.  Pet insurance is the third pillar of pet health care to ensure that when / if a health emergency does present itself you have the means of paying to get your pet through the difficult time.  Employing these three pillars of pet care will come naturally to any pet owner who loves their pet and wants to ensure their long-term vitality.

Original URL: http://www.whypetsupplements.com/pet-health-care/three-pillars-of-pet-care.html

Old dogs might be able to teach us about healthful living

By Dan McFeely

Can a bunch of old dogs teach us some new tricks about aging and cancer?

Purdue University researcher David Waters hopes to answer that question as he embarks on a 23-day trek across the
country — meeting face-to-snout with 15 of the oldest living Rottweilers in America.

Waters heads the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation at the Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, IN, where he has been leading a team that studies aging and cancer in dogs.

Over the past three years, the team has compiled a database of scientific data on 140 Rottweilers through breeders and fan clubs.

Today, only 15 are still alive, prompting Waters to put together his “Old Grey Muzzle tour,” which began recently.

“These dogs have lived 30 percent longer than average,” Waters said. “They have dodged cancer, and we believe studying
them can shed light on what it takes to live well.”

During each stop on the tour, Waters performs a physical examination. He listens to the dog’s heart and lungs. He
performs a neurological exam, collects DNA samples, checks bone density and measures body weight and height. Waters
also interviews owners, exploring the home environment and the things owners have done to keep their dog healthy.

Waters focuses on Rottweilers, he said, because of the similar patterns of aging and the way cancer develops in humans
and the dogs.

And as society begins to look more closely at living healthfully, rather than simply living, Waters says there is a growing need for a new system to find out what affects healthful aging.

“I know we are going to find that each dog has its own story,” he said. “The key is: What are the different pathways to
successful aging? That is what people want to learn. This is where the fresh ideas on cancer research are going to come from.”

Today, Waters will be in Virginia to visit with Buzz. Then, he travels to Tennessee to see Schatze, and the tour ends in Seattle on April 3 with Sugar, the oldest dog on the tour at 15 years, two months. All of the dogs are at least 13 years old. Typically, Rottweilers don’t live much past 10.

Like 100-year-old people

“If you want to understand aging, you have to look to those who have been extremely successful,” said Waters, 52, who has led the Murphy institute for 10 years.

“These dogs are the equivalent to 100-year-old people, and we want to find out what is the root of their success.”

And why females live longer. In a recently published study, Waters and his team showed exceptionally long-lived female Rottweilers outnumber males. Of the 15 he plans to visit, 11 are females.

The first stop was in Holliston, Mass., where Waters met with Bort, a mild-mannered Rottweiler owned by Gretchen Caldwell, whose family raised him from a 12-week-old pup. He will turn 14 in two weeks.
 
“He’s still pretty active, loves to go on his walks and greet the kids when they come home,” said Caldwell, who volunteered
Bort for the study. “He still thinks he can catch a squirrel, too.”

Caldwell believes she has played a key role in keeping Bort — who weighs in at 82 pounds and is nearly 26 inches tall –
healthy and cancer-free. He’s been fed healthful, low-grain food, gets plenty of exercise and was neutered at the age of 6.

“We’ve worked hard to keep his weight down because obesity can be a big problem in dogs his age,” said Caldwell, who also owns three other Rottweilers. “But I also know that some of his longevity is in his pedigree. Several dogs from his grandfather lived to an old age.”

Lifestyle’s major role

While genetics typically gets 30 percent of the blame for cancer and age-related health issues, 70 percent is lifestyle.

“Decisions these owners made for their pets can profoundly help longevity, whether that be diet, vaccinations, ovary
removals, the use of lawn chemicals,” Waters said. “We want to find out what is at the root of the longevity.”

Similar aging studies have been done on humans, including long-living, cloistered nuns.

Using animals for such studies is nothing new, says Dr. Felipe Perez, an expert on aging and associate professor of clinical medicine for the Indiana University School of Medicine’s geriatrics program. It dates back at least 70 years but has long used mice and laboratories, not dogs and homes.

Although he has not worked with dogs, Perez said, “Looking for an answer when you don’t have one is always good.”

At her Massachusetts home, Caldwell hopes there will be some fruit to her pet’s labors. She has agreed to donate Bort’s
body to necropsy research when he dies.

“I would just love for them to be able to figure out some of these connections with cancer and aging — anything Bort can do to help unravel this puzzle.”

Original URL: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201003150245/LOCAL/3150356

Specially trained vets are using ancient treatment to fight illness, pain
By E.J. Mundell, HealthDay Reporter

After surgery for a ruptured disk two years ago, Nelly’s legs remained extremely weak. She could barely move, became lethargic and lost her appetite.

Things were looking grim, but then a concerned friend took the 10-year-old to an acupuncturist, who treated her three times in half-hour sessions.

“Almost immediately after the first treatment, Nelly’s energy went from zero to 100,” recalled that friend, Annie Washburn, who works as a community organizer in New York City. Nelly became more mobile, ate more and resumed regular bowel movements. “She bounced back in a way that seemed miraculous,” Washburn said.

It’s a story that might be familiar to people who’ve benefited from the ancient healing technique. But Nelly, who lives with Washburn, is a frisky, fluffy bichon frise.

“I’m not really into alternative therapies, that’s not my thing,” Washburn stressed. “But this was really unbelievable.”

Dr. Leilani Alvarez, the veterinary acupuncturist who treated Nelly, confessed that even she was once a bit skeptical of what acupuncture could do for four-footed patients.

But hundreds of successful cases later, “it’s far surpassed my expectations,” said Alvarez, who practices animal acupuncture and traditional veterinary medicine — often in combination — at Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center in Bedford Hills, N.Y.

Alvarez noted that many of the referrals she gets are for animals that have not fared well with conventional drugs or other Western medical approaches. In one case, a woman brought a beloved, aging dog to Alvarez’s clinic after a gradual weakening of the dog’s hind legs had led to fecal incontinence.

“As you can imagine, not many owners can tolerate that for very long,” Alvarez said. All the usual treatments had failed to work, and the woman was distraught, even considering euthanizing her pet.

That didn’t happen. “I started acupuncture on the dog, and after just two treatments, the fecal incontinence resolved,” Alvarez said.

Experts point out that animals have been treated with acupuncture therapy from the very beginning. In fact, Chinese records that go back thousands of years describe the use of healing needles on horses and other livestock.

One common myth: Many people believe that patients must “believe” in acupuncture for it to work, ruling out its use in animals.

“But actually, it doesn’t require any higher brain processes to function,” Alvarez said. “It simply works because of what it stimulates physiologically in the body when you insert a needle into these points that have been studied for thousands of years.”

The points, referred to as loci, represent important locations for nerves and blood vessels that, when manipulated, somehow aid healing, experts say. Acupuncture works in humans, horses, dogs, cats and other mammals “because all our bodies share similar features,” explained Dr. Mark Crisman, a professor at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine who specializes in treating larger animals, such as horses.

Over time, he said, veterinary acupuncturists have created “transpositional maps” that shifted the well-known acupuncture points of the human body to animals. This wasn’t always easy. “Obviously, horses don’t have five fingers like people do,” Crisman said. “So, the experts took the points that were equivalent to points on our hands and transposed them around the hooves.”

Today, Crisman teaches a certifying course at the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, which lists more than 2,000 members worldwide, with hundreds practicing in the United States. Two other centers — one at the Chi Institute in Florida and another at Colorado State University — offer degrees in the practice.

Crisman said that veterinary acupuncture has proven effective in healing or easing the symptoms of arthritis, acute injuries, hip dysplasia, respiratory disorders, immune system ailments and a host of other problems. It appears to work on a wide range of livestock and household pets, even creatures as small as gerbils and birds. Some specialists have used acupuncture to enhance the fertility of Kentucky racehorses, Crisman said.

A small minority of animal patients balk at the idea of having needles poked in them, the experts said, but most actually appear to enjoy their treatments. That may be because acupuncture seems to release natural painkillers called endorphins.

“Usually by the second or third treatment, they … will just lie down, ready for their treatment,” Alvarez said. “I have one cat that’s known in the rest of the practice as a rather fractious cat. But this cat will literally purr during his treatment.”

Both Alvarez and Crisman stressed that while acupuncture sometimes works well on its own, it is often best used alongside Western medicine. “If you have an infection, for example, and perhaps the infection is a result of poor circulation to that area, then you can improve the circulation [with acupuncture] and use the antibiotics to kill the bugs,” Alvarez said.

According to the experts, pet owners who decide to seek out an acupuncturist should make sure the practitioner is certified by one of the three U.S. centers, guaranteeing that the person has undergone the required months of rigorous training.

For her part, Washburn worries that too many pet owners don’t recognize acupuncture as a potential treatment option.
“I sometimes see people on the street with a dog that’s wobbly or it looks like it’s limping, an older dog in pain,” Washburn said. “I always tell the owners that they should try it. They probably think I’m crazy. But I’m fully convinced that it extended the life of my beloved pet.”

More information

The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society has more on veterinary acupuncture.

SOURCES: Mark Crisman, D.V.M., professor, clinical services/medicine, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, Va., and certifying instructor, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, Fort Collins, Colo.; Leilani Alvarez, D.V.M., Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center, Bedford Hills, N.Y.; Annie Washburn, New York City.

 Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
 Original URL: http://health.msn.com/health-topics/alternative-medicine/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100234072

Fun tricks to get moving with your dog or cat.

By Lauren Gelman, Prevention

The pudgy pet problem

Dogs may be the best workout partners ever, but too many of them aren’t getting enough exercise. Nor are cats. Experts estimate that nearly 35 percent of pets today are overweight, which increases their risk for many serious conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, and heart disease.

Blame the pudgy pet problem on too many treats and not enough leash time. “People are stressed and pulled in so many different directions—it’s a lot easier to toss a treat to your pet than to lace up your sneakers and take him for a walk or get on the floor to play with him,” says Gregory S. Hammer, DVM, past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. So we asked fitness pro and celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson to share some of the moves he developed for petfit.com, a new initiative he started to help dogs and cats get more exercise and eat healthier.

Is your pet too fat?

To tell if your pet is overweight, follow this scoring system used by most vets: As your pet is standing, look down at him. You should see an indentation after his ribs—the waist. As you place your hands on his rib cage and apply gentle pressure, you should be able to feel his ribs. If you can pinch an inch, your pet is not fluffy. He is fat.

When a small- or medium-size animal gains even a little weight, it can have a significant impact on its health. When a 15-pound dog is 5 pounds overweight, that’s the equivalent of you weighing 30 percent more than you should!

If Sparky is really out of shape, take him to the vet for a thorough exam before you start upping his exercise regimen, says Bernadine Cruz, DVM, chair of the AVMA’s Council on Communications and a companion animal veterinarian in southern California. The vet can recommend the best types of exercise to get started.
 
4 key safety tips

• Remember that pets can’t sweat (they pant to cool down), so the best time to exercise outdoors is morning or evening, when it’s not too hot.
• Certain dogs will have an easier time exercising than others. Brachycephalic breeds—aka those with a pushed-in face, like pugs or Boston terriers—have a harder time breathing in general, and especially when exercising during hot, humid weather, says Cruz. Heat and humidity are also enemies of older dogs or those with respiratory issues.
• Sounds obvious, but smaller or short-legged pets are probably not your best marathon training partners; they’re not born to run long distances like Labs or retrievers. Instead, try shorter interval walks with sprints.
• Watch for signs of exhaustion or overheating. Provide an ounce of water for every pound your pet weighs. If your pooch pants excessively or hyperventilates, his tongue and gums turn brick red, or he can’t keep up and stands or lies listlessly, stop exercising and seek immediate veterinary care. These may be signs of a heat stroke, which is potentially fatal.

Now you know the basics, let’s get started!

1. Interval walk
“So many pet owners consider walking their pets a chore, like making the bed,” says Peterson. “Instead, think of it as a way for you both to get exercise, as an essential part of your pet’s good health.” A quick walk down the block to pee and back isn’t enough activity, he says.

Multiple short walks a day may be best for very young, very old, or physically challenged dogs, says Cruz. But for other pets, take longer strolls that increase your pet’s heart rate (at least 15 to 20 minutes), which will boost his metabolism.

One way to do this is to add intervals, suggests Peterson. Here’s how.
• 1 minute: walk
• 20 seconds: jog
• 1 minute: walk
• 20 seconds: shuffle sideways
• 1 minute: walk
• 20 seconds: run backward

Repeat 5 times and you’ll get in a decent 20-minute cardio workout. “Your dog will get excited because you’re always changing things up—just as fired up as he would be from a treat,” Peterson says.

2. Fetch tease for abs
Firm your butt and thighs while your dog gets his jump on.

How to: Grab your pet’s favorite fetch toy and get down on the floor in sit-up position. Hold the toy as you do a sit-up, and pretend to toss it as you reach the top. Fido will chase after it, only to realize you still have his toy. Do another sit-up, and pretend to toss the toy again. Try to get in as many reps as you can until your dog stops chasing and playing along.

3. Squat tease
Firm your butt and thighs while your dog gets his jump on.

How to: Stand with legs shoulder-width apart. Squat and tap your dog with his favorite toy. As you rise, lift the toy above your head; your dog will jump up for it.

4. Dogstacle course
This is circuit training for you and your pet.

How to: Place fitness gear throughout your backyard, as though you’re creating an obstacle course (only do this in a fenced-in area). Think fitness step, bosu ball, jump rope, hula hoop, etc. Place your dog on a leash and briskly walk through the course together. At each station, stop and do a specific exercise, like modified push-ups on the step or balancing moves on the bosu ball. Some well-trained dogs may sit still while you work out, but if he doesn’t, no biggie. If your pooch runs off, that’s part of the fun—you’ll both get a good sprint when you chase him to bring him back. Your dog will love the quality time with you and the fast-paced walking between your stations.

5. Dog tag
Just like the game you played as a kid, this is good sprinting exercise for you and your pooch.

How to: You’re it: “Tag” your dog, then start running around your backyard and let him chase you. After a few minutes, you’ll both get your heart rates soaring.

6. Fetch races
Your dog won’t be the only one playing fetch in this game.

How to: Head to your backyard or a park and throw your pup’s favorite toy—only this time, race her to pick it up (a great way to get your blood pumping). Then wrestle the toy from her grasp, toss, and race her for it again.

7. Dog stairs
Climbing steps together will sculpt your legs and help your pup burn off his breakfast.

How to: Leash your pooch and pick a long staircase, either in your house, or perhaps the bleachers at a nearby school. Go up and down the stairs with your pet by your side, and vary the way you step for a more challenging workout: Take steps two at a time, widen your stance so you step up in a “V,” run up the steps sideways, and more.

8. Cat “light” abs
We didn’t forget about your kitty—she needs to stay active, too. “Getting a feline to frolic can be hard work,” says Cruz. “As cats leave their mischievous kitten stage of life, learning what makes your cat frisky can take some trial and error.

This move tones your tummy and gets your cat up and at ‘em.

How to: Do sit-ups with a mini flashlight in each hand. At the top position, tighten your ab muscles while waving the flashlight beams back and forth on the wall—your cat will chase them.

9. Cat “light” cardio
A mock jump rope exercise with flashlights will get your heart pumping as your cat chases the light.

How to: Hold a mini flashlight in each hand, about 10 feet away from a wall. Pretend to jump rope (you’re not actually holding a rope, just mimic the motion with your arms and legs). The light will bounce on the wall in front of you, and your cat will get a short burst of exercise as she tries to catch the light.

10. Curious cat curls
Sculpt your biceps while your cat jumps and stretches.

How to: Tie a light toy with a string to your dumbbells. Fluffy will go crazy trying to catch the toy as you curl up and down.

Original URL: http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100246776