ANIMAL WELLNESS
AnimalWELLNESS For a long, healthy life!
Someone
Dentistry without
STOLE MY DOG!
ANESTHESIA
Is it right for your companion?
Latest SPAY RESEARCH New studies show some
From
flabby tofit
surprising truths
Getting ready
for spring
Meet TUGGER! How social media’s canine darling thrives on his natural lifestyle
Cool pooper
POT FOR POOCHES? What the experts say about medical marijuana for dogs
feline WELLNESS Hip, cool and healthy!
SCOOPERS
5DENTAL steps to
HEALTH
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014 Display until March 24, 2014
Fun feline ACCESSORIES
$6.95 USA/Canada
URINE ODOR GETTING YOU DOWN?
These non-toxic solutions can help
Kitten kindergarten A new phenomenon for socializing and training cats
VOLUME 16 ISSUE 1
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
BONUS INSIDE!
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Contents February/March 2014
FEATURES
46
17 IS HE PRONE TO PERIODONTAL DISEASE? Dental problems are common in all dogs, but factors such as breed and mouth conformation make some pooches more susceptible.
20 FROM FLABBY TO FIT
Spring is on the way, and with it comes more time spent outdoors. Start getting your dog in shape with a calorie-smart diet and aerobic activity.
24 WHAT NEW RESEARCH REVEALS ABOUT SPAY AND NEUTER The latest research suggests that spay and neuter procedures are often done too early in life, and may cause health issues later on.
28 ANESTHESIA-FREE DENTISTRY
It’s a growing option for those who feel uncomfortable about having their dogs put under, but it’s vital to find someone who is properly trained in the procedure.
70 HOW DO DOGS RECOGNIZE OTHER DOGS?
Thanks to all the cool scoopers and bags on the market, there’s no excuse for not cleaning up after Fido.
A new study reveals that canines use both visual and cognitive cues to identify others of their species, no matter how different the breed.
54 EVERY DAY’S A GREAT DAY IN TUGGERTOWN!
74 BRUSH HIS PEARLY WHITES
37 ODOR CONTROL – NATURALLY
60 5 STEPS TO DENTAL HEALTH
76 WHAT A TREAT!
38 WALKING YOUR PACK
62 THE PAMPERED FELINE
32 TREATS FOR DOGS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS If she has a health issue such as arthritis, cancer or diabetes, you need to watch what she eats. This simple plan for home-baked treats can be adapted to accommodate her needs.
Let’s face it – dogs can smell. This non-toxic, earth-friendly product actually eliminates odor by using an oxidizing process. Taking two or more dogs for a walk at once is fun, but can be difficult and even dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here’s what you need to know before heading out.
Meet Tugger, a canine social media star with a special zest for life.
Keep your kitty’s teeth white and her breath fresh with these simple tips for oral wellness.
If money was no object, what would you buy for your kitty? Here’s a fun look at some of the most expensive – and offbeat – feline accessories out there.
42 SOMEONE STOLE MY DOG!
64 URINE ODOR GETTING YOU DOWN?
46 CAN YOUR DOG MAKE YOU SICK?
68 KITTEN KINDERGARTEN
The incidence of dog theft is rising, but you don’t have to become a victim. Take steps to protect your pooch, and know what to do if he ever does get taken.
Zoonoses are diseases transmitted from animals to humans, or vice versa. But don’t panic – taking the right precautions can keep you both healthy.
4
50 POOP PICKUP PRODUCTS
animal wellness
The smell of cat urine can be incredibly strong and stubborn, but these non-toxic solutions can help.
If a cat grows up with undesirable traits like unsociability or aggression, it can be difficult to do anything about them. Here’s a way to ensure a happy, sociable, well-adjusted kitty.
Brushing your dog’s teeth can be a challenging task, but this step-by-step guide helps make it easier. This entrepreneurial family has a passion for baking healthy, all-natural goodies made from ingredients sourced right here at home.
78 TOXICOVIGILANCE AND YOUR DOG
Learn how heavy metals are impacting his health, and what you can do about it.
84 POT FOR POOCHES
Medical marijuana may be controversial, but it’s showing promise as an effective natural pain reliever for dogs with cancer.
89 JUST PEACHY!
These attractive, modern furnishings for dogs and cats are both stylish and sustainable.
90 CHOLINE – IT’S GOOD FOR HIS BRAIN! This versatile supplement offers many benefits. Among other things, it can help treat and even prevent “doggy dementia”.
Look for this logo throughout AW and watch the images come to life! Turn to page 52 to learn more.
SOCIAL MEDIA Tips, contests and more! Like us /AnimalWellnessMagazine Updates, news, events! @ AnimalWellnessMagazine
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Product reviews and tutorials! AnimalWellnessTV
COLUMNS
42
12 Yakkity yak 23 Beyond the label
DEPARTMENTS
40 To the rescue 44 Warm & fuzzy
8 Editorial
45 Purica recovery corner 86 Passages
49 Product picks 57 Animal Wellness resource guide
98 Tail end
82 Social media
68
88 The scoop 92 Marketplace 95 ClassiďŹ eds 96 Events calendar
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Anesthesia-free dentistry By Ann Brightman
Many people feel anxious about having their dogs put under for teeth cleaning. Dentistry without anesthesia is a growing option, but it’s vital to find someone who is properly trained in the procedure.
Dental disease is the number one problem facing dogs. Regular veterinary cleanings are nearly always necessary to maintain canine tooth and gum health. Unfortunately, a lot of people avoid or postpone them because they feel nervous about having their dogs anesthetized. That means many dogs aren’t getting the dental care they need, and this can lead to severe discomfort and health problems down the road. In recent years, more and more people have been exploring the option of anesthesia-free dentistry. Although not widely available, this form of dentistry can be done by veterinarians, vet techs, or companies using properly-trained technicians.
The right training is crucial
Some veterinarians are opposed to dentistry without anesthesia, mainly because of the problems that arise from inadequate training among some laypeople offering the service. Other vets have found great satisfaction in a well-performed anesthesia-free dental done in the veterinary clinic – as long as it is done professionally.
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She polishes teeth with no problem, and can even occasionally pull teeth if they are very loose. Dr. Pema Malu of Veterinary Holistic Care in Maryland, for example, reports that their anesthesia-free service does an excellent job of cleaning teeth and caring for gums. They use hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler, as well as ozonated water on the gums to promote healing. When they encounter more severe issues that require antibiotics or extractions, or spot severe periodontal disease, neck lesions or fractures, they refer to the veterinarian. Many clients opt for regular anesthesia-free dentistry, thus avoiding periodontal disease in the future. “Scaling teeth is a veterinary procedure, and should only be done with veterinary supervision,” adds Dr. Michael Borin of Animal Dental Care. “Often in pet stores, only superficial cosmetic cleanings are accomplished, and this can give people a very false sense of a healthy mouth. It can be very disheartening for someone to think that their animal’s mouth is clean, only to find out later that there is severe underlying disease.”
What are the benefits?
The primary benefit of anesthesia-free dentistry, of course, is that dogs don’t have to be put under, which can be an important consideration for at-risk animals. “Many people with older geriatric animals are extremely grateful to have access to this procedure,” says Dr. Borin. “People whose animals have cardiac or renal disease also greatly appreciate having this procedure to control plaque, calculus and bad breath.” Another benefit some veterinarians are seeing is that it’s cutting down on the incidence of advanced periodontal disease. Dr. Jennifer Ramelmeier, who has a
Can it be done on all dogs?
Depending on his temperament and health, not every dog may be a suitable choice for anesthesia-free dentistry. “Each potential patient is given an initial veterinary exam to determine if he is an appropriate candidate,” says Dr. Borin. “Patients are examined for appropriate behavior, physical health and the status of their oral health. A second exam is done by the technician to also check for potential discomfort or behavior issues, or oral disease that cannot be addressed by this procedure.”
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