ANIMAL
For a long, healthy life!
WELLNESS + 50 HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS!
HOW MUSIC BENEFITS HIS EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
HEALTH ISSUES THAT CAN
CHANGE HIS BEHAVIOR HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO CALL THE VET TRENDING NOW!
WHY GOAT’S MILK IS SO GOOD FOR HER ACUPRESSURE FOR ANIMAL ANXIETY
CHOOSING
THE PERFECT TREATS
FOR YOUR DOG
DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 Display until January 12, 2020
$6.95 USA/Canada
CAT ARTICLES INSIDE! VOLUME 21 ISSUE 6
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
CONTENTS December 2019/January 2020
Columns
18 AT HOME
43 NEWSWORTHY
Airborne pathogens and other toxins may be having an impact on your dog or cat’s health. Find out what these invisible bad guys are and what to do about them.
Take these steps to ensure your animal companion stays safe and sound throughout the festive season.
Improving indoor air quality for your animal
22 HEALTH WATCH
26
“Should I call the vet?” How to determine when your dog or cat needs to see a veterinarian right away, and when it’s okay to “wait and see”.
30 NATURAL REMEDIES
Features 14
C hoosing the perfect dog treats
Treats are a great holiday gift idea for the dogs on your list, but with so many on the market, how do you choose the right ones? This guide will help with your shopping!
26 animal lovers
5 DIY holiday gift ideas for Want to add a personal touch to your gift giving this holiday season? Put your craftiness to the test with these five easy and affordable DIY projects!
68 dog’s behavior
H ealth problems can change your If your dog has become anxious, withdrawn or snappy, don’t assume he’s “acting out”. A variety of physical health issues can trigger behavioral changes in our canine companions.
hy dominance-based dog training 82 Wisn’t the answer
Many people still believe the only way to successfully train a dog is to use domination. Here’s why we need to drop this mindset.
54 4
Animal Wellness
The immune system and your animal’s eyes Antioxidants may help support your dog or cat’s vision as they promote a balanced immune system.
Keeping dogs and cats safe during the holidays
44 EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Music offers noteworthy benefits to dogs and cats Music isn’t just for us! Research shows that certain melodies can have a profoundly calming effect on our animal companions.
54 HEALTHY CHOICES
Goat’s milk – why it’s so good for your dog or cat
Easier to digest than cow’s milk, and packed with unique nutritional benefits, goat’s milk makes a healthy addition to your animal companion’s diet.
32 CLEVER CATS
Does your kitty know his name? A new study suggests that our feline friends recognize their names.
56 CANINE BEHAVIOR
36 IN FOCUS
When your dog doesn’t like other dogs
How the canine sense of smell is improving the world
A close-up look at two unique ways in which canine olfactory powers are helping people — and wildlife.
40 HEALING
INSIDE & OUT
Microalgae — a “green food” that’s good for your dog
Discover how AFA microalgae can benefit the health of your canine companion.
A 5-step guide to helping your canine companion overcome aggression towards other dogs.
60 FELINE BEHAVIOR
Keeping kitty calm
Expecting guests this holiday season? Here’s how to ensure your cat doesn’t get too stressed about the strangers in his home.
44
KNOW
Live-in pet sitters — answers to 4 common questions
A growing number of people are hiring live-in pet sitters to care for their dogs when they’re away. But what if you have misgivings about inviting a stranger to live in your home?
72 SPOTLIGHT
92 SAFETY FIRST
Compassion fatigue is the emotional distress that comes from trying to save every dog or cat you encounter. It’s important to recognize the signs — and take steps to help yourself.
To your dog or cat, home appliances are interesting objects to explore, climb, play with — and get injured by. Putting some simple precautions in place will ensure he stays safe.
Modified platelet rich plasma assists canines with recovery from cruciate ligament injuries by stimulating the body’s innate ability to self-heal.
ACUPRESSURE
Is your dog overly anxious? Acupressure can help!
What millennials want from their veterinarians
A recent survey reveals just how much millennials care about their companion animals — and what they expect from their vets.
88 TRENDING NOW How social media is saving dogs
Cool gifts for cool cats
From Facebook to YouTube, social media platforms are being used by rescues and shelters around the world to help the dogs in their care.
18
Departments 8 From the Editor
Home appliances and your animal
98 NEWSWORTHY
86 ANIMAL
If your dog seems excessively anxious and fearful, you need to address the problem before it gets out of hand. Here’s how acupressure, combined with other therapies, can help.
How PRP helps treat cranial cruciate ligament injuries in dogs
Treat your feline friend to something special this festive season — and beyond!
78 SELF-CARE
When we love animals “too much”
64 NEED TO
76 KITTY LIFESTYLE
92
59 To the rescue
94 Must reads
12 In the news
62 Get ready for winter!
95 Marketplace
21 From the NASC
67 Business profile
96 Events
38 Product picks 35 Business profile — Torigen
— The Pretentious Pooch
74 Wellness
resource guide
96 Classifieds 97 Let's get social
48 Holiday gift guide
Social Media
Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
News, events, and tips! @ AW_magazine
Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness
Animal Wellness
5
5
D gs Cats
holiday gift ideas for animal lovers By Emily Watson
WANT TO ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH TO YOUR GIFT GIVING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? PUT YOUR CRAFTINESS TO THE TEST WITH THESE FIVE EASY AND AFFORDABLE DIY PROJECTS! 26
Animal Wellness
1. Bark Bites Submitted by Suzi Beber
Ingredients
Instructions
2
cups almond flour
2
cups carob, raw or roasted, or a combination
1
cup freeze dried cranberries, crushed (a rolling pin works perfectly; finely chopped fresh cranberries or unsulphured dried cranberries can also be used, and freeze dried blueberries can add some “zip” too!)
• Choose organic ingredients whenever possible. • Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. • Heat coconut oil until it is liquid. This can be done in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove. It only takes one minute. • Add all other ingredients and combine with a spatula. • Press mixture into a parchment-covered cookie sheet. • Place in freezer for three to four hours, remove from freezer, cut with a sharp knife that has been heated in hot water or simply break into uneven pieces. • For gift giving, line a holiday-themed container with parchment paper, add the treats, and keep refrigerated until it’s time to share. You can also include a recipe card to make it a gift that keeps on giving!
1½ cups coconut oil 4
teaspoons pure vanilla, no alcohol
Extra special taste sensation: for dogs, add a tablespoon of finely ground liver powder; for cats, add a heaping teaspoon of dried catnip.
2. Winter wonderland room and linen spray
Who doesn’t want their home to smell fresh and clean? Follow the recipe below to create a chemical-free room and linen spray that will help cut through animal odors, naturally!
What you’ll need
• 16 oz glass bottle • 8 oz distilled water • 2 oz organic witch hazel (or substitute 2 tsp Epsom salts) • 2 tablespoons baking soda • 15 drops frankincense essential oil* • 15 drops orange essential oil* • 15 drops peppermint essential oil*
* Be sure to use pure, unadulterated, high quality essential oils.
Instructions
Using a funnel, combine all ingredients in your glass bottle. Swirl gently to combine. Tie a bow around the bottle to give as a gift! Continued on page 28. Animal Wellness
27