ANIMAL
For a long, healthy life!
WELLNESS CHOOSING THE RIGHT
CBD
BEST FOODS & HERBS FOR
PRODUCT
5
SKIN ALLERGIES
NATURAL WAYS TO
REPEL FLEAS
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DOG GROOMING
HOW CLIMATE CHANGE CAN AFFECT THEM APRIL/MAY 2020 Display until May 4, 2020
$6.95 USA/Canada
VOLUME 22 ISSUE 2
STOP THE
ITCH!
Mutual
Rescue
SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND — AND SAVING LIVES IN THE PROCESS.
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
CONTENTS April/May 2020
Columns
18 EATING WELL
Top 10 whole foods for your dog’s skin and coat Keep him looking and feeling his best with these power-packed whole foods for your dog’s skin and coat.
26 EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
46 Features
s your dog affected by household 14 Iallergens?
Fleas and foods aren’t the only things that give dogs allergies. Indoor and outdoor household allergens, from cleaning products to lawn fertilizers, may also be to blame.
22 3 steps to a well-socialized dog
Many dogs are poorly socialized as puppies, leading to over-reactive behaviors in adulthood. These three steps will lead to a well-socialized dog, no matter what her age.
OVER STORY 46 CMutual Rescue is all about the humananimal bond The staff and volunteers at Mutual Rescue know about the amazing effect pets have on people — and they’re sharing it with the world.
56 8 natural ways to repel fleas
Fleas can be a big problem for your dog, but getting rid of them doesn’t have to be. This checklist of natural ways to repel fleas can help keep these blood-sucking pests at bay.
78 U sing nutrition to heal your allergic animal Food allergies are very common in dogs and cats and can lead to digestive issues as well as skin problems. Here’s how improving his nutrition can help heal his allergies.
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Animal Wellness
Sensory enrichment for cats
Is your kitty bored, stressed or anxious? Sensory enrichment for cats helps restore him to calmness and balance by appealing to all his senses.
38 ANIMAL
ACUPRESSURE
How acupressure helps dogs with skin allergies TCM regards skin allergies as a breakdown in the immune system. Used with other therapies, an immune-supporting acupressure session can help calm your dog’s skin.
42 AGING WELL
How old is your dog in human years?
Dogs age more quickly than we do, but did you know that size also plays a role?
29 HEALTH ALERT
43 AT HOME
Flea and tick medications in the isoxazoline class have been linked to seizures and muscle tremors in dogs and cats.
Pet odors got you down? Keep your house smelling fresh and clean with these helpful tips!
Avoid isoxazoline flea and tick meds
30 NEED TO KNOW How climate change is affecting our dogs and cats
We know that climate change is impacting humans and wildlife – but it’s also affecting our dogs and cats. Find out why, and how you can help your four-legged friend adapt.
36 ANIMAL HERO Bear, the koala detection dog
This unique working canine uses his nose to help rescue koalas and other wild critters from Australian bushfires.
Top tips for eliminating pet odors in your home
44 SELF CARE
Are you allergic to your cat?
If you’re allergic to your cat, does that mean you have to get rid of him? By no means. Making some changes to your lifestyle, and your cat’s, can help fix the problem.
50 HERBS FOR HEALING
Skin-soothing herbs for your dog or cat From allergies to liver deficiency, many things can cause itchy inflamed skin in our animals. Find out how these skinsoothing herbs can help ease your dog or cat’s discomfort.
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62 54 TRAILBLAZERS 66 HEALING
INSIDE & OUT
Sissy Harrington McGill – the pioneer of natural pet food
Detoxifying your pet
A look into the inspiring life of Sissy McGill, the woman who went against the grain to bring natural pet food to America.
60 CANINE
72 YOUR
RESCUE DOG
The dog adoption experience
BEHAVIOR
Behavior proofing your dog
A comprehensive look at the dog adoption experience – what to know and expect when adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue.
If your dog only “comes” or “stays” in certain environments and situations, then it’s time to add behavior proofing to his training regime.
76 HEALTH WATCH
62 ALTERNATIVE
Hemp oil and your pet — making sense of the different types
APPROACH
TCVM approaches to skin problems in dogs and cats
Your dog or cat’s body will naturally detoxify itself, but sometimes he needs extra assistance to recover his health and well-being.
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) uses the concept of Excess and Deficiency to get to the root of your dog or cat’s skin problems — and treat them effectively.
A look at the various types of hemp oil for dogs and cats, and what you need to know about them.
82 FELINE BEHAVIOR
Moving with your cat
If you’re moving house with your cat, take these tips along to help ensure
she withstands the transition as smoothly as possible.
84 LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD The ultimate dog grooming guide
Questions about dog grooming? Look no further. This guide offers dozens of expert tips about brushing, bathing and primping your pooch.
90 SAFETY FIRST
Essential oils and your pet — quality and dosage are important
Don’t rely on the internet for info about essential oils for your dog or cat. Quality and dosage are two of the most important factors to consider.
98 NEWSWORTHY Research shows our ability to communicate with dogs is learned
A recent study is teaching us more about how we communicate with our canine companions.
Departments 8 From the Editor 12 In the news 21 From the NASC 25 Training tips 34 Product picks
Social Media
41 Business profile — Penn Foster
59 Spring into wellness!
69
88 To the rescue 94 Events 95 Marketplace
Wellness resource guide
96 Must reads
75 Let's get social
97 Classifieds
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
T P
EATING WELL
cranberries
10 WHOLE FOODS FOR YOUR DOG’S SKIN AND COAT By Dr. Suzi Beber, Honouris Causa
Keep him looking and feeling his best with these power-packed whole foods for your dog's skin and coat.
Y
our dog’s skin and hair health doesn’t depend solely on external factors. It also relies heavily on what you’re feeding him. From chia to sweet potatoes, the following whole foods work from the inside out to help give your dog healthy skin and a rich shiny coat.
1. CHIA seeds are a rich source of B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein and zinc, and they’re packed with antioxidants too. They contain lots of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based form of Omega 3s. They are gluten free. Chia nourishes skin
chia seeds
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Animal Wellness
from the inside out, because its high levels of Omega 3 help combat chronic skin inflammation.
Eggs contain vitamin A, which helps repair cell damage and keeps skin healthy and coats glowing.
2. EGGS are nutritional powerhouses,
3. ALMONDS contain the entire
containing the most bioavailable protein. They’re like a one-ingredient recipe for great skin and coats. Many consider eggs the number one food for hair, giving it strength and luster. Eggs contain lutein, which helps keep skin well hydrated and plays an important role in tissue repair. The zinc in eggs also supports skin health and shiny hair. Egg yolks are a valuable source of biotin, a B vitamin sometimes referred to as vitamin H or vitamin B7, which helps promote healthy skin and coats; hair loss, skin irritation, lesions and fungus can be the result of a biotin deficiency. Biotin/ vitamin H can be effective in treating allergic reactions and skin conditions.
vitamin E family, tocopherols and tocotrienols — alpha-tocopherol is one of the keys to healthy skin and hair. Almonds are also an excellent source of B vitamins, copper, manganese, magnesium, zinc and bioflavonoids, and offer a trace amount of Omega 3 fatty acids. Since almonds have a high fat content, it is important to store them in a cool place, away from sunlight; better yet, you can store them in the refrigerator for several months, or in the freezer for up to a year.
almonds
6. OATS are
oats
4. COCONUT, organic and unsweetened, is the perfect sprinkle for your dog’s food and great for making treats. Give coconut chips a try too. Coconut contains mediumchain saturated fats, which are transformed into energy and contain special properties that act as antiinflammatory agents to decrease bacterial growth, irritation and inflammation in the body. According to Washington State’s Bastyr University of Natural Sciences, eating raw coconut can reduce the severity of bacterial and inflammatory skin conditions.
5. CAROB is rich in natural sugars and contains all the principal vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium, silica, vitamins A, B1, B2, niacin, and protein. Carob is considered an ideal “survival food” because it requires no preparation, lasts a long time, and has no special storage requirements. It does not contain the caffeine and theobromine found in chocolate, so is perfectly safe for dogs. Its vitamin E supports skin health, and it has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
a strength-giving cereal. They are low in starch and high in mineral content, especially potassium and phosphorus. Oats also contain calcium, magnesium, the B vitamins and iron. They support healthy skin and hair; one of the key ways they do this is by supporting your dog’s gastrointestinal system and helping remove toxins from the body.
7. LIVER from grass-fed animals provides a perfect punch for enhanced skin health. Nutrients include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D and E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid and biotin. Try chicken livers for a flavorful boost of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids.
8. WILD SALMON, cooked, not raw, is one of the very best sources of Omega 3s. It provides selenium too. Studies that have focused on the protein and amino acid content of wild salmon revealed that small bioactive protein molecules called bioactive peptides, and one in particular, calcitonin, have significant potential health benefits. The human form of calcitonin, made by the thyroid gland, helps regulate and stabilize the balance of collagen and minerals in bone and surrounding tissue.
carob
have the strongest antioxidant power of 150 flavonoids tested, even moreso than vitamin E. Anthocyanins have an antiinflammatory action, and can even help lessen allergic reactions in dogs.
10. SWEET POTATOES are considered a super food for skin. They contain a high level of vitamin A and beta-carotene, and are a great source of vitamin E. Sweet potatoes also contain calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper and thiamine. The vitamin C in sweet potatoes helps accelerate healing and support collagen production. See recipes on page 20.
9. CRANBERRIES have been used historically to treat a variety of ailments, from rheumatoid disorders, scurvy and fever, to skin wounds and eczema. Cranberries contain a variety of bioactive components, including antioxidant proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give cranberries their rich red color and have been found to
sweet potato Animal Wellness
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