A NIMA L
For a long, healthy life!
WELLNESS TOP
12
TIPS TO
FUN CR AFTS
PREVENT CANCER
YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR DOG
GENTLYCOOKED FOODS
WHY THEY 'RE SO HEALTHY
REVERSING DIABETES IN CATS
H OW TO K E E P YOU R
– it can be done!
OLDER DOG'S BRAIN & BODY FIT
NUTRITION
THAT SUPPORTS THEIR KIDNEYS
WHAT TO DO FOR DOGS TH AT A R E
LEASH-REACTIVE
FALL 2022 Display until December 5, 2022
VOLUME 24 ISSUE 4
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
CONTENTS Fall 2022
Columns 14 WHAT TO WEAR Choosing the right boots for your dog
Dog boots are a wonderful invention, and can protect your pooch’s paws from hot asphalt, icy snow, and everything in between. Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping.
24 HEALTH WATCH
40 HOLISTIC
32 NUTRITION FACTS
Complementary therapies for mast cell tumors in dogs and cats
Top 12 pet cancer prevention tips
16
Features ow your dog or cat’s 10 Hgut microbiome affects overall health
The gut microbiome is primarily associated with digestive health. But the state of your dog or cat’s gut microbiome can affect other parts of his body, from his brain to his lungs.
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oods that support your dog F or cat's kidneys If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease, don’t despair. These kidney-friendly foods and supplements will help support his health and well-being.
Pet food transparency
With so many pet food companies out there, how do you know which ones are transparent when it comes to their ingredients and label claims? This DIY rating system can help.
35 FOCUS ON CBD Can CBD help dogs with cancer?
While the research is limited to date, in vitro studies are showing that CBD may be effective against certain cancer cell lines in dogs.
36 ANIMAL
ACUPRESSURE
Supporting your dog or cat’s digestion with acupressure
A good diet and healthy digestion are vital to your animal’s well-being. Here’s why, along with an acupressure session that will help improve and maintain the health of his GI tract.
Is your dog leash reactive? Leash reactivity can make your dog difficult to walk. Help bring the fun back to your jaunts by making the world a friendlier place for him.
rafts you can do with C your dog
Release your dog’s inner artist with these two fun craft ideas.
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HEALING
Among the most common cancers in animals, mast cell tumors respond well to lifestyle changes and complementary therapies, from vitamins to herbs to medicinal mushrooms.
45 NEED TO KNOW 5 best dog beds for back and joint problems
Just like us, dogs need a comfortable place to lie down when their backs or joints are sore. Picking the right style of bed will help your four-legged friend rest easier.
48 FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Lab-grown meat — should it be used in pet food?
Once you get beyond the “ick” factor, lab-grown meat may have ethical and environmental advantages. But is it good for our dogs and cats (and us) and should it be used in pet food?
54 FELINE
69 KITTY
74 NUTRITION
Why cats need play
Buying a water fountain for your cat?
How does a meatless diet measure up for your dog?
BEHAVIOR
LIFESTYLE
How to keep your feline friend interested in play as she grows from kittenhood into an adult cat.
KNOW-HOW
Many cats are attracted to running water, so it’s a great way to help them stay hydrated. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering a water fountain for your own kitty.
56 AGING WELL Keeping the geriatric dog’s brain and body fit with exercise
72 EMOTIONAL
From improving memory and cognition to strengthening muscles and enhancing quality of life, regular exercise is beneficial to the health and well-being of your geriatric dog.
WELL-BEING
How Reiki can help your dog or cat through stressful transitions
From moving house to losing a loved one, life transitions are stressful for our animals. Reiki is a healing modality that can help your dog or cat deal with challenging life changes.
62 EATING WELL Sous vide for dogs and cats
Gently cooked food made using the sous vide method is a healthy option for dogs and cats. And it’s growing in popularity.
Believe it or not, dogs can do well on a meatless diet. If you’re thinking of switching your canine companion to a vegan or vegetarian menu, here’s what you need to know.
76 KNOW
YOUR CAT
What position does your kitty sleep in?
82 AT HOME
Animals provide emotional support for self-employed singles
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64 FELINE HEALTH
Reversing diabetes in cats — can it be done, and if so, how? The answer is yes! This article explains how and why diabetes develops in cats, and the steps you can take to reverse the process and regain health for your feline friend.
Departments 7 From the Editor Profile 23 Business — Pointpet
30 Product picks 34 Newsworthy
Social Media
71 Fall Favorites 80 In the News 81 Marketplace 81 Classifieds Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Nutrition videos, recipes and more! Animal Wellness Magazine
Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness
Animal Wellness
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HOW YOUR DOG R CAT’S D gs Cats
Gut Microbiome AFFECTS
Overall Health by W. Jean Dodds, DVM
When we think of the gut microbiome, we consider it mainly in terms of digestive health. But the truth is, the state of your dog or cat’s gut microbiome can affect other parts of his body, from his brain to his lungs. Every surface of your dog or cat’s body (and your own) has a microbiome. However, the vast majority of microbial biodiversity is found in the nutrient-rich environment of the gastrointestinal tract. At least 200 times as many cells, and even more unique gene products, are found in the intestinal microbiome than in all the native cells of the body combined. So it should come as no surprise that what’s happening within your dog or cat’s gut microbiome can have an influence on other areas of his body, impacting everything from behavior to lung health.
CONSEQUENCES OF AN IMBALANCED MICROBIOME 1. Dysbiosis of gut and lungs When the balance of beneficial and harmful microbiota (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) in the intestines is disrupted by the process called dysbiosis, the result can not only affect the bowel but also the lungs. In some lung disease in humans and animals, in fact, the role of the intestinal microbiota exceeds that of the organisms residing in the lungs! Note that the dysbiosis can be present for years without obvious clinical symptoms.
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Fast fact: Although the gut and lungs are distinct anatomical sites in the body, their microbiota still communicate via complex pathways within the gut–lung axis.
Study of the lung microbiota has begun only recently; while it mostly focused on bacterial content at first, it now
also includes viral and fungal inflammatory effects. A key role has also been identified for inter-kingdom cross-talks in maintaining body homeostasis and in the evolution of disease. Inter-kingdom cross-talk refers to the ability of pathogens to sense their environment, influencing their capacity to survive and cause disease. This cross-talk involves host–microbe as well as microbe–microbe interactions, which have both localized and long-reaching effects.
2. Food intolerances With the growing number of individuals experiencing dysbiosis from an imbalanced microbiome, food intolerances are increasing, and many people have opted to reduce or exclude specific foods or have chosen to eat gluten-free and Paleo diets. The same trend is occurring among the dogs and cats in their care. Supporters of the gluten-free diet argue that gluten triggers inflammation and related diseases, while followers of the Paleo diet, which is free of all cereals, state that cereals are dangerous for human
and animal health. They further argue that gluten-free cereals were absent in the diet of our ancestral hunters and gatherers, and the companion animals that foraged with them. No placebo double-blinded controlled studies either support or reject the positive health impacts a gluten-free or cereal-free diet has on the gut microbiota of people or animals. Importantly, dogs have evolved from their wolf ancestors to become obligate omnivores. By contrast, cats remain primarily obligate carnivores and need some meat in their diet. Fast fact: Dogs have adapted to domestication by developing three additional genes that allow them to digest and assimilate starch.
More about the
Microbiome
It is well-established that a balanced diet supports a healthy microbiome and promotes well-being, whereas an imbalanced diet leads to an unhealthy microbiome and a variety of diseases. For example, during flare-ups of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), biochemical and molecular events disrupt the microbiome and trigger immune responses. IBD is a chronic disease marked by periods of remission followed by flare-ups in which the disease becomes active. These flareups have now been shown to be caused by a reduction in overall gut ecological diversity, and the gain and loss of specific "pro-" and "anti-inflammatory"
microbes. Importantly, researchers have determined the reasons for these changes; during periods of disease activity, people and presumably animals with IBD have fewer microbially-derived chemicals, due to less beneficial microbial metabolism, poorer nutrient absorption, greater water or blood levels in the bowels, and more urgent bowel movements. These factors decrease the overall stability of the gut microbial ecosystem, leading to more episodes of improper immune response and overreaction to the normal gut microbiome. Specifically, during periods of disease activity, people with IBD show higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including adrenate and arachidonate. Research has also discovered that nicotinuric acid (a marker of metabolic syndrome) is found almost exclusively in the stool of patients with IBD, whereas levels of vitamins B5 (pantothenic acid) and B3 (niacin) were depleted in their guts. Additionally, bile acids were disrupted during IBD.
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In obese people, eating high-protein diets changes the fecal microbiome composition to a less healthy state. In contrast, obese dogs produce different gut microbiota when eating high dietary protein, and lean dogs that consume higher protein diets show increased production of the fermentation products involved with putrefaction. In a comparison of dogs fed high protein (HP) and those fed lower protein (LP), the HP dogs had higher concentrations of protein fermentation metabolites and plasma acylcarnitine. There were no observed changes in fecal concentrations of acetate and butyrate. Significant interactions between diet and body condition were also found. The similarity coefficient of fecal microbiota between the two diets was smaller in obese dogs than in lean dogs.
3. Aggression Aggression, a serious behavioral disorder in dogs, endangers both animals and humans. Recent research in humans has linked the compositional diversity of the gut microbiome to behavioral and psychological regulation. Thus, the composition of the canine gut microbiome could be associated with aggression. Researchers studied pit bull-type dogs seized from a dogfighting organization, including 21 that displayed aggressive behaviors and ten that did not. Beta-diversity analyses supported an association between their gut microbiome structure and aggression. Gut
microorganisms were linked to aggression and pointed to an aggression-associated physiological state that interacts with the gut microbiome. Further, microbial composition and levels differed based on the aggressive and non-aggressive evaluations. Eventually, studies of these and other dogs could be used to develop diagnostics, preventative strategies, and therapeutics for aggression. Fast fact: Perhaps specific beneficial bacterial strains could be identified and used as probiotics to alleviate aggression.
4. Vaccination response Gut microbiota are also known to affect the response to vaccines. An imbalanced population of reduced or absent commensal gut flora coupled with an overgrowth of pathogenic gut flora is associated with systemic inflammation and a blunted immune response to vaccination. However, there are currently no published studies explaining how microbiota may also be associated with adverse reactions to vaccination.
The composition of the canine gut microbiome could be associated with aggression.
As we learn more about the gut microbiome, we’re realizing what a profound effect it has, not just on digestive processes, but on many other facets of our health and well-being — and that of our animal companions.
Immunity and the
Microbiome The intestinal lumen contains the animal’s immune cells, which sense and respond to what is happening within. When microbes are recognized by the body’s immune cells, a systemic release of cytokines occurs. Cytokines are proteins that are produced in response to invading pathogens to stimulate, recruit, and proliferate immune cells. For example, cytokines play an important role in COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
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HEALTH WATCH
TOP 12 PET CANCER PREVENTION TIPS While cancer is increasingly common in dogs and cats, it’s not all bad news. There are plenty of things you can do to minimize the chances of your four-legged friend developing the disease. Read on for Morris Animal Foundation’s top 12 ways to help prevent cancer in your dog or cat.
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Avoid second-hand smoke Does your dog or cat live in a household with smokers? Evidence suggests that cancer risk is increased in animals exposed to environmental tobacco. Keep your home a smoke-free zone.
Research suggests that obesity is a risk factor for cancer. Feeding a poor quality or imbalanced diet may also be linked to an increased cancer risk.
Become an expert on your animal's breed(s) Did you know that certain breeds of dogs and cats are prone to different diseases, including cancer? Become an expert on the diseases that are common in your companion’s breed.
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Schedule regular checkups
Light skin pigmentation combined with lots of time outside can increase the risk for some cancers. Make sure your dog or cat can get out of the sun, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight when it’s strongest, around midday.
Reports of cancer related to asbestos exposure occur in animals as well as humans. If removing this substance from a home, keep your dog or cat away from the area for the duration of the process.
More than one study has suggested that adding vegetables to an animal’s diet may help decrease cancer risk.
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Examine him once a month
9
Avoid lawn chemicals
Look in your animal’s mouth and ears, run your hands along his body, and note any changes; early detection is the best way to treat many diseases, including cancer.
Keep your animal away from applied lawn products, and don’t use them in your own yard.
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Exercise your animal regularly
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Minimize exposure to paints and solvents
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Get to know your dog or cat
Regular checkups allow your veterinarian to perform a complete physical examination, which can identify abnormalities as well as establish a baseline that can be used for later comparisons.
Limit exposure to sunlight
Prevent asbestos exposure
7 Add vegetables to his diet
Monitor his weight
3 4
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Get him moving! Regular exercise will keep him mentally stimulated and in shape, and help lower the chance of health problems.
One recently published study suggests a possible association between these chemicals and cancer. Try to keep your dog or cat in another room when using these products.
Behavior changes are often a signal that he isn’t feeling well. Watch your animal, and learn his sleeping and eating habits. A shift in demeanor could be an early sign of disease.
www.morrisanimalfoundation.org
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Animal Wellness
ADVERTORIAL
Creating Healthy Meals for your Dog — even if you're strapped for time We all want our dogs to be healthy, but let’s face it — busy schedules sometimes interfere with our ability to create wholesome meals for ourselves, and our furry family members. While raw, homemade food would likely be the ideal choice if we did have time and access to all the ingredients, the cost of buying and accessing select ingredients these days can also be a deterrent. Sometimes, we just have to admit we can’t do it all. There is a solution, though. If you were to swap 25% of your dog’s daily diet with fresh foods, such as nutrient-dense raw proteins, fruits and vegetables, including freeze dried sources, that would mean you’ve cut down on ultra-processed food and replaced it with higher quality nutrition. Even at 20-25%, recent studies show that this amount could make a significant positive impact on the long-term health and well-being of your beloved canine, and most likely easier for you to manage.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MIXER If you’re going to mix fresher whole foods into your dog’s bowl,,bear in mind that some whole food brands boast a better nutritional profile than others. Look to a trusted source, such as award-winning Side by Side pet food, to really come through for your fur babies in terms of nutrition and safety. As their website states, Side by Side’s human grade food is “better than homemade”, with the
addition of species-appropriate ingredients like organ meat and ground bones, as well as other nutrients that provide a complete and balanced whole food diet for your dog.
MINIMAL PROCESSING Prolonged high-heat cooking destroys important enzymes, vitamins and minerals, and many additional nutrients. Side by Side’s freeze-drying process locks in the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, giving your dog’s digestive system the best chance at absorbing the high quality nourishment in every bowl. In addition, Side by Side uses whole food ingredients you know and trust, these ingredients are primarily sourced in the U.S., and include nutrition rich foods like duck, wild salmon, parsley, seed blends, chamomile flowers and pumpkin, to round out a wholesome blend.
YOU WANT THE BEST FOR YOUR DOG We can’t be all things to all people — or all dogs. But there is one simple thing we can do to ease our minds and support our much-loved canines. If just one-quarter of your dog’s meal features a high quality food like Side by Side, the potential health effects are substantial and could make the difference between a healthy companion and an unhealthy one. So why not give yourself and your dog a break and try something simple yet nutritious? www.sidebysidepet.com Animal Wellness
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