ANIMAL
For a long, healthy life!
WELLNESS
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WHAT'S THE LINK BETWEEN
Love languages
DIET AND DEMENTIA
OF DOGS
IN DOGS?
HEALTHY
TACKLE THEIR ALLERGIES —
BONE BROTH RECIPES
FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE SKIN
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WAYS TO MANAGE HIP DYSPLASIA
7NATURAL
TREATMENTS TO HELP KIDNEY DISEASE IN DOGS AND CATS
STRESS-FREE SUMMER ROAD TRIPS
ARTHRITIS SUPPLEMENTS
MADE EASY
HOW LAWN CHEMICALS
SUMMER 2023 Display until August 28, 2023
VOLUME 25 ISSUE 3
AFFECT YOUR CAT
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
CONTENTS Summer 2023
Columns 16 MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
Reishi — how the “mushroom of immortality” can benefit your dog
With its treasure trove of health benefits, Reishi is an important medicinal mushroom that can help with your dog’s allergies, arthritis, and more.
32 LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD
Dog grooming tips for different coat types
12 Features at the beach — with 12 Fun your dog!
T aking your dog to the beach this summer? Once you’ve factored safety into your plans, there are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy together.
20 24
ealing with allergies — from D both sides of the skin A successful resolution to your dog or cat’s allergies means tackling the problem from both inside and out.
raining and behavior tips T for foster dogs
Following these training and behavior tips for foster dogs results in a betteradjusted canine that’s more adoptable and has a higher chance of finding a forever home.
broths — why they’re 28 Bsoone good for your animal Simple to make and packed with nutrition, bone broths give a healthful boost to your dog or cat’s diet (and your own).
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Animal Wellness
When it comes to successfully grooming your dog at home, knowing her coat type and the tools to use is invaluable.
36 ANIMAL
CHIROPRACTIC
Can geriatric dogs benefit from chiropractic care?
Older dogs are often prone to a host of health problems, from arthritis to cognitive decline. Here’s how chiropractic adjustments can help with these issues, and more.
39 BRIGHT SPOT
Pawsitively in love: understanding the 5 love languages of dogs
40 JOINT HEALTH 9 ways to manage canine hip dysplasia — an integrative approach
From acupuncture to regenerative medicine, an integrative approach is an effective way to manage canine hip dysplasia and the osteoarthritis that often arises from it.
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44 FELINE NUTRITION Is your cat addicted to kibble?
Commercial low-end kibbles aren’t good for your cat, but what if he won’t eat anything else? Try these tips and tricks for adding nutrition.
48 ANIMAL
BODYWORK
How massage can benefit your dog
From calming anxiety to easing pain to improving circulation, massage can help improve your dog’s health and well-being.
52 NEED TO KNOW Looking for a rescue dog? Here’s how to avoid scams
Some scammers are posing as dog rescues. Here are seven ways to avoid being scammed when adopting a rescue dog.
54 NATURAL REMEDY
How Manuka honey helps heal wounds in dogs
You’ve likely heard of Manuka honey, and that it offers health benefits that go beyond those of regular honey. Here’s how it can help heal wounds in your dog.
56 TRAVEL TIPS
Summer road trips with your dog — what you need to know Factoring your dog’s health, safety and comfort into your travel plans makes for a summer road trip that’s fun and stress-free.
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59 SPOTLIGHT
UK’s “ugliest” dog captures hearts
60 MOBILITY MATTERS
66 SELF CARE
Choosing an arthritis supplement for your dog
Tips for senior dog guardians Looking after a senior dog requires a lot of extra time, energy and patience. Be sure to look after yourself too.
Here’s a rundown of natural supplements that can help alleviate the pain and stiffness of those achy joints.
68 AGING
62 HEALTH WATCH How lawn chemicals affect your cat Find out how to keep your kitty safe from pesticides, fertilizers and other lawn chemicals this summer.
Is your cat getting on in years? Check out six ways to help her stay happy, healthy and comfortable as she ages.
KNOW-HOW
Does your dog have separation anxiety? Reiki may help Separation anxiety is a common behavioral problem in dogs. Find out how Reiki can help calm your dog’s fear of being left alone.
6 ways to improve life for your senior cat
70 NUTRITION
64 ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
GRACEFULLY
Manganese deficiency contributes to CCL disease in dogs
Contrary to popular belief, most cranial cruciate ligament problems aren't injuryrelated. A lack of manganese in the diet is a major contributor.
Departments 8 From the Editor
80 Let’s get social
46 Product picks
81 Marketplace
51 Newsworthy
81 Classifieds
74 HEALING
INSIDE & OUT
7 natural treatments to help kidney disease in dogs and cats Treatment for kidney disease in dogs and cats can include an impressive range of alternative modalities, including ozone therapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and more.
78 CANINE BEHAVIOR
Is there a connection between diet and dementia in dogs?
Also called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), dementia in dogs is common among seniors. Here’s how diet may help.
82 QUIET TIME
Why you should do breathwork with your dog
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77 In the news
Social Media
Tips, contests and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Nutrition videos, recipes and more! Animal Wellness Magazine
Tips, pet photos, and more! AnimalWellnessMagazine
Crafts, laughs, and more! AnimalWellness
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! g o d r u o y h t i w — by Tonya Wilhelm
Taking your dog to the beach this summer? Once you’ve factored safety into your plans, there are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy together.
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ummer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach. The question is, should you take your dog? If he’s the active type who likes people and other dogs, there’s no reason why not. You’ll need to find a dog-friendly beach, of course, and ensure your canine’s safety and comfort while you’re there. But once you’ve checked those boxes, you can relax and enjoy with some dog-centric beach activities!
WILL MY DOG ENJOY BEING AT THE BEACH? The first step is to take a close look at your dog's behavior, needs, and personality to determine if she’ll take to a beach environment. Does she enjoy being around people and other dogs? Does she like the water, and having sand between her toes? Is she a sun-seeker, or does she prefer shade and cool days?
HOW DO I FIND A DOG-FRIENDLY BEACH? This can take some time, but itʼs an important step. You don’t want to arrive at a beach only to find that dogs are not allowed. Even though you may have seen a dog at a particular beach, that doesn't mean it’s canine-friendly; service dogs always
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Animal Wellness
have access to public spaces, while some people simply ignore the rules. Also know that the beach may only permit dogs at certain times or seasons. The internet is a great place to start when looking for a dogfriendly beach. Search for beaches in the area you want to visit, then go to the city’s website and look up the beach. Most of the time, you will find a policy section that details the rules pertaining to that particular beach. If not, a simple email or phone call should get you the info you need. ertain breeds may like the beach Tip: Cmore than others. Most Labs and retrievers will love it, for example, but some smaller breeds may find it daunting.
Keep in mind that some beaches allow dogs off-leash, while others are on-leash only. You’ll need to balance the pros and cons of each. You may think an offleash beach is best, but not all dogs are friendly and play well with others. If your own dog is fearful or shows aggression around other dogs, an off-leash beach may not be the best option for you.
h c a e b e h t t Fun - a s g o d r o f s e activiti Shore sniffing is probably one of the best things you can do with your dog at the beach. Allow him to explore all the new smells while keeping his feet cool and wet. Be part of the game by finding sea shells, rocks, and driftwood and pointing them out to him. When your dog finds something on his own, tell him how neat it is and what a good boy he is.
Walk in the water with your dog — it’s good exercise for both of you! Wade close to shore, splash and play and just be silly. Make sure you take breaks, as walking in water is tiring.
Play a game of fetch on the beach. Don't forget to follow the rules; if they require a 6' leash, keep your tosses short or run around with your dog and drop the toy randomly. Wipe the toy off regularly so she doesn’t ingest a lot of sand.
Dig a mud hole! Grab some water in a bucket, make a nice mud pile, and encourage your dog to start digging. Just be mindful that he isn’t eating the sand or getting it in his eyes. Be sure fill the hole back in when he's done.
Bring a dog bodyboard (this is best if you have already taught your dog to stand on it). Put the board on the shore, half in the water. Encourage your dog to step on it and either have him stand or lie down. Gently take the board into shallow water and let him just look around and smell the air. If your dog hasn’t been on a bodyboard before, try a blow-up kid's boat. Place a towel in the bottom to help protect it from your dog's nails.
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WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO KEEP MY DOG HAPPY AND SAFE? •
Beach sand can be very hot! On your way to the water’s edge, protect your buddy’s feet with dog boots or socks. If your dog is small enough, carry him or use a buggy to get him across the hottest stretches of sand.
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Even the most sun-loving dog needs access to shade. A beach umbrella or pop-up cabana is essential.
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Bring plenty of beach towels to lie on and dry off with, for your dog as well as yourself.
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Other necessities for a trip to the beach with your dog include:
2. 2.
3. 3.
Plenty of fresh water and a bowl Healthy treats Poop bags First aid kit Waterproof toys Harness and leash Doggy lifejacket
WHAT OTHER SAFETY TIPS SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT?
1.
1.
Look at the water conditions: If you plan to take your dog into the water, look at the conditions before taking the plunge. Can she swim? Are there strong currents and waves? A life jacket helps keep your dog safe and her head afloat. If the rules permit it, a long leash attached to the top part of the life jacket is a great safety option.
you’re at Tip: Othencebeach, be
sure to follow the rules, including picking up your dog’s waste. Too many people failing to do so could result in dogs being permanently banned.
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Animal Wellness
Consider marine life: If you’re at the ocean, know that stingrays and jellyfish may be a hazard, not to mention sharks in some parts. Do some research on your destination to find out what forms of sea life you may encounter either in the water or along the shoreline. Freshwater lakes may also present risks you should be aware of, such as algae or zebra mussels (the shells can cut your dog’s feet — and yours). Be aware of water intoxication: Also known as hyponatremia, water intoxication occurs when too much water is ingested. Your dogʼs kidneys cannot flush it all out so it dilutes the sodium in the bloodstream, causing cells to swell. Retrieving toys in water can lead to water intoxication because the dog is consuming water when he grabs the toy. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, seizures, vomiting, and abdominal distension. Water intoxication can quickly become fatal, so seek emergency veterinary treatment if you see any of these signs in your dog.
poisoning can also occur, Tip: Saltwater so don’t let your dog drink ocean
4. 1.
water. Providing fresh water from home prevents dehydration.
Be careful of heat stroke: All dogs can get heat stroke, but some breeds are more at risk, as are dogs with certain health conditions. Short-nosed, flat-faced breeds are at higher risk because their airways are short and they cannot cool themselves quickly enough. Dogs that are overweight or older, have a heart condition, thyroid disease, lung disease, or a collapsing trachea are also at higher risk for heat stroke. Signs include excessive panting, rapid pulse, loss of balance, drooling, and fever. Immediately cool your dog with cool — not cold — water, particularly on the head, armpits, and groin. Seek immediate veterinary care.
Now that all the preparations and precautions are out of the way, it’s time for the fun part! Turn to page 13 for a list of beach games and activities you can enjoy with your dog. Then, when it’s time to go home, rinse her off to remove any sand or salt water, or give her a bath. Be prepared for a tired but happy dog!
ADVERTORIAL
G SIGNS YOUR DOG OR CAT IS SUFFERING FROM ALLERGIES Frequent scratching, biting, and licking are the most obvious allergy symptoms. If you notice your animal engaging in these behaviors, look for other signs, such as: •
Yeasty smell to the skin and ears
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Red spots and rashes
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Dry, flaky skin
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Shedding and hair loss
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Dull coat
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Ear infections
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Loss of appetite
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Mood changes, including stress and anxiety
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Vomiting or diarrhea
WHY ALLERGIES HAPPEN AND THE FOODS THAT CAUSE THEM Allergies happen when the immune system identifies something harmless as a dangerous invader and attacks it. The result is inflammation, itchy skin, and other uncomfortable symptoms. An allergic reaction to food is more likely to happen when your dog or cat’s digestive system is full of toxins from processed foods, especially when his body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs to thrive. Some of the most common foods/ingredients that cause skin reactions are: •
Grains
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Potatoes and starches
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Added sugar
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Legumes
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Artificial colors and flavors
ATS &C
MANAG
IN
GS
Your dog or cat’s skin is her largest organ and her immune system’s first line of defense. As such, skin and coat health isn’t just about a shiny coat that looks nice — it’s critical for the overall health and well-being of your animal companion. Allergies and nutrient deficiencies can wreak havoc on your fur baby’s skin. Keep your dog or cat happy and healthy by recognizing allergy symptoms, keeping common triggers out of her bowl, and feeding her the right diet.
D O
F
O O
LLERGIES A IN D
Omega-3 fatty acids, kelp, and other ingredients that support skin and coat health. ZIWI®’s PeakPrey® recipes are formulated with nutrient-rich foods and without common allergens, so theyʼre ideal for animal parents who are struggling to find appropriate food for their allergic dogs and cats. ZIWI Peak Mackerel & Lamb Recipe, for example, is made with whole, wild-caught blue mackerel. It has the highest levels of Omega-3 fatty acids of all the company’s recipes, giving your dog or cat that extra boost to help her back to optimal skin and coat health.
ADDRESSING ALLERGIES FROM THE INSIDE OUT The best way to protect your dog or cat from food allergies is by feeding him a high-meat diet made with high quality ingredients and no common allergy triggers. Look for foods with
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