ANIMAL
For a long, healthy life!
WELLNESS GRAINS IN PET FOOD —
HOW EARCROPPING AFFECTS
SEPARATING THE GOOD FROM THE BAD
A DOG’S HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR
WHY HARNESSES ARE SAFER
Foods and recipes
THAT SUPPORT GOOD DIGESTION
THAN COLLARS PET DOULAS
DOES YOUR DOG
NEED A JOB
WHO ARE THEY AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
?
DEPENDING ON HER BREED, THE ANSWER MIGHT BE YES
7WAYS TO MAKE HIM SMELL GOOD — WITHOUT A BATH!
What to do
WHEN YOUR CAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT
FALL 2024 Display until Dec. 9th, 2024
VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4
AnimalWellnessMagazine.com
Columns
CONTENTS Fall 2024
10 NUTRITION KNOW-HOW
Why you should view your dog’s food as medicine
Does your dog suffer from persistent health problems that don’t seem to have a definite cause? Find out how viewing her food as medicine can help get her body back in balance.
14 GUT HEALTH
IBD — a common canine health problem
24
Features 28 52 64
Why food rewards are the best training tool for dogs
T here’s one thing most dogs can agree on — they love food! This means food rewards make the ideal training tool. Find out why they’re so effective, and how to make the most of them.
ollar or harness? Which is C best for your dog?
A properly-fitted harness is safer and more comfortable for your dog than a collar. Find out why, and what to look for when making a purchase.
n integrative approach to A chronic diarrhea in dogs
Chronic diarrhea in dogs can be a simple or complex issue. More complicated cases respond best to an integrative treatment plan.
hich grains are good for 68 W your dog or cat?
While some grains have a negative impact on your dog or cat’s health, others may contribute to his well-being. Let’s separate the good from the bad.
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Animal Wellness
With causes ranging from processed foods to pesticide use, IBD is occurring in a growing number of dogs. An integrative approach to treatment can resolve the problem.
18 FELINE BEHAVIOR What to do when your cat keeps you awake at night
Cats are nocturnal creatures, but when their antics keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, it’s time to make some changes.
20 NUTRIENT HIGHLIGHT
Why fish oils are good for dogs and cats
As a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils offer a range of benefits to your dog or cat’s skin, joints, brain, and more.
24 TECHNOLOGY
What laser therapy can do for your dog or cat
Laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment modality that has many applications for dogs and cats. It helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, speed healing, and more.
34 FELINE HEALTH
Feeding cats with kidney disease
Most older cats develop kidney disease. Catching it early, and adapting your kitty’s diet to support his renal system, will help slow its progression and keep him feeling well.
37 FUN FACTS Why do dogs shake off?
It’s easy to see why dogs shake off when they’re wet, but why do they do it when they’re not?
38 NEED TO KNOW
Dogs in the workplace — what are the benefits?
A comprehensive look at the pros and cons of taking your canine companion to work.
42 SAFETY FIRST
How to create a holistic first aid kit for your dog or cat Be prepared for emergencies — and give yourself peace of mind — by assembling and maintaining a holistic first aid kit for your dog or cat.
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44 EATING WELL
59 YOUR NEW DOG
Foods that support your dog or cat’s digestive health
Top dog names for 2024
From pumpkin to oats to yogurt, a range of nutritious foods can help support your dog or cat’s gastrointestinal tract when he’s having tummy troubles.
48 NATURAL
SUPPLEMENTS
The do’s and don’ts of dog and cat supplements
Choosing the right supplements for your dog or cat requires informed decision-making. Consider these do's and don'ts to ensure you’re selecting the right products.
56 HEALING
60 SPOTLIGHT
Two-faced cats — what causes this striking phenomenon? Looking at a photo of a twofaced cat, you’d be forgiven for thinking the image was faked or touched up. Fact is, these unusual kitties are very real!
62 CANINE BEHAVIOR
How cropping a dog’s ears affects his health and behavior Not only is ear cropping painful, but it can also lead to behavior issues in dogs. Find out why the procedure is done — and why it should end.
INSIDE & OUT
How nutritional therapy can help dogs with skin disease
Adopting a new canine companion? Run your eye down this list of the most popular dog names for inspiration!
A balanced diet, as well as supplementation with essential nutrients, are crucial for treating canine skin diseases.
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67 PLANNING
76 EMOTIONAL
Preparing for power outages — how to protect your dog or cat
Does your dog need a job?
AHEAD
It’s important to be ready for a prolonged power outage by formulating a plan to protect your dog or cat as well as your home and family.
70 FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What are postbiotics and how do they support your dog’s gut health?
One of the “new kids on the block”, postbiotics play a range of roles and have numerous benefits for your dog’s gut health.
31 Newsworthy
76 Classifieds
54 Product Picks
82 In the news
Pet doulas — who are they and what do they do? Why more people are reaching out to pet doulas to help them navigate end-of-life care for their cherished dogs and cats.
7 ways to make your dog smell good — without a bath!
Baths are important for canine health and hygiene, but these tips will help keep him clean and smelling good between trips to the tub.
For the second year in a row, the French Bulldog tops the list.
76 Marketplace
80 SAYING GOODBYE
GROOMED
The 20 most popular dog breeds
6 From the Editor
Depending on your dog’s breed or mix of breeds, he may need a job to do in order to thrive and be happy.
72 WELL-
74 TOP DOGS
Departments
WELL-BEING
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10
75 Let's Get Social
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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FELINE BEHAVIOR
What to do when your cat keeps you awake at night BY NADIA ALI
Cats are nocturnal creatures, but when their antics keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, it’s time to make some changes.
It’s late at night and you’re ready for bed. No sooner have you fallen asleep when your kitty jumps up to join you. Paws sink into your pillow and fur brushes against your face. You smile and reach out to pet her, but she won’t settle down and seems to think it’s time to play or have a snack. Because cats are often more active at night, it’s not uncommon for them to disrupt their humans’ sleep. It might be cute once in a while, but if it’s an ongoing thing you’ll need to take steps to curb the behavior so you can reclaim your peaceful slumber.
YOUR CAT MIGHT FEEL LONELY AT NIGHT Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they’re more active at night, especially during the hours of dusk and dawn. And because most domestic kitties look for companionship, security, and entertainment from their human families, they might feel lonely when everyone retires to bed for the night. Vocalization, jumping on and off the bed, trying to get under the covers or bite your toes may just be your cat’s way of assuaging that loneliness.
6 WAYS TO GET YOUR KITTY TO SETTLE DOWN AT NIGHT 1. Create a routine A study by the University of Messina in Italy observed daily patterns of activity in domestic cats and found they adjusted
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Animal Wellness
their sleeping patterns to fit the lifestyles of their people. Meanwhile, the College of Veterinary Medicine at Ohio State University says that adding playful activities to your cat's daily routine can diminish nocturnal activity. This means you need to take charge. If your cat spends most of the day sleeping, you need to create a sleep pattern routine for her that suits your schedule. Begin with encouraging more daytime activity by providing toys and distractions. A scratching post, cat tree, window perch, and food puzzles can all help keep your kitty occupied. 2. S chedule play sessions before bed If you work all day, schedule an interactive play session for your cat in the evening, before you head to bed. An hour that includes play, a final meal or some treats, and quality time to relax with and pet your kitty is ideal. The Animal Humane Society recommends play sessions that encourage jumping, pouncing, and chasing. These activities allow your cat to release energy and express her natural hunting instincts. This should help tire your kitty out before bed. Veterinarian Dr. Sandra C. Mitchell suggests the longer you can keep your cat awake in the evening, the more likely she’ll be to “crash” and sleep when it’s time.
Does your kitty have FCD? If your cat is over ten years old, and acting out at night, she may have feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD). According to the ASPCA, this disorder affects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years, and more than 80% of cats from 16 to 20 years. FCD can affect your cat’s sleep-wake cycle by causing restless sleep at night, and more sleep during the day. If you think your senior cat might have this condition, seek your veterinarian’s advice.
5.
3. M ake sure she doesn’t have a health problem What happens if your cat still bothers you at night, despite trying the above suggestions? It’s possible she may have a health problem that’s causing her to act out. Adi Hovav, senior feline behavior counsellor at the ASPCA Adoption Center, reminds us that because cats can’t speak, we have to rely on their body language to tell us what they’re feeling. For example, excessive pacing, restlessness, or crying at night could signal discomfort or pain. If you notice these behaviors in your cat, and nothing you’ve tried so far seems to stop them, take her to the vet for a checkup. 4.
Never punish your cat
Scolding, shouting, or punishing your cat will only make the problem worse, so stay patient. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, cats do not respond well to being punished because they see no link between the punishment and the “crime.” All it does it teach your cat to fear you. Worse, it may lead to aggressive behaviors such as scratching and biting.
Shut the bedroom door
If it gets too much, the best thing you can do is exercise some tough love and shut your bedroom door. Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wooten advises that, as hard as it is to shut your cat out, it at least prevents her from having access to your room and climbing all over you. Of course, your kitty will sit outside yowling and scratching to get in, but stay firm and put in a pair of earplugs. Eventually, she’ll get the message. 6. C reate an alternative sleep area for her If you feel bad shutting your cat out of the bedroom, create a cozy, comfortable and secure sleep area for her somewhere else in the house. John Bradshaw, foundation director of the Anthrozoology Institute at the University of Bristol, advises setting up a special space with a comfy cat bed, some favorite toys, and easy access to food, water, and a litterbox. If you make this spot attractive enough to your cat, she won’t be so insistent on getting into bed with you. Discouraging your cat from disturbing you at night can be a challenge. But with time, patience, and persistence, you should eventually be able to train her to let you sleep in peace.
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Collar Har ness? OR
WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR DOG? BY ERIN MULLEN
A properly-fitted harness is safer and more comfortable for your dog than a collar. Find out why, and what to look for when making a purchase.
Collars seem synonymous with dogs. This familiar piece of canine attire demonstrates that a dog has a home and a guardian. A collar may carry an ID tag, and can be chosen to accentuate the dog’s coat color or reflect the stylistic preferences of his human. However, there are numerous reasons why a harness might be a better and safer choice than a traditional dog collar.
THE DOWNSIDES OF COLLARS As common as they are, collars can actually be harmful in the following ways: • A collar puts pressure on the dog’s neck, especially the throat area, which can restrict his ability to breathe. Even if the collar is not fastened too tight, and its static use isn’t causing immediate harm, he may exert pressure on it when he’s on the leash. “Constant pulling or sudden lunging may cause injuries or permanent damage to your dog’s neck,” says certified dog trainer, Andrea Gronwald. • A dog can also get his collar hooked on something, such as a doorknob, tree branch or other protruding object, leading to restricted breathing and injury. • The type of collar also plays a role. Prong collars press painfully into a dog’s neck if he pulls. A collar that becomes
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Animal Wellness
tighter the more the dog strains can also be risky as it can potentially become too tight. • A determined dog can learn how to slip out of most collar types. This can be harmful if the animal is near traffic or any other environment where his freedom could put him in danger. • If a collar is too tight, it can rub against the dog’s skin. “Many people don’t check their dogs’ collars regularly,” says veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier. “Failing to do so can cause skin irritation, as well as allowing the collar to become too loose or too tight.”
WHY ARE HARNESSES BETTER? “A collar’s main function is to keep identification tags on your dog,” says Andrea. “Walking your dog with the leash attached to his collar is not recommended. Body harnesses are a much better option for leashed walks.”
•A harness diverts pressure from the neck. When a dog
pulls, a harness distributes the pressure from his neck and throat to his shoulders, back and chest. Harnesses do not typically loop around the neck in a restrictive fashion, making it far less likely that the dog’s breathing will be
compromised. The risk of neck and throat damage is therefore greatly diminished.
• I t gives you better control over your dog. Because his
whole front section is surrounded when he’s wearing a harness, he’s less able to engage in sudden unexpected activity.
If a collar is too tight , it can rub against t he dog’s skin.
• I t’s a safer choice for dogs with certain health issues.
“Dogs with neck or throat issues, such as kennel cough, collapsing trachea, Wobbler’s disease or other problems of the cervical spine, should always be walked using a harness to avoid pressure on the trachea and spine,” says Dr. Messonnier.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HARNESS FOR YOUR DOG A harness will only be effective if it suits your dog’s needs. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when making a purchase:
A harness distributes the pressure from your dog’s neck and throat to his shoulders, back and chest.
1. If your dog is an escape artist, a harness with a third
strap that loops lower on his torso provides better containment. If not, a traditional harness purchased from a pet supply store with a few thin to medium-sized straps should be appropriate.
2. Some harnesses are padded with fleece for comfort, some
have handles for close proximity control, and some even glow in the dark for nighttime safety. Selecting the proper harness for you and your dog’s lifestyle is important. “I like harnesses that are the least intrusive for my dog,” says Andrea. “I look for lightweight, soft, yet durable materials.”
3. Harnesses are made from a variety of materials that may
vary in durability. Big dogs or those that pull may require metal latches and thick straps, whereas smaller dogs might get away with less durable options, including vest-like harness styles. Ensure you select a harness rated to your dog’s weight.
4. “Consider investing in a car travel harness that allows you
The right fit is
paramount
Once you’ve selected the proper type of harness, be sure you purchase the right size for your dog, and fit
to secure your dog with a seat belt,” advises Andrea. “Not only will this prevent him from jumping into your lap while you are driving, but it will also secure him should you need to slam on the brakes. Look for a high quality harness that allows your dog to sit and lie down rather than forcing him into a seated position.”
it so it’s secure but comfortable. The straps should be
A harness is safer and more comfortable for your dog than a collar, and it also gives you greater control and peace of mind. And don’t worry if you're fashion conscious — harnesses come in just as many colors and designs as collars do!
latter is occurring, then it’s possible the harness is not
altered so the harness effectively contains the dog — but make sure they’re not so tight that they hinder lung expansion or cause discomfort. When the harness is pulled back, most of the pressure should land against the chest, not the neck. If the the best fit for your particular dog’s anatomy.
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