Pets Kept Healthy
Keep your pets healthy. They'll love you for it.
Sleeping With Your Pet
More than half of pet owners living in America, sleep with their furry companions, and that can be a huge mistake.
A new study at the University of California, warns that such close contact can transmit serious illnesses from pet to caretaker. These illnesses including meningitis, worms, and (through fleas) even the bubonic plague. Experts suspect up to several million cases of zoonotic diseases (those passed from animals to humans) may occur each year, ranging from skin conditions like ringworm to life-threatening ailments such as staph infections.
Researchers say, even though your pets provide a lot of comfort & can reduce stress, they are animals and can carry potentially dangerous bacteria, parasites, & bugs.
Researcher Bruno Chomel says it is not wise to let pets lick you on the mouth, and recommends hand-washing whenever you've been handling them. "Having a pet in the bed is not a good idea," he said.
Source:
Health & Science
18 November 2011
Acupuncture brings Relief to Pets
Lori Aratani of the Washington Post, 07/12/2009 reports on how acupuncture is successful in treating pets. She describes a situation involving care for a middle aged dog called Bilbo. The prognosis wasn’t good - he suffered from a whole host of ailments: itchy skin, weakness in his back legs and a loss of appetite. Bilbo’s regular veterinarian told his owner, Abe Haspel of Annandale, Va., that there wasn’t much that could be done because the feisty pug was getting old and his condition would only continue to deteriorate.
But three years later, Bilbo is feistier than ever. Haspel credits monthly acupuncture treatments for the change. “He’s more energetic, and his allergies have disappeared,” Haspel said.
Atarani tells us that although some in the veterinary profession are skeptical of such treatments, Americans’ growing fascination with alternative medicine is influencing the kind of care their pets get. Veterinarians once shunned because of their belief that such alternative therapies as acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help animals struggling with arthritis and allergies are finding growing acceptance from some peers and an eager reception from pet owners. Others, encouraged by greater demand for the services, are scrambling to incorporate such treatments into their conventional practices.
“Anything you can treat with Western medicine you can also treat holistically,” said Jordan Kocen, a veterinarian who specializes in alternative therapies at SouthPaws in Fairfax, Va.
Like their human counterparts, dogs, cats and rabbits are all good candidates for alternative treatments, Kocen said. He said that acupuncture can help a dog suffering from arthritis and that a cat’s asthma can be treated with homeopathic remedies.
The booming interest in alternative care is fueled in part by owners who have tried alternative therapies themselves. Others turn to acupuncture and homeopathy when traditional medicine has failed to help their pets. Sometimes, it’s the humans who end up taking a cue from their animals.
“People see how acupuncture works for their pets and suddenly they’re asking if I can recommend a good acupuncturist for them,” Kocen said.
The American Veterinary Medical Association says it is “open” to the consideration of alternative treatments. For the past several years, the association has offered workshops about alternative treatments at its annual conventions, according to Craig Smith, a veterinarian and association staff member. But the group’s policy also says that “claims for safety and effectiveness ultimately should be proven by the scientific method.”
Alternative treatments were not always an accepted part of veterinary care.
Mark Haverkos, a veterinarian who is also an animal chiropractor, said he was almost expelled from Ohio State’s veterinary school in the 1980s after treating a horse with acupuncture. Monique Maniet, a holistic veterinarian in Bethesda, Md., remembered some colleagues dismissing her as the “voodoo doctor.”
“Now I have the respect of specialists who refer to me when everything else conventional has failed,” she said.
There is no official count of veterinarians who provide alternative care, but anecdotal evidence suggests the demand is growing. Maniet remembers when only about 30 doctors attended the yearly holistic veterinary conferences she frequented; today, more than 800 attend.
She also tells us that pet insurance covers some alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, which can start at about $95 a session. Owners generally pay out of pocket and are reimbursed.
Kocen carries an electronic clipboard on which he quickly scans his patients’ records and scribbles observations about their health. The needles he uses to treat the various dogs, cats and rabbits that visit his office are the same kind used to treat humans.
On one recent day, Debra Graves brought her middle-aged border collie Ginny to Kocen for an acupuncture tune-up. He stroked the dog’s back and gently felt along her spine. Then with quick motions, he stuck several needles into her skin. Ginny barely batted an eye.
“We come every three months,” said Graves, whose drive to Kocen’s office takes over an hour. “After a session here, she runs like a puppy."
Source:
Washington Post
July 12, 2009
Veterinarian using Acupuncture to Treat Animals
Oh, the comfort of a nice face and ear rub while a veterinarian is inserting tiny needles into the fur on your back. Dr. Stuart Clark-Price, a University of Illinois veterinarian says "The needles are part of the Acupuncture treatments Pompey, an 11-year-old pug, gets twice a week – and they represent her only hope of standing on all fours and walking again."
Some dogs need a lot of cookie therapy to sit still for these treatments,but not this little dog, who raises her wrinkly face now and then to look around, then lowers it for some more comforting rubs. Never mind the doggie treats. Pompey will sit still just for the love.
Laura Hill of Urbana says she adopted this affectionate dog about two years ago, and Pompey's legs were a bit wobbly even then. Last fall, Pompey's hind legs gave out completely and, unfortunately, surgery didn't help. She's been unable to walk ever since. "I was told the prognosis in these cases is pretty grim," Hill said. Still, she and Clark-Price weren't ready to give up on Pompey.
A specialist in anesthesiology and pain management, Dr Stuart Clark-Price says Pompey suffers from intervertebral (between the vertebrae) disc disease. A comparable condition in a person would be a herniated disc. Clark-Price said that for a dog with disc disease, the first line of treatment may be anti-inflammatory medications and cage rest if the dog is still walking.
If the dog is unable to move, the option may be surgery as soon as possible. For those dogs that can still feel deep pain, the chance of walking again is about 40 percent to 50 percent. For those that can't feel deep pain (like Pompey) the diagnosis for motor recovery isn't so bright.
Clark-Price believes acupuncture, which is also used for pain and muscle relief, may help Pompey walk again by retraining some of the nerve function she has left to take over for those that have been damaged and assume a brand new function.
Clark-Price sticks about 15 half-inch needles into a channel along Pompey's spine – plus one into one of her legs – inserting the needles into specific nerve points, and then adds a tiny bit of electric current. For some animals, the treatments are done "dry" or without current. It depends on the animal and the condition. The length of treatment also varies. Some dogs will shake out the needles in five minutes.
In other applications, such as pain relief, these treatments can serve to override nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain. Pompey looks up and yawns during a recent treatment, and Clark-Price says that may be due to the massage she's getting or another factor of acupuncture: It often produces a release of feel-good endorphins. Most of the animals sleep pretty well afterward.
With more than a half-dozen treatments behind her, Pompey has shown slight improvements that are encouraging to Clark-Price. "She's still deep pain-negative, but she is able to move her tail and her legs a little bit," he said. Hill says she's seen some hopeful signs. Twice, since starting acupuncture treatments, Pompey has stood on all fours at chow time.
Being immobile is hard on Pompey, one of six rescue pugs at Hill's home and the undisputed leader of the Hill family dogs. She's not in pain and she can scoot around a bit, but she cries when she wants to get somewhere she can't. And she shows frustration by being unable to fulfill her roll as top dog.
Meanwhile, Hill and her daughter work with Pompey on range of motion exercises in the evenings. Pompey's care is a big commitment for a dog owner,but "if you're committed, a dog can still have a good quality of life," adds Hill. Hill once had her pugs organized in two groups of three for their daily walks.
For the moment, it's a group of three and a group of two. She could make it two groups of three again by getting a cart to hold up Pompey's hind end, but she's holding off on that to give the treatments a chance to help Pompey walk on her own. "I don't know how far she'll go," Hill said. "But I want to give her every chance."
Dr. Stuart Clark-Price has done acupuncture treatments on dogs, horses and cattle. Any animals are candidates for acupuncture, although cats do not tend to sit still long enough for the treatment. The treatments are done at the Small Animal Clinic at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Source:
Debra Pressey
6 February 2011
Dogs Can Have Arthritis
According to the article “Does My Dog Have Arthritis?” by Dane Masters, people may not think that it’s possible, but dogs can, and do get arthritis. She says that usually you will notice that maybe they aren’t as active as before or just don’t seem to be themselves. As responsible, loving dog owners, you will of course try your best to help out your furry friends, but most often you will need the help of a vet to relieve their pain and prevent the disease from spreading further.
She goes on to say, “Arthritis is thought by many to be an auto-immune disease, the immune system becomes over-active which causes the body to attack healthy joint tissue or cartilage. This results in pain and inflammation. Arthritis has many different symptoms and can occur at any age, although it is more common in older dogs than younger ones”.
Masters mentions that arthritis causes the breakdown of cartilage around the joints, which leads to less protection around the bones within the joint. Areas affected by arthritis can become swollen, painful and difficult to move. Arthritis is most common in the major, weight bearing joints of the body such as the hips and knees.
Symptoms of arthritis in dogs include:
- Problems getting up, sitting or standing
- Keeping weight off a leg
- Tiredness, less active and not interested in playing
- Weight gain
- Behavior changes
- Appearance of stiffness
- Swelling or warmth around the joints
Masters continues to mention that in recent years, scientists have been studying Glucosamine as a way to treat arthritis in dogs. Glucosamine is a glucose molecule produced naturally in the body. Its job is to fuel cartilage cells to produce the proteins that hold joint tissue together. As dogs age, they are less able to produce glucosamine, which causes the cartilage to wear down and stiffen.
She concludes by suggesting that along with glucosamine you may want to consider chondroitin, which is found in cartilage and can help slow down the enzymes that are causing the breakdown of the cartilage. Combining these two components and giving them to your dog regularly can help them create new cartilage and relieve their arthritis suffering.
Reference:
Source: www.dog-pain.com
Author: Dane Masters
Dogs Diet & Essential Fatty Acids
Does your pet’s skin and coat look shiny and healthy?
If not, this could indicate the need for more fatty acids to be in your dog’s diet.
A dog’s diet affects every aspect of his body as well as the skin and coat. If your dog’s diet has the right amount of fatty acids, then his coat and skin will appear healthy. Fatty acids in your dog’s diet will prevent dry skin and dandruff. A dull coat may well mean you need supplements of fatty acids in your dog’s diet.
If your dog’s coat is already in a good condition, adding more EFA's will still improve your dog’s health. The fatty acid supplements, such as omega 6 and 3, is primarily used for dog’s with diagnosed skin problems.
You must provide EFAs to your pet through your dog’s diet or supplementation, as fatty acids are not produced by your dog’s body. Watch the miracle of fatty acids work in your dog’s diet.
Omega 6 fatty acids is present in manufactured dog food at effective levels.
Reference:
Source: SifuSay.Com Oct 25, 2008
Essential Fatty Acids for Pets
For many years, pet owners have given fatty acids to their dogs and cats to change a dull, dry coat into a more glossy one. More recently veterinarians have found that fatty acids play important roles in other areas of skin and coat health such as allergies, the control of inflammation, and the function of other body organs in dogs and cats.
What are fatty acids?
Fatty acids are specific types of polyunsaturated fats.
The two main classes of fatty acids we will be discussing are the omega-3's and the omega-6's. These classifications are based on molecular characteristics. (For you biochemistry buffs out there, check out the text box at the end of this article.) You may also have heard about omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-9's actually decrease the concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood and skin.
Which fatty acids do pets need?
Animals can produce some of the fatty acids they need, but not all of them. Those fatty acids which they can not produce themselves, but must be obtained through their diet, are called 'essential' fatty acids. Interestingly, what is 'essential' for one species of animal is not necessarily essential for another. For example, the fatty acid, arachidonic acid is essential for cats but not for dogs.
In some disease conditions, certain enzymes which convert one fatty acid to another may be deficient, or the animal may not be able to adequately absorb fatty acids from the intestine. In animals with these conditions, some of the 'nonessential' fatty acids actually become 'essential,' that is, required in the diet, and in higher amounts. Deficiencies of fatty acids may also occur with the use of fat-restricted diets in overweight dogs.
Fatty acids in foods are subject to degradation. Overcooking can destroy fatty acids. Improper storage or a suboptimal amount of antioxidants in dry food may result in rancidity and a subsequent deficiency in fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids:
Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
ALA can be converted into EPA, however, this conversion does not occur in the skin. EPA is the workhorse of the omega-3 fatty acids and is incorporated into the cell membrane.
Omega-6 fatty acids
Linoleic acid (LA)
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)
Arachidonic acid (AA)
LA can be converted into GLA, but not in the skin. However, DGLA can be made from GLA in the skin.
LA is important because it optimizes water permeability in the skin. AA, on the other hand, in increased amounts, is the troublemaker among the fatty acids.
Ratios of fatty acids
Research is being performed to determine the optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids that should be consumed. Previously, it was thought that the ratio should be approximately 15:1. Current recommendations are for ratios of 10:1 to 5:1.
Most pet foods contain far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3's. Some pet food companies have added omega-3 fatty acids to their foods to lower the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to realize that although the ratios may be a guideline, the actual concentration of EPA in the omega-3's is what is most important.
Sources of fatty acids
Fat may contain fatty acids, but in extremely varying quantities. For example, beef fat will have a very low percentage of fatty acids, whereas, sunflower oil and fish oil will have much larger percentages.
Essential fatty acids are found in different quantities in many plants and cold water fish. Marine oils are good sources of EPA and DPA. The other fatty acids are found in higher quantities in certain plants and grains. Sunflower oil and safflower oil are especially high in LA.
For animals allergic to fish, the seeds of the Salvia hispanica plant provide a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. The seeds of the plant contain their own antioxidants. A Salvia hispanica equine product called Tri-Omega has recently been approved by the FDA for use in horses.
As mentioned previously, most pet foods contain far more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids. It has been found that cattle and poultry fed increased omega-3 fatty acids will produce meat and eggs higher in omega-3 fatty acids. In the future, the use of these products in pet food may help to optimize the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet.
How fatty acids function in inflammation
EPA, DHA, and DGLA decrease the harmful effects of AA.
Both AA and EPA can be incorporated into cell membranes. When a cell is damaged, AA is released from the cell membrane and is metabolized by enzymes into substances which increase inflammation and pruritus (itching). EPA is also released when a cell is damaged. It competes with AA for the same metabolic enzymes. EPA results in the production of less inflammatory substances. DHA also results in the production of less inflammatory substances. So DHA and EPA decrease the harmful effects of AA.
DGLA also competes with AA for enzymes. In addition, DGLA causes the release of prostaglandin E1 (PGE), a substance which inhibits the release of AA from the cell membrane.
Source: PetEducation.Com
Fatty Acids Good for Dogs with Allergies
Prasitwiset.com tells us about a true testimonial using Pet Omega from Nordic Naturals:
I have a 4 year old boxer who has always been fighting allergies. He would dry heave and throw up due to allergies. After researching I found out that dogs that suffer from allergies tend to suffer from inflamation which could strike in their intestines, stomach, bones etc.
It started about 2 years ago when my dog would dry heave and throw up once every three weeks and began to happen more frequently. I racked my brain, changing out his food 4 different times. Consulted the vet and he told me as long as he is not throwing up more then once a week that it was ok and just allergies to just give him Benadryl.
In the last 6 months my dog would throw up every 4 days and his flagellation was absolutely out of control. He also suffered from sneezing and runny nose. I spent many hours on the internet researching possible causes and remedies when I ran into this product. Desperate I decided to try and I am absolutely impressed.
My dog has been on this Nordic Naturals Pet Omega for a little over a week and no throwing up. No dry heaving, his flagellation is minimal. Maybe sneezed twice in 4 days and no runny nose. I would reccomend this product if your dog or cat is suffering from allergies. Also I quickly learned that it is very common that animals suffer from some sort of allergies and inflamation from these allergies will cause severe issues such as itching, hair loss, arthritis and even heart problems.
Fatty acids like the ones that are in this product help fight the inflamation and most animals do not produce these acids. Also I read that pet food that advertises they include these fatty acids are not good enough. I plan to make this product a permanent part of my dog’s diet
Help Pets' Digestion - Diarrhea & Vomiting - at Home
Darla Rewers from Seattle, Washington, gives some sound advice on how to help pets with digestive issues:
- A sprinkle of culinary fennel added to the food can cure flatulence.
- A small amount of organic plain yogurt or canned pumpkin in food can help solidify loose stool.
- Probiotics, especially dog and cat specific Enterococcus species, and prebiotics that feed gut cells such as acacia fiber or pumpkin, also help stop diarrhea and heal irritated digestive tracts.
Vomiting
Considerations:
- Has anything new been introduced into the diet?
- Food or treat changes?
- Garbage grazing?
- Stress?
- Dog parks or kenneling? Hiking? Swimming?
- Known food sensitivities or other issues like itchy skin, ear infections, licking paws…?
- Any missing toys or chewed up stuff in house/yard?
If the pet is not distressed, take food away for 24 hours. Restrict water to for several hours. Then only offer water in small amounts at a time for the next 24 hours. Small meals of 2:1 cooked white rice: non- or low-fat (organic) cottage cheese in very tiny portions gently.
Darla also suggests:
- Ginger—jelly candy or dried culinary; mint, catnip--as tea or fresh herb; oat grass--fresh live plants preferred,as safe herbs in small amounts for nausea, vomiting, and car sickness.
- Intermittent vomiting or loose stool can be a symptom of adverse food reaction.
- If the pet is vomiting repeatedly, distressed or lethargic, then veterinary care is critical.
Source:
Post: At-home holistic pet tips for the digestive tract and vomiting
March 28, 2009
Darla Rewers is a licensed veterinarian, certified in vet acupuncture, herbology, tui na qi gong energetic massage with over seven years experience, trained in shamanic practice, reiki, and is an ordained minister and earth steward.
Inflammatoy Bowel Disease IBD in Dogs
Colitis in canines as in humans, is an inflammation in the colon. It may be acute, chronic, or if serious enough, can develop into episodic events.
Despite the fact that it is not an instant threat to your canine’s life, it can, through time, severely impede your pet’s life.
It has become quite common in all dogs and can be a very challenging ailment for them. The exact trigger has not been identified.
Symptoms:
Colitis in canines will probably result in your pet having some mixture of fresh bright blood or mucus in their stool.
If it’s in acute form, they may possibly present practically no signs at all of any illness other than occasional vomiting.
However, when it chronic, they'll start to present distinct symptoms.
Different types:
Lymphocytic-plasmacytic colitis is probably the most prevalent causes of inflammatory bowel condition in canines as it combines with other conditions.
The actual cause is not known, but associated with a reaction by your puppies immune system.
Histolytic ulcerative colitis, is breed specific. It is widespread in boxers, especially young boxers, and is characterized by both ulcers & swelling in the colon. The ulcers that are associated with that kind of colitis is normally quite deep in the colon wall, and are referred to as deep ulcers.
Granulomatous colitis, is extremely uncommon. However, if it does occur, it is extremely serious and resembles Crohns Diseases in humans.
Natural Pet Allergy Treatments
Natural Pet Allergy Treatment Options may be Simple And Effective
Some people develop pets allergies even after having kept pets for several years. The sad part is that your love for animals can be put to severe test if you develop pet allergy and this allergy in turn will make you suffer from ill health.
Some of the common symptoms of pet allergies are
-Itchiness in the skin,
-wheezing, as well as having
-eyes that water constantly.
There are several natural pet allergy treatments to try.
One option is to convert your pet into an outside pet and to not let him stay indoors with you.
Also consider installing an air purifier in the home which will remove pet dander from the air and also to have wooden floors instead of carpeting - the carpets only trap the allergens and that will mean increasing the risk of pet allergies.
When choosing your pet, look to bring home a pet that is considered allergy friendly.
If pet allergy treatment does not work in controlling symptoms of your pet allergy you may even be forced into parting with your pet. Before you do that, be sure to reduce dander in the home and also remove other allergens in the home so that the chances of developing pet allergy are greatly reduced.
Reference:
Source: www.allergies.jsgenterprises.com, October 25, 2008
Nordic Naturals sponsors Pet Radio Show
Nordic Naturals is sponsoring Tracie Hotchner’s new weekly radio show called “Authors on Animals.”
Launched in June 2010, the radio show premieres on the new NPR station, Peconic Public Broadcasting, at 88.3 FM from Southampton, New York. The show will also be podcast after the broadcast and will remain in an online library at www.traciehotchner.com.
In addition, “Authors on Animals” will be available for download without charge from iTunes®.
Hotchner, an award-winning radio show host, is producing and hosting “Authors on Animals,” a one-hour show consisting of interviews with two authors each week that include an outstanding mix of fiction involving animals of every kind (even insects) and non-fiction books that are either newly published or old favorites. "This show is dedicated to writers of both fiction and non-fiction whose works of the imagination or years of painstaking research explore our fascinating relationship to the other creatures on earth, land and sky that share our planet."
Upcoming guests include Garth Stein, “The Art of Racing in the Rain;” Temple Grandin, “Animals Make Us Human;” Ted Kerasote, “Merle’s Door;” Marion Nestle, “Feed Your Pet Right;” Martha Sherrill, “Dog Man;” Jon Franklin, “The Wolf in the Parlor;” Paul Raffaele, “Among the Great Apes;” Dr. Melanie Joy, “Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows:” Mark Derr, “A Dog’s History of America;” Philip Hoare, “The Whale;” and Dr. James Mahoney, “From Elephants to Mice.”
On May 25, Tracie received a 2010 Gracie Award for “Outstanding Host of an Entertainment/Information Show” for her NPR show, DOG TALK®, which airs live on Peconic Public Broadcasting. Established in 1975, the Gracie Awards honor individuals of the highest caliber in all facets of radio, television, cable and web-based media.
Tracie Hotchner is also the author of The Dog Bible: 'Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know"
Nordic Naturals has expanded their product line of essential fatty acids to include those ideally suited for pets.
Source:
Press Release
June 7th, 2010
WATSONVILLE, CA
On Probiotics and Treating a Cat's Arthritis
Pros and cons of probiotics: The use of probiotics is pushed as a super additive for dog and cat foods.
www.buzzle.com
Claims are made that these beneficial bacteria can bestow many health benefits on the pets that eat these foods. As it turns out — not so much.
Certain strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus can help dogs and cats recover from inflammatory bowel disease.
Diarrhea, chronic renal disease and pancreatitis respond to the use of the right probiotics. Not a cure, but helpful.
When puppies receive probiotics after weaning, the distemper vaccinations are more effective. So it might seem logical that foods containing probiotics would be beneficial to the animals.
The problem with this theory (and advertising device) is that the 13 dog foods and 6 cat foods containing probiotics actually bestow no special benefits at all — because, according to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association , "only 7 of the diets contained at least one of the listed species, and none contained all of the probiotics listed on their labels."
And those present were ineffective because somewhere in the kibble manufacturing process, the microorganisms are lost. Those products in which the probiotics are applied as a coating to the foods after they are extruded retained some of the benefits listed. But not all.
If you really want to feed probiotics to your pet, consult your animal's doctor to learn the best, and most economical, source to use. Meanwhile, save your money and stop buying foods because of their supposed probiotic benefits.
Dietary therapy for feline arthritis: Degenerative joint disease, or arthritis, often causes pain and decreased mobility.
A study reported in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (2010) tested a diet high in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, plus green-lipped mussel extract and glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for its pain-relieving and activity-enhancing effects.
Outcomes were evaluated both by the cat's owners and by veterinary assessment.
Results showed that the diet had a significant effect when compared to a control group. It is also believed that a variation on this diet may prove helpful in weight control by creating an appropriate physiological environment. One study — two very good effects.
Source:
fosters.com
October 24, 2010
Pets can go Organic.
Cynthia Powell runs a local business of organic dog treats.What started out as a fundraiser to build the Fort Steilacoom Dog Park has become a blooming local business.Baking out of her home in Steilacoom, Powell makes and sells organic dog treats for local pooch-parents to feed their pups.
Powell, who graduated from Pierce in 2005, has been mastering her craft for a long time now, researching and practicing different styles and flavors to sell at the local farmers markets.
Powell's business, Dog Treat Bakery, has 15 flavors available such as beef,bacon, buffalo,lamb,chicken and turkey.
A few non-meat options are offered for the vegetarian furry friends; some of them include peanut butter, sweet potato, mint, and pumpkin.
The most popular flavor is buffalo, which is unique because it's not the most common meat to be in dog food.
While some dog treat suppliers use broth to flavor their goods, Powell uses real meat. Each treat is made of about 40% meat, which adds to the nutritional value instead of being just empty calories.
"I use oat flour because there's a lot of dogs that are allergic to wheat," Powell said. "There's some dog vitamins in there also." Instead of artificial preservatives she uses a powdered form of vitamin E, therefore the treats need to be refrigerated to sustain freshness.
Powell makes dog cakes frosted with fat free cream cheese and Pupcakes, which are just what they sound like, dog treats shaped like cupcakes with a dollop of goat cheese on top for frosting.
During the holidays Powell makes treats in different shapes ranging from pumpkins and ghost on Halloween to gingerbread men and Christmas trees on Christmas.She also experiments with different types of flavors.
Plans are in progress to open a shop across from the dog park in Steilacoom where she will bake and sell her treats. There may also be items from the Protect Our Pets such as T-shirts and hats.
Online orders can be placed at her website, http://dogtreatbakery.org/
Source:
Kimmi Shoemaker
www.piercepioneer.com
10/7/10
Probiotics & Canine Health
Rebecca Foxton writes about "Probiotics & Canine Health in Apr 2008 dog-gonnit.com Updates". She says that parasitic infections are common among puppies and are symptomatic, as the dog or puppy will experience diarrhea, vomiting, and show a pot-belly, which is often perceived as being “cute”.
Another indicator of a possible parasite or bacterial infection is poor coat quality or other general signs of bad health. Get the vet to take a stool sample if you feel that your animal has a parasite.
She also mentions that you should educate yourself on the raw diet. Many pet owners have found that the raw food diet has been the best thing for their pets and highly recommend it. Some so-called experts on dog nutrition recommend cooking the food as to allow for the protein to digest easier and to rid of parasites. However, this is incorrect, as the raw food does not need to be cooked.
Dog parasite infestations need not be harmful as a healthy dog has a powerful immune system which can take care of these types of things. A regular anti-parasitic program of treatment, such as yearly heart worm check ups, regular worming and flea control etc, and your pet should not be at risk.
Rebecca continues to say that being able to spot the tell-tale signs is always good. Diarrhea is an indicator of parasites or food poisoning. Bacterial infections and canine parasites are not pleasant for your dog. If left untreated it could cause serious problems.
Similar to the case with humans, nutritional and health aids can be used to improve immunity, avoid disease, and foster good health.
As well as supplements, dog nutrition is vital and in most cases a daily or weekly dose of canine vitamins and daily probiotics should be the only supplements required for most pets with a general level of activity.
Foxton concludes by saying that researching the ingredients in the food you feed your dog is a good idea, as most brands of dog food fail to provide a healthy diet. Since ingredients including vegetables, fruits, and grains, the nutritional value of corn and fruit are becoming more prevalent among many dog foods, now is the time that you should really look into your options. You will find the answers using research and what you really feel is the right choice.
Reference
Source: http://dog-gonnit.com, posted April 4th, 2008
Author: Rebecca Foxton
Probiotics Keep Pets Healthy
One in about four people in USA owns a dog. This is a huge number of pet dogs which in turn, would give you a fair idea of how big the US dog-food industry is. While pre-packed and processed dog food is okay when used intermittently with fresh food, it is actually harmful if and when it is used in exclusively.
Why? Because pre-packed and processed dog food is dead food; food that has been pasteurized and therefore has no enzymes or friendly bacteria that are required for the digestion of food. This means that though your dog is given the right nutrition, it would not profit from it since it cannot digest it properly.
The role of the probiotics is double pronged. On one hand they help with the digestion and absorption of food and on the other hand they suppress the growth of harmful bacteria by multiplying heavily and eliminating the bad ones from the bowel walls.
Here some benefits that probiotics trigger in your dog’s body are:
- Reduces the intestine pH, which in turn prevents the multiplication of harmful bacteria in the intestine
- Produces hydrogen peroxide and fatty acids that interfere in the development of pathogenic micro-organisms
- Stimulates the immune system by producing anti-microbial substances that check both viruses and harmful bacteria growth and development
- increases the levels of anti-bodies in the bowels of the animal as well as in the blood stream
- encourages the growth and multiplication of friendly bacteria
How to get it?
There are two major ways to get probiotics into the system of your pet dog :
The natural way
-There is nothing easier or better than feeding your dog what it is meant to eat: raw food.
-Use chicken or turkey backs and necks for your dog as well as pork and beef and joint bones.
-Organs such as spleen, liver, lungs, kidney and heart are excellent for your dog’s diet.
-You need to mince this meat loosely and mix with it small measures of fresh vegetables and fruits.
-This should be fed to the dog 4-5 times a week.
-The rest of the time you could use the standard supermarket dog food.
Supplement and additives of probiotics
If you are unable to provide your dog raw meals, it is a good idea to add probiotics to its pasteurized and processed food. Fortunately, there are plenty of brands probiotics you could choose from in the market. Consult your vet for the dosage.
Reference:
Source: www.factoidz.com/pets-pet-care
Probiotics for Pets
There is something going on with your pet’s digestive system and maybe you have already been referred to look into pet probiotics. There are a few key times in your pet’s life when this is especially recommended:
1 Beginning stages of life, to build a good bacteria foundation in the stomach.
2 After a course of antibiotics to rebuild the foundation of good bacteria in the stomach.
3 After a de-worming treatment.
4 To address gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
Probiotic supplements can be beneficial for your pet beginning in it’s first stages of life. At birth your pet is born with a sterile stomach. Colonizing healthy bacteria can be incredibly helpful to get your pet’s digestive and immune health off to the right start.
Your pet’s system can be diminished after a course of treatment with antibiotics. The antibiotics cannot differentiate between the friendly bacteria and the pathogenic bacteria, and ends up killing off both. Adding probiotics to your pet’s diet can help to bring them back to optimal health as quickly as possible.
If your pet has worms, it can be incredibly beneficial to add probiotics to their diet after the de-worming treatment. The parasites release toxins when they die that kill bacteria. If your pet is suffering from loss of appetite you can also turn to probiotics to restore their regular appetite.
Probiotics can be beneficial after gastrointestinal upsets like vomiting and diarrhea. Stress, poor diet and pollutants are major contributing factors to a malfunctioning GI tract in your animal. This stress can come in all forms, including inclement weather, travel, separation anxiety, change in diet, and after strenuous exercise.
As a rule of thumb, a combination with prebiotics and plenty of water works best. Prebiotics are a dietary fiber that aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals in your pet’s digestive tract. This fiber contributes to the natural colon health of your pet. They help regulate the digestive transit, contributing to the overall well being of your pet.
Probiotics have a positive effect on the growth of intestinal flora where bacteria resides thus helping to form a natural protective barrier for your pet. It is important to combine both probiotics and prebiotics for a complete digestive support supplement for you pet. These supplements come in many forms to administer to your pet including gels, powder and tablets. It is important to find the right combination that works for your pet and your family that is natural and boosts immune health, improves digestive health and increases nutrient absorption. Consult and work with your vet as to the next appropriate course of action in maintaining your pets health and wellness.
Source:
Douglas Scott
Aug 2010