New exercise program pairs furry workout partners with people
Thank Dog! Bootcamp is an exercise program geared toward dogs and owners that offers people a chance to slim down with their pets while getting obedience training for their furry workout buddies. The hourlong classes include cardio, strength training and obedience training. The Washington Post (10/23)
Thank Dog! Bootcamp: That’s not drill sergeants barking
The show highlighted the work of Thank Dog!, which was founded in Burbank, Calif., in 2008 by Jill Bowers and her twin sister, Jamie. Bowers, a highly regarded dog trainer, had struggled with her weight until committing to a boot camp. Forty pounds peeled off, but she didn’t like spending all that time away from her Doberman pinscher. Her mission? Create a boot camp they could do together.
Students in L.A. have lapped it up, and as the program has gotten media attention — most recently, on an episode of “Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan” in August — there’s been demand to expand to other cities.
But replicating Thank Dog! isn’t as simple as learning a few commands. “There’s an amount of organization and creativity needed to keep it safe and interesting. It’s not just running around a park with dogs,” says Noelle Blessey, who took over as Bowers’s partner when her sister decided to pursue transcendental meditation.
The gradual expansion started a year and a half ago, when Thank Dog! was licensed in Toronto. It’s since spread to Chicago, Cleveland, Boston and now the Washington area.
That’s how I came to find myself holding the leash of Rosie, one of Krieg’s two pit bull rescues, learning the basics of dog handling. Typically, new students get a personal one-hour training session before their first class to go over the commands. Because Rosie already knew the drill, I had an abbreviated lesson.
When I said “heel,” Rosie followed me. She sat when I said “sit,” got down when I said “down” and stayed when I said “stay” and walked in a circle around her. I had a bit more trouble following the directions for humans, which include keeping the dog to the left of you at all times and not allowing the dogs to get close enough to socialize.
“This way, there are no dogfights,” explained Krieg, who said focusing on the human-dog relationship throughout class is also important to solidify your bond. “You’re spending quality time together, not just walking and talking on the phone.”
College students considering pets should study their options
Homesick college students should carefully consider several factors before adopting a pet such as a dog, writes veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus. Dogs can need preventative medical care such as vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery as well as emergency care, not to mention everyday living supplies, Dr. Hohenhaus notes. There are several other factors to evaluate, Dr. Hohenhaus points out, but if students have done their homework and determine that they still want a pet, they will likely benefit from the friendship they’ll forge. WebMD/Tales from the Pet Clinic blog
Should Pets Go to College?
By Ann Hohenhaus, DVM
For college students, the fall semester is well underway. While undergrads percolate chemistry experiments, burn the library lights late into the night, and strike keyboards as they type out the latest term paper, some will find themselves homesick and missing their family pet. Often on a whim, many students go so far as to take a quick trip to the local animal shelter to adopt a puppy or kitten to fill the void. But is this a good idea?
I asked this exact question of my college best friend when she simultaneously announced her daughter, Colleen, had been accepted to Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and was getting a puppy named Fripps as a graduation gift. As you can see, veterinary college suits Fripps and Colleen and they have made lots of friends already.
First, a backup plan
Colleen is lucky — her parents love Fripps. If Colleen’s academic demands become overwhelming, her parents will keep Fripps at their home with their own dogs. Many parents might not be as accommodating as Colleen’s are. So, if you are a college student considering a pet adoption, think about how you will provide for your pet if you have the opportunity for a semester abroad or if your roommate develops allergies. Check with your parents to see if they would agree to provide you with the backup you might need. If the answer is no, you will need to think of another alternative, such as a friend or relative who can take in your pet when necessary.
Before adopting
Since Fripps came before Colleen found a place to live, she leased a pet-friendly apartment. If you already have an apartment, check your lease to determine if yours is pet friendly. Talk to your roommate(s) regarding his or her feelings about having a pet in the shared areas of your apartment. Considering a dog adoption? Investigate doggie day care options for days when you have late classes – or simply want to have a burger out with friends before going home. Fripps goes to the Shaggy Dog three days a week, since there is a three days for the price of two special, and being a college student, Colleen is on a budget. Remind yourself, a pet is a lifetime commitment and those lives can last 10-15 years. A college education is partly about exploring opportunities. Although adopting a pet is a wonderful experience, it may limit opportunities for academic travel and work experiences offered by your college.
Budget suggestions
Not only does your new furry friend need food, a collar and leash, and a crate or carrier, but preventive healthcare will be a must. A puppy or kitten series of vaccines and a spay or neuter surgery are just the start. Fripps has access to good medical care through Community Veterinary Services at Mississippi State University, but college students on a limited budget must consider how they will pay for routine veterinary care. For some budgets, a prepaid plan might make sense. To help handle the cost of emergency care, college students — and all pet families — should investigate pet insurance. If you are an automobile-less student, investigate how you and your new pet will get home to visit your family and the veterinarian.
Parents listen up!
If your college student sounds pet homesick on the phone, guide them in making a wise decision about adding a pet to their list of college experiences. With some advance planning, your homesick college student may benefit from a friendly furry face greeting him at the door every evening.
Yoghund Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats Recall
Boots & Barkley Pig Ears and Variety Pack Dog Treats Recalled
Veterinarian: The best pain management involves tailored treatment
Although there is a possibility of side effects, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective for treating arthritis in dogs, says veterinarian Robin Downing. Dr. Downing notes that dogs may respond differently to therapies, and regular veterinary visits including blood work are an important part of monitoring a pet’s response to treatment. “The best answer is multimodal therapies designed specifically for each individual,” Dr. Downing says. “In the end, most dogs can live virtually pain free.” This article also addresses arthritis in cats, skin conditions and the best time to spay or neuter. ChicagoNow.com/Steve Dale’s Pet World blog
Q: My dog has bad arthritis in his knee. I’ve read a lot of stuff about Rimadyl that scares me, so I’m thinking of using Zubrin — or do you have any suggestions about what might be safer? — V.W., via Cyberspace
A: Well, you’re not going to use Zubrin. The drug is no longer available. This has nothing to do with safety, but instead with mergers and acquisitions and related business decisions.
Dr. Robin Downing, past president and founder of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and a certified pain practitioner, says, “Don’t believe all the untrue hoo-ha on Rimadyl and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs. Each of these (NSAID) drugs are very effective, but like most drugs not without potential side effects. The risk is similar (for each of the NSAID drugs for dogs), though one individual dog might have an adverse event with one drug but not another.”
Though they are all similar, some NSAID drugs might be more effective for some individual dogs than others. “If one drug doesn’t seem to be as efficacious as expected, we often advise another,” adds Downing, of Windsor, CO. She adds that NSAID drugs should never be “given in a vacuum.” Blood work should always be done before prescribing a drug, and over the course of a drug’s use. Regular veterinary visits are important to keep tabs on how the dog is doing.
By diminishing pain, a NSAID drug may make it possible for a dog to exercise (talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate workout). Physical therapy (including underwater treadmill), acupuncture, chiropractic and therapeutic laser may also help. The most important factor may be weight loss.
“The best answer is multimodal therapies designed specifically for each individual,” adds Downing. “In the end, most dogs can live virtually pain free.”
Canine influenza: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate?
Not all dogs need the influenza vaccine, writes veterinarian Lawrence Gerson, but he says those in contact with other dogs, such as those that spend time at kennels and shows, are more at risk and therefore may be good candidates for the vaccine. The vaccine is not associated with any significant side effects, Dr. Gerson notes, adding that owners should consult with their veterinarian when deciding whether to vaccinate for influenza. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Fall is here and flu season is just around the corner. I visited my physician and was vaccinated earlier in the week. Should your dog have one, too?
News reports about an increase of canine flu in Pennsylvania have prompted calls to my office. Outbreaks in eastern and central Pennsylvania have veterinarians on alert. First noted at greyhound tracks years ago, this infectious respiratory disease was determined to be H3N8 influenza and thought to be a mutation of the same virus in horses.
Vaccinations for canine influenza are not universally recommended at this point. Inquiries at local veterinary clinics and emergency services have not shown the canine flu to be a problem here — yet. However, owners who travel with their dogs, especially to dog shows or field trials, might want to ask their veterinarians for advice on whether to vaccinate. Cats are not normally affected.
The vaccine aids in decreasing symptoms and initially is given twice at a three-week interval and then annually. The vaccine is safe to use without any significant side effects.
Dogs infected with flu get a fever and nasal discharge. Pneumonia can follow infection and has the potential to be fatal. Infections can be severe at a kennel, veterinary hospital or animal shelter. Any coughing dog should be examined by a veterinarian.
Isolation of infected or suspected dogs is critical, and outbreaks can be controlled by preventing additional exposure. I have heard reports of dogs getting ill from attending shows where widespread exposure has occurred.
To get a specific diagnosis, veterinarians can send samples to labs for testing. Statistics from Cornell University show that 25 percent of suspected dogs were positive for influenza from samples submitted by Pennsylvania veterinarians.
Unlike people, who tend to get the flu in fall or winter, dogs have less exposure in the cold weather. Spring would be my guess as to when canine flu would show up. Once dogs start to visit parks and boarding facilities, the close contact increases the potential for infection.
The regular kennel cough vaccine for bordatella is highly recommended for dogs who go to kennels or have regular contact with other dogs at day care, parks, dog shows or field trials. Canine influenza may soon be added to the vaccines recommended for those dogs.
This potentially serious infection deserves to be watched carefully. Vaccination and limiting contact with infected dogs are the best precautions.
Exercise tools help pets shed unhealthy pounds
Pet obesity is soaring in America, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, with 53% of U.S. adult dogs considered obese. Various exercise aids, such as treadmills and activity monitors, are helping pets shed excess, unhealthy pounds and are gaining popularity among owners, veterinarians and other pet-centered businesses. Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine recently opened an obesity clinic geared toward helping pets slim down. FoxNews.com/Reuters (10/15)
Puppy Pilates and canine cardio: How pudgy pets are slimming down
As the obesity rate soars among Americans, their dogs are getting potbellied, too, encouraging fitness companies to come up with a range of equipment and classes to get pampered pets back into shape.
From canine-tailored treadmills, to puppy pedometers and group fitness classes, there’s no shortage of tools to trim and tone the sagging paunches of pooches.
“If you can’t lay your hands on them and feel the ribs pretty easily, they’re obese.”
– Dr. Dennis Arn, veterinarian at the Desert Inn Animal Hospital in Las Vegas
As part of his fitness routine, Rocky, a rotund dachshund, traipses a mini-treadmill designed for small dogs.
“When Rocky first came to us, he looked like a small marine animal,” said Dr. Dennis Arn, veterinarian at the Desert Inn Animal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev. “He’s got a waistline now and his conditioning is significantly better.”
Just like their owners, obesity affects pets’ longevity and quality of life. About 53 percent of adult dogs are classified by their veterinarians as obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
To combat the weighty issue, Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Mass., announced the creation of the nation’s first obesity clinic last month, geared specially towards pets.
“If you can’t lay your hands on them and feel the ribs pretty easily, they’re obese,” said Arn, adding that too many pet owners reward their charges with treats.
“As a blanket statement, a dog needs at least 30 minutes (of exercise) a day,” said Geralynn Cada, who has been training dogs for more than 30 years. “A dog who is less active is less happy and has more health problems.”
Cada, who is based in Nevada, teaches classes such as dog yoga, puppy Pilates, and a canine interval training course known as Retrieve and Burn.
Physical issues aside, dogs that are denied exercise often develop behavioral problems, she said.
“A tired dog is a happy dog,” Cada said. “If your dog gets bored, they’ll search for purpose and that purpose will be to chew up your wallet.”
Canine cardio
To burn off her high-strung husky’s extra enthusiasm as well as calories, Cada runs him regularly on his dog treadmill, dubbed the DogPACER.
David Ezra, CEO of DogPACER, said he got the idea for the canine cardio machine after observing clients at his fitness centers.
“I thought, “Why not a treadmill for dogs?”” he said.
Hundreds of canine treadmills – which sell for $500 and come in regular and mini sizes – have been sold since they hit the market seven months ago.
“We’ve run over 1,000 dogs at this point,” said Ezra, adding that 60 to 70 percent of the treadmills go to dog owners, including seniors whose health problems prevent them from exercising their animals.
Others are purchased by grooming salons, veterinarians, police and government agencies, and animal rehabilitation centers.
“Grooming facilities will throw the dog on (a treadmill) to de-stress them before grooming,” he said, adding that dogs must be supervised and will initially be taken aback by the equipment.
Studies have shown that people who wear pedometers routinely walk more. Perhaps in that spirit, developers of Tagg, a pet location device, developed an activity monitor that makes it possible for owners to keep tabs on their dog’s exercise.
“Tagg’s combination of activity monitoring and GPS location tracking puts pet parents in control of their pet’s well-being,” Dave Vigil, president of Snaptracs Inc. which created Tagg, said in a statement.
Cada is so devoted to keeping animals fit, she has also devised ways to stimulate her dogs mentally.
“I have them doing a mental obstacle course for me,” she said. “I’ll have them sit down, roll over, jump on and off the bed, and do all the tricks they know in a random order.”
The animals will also fetch and engage in a series of rapid-fire hand-to-paw high-fives.
“It’s like a test,” she explained, “for a treat.”
7 Ways to cope with the death of a pet
from www.onlinepsychologydegree.net
Pets are more than just animals — they’re family. And anyone who’s ever lost a pet knows it’s terribly heartbreaking. Whether it’s your first time to lose a pet or your third, it never really gets easier, only more familiar. Thankfully, there are many ways to ease the sorrow and help you recover from such a devastating loss. If you or someone you know is suffering from the loss of a pet, then take a minute to read these seven tips to help you cope and return to a more peaceful state of mind.
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Allow yourself to grieve:
One of the most important things you have to remind yourself of following the loss of a pet is that it’s important and perfectly OK to grieve. Everyone grieves in different ways and for different periods of time. It may last a few days or a few years. Either way, it’s a completely personal experience that may require taking off work or spending some time alone to bounce back.
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Express your grief openly:
A big part of the healing process is expressing your grief openly. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings and memories. Holding it in will only make the grieving process more difficult and painful. This is especially important to remember when talking to your children about the loss of a pet. When explaining the situation, be sure to express your own grief and reassure your kids that it’s OK to be sad and that you also feel the same way.
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Spend time with your surviving pet:
Spending time with your surviving pet can help you cope with grief and ease the pain of losing an animal. Surviving pets may need a lot of TLC at this time because they are also affected by the loss. Even if they weren’t close, your surviving pet may whimper and act lethargic because they are distressed by the sudden changes. Comfort your surviving pet and try to create a positive emotional state within the home.
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Do something in your pet’s memory:
Whether it’s spending time at the park where you used to walk your dog, volunteering at an animal shelter, or making a donation in your pet’s memory, these special moments can help you turn a painful situation into a positive one. If you like to write, paint, or make music, you can dedicate it to your beloved pet.
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Keep a journal:
Keeping a journal is one of the best things you can do to record your feelings, thoughts, and memories about your pet and keep track of your grieving process. Doing so will help you work through the grief and make sense of the things happening around you.
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Memorialize your pet:
Memorializing your pet can help you overcome your loss and remember the good times you had together. You can have a memorial for your pet in private or with the company of friends and family. Some people write a letter to their pet or create a photo album and leave it by an urn or their pet’s burial spot. You can memorialize your pet on his or her birthday or anytime you feel like reminiscing.
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Seek support:
Many people have been in your exact shoes and know what it’s like to lose a beloved pet. Seeking support is a healthy and encouraged way to cope with the death of a pet. There are many forms of support available to grieving pet owners, including pet-loss support hotlines, pet bereavement counseling services, and online support groups with chat rooms and message boards where people can tell their story and share comforting words. Support can also come from friends and family who knew your pet and can help you hold on to the good memories.
People can pass influenza to pets
Dogs, cats and ferrets have contracted influenza from humans, and some of those animals have died, prompting concerns over “reverse zoonosis,” the transmission of disease from people to animals. “We worry a lot about zoonoses … but most people don’t realize that humans can also pass diseases to animals, and this raises questions and concerns about mutations, new viral forms and evolving diseases that may potentially be zoonotic,” said veterinarian Christiane Loehr, an associate professor at Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Loehr and veterinarian Jessie Trujillo at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are researching reverse zoonosis to help predict and prevent emerging threats.
CORVALLIS, Ore. – By KTVZ.COM news sources
As flu season approaches, people who get sick may not realize they can pass the flu not only to other humans, but possibly to other animals, including pets such as cats, dogs and ferrets, Oregon State University scientists said Wednesday.
This concept, called “reverse zoonosis,” is still poorly understood but has raised concern among some scientists and veterinarians, who want to raise awareness and prevent further flu transmission to pets. About 80-100 million households in the United States have a cat or dog
It’s well known that new strains of influenza can evolve from animal populations such as pigs and birds and ultimately move into human populations, including the most recent influenza pandemic strain, H1N1.
It’s less appreciated, experts say, that humans appear to have passed the H1N1 flu to cats and other animals, some of which have died of respiratory illness.
There are only a handful of known cases of this phenomenon, and the public health implications of reverse zoonosis of flu remain to be determined. But as a concern for veterinarians, it has raised troubling questions and so far, few answers.
Veterinary researchers at OSU and Iowa State University are working to find more cases of this type of disease transmission and better understand any risks they pose to people and pets.
“We worry a lot about zoonoses, the transmission of diseases from animals to people,” said Christiane Loehr, an associate professor in the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.
“But most people don’t realize that humans can also pass diseases to animals, and this raises questions and concerns about mutations, new viral forms and evolving diseases that may potentially be zoonotic,” Loehr said. “And, of course, there is concern about the health of the animals.”
The researchers are surveying flu transmission to household cat and dog populations, and suggest that people with influenza-like illness distance themselves from their pets.
If a pet experiences respiratory disease or other illness following household exposure to someone with the influenza-like illness, the scientists encourage them to take the pet to a veterinarian for testing and treatment.
The first recorded, probable case of fatal human-to-cat transmission of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus occurred in Oregon in 2009, Loehr said. Details were published in Veterinary Pathology, a professional journal.
In that instance, a pet owner became severely ill with the flu and had to be hospitalized. While she was still in the hospital, her cat – an indoor cat with no exposure to other sick people, homes or wildlife – also died of pneumonia caused by an H1N1 infection.
Since then, researchers have identified a total of 13 cats and one dog with pandemic H1N1 infection in 2011 and 2012 that appeared to have come from humans. Pet ferrets have also been shown to be infected, and some died.
All of the animals’ symptoms were similar to that of humans — they rapidly develop severe respiratory disease, stop eating and some die. Serological studies suggest there is far more exposure to flu virus in cats and dogs than previously known.
“It’s reasonable to assume there are many more cases of this than we know about, and we want to learn more,” Loehr said. “Any time you have infection of a virus into a new species, it’s a concern, a black box of uncertainty. We don’t know for sure what the implications might be, but we do think this deserves more attention.”
Natural and experimental transmission of the H3N2 influenza virus from dogs to cats in South Korea showed the potential for flu viruses to be transmitted among various animal species, Loehr said. It’s unknown if an infected cat or other pet could pass influenza back to humans.
The primary concern in “reverse zoonosis,” as in evolving flu viruses in more traditional hosts such as birds and swine, is that in any new movement of a virus from one species to another, the virus might mutate into a more virulent, harmful or easily transmissible form.
“All viruses can mutate, but the influenza virus raises special concern because it can change whole segments of its viral sequence fairly easily,” Loehr said. “In terms of hosts and mutations, who’s to say that the cat couldn’t be the new pig? We’d just like to know more about this.”
Veterinarians who encounter possible cases of this phenomenon can obtain more information from Loehr or Jessie Trujillo at Iowa State University. They are doing ongoing research to predict, prevent or curtail emergent events.
A variety of strategies for treating arthritic pets
Veterinarian Donna Solomon can relate to owners of arthritic pets, as she recently diagnosed her own dog with severe degenerative joint disease. Dr. Solomon describes a multifaceted approach to treating arthritis in pets, including an initial veterinary exam with radiographs, medications, supplements and appropriate exercises. The Huffington Post/The Blog
Caring for an Arthritic Dog or Cat
The following day, I took radiographs of his forelimbs and discovered severe degenerative joint disease (arthritis) not only in his left elbow but also in his right elbow. It truly amazes me how he was so asymptomatic until this beach injury. Immediately, I started supportive medical therapy and restricted his activity to leash walks only.
Is your pet having difficulties going up and down the stairs or jumping onto the couch? What do you do when your dog or cat starts to limp? Here are some of my suggestions for potential therapy options for your aching pet to discuss with your veterinarian:
1. Complete physical examination. If your pet is showing joint pain, take your pet to your veterinarian and discuss his/her symptoms. Take radiographs to document your pet’s problem and degree of pathology. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis or a soft tissue injury, consider starting your dog on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to decrease joint inflammation. Did you know that an inflamed joint heals much slower than one that is not? By decreasing inflammation, a NSAID allows your dog to feel better and heal faster. For cats, in my opinion, there are no safe NSAID available today. In cats, NSAID can cause or aggravate kidney disease.
2. Pain medication. Today, there are a number of effective pain medications available to pets- like gabapentin, buprenorphine and tramadol. In addition, there is a drug, called amantadine, which enhances the effect of your dog’s NSAID. It is an antiquated and non-compassionate thought to withhold pain medication in pet’s with orthopedic injuries for fear that they will be more active and re-injure themselves. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to restrict their activity and minimize their pain. For cat owners, buprenorphine is a great drug choice because it can be given either orally or as a simple injection underneath the skin. Initially, my clients are nervous about giving injections to cats, but soon find it easy, non-stressful and relatively painless.
3. Evaluate your pet’s body condition. Does your pet look like an ottoman? If you can’t easily touch your pet’s ribs or the belly swings when it walks, then I suspect your pet is overweight. Excessive weight is a burden for worn joints. By simple weight reduction alone, it’s amazing how much better your pet will feel. Weight loss can be achieved by a combination of restricting your pet’s caloric intake and by exercising your pet.
4. Start your pet on a glucosamine chondroitin supplement. Did you know that nutrapharmaceutical products are not FDA regulated? It is for this reason that I only recommend an independently tested product produced by Nutramax, called Dasuquin. This product supplies your pet’s joints with building materials to help rebuild your pet’s cartilage and decrease joint inflammation. For dogs, it is a tasty chewable product. For cats, it’s available as a capsule that you sprinkle on their food. I find this product works well in most pets, but not all. Try it for at least six weeks before you evaluate its efficacy.
5. Add Fish oil — omega 3’s — to your pet’s diet. Omega 3’s decrease joint inflammation up to 20 percent. This product can be purchased over-the-counter at any pharmacy. It does not have to be specifically labeled for pets only. I recommend dosing fish oil based on the omega 3 concentration of eicosapentaenoic (EPA). Dose 20 mg EPA for every pound of body weight ONCE daily. (Pets with fish allergies should avoid Fish oil.) For example, a 20 pound dog will need approximately 400 mg EPA per day.
6. Keep your pet active with horizontal play. Good muscle mass can help compensate for structural abnormalities. I do not encourage jumping activity or running great distances. Walking and swimming are great exercises for arthritic dogs. In Chicago-land area, there are a number of rehabilitation facilities that have swimming pools just for dogs. Swimming is a non-weight-bearing activity that can increase your dog’s joint range of motion and muscle mass. For cats, I recommend playing with a flashlight, or putting their food in a food- dispensing ball and letting them play with it. Another inexpensive and fun toy for most cats are empty boxes . Cats love to climb in and out of cardboard boxes. Lastly, I have a few clients that put their cats on a leash and take them outside for walks. Try it! You and your cat may enjoy the walk together.
7. Physical and acupuncture therapy. Just like in human medicine, physical therapy and acupuncture can help pets recover from injuries. When choosing a therapist, make sure they are certified and licensed to work on pets. I believe a therapist should be a veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician working directly under the guidance of a veterinarian. For the greatest long-term success, I find it best if the therapist teaches the owner how to perform as many exercises as possible at home. With regards to laser therapy, I’m still unsure of its benefit. If you’d like to try it on your pet, go ahead — in experienced hands, there are no side effects and only a potential gain.
8. Adequan — polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSSG). For pets that have degenerative joint disease or have experienced a traumatic musculoskeletal event — like a torn cruciate — I really like this product. It helps decrease the rate of decay of cartilage, stimulates the synthesis of new collagen and hyaluronic acid (a lubricant in joints). In addition, Adequan works synergistically with Dasuquin. This is an injectable product that I teach clients to give their dog or cat underneath the skin. This product is initially given twice weekly for three to four weeks and then, once monthly. In both species, by the fifth or sixth injection, most clients usually see a more comfortable and agile pet. This product is extremely safe and well tolerated by most pets.
9. If your pet does not respond to the above recommendations, surgical intervention may be necessary. For an orthopedic evaluation, please consult a board certified veterinary surgeon.
So, it’s been a few weeks since Zack’s injury on the beach. He’s doing much better but unfortunately we have had to make some major adjustments in our life together. We do go to the beach regularly. But now, it’s only for 15-30 minutes to play in the water. I throw his ball in the water and he happily swims out to get it. We no longer walk or run along the shore. I’m sad about this, but I don’t want to risk Zack re-injuring himself as he twists and turns on the sand chasing after his tennis ball. Yes, he’s on a restricted caloric diet, Dasuquin, Fish Oil, Metacam (his NSAID), Adequan and occasional pain medication. And yes, I believe he is enjoying life — which is the most important thing!
Finally, for this week’s Adoptable pet; Mickey is a 10-year-old blind sweetheart of a boy who is a snuggle buddy through and through! While his favorite pastime is lying in the grass, listening to the world go by, don’t let his age or impairment fool you — Mickey also loves to explore the world, romp with other dogs and go for walks with his human companions!
In addition to his calm and docile temperament with people, Mickey lights up like it’s Christmas morning every time he gets a chance to play with other laid back dogs. A home with another “vintage” canine companion could be the key to Mickey’s happiness.
Though some dogs are relinquished due to lack of commitment from their owners, that is not the case with our buddy Mickey. This lovely gentleman was a beloved companion to a doting owner, but at the age of 91 she was no longer able to provide adequate care and decided Mickey would thrive most in a new home. Mickey is available for rescue through One Tail at a Time. For more information, please visit www.onetail.org.