Bow & Wow Times Issue # 14 Holistic Health

7/29/2019 Bow & Wow Times Issue # 14 Holistic Health

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3/24Issue No.14 www.bowandwow.com.ph

At the start of a New Year, health is usually at the top ofpeoples minds. Most of us take this time of the year tostart a new diet, change an unhealthy lifestyle, or get anannual wellness check-up.

Our pets should be no different, of course. Now is theideal time for a visit to the vet to get your furbaby checkedthoroughly from head to tail. Going to the veterinarianshould not be done only when your pet gets sick. Even ifyour dog or cat seems perfectly ne, a general check-up isof utmost importance for his well-being and longevity. Atthe very least, vaccinations should be updated. At most, if

youve been a good pet parent and having this done annually, a quick cross-referenceof this years results versus last years results will help pinpoint any health anomalies.So schedule a visit to your vet soonest, and dont forget to read through the articleon Page 8 before you go!

Holistic or alternative healthcare is becoming more commonly practiced in developedcountries such as the United States. Instead of bombarding the pet with medicine at theoutset, holistic veterinary practitioners focus on alternative therapies such as homeopathy,

herbs, chiropractic, and acupuncture to treat illnesses. Here in the Philippines though,holistic veterinarians are quite rare as most vets still take the conventional veterinaryapproach.

As informed pet parents, we can take the lead in making sure our furbabies get thebest of both worlds by taking an integrative approach that combines both conventionaland alternative. For example, if you can do without strong anti-ea and tick pesticides,try using natural ea and tick repellents instead. I only use Neem Protect Spray fromBow & Wow before I take my furbaby out for a walk, and dont give him a regulardose of anti-ea and tick treatments anymore. I also ban the use of strong chemicalslike Baygon or Lysol to lessen the toxic load in our home. Always, always, always, feeda good, all-natural diet, and be strict with food choices as how you would feed yourown baby or toddler. Lastly, never wait until your pet gets seriously sick before doingsomething about it. Often, minor problems like tear stains, skin problems, or bad breathare simply a sign that there is something wrong and a simple change in diet or lifestyle

just might do the trick.

Before I go, Id like to rave about the gorgeous cover photo we have for this issue, shoton location in Tagaytay by uber-talented pet photographerDenise Lumbad. FurbabiesDuke ofJun and Vanessa Matsunaga-Sunga and Coco of Arcille Natividad enjoyed afun-lled day frolicking in the outdoors and basking in the sunshine, resulting to theseamazing photographs.

If youd like to see your own furbaby on the cover of our magazine, join our Furbabyof the Month photo contest. Log on to our website for more details.

Hope to see your furbaby there!

Happy Pet Parenting,

Pam So-Suarez

[email protected]

We digest it for pet parents... The Bow & Wow Times tracks all relevant

pet information from key websites, magazines, journals, animal research

and studies, and other credible sources. Then we summarize what is

essential for you to know in order to raise healthy and happy pets, and

become the best pet parents you can be. The Bow & Wow Times is in no

way intended to replace the knowledge and/or diagnoses of veterinary

professionals. Always consult with your veterinarian whenever a health

problem arises which requires expert care.

The Bow & Wow Times is a quarterly publicat ion o the Healthy Options Group o Companies with

corporate ofces located at #3 Economia Street corner Calle Industria, Barangay Bagumbayan,

Libis, Quezon City, 1110 and trunk line o (632)637-8888. For subscription inquiries, visit any o

our stores listed above.

Holistic Health

editorial staff

Christian Tanpresident

Romy Siapublisher

Pam So-Suarezeditor-in-chief

Yanni Cardeocirculation manager

Lou Bootaneditorial assistant

Ronald Cruzlayout & design

Sky Printingprinter

directory

Level 5, Shangri-La Plazal Mall, EDSA Mandaluyong City(632) 638-3372

Lower Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5, Makati City(632) 501-3680

Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon CitySOON TO OPEN

our visionto transform pet owners into pet parents

editorspage

We believe dogs and cats must have the best nutri tion

and health care available.

We believe dogs and cats are not toys for our

amusement; they have feelings, they are very loyal

and they need our tender loving care.

We believe the best way to acquire new pets is through

pet adoption from the animal shelters.

We are against selling dogs and cats in pet shops

which involves prolonged confnement in small cages.

We are against all forms of animal cruelty including

chaining and caging dogs.

We support the good work of organizations like

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Compassion

& Responsibilities for Animals (CARA), and People for

the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

our values


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Principles of Holisitc Health fo

Health is something which most of us humans and pet owners

take for granted until something goes wrong. Many of us fail

to see the longer term connection between diet and health.

In modern society, hospitals are groaning with people suffering

from degenerative diseases, resulting largely from eating highly

processed foods and living an unhealthy lifestyle. Veterinary

hospitals are no different.

Animals also suffer from disease and sickness, just as humans do.

Conventional veterinary medicine approaches animal health carewith vaccines and medicines that treat symptoms of a health

problem. Holistic health care , on the other hand, is an alternative

approach which treats the whole animal and not just symptoms

of a disease using changes in nutr ition, vitamins and minerals, as

well as homeopathy remedies. Holistic health care focuses on

prevention of illness and the use of non-toxic, natural therapies.

Holistic health also focuses on the entire pet, not just on one

particular body part, function, or symptom.

4 Main Principles of Holistic Health for Pets

The healing power of nature:The body has considerable poweto heal itse lf. You only have to consider minor cuts and bruises or a

tooth removed at the dentist, they heal themselves given time. The

role of holistic healthcare is to facilitate and enhance the bodys

own healing process, preferably with natural, non-toxic therapies.

View your pet as a whole:Your pet should be looked upon asa complex interaction of mind, body, and spirit functioning in theenvironment. Thus, the environment your pet is exposed to can

greatly inuence all 3 of the other aspects.

Identify and treat the cause:When the body is injured odiseased, it manifests itself as symptoms and can be equated to

that of ripples in a pool that spread outward after a stone has been

thrown inthe symptoms are the energy of disturbance spreading

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Principles of Holistic Health for Pets



Principles of Holisitc Health for Pets

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across the body. Symptoms are also an expression of the bodys

attempt to heal, thus at all times we should seek to nd the

underlying cause rather than simply suppress the symptoms.

Prevention is better than cure:This is best accomplishedthrough dietary and lifestyle habits that support health and

prevent disease. The pet owner, together with the holistic

practitioner in some cases, must take responsibility for the pets

health by adopting a healthy lifestyle, feeding a good diet, and

providing a good social environment.

A Look at Pet Lifestyles

A non-holistic lifestyle

1. Commercial pet food

2. Little to no exercise

3. Pill/medicine for every ailment

4. Wait till youre sick to see the vet

A holistic lifestyle

1. All-natural and/or organic food

2. Regular exercise routine

3. Supplements for optimum health

4. Prevention is the best cure treatment

Early Warning Signs on your Pets Health

Pets immune systems are particularly vulnerable to nutritional

imbalances and tend to show signs much earlier than say heart

or joint problems. Very often, dogs and cats coats and eyesvery reect the state of their health. Inadequate nutrition, poor

quality ingredients, lack of exercise, or environmental stress may

produce abnormal hair loss, frequent scratching, and a dull coat.

The following signs are the easiest to see and recognize:

These signs are indicating that waste or toxic matter has been

accumulating in the pets body and that the immune system is

attempting to get rid of them. It is not uncommon for a range

of these signs or ripples to be seen at one time.

In holistic health, knowing the real cause of an animals pain, disease

or sickness can help determine the appropriate treatment o

therapy. The following are some of the common causes of anima

health problems:

HeredityImpaired organ function, immune responses or an animal

poor coping skills may be the result of a defective genetic code

obtained from its parents.

Environmental toxins

Chemicals found in food, water and air may affect the animal

metabolism, causing illness or disease.

Physical trauma

Trauma to any par t of the body, especially the head, affects the

natural ow ofchi or life force, which deprives the body of much

needed energy for good health.

Chronic stress

Animals also suffer from stress just as humans do. Chronic stres

may arise from constant exposure to emotional and physica

illness, and toxins.

When a pet is seriously ill, a combination of conventional and holisti

approaches may work well. But while your pet is strong and healthy

the only way to help him or her live longer and live the best life

possible is by adopting a healthy lifestyle from inside and out.

Itchy Skin

Scratching

Eczema

Hot Spots

Hair Loss / Shedding

Waxy Ears

Runny EyesTooth Tar tar

Bad Breath

Body Odour

Incessant Chewing

Anal Gland Problems

Digestive Upsets

Eating Grass, or other items

Hyperactivity Loss of Energy / Lethargy

Sources: huddersfeldk9training.co.uk, naturaltherapypages.co.uk andetherealenigma.hubpages.com


6/24Are Our Homes a Toxic Environm

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The danger posed by toxic chemicals

in the environment has been a widely

recognized and extensively studied

public health issue for decades. But

only recently have the possible effects

of these chemicals on pet health been

seriously studied.

A New Report Raises New Concerns

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a Washington

D.C.-based non-prot research organization, recently issued

the results of what it descr ibes as the most comprehensive

investigation of the chemical body burden of companion animals

conducted to date. In the study, 23 dogs and 37 cats were tested

for the presence of 70 industrial chemicals. The repor t providesimportant information on the extent of potentially dangerous

chemical exposure in pets. These were some of its ndings:

The animals tested showed contamination with 48 of the 70

chemicals tested.

43 of the chemicals were found at levels higher than those

typically found in people .

Blood and urine samples taken from the dogs studied

were found to be contaminated with 35 chemicals, including

11 carcinogens, 31 chemicals toxic to the reproductive

system, and 24 neurotoxins.

Samples from the cats contained 46 chemicals altogether,including nine carcinogens, 40 chemicals toxic to the

reproductive system, 34 neurotoxins, and 15 chemicals

toxic to the endocrine system.

Chemicals? What Chemicals?

Most pet owners are diligent when it comes to monitor ing their

pets diets and general health. So, it may come as a surprise to

learn that there are litera lly scores of chemicalssome of them

known to be toxic or potentially carcinogenicto which our pets

are exposed on a regular basis. The list reads like the index of a

chemistry textbook, and includes: polybrominated biphenyl ethers

(PBDEs), phthalates, oxytetrafuoroethylene (PTFE), ethoxyquin,

propylene glycol, bisphenol A (BPA), and perfuorochemicals (PFCs).

Where Do They Come From?

According to the EWG report, the sources of industrial

chemicals found in the pet environment are many, and include

substances widely used in consumer and pet products. PBDEs

are re retardants commonly used in foam furniture and bedding

manufactured before 2005. Phthalates are a group of chemicals

commonly used as softeners in many plastic items, including pet

chew toys. PFCs are found in food bag coatings, house dust, stain-

proof furniture, cat beds, carpets, and non-stick cooking utensils.

You can nd mercur y compounds in a variety of industrial sources.

Garden insecticides and herbicides also contain many harmful

chemicals.

How Serious Is the Danger?

The EWG report points out that because pets age more rapidly

than humans, they develop health problems from toxic chemical

exposure much more rapidly. That is of par ticular concern where

the carcinogenic chemicals are concerned. According to the EWG

report, between 20 to 25% of dogs die of cancer.

In the case of cats, the report cites endocrine (hormone)

system toxins (PBDEs) as being of particular concern. These are

associated with thyroid disease, a leading cause of illness in older

cats. The report also cites studies that suggest a link between

hyperthyroidism in cats and exposure to the plastics chemical BPA

which is found in the linings of pop-top cat food cans.

How Can I Protect My Pet?

Although not the nal word on the subject, the EWG ndings

suggest that some sensible precautions by pet owners areappropriate. The results suggest a number of steps that will reduce

the level of pets chemical exposure:

Dont use chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Select pet foods that are free of preservatives and dyes.

Replace foam pet beds with ones using natural materials.

Avoid ea and tick collars, which deliver a constant dose of

pesticide to your pet.

Avoid optional stain-proong treatments on furniture, carpets

and auto upholstery.

Use ltered water in your pets water bowl.

Use metal or glazed ceramic food and water bowls, rather

than those made of plastic .

Read the labels and use only products specically designed

for your pet breed.

Avoid buying products that contain plastic softeners or ame

retardants.

Are Our Homes a Toxic Environment?By Peter Lopatin

Source: webvet.com



safety

et Grooming 101

Source: aspca.org


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Keeping pets eyes clean contribute to their health and wellness by

preventing irritation and infection that can be painful and possibly

lead to loss of vision. Pets have very few effective or safe ways to

clean their own eyesthey either rub their eyes with paws (that

have sharp toenails!) or rub their faces on the carpeting or furniture.

These methods can lead to scratches on the eye surface or irritation

of the skin around the eye. It is best that pet owners perform aweekly examination and cleaning to keep their furbabies eye healthy.

Symptoms of Eye Problems

Healthy eyes should be clear and moist. If there is any redness,

discharge or swelling of the surrounding skin, there may be an

eye infection or other problem. Examine the white part of the

eyes (sclera) and the pink tissue of the eyes (conjunctiva) for

any discoloration (yellow or bruising) or large engorged blood

vessels. The black center of the eye (pupil) should be examined

for cloudiness or bluish discoloration. Older pets can develop

age-related cloudiness (called nuclear sclerosis) and it is important

to have your veter inar ian distinguish between this and cataracts.

Also check that the pupils are the same size. The colored por tion

around the pupil is the iris and should be examined for black or red

spots or growths. As pets age, the iris can develop ragged edges

and is considered normal. Alert your veterinarian to any changes

that you not ice.

Proper Preventive Eye Care Includes:

1. Weekly examination.

2. Weekly cleaning. Some pets may require more frequent cleaning

to keep their eyes healthy and comfor table .

3. Address tear staining. Light-colored pets may develop brown

or pink stains on the skin and hair below the inside corner of

the eye. This happens when bacteria and yeast on the hair and

skin react with the tears. Many dogs and cats have an underlying

problem causing their tear staining, including clogged or shallow

tear ducts, excessive tear ing, allergies, or eye irr itation caused by

abnormal eyelids or eyelashes. You should have your veterinarian

examine your pet to determine if they have a condition that can

be corrected.

4. Keeping eyes clear of mucus. Just like humans, pets can have

sleepies (rheum) in the morning and have mucus discharge afterbeing exposed to wind, dirt and pollen. Your pet will be most

comfortable to have mucus removed frequently. Infections are

often caused by bacteria that overgrow on mucus.

5. Keeping hair trimmed away from the eyes. Scratches can occur i

hair rubs against the surface of the eye (cornea). This is par ticularly

important in breeds that have skin folds near the eye. Hair around

the eye can also pull tears out of the eyes and cause tear staining

as well as a dryer, less comfortable eye. It is always important to

use blunt-nosed scissors when working around the eye.

6. Apply an eye lubricant ointment before bathing,cleaning the

face, or applying topical insecticides to prevent eye irr itation from

grooming supplies.

7. Eye-healthy diet. If your pet is prone to eye problems, conside

adding leafy green vegetables, parsley, any blue or purple berries

carrots, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds to the diet and

supplementing with Zinc, Bioavonoids, Pycnogenols, Vitamin A

Vitamin C or Vitamin D.

Cleaning your Pets Eyes

Natural pet products that are slightly acidic and contain natura

antiseptic and antimicrobial properties are recommended for

routine weekly eye cleaning. Halo Herbal Eye Wash is an excellent

natural pet product that is gentle enough to use daily and helps

to open clogged tear ducts to prevent infection.

With a warm moist cloth, remove any debris at the corner of the

eyes or on the skin around the eyes. Hold the dropper or bottle

using your thumb and index nger. With your other hand, use your

thumb to pull down the lower eyelid. The lower eyelid acts as a

pouch to receive the drops. Hold the dropper or bottle close to

the eye but do not touch the eyes surface. Squeeze the correctnumber of drops onto the eyeball, aiming for the center of the

eye and then release the head. Your pet will blink, which spreads

the cleaning solution over the surface of the eye. Wipe any excess

cleaning uid, tears or debris away from the eyes.

Follow these guidelines to keep your pets eyes healthy. If you

suspect a problem, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Source: halopets.com and organic-pet-digest.com

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The Importance of Proper Eye Care

The Importance of Proper Eye Careby Dr. Donna Spector


10/24The Annual Vet Visit Che

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John F. Kennedy with wife and kids and their with his dogs

Often we associate a trip to the vet as something only required

when your furbaby becomes unwell. However, it is also important

to remember that visiting your vet on an annual basis is equally

important for your pets well-being and longevity.

Pre-Visit Checklist

Your visit to the vet will go more smoothly if youre prepared.

Heres a list of items youll want to consider bringing with you:

Your pets collar and license tag;

A leash/harness (or small cage if appropriate);

A muzzle if your dog barks or bites;

A favorite toy or a few treats (especially if your pet gets

anxious during her visit);

Health care information (if youre switching vets or were

seen by a different vet since your last visit);

Stool sample to test for intestinal parasites; and

List of questions or concerns to ask the veterinarian.

Well-Visit Checklist

An annual health assessment will ensure that your pets vaccination

are up to date and give you an opportunity to raise any behaviora

or health issues that may be of concern. Dont be shy about asking

questions; seven dog years is a long time between appointment

so youll want to make the most of your visit.

Vaccinations: Keeping your pets vaccinations up-to-date is

important to her health, and can prevent her from contracting

illnesses. Diseases that can affect your pet may be airborne ocan be acquired through contact with a parasite, a virus, or feca

matter brought inside on your shoes, so even indoor pets should

be vaccinated. Age, health, lifestyle, environment and geography al

will affect your pets vaccination schedule so be sure to ask your

veterinarian what is appropriate for your pet.

Parasites: Left untreated, ea, tick and worm infestations can put

your pet at risk for serious, sometimes deadly, diseases. Flea larvae

for example, can live in your house year-round and can transmit

The Annual Vet Visit Checklist



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The Annual Vet Visit Checklist

Source: hartz.com/Dogs, cat-world.com.au and catsplay.co

a tapeworm infection if your dog swallows even a single ea.

Your vet can offer suggestions on how to prevent and/or

control parasites and show you how to check for parasites on

a regular basis.

Dental Care: A dental check should be part of your pets

well-visit check-up. Proper nutrition, regular brushing and chew

toys/treats designed to r id your pets teeth of tar tar bui ldup all

contribute to good oral hygiene and will help keep her mouth

(and body) healthy. Your vet can show you proper brushing

techniques and also determine if your pet needs a dental cleaning.

Behavior: Age, breed, nutrition, environment and exercise all

play a vital role in the development of your pets personality and

behavior. Talk to your vet if your pets behavior is unusual or if

she is chewing, biting, barking excessively or showing aggressive

tendencies. Generally, canine and feline misbehavior can be

mitigated or stopped if addressed early.

Nutrition/Exercise: It is estimated that nearly one out of everytwo dogs in the U.S. is either overweight or obese. Those extra

pounds can lead to a host of medical problems and impact your

dogs quality and length of life . Well-visits are an oppor tunity to

keep track of your dogs or cats weight and address problems

before they affect their health. If necessary, your vet can advise

you of an appropriate diet/exercise regime that will safely help

them achieve a healthy weight.

Your veterinarian will ask if you have any questions, so this is a

good time to discuss any concerns you have or ask questions

on health, diet, parasite control and general cat care.

To-Do Between Visits

It is important to keep a careful eye on your furbaby. Prompt

veterinary attention should be sought immediately if you notice

any of the below:

Excessive thirst

Increase or decrease in eating habits

Weight loss or weight gain

Changes in behaviour

Vomiting

Any lumps or bumps

Bad breath

Lethargy

Cough, laboured breathing or shortness of breath

Increase in temperature, pulse or breathing rate

Changes in litter box habits. Constipation, diarrhea, frequent

urination, straining to go to the toilet, blood in feces

Abnormal discharges containing pus or blood. These often

have an offensive odour. Keep an eye out for discharges

from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or genitals.

Dont Wait Until Your Furbaby is Sick

Make it a point to visit the vet before your dog becomes ill. A

yearly wellness exam is ideal if your dog is generally healthy, bu

may be needed more often if your dog is 7+ years or has specia

medical needs.

If your cat is elder ly, discuss his special needs with your veterinarianJust like people , senior cats may suffer from various organ system

problems, osteoarthritis, loss of vision or hearing, and eve

memory loss or dementia (also known as cognitive dysfunctio

syndrome). Luckily, many problems can be successfully controlle

with medication or simple lifestyle changes.


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The answer to that question is undoubtedly, yes. An animals

nervous system is just as susceptible to stressors in the

environment and surroundings as our nervous system is, if not

more so.

Effects of Stress

Stress can have serious physical and psychological consequenceson an animal. Stress takes its toll on the immune system and

studies have shown that people under more stress are more

likely to get s ick. The same may be true for animals.

When an animal gets stressed, messages are sent to var ious

organs in the body to produce certain results --- the heart

quickens, they start to pant and lick their lips, they quiver and

shake, their eyes get glazed and they seem to be in a fearful

trance-like state . It is especially dangerous for a pet, as animals

have been known to resort to desperate measures (jumping

out of windows during a thunderstorm) to get away from the

perceived danger as they would do in nature dur ing the ght

or ight response .

Health problems related to stress may include cardiovascular

problems such as high blood pressure and coronary heart

disease aggravated by stress. Stress may also play a role in

speeding up the progress of certain cancers and disorders in

the animal body.

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Do Pets Get Stre

As is the case in humans, other health problems associated with

stress include diabetes, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, memory

loss, autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems, infertility, skin and

coat problems, muscle tension and fatigue.

What Causes Stress?

For a household pet, stress may be caused by multiple factors. A

pet may get stressed by a new person in the home, an addition

to the family (a new baby), reworks, thunder storms, moving

house, a stay in a kennel, unfamiliar surroundings, a visit to the vet

or worst of allgetting out of the property and becoming lost

Certain breeds are also susceptible to hereditary stress disorders

As your pet cannot vocalize their stress and anxiety, it is a good

idea to monitor your pets behavior in certain situations. Stressed

animals will usually change behavior suddenly pant ing, pacing, or

licking at themselves as a coping mechanism.

Animals that are constantly high-strung may pull out their fur or

feathers, or engage in ritualistic behavior in an attempt to calm

their nerves. I f your pet stops eating, or has a drastic change in

bowel movements (diarrhea) it may be a sign that their stress

needs to be managed.

Help for Stress

There is a lot that can be done to help your pet cope. The most

important thing is to try and identify what may be causing your pet

to stress, so that you can make changes to avoid the upset in future

The solution may be as simple as closing the drapes when there

is a storm, or giving your pet a treat when he or she is visiting the

vet. In other cases, it may be more serious and require treatment

or advice from an animal behaviorist or veterinarian.

Natural Remedies

There are many natural herbal and homeopathic remedies that

can help to reduce stress levels for your pet without ser ious side

effectsusing Natures helping hand. Natural ingredients aim to

treat the animal as a whole , suppor ting the body and the nervous

system.

Do Pets Get Stressed?

Source: nativeremedies.com



Dental hygiene is one of the most important aspects of pet care.

Keeping your dog or cats teeth and gums healthy will go a long

way to preventing an uncomfor table or even painful mouth, butalso more serious chronic conditions such as k idney disease, liver

disease, heart conditions and joint problems.

A healthy canine or feline mouth is teeming with bacteria most

of which are normal and natural. It is important to control plaque

buildup in order to ensure most of these bacteria are healthy

bacteria. Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, saliva components, and

remnants of epithelial cells and white blood cells along with some

broken down food part icles. It is sticky and should be removed,

from the teeth daily. When not removed plaque becomes tartar

as mineral deposits and organic material build up and harden

on the teeth. Tartar generally looks like a yellow-brown layer onthe teeth near the gum l ine.

As plaque and tartar build on the teeth, the balance of healthy

bacteria is thrown off and the oppor tunity for disease arises. As

the tartar builds up under the gums they become inamed and

sore. Plaque builds even more rapidly in the upper, softer part

of the teeth and infection begins. In cats, cavities develop with

even more opportunity for infection while dogs are less prone

to cavities. The bacteria and toxins are absorbed into the blood

stream where they circulate and begin to build in kidney, liver, and

heart tissue. The toxins released can even affect brain tissue. The

inammatory process involved can aggravate deteriorating joints.

Sound scary? Its also painful. But it is preventable. Plaque builds

up on your dogs or cats teeth every day. Just as you brush your

teeth ever y day, so should your companion of course, s ince

they dont have opposable thumbs, you ll have to have to help

them out. A combination of teeth brushing and healthy chew

treats will go a long way to maintaining your companions

overall health and extending their life expectancy.

Periodontal Disease Prevention:

1. Daily brushing. At a minimum every other day. Plaque tends to

build most on the upper teeth, so be sure to focus some time

there .

2. Healthy diet. The healthier the animal, the better the immune

system. A meat based diet is essential as meat helps maintain

a healthier mouth environment.

3. Chewing on hard food. Raw bones and treats such as tendon

bully sticks or other dental chews helps exercise the teeth and

gums and even helps scrape off plaque, helping to prevent

tar tar buildup.

Greenies are ever-popular dental chews and can be ver

effective. Note that crunching kibble and dog biscuits does noqualify as dental exercise nor does it remove plaque from the

teeth. Eating kibble and biscuits generally leaves behind sma

bits of food material that easily stick to the teeth and contribute

to plaque buildup.

4. Mouth washes, drops or water supplements.These are a grea

tool in the prevention of periodontal disease when combined

with brushing. They are definitely not as effective as brushing

but are certainly better than no home care.

5. Regular checkups. Important, especially for the older animal.

you smell any foul odor, see any redness in the gums or a lot o

tar tar buildup on the teeth, then seek the help of a veterinarian

If caught early enough, it is possible to scrape the tartar off of

some animals teeth without general anesthesia. Supplementin

with Vitamin C and CoEnzyme Q10 can help promote the healt

and healing of gum tissue as well.

If your veterinarian nds more advanced periodontal disease

consider the overall benets of having a dental procedure

performed. Your pet will denitely benet from a healthier and

much more comfortable mouth.

Home dental care can be the best gift you can give your pet

It requires a little more time on your part, but goes such

long way to preventing disease and discomfort that it is we

worth it. Considering the cost and stress involved for your pe

of a dental procedure by a veterinarian, it is certainly a very wise

investment.

Dental Health Care for Your Pet

Dental Health Care for Your Pet

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Source: healthypetjournal.com


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Sorting Out Supplements For

For many of us, our dogs are cherished members of our family

and, as such, we strive to give them the best life possible. But what

happens when all of these dont appear to be enough? The answer

may lie in some common supplements available for our dogs.

Skin and Coat Supplements

Dry aky skin or excessive hair loss is a common complaint for

many dogs. For most breeds, a healthy dog should have soft fur

that is neither greasy nor dry. It is impor tant to note that dogs withnormally ne fur will not have an excessive shine to their coat the

same way dogs with coarser fur do.

In order to maintain a healthy skin and coat, our dogs require

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids.These fats are also called essential

fatty acids (EFAs) and they may be included in your dogs normal

diet. Fatty Acids are required by the body to maintain the integrity

of the cell membrane. Skin cells have a high rate of turnover and

they may require more of these fats than other par ts of the body.

The optimal dose and ratio of fatty acids are still being researched,but the current recommendation is a ratio of 2-5 times more

Omega-6 than Omega-3. Canola oil and soybean oil are good

sources of a balanced omega fatty acid supplement. However, since

Omega-6 fatty acids are fairly common in your dogs normal diet,

you may wish to just supplement Omega-3 fatty acids. In that case,

axseed oil or wild salmon oil are good choices.

There are some possible hazards in oversupplementing Omega-3

fatty acids, such as a decreased ability for blood to clot, vomiting

diarrhea, lethargy, and hives. Therefore , Omega-3 fatty acids should

not exceed 4% of your dogs daily caloric intake. Remember, these

fats are high in calories, so you may need to adjust the rest oyour dogs diet to keep him or her from putting on extra pounds

Joint Supplements

Stiffness, especially upon waking, is one of the main clues that you

dog may have ar thritic activity in his joints. Fortunately, there are

a number of supplements available to help improve the health o

the joint and car tilage. Supplements for joint health take time to

work, so it is always best to star t early. If you have a highly active

dog, a dog with known joint problems, or a breed prone to joint

issues, you may want to begin supplements while your dog is youngand before they show any signs of problems.

Most joint supplements contain glucosamine HCL (glucosamine

sulfate is less digestible), MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), and

chondroiton.These are naturally occurring nutrients that the body

produces and which can be added to the diet. As dogs age, or i

they experience physical stress, the need for these nutrients may

exceed the bodys ability to supply them. There may also be othe

ingredients in the supplement which may or may not be benecia

but they are unlikely to cause harm.

A Note of Caution

Remember that not all human supplements are safe for dogs

When choosing a supplement for your dog, it is best to consul

your vet to ensure it is safe and is not going to interact with any

medications your dog may currently be taking. If your dog is going

to have an adverse reaction, it will usual ly occur within 72 hours

after the introduction of the supplement. So monitor your pet

closely when you are giving a new supplement.

With most supplements it will take about 6 8 weeks to see a

change in your dogs condition, so be patient and wait to see a

result.

Feeding supplements can be a valuable tool to enhance your dog

diet and help him or her maintain optimal health. The best way

to keep your dog as healthy as possible is to provide high-quality

nutrition with supplements as necessar y, long walks, playing time

and snuggling on the couch.

Sorting Out Supplements For Dogsby Laura Scott and Elizabeth Pask

Source: halopets.com and organic-pet-digest.co



holistic h

nrich Your Furbabys Life

What Does Your Dog Need?

Food puzzle toys are sturdy containers, usually made of hard

rubber or plastic, that hold food or treats inside but don

give dogs easy access to the food. Food puzzle toys require time

patience and problem-solvingall skills that are good for youdog and will help her enjoy quiet time alone. Food puzzle toy

offer a natural solution to pet-dog boredom and also encourag

chewing and licking, which can have a calming effect on dog

Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, its impor tant toprovide a variety of appropriate and attractive chew toys an

hard rubber toys, natural marrow bones, rawhide and pig ear

Off-leash play with other dogs serves multiple purposes. It ca

give your dog opportunities to practice her social skills wit

other dogs, wear her out mentally and tire her physically.

your dog enjoys romping with dog buddies, give her regula

opportunities to do so.

Short on Time?

Its often difcult to work time with your pet into your hecti

daily routine. But if youve got a busy schedule, you can nd help

Consider the following time-saving ways to add some excitemen

to your pets li fe:

Look into the possibility of taking your dog to a dog daycare

at least once or twice a week.

If you live close enough to work, consider going home to spen

your lunch break with your pet. If you cant make it home durin

the day, hire a dog walker to take your dog out for a stroll instead

If you have friends or family members who dont work durin

the day, ask if theyd be willing to let your pet visit them whil

youre at work.

Enriching Your Furbabys Life

Source: pets.webmd.com

Boredom and excess energy are two common reasons for

behavioral problems in dogs. Dogs are meant to lead active lives.

Whether dogs were working for us or scavenging on their own, their

survival once depended on lots of exercise and problem solving.

Today thats all changed. Now, the most common job description

for dogs is Couch Potato! The result is dogs who are bored silly,often overweight and have too much energy. Its a perfect recipe

for behavior problems.

Free-ranging and feral cats lead complex and busy lives. They

maintain large territories that often contain a variety of habitats.

They explore, they hunt, they scavenge for food, and they interact

with other cats. In contrast, household cats, especially those who

live exclusively indoors, have little to do and boredom may set in.

Fun Activities for Cats

Even if you dont think that your cat seems bored, there are a

number of good reasons to provide enrichment opportunities

for your feline friend.

Cats who lack enrichment can be aggressive in play, both with

people and with other animals in the household, or become

reclusive.

Young cats often pester their pet parents for play at inappropriate

hours of the day and night . They may also interact destructively

with furniture, plants or other objects in the house.

Cats lacking regular play may be more attracted to perches by

windows. When looking outside, they may overreact to the presence

of outdoor cats they can see and become very distressed.

Here are some ideas to try:

Provide a variety of toys for your cat. Stimulating play for a cat

involves opportunities to hunt, so move toys in such a way that

they mimic the movements of a rodent or bird. Introduce new

toys periodically to keep your cat from becoming bored with

her toys.

Provide objects for your cat to explore that encourage her to

investigate various holes with her paws. Rotate playtime objects

frequently so that your cat doesnt become bored.

Provide several small meals per day rather than one or two

large meals. Also avoid free feeding (keeping your cats bowl

full all the time).


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ou and your pet

What Does Your Pet Say About

Are bookish people more likely to be cat lovers than dog lovers?

Maybe so. New research from the UKs Bristol Univer sity found

that people with a college degree or higher were more likely

to own cats than dogs.

In a study intended to determine the dog and cat populations

in the U.K., researchers found that of 2,524 households polled,

47% of those with a cat had at least one person educated to

degree level versus 38% of homes with dogs.

How Are Cat and Dog People Different?

A study published in January explores the issue more explicitly.

Sam Gosling, a University of Texas at Austin psychologist and his

team asked 4,565 volunteers if they were dog people, cat people,

neither, or both. And then they administered a personality testthat assessed the so-cal led Big Five personality dimensions:

openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and

neuroticism.

Gosling said that while the study did nd differences between

those who described themselves as cat people and those who

identied as dog people, it didnt portray one to be more

positive than the other.

Those who self-identied as dog people were 15% more

extroverted, 13% more agreeable and 11% more conscientious

than their cat-loving counterpar ts. Cat people were generally

about 12% more neurotic and 11% more open than the dog

folks.

These are very broad dimensions, Gosling said. Open refers

to the willingness to try new things, he said, and conscientious

refers to thinking before acting and planning acknowledged that

the study only speaks in general terms.

What Does Your Pet Say About You?Some people prefer activities associated with cats over those

associated with dogs. All allow for the expression of personality

tr ai ts . Ext roversi on and ag reeablenes s pl ay ou t in social

interactions, he said.

Truth in Studies Findings

Gosling also said that having a pet is both an expression of identity

in that a pet choice can send del iberate signals as well as what

he called a thought and feeling regulator.

Lisa Peterson, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club, said

she recognized some truth in the studies ndings. We tend to

gravitate to pets that reect our own per sonalities, she said. Dogs

tend to attract extroverted humans who are fond of socializing

Cats, on the other hand, normally dont travel in packs and seem

to complement humans who are more introver ted.

Pamela DelaBar, president of the Cat Fanciers Association, said

that its possible that par t of the reason why the Br istol University

study found an educational discrepancy between cat and dog

owners is that more educated individuals might cluster in cities

Its much easier to have cats in the city than it is dogs, she said

It becomes a matter of convenience.

Cat, Dog Lovers Not so Different

Jennifer Leigh Schwerer, a 33-year-old New Yorker, said shes always

thought of herself as more of a cat person and identied withsome of the researchers ndings.

I denitely would classify myself as more introverted, she said

adding that as a psychology major she can also relate to those

with neurotic tendencies. I always felt like cat people were more

intuitive, more patient and willing to build a connection over time,

she said. But Schwerer emphasized that after recently visiting her

cat- turned dog-loving sister, shes revisited her former notions

about pets and the people who own them.

Over the course of the week, her relationship with it changed. I

think I got used to it, the dog seemed br ight to me and will ing to

connect with me the same way that cats are, Scherer said. The

whole experience, she said, made her think that perhaps cat and

dog owners arent so different after all.

I think pets maybe just say something about where the owner

is... What mood theyre in at that point in time, she said. You

nd a pet that you enjoy and you start to learn to love the things

about it .

Source: abcnews.go


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ask the

Q: How is the effectiveness of a pet supplement

determined?

A. Very few supplements and herbs have been subjected to

scientic trials to determine their efcacy. Most of the information

about pet supplements comes from anecdotal or testimonial

evidence (someone tells you about their personal experience

or about another pet who showed some benet while taking

the product). Although this information may be helpful, it may be

incomplete, or it may not represent what effects the supplement

could have on a pet.

It is common for multiple supplements to be given simultaneous ly

or in conjunction with other lifestyle changes. In these cases, it

can be difcult to determine what effects can truly be attributed

to the pet supplement and what may be attr ibutable to other

factors. For example, if a dog starts taking pet supplement X,

starts a new natural dog food and starts getting more exercise,

the observed changes may be due to any one of the factors, to acombination of all three, or even to a placebo effect.

To further complicate the issue of effectiveness, some supplements

are only effective after they have been given for long periods of

time, and the patient may continue to show some of the positive

effects for a few weeks after the pet supplement has been

discontinued. A good example of this is the use of glucosamine for

dog ar thritis. It may take one to two months to show the positive

effects and can take the same period of time to wear off after

it has been discontinued.

Q: Are all pet supplements safe to use?

A.Just because a pet product is natural , does not mean that it is

safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used

inappropriately or given in excess. The best source of information

for the safety of pet supplements is your veterinarian.

The use of pet supplements and nutraceuticals is a relatively

recent practice in veterinary medicine. Some veterinarians may

be unfamiliar with the indications and precautions surrounding the

usage of cer tain pet supplements. Fortunately, reliable information

resources about the clinical application of pet supplements arebecoming increasingly available to veterinarians.

When there is any uncer tainty about the use of a product in

a particular pet, it is advised to consult the manufacturer of

the product . If there is reliable information about the product

safety and efcacy in animals, the manufacturer should be able to

provide you with this. If the manufacturer is unwilling to provide

any information, it is safer to not use that pet supplement.

Q: What should an owner look for on a pet

supplement label or package?A. Every product package should have the name and contact

information of the manufacturer. It should contain information

about its contents, ideally with some sort of minimum analysis o

the active ingredients. It should also contain information about any

inert of carrier substances that are present (e.g. milk sugar, whey

vegetable or animal proteins,etc). For herbal products, the labe

should also include the Latin name of the plant, a harvest date

or an expiration date, the part of the herb used and the amount

of active ingredient.

Q: Who should a pet owner get advice from aboutusing pet supplements?

A. A licensed veterinarian who is knowledgeable about the

supplement of interest and about alternative medicine in genera

is your best source of advice. If your veterinarian is unfamiliar with

the supplement you are interested in, ask them to refer you to a

reputable information source.

Q: What should an owner do if a pet shows an

unexpected reaction to a pet supplement?

A. Unexpected reactions must always be reported to you

veterinarian, to the person who advised you to use the pet

supplement (if it wasnt your veterinarian) and to the manufacture

of the pet supplement.

Ask The Vet

etAsk the

By : Ma. Mylene L. Maranan, DVM

Bow & Wow resident veterinarian


20/248

et nutrition

Holistic Nutririon Fo

As consumers, dog and cat owners are presented with a myriad

of choices when selecting a dog or cat food. Unfortunately, most

owners buy a food because it is well marketed, the one having

the best commercials or pr inted adver tisements.

When discussing diet it is always helpful to remember just what

dogs and cats ate prior to domestication. This is difcult for dogs

because they have been domesticated for so long and because

of human inuences, they represent a wide array of genetic

variability. Cats not only consume rodents, but also birds, insects ,

snakes, and a wide variety of grasses and other plant material.

Raw food or homemade diets

These diets are primarily fed to try to match more closely the

primitive diets of dogs and cats. The most popular raw diet wasstarted by Dr. Ian Billinghurst and is outlined in his book Give

Your Dog A Bone. Poultry protein, whole grains, organic oats and

barley, organic eggs and organic ground beef, lamb or pork can

add essential nutrients to a holistic canine diet.

In a strict holistic diet, 50% of the dogs food should be made

up of grains 25% of a dogs diet should be vegetables. The nal

quarter of the dogs diet should consist of meat. Fish and eggs

are also OK for an occasional treat.

Adding some natural supplements can help complete your dogs

diet plan. Some of the problems your dog may be experiencing

wont clear up with ordinary food, and supplements could

help remedy them. Glucosamine and Chondroitin protect and

improve joint health; Vitamins C, B12, A, E and B are all benecial.

Calcium, zinc and magnesium are also recommended.

A holistic food diet doesnt include most treats, especially those

of the prepackaged, junk-food type. However, you can still

reward your dog more natural alternatives. Any human-grade

whole ingredients; organic axseed oil; vegetables like carrots,

green beans and zucchini; fruits, such as apples, blueberries and

bananas; barley and oatmeal; honey and peanut butter can all be

components for healthy snacks.

The following gives a brief if not simplistic explanation of how a

proper holistic diet should be formulated for health. This approach

draws on the principle of Traditional Chinese Medicinal approaches

to diet and health.

We need to consider 4 major areas in formulating a good holistic

diet.

1. Quality of the Ingredients and the Impact of Processing

The following table shows the loss of nutrients when whole wheat

is rened to white our.

Mineral

Magnesium

Potassium

Iron

Phosphorous

Calcium

Chromium

Loss %

85

77

76

71

60

40

Other Nutrients

Alpha- linoleic acid

Fiber

Vitamins B1, 2 & 3

Zinc

Vitamin B6

Protein

Loss %

95

95

81

78

72

33

Source : Erasmus Fats that heal and Fats that Kill

These gures basically represent how white our compared to

whole wheat is highly decient in nutritional value.

Now lets look at some of the nutrient losses associated with other

food. The following table shows losses of minerals and vitamins

when food is processed from what constitutes its whole food

form to its rened form.

Whole Food

Brown Rice

Corn

Sugar

Milk

Refned Food

White rice

Corn Starch

White sugar

Fat Free Milk

Loss %

26 83

31 100

83 100

80 100

Source : Erasmus Fats that heal and Fats that Kill

Thus we can conclude that highly processed rened food isdecient of many nutrients.

2. Thermal Nature of the Ingredients

Traditional Chinese approaches tells us that food have an impact

on the body of hot, warm, cool, cold, dry or damp. Most food are

subjected to variations in their temperature during production,

transport, storage , preparation and consumption. Temperature

changes cause alterations in the physical and chemical properties

of food components which inuence the overall propert ies of the

Holistic Nutrition For Petsby Sara Gentry and George Burns



pet nutr

Holistic Nutririon For Pets

nal product, e.g., taste, appearance, texture and stability, and of

course its inuence in the body.

The following table gives a brief explanation of the thermal

properties of various food in terms of how they inuence the body.

NeutralFoods

Carrots

Lean chicken

Brown Rice

WarmingFoods

Lamb

Turkey

Red meat

CoolingFoods

Spinach

Fish

Cucumber

DryingFoods

Beet Pulp

Barley

Oats

DampFoods

Fat/Oil

DairyProducts

Wheat

Our pets need to avoid extremes in terms of the thermal nature

of food and therefore if one ingredient has a warming effect, the

overall diet should have a counterbalancing food which is cooling.

Recurring ear infections are caused by the food creating a warm,

damp, swampy like environment in the ear canal. The ear canal

becomes a hot bed for bacterial overgrowth, similarly with the

anal glands.

3. Acid / Alkaline Impact on the Body

The term used to dene this relationship is the pH level Potential

Hydrogen.

Acid Forming Foods

Saturated fats

Dairy products

Meat

Brown Rice

Alkaline Forming Foods

Spinach

Carrots

Green Beans

Millet

It is vitally important that there is a proper ratio between acid

and alkaline food in the diet. The natural ratio in a normal healthy

body is approximately 4 to 1 --- four parts alkaline to one part

acid, or 80% to 20%. When such an ideal ratio is maintained, the

body has a strong resistance against disease. Pet food generally

are very acidic in their formulation and tend to be problematic

over the life time of our pets.

4. Excesses and Defciencies

Protein excess is converted by the body to nitrogen waste

which is excreted in the urine however if the kidneys are doingthis on a daily basis, year in, year out there are potentia l for kidney

problems.

Fat increases palatability but excess tend to create warm

and very damp conditions in the body. Clogs up and slows the

digestive system.

Salt increases palatability however it is very alkaline forming

in the body but excessive use of it is dangerous which leads to

calcium depletion, which in turn damages the heart, arteries

nerves , bones, kidneys and muscles.

Sugar The body needs it but when we rene it, too much of

it in the wrong form is dangerous. Whether it is called fructose

sucrose, or corn syrup, it passes so quickly into the system it

shocks the stomach and the pancreas it very quickly becomes

acidic and helps to consume the minerals. Calcium is lost from the

system and the digestive system becomes weak. In large amounts

it leads to obesity, hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, heart disease

immune deciency, and so on.

Commercial Diet

Just because your dogs food is premium or gourmet doesnt

mean its any better than the rest. Food labeled natural, however

must meet certain criteria; they feature only plant, animal or

mineral ingredients and cannot contain synthetics. Even organic

food have criteria: 100% organic food are made from all organic

ingredients. Food that are just plain organic have a makeup thatsat least 95% organic, and those made with organic ingredients

have only 70% organic products. Dinner is another tip-off word

for example, a chicken dinner only has to contain 25% chicken

With means with at least 3%, and avor means avoring, not

actual nutritional substance.

Secondly, avoid food with any articial preservatives such as

BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, or propylene glycol. Look for food that

contains meat, or meat meals and whole grains. Simple food (i.e

food that has fewer ingredients) are likely better because they are

easier to digest. The body has difculty digesting multiple different

protein and grain sources at one time, being unable to secretethe necessary enzymes.

Not only do more natural diets leave out dinners and avors,

they dont contain cancer-causing preservatives . None of the

calories in a holistic diet come from synthetic materials like

colorings and avorings, so your pet wont put on unnecessary

weight. And pets who maintain a good weight tend to live longer

Jus t like humans, pets who go natur al can be hea lth ier and

have more energy when owners do a better job meeting their

nutritional needs.

As you can see , feeding your dog or cat is no simple task. At the

very least it entails you to be an informed consumer, reading pet

food labels to determine which food is good rather than just buying

the food because your dog looks like the one on the commercia ls

Homemade diets are wonderful and usually a necessity if your

pet has an illness. Raw diets are the closest to a primitive diet and

are likely the best diets for a ll pets to be eating. However, you wil

need to read up on these diets before trying to prepare one .

Source: landoholisticpets.co.uk, holisticvetcenter.com and ehow.com


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reed spotlight

Aspin (Philippines Native

Origin:Philippines

Utilization: Hunting Dog for birds and small animals; companion

dog

Classifcation: Group 5: Spitz and Primitive type

Section 7:Primitive Type Hunting Dog without working trial

General Appearance:Medium-sized dog, well-balanced, of noblebearing with clean-cut lines; graceful yet powerful; fast and agile ,

with free easy movement and alert expression.

Behavior/Temperament: Alert, intelligent, and independent,

somewhat aloof to strangers, but otherwise friendly and

affectionate to his human family members. He responds best

to a par tner ship type of relationship.

Head:Wedge-shaped head with powerful jaws and strong, full set

of teeth, scissor bite; almond-shaped eyes, obliquely set, with a soft

intelligent yet a ler t expression; slight stop; medium, pointed, erect

high-set ears that are very mobile.

Body:Medium-sized, of noble bearing with clean-cut lines; graceful

yet powerful; fast, agile with free easy movement. Long graceful

neck blends to a deep well developed chest and well tucked up

belly, with a structure slightly resembling the sight hound breeds

Well muscled and powerful for its size, showing strong free andagile movement with powerful rear drive yet exible enough to

turn on a centavo.

Aspin (Philippines Native Dog)

Source: wedogsinc.org/dog-breeds

Navy and Mimi of PAWS. For more information on pet adoption, contact PAWS for details.


24/24

Documents

Bow & Wow Times Issue # 14 Holistic Health