Water is the most important nutrient. Essential to life, water accounts for 66 to 70 percent of an adult pet’s body weight.

Proteins are the basic building blocks for cells, tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones and antibodies, and are essential for growth, maintenance, reproduction and repair.

Fats are the most concentrated form of food energy, providing your pet with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates provide energy for the body’s tissues, play a vital role in the health of the intestine, and are likely to be important for reproduction.

Vitamins are catalysts for enzyme reactions. Tiny amounts of vitamins are essential to dogs and cats for normal metabolic functioning.

Minerals are inorganic compounds that are most important as structural constituents of bones and teeth, for maintaining fluid balance and for their involvement in many metabolic reactions.

*This article was reprinted with permission from www.healthypets.com

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the elevated blood sugar and help guide subsequent treatment recommendations. Some of these tests include:

• Complete medical history and thorough physical examination.

• Analysis of the urine to check for glucose and for signs of urinary tract infection.

• A complete blood count.

• Serum biochemical profile to determine the blood glucose concentration and to exclude other potential causes of the same symptoms.

• OthertestssuchasabdominalX-raysorabdominalultrasound if complications or concurrent diseases.

Treatment.

The treatment for diabetes in dogs is similar to the treatment for diabetes in humans, through diet and insulin therapy.

• Dogs require one or two daily injections of insulin to control blood glucose. These injections are given under the skin using a small needle.

• A high fiber diet, proper weight management and regular exercise can aid in control of DM.

• Prepare for frequent adjustments to therapy early in the course of treatment. Veterinarians prefer to start with a low dose of insulin initially and adjust upwards slowly to avoid overdosing.

• Glucose curves may help your veterinarian determine the best type of insulin, the dosage, and the frequency of insulin administration.

Home Care and Prevention.

Once the veterinarian has given you the prescribed medications, including insulin, you will have to at least give insulin twice a day, 12 hours apart and at the same time each day. You should also work with your veterinarian to develop a weight management and feeding plan. Stick to regular feeding times.

Observe your dog’s thirst and frequency of urination. If these remain increased, your veterinarian may need to adjust the insulin dosage. While there is no way known to prevent type I DM, proper weight management can reduce the likelihood of your dog developing type II DM. HB

*This article was reprinted with permission from www. healthpets.com.

Two Types of Diabetes:

Type I DM occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. This can be the result of destruction of the cells in the pancreas that normally produce insulin. This form does not produce enough insulin and requires insulin injections to control the disease.

Type II DM occurs when enough insulin is produced but something interferes with its ability to be utilized by the body. Dogs nearly always (99 percent) have the type I variety.

Diabetes mellitus usually affects middle-aged to older dogs of either sex, however it is most common in female dogs. The peak age seen in dogs is seven to nine years. Juvenile-onset diabetes may occur in dogs less than one year of age.

What to watch for:

• Increased frequency of urination
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Sudden blindness
• Fatigued
• Poor body condition

See next month’s Healthy Pet section for “Dogs with Diabetes (Part II).”

*This article was reprinted with permission from www.healthpets.com

Here are the top 10 places to travel with your pet in North America, according to www.healthypets.com.

1. San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is a pet-friendly spot to travel with your pet. There are so many parks and beaches with off-leash areas like Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach and Dolores Park to name a few. Visit and walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and shop at the many pet-friendly stores throughout the city. Stay at a num- ber of pet-friendly hotels including the Marriott by Fisherman’s Wharf, the Sir Francis Drake or Le Meridien. Pets are allowed on most of the public transportation, including the MUNI’s famous Cable Cars, buses and trains with restrictions. Small dogs are allowed on the regional BART trains that run to the East Bay. Every August the San Francisco Giants have their annual Dog Days of Summer event where you can bring your dog.

2. New York City, NY

New York City has some of most beautiful hotels that will ac- commodate your pet. The Le Parker Meridien, Ritz-Carlton, and many W hotels welcome pets. There are also a number of Pet Taxi services in the city that will chauffer your pet to their destinations. Many of the famous stores and department stores in Manhattan will allow leashed dogs to accompany you. You can also visit one of the 30 off-leash parks in the city and your dog can go swimming at pond for dogs in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Also like San Francisco, The New York Mets has their annual Dog Day at Shea Stadium.

3. Boston, MA

In Boston, you can go to the best tourist sites without leaving your dog at home. Getting around Boston is easy by wya fo the subway system which allows leashed dogs of all sizes during non-rush hours. Go to Freedom Trail and take one of a number of boat tours or whale watching tours that welcome pets. Visit one of the cities many parks including the Boston Common, Minute Man National Historical Park or the Arnold Arboretum. You can also travel to nearby Boston towns with a dog-friendly ferry to Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket or visit the pet-friendly beaches of Carson Beach.

4. Portland, OR

Being called the “Best Big City” by Money Magazine, Portland is no slouch when it comes to being pet-friendly. Portland’s The Lucky Lab Brewing Company is perfect for dog owners who love to share a brew with a friend while relaxing with your pup. If need to make a coffee run try the Iron Mutt Cof- fee Company with an off-leash outdoor area to play in while you have coffee and food. Portland has over 20 off-leash dog parks, some of which are fenced. Even the city’s amusement park allows leashed dogs as well as the Hoyt Arboretum and of course the Rose Gardens. Portland also has Dogtoberfest every October to your dog gets pampered while you enjoy a beer at the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub.

5. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

When in Vancouver visit Historic Gastown, Granville Island and the Capilano Bridge and Park with your pet. Many ferries in Vancouver allow leashed dogs of all sizes and the city’s public transportation allows small animals in carriers. Vancouver has many outdoor restaurants and cafes that will let you bring your dog along. Also consider taking your pet to the Minter Gardens and the beautiful Butchart Gardens. Vancouver also has 7 off- leash dog beaches and over 20 off-leash dog parks giving your pet enough exercise.

6. Anchorage, AK

You and your pet can enjoy the breathtaking landscape that only Anchorage has to offer. The city has many pet-friendly accommodations such as the Aurora Winds Resort Bed & Break- fast, Puffin Inn, and the Millennium Alaskan Hotel. Anchorage has many beautiful parks that allow pets include the stunning Chugach National Forest. There are You can also take your pet fishing, hiking, or camping on one of the world’s most pristine and beautiful land.

7. San Diego, CA

San Diego is known for its beaches. There are two major off- leash beaches at Ocean Beach and Coronado Beach plus many other beaches that allow leashed dogs. With its sunny warm weather, San Diego is perfect for outdoor activities with your

pets. There are many nice outdoor pet-friendly restaurants in San Diego, La Jolla and throughout the region. While in San Diego visit Otay Ranch Town Shopping Center which has an off-leash dog park built into the shopping center.

8. Las Vegas, NV

Sin City is not just for high rollers anymore. Las Vegas has various pet-friendly activities for your pet including the annual Strut Your Mutt event where your dog can go and show their stuff with a multitude of events and contests. You can take your pet on a tour of Vegas with the Las Vegas walking tour or visit the Historic Spring Mountain Ranch. There are also beautiful pet-friendly parks like the Red Rock Canyon National Area and off-leash parks like the Dog Fancier’s Park. There is even a pet-friendly shopping center the District at Green Ranch where many store have dog treats and water for your pet. Worried that you pet aren’t welcome in the casinos hotels? Here are several hotels that will – Four Season Hotel, AmeriSuites, all Best Western and La Quinta Inn & Suites.

9. New Orleans, LA

Since Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans has been steadily re- building most of the pet-friendly places. There are many pet- friendly hotels including the French Quarter Courtyard, Drury Inn & Suites and the Elysian Field Inn which lets pet stay free. New Orleans has a lot to offer you and your pet including the Historic New Orleans walking tour, French Quarter District, and even an old-fashion buggy ride. While in New Orleans you can dine out on a variety of outdoor pet –friendly restaurants like The Louisiana Pizza Kitchen and Café Gumbolaya.

10. Oahu, HI

The island of Oahu is the ideal place to bring you pet. The year- round warm climate is perfect to enjoy a vacation with your pet. Oahu has 6 dog parks with some having off-leash areas and all the breath-taking beaches are pet-friendly including parrots! There are hotels and vacation home rentals that are pet-friendly like The Kahala Hotel and resort, W Honolulu at Diamond Head, and Kailua Beach Vacation Home. When in Oahu, you must not miss a chance to go to a Hawaiian luau and enjoy the wonderful cuisine that Hawaii has to offer.

*Always remember: Carefully research your travel destination when planning your vacation with a pet. When researching, you’ll want to consider whether the hotels imposes weight- limits, ensure that the hotels offers pet-sitting or grooming, and note its vicinity to dog friendly places and activities. Also before taking your pet on vacation, consult your veterinarian to be sure that all required vaccinations are up-to-date and to receive a health certificate within ten days of travel. HB

*This article is reprinted with permission from www.healthy- pets.com.

Is it just as hard for them to create a “jingling” beat with their four-legged friends?

Dogs & Dogs

Aggression between dogs can stem from many things. Scent, fear, toys, food, owners, etc…the first step in helping your pet become less aggressive is to understand why they are acting the way they do. If your dog is not well-trained, aggression can lead to many problems. Make sure that your dog is trained and socialized well from the beginning to avoid possible fights and injuries. Take your dog to a behavior specialist if the aggression is not towards just one but all dogs. This could be a signal that there is something wrong with your pet. If there is only one dog that your pup can’t stand, avoid taking him near that animal. It could be the scent of the other animal that makes your dog fear it or think it’s an enemy.

Cats & Cats

Much like dogs, there are many reasons why cats are overly aggressive towards other cats. Some owners think that two females are less likely to fight than males, however this is not true. Both male and female cats fight about territory, which they mark with their pheromones. Both sexes give off pheromones in their feces and natural odor, male cats also spray urine to mark their territory. To prevent fighting, it’s possible to mask the scent with products like Feliway, a pheromone-based formula that duplicates the scent of a cat’s natural scent glands.

Dogs & Cats

“Fighting like cats and dogs” isn’t just an expression, it’s a true fact! As mentioned earlier, cats do not like having other animals or pets in their territory, despite being naturally curious (hence the term “curious as a cat”). If a new dog enters their territory, they’re likely to get into a fight unless the cat is docile and laid back. In this case it may be necessary to keep the dog separated from the cat’s space to prevent fighting.

Dealing with Pet Aggression

Aggression among pets can be dangerous as they can pose risks to you and your family members. Whether the aggression stems from food or territory, you the owner must take the initiative to make sure your pet and family are safe. Here are some guidelines to help make your home a hospitable place for everyone.

1.) Don’t punish: it is strongly recommended to never punish your dog as their aggression often originates from fear. Territorial, possessive, or protective aggression responded with punishment leads to defensive aggression.

2.) Medical causes: check with your veterinarian for medically caused aggression.

3.) Specialists: animal behavior specialists are professionals that offer hands-on help dealing with aggressive pets.

4.) Precautions: if you cannot bring your dog to a behavior specialist, use methods to keep those within contact of your pet safe. Cage-type muzzles can be used if your pet needs to go out in public. Bear in mind that some dogs are intelligent enough to remove a muzzle on their own.

5.) Aggression catalysts: avoid situations where your dog is likely to become aggressive. Keeping your dog in a safe room and limiting contact with people is advised.

6.) Spaying/neutering: intact dogs are more likely to show aggressive dominant, territorial and protective behavior. If there’s doubt in your mind dealing with your pet’s aggressive behavior, consult a professional immediately. A pet should never become a nuisance; a pet should make your home a better place.

*This article is reprinted with permission from www.healthypets.com.

Human Medication- Be careful to keep your medicine out of the reach of your pet.

Insecticides – They are made to be poisonous and should never be within reach of your pets at any time.

Veterinary Medications – They can be dangerous to your pets if not taken as prescribed.

Plants may seem harmless but some pets like to gnaw on anything within reach. Some house and yard plants can prove to be poisonous like lilies and poinsettias.

Rodenticides – Made to be poisonous for rodents and should only be placed in small areas where your pets can’t fit but a rodent can. Most rodenticides contain anticoagulants to cause fatal bleeding. They can also cause paralysis, seizures and kidney failure.

Household Cleaners – Can easily be within reach of your pets, especially bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. They can cause eye and skin irritation.

Chocolate- Humans love it but it contains caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines that, even in small doses, can cause elevated heart rate, seizures. Vomiting, diarrhea, panting, and a collapse of the entire nervous system in dogs and cats.

Chemical Hazards – You might not think of petroleum based products, alcohols, acids and gases. They can cause skin irritation, and if inhaled can cause excitability, depression, pneumonia, liver and kidney damage.

Physical Hazards – Small objects can be eaten and cause choking, intestinal obstruction or other physical injury.

Home Improvement Products – During home improvements, be aware of left open paint cans, solvents, glues and other products used in construction.

Cold Medications with Pseudoephedrine – Can increased body temperature and elevated heart rate.

Thyroid Hormones – These meds can cause elevated heart. Any of these substances can have serious health consequences. When it comes to protecting your dog or cat, remember to safely store away all potentially harmful items. Exercise not only caution, but common sense.

*This article is reprinted with permission from www.healthypets.com

These must be in your pet’s diet because your pet’s body can’t produce it on its own. Linoleic acid is the essential fatty acid for dogs. Linoleic acid and arachadonic acid are for cats and dogs. Along with fatty acids, pets also need fiber and digestive enzymes.

Vitamins:

provide your pets with the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need to lead a healthy and extended life. Vitamins A, D, & E help to nourish the skin. Invest in oils, which are essential for your pet’s skin and coat.

Proteins:

Although your pet may be given adequate protein in his or her diet, your pet may not be digesting it properly. Their skin and nails may become dry and smelly, and there may also be a noticeable lack of energy. Enzymes aid in the digestion of proteins.

*Reprinted with permission from www.healthypets.com

When you make the decision to adopt a pet, you not only save a life, you get a new best friend. Although a great decision, it should not be taken lightly. It is a major decision. Here are a few things to consider before adopting your new friend.

Why do I want a pet?

Adopting a pet because your kids have been begging you every day for weeks is not a good reason to adopt. If you have children under six years old, you may want to consider waiting a few years before adding a new member to the family. Children should be old enough and mature enough to properly handle and help care for your new pet. Adopting a pet as a surprise or gift is never a good idea. A person should be well prepared and educated about their specific pet before bringing it into their home.

Can I afford a pet?

The adoption fee is just the beginning. Although most shelters provide vaccinations before adoptions, as well as spaying and neutering, the cost of your pet’s care will continue throughout its lifetime. Annual veterinary visits, microchipping and allergy/flea control are still a small part. Remember the cost of food, toys, treats, collars and leashes, grooming supplies and possibly obedience classes. It adds up. Make sure you have the financial means to give your new pet what it deserves and needs for a happy and healthy life.

What kind of pet will fit my lifestyle?

Before adopting that adorable puppy giving you the sweetest “adopt-me,” look possible, consider what is best for you and your animal. Busy schedule? Consider an animal that needs less attention like a cat, or an older dog. If you have limited space you may want to consider a bird. If you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, an active dog would make a great companion. Make sure to research specific breeds and their tendencies before adopting.  And know that nearly all species, including ferrets and horses, have rescue groups that will help you find the right animal for you.

Who else is in the home?

If you have small children or other animals, you must make sure that the animal you are adopting is compatible. Most shelters will let you know if an animal is good with children or not. Often, you can bring in your other pets to a shelter and have them meet the potential new member of your family, before actually committing to the adoption.

Remember…

Good indoor air quality is essential, especially for young children who breathe faster than adults–inhaling 50 percent more air per pound of body weight. Children and pets have many needs–food, water, exercise and love. But how often do you stop to think about what exactly your children and pets are breathing?

Like children, pets also suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. Even though indoor air is typically two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, few of us understand the health effects of poor indoor air quality. Little attention is paid to the quality of the indoor air in our homes, workplaces or schools. But there are some very good reasons we should be very concerned about the indoor air quality, for our children and pets.

The breathing zone for children and pets (less than two feet above ground) can be more contaminated than for adults (four to six feet) because many contaminants weigh more than air (mercury, pesticides, etc.). Children and pets spend more time breathing through their mouths, which also make them more susceptible to airborne contaminants. Remember that anything smaller than 2.5 microns is respirable, and may have negative health effects–a strand of human hair is 80 microns wide.

Getting a pet, moving to a new home, and having children, motivate us to improve our indoor air quality and control odors, but using air fresheners and or aerosols is a mistake. Global sales of air freshening products are on the rise, indicating we are not happy with our indoor air quality and want to improve it. But if consumers were more aware of the real impacts air freshening products have on indoor air quality and health, they would think twice.

Here’s the unvarnished truth: Air fresheners almost never “freshen” the air. They just mask odors, either with synthetic fragrance or by interfering with your ability to smell, by coating your nasal passages with an oil film or releasing a nerve-deadening agent. In rare cases, they will actually break down the offensive odor. What’s in them, and what’s the risk to children and pets?

Known toxic chemicals that can be found in air fresheners include camphor, phenol, ethanol, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrances (which contain their own mix of toxic chemicals). These chemicals can cause symptoms like headaches, rashes, dizziness, migraines, asthma attacks, mental confusion, coughing and more. Some of the substances in air fresheners are linked to cancer or hormone disruption.

No two homes have exactly the same air quality issues and there’s no way to eliminate them all, but you can do many things to reduce your exposure to the worst culprits. Below are some air quality tips to consider what you, your children and pets are breathing:

•  Remove the source. Get rid of your air fresheners, toxic cleaners, etc. Use your nose to find sources of poor air quality.

•  Ventilate. Open your windows and get some fresh air in the house or office.

•  Keep the house clean to reduce allergy-causing agents like microscopic dust mites, animal dander and pollen.

•  Use exhaust fans, or open windows in the kitchen or bathroom areas when taking showers, cooking, or using the dish washer. Make sure clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors.

•  Many odorous chemicals/pollutants contain volatile organic compounds (VOC). VOC’s come from many sources: cleaning agents, furnishings, pesticides, hobby materials, rugs, building materials, paints, etc. What might be off-gassing in your environment?

•  Take care when cleaning the litter boxes in your home, as the resulting airborne dust can be harmful. Brush pets often, and outside.

•  Use a high quality air purifier to remove, rather than mask the indoor air quality problems.

All of the above precautions will help improve your indoor air quality. We all love our children and pets and want to provide a healthy environment for them. Good food and water is essential, but never neglect the importance of indoor air quality.  Be careful with air freshening products, as adding chemicals to the air can create more health problems. We cannot control everything we breathe, but we can be proactive and maintain a non-toxic environment for our loved ones, which makes us all happier and healthier.

References:

1. www.wikkipedia.com

2. www.epa.gov

For more info, contact Catalytic PURE AIR LLC at (510) 277-5268.

Creating the Best Life for Animals

By Temple Grandin, Ph.D., and Catherine Johnson, Ph.D.

Reviewed for Healthy Beginnings by June Milligan, M.Ed., CCHt

Dr. Temple Grandin draws on her own experience with autism, as well as her experience as an animal scientist, to give us extraordinary insights into how animals think, act and feel. In addition, she shows us how to give our animals the best and happiest life.

The author spent almost 30 years working on improving the treatment of animals, whether they are in shelters, are destined for slaughter, or are your beloved pets. She explains how animals are sensory-based thinkers; that they think in pictures, in sounds, in touches. There’s no other way that their brains can store these memories.

In this book, Dr. Grandin identifies the core emotional needs of animals, and then explains how to fulfill the specific needs of dogs and cats, horses, zoo animals, farm animals and even wildlife. She explains how to create a healthy environment for the dog you have to leave alone most of the day, how to keep pigs from being bored (pigs are extremely intelligent) or how to tell whether the lion pacing in the zoo is exercising or is just plain miserable. She shows us that our assumptions about animal contentment may be wrong.

The author was born with autism, and as a result, she has a unique perspective regarding animals. Her tendency to think in pictures rather than words helps her to see things from an animal’s point of view. This book is firmly rooted in scientific research and is extensively footnoted. Her co-author, Catherine Johnson, Ph.D., is an author in the field of neuropsychiatry and brings that specialized background to this work.

Most people will find the chapters on cats and dogs the most useful. She explains that the core emotions of animals are seeking, rage, fear and panic, plus three special-purpose ones: the sex drive, care and play. Dogs, she says, descend from families of wolves, not packs, and are looking for a parent, not an alpha. She says that horses’ fear and flight responses are the basis of their survival in the wild, and training them requires reassurance, not breaking.

She explains how to recognize emotional states in animals and gives advice on avoiding negative reactions. She says that all animals are frightened by, as well as attracted to, new things. It all depends on how it is presented, voluntarily or forcibly.

These chock-full chapters give specific information on the needs of dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, chickens, and even wildlife. It’s very obvious that Dr. Grandin has a deep love for animals. She became not just a voice for the world of autism, but also an interpreter between animal and human worlds. Any person who works with animals, whether it’s a pet owner, horse lovers, people who work on farms–anyone who works with animals on a daily basis will love this book and come away with an enriched knowledge of how animals think and why they react to certain stimuli the way they do.

This book, as well as her book Animals In Translation, were bestsellers across the country. Other books by Dr. Grandin are Emergence: Labeled Austistic; Thinking In Pictures, Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals; Developing Talents and Humane Livestock Handling.

What happens to aging or ill pets that are homeless and are not readily adoptable? The answer is often times unsettling. However, a local organization is going above and beyond for the lost or unwanted pets of Reno and its surrounding area.

Sugarland Ranch is a community based, non-profit organization located in the North Valley of Reno. It is situated in a picturesque, magical 52 acres that overlook the Sierra Nevada range. Founded in 2001, Robyn Roth and Mack McKinley created a no-kill, small animal sanctuary that coordinates and collaborates with many other rescue groups in the community.

Sugarland Ranch houses several programs, including:

• The Senior Dog and Cat Retirement Home and Adoption Center accept older dogs & cats that are at high risk of euthanasia because they are difficult to adopt out. Dogs and cats that enter this program come from local shelters.
• Military Deployment Program cares for our military personnel’s dogs and cats without charge while they are supporting us in a war zone.
• PerPETual Care Program allows pet owners to make arrangements for lifetime care of their pets, should the owner pre-decease them. Often times, a pet owner passes away and there is no-one willing or able to care for the pet; at which point, the pet ends up in the shelter system and becomes at risk of euthanasia.
• Mastiff Rescue Program works with shelters to help these dogs either find new homes or remain at Sugarland permanently.
• Honey Bear’s Dog and Cat Boarding is a first class dog and cat boarding kennel, which is open to the public. The boarding program provides financial support for the other programs.
• Sugarland’s Pet Memorial Website is a place for humans to memorialize their beloved pets and thereby relieve grief and the emptiness feelings.

All of the dogs and cats at Sugarland enjoy the fantastic open spaces, loving staff and fresh, home-cooked food on a daily basis. Robyn bakes fresh chickens daily and debones them, surrounded by the dogs she loves. She receives much joy from their facial expressions, the massive drooling of the Mastiffs and of course the enjoyment each and every pet gets from only the best foods, supplements and Veterinarian prescribed medications. Sugarland works closely with many local Veterinarians to ensure that the senior cats and dogs, with chronic pain issues, are adequately managed for maximum comfort.

Volunteers are always welcome. The pets that remain at Sugarland truly enjoy the extra attention! Volunteers help with hiking in the hills with the dogs that are able, like Mr. Hunter, a military deployment guest pet. They also help with shorter walks with the older furry friends. Other volunteer activities include bathing, brushing or just “hanging out” with the pets. Volunteers also help with donations, transporting pets to and from veterinary appointments, social outings, fundraising events and a variety of administrative tasks. Volunteers enhance the lives of Sugarland’s program animals in many immeasurable ways. For animal lovers, Sugarland Ranch is a great place to visit and spend some volunteer hours.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Robyn at robyn@sugarlandranch.org or by phone at 800.713.7177.

Symptoms: Difficulty getting up, stiffness, restlessness when trying to settle down to sleep, frequent slips and falls, atrophied thigh muscles, also good and bad days.

Prevention: For dogs and cats suffering DJD, ask your vet about nutritional supplements designed to help combat the debilitating effects. Include antioxidants to provide the ideal supplement for geriatric, arthritic pets. Give your pet treats that are healthy and low calorie. Take your dog on a 20- to 30-minute walk at least four or five times a week. Let your pet decide how hard they want to exercise, as long as they are up and moving. Also, aspirin for dogs can help with arthritis pain.

2. The Kidneys: The kidneys are crucial organs that are affected by aging, especially in dogs. A dog will start drinking more fluids to help his kidneys function. If it is allowed to progress, chronic kidney disease can lead to severe physical problems, uremia and even death. Kidney disease causes the body to work harder, raising blood pressure. All senior pets have some degree of kidney insufficiency. In serious conditions, such as Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), the kidneys lose over 90% of their filtering abilities. Ask your Veternarian about supplementation to slow down uremic toxin buildup and to prevent further kidney damage by providing natural Enteric Dialysis, through the use of beneficial bacteria that support kidney function.

Symptoms: An increase in drinking and urination, weight loss, lethargy, and vomiting.

What You Can do: Keep plenty of fresh water where your pet can easily get to it. Also, put down layers of paper somewhere near your pet’s bed to catch the nighttime dribbles. Antibiotics are used regularly, as infections and bacteria of the urinary track are common in pets with kidney disease. Iron supplements are used in cases of accompanying
anemia.

3. Dental Care: dental calculus (a buildup of crusty, mineral material on the surfaces of the teeth) is often a severe problem. Excessive calculus can cause infection and eventual tooth loss and can even be life-threatening when untreated. Almost 90% of pets 5+ years have some degree of dental disease. Gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. Severe dental disease can also leak bacteria into the bloodstream, which in turn can lead to serious kidney, liver, and heart disease.

Symptoms: If your pet has nasty breath, chances are good he already has dental calculus. Also look out for excessive tartar buildup, gum inflammation, dark or discolored teeth, drooling, and difficulty eating.

Prevention: Dogs and cats that are fed dry or kibbled foods are less likely to develop calculus. An occasional doggie bone acts as a fair tooth cleaner. For a thorough cleaning job, get out the toothbrush. There are toothbrushes and toothpastes specially made for pets, which will help eliminate calculus. The surest way to prevent bad breath and tartar is with Pet toothpaste.

4. The Senses: An animal’s senses diminish just a as human’s do as they age. They may have trouble seeing, hearing, and tasting. An animal that can’t see or hear may react suddenly to quick movements or noises; work and play around your pet more slowly and quietly.

What you can do: Avoid making any drastic changes around your pet, such as in daily diet and exercise. Try calming tablets to help your pet relax.

5. Skin: Sores are common in pets that have lost some mobility and may be a sign of arthritis, where the pet refuses to move due to pain. Tumors may show up as lumps that are not noticeable until large enough.

Symptoms: Sores, unkempt coat, lumps or abnormalities in the skin.

Treatment: Keep your pets comfortable, groom them frequently, and maintain their coat. Treat dandruff, dry skin and greasiness. Provide comfortable beds and cushions. In the case of a lump, see your vet to rule out most cell tumors, and deadly skin cancer in dogs.

6. Obesity: Senior cats and dogs are extremely susceptible to obesity. As pets age, they don’t burn as many calories because they don’t move around as much. However, many pets continue to eat the same amount of food, leading to obesity that can lead to a series of medical conditions, from diabetes to heart disease.

Symptoms: Your pet is probably overweight if you cannot feel their ribs. A rounded back in cats is a sign of extra weight.

Treatment: Your pet’s diet should be low in fat and calories. In pets with severe obesity, a special prescription diet usually high in fiber may be administered, that will aid digestion and make your pet feel full with less food. Small, frequent meals throughout the day are better than one or two large meals. Help your pet shed extra pounds with exercise.

7. Diabetes: Diabetes, as with humans, is a medical disorder that involves elevated blood sugar levels. Small breed dogs and overweight pets are more susceptible, but animals can also develop diabetes after treatment with steroids or reproductive hormones, pancreatitis, or infectious viral diseases. Type I diabetes is always insulin dependent (IDDM), while Type II may or may not require insulin injections (NIDDM). Most diabetic dogs have IDDM.

Symptoms: Your pet may exhibit excessive urination, appetite and thirst, weight loss, and lethargy. As Diabetes progresses, depression and vomiting may be seen. Weak rear legs or wobbling is common in cats. With dogs, cataracts and blindness may develop, even if no other symptoms exist. Lab test results will show elevated blood sugar and/or glucose in the urine.

Treatment: Only a handful of cases can be treated with oral insulin-enhancing drugs; most pets require insulin injections. Some cats experience transient DM, where the insulin requirement can come and go without any real pattern.

8. Heart Disease & Circulation Problems: While pets can’t get heart attacks, they can suffer a series of other equally serious heart conditions. In older dogs, Chronic valvular heart disease (VHD) is the most common heart condition. The heart valves thicken, and make it difficult for the heart to effectively pump blood. This causes accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Some types of heart disease are manageable if caught early and treated with medicine and dietary changes. Others are very hard to treat. Detecting heart disease early is the key to saving your pet’s life. High blood pressure is also common in older pets- especially cats, and it’s often associated with kidney disease.

Symptoms: Weakness, loss of appetite, coughing or labored breathing, fainting, enlarged abdomen, or tachycardia. Symptoms in cats usually don’t show until the disease has advanced. X-rays may be done to show heart disease signs like the enlargement of the chambers, thickening of the walls, or stretched muscles.

Treatment: Diuretics are used to remove pooled fluid from the body when the heart can’t efficiently pump. Other medicines are prescribed to increase heart strength and/or contractility, and reestablish normal heart rhythm.

9. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: This disease affects older dogs, causing chemical changes in the brain. It is like Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Dogs affected by CCDS show no physical signs of disease and continue to eat normally.

Symptoms: You may notice strange behavior for no apparent reason. These symptoms are NOT part of the natural aging process, and you should notify your vet if you notice: A change in sleeping patterns or activity level, confusion and disorientation, excessive whining, isolation, anxiety attacks, substantially less interaction with the family, and forgetfulness. Dogs also sometimes appear to be stuck in corners or wander around aimlessly. Housetrained pets may have frequent accidents.

10. Cushing’s Disease: A disease caused by excessive levels of the hormone cortisol. A tumor in an adrenal gland may be the cause of the overproduction of cortisone. However, it is normally due to a malfunction or lesion of the glands.

Symptoms: Excessive drinking and appetite, increased urination, weakness in the back legs, lethargy, thinning hair, skin hyper pigmentation, panting, frequent urinary tract infections, distended abdomen, and obesity.

Treatment: Medication from your Vet with several large daily doses for a period of a week, and after maintenance dosage, which should be kept for the duration of you pet’s life.

11. Hyperthyroidism: Commonly affects older cats and caused by an increase in production of the thyroid hormone, which controls the body’s metabolic rate. Cats will burn energy faster than they can consume it, so they end up losing weight. Eventually, it affects other organs in the animal’s body and results in high blood pressure, intestinal problems, and renal failure.

Symptoms: Lethargic behavior or hyperactivity, irritability, weight loss, slow heart rate, low body temperature, muscle weakness, elevated cholesterol, hair loss, cold intolerance, frequent ear and skin infections.

Treatment: The most common form of treatment is medication in the form of a Carbimazole tablet, which needs to be administered daily for the rest of the pet’s life. Radioactive iodine therapy is a 95% effective cure consisting of a single injection of radioactive iodine.

12. Cancer: A frequent and fatal problem in older pets. Female pets, not been spayed, are prone to mammary tumors, which are often malignant and very hard to treat.

Symptoms: Weight loss, lethargy, weight loss, repeated infections, nausea, blood in the urine or stools, frequent infections, abdominal swelling, lumps, and pain.

Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

References:

1. This information was obtained directly from www.healthypets.com

Next Month in our July issue look for Part III: Aging Shelter Pets

The Breakdown: Tips To Care For Your Aging Pet

• Preventing disease and maintaining health are the first steps toward a healthy, long life. Take your pet to the vet at least once a year for a complete exam, and follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding preventive measures.
• Spay or neuter your cat right away. Having kittens is stressful for your cat and will contribute to premature aging.
• Feed your pet high-quality food designed to meet the specific nutritional requirements during all stages of his life.
• If you have a cat, keep it indoors to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries from fights, and disease.
• Prevent obesity by controlling their diet and engaging them in play activities. For dogs, exercise them moderately everyday, but don’t overdo it. Watch for excessive panting or a drooping tail.
• Add vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and extra fiber to your pet’s diet.
• Keep your pet’s teeth clean. Good dental health will add years to their life.
• Groom your pet daily and check for abnormalities. Seek medical attention if you find anything suspicious.
• Protect your pet from environmental dangers such as household cleaners and second-hand smoke.
• For cats, provide a heat source such as a heating pad set on low. Cats more than 12 years old require extra heat. There will be a difference in their activity level.
• Be consistent with your dogs schedule. For both cats and dogs, minimize household disruption. Also allow a quiet place for your cat to engage in catnaps.

Next Month in our June Issue look for Part II – Aging Pets and Potential Health Issues

References:
This information was obtained directly from www.healthypets.com

Lessons teach your animal how to learn, behave and eliminate appropriately. Training should be gentle and fun, with firm, clear parameters, to yield a secure and responsive animal that lives to the rules of your household. Successful lessons address house training challenges with techniques and suggestions to obtain success. An indispensible house training program teaches about the “toilet area.” This is an area (designated by the owner) that an animal goes to relieve itself. This is invaluable to most pet owners, since everyone hates “poop patrol” for animal land mines around the yard. Inappropriate elimination can be triggered by a number of reasons. House training difficulties include:

• Training by accident or the wrong type of training
• Inappropriate confinement or Isolation
• Side effects (medication) or Medical (surgery)
• Physical limitations or Age (young or old)
• Territorial marking and Dominance issues
• New home triggers
• Emotional issues or Submissive behavior
• Diet changes or nutritional

Having a quality diet, and the proper tools or products to assist you in house training is important. Severe house training cases may take eight to twelve weeks to address, but if you get the right help, and use the right tools, you can usually eliminate this problem.

Cats
Cats like to keep their business indoors. That means you’ll need to be extra prepared to keep your home smelling as fresh as possible. There are products available to train your cat to use the toilet like humans. Convenient, yes! Go to www.HBMag and click on the laughing cat blog.com to read about one cat’s journey in toilet training.

Cleaning Supplies
Should a mess get out of control, powerful cleaning products will be needed to clear out the smell and mess. The Green Dog All-Purpose Household Cleaner suits your diverse needs to clean all areas of your home. For tougher stains and odor, Urine Off cleaners will ensure sanitary conditions, especially with their helpful UV lamps/lights.

Managing Waste
Every pet owner needs to manage pet waste. Below is a selection of disposal systems and waste removal options.

• The Urine-Off Urine Finder Light is custom-engineered to locate those hidden, dried uric salt crystals- invisible to the naked eye.
• Biodegradable Pet Waste Clean-Up Bags are for the environmentally conscious pet owner.
• Doody Dangler eliminates the need to carry the bag of doody. It attaches to the leash and carries the load, leaving your hands free and clear.
• Poop Freeze is the first environmentally friendly freeze-spray aerosol made for animal waste pick-up. Non-flammable. Cools down to –62° F, with no CFC’s to destroy the ozone or harm vegetation and can be used indoors or outdoors.
• Housebreaking your new puppy can be a challenge. Fortunately, gone are the days of using messy newspapers. Today, training Pads are available; they convert liquid into gel and has plastic backing to protect floors. In addition, the pads are scientifically treated to encourage your pet to the pad. Also great for elimination area for indoor, confined or ill pets.
• Self-Cleaning Litter Box is a sanitary resolution to your pet’s messy problem with waste.

References:

1. This information was obtained directly from www.healthypets.com
2. Additional information obtain from www.arkanimals.com

The cost of veterinary care has actually risen very little during the last 20 to 30 years. When compared to the rising cost of human health care, pet care is not at all unreasonable. Bear in mind that your veterinarian is your pet’s general physician, surgeon, radiologist, dentist, dermatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist, ears/nose/throat doctor, and pharmacist.

Your veterinary bill is a reflection of the costs of maintaining suitable facilities, equipment, and support personnel to provide the level of care that is expected in animal medicine today. Although it may feel as if you are paying more for your pet’s health care than your own, chances are that you probably have adequate health care insurance for your own needs. Consequently, you may never see the total bottom-line figure for your own doctor bills. When human health care costs are added up – including insurance, deductibles, and pharmaceutical costs – there is no comparison to the much lower veterinary care costs.

Today, pet health insurance is available to offset the costs of your furry friends’ medical expenses in much the same way that yours are.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) strongly suggests that all pet owning families assess their financial situation and consider their ability to meet unexpected expenses that may be incurred for veterinary care. For some families, these expenses may be met through existing savings. Others may be able to use credit card reserves or medical payment cards. Some families should consider budgeting for these expenses and still others may want to consider protecting themselves through pet health insurance policies.

For those considering pet health insurance, AAHA offers the following suggestions:

• Be sure you understand what the policy covers. Some policies (but not all) cover some preventative care, such as vaccinations, but not always.
• Understand the exclusions. Almost all policies exclude pre-existing conditions and some exclude hereditary conditions. Some may exclude certain conditions unique to certain breeds.
• Almost all policies have a deductible and a co-pay requirement. Some pay according to a set schedule of “usual and customary fees” while some pay based on the actual incurred expense. Understand how expenses will be reimbursed.
• Ask whether or not the policy allows you to seek care from a veterinarian of your own choice or a network of providers.
• Speak with your veterinarian or someone in the practice. Your veterinarian may have experience with different policies and can provide advice.

Remember you would never expect your own physician to provide diagnosis, care, and medication free of charge. You cannot ask your veterinarian to do this for your pet. The owner ultimately determines care of the pet.
Every pet owner has different ideas about what is acceptable pet care. Veterinarians can only make their clients aware of the services and products that are available and then provide guidance in options. As a pet owner ask for an estimate of the charges.

References:

1. (Excerpted from The Cost of Compassion: Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Veterinary Health Care, 1997, AAHA Press.)
2. This information was obtained directly from www.healthypets.com