Not All Dog Treats are Created Equal

by Dr. Jane Bicks
Pet Food Formulator for HealthyPetNet

For years, holistic practitioners have worked to educate consumers about how even the slightest changes in environment, stress and diet can cause significant changes in health. As a holistic vet myself, I believe that nothing should be overlooked when it comes to ensuring the wellness of our beloved buddies.

Since we know that food is the foundation for a healthy life, most people select the best food to provide the many essential nutritional components our dogs can’t do without. But to make sure they receive the nutrition required to help boost healthy functioning, additional nourishment from health treats can be just what the doctor ordered.

To that end, treats should be selected based upon their nutritional merits rather than on cost, flavor or glitzy packaging.

Your dog’s treats should add the healthy components that are known to support hardy immune systems, strong muscles and optimal health. The nutrients required for superior support of these systems can be found in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as in foods like cranberries, apples, tomatoes, rice bran, whole grains and many others.

Unsurprisingly, these wholesome foods appear in the ingredient panels of some of the premium treats I’ve been fortunate enough to formulate for Trilogy.

If your dog could decide which treats they’d want, I feel confident that they would choose all of those offered by Trilogy, including Antioxidant Health Bars (Oatmeal & Apple Recipe), Gourmet Dental Treats (Honey Peanut Butter Recipe), Wholesome Hearts Low-Fat Treats and Tasty Rewards Nutritional Training Treats.

I feel very strongly that every treat you give your pet should have a health benefit so that at the end of the day, your pet truly is a reflection of his or her food, treats and love.

Thank you for all that you do to make the world a better place for companion animals,

Dr. Jane Bicks

(Note from Blog Host: Dr. Jane Bicks is also the formulator of the wholesome and nutritional Lifes Abundance Dog Food. Dogs that are fed foods that are healthy for them lead a longer, happier life with less visits to the vet.)

How to Brush a Dog's Teeth

by Dr. Sarah from HealthyPetNet

While many people like the smell of puppy breath, the same can’t be said for “Dog Breath”. It’s almost universally considered as eye-stingingly unpleasant. This phrase has even been used by as a play-ground insult! While it’s a joke to some, when you look at the science behind foul panting, it’s clear that bad breath is anything but funny.

In fact, bad breath is epidemic, affecting four out of five companion animals over the age of three. Additionally, this condition could be a sign of dental disease, which can lead to health consequences throughout the whole body, not just in the mouth. As some veterinarians have rightly noted, infections of the gums and teeth can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys and intestinal tract … even the joints!

Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing them with dental snacks are two ways to help improve the health of teeth and gums, especially in reducing the build-up of plaque. Unfortunately, however, many pet parents find brushing frustrating, which can result in a stressful experience for pets.

Thankfully, Dr. Sarah is here to share with you the proper technique for brushing your dog’s teeth.

If dental health is a priority for you, watch this short, how-to video from HealthyPetNet about dental care, so you can help your pet fight dental disease and bad breath.

Go to the Dog Brushing Video

Pet Preparedness

Do you have an emergency plan for your pets?

Your home is not only a safe haven for your family, but also for your pets.

When disaster strikes, people often have no other option than to leave their homes. Depending on the severity of the disaster, you may be away from your home for a few hours or a few months.

So what happens to the furry, four-legged members of your family? Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Take time now to identify potential shelter sites or other safe havens where your pet could feel comfortable and be housed temporarily. Many emergency shelters do not allow pets.

• Make sure your pet wears a tag with up-to-date information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, owner contact information, and any urgent medical conditions. Other ID items include license and vaccination tags, or microchips IDs.

• Prepare a pet evacuation kit containing a pet carrier, collar leash, harness, bedding, food/water dishes, medications, toys, pet first aid kit, and at least a three-day supply of food and water.

• It’s always preferable to take your pet with you in an emergency, but if you must leave your pet behind:

o Put him/her in a secure area in your home.
o Leave him at least 10 days of dry food and several water dishes.
o Place signs on doors and windows, describing the type and number of pets inside and providing owner contact information.

• Be prepared to describe your pet, having a photo of your pet can be especially helpful in reuniting pets and their owners.

Adapted from the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) article in CITYSCAPE (City of Tigard’s, OR Official Newsletter – June 2009 Edition.)

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Click for information about a wholesome and healthy dog food - Lifes Abundance Dog Food

Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

Dog Tail-Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol
Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

March 24, 2009 -- A team of veterinarians has found a surprising link between compulsive tail-chasing in dogs and high cholesterol, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

The finding adds to a growing body of evidence -- mostly from studies on humans -- that high cholesterol may be a marker for behavioral problems such as panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder, which could be expressed by frequent tail-chasing falls in dogs.

Bouts of tail-chasing can also occur after a dog experiences physical trauma, surgery or illness, noted Hasan Batmaz, a member of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Turkey's University of Uludag, who conducted the study along with a team of colleagues.

Certain breeds, such as bull terriers and German shepherds, seem to chase their tails more often than others.

For the study, the researchers took blood samples from 15 otherwise healthy dogs that were compulsive tail-chasers. To serve as controls, 15 dogs that rarely chase their tails were included in the study as well.

The tail-chasers had significantly higher cholesterol numbers -- including both HDL and LDL -- compared with the control dogs, the researchers found.

The reason, they said, could be that high cholesterol levels glob up cell membranes at the microscopic level, affecting the flow of brain hormones such as serotonin that are involved in mood and behavior.

Female dogs were more likely to be obsessive tail-chasers, but the researchers aren't sure why.

Past studies have found that people with panic disorders and certain phobias often have higher cholesterol levels, possibly as a result of increased activity of hormones tied to the "fight or flight" response.

Lisa Peterson, a longtime dog breeder who is director of communications for the American Kennel Club, was surprised by the new study.

"It's an interesting hypothesis, especially as we don't usually test for cholesterol in dogs," she told Discovery News.

Peterson explained that since high cholesterol in dogs doesn't always lead to the same health issues as it does in humans, such as clogged arteries, dogs aren't tested for their serum lipid levels as part of their annual wellness exams.

"Blood pressure isn't usually measured for dogs either, unless the dog is exhibiting extreme symptoms," she added.

As for tail-chasing, she said, "this is usually just a puppy thing that happens when young pups discover they have a tail."

But when tail-chasing becomes compulsive, she said the behavior could be due to "nature or nurture," meaning genetic or environmental causes, including "a stressful incident trigger."

Although a change to a lower fat diet could help alleviate compulsive tail-chasing in dogs, Peterson doubts high cholesterol is always a result of overeating, since "manufactured pet foods must all meet governmental regulations for protein, ash, fat and water content, and more."

"Dogs don't elect to gorge themselves on french fries all day," she said.

Note from webmaster: Not all dog foods are formulated the same and some may be down right bad for your dog. Learn more about Lifes Abundance Dog Food -- Health Food for Dogs.

Tainted Peanut Butter also a Menace to Pets

By Jaye Watson and Alex Johnson
Reporters
msnbc.com and NBC News
updated 3:20 a.m. PT, Wed., Feb. 4, 2009

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28938874

CANTON, Ga. - Bert Kanist thought nothing of it when he gave his dog Ozzie a treat one day last month — two packages of peanut butter crackers.

Within hours, Ozzie was terribly sick.

“He was throwing up,” Kanist said outside his home in this suburb of Atlanta. “He had diarrhea. His knees were wobbly.”

The next day, Ozzie was dead. But Kanist’s other dog, Snickers — a pound mutt, like Ozzie — refused the crackers and was just fine.

The crackers were from a brand called Austin, made by Kellogg Co. Kellogg recalled them in mid-January because the line was made with peanut paste supplied by Peanut Corp. of America of Lynchburg, Va., whose salmonella-contaminated products are blamed for sickening more than 500 people and may have contributed to at least eight deaths.

The Austin crackers were just one of more than 420 products that companies across the food industry have recalled because they may be contaminated with salmonella, which most people probably think of only as a human pathogen.

But food safety experts say pets can be equally at risk, either from eating contaminated pet food or contaminated people food. That’s why at least 14 brands of pet treats are on the Food and Drug Administration’s list of foods that have been recalled since Jan. 1 because they were made with products from Peanut Corp.

From owner to pet and back again - As hard as it might be to lose a beloved pet to salmonellosis, doctors say an infected pet poses a bigger problem: It could infect its owner, because the bacterium Salmonella spp. can be transmitted via waste or saliva.

That means you could contract salmonellosis simply by letting your dog lick you, veterinarians warn.

Even if their pets show no signs of the illness, owners should always be careful. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine said last year that they were able to easily isolate Salmonella spp. from healthy-looking dogs and cats, making them classic carrier animals.

“Dogs and cats may suffer salmonellosis as a ‘reverse zoonosis,’ with infection transmitted from human-to-dog and subsequently back to other humans,” the researchers wrote. “Similarly, outbreaks of salmonella infections in large animal teaching hospitals have been linked to the introduction of bacteria from infected human personnel, with subsequent spread to animals and then back to other human workers.”

Most people recover from salmonella exposure without treatment, but it can be deadly to infants, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Of particular concern are children who own “pocket pets” — smaller animals like lizards, turtles and other reptiles — which also can transmit the illness.

In a separate report last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics found that as many as 11 percent of all salmonella illnesses in American children stemmed from contact with small reptiles. Pet turtles were responsible for 103 cases of salmonella infection in the second half of 2007, most of them in young children, the report said.

“It’s pretty common,” said Patricia Joyce, a veterinarian in New York specializing in small animal medicine. “They’re definitely not ideal pets for kids who are still working out their understanding of hygiene.”

Simple steps to stay safe
Unfortunately, said the lead author of the academy’s report, Larry Pickering, an infectious disease specialist at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “many parents clearly don’t understand the risks from various infections” such animals can carry.

The CDC said parents could take some simple steps to keep themselves and their pet-loving children safe:

- Regularly wash your pet’s feeding bowls to prevent growth of bacteria.
- Thoroughly wash your hands and your children’s hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling dry pet foods, including pet treats.
- Avoid letting any human food and utensils come into contact with pet food.
- Make sure to thoroughly clean any counters and utensils you use to prepare your pet’s dinner.
- Handle litter boxes carefully, and always thoroughly wash your hands and keep the area around the litter box clean.

‘Where I went, he went’
Bert Kanist didn’t get sick from salmonella — at least not physically. The hole in his life after Ozzie died is another matter.

“He’s my son in a fur coat,” Kanist said. “Where I went, he went.”

As the investigation of the contaminated peanut products continues, Kanist said he was having a hard time getting authorities to give him a straight answer as to who’s responsible. Until he gets one, Kanist said, he will struggle with a terrible uncertainty, wondering “whether I poisoned my own dog.”

Note from Blog Host... You are a pet's parent and it is up to you to keep educated and learn about the foods you feed your pets. If you are looking for a dog treat that is safe and healthy, please visit: Healthy Dog Treats

The Dog Whisperer: What Your Pet Can Teach You by Cesar Millan

I am honored that so many people look to me to help them enjoy more fulfilling relaionships with their dogs, but the truth is that the dogs themselves have been my teachers. The most valuable lessons I've received have come from animals. Here are some of the ways dogs have helped me become a better, happier, and more-balanced human being.

LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
People of wonder how I get such quick results with the dogs I rehabilitate. The answer is simple. Dogs live in the moment. The don't regret the past or worry about the future. If we can learn to appreciate and focus on what's happening in the here and now, we'll appreciate a richness of living that other members of the animal kingdom enjoy.

Nuture a balanced life.
I tell my clients to follow this simple rule with their dogs. Offer exercise, discipline, and affection every day. Do the same for yourself. We humans are happier if our routines include physical activity, a sense of structure, and the opportunity to give and receive love on a daily basis.

Trust your instincts.
Animals don't care about words. They recognize that what's really going on in an interaction is beneath the surface. Many of us have lost touch with this all-important instinctual part of our natures. By paying attention to nonverbal cuse such as body language and energy, we can learn more about our friends, our loved ones, and ourselves.

Be direct and consistent in your communication.
Many of my clients only intermittently enforce rules, leaving their pets confused about what is and isn't acceptable behavior. Great relationships, no matter the species, begin with clear and consistent communication. This is a lesson we should carry into other areas of our lives-with family, our friends, and at work. Remember: We teach people how to treat us.

Learn to listen.
Make time to lend an ear to those you love or those who want to transform their lives. But don't try to fix their problems, and don't take their problems personally, either. A great leader is also a great follower and knows that everybody counts.

Don't hold grudges.
There's a remarkable lack of conflict in dog packs. That's because members resolve the situation when disagreements arise, then move on. Imagine what our world would be like if we dealt with our conflicts before they escalated out of control. Holding onto negative feelings tends o make them multiply and prevent us from moving forward.

Live with purpose.
When dogs are bored, they develop issues ranging from anxiety to aggression. But when given a job and a way to contribute to the pack's well-being, they turn around almost immediately. All animals -including humans- have an inborn need to work for food and water. Ask yourself how you can contribute more to your job, your family, and the world around you. You'll feel much better about yourself if you earn your food and water, too.

Celebrate every day.
For a dog, every morning is Christmas morning. Every walk is the best walk, every meal is the best meal, every game is the best game. We can learn so much by observing the way our pets rejoice in life's simplest moments. Take time every day to celebrate the many gifts that are hidden in the ordinary events of your own life.

Cesar Millan is the author of "A Member of the Family" and star of the National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer." Article obtained from Parade - Page 10 January 11, 2009.

The author of this blog believes that dogs are happier and at their best when they are active and healthy. To be and remain healthy, dogs like humans require healthy and nutritious food. The blog's author recommends Life's Abundance Dog Food.

Should I Use a Supplement for My Dog?

Supplementing your dog’s diet can play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. We know that some dogs require additional nutritional intake to help them maintain a healthy body, due to age, breed, environment and other factors. Based on this premise, Dr. Jane Bicks, a holistic veterinarian has formulated a new supplement to enhance your dog’s daily diet.

The perfect complement to a healthy diet, Life’s Abundance Wellness Food Supplement for Dogs is formulated with a broad array of naturally nutritious ingredients from real food to help maintain overall health.

In this chewable tablet, Dr. Jane has included the following nutritious ingredients:

Poultry liver, rich in vitamin A and D, protein and selenium.

Natural vitamin E, an antioxidant.

Taurine, an essential amino acid.

Stabilized rice bran, a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Cranberries, a rich source of vitamin C, dietary fiber and manganese.

Carrots, a rich source of beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C, D, and E, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and iron.

Dried egg, one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods, plays an important role in a balanced diet. Eggs are considered a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, E, biotin, and sulfur). Eggs also provide healthy fats, such as omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Flaxseed meal is a rich plant source of antioxidant lignans and omega-3 fatty. Flaxseed meal also has a very high level of protein and essential amino acids. In addition, flaxseed meal contains significant amounts of fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and is extremely rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and phosphorus.

Direct-fed microbials, ingredients similar to those found in supermarket yogurts.

Ester-C*, a unique and patented form of vitamin C (calcium ascorbate).

Tomato pomace, a good source of lycopene and vitamin C.

Alfalfa meal, which is a good source of protein, vitamin A, niacin and calcium, and a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese.

Pineapple, which is a good source of enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Like all of Dr. Bick's superior-quality canine supplements, these delicious compressed tablets are scored in-half for easy splitting. And with a tantalizing liver flavor, your dog will be doing the happy dance when it comes time for his or her supplement!

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