The AKC is the same………………..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrWjVFKuAg8&feature=channel_video_title

By Dr Jane Bicks of Life’s Abundance…..

Over the course of the last decade, there’s been ample evidence to support the idea that chronic stress plays a contributing role in a variety of medical conditions in humans. It may come as no surprise that researchers have similarly determined that long-term stress can be a factor in the medical and compulsive disorders of companion animals. Conditions such as feline lower urinary tract disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, obesity, gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat), noise phobias and separation anxiety have all been found to have a chronic stress component in both dogs and cats (Luescher, 2003). Even so, compared to humans, relatively little research has been published regarding stress and its effects on companion animals.

Some presume that the effects of stress on dogs and cats are not much different than those on other non-human animals. But, it appears that they’d be wrong.

In the mammalian world, dogs and cats are unique due to the bonds they share with humans, marked by their social interactions and the human homes in which they commonly reside.

As dogs and cats have gradually changed from living in natural settings to co-habitating with humans, one might expect that they would have fewer stressors than their outdoor ancestors. However, the evidence seems to contradict this assumption. Some veterinarians argue that, even though environmental stress is lower for today’s companion animals (i.e., less risk of predation, starvation, etc.), overall stress levels are actually higher. Furthermore, current sources of stress - such as boarding, veterinarian examinations, long-term confinement in a crate, boredom, habitual inactivity and even the sounds of modern life - are ones against which dogs and cats may not have well-developed defenses and are often unavoidable.

Stress has been eloquently described as “the sum of all nonspecific biological phenomena caused by adverse conditions or influences … include[ing] physical, chemical, and/or emotional factors to which an individual fails to make satisfactory adaption and that cause physiological tensions that may contribute to disease” (Campbell et al, 2004). Bodies manage stress through the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system (referred to as the “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis”). In general, the response of the autonomic nervous system is very rapid and specific, whereas the endocrine system adjusts more gradually and is broader in its effect.

In order to mount an adequate stress response, both the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system require nutrients that can only be obtained through dietary intake. For example, the endocrine messengers (norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and cortisol) are synthesized by the body. However, in order for the body to create these messengers, it needs to obtain tyrosine, choline and acetate, as well as cholesterol and acetate … all from dietary sources. Synthesis of these endocrine messengers is also dependent upon ingesting nutrients such as zinc, copper and manganese, as well as significant amounts of vitamin C. In the autonomic nervous system, signal transmission is made possible by electrical activity in the nerve cells. Fueling this activity requires dietary intake of sodium, calcium and potassium. All of these elements are vital for normal nervous and endocrine system responses to stress.

As a holistic pet food formulator, I know that the way the body responds to stress and chronic disease might have predisposing nutritional factors, such as a nutrient deficiency, imbalance, or toxicity. A good formulator must know whether or not supplementation of a given nutrient can help a companion animal manage stress effectively.

In spite of how well you care for your dog or cat, it is still likely that they will encounter daily stressors. While unavoidable, it is possible to minimize the effects through a combination of exercise, nutrition and holistic treatments.

Substances like valerian, chamomile and inositol can help to soothe the jangled nerves of dogs. Pheromone diffusers and sprays are effective stress reducers for both dogs (D.A.P) and cats (Feliway). If your budget is tight, you can do pet massage at home to help relieve tension. To develop a program of stress reduction that’s uniquely suited to your companion animal’s needs, consider enlisting the help of an alternative-medicine or holistic veterinarian.

Perhaps most importantly, keep in mind that providing proper nutrition is vital for helping companion animals deal with stress and lead long, healthy and happy lives. In addition to feeding a high quality diet, feeding them a daily supplement is a simple way to ensure sufficient nutrients to maintain a healthy endocrine and nervous system, in turn helping to cope with any stress your pet encounters.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for companion animals. Each and every one of you has my sincerest wishes for holiday full of joy, and a wonderful new year of health!

   Dr. Jane Bicks

From Dr Jane Bicks of Life’s Abundance…

“Mom, Dad, can we get a pet? Please?”

It’s a question that many parents hear from their youngsters. Unfortunately, the decision process can be difficult to navigate if the child in question suffers from allergies related to dogs, cats, bunnies and birds. Parents shouldn’t feel overwhelmed by this situation, as the following brief review of current research may help those seeking a solution that makes everybody happy.

Millions of Americans suffer from fur or feather allergies. These people have immune systems that overreact to the harmless proteins (called allergens) in pet dander, which comes from dead skin cells, saliva or urine. Pet hair is not the primary problem, but does collect dander. When normal shedding occurs, the allergens can spread and persist in the environment. Recent estimates put the total U.S. pet population at more than 100 million companion animals, about four pets for every ten people. With nearly six out of ten people experiencing at least occasional contact with companion animals, chances are that someone you know suffers from pet-related allergies.

For the 10% of children who are deemed highly allergic, doctors almost uniformly advocate avoidance. These are children who have a dramatic reaction with even intermittent exposure. Your first stop – especially before searching for adoptable animals – should be a visit with your pediatrician to inform your decision-making process. Your child may need to undergo some basic testing, but armed with the results you’ll be better able to determine whether a pet should be added to the family.

For children with only minor symptoms, I think the benefits of having a companion animal usually outweigh the annoyances for many families. In fact, several studies have demonstrated that childhood allergies actually become less severe the longer kids live with a family pet. Other studies have shown that children who care for dogs during their early years later become more empathetic and less likely to have behavior problems.

If your child has pet-dander allergies, there are steps you can take to minimize the presence of allergens in your home. Weekly bathing can significantly reduce the amount of dander in the home environment. Regular, thorough house cleaning - especially of soft surfaces like carpets and furniture - and designating the child’s room as a pet-free zone can make a huge difference. Also helpful is the use an air purifier in your child’s bedroom and using superior-grade HEPA filters in your central air system. I highly encourage you to have your child wash his hands after petting or playing with your companion animal, and making him mindful of keeping his hands away from his face during pet-playtime.

Once you’ve committed to these lifestyle changes, it’s time for locating the perfect companion animal. If you’re planning on adopting a dog, look for breeds with soft, constantly growing hair. Canines such as Havanese, Poodles, Bichons, Cockapoos and Portugese Water Dogs (like the famous First Dog Bo) may prove to be less likely to aggravate allergic responses for some individuals, although some experts claim that this may only be because they tend to be washed and groomed more often than other breeds.

Contrary to popular belief, there are no true hypo-allergenic breeds of dogs and cats. In fact, even hairless breeds can provoke symptoms. A 2011 American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy study compared the level of allergens present in homes of hypo-allergenic dogs versus other breeds. The researchers examined dust samples from 173 homes with 60 different breeds of dogs, including 11 breeds considered hypoallergenic. The results showed no real difference in homes with hypoallergenic dogs and other breeds. Of course, this is just one study, and further research is still needed. The bottom line is that you’ll need to be vigilant, and commit to the measures outlined above to minimize allergens in your home for your child’s safety.

My recommendation is any family or individual seeking to adopt a less-allergenic companion animal should ask a shelter, breeder or rescue organization to agree to a week-long trial run. Have the allergic individual spend time with the companion animal to gauge their effect on the allergic family member.

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

I had a puppy buyer ask me about a particular website, here in MN with pictures of puppies on it.  She had gone with her daughter, who bought a puppy from them, and just didn’t feel right about it.  She asked my opinion.  Well, here it is….

Designer dogs, mixes of one breed and another, are not purebred.  You don’t know the type of temperment, coat, energy, protection, barking, etc you’ll get from that dog.  When you do a search for a perfect dog on the internet, you answer questions about what you want, then they recommend a breed.  They, the owners of that site, can make that recommendation because purebred dogs have particular characteristics.  You want long hair, you don’t want long hair to deal with.  You want a cuddle bug, or you want an independent little one.  You are gone a lot and want a dog that can deal with that, or you want a dog because you stay home a lot and you want a dog that loves to be by you……etc, etc, etc.

You can’t tell what you are going to get with a mix.  Maybe it will act like the mom, maybe like the dad.  Maybe it won’t shed like the mom, or maybe it will like the dad.  Maybe it will be yappy like the mom, or maybe it will be quiet like the dad, or maybe it will bray like it’s uncle. 

With a purebred, you know what you are getting.  With a puppy mill pure bred, it might not really be a pure bred.  It’s parents and grandparents were probably not health tested, and it may have some issue that the puppy mill person will not help you with.  Sure, it may be cheaper, but you may not have your dog as long, or as healthy as you thought it would be.

Finally, if you go to look at a puppy, and you realize they have several breeds, the puppy looks forlorn and you feel like you need to provide it a new home, essentially driven by wanting to rescue the dog, well you can do that.  But you are just making a place for another forlorn dog to take it’s place, and keeping the puppy miller in business/$$$.  If you really want to protect dogs, don’t buy from a puppy miller.  They are about money and keeping it coming, not about the breed, improving the breed in looks and in health.  Remember all this if you can when you go on a search for a puppy.

With all the upcoming holidays, don’t forget to make good plans for your dog/dogs.  If you plan on traveling without your little companion, remember that they need lots of love, and do better in a home environment.  Check your area for who has such a place, and see if you can visit before deciding this is the right place for your precious one. 

For me, I am still dealing with the death of my sister.  Both sisters having died in the past year and a half is a lot to handle.  Maybe we weren’t always the closest, but you can always expect calls, and you can call when you just need to talk/vent/cry/laugh.  No more sisters to do that with now.  Most days I am just fine, but holidays are a hard time, and somedays my eyes just stay wet, and I don’t have ambition to do anything because I can’t stop the tears.  I know some of you  out there understand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCt5ylsozVU&feature=player_profilepage

1) No candy for fido.  Chocolate is a poison to dogs.

2) Costumes are OK, but watch out for choking hazzards.

3) Guard the door.  When those adorable kids come to the door, fido can sneak out and you will be a ‘witch’ before you can collect him back into the house.

4) Have identification on your dog.  If it happens that you lose your dog, chances are that the identification on the dog will get him safely home again.

We would like to be able to think that we can segregate out our lives so that one part doesn’t necessarily influence another.  However, that just doesn’t work in my world.  And, this is what I mean…    My second sister died this past month on her 65th birthday.  (My other sister died in March of 2010.)  She, Beth,  had a 6 week diagnosis of cancer.  That’s all.  She is the sister that lived with me off and on throughout our adult lives.  Beth was quite a personality, sometimes infuriating me because she always wanted to be right, and sometimes doing the sweetest thing to show she cared about me.  Now, she is gone, and I am left with daily back pain from trying to care for her in her home in Missouri with weak muscles on my part.  Hopefully, the pain will soon dissipate.  So far, that hasn’t happened, though.

I brought Cupcake back home with me after Beth died.  She found another home, and happiness, long before I am able to say I am happy again. 

I also sold my house in the spring, and bought another in Minnetonka, where my doggies have a much bigger yard, and I have much more work to do.

Then there is the part about me quitting my full time job in favor of a 2 day a week job.  Didn’t know how hard it would be to survive with so much less income, and no insurance.  But, at least I am making choices before it is my turn to cross that Rainbow Bridge, and meet my lifelong companions, my dogs.

So, as you can see, many changes for me this year.  And I am just ramping up for the 2012 Havanese National Specialty to be held in the Twin Cities.  Thank goodness the local club is stepping up to help in so many ways.  

Enough good and bad news for now.

This is taken from Revival Health site, and I recommend it as a good source of products for your dog, cat, horse.

After that first firecracker pop, there are many pets that run and hide - and we won’t see them until after the Fourth of July. It can be a very upsetting time for animals who do not understand what is happening - they must feel like the country is being invaded! My 8-year-old dog would spend 4 days in our closet if we didn’t take the right steps to deter her anxious response.

Here are some tips for keeping your pets calm during the explosive weekend:
Keep them inside with music and stay calm around them. Yelling at them only reaffirms their thinking that bad things are happening.
Deter their attention by giving them something they like. Find their favorite toy or distract them with a new one. This can keep them busy for hours and will get them through the booms and bangs that happen nightly.
Using calming agents can also support your efforts. Doc Roy’s Docile Dog is naturally formulated to calm the anxious dog, and Comfort Zone with DAP for dogs or Feliway for cats are also popular calming products. I double the dose for two days then give them the normal dose until July 6. These calming products help you avoid tranquilizing your pet, but they also help maintain your pet’s normal behavior.
It may seem like extra work, but keeping your dogs calm is worth the effort. Many dogs that are scared of fireworks will eventually transfer that anxiety to thunderstorms as well. Keep the positive associations, and if your dog becomes scared of storms, you can treat them the same way as above.

Last year my dog did not like July 4th but with the above tips, she survived. After the loud bangs, she would look up with concern, but with my reassurance, she would go right back to getting the peanut butter out of her Kong toy. With a little planning, your dog will do the same.

Happy July 4th!

Dr. B

This is from Dr Sarah, and you can see the whole thing by going to the site via my website link and look for all the great articles. This is way more than just a pet food! READ…

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function, is one of the most common canine hormone imbalances. This was not always the case. In recent decades, hypothyroidism diagnoses are on the rise.

What’s going on here?

In mammals, the endocrine system is a system of glands, each of which secretes a type of hormone directly into the bloodstream, that regulate the body. The thyroid gland, one of the largest endocrine glands, controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, regulates calcium and controls the body’s sensitivity to other hormones. The thyroid is critical to metabolic processes and affects the functionality of almost every other organ in the body. The endocrine system is highly sensitive, and its delicate dance of hormones can be disrupted, potentially resulting in disease. In dogs, the most common hormonal disorder diagnosed is hypothyroidism.

Typically, hypothyroidism occurs in dogs from 4-10 years of age, though in rare instances dogs can actually be born with it. Because the thyroid hormone affects the metabolism of the whole body, the clinical signs can be non-specific. That being said, dogs with hypothyroidism often exhibit low energy levels, weight gain, hair loss, a dull hair coat and concurrent skin infections. More…