 My husband and I heard those words last month from our veterinarian regarding our springer spaniel mix Mary. What started as a skin growth that mushroomed last December also created a tumor on her lung. Speculation is it’s a slow-growing tumor and we should have about a year with her yet. We are to be mindful of her developing shortness of breath and wheezing. Mary is now 13 years old, and she has enjoyed a good life, despite losing her first family prior to us adopting her. We adopted her seven years from English Springer Spaniel Rescue of the Rockies. Although we are thankful the cancer that’s developed is not aggressive nor at an advanced stage, we are saddened to know we’ll once again likely lose a dog to cancer. Mary will be #3. According to the website Cancer Active, nearly 50% of dogs 10 and older and more than 30% of cats develop cancer. The Truth About Pet Cancer is a documentary-style video series released a few years ago. Some rebuff what’s discussed and asserted in the series, including some of the believed causes attributed to pet cancer. However, learning more about thoughts on environmental factors, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition helps us as pet parents consider what could be impacting our beloved furry friends’ health. A free e-book on pet health is available from the site; if you’re interested, click this link for the download: https://thetruthaboutpetcancer.com/ebook/?a_aid=55b1c500a3d65&a_bid=3a9363c1 The American Animal Hospital Association finds the six most common types of cancer found in dogs are Lymphoma,, which occurs in cells in the lymph nodes or bone marrow; Hemangiosarcoma, a malignant cancer of the blood vessels; Mast cell tumors, often first seen on the skin and go inward to tissue and organs, as in Mary’s case; Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, which often starts in the mouth of a dog; Osteosarcoma, cancer of the bone; and Mammary, which is often malignant, and usually found in unspayed female dogs or those spayed after two years of age. Cancer Veterinary Centers in Florida says the primary types of cancers that cats develop are Lymphoma, Feline Leukemia Virus, Mammary Cancer, Squamous cell carcinoma (Skin Cancer), and Fibrosarcoma, which develops from fibrous connective tissue. There are several treatment options for animals with a cancer diagnosis, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Like people, animals undergoing this treatment often have side effects, from hair loss to immunity suppression. Chemotherapy is most often used when cancer has metastasized or is an aggressive type that can easily metastasize. The cost for such therapy varies, but often runs into thousands of dollars, and though there is no guarantee for a cure, many times there is hope for a longer life, depending on the type of cancer. There are holistic alternatives. Retired veterinarian Dr. Allen Schoen, one of the vets featured in The Truth About Pet Cancer series, says, “Nutritional supplements can help in reversing or preventing the cachexia, or muscle wasting associated with cancer … They may enhance the immune system and decrease the incidence of metastases.” Diet can also help. Dr. Greg Ogilvie, formerly of Colorado State University who now practices in California, helped develop a nutritional plan that “should be comprised of a relatively low amount of simple carbohydrates, modest amounts of fats (especially omega-3 fatty acids), and adequate amounts of highly bioavailable proteins,” reports a story in Whole Dog Journal. Some even tout ditching the kibble, especially those with grains, and providing people food, such as organic chicken, kale, spinach, apples, and cottage cheese. There is a strong movement for feeding a raw diet; I prefer to cook my pet’s food, at least somewhat, due to potential bacteria in raw meat. Here is what we are doing with Mary: Alternating between “people food,” as noted above and giving her FreshPet and occasionally no-grain kibble (and I pay close attention to pet food recalls and brands that have been recalled in the past – I don’t feed those to her; that’s one reason I chose FreshPet). I also provide her with Bixby Immunity Booster and fish oil supplements, which I often blend into a smoothie mixture of kale, spinach, carrots, blueberries, and chicken broth. I sprinkle this especially on dry dog food and chicken, turkey, or turkey burger that I cook for her. FreshPet already has those ingredients so I don’t need the veggie/fruit smoothie with it. If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer, I suggest conducting a lot of research, talking to others who have been where you are (or are going through like you). I also suggest not only talking with your usual vet, but also consulting with a holistic vet. Choose the route you think is best for you and your pet. Find more information on pet cancer and potential helps here: https://caninecancerdiet.com/soft-tissue-sarcoma-in-dogs/ https://caninecancerdiet.com/lung-cancer-in-dogs/ 
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 Every dog owner knows the joy of having a dog; they give us companionship, love, and care. Dogs are known as man’s (and woman’s) best friend. However, for people who face emotional and physical challenges, the presence of a dog can be significant to their daily life. Dogs offer support and comfort, helping people living with issues that affect their lives, such as mobility, blindness, deafness, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I am happy to welcome Cody Oelker from US Service Animals.org as a contributor to this week's blog. He reached out to me with the idea of a guest post on Emotional Support Animals, and together we created the post you see here. We hope you enjoy the read, and if you or someone you know would benefit from an Emotional Support Animal, we encourage you to speak to a mental health provider about having such a companion. Most of us recognize guide dogs which help blind people and service dogs help those with limited or no mobility. Other types of animals assist people who experience emotional trauma. Those can be dogs, cats, rabbits, even guinea pigs, which are also used as therapy animals, visiting schools, libraries, hospitals and nursing homes. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide emotional support and comfort to their owner in the form of affection and companionship. Although all dogs are emotionally attached to their owner, to be legally considered as an emotional support animal, the animal needs to be prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to a person living with a mental disability. A therapist must examine the person and decide that the presence of an Emotional Support Animal is needed to ease anxiety and help him or her focus on life. Benefits of an Emotional Support Animal ESAs help ease anxiety, depression, and certain phobias. These special animals provide many mental and emotional benefits to people living with disabilities. They are intelligent creatures that psychologically impact their owners by offering reassurance and companionship. Other benefits of having an Emotional Support Animal in your home include the following:
If you’re experiencing any form of mental or emotional challenges, then you may want to consider an emotional support animal. These four-legged furry companions offer so many benefits to their owners, including helping reduce stress, anxiety, depression; serving as a faithful companion; and giving the owner a sense of purpose while experiencing unconditional love. Talk with your counselor, therapist, or psychologist to learn more about how to obtain an ESA and the benefits you may experience by having one.   Does your dog’s breath stink? Does your cat’s teeth have a brown coating? These and other signs should trigger you to consider what might be going on with your pet’s dental health. The majority of dogs and cats will develop dental issues sometime in their lives, oftentimes before the age of three. Periodontal disease affects both canines and felines and starts out as plaque, just like with humans. Not dealt with, plaque can lead to gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. Dental health issues can lead to other medical issues. However, also like humans, such conditions can be abated. Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth Did you know you can brush your dog or cat’s teeth? Again like humans, consistent brushing can ward off dental disease. Specialty toothbrushes, including finger brushes, and flavored toothpastes are created for pets. You can find these at many pet supply stores or your veterinarian. Don’t use people-oriented brushes or pastes – they can harm your pet. Gradually introduce brushing to your animal, over the course of several days, even weeks. Cats especially dislike new things, like toothbrushes! Therefore, be patient but persistent – and gentle. Brush your dog or cat’s teeth a few times a week and brush on the outside only. Praise your pet throughout the endeavor. Why is Pet Dental Health Important? A pet’s dental health isn’t just about teeth and gums; periodontal disease can affect your pet’s overall health. Kidney and liver disease can result from bacteria flowing from the mouth through the animal’s bloodstream. Sepsis can set in from blood infections. Your pet’s heart can also be negatively impacted from poor dental health, and in particular in small dogs, bone infections can develop. With cats, an erosion in the tooth called feline resorptive lesions (FRLs) is fairly common, in both young and old kitties. According to International Cat Care, more than 70% of cats five years and older have at least one FRL. “The cause of FRLs is unknown but cells called odontoclasts (which break down the substance of the tooth) are found in the erosions,” according to the website. February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Keep your pet’s mouth and teeth healthy and you’ll also keep him/her healthier overall! Resources: Access a PDF Guide on How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth, from Petfinder.com, here: https://d17fnq9dkz9hgj.cloudfront.net/uploads/2018/08/brushing-your-pets-teeth.pdf Click here to watch a veterinarian brush an animal's teeth and learn more about why dental health is so important: http://www.ardenwoodpethospital.com/pet-health-videos/dental-related-videos/how-to-brush-your-pets-teeth/   he past few weeks, I've been talking about improving our pets' health and highlighting different "sports" in which our pets can participate. Last week we looked at canine agility; this week, I'm happy to welcome a guest who works with her cats in agility. I'm pleased to bring this post written by Allison Hunter-Frederick. The photos are of her cats: Rainy at left and Cinder in an agility tunnel at the end. The instant I open our basement door, two of our cats race from their resting spots to join me. They meow and clamber over one another to be the first allowed downstairs. Why are they so excited? They know that an agility session awaits them. January’s pet calendar is highly focused on the health of dogs. It’s a time when owners are encouraged to walk them and train them. But cats have health needs too. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 60% of America’s cats are obese. In addition, the pet insurance company Nationwide reported in 2017 that nearly 20 percent of its members’ claims were for conditions and diseases related to obesity. Two factors that contribute to obesity in cats are too little mental stimulation (which results in overeating) and too little exercise. Cat Agility, Really? Agility is a fun activity that helps to address a cat’s physical needs. In this team sport, your cat will race through tunnels, leap over jumps, weave between poles, and more. Agility benefits cats because it makes use of their senses and skills. Cats have excellent visual focus and accuracy, which they exercise to the fullest as they race through obstacles. They also have strong sprinting and jumping abilities, which they can make use of and hone through an agility course. Additionally, cats excel in learning a skill, remembering it, and adapting it to new situations. This knack to problem-solve enables them to easily learn each new agility course. Although their independent nature can work against cats, it can also work for them. As their owners, we simply need to tap into their independence by giving them a reason to do agility. Treats, toys, and the obstacles themselves can all serve as motivation. Lucy’s Learns Agility My initial venture into cat agility happened in the early 2000’s when I became a first-time cat owner. Inspired by watching my husband and our toy poodle compete at agility trials, I taught our calico cat, Lucy, the basics of agility. Some obstacles such as jumping she caught onto after one training session, while others such as tunnels and weaves took several training sessions. I began by teaching Lucy one obstacle at a time in our living room. First, I lined up a row of chairs and placed a treat under each. Once Lucy got used to the idea of running through the chair ‘tunnel,’ I’d just throw one treat to the opposite end for her to race after. Then I bought a child’s hoop from the Dollar Store. I held the hoop so that its bottom touched the floor and I coaxed Lucy to step through the hoop with a treat. Over time, I gradually increased the distance from the floor and the bottom of the hoop until she was jumping through the hoop. Next, I bought some empty pop bottles and spread them a few feet from each other. Each time I lured her around a pop bottle I rewarded her with a treat. Once she became proficient with weaving, I increased the difficulty level by rewarding her only after two bottles, then three and four, until she could weave a course of six. When Lucy had mastered all three obstacles, I combined them to create an amateur course in our living room. Agility Continues at Home With our current cats, Cinder and Rainy, I became more serious about training. This is why our family now has an agility course cut in our basement. Although such a project can involve large pieces of equipment, you can create an economical one in your home. Foam agility dog jumps and training agility tunnels run about $50 each. Most agility weave pole sets are designed for outdoor use, but I found a set of six indoor weaves and a hoop at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Friends of mine have used traffic cones or even toilet plungers as weave poles. A dog agility course will typically also include a teeter, A-Frame, a cat/dog walk, and table. I have yet to find economical options for a teeter and a cat/dog walk, but I created an A-Frame by pushing together two sets of small pet stairs and a table by using a sturdy cardboard box. Training is the highlight of every afternoon for my cats. I take about fifteen minutes with each cat. On their turn, I run them a few times through a course in addition to teaching them obedience and tricks. Both receive lots of cat treats and praise as rewards. At the same time, I let each cat dictate the pace. If one of them struggles with an agility obstacle, I work specifically on it. By the same token, if either of them loses interest, I move into a different type of training or I end the session for the day. Is it a Sport for You and Your Pet? For any pet owner, there are three reasons to take up agility. First, it’s fun. Second, because agility is a team sport, it will strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Third, all this activity will be good for the health of both you and your pet. Whether you use just a few or several obstacles, your cats will love being active with you. Interested in doing cat agility? Feel free to ask questions in the comments. Watch Allison and Rainy go through agility on YouTube; clink the link here to see them in action: https://youtu.be/4NgAtiAQob8 About Allison Allison Hunter-Frederick is an administrative assistant, pet blogger, and cat therapy handler. She hosts an animal welfare blog at lincolnpetculture.wordpress.com/. She is also taking classes on cat behavior. Readers can follow her cat Rainy on Instagram @rainythetherapycat. Allison’s goals are to strengthen the human-pet bond and increase pet retention. She is available for guest posts and freelance pet writing.   There are many types of activities a person can do with their pet. During the next few months, we’re going to look at the numerous and varied sports you can do with your pet. Although primarily geared for canines, cats can also engage in different activities, as we'll learn in future posts through this series I’m calling “What Activities Can I Do with My Pet?” Canine Sports Dogs love activities. In fact, most dog breeds originated for some type of purpose, whether hunting, herding, or digging. Therefore, different breeds are high energy; they need activity to burn off that energy. These days, there are a wide variety of sporting events you and your dog can do together, from agility to skiing. This week, we’ll look at canine agility. What is Canine Agility? Agility is a team sport, an activity between a dog and its handler. It’s often a competition and is endorsed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other canine organizations. However, you and pup do not have to compete; you can just enjoy the sport for the fun. To participate in agility, dogs go through a series of obstacles, including weave poles, tunnels, and see-saws; the idea of the competition is to complete the course as quickly as possible, with the best time produced being the winner. The competitions are held for dogs of different sizes; therefore, your collie and your Westie can both complete. Even if you choose to not participate in competitions, you and your dog can enjoy the benefits of agility in your own back yard. Equipment can be purchased online and sometimes in big box pet supply stores like PetCo. You can also make agility equipment yourself or have someone make the course items for you. What Breeds Do Best in Agility? Although any type of dog can participate in agility, the breeds most adept at this sport seem to be Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs (“Shelties”), and some terriers. Surprisingly, you can also find Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Standard Poodles and German Shepherd Dogs on the list. If a dog has energy, listens well, and knows basic obedience commands, s/he will likely enjoy and do well in agility. Where to Find Competitions in the U.S. One of the best ways to discover if agility is a good sport for you and your dog is to visit some agility competitions and observe how things are done. Here are three websites to find out where competitions are being held: http://www.nadac.com/trial-calendar.htm https://www.usdaa.com/events.cfm https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/ If you think agility would be fun for you and your pup, learn more about this sport and how to get started (whether for fun or competition) by visiting these websites: https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/getting-started/ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/toys-and-play/how-to-get-started-with-dog-agility-training https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/dog-agility   There are many “pet holidays” and “special days” throughout the year; January is no exception. As noted last week, this is Walk Your Dog Month. January is also Train Your Dog Month. Training our dogs even the basic commands, like sit, stay, come, and heel, is a great idea for several reasons. First and foremost, emphasizing these obedience words helps keep them safe. Daily, dogs in yards and visiting parks run into the street and are hit by cars. Having your dog respond to your voice command to “come” or “stay” helps prevent such tragedy should your beloved furry friend leave your side. Training doesn’t have to be all about commands, however. Training can also include fun activities, such as agility, field work, and even games of fetch. Training can involve both voice commands and hand signals, and such activity is not only good for your dog’s physical health, but also its mental health as learning engages your dog’s brain. Dogs aren’t the only animals that can be trained. Believe it or not, cats can also respond to words. “No” and “off” are good to use with cats as well as dogs; some felines are notorious for getting on tables and kitchen counters. I know a woman who uses clicker training with cats, rewarding them with treats for their good responses to her words. Pet people want to bond with their beloved animals; training helps do that. For our pets, especially dogs, training is like playing games, and engaging your furry friend in games is fun for them. Therefore, they view it as time spent with you, which dogs especially enjoy since they are pack animals. Take time this month to stimulate your pet mentally and physically with training. You’ll discover not only enjoyment in spending more time with your pet, but you’ll also reap the benefits of knowing your pet is safer by positively responding to commands as well as experience a stronger bond with your special friend. Learn more about training dogs here: http://www.canineminded.com/training-tips/ https://www.thesprucepets.com/steps-to-train-your-dog-1118273 Learn more about training cats here: https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/training/cat-training-the-easy-way https://www.rd.com/advice/pets/how-to-train-a-cat/   January is Walk Your Dog Month. I don’t know if there’s a special time set aside for Exercise Your Cat, but there should be. All pets need activity to be healthy. So do people. We can take time this month, in fact, each week, and preferably each day, for a bit of exercise with our pets. It’s good for them, and it’s good for us! January is a time many people decide to pay more attention to their health. Exercise is one way to accomplish that. You can involve your pet in that resolution, and together, become healthier. There are many benefits to exercise for us and for our pets, including:
So, whether you talk a walk through the neighborhood, spend time at the dog park, play fetch in the backyard, or engage in a ribboned fishing pole activity with your cat, you and your pet will reap great benefits exercising together! Read more on the benefits of activity for you and your pet at these websites: https://www.chewy.com/petcentral/health-pet-fitness-8-reasons-your-dog-needs-exercise/ https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/evr_ct_exercising_with_your_cat_a_how_to_guide https://www.cookinglight.com/healthy-living/healthy-habits/why-exercising-is-important-for-you-and-your-pet   Winter is officially here. Whether your area experiences chilly rain or freezing temperatures with blowing snow, this time of year brings safety concerns for our pets, including frostbite and poisoning. Below are five ways to keep your pet warmer and safer during these next several months:
Putting these five tips into action will help keep your four-footed companion warmer and safer during chilly winter months.   There’s a funny song “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” – did you get one of those? Sometimes families or individuals bring home a new pet as a Christmas gift, maybe not a hippo but a dog, cat, or guinea pig. Is that you this year? No matter what time of year you bring a new pet into your household, your life is going to be different – just as it is when a new human baby arrives. Here are a few tips to help you, your family, and your new pet friend adjust to the “new normal:”
These are just five tips to consider before and after you bring home a new pet. There are many other ideas offered by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and Petfinder, two sites which provide pet adoption opportunities and pet care tips: https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/pet-adoption-checklist/ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care Pets bring people deep joy through their antics and their devotion. Studies show pets benefit people emotionally and physically, helping with depression, cholesterol, and blood pressure, among other things. A pet is a special gift, and it’s a gift for life. Take care of your new pet and it will take care of you!   Nothing can ruin the holiday season quicker than a medical emergency, especially when the issue happens to your loved one, either human or pet. Between decorations and food, a plethora of problems can emerge. Therefore, make sure potential holiday hazards in your house are kept secure. Below is an infographic from VetNetwork on some of those possible perils. Keep your veterinarian’s number handy (or the number to the closest emergency vet) as well as the ASPCA’s Poison Control Hotline in case your pet becomes poisoned or injured in some other way. Here is the organization’s toll-free number: 888-426-4435. May you and your furry friends enjoy a safe and happy Christmas!  |
AuthorGayle M. Irwin is a writer and public relations professional who volunteers with various animal rescue groups. She enjoys sharing her books and her passion for pets and the environment with others. Archives
February 2019
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