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February is National Pet Dental Awareness Month

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 at 11:44 pm

February is National Dental Awareness Month and my local veterinarian just sent me a coupon for $30 off of my dental cleaning. I have a friend named Angel who will be taking advantage of this offer. She doesn’t know it yet but her pet parent thinks her kisses smell bad and she wants to freshen her breath by having her teeth cleaned.

According to the Healthy Pet report, dental disease affects 85% of dogs and cats over the age of 2. Even though there are many pet products out there like toothpaste, oral gels and rinses, pet parents today resist putting a toothbrush or finger brush inside our mouths. If you live in a multiple pet household, be patient while you are waiting in line. You may be able to sneak off and hide if you really don’t like the process.

Here are 9 reasons why you should have your teeth cleaned by a veterinarian:

Your teeth turn yellow
Your gums can become swollen or inflamed from plaque and tartar buildup
You may have gingivitis if your gums are red or bleeding
You may have oral pain
You may not be chewing your food very well
You may not want to eat
You may be drooling excessively
You may have loose or broken teeth
No one wants your kisses anymore

Your pet parent may think that by giving you raw bones, your teeth will stay clean. What they may not realize is that you have cracked or broken a tooth on a bone. Infection can set in and cause you a lot of pain.

Enzymatic chews, rawhides, porkhides, and dental toys may help you keep your teeth clean. Your pet parent may even scale your teeth periodically to clean the tartar. However, it is extremely difficult to get to our back teeth when we are awake, no matter how cooperative we are.

The truth is, studies show that as many as 80% of us dogs and 70% of those *x! cats develop signs of periodontal disease or gingivitis before we reach 3. Bacteria can get into our bloodstream and cause damage to our heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Oral disease is almost entirely preventable.

If I haven’t convinced you yet to have your pet parent schedule a dental appointment for you, then listen to my story. My pet parent scaled my teeth periodically. The vets were never concerned about the condition of my teeth whenever I went in for my exams. Even when I was under anesthesia for repairs after being attacked by other dogs, no one picked up on anything wrong with my teeth.

It wasn’t until I was almost 8 that my vet insisted that it was time for a dental cleaning because I had a strange odor coming from my mouth that was not the smell of cat poo or some other disgusting tidbit that I scooped up on the way into the office.

Plague buildup

Periodic dental scalings were not enough to keep the plague and tartar from building up on my teeth.

Yellow Teeth Ruin a Pretty Smile

A Cracked Tooth Was Removed

No one could see that I had a cracked tooth until I was “under” and they could open my mouth as my jaw relaxed.

Dental Cleaning Removes Plague and Tartar

Almost Pearly White Again After Dental Cleaning

I Have My Smile Back!

This is a big improvement!

People can see my pearly whites again!

All I can say is, find a caring veterinarian with an excellent staff and have your pet parent schedule a dental cleaning for you this February National Dental Awareness Month. Then you can celebrate having a beautiful smile once again once your cleaning is done! Have your pet parent leave a comment on your normal dental routine…we’d like to know how you keep your teeth pearly white.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Pets Take Action After More Dog Treat Warnings

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 at 5:17 pm

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Does your pet parent react with fear when they hear about more dog treat warnings? A recent warning involves chicken jerky treats from China. These may also be sold as chicken tenders, chicken strips or chicken treats. FDA officials said that the number of illnesses reported has gone up from the 54 reports filed in 2010 to 70 so far this year.

Only 70 reports of illness, you say? What if you are one of the 70? Have you lost your appetite? Has your energy level decreased to the level of only rolling over? Are you recycling your food or gushing with urgency? Are you thirstier and watering the grass more often? Have you been diagnosed with diabetes when, in fact, you may have Fanconi syndrome? If you have been fed those questionable treats, stop and consider a trip to the vet if you don’t start feeling better within 24 hours.

My pet parent took action years ago, even before dog treat and dog food warnings were in the news. I am benefiting by eating food and treats that are carefully made with a purpose in mind…and it’s not all about the money!

I can recommend a healthy alternative to you with our Holiday Gift Basket for dogs.

Holiday Gift Basket

It comes complete with an assortment of our most popular treats. When I’m looking a bit fluffier than usual, I eat wholesome hearts. When my teeth need a light cleaning, I eat the gourmet dental treats and chew on the porkhide bones. The antioxidant health bars chase those pesky free radicals away. When I am really super good at performing, I earn some Tasty Rewards.

Holiday Gift Basket for Cats

If you have a cat or cats in the house, have your pet parents order the Cat gift basket. They might stop ambushing your tail while you are dreaming if they learned that your pet parents heeded the warnings because of your health concerns.

If your pet parent would like to report a potential pet-treat-related illness from tainted treats, have them take action by filing a complaint at the FDA website.

Ask your pet parent to change the kind of treats that they give to you or your family feline so that your family can enjoy a happy holiday season. Give us your feedback.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Canine Vaccination Task Force Updates Guidelines

Saturday, November 5th, 2011 at 1:53 am

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Your Pets View has followed the controversy on the frequency of canine vaccinations for many years now. During my predecessor’s long illness with Cushing’s disease, my pet parent Amelia heard anecdotal testimonies revealing the adverse side effects of over-vaccination. She consulted with holistic veterinarians and breeders before I ever came into the world and decided to follow a more holistic protocol with her next puppy…me.

At the advice of my breeder, I was given single-dose vaccines after first being given homeopathic remedies while I was still under my mother’s immunity. By mistake, for my last puppy shot, the vet technician gave me a combination vaccine for distemper, parvo, corona and the HLP booster. When Amelia looked over the bill, she immediately realized a mistake had been made. My holistic vet sent me home with Thuja to help my body deal with the overload.

I became lethargic and developed diarrhea and vomiting. My neurological system was affected. I displayed obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as grabbing my tail and spinning, snapping at flies, obsessive grooming, barking at lights and fans in the ceiling, excessively barking with hyperactivity and spooking at new sights and sounds at dog shows that I had taken in stride before my combination shot.

It was obvious to us what can happen to a dog like me who has a very sensitive immune system. This is why we are happy to bring to you the following article in its entirety.

Good News About the Latest Canine Vaccination Guidelines
by Dr. Becker

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine Vaccination Task Force has issued updated vaccination guidelines for 2011.

According to AAHAnet.org:

Developed in a manner consistent with best vaccination practices, the 2011 Guidelines include expert opinions supported by scientific study, published and unpublished documents, and encompass all canine vaccines currently licensed in the U.S. and Canada. The task force that developed the guidelines included experts in immunology, infectious diseases, internal medicine, law, and clinical practice.

I’m encouraged by, if not blissful about the new guidelines.

The absolute highlight is that all core vaccines with the exception of the 1-year rabies are now recommended at 3-year or greater intervals.

Even more exciting is the task force has acknowledged that in the case of the non-rabies core vaccines, immunity lasts at least 5 years for distemper and parvo, and at least 7 years for adenovirus.

Hopefully these new guidelines will help more dog owners understand the long-lasting effect of those puppy shots! And hopefully, more dog owners will now request titers rather than automatically revaccinating their canine companions for distemper, parvo and adenovirus.

Summary of New AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines for 2011

Please note: My vaccine recommendations and those of Dr. Ronald Schultz, follow this summary.

CORE VACCINES

Canine Distemper (CDV)

Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age

- Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks to minimize risk of maternal antibody interference

Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age

- One dose

Revaccination

- For puppies who received initial vaccination series by 16 weeks, a booster no later than 1 year after completion of initial series, then ≥ 3 years thereafter
- For dogs who received initial vaccination after 16 weeks of age, every ≥ 3 years thereafter

Notes: Among healthy dogs, distemper vaccines are expected to induce immunity for at least 5 years.

Canine Parvo (CPV-2)

Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age

Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age

- One dose

Revaccination

Notes: Among healthy dogs, distemper vaccines are expected to induce immunity for at least 5 years.

Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2)

Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age – Starting at 6 weeks, vaccinate every 3 to 4 weeks (6, 10, 14 or 8, 12, 16 weeks) up to 14 or 16 weeks; final shot should be given between 14 and 16 weeks to minimize risk of maternal antibody interference

Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age

- One dose

Revaccination

Notes: Among healthy dogs, distemper vaccines are expected to induce immunity for at least 7 years.

Rabies 1-year

Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age

- One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law

Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age

- One dose

Revaccination

For all dogs: annually as required by law

Rabies 3-year

Initial vaccination in puppies < 16 weeks of age – One dose not earlier than 12 weeks or as required by law Initial vaccination in dogs > 16 weeks of age

- One dose

Revaccination

- For all dogs: within 1 year of initial dose regardless of age at time of initial dose, then every 3 years thereafter as required by law

NON-CORE VACCINES

Measles Vaccine (MV)

This vaccine is supposed to provide temporary immunization of young puppies against distemper by ‘cross-protecting’ them against the disease in the event there are still maternally derived antibodies present. It is always given in combination with other vaccines – distemper plus measles, or a 4-way combination of distemper plus measles plus adenovirus plus parainfluenza.

It is only recommended for healthy dogs between 6 and 12 weeks of age.

Canine Parainfluenza (CPiV)

There are two delivery systems for this vaccine – intranasal and parenteral (injected).

This is a flu vaccine. The intranasal form prevents clinical signs of illness, infection and shedding. The injected form prevents clinical illness, but not infection or shedding. It is used for dogs that aggressively resist intranasal delivery.

The parenteral vaccine is always given in combination with certain core vaccines; the intranasal form is always given in combination with the bordetella vaccine alone, or with bordetella plus adenovirus.

It is always given in a single dose. Revaccination recommendations, depending on the form of the vaccine (intranasal or parenteral), are per the combined core vaccine schedule, annually, or more frequently for ‘high risk’ animals.

Bordetella (Bb) Vaccine

The bordetella vaccine can also be delivered intranasally or by injection.

Parenteral administration requires two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart. For the initial vaccination, it is recommended the second dose be given at least a week before the dog is boarded, attends a dog show, etc. Revaccination is recommended annually

The intranasal vaccine is single dose, with revaccination recommended annually or more often for ‘high risk’ dogs. Some dogs experience side effects for 3 to 10 days after vaccination, including coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge.

Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2) – Intranasal

The intranasal form of the adenovirus vaccine is a non-core vaccine.

It’s recommended for dogs at risk for respiratory infection caused by the adenovirus, and it may not provide immunity against canine hepatitis. It should not be considered a replacement for the injectable form of the vaccine.

This vaccine is available only in combination with the intranasal bordetella and parainfluenza vaccines.

Canine Influenza

Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 6 weeks. Annual revaccination is recommended.

Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)

Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 12 weeks of age. Revaccination is recommended annually and/or at the beginning of tick season as determined regionally.

Notes: Recommended only for use in dogs with known risk of exposure, living in or visiting regions where exposure risk is high or where Lyme disease is endemic. Tick control products are required in addition to the vaccine.

Leptospira interrogans

This refers to the 4-way killed whole cell or subunit bacterin. The 2-way killed bacterin form of this vaccine is not recommended.

Vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 4 weeks apart, in dogs older than 12 weeks of age. Revaccination is recommended annually, but only for dogs with reasonable risk of exposure.

Notes: Vaccination should be based on known geographic occurrence/prevalence and exposure risk of the individual dog.

Canine Oral Melanoma

This vaccine is only available for treatment of dogs with malignant melanoma. It is not intended for the prevention of oral melanoma.

Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondback rattlesnake vaccine) (toxoid)

Field efficacy and experimental challenge data in dogs are not available at this time. (Vaccine efficacy and dose recommendations are based on toxin neutralization studies conducted in mice.)

Canine Coronavirus (CCov)

This vaccine is not recommended. Neither the modified live nor the killed CCov vaccine has proved effective against combination coronavirus/parvo disease. Only the parvo vaccine is protective against dual viruses.

What Dr. Ron Schultz Recommends

For those of you not familiar with Dr. Schultz, I recommend you watch my 4-part video series with him. You can find links to all 4 videos and articles here.

Dr. Schultz is one of the preeminent experts in the field of veterinary vaccines. If you read the full AAHA vaccination guidelines report, you’ll see his work referenced throughout.

Dr. Schultz recommends not starting a puppy or kitten core vaccination program before 6 to 8 weeks of age, with revaccinations no more frequent than every 4 weeks. So for example, if you start the program at 8 weeks, you would give another dose of the core vaccines at 12 weeks, and the third dose at 16 weeks.

Dr. Schultz’s core vaccine protocol for his own family’s pets differs in that he actually runs antibody titers on the mother to know exactly when the best time is to effectively immunize the puppy or kitten for the 3 core viruses. Then he titers the little ones 2 or more weeks after the vaccine, and as long as the response is adequate, he doesn’t in most cases revaccinate for the rest of the pet’s life.

When it comes to rabies vaccines, Dr. Schultz gives the first vaccine after 4 months of age, revaccinates in a year, and then again in 3 years and every 3 years thereafter. In other words, he follows the law for 3-year rabies vaccines, even though he doesn’t believe a vaccination every 3 years is necessary for immunization.

Currently Dr. Schultz is in year 4 of a 7-year study of the rabies vaccine. You can read more about the study at the Rabies Challenge Fund. His goal is to be able to recommend that after an animal is vaccinated at from 12 to 24 weeks for rabies, there’s no need for re-vaccination every 3 years.

Hopefully we’ll see the results of his 7-year study reflected in a future revision of the AAHA’s canine vaccination guidelines, as well as in state and local laws.

My Vaccination Protocol

My protocol at Natural Pet is a first round of the 3 cores before 12 weeks of age, usually around 9 to 10 weeks. Then I boost between 15 and 16 weeks. Then I titer 2 weeks after the second round to see if the animal has been immunized and not just vaccinated.

My rabies protocol mirrors Dr. Schultz’s, except I prefer to wait until 6 months of age before giving rabies vaccine.

As for the non-core vaccines, I don’t recommend any of them. Visit the following pages for a discussion of:

Canine flu vaccines
Bordetella vaccine
Lyme disease vaccine
Leptospirosis

Note several non-core vaccines are only available in combination with other vaccines, some of which are core. I recommend you check with your vet to ensure none of the non-core vaccines are being piggy-backed on core vaccines your pet receives. Most traditional vets do not carry single vaccines, so ask to see the vaccine vial before assuming your pet is only receiving one agent at a time.

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Its another edition of Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop brought to you by Two Little Cavaliers, Life with Dogs, and Confessions of the Plume! Welcome to all of you joining us for the first time we are so excited to have you and welcome back to our regular Hoppers.

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Are Those Natural Flea and Tick Repellents Safe?

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 at 12:14 am

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Adult Deer Tick - Wikipedia image

Are those “natural” flea and tick repellents safe? My pet parent constantly evaluates them since I am way too sensitive to flea and tick products. She has heard about adverse side effects and even death of pets from some toxic products.

Wikipedia image of Hooke Flea

The EPA imposes costly and strict guidelines for insecticides. Flea and tick treatments are becoming too expensive for manufacturers to produce. Our pet parents bulk at the cost of treatment but are leery of cheap imposters being sold online. As more pet parents look for healthy alternatives, companies are bringing out “natural” flea and tick products which are cheaper for them to produce. However, that doesn’t mean that these “natural” products are any safer than insecticides for us.

Have your pet parents dig deeper to find the truth. Lead them to the Green Paws Flea and Tick Products Directory on the NRDC site. It reveals the levels of safety for the toxic flea and tick products as well as herbal or natural products too.

According to Green Paws, the safest flea and tick products contain cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary and thyme. Allergic reactions in people and severe reactions in cats and dogs have been reported when products that contain citrus, cinnamon, clove, d-limonene, geranium, tea tree, lavender, linalool, bay, eucalyptus and rue oils are used too often. What is too often? Pennyroyal oil can cause seizures, coma and even death in animals.

My pet parent has used a spritz of purification oil on me and it seems to work well against fleas and ticks. However, several essential oils are known to cause allergic reactions, including severe dermatitis in people or pets. The more severe reactions, especially in cats, include vomiting, salivation, muscle tremors, seizures, and death in a few cases. Little information is available on the efficacy of these oils for flea control. Keep in mind that no current flea and tick product is 100% effective.

Since our pet parents don’t always look for symptoms and we ourselves cannot report when we’re being poisoned at low doses, it is up to you to let your pet parent know if you are not feeling well and you’d rather they try some other alternatives like:

Giving you a bath with natural vegetable based soap or shampoo rather than flea and tick insecticides. Bathe often. Adding a few drops of neem or tea- tree to mild pet shampoos may also be effective. Have them dip any fleas on your combs or brushes in a glass of soapy water to remove them.

Using a mechanical tick remover such as an OTOM or Ticked OFF that is simple and easy.

Vacuuming floors, carpets, furniture, crevices and cracks in the area where you sleep and spend time, daily if necessary. Have them dispose of the sealed bag properly outside the home or burn it so that those pesky critters don’t come looking for you again.

Have them wash your bedding weekly…which may include “their” bed.

Have them buy cedar shampoo, cedar oil and cedar-filled sleeping mats that are commercially available. Cedar repels many insects including fleas. However, be aware that you will be breathing in cedar vapors from bedding so watch for any adverse side effects.

If you have a cat in your house that you like, make sure your pet parents know that essential oils are toxic to cats, especially tea tree, which their livers cannot process. Well, let them know anyway even if you live with a cat that you don’t like.

Shop wisely:

Since natural flea and tick treatments come in many forms, including food additives, make sure that your health conscious pet parent understands that not all of these “natural” products are safe or effective for you. Have them look beyond the glowing adjectives of the flea-free advertising to keep you healthy and happy and free of fleas and ticks.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Savvy Pet Parents Participate in Building the Life’s Abundance Brand

Thursday, March 31st, 2011 at 9:56 pm

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Savvy pet parents are building the Life’s Abundance brand of holistic pet, people and planet products. These pet parents are a new breed of consumer referred to as New Consumers by a nationally recognized branding and marketing firm, BBMG. These pet parents are driven by practical shopping habits that serve their purpose and are more likely to try new things. Even during the recession, 25 percent of more than 70 million of these new consumers are willing to pay more and are re-evaluating their purchasing priorities.

Premium Health Food

Let’s use the Life’s Abundance pet food from the lineup of the people, pet and planet products as an example of how these new pet product consumers are building this holistic brand.

After the pet food recall of 2007, pet parents became more aware that they wanted total value in a pet food and were willing to spend a little more for quality over quantity. To their surprise, these New Consumers of Life’s Abundance pet food discovered that they were spending less over time for a more nutritious food than they had been feeding with other brands.

Any questions or concerns about Life’s Abundance pet food that the new consumers have are answered directly by Dr. Jane Bicks, veterinary nutritionist and product formulator. Dr. Jane is able to learn more from her new consumers about their pets’ needs and tastes and provide healthy solutions.

Dr. Jane Bicks

This New pet food consumer asks, “What’s in it for We?” and the answer lies with the Dr. Jane Foundation that supports non-profit animal rescues. Preferred customer pricing is available to those consumers who have their fresh pet food shipped directly to their home.

These parents whose pets are New Consumers of Life’s Abundance pet food not only look at the ingredients listed on the label but are also co-creators of content, products and experiences. They are invited to participate in the company blog, speak with Dr. Jane on her conference calls to have their questions answered and meet with personal independent representatives for the ultimate in customer service. BBMG reports that less than 4 percent of these new pet parent consumers trust a company’s advertising or their product claims, and in this case, many of the pet parents have validated the Life’s Abundance brand on the Internet via social networks as well as third party trustmarks.

Pet Parents have become fiercely loyal to these authentically “excellent” pet food products. These New Consumers have found practical benefits like cost savings, durability and style, social and environmental benefits, as well as social benefits that connect them to a community of like-minded, animal loving friends.

Life’s Abundance provides total value as they welcome input from their consumers . Pet food is delivered fresh to their door at preferred customer pricing. As these New Consumers see their pet’s health improve, many sign on to become independent field representatives for this unique network marketing company, thus funding the costs of their own pet care while building their home-based business. Through the Dr. Jane Foundation, they are also able to assist their local rescue organizations.

This successful Life’s Abundance brand has poised itself for growth by constantly listening to their New consumers of their products, engaging them in conversation and driving healthy, science-based innovation. Life’s Abundance not only improves the health of people, pets and the planet, it changes their world.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

How Well Do You Know the Animal Rescue Organization That You Support?

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 at 12:24 pm

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How well does your pet parent know the animal rescue organization that they support with their money…or their time? Have they met the Director of the organization(s) or do they just send in money because a celebrity supports the cause?

Pets are placed with rescue organizations for many reasons. Owners may seek them out as an alternative to shelters that are conditioned to euthanizing older or special-needs animals. They may feel that more effort will be made by the organization to place that pet with a suitable family than what they could do as an individual. Perhaps the owners are moving and cannot take the pets with them. Perhaps the owner has died and made provisions for their pets to be placed in rescue upon their death. In these cases, often times, the owners will also financially support the organization as efforts are made to place their pets.

Another scenario is when pets are rescued from an abusive situation. News reports highlight the abuse and support often flows in for veterinary care. An experienced owner is then sought to create a safe atmosphere for the recovery of this pet who may be fearful of trusting anyone again.

We have known of rescue organizations that have adopted very few pets out. Perhaps the pets are unadoptable or perhaps the director decides that no home other than hers is suitable for the pets. There is a fine line here on the intent of the organization, especially if it is a one-person setup. We heard of one lady who interviewed a stay-at-home pet owner with a fenced yard and a background of regular vet care and obedience training for his dogs who still turned him down when he wanted to adopt a pet in her care. To add insult to injury, she trounced through his immaculate home with muddy boots! Needless to say, word gets out and support went down for her “efforts.”

Oftentimes, a rescue organization starts out self-funded. We have known of boarding kennels that open up a space for healthy animals until they can find new homes. Although they may not officially become a rescue organization themselves, they will “shadow” an organization in this way.

We personally know of another boarding kennel that supports their non-profit Ark of Hope Rescue. They have taken in dogs, cats, goats, birds and abused animals over many years. Others in the community have helped them raise money to cover veterinary expenses and provided food and supplies to care for the pets. This is a family effort but volunteers have always been welcome to care for the pets and this no-cage facility.

The Director of the Ark of Hope Rescue, Diane Care, also educates the public at the local county fair, in schools and at fund-raising events. In 2010 alone, Ark of Hope rescued 275 dogs and puppies and 123 cats and kittens through their efforts. They stay in touch with the pets that have passed through their doors.

If you would like to adopt a pet through Ark of Hope Rescue, you may view their pets on Petfinder.

Watch this pet video to find out more about Ark of Hope Rescue.org:

Living in the moment
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

Laser Therapy for Pets Promotes Healing

Friday, February 11th, 2011 at 5:28 pm

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Laser Therapy For Pets Promotes Healing

My pet parent has been having Laser Therapy done on my knees and back recently to promote healing. The hard snow and icy conditions this winter have caused some stress to my joints.

I have a habit of moving around at night as I change my posts to guard. One night, I just couldn’t make it up the stairs so I woke up Amelia. For the next couple of days, she assisted me as I appeared to only have difficulty with the stairs. I am not one to complain but a visit to a holistic vet hundreds of miles away was in order.

At the vet’s, I experienced a Raindrop treatment, Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique or NAET, acupuncture, chiropractic and then laser therapy for two days. Now, I am continuing the laser treatment in my hometown until my knees become stronger again or the snow goes away…whichever comes first…just kidding. I just love my laser therapist and could really make a habit of seeing her. My sessions with her have been lasting an hour. I make sure I give my pet parent kisses while she comforts me on the table or the floor. I’ll hold off on kissing my therapist until I’m really feeling like myself again.

So what is laser therapy all about? According to the K-Laser manufacturer, there are ten top biological effects of laser therapy. I will list them here:

Anti-inflammation – This reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation.
Anti-Pain – Blocks pain to the brain and produces high levels of endorphins, enkephalins and opiods from the brain and adrenal gland.
Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth – The cells are repaired faster by accelerating cellular reproduction and growth.
Improved Vascular Activity – Increases the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue, closes wounds quickly and reduces scar tissue.
Increased Metabolic Activity – Creates greater outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells.
Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points – Stimulates muscle trigger points and acupuncture points on a non-invasive basis to provide pain relief.
Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation
Improved Nerve Function
Immunoregulation – Aids with the chemical reactions in the cells.
Faster Wound Healing – Collagen is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries.

I don’t want to get too technical here so your pet parents can find out more about Laser treatment at K-Laser USA.

I have heard of many pets benefiting from laser treatment, but not all do. I think it really depends on how quickly the injury is treated and how severe the injury is.

As much as I love the snow, I really want what’s left on the ground to turn fluffy or else go away and let the Spring flowers appear so that I can go back to the dog park and play with my friends.

Come back for an update. Have your pet parent leave a comment on your experience with laser treatment.

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to Animal Lover Amelia

Therapy Dog on Wheels!

Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 at 12:03 pm

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A Therapy Dog on wheels is just what a community needs during these times of economic downturn. Benjamin was training to become an agility dog before his back injury. The resulting paralysis prompted veterinarians to suggest to his pet parents that he be euthanized. They just did not feel that his quality of life, the constant care and the enormous expense would justify his pitiful existence…

One look into Ben’s pleading eyes encouraged his pet parents to do everything they could to help him not just survive, but to thrive. My pet parent has put together a Smilebox so that your pet parent can take their time and flip through the pet videos to hear Ben’s heartwarming story of love, compassion and empowerment.

If there is ever a time when life looks bleak for you, perhaps Ben’s story will help them stand by you so that you can continue to be a blessing to them.

Enjoy Ben’s story (turn up your speakers) and have your pet parent leave a comment!

Customize your own slideshow

Living in the moment,

Schatzi

Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia

It’s About Time That Puppy Mills Reform

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 at 3:54 pm

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Squeezed to the Limit

It’s about time that puppy mills reform their method of raising puppies and treating dogs. Missouri, with an estimated 3000 puppy mills, has long been known as the source of pet store puppies. My pet parent discovered Missouri, Oklahoma and Iowa as the source of puppies in a pet store back in the early 70′s.

The Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act was passed in Missouri but it will not take effect until November 2011. A whole year will go by with puppies living in nearly the same conditions as the large commercial dog breeders are given time to raise their standards.

Pet stores that claim to buy puppies from local breeders may do a better job of socializing the puppies once they are in the store. However, too often these puppies are placed in the store at too young an age to have learned important social skills from their mother and siblings. Rarely do pet store owners take these puppies home every night to socialize them with people and other environments. My pet parent has found that it is common for these puppies to suffer from separation anxiety and inappropriate bathroom habits.

Even on a smaller scale, any breeder who keeps pups in a garage or a barn with little food, water, space, exercise or the human touch needs to reform his ways. Puppies that are not raised properly, even minimally, tend to be turned into shelters and euthanized for poor health and lack of trainability.

Pet parents are the voice for puppies everywhere. Pups, empower your pet parents to keep on howling for better care and treatment of puppies everywhere.

Living in the moment,
Schatzi
Pet Companion to animal lover Amelia Johnson

Sports Massage as a Career with Animals

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 at 1:35 pm

Comments (36)

Sports Massage is becoming a popular career with animals as pet parents continue to be actively involved with their dogs and horses. This type of massage is therapy for circulation, muscle spasms, tension, and muscle tone. Sports massage promotes healing and increases the range of motion in all breeds of dogs and horses.

You are probably already being massaged by your pet parent who has a love for animals. Even if they do not have a background in massage, the most important qualification for success as a certified massage therapist is this love and empathy for suffering animals.

Presently, there are no state regulations governing the licensing or certification of canine massage therapists. Your pet parent can enroll in a home study certificate program in Canine Massage. Equissage charges $895 for their certification program which includes all books, tests, audio and video tapes and other materials. In the future, this program may be online.

If you feel that your pet parent should be earning between $40 to $70 per session with a pet other than yourself and can spare the company of your pet parent for 40 to 50 minutes at a time, then encourage them to become a certified sports massage therapist. That money could be used for your premium pet food, training, toys or travel.

Watch this pet video about this woman’s decision to become a CMT: