There are many multivitamin supplements now available that will satisfy the basic daily requirements a pet needs to maintain a good quality of life. Most of these products are dosed according to a pet’s body weight, and suggested doses are listed on the label.

When choosing a multivitamin supplement for your dog, I recommend you ask these important questions:

What are the most critical ingredients dogs need? First of all, a good product designed for dogs should include the basics:

·         Antioxidants: Vitamins A, C and E.

·         Vitamin B Complex—the full spectrum which includes Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (Folic Acid), B12, and Biotin.

·         Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium and Zinc

Is the company reputable? Look for products made in the USA, backed by published independent clinical trials, like PAAWS and VitaLife. The manufacturer should stand behind its product and offer complete satisfaction with a money back guarantee.

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This season as you clean up your yard and begin new landscaping projects, veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne offers tips for creating pet friendly landscapes.

If your yard is fenced, be sure to check your fence. Look for loose boards, exposed nails, broken chain links, or any gaps that may allow your dog to escape. Be sure your yard has shady areas and fresh water so your pet can stay cool and avoid overexposure to the sun.

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Each year hundreds of pets come into contact with venomous animals. As we continue to venture forth into the wilderness, veterinarian, Dr Carol Osborne offers tips to help make hiking safe for you and your pet this summer.

In general, most North American snakes are timid and naturally avoid pets and people. However, dogs and cats are often intrigued by snakes and enjoy harassing them, inviting a bite.

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Hi Dr Carol,

I adopted a tortie about 6 months ago from the local humane society. She is about 3 yrs old, fixed, and up to date with her shots. She is declawed in the front, and is always indoors. I have no history on her prior to the pound. (she was fixed and claws done before I got her).

Anyway, have been spending money trying to figure out a hair issue with her. She was missing hair on her lower abdomen when I got her, as well as in some spots on her legs. It does not appear to be acne, no spots or sores.

Ringworm has been ruled out, as well as mites, etc. On her last trip to the vet, they gave her a steroid shot, as well as put her on antibiotics for 10 days. I thought that was doing the trick, as I was actually seeing tufts of hair growing back in the hair loss areas.

Now I notice new balding spots on her. She does not appear to be over washing, or neurotic or anything like that. (I am home all day). I am at a loss as to what to do now.

I just want to help her out here, and cannot afford to hand the vets a couple of hundred dollars every month for them to guess.

She is a very well tempermented kitty, and I absolutely love her, she has adapted well. Any suggestions as to what I should do next? Your help would be most appreciated.

Thanks
Susan and Lilly Cat
PS: There are no other animals in the home

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Most dogs and cats don’t mind letting their owners take a look inside their mouth to look at the teeth. First, look at your pets face. Both sides should match. Look for any abnormal swellings. When you look at your pets head, try to feel the glands under the neck. Both should be the same size. Next, raise the lips and look at the teeth and gums. If you see any areas that are red, swollen, discolored or find broken teeth, it’s time to check with your vet. Cats are especially prone to painful cavities which occur at the gum line. Finally, take a whiff of your pet’s breath. If it doesn’t smell like roses, a trip to your vet is in order.

Home dental preventative care is the best gift you can give your pet. Without daily brushing, plaque will form at the area where the gum meets the tooth. In time, plaque will attract calcium salts and calculus forms. The plaque and calculus irritates the gum tissue leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis, if treated early, can be cured. Periodontal disease can be controlled, but not cured. Daily brushing is the key. Brushing can be easy if you take a piece of gauze, wrap it around your index finger, dip it in a few drops of chicken broth or for cats tuna juice and gently rub around the outer surfaces of upper and lower gum line. The upper teeth attract the most plaque, so spend more time there. Pet toothpastes and toothbrushes are available at your vet’s office. A human baby tooth brush can also be used.

Natural Remedies are helpful for dental care in dogs and cats. It’s always a good idea to check with your vet before giving them to your pet.

Vitamin C: used to decrease swelling, aid in the care of periodontal disease, and decrease pain

Myrrh: soothes inflamed gum tissues. Can be applied with a q-tip when mixed with distilled water

Echinacea: helpful in periodontal therapy

Arnica: can be given before and after oral surgery

Calendula Lotion: can be used to soothe ulcers in the mouth and promote healing

Fragraria: may be helpful in preventing the buildup of tartar given every other month

Chamonilla: can be used to decrease puppy and kitten teething as well as chewing on furniture

Hypericum: decrease oral pain

For more information on your pet’s health log onto veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne’s web site at www.drcarol.com or call toll free 1-866-372-2765.

Campaign against canine cancers expects eradication of disease within 10 to 20 years!

Chagrin Falls, Ohio- june5, 2008- More than half of the dog-owning households in North America will experience the pain and distress of learning their beloved pet has cancer.  But now, thanks to the efforts of the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) and their Canine Cancer Campaign, our pets may have an opportunity to beat this disease.   Even better news is that this campaign may end up helping people in their own battle against cancer!

The Morris Animal Foundation has spent 60 years promoting and protecting animals through their funding of humane animal health studies and, more importantly, sharing the information from those crucial initiatives.  Their current Canine Cancer Campaign hopes to raise $30 million in five years in order to cure and eliminate this canine killer.

Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over the age of two.  In fact, one dog out of every four will die from this dreaded disease.  Owners of purebred dogs face even greater risk - estimates from the Golden Retriever Foundation show that about 60% of Golden Retrievers die from cancer.

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Recently, the need for a higher level of health care for senior pets has been recognized by veterinary medicine. Owners of the current 45 million plus pet boomers are searching for solutions to help their dogs make the most of their senior years. Today veterinarian and author, Dr Carol Osborne is with us to offer natural nutritional strategies for dogs with arthritis.

What determines longevity or how long our dogs can live?

A: Longevity is attributable 70% to lifestyle and 30% to genetics so by making simple changes in your dogs daily regime there is a 70% chance you will make a dramatic impact on your dog’s future health and wellness. In my veterinary practice, I have large breed dogs doing well at age 16 and small breeds thriving at age 22. Soon dogs will be enjoying healthy years up to age 30.

Where do we begin to create a longevity program for our pets?

A: A successful longevity program begins with nutrition. You are what you eat and so is your pet. Today so many foods are over processed that as veterinarians we are now seeing young dogs afflicted with disorders once reserved for the elderly. Diseases including cancer, arthritis, diabetes and liver disease are showing up in young dogs between 6 months and 2 years old. Today we will focus on arthritis.

What nutritional factors are most important to consider?

A: Vitamin Supplements, Diet and Exercise

Arthritis is a big problem-How common is it?

A: Arthritis affects over 50% of large breed dogs age 2 and over and the 3 top joints affected are the stifle, elbow and hips.

What are the basics or the critical ingredients dogs need?

A: Regardless of age and specific disorders most dogs need the basics:

· Anti-oxidants: Vitamins A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E: fight free radicals-slow aging process

· Vitamin B Complex: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 along with Biotin and Folic acid: Energy.

No Brewer’s yeast as a source of B vitamins as it causes allergies-itching and skin infections

· Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium and Zinc

· Dosages need to be appropriate for your dog’s age and health status

What additional nutrients are helpful for dogs with arthritis?

Omega 3 Fatty Acids-have been proven to actually reduce inflammation and decrease joint pain as well as NSAID’S-prescription medications without the adverse side effects

Glucosamine/Chondroitan sulfate

MSM

Enzymes: Bromelain-from pineapple

Hyaluronic Acid

Vitamin C

Stem Cells-new derived from the dogs fat and now available at affordable rates

What about managing a dog with arthritis-what’s most important?

A: Diet & Exercise

*Don’t let your dog get fat-keep ‘em lean

Demo: you should be able to feel but not see each rib and your dog should have a waist-a tucked up area behind the rib cage

1 pound of wt loss gives a 4 fold decrease in joint load

10% wt loss increases joint function by 28%, decreases joint pain and improves your dogs mental attitude and quality of life

>60% of hip replacement candidates can avoid surgery by just losing weight

What diets are best to feed?

A: Organic and natural diets are available commercially and you can discuss these with your vet. Homemade diets take a little more time but are well worth the extra effort: 1/3 lean protein, 1/3 long acting carbohydrate, 1/3 vegetables-blend, season and cook with a little extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil smells good, enhances taste and is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids. Feed at least 2 meals a day. For weight loss feeding 4-6 small meals a day stimulates your dog’s metabolism which uses energy, burns calories and promotes weight loss.

Are there any foods to avoid with arthritis?

A: yes, avoid vegetables from the night shade family: tomatoes, potatoes, egg plant and peppers as they aggravate arthritis

What about exercise?

A: Exercise is the “Universal Rule of Longevity,” you name it and exercise helps it!

What types of exercise are best with arthritis?

A: Each dog is unique so it’s always best to check with your vet but in general:

Walking, jogging, swimming and massage. Join a local pet sport club, try agility or fly ball. There are many choices but, in terms of its strong and universal benefits, the single factor that is closest to a magic bullet for health is exercise. Pets and people with bone, neuromuscular and joint disorders reap the most immediate benefits from exercise. Without exercise pets at risk for arthritis become crippled by stiff, deteriorated joints. In fact not exercising an arthritis dog increases his risk of permanent disability by 33%.

How should you set up your dog’s exercise program?

Make easily achievable goals, build gradually on each accomplishment and focus on functional gains. Build up your dogs exercise program slowly and gradually so he gains strength and improves his aerobic capacity. This protects inflamed joints, reduces pain, and improves joint function, balance, endurance, coordination and quality of life. It reduces the risk of diabetes-by improving glucose (blood sugar) tolerance your pet will need less medication(insulin) to control blood sugar), strokes(by increasing blood flow to the brain), hypertension and heart attacks. Exercise also increases the body’s natural production of endorphins, which are the “feel good hormones”, so with regular exercise, your dogs body naturally wants to stay active and even is scheduling time is tough, you and your dog will both feel so much better its crazy not to do it.

What’s the best way to monitor your program?

A: Make a chart and re-access weekly at first then monthly

The 3 R’s of re-assessment are: recheck, reassess and revise your program accordingly and always work with your vet to get your best results!

Starting sooner is better than later but regardless of your pets age it’s never too late to begin a longevity program for your pet. You will both reap the rewards and your pet will be living proof of your success for years to come.

For more information visit this author, veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne online at www.carolonpets.com or call Dr. Carol toll free at 1-8666-372-2765.

All Rights Reserved

©2008, Dr. Carol Osborne, D.V.M.

Natural flea control in and outside of the home:

1. Borax powder bought at the grocery store in the laundry detergent section can be sprinkled onto carpets, then vacuumed and it works very well and lasts about a year for flea control inside the home. It should cost about $5-6 dollars for a nice size box.

2. Diatomaceous Earth is a desiccant and kills flea larvae outside the home

Natural Flea Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

1. Pyrethrins, derived from Chrysanthemums works well for a flea shampoo and this is available commercially-I carry it

Natural Topical Remedy for minor skin irritations in dogs due to flea bites

1. Neem Extract topically works well

Recipe for Natural Flea Dip for Dogs

• 2 cups fresh rosemary or fresh peppermint
• mix with 5 quarts of warm water
• steep solution for 30 minutes
• let cool
• begin dipping

If your dog still itches after the flea dip:

Holistic herbal recipe for itching in dogs

• 5 drops licorice extract (licorice acts like cortisone to relieve itching)
• 5 drops dandelion root
• 5 drops cats claw
• Mix all 3 together and give 5 drops of the final solution by mouth once a day for 14 days in a row

Natural Mosquito Control

1. Cat Nip Oil topically and diluted repels mosquitoes that carry heartworm larvae

2.*. Skin so soft-diluted 50/50 with water and put into a spritzer bottle is natural, smells good and also safely repels mosquitoes for pets and people

For more information visit veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne online at www.carolonpets.com or call her toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

Dr. Carol Osborne offers Tv tips for naturally treating arthritis in dogs. For more information visit Dr. carol online at www.carolonpets.com or call Dr. Carol tollfree at 1-866-372-2765.

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