ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK™ | August 3rd 2006 Newsletter
Programming with a Purpose
In this issue:
ANIMAL RADIO NETWORK™ | August 3rd 2006 Newsletter
Programming with a Purpose
In
this issue:
WHAT HAPPENED
TO THE DOGS OF THE TITANIC? Dr. Rae Ann Kumelos
COMPARING
OURSELVES TO AUSTRALIA Are euthanasia numbers the same?
GASSY DOGS
All you've ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask.
PRODUCT REVIEW
Pawbreakers BOOK REVIEW A
Footprint on Your Heart
HOT HYBRIDS
Dr. Jim Humphries
REMEMBERING
KATRINA Mike Fry
GETTING FIT
WITH YOUR DOG Arden Moore
This Week on Animal Radio®:
Funny Lady Victoria Jackson spends time with us! Also, from HGTV's Rebecca's Garden, Rebecca Kolls and "How to Garden with our pets in mind. Also, Cleaning Up After Your Furry Family Members...this week on Animal Radio®
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GARDENING WITH PETS Rebecca Kolls, Host of Rebecca's Garden on HGTV Don't miss Rebecca Kolls this weekend on Animal Radio® Mulch Not Worth Messing
With. Poisonous Plants and Pets.
Master Gardener Rebecca
Kolls hosts the half-hour nationally syndicated gardening series
"Rebecca's Garden," on HGTV. In addition to hosting
"Rebecca's Garden," Kolls has served as the gardening
and lifestyle contributor for ABC's "Good Morning America"
(GMA) since January 1999. http://www.RebeccasGarden.com  The Infamous Annual Animal Radio®
SUMMER GIVEAWAY is
HERE!! The list of prizes is growing - bigger and better than
last year! Be sure to qualify before Sept. 1st! Details at http://AnimalRadio.com. Giveaway is September 3rd live on Animal Radio® What you can win so far:
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Perils on the Sea - The
Dogs of Titanic As the Titanic set sail from Southampton, England on April 12, 1912, the dogs were a highly visible part of the voyage. Both the dogs and people on Titanic had impressive pedigrees. There was a champion French bulldog named Gamon de Pycombe, and an Airedale named Kitty who belonged to the John Jacob Astors. While most of the dogs stayed in shiny brand new kennels, newlywed Helen Bishop insisted that she keep her tiny dog, Frou Frou, with her in their first class suite. The promenade deck of the Titanic might not have been so different from a stroll down 5th Avenue or Rodeo Drive today, as a French artist on board noted, that "many of the obnoxious and ostentatious American women carry tiny dogs around with them and lead their husbands about like pet lambs." Every day a crewmember would take the dogs for a stroll about the ship; this canine parade became quite an event, in fact, seven-year old survivor Eva Hart was so enchanted with the presence of the regal Gamon de Pycombe, that she spent the rest of her life surrounded by French bulldogs. The passengers enjoyed the dogs so much, that an informal dog show was scheduled for Monday April 15th. But as we know, that show would never take place. When the Titanic struck the iceberg late Sunday evening, April 14th, more than 1500 people lost their lives, and so did all but two of the dogs. A Pomeranian, and a Pekinese named Sun Yat Sen, were lucky enough to accompany their people, Margaret Hayes, and Henry Sleeper Harper of Harper Publishing, on one of the first lifeboats. Although Frou Frou was with Helen Bishop in their cabin, Helen chose to leave her beloved dog on the ship when it became clear there were not enough lifeboats for all the passengers. In a heartbreaking account, Helen described how, as she left her cabin for the last time, Frou Frou grabbed the hem of her dress, tearing it. As Titanic sank into the icy Atlantic, a Mr. Norris found himself treading water to stay afloat next to the French bulldog, Gamon de Pycombe. Later, safely aboard the Carpathia, Mr. Norris thought he had imagined the bulldog in the water, until another rescued passenger explained that after the lifeboats were gone, he had made his way to the kennels and released all of the dogs, to spare them the horror of drowning in locked cages. In 1986, among the wreckage of the Titanic strewn about the ocean floor, was found the statue of Artemis. The goddess had accompanied her beloved dogs from the Titanic into the waiting arms of Poseidon, god of the sea. Copyright 2006 - Voice of the Animal Visit us at http://www.VoiceOfTheAnimal.org to order
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Hot Hybrid Breeds Some historians, and dog enthusiasts, have traced breeds of dogs back almost 8,000 years. This lineage may show that humans began selective breeding of dogs soon after first domesticating the wild ancestors of our family pet. The American Kennel Club officially recognizes more than 150 breeds with another 50 listed as Foundation Stock. With all these breeds to choose from, why would anyone want to create another? The current rage of "new" breeds is believed to have begun in the late 1970s by an Australian trying to help find a seeing-eye dog for a woman whose husband was allergic to most dogs. According to the International Labradoodle Association, http://www.ilainc.com a member of the Royal Guide Dogs, suggested mating a Labrador to a Standard Poodle and thus the first "Labradoodles" were born. One of the three pups born in the litter, Sultan, eventually made his way to Hawaii and the vision-impaired woman with the allergic husband. Amazingly, 29 out of 31 of these new cross breeds went on to become guide dogs. Since that time, more than 3500 dogs have been bred and registered with the ILA. There is even talk of a new line of miniature labradoodles. But, the labradoodle is not the only, nor the first, cross breed to catch the public's attention. Many different mixes, such as cockapoos, schnoodles, and yorkiepoo have also had their time in the spotlight. In fact, the American Canine Hybrid Club, http://www.achclub.com lists more than 200 cross breeds. With names as amusing as the Woodle (Welsh Terrier-Poodle mix) to the powerful "Ultimate Mastiff" (Dogue de Bordeux-Neopolitan Mastiff mix), the ACH Club has been recognizing cross breeds for more than 30 years. One of the latest crosses to become famous is the Puggle. As the name suggests, the Puggle is a Beagle-Pug cross and is being hailed as one of the best family pets, especially among the elite of New York. Not everyone is excited to see these new "breeds" arise. According to the editor in chief of Dog Fancy and Dog World magazines, Allen Reznik, society seems to have become infatuated with labels. Now, the trendy thing is not to have a cocker spaniel mix, but rather a cockapoo or a "corkie" (cocker-yorkie cross). Reznik goes on to say that having a hybrid breed will not insure that your dog will be free of the hereditary problems that seem to associate with many of the purebred dogs. So, can just anyone cross two breeds and produce the next big "designer dog"? Will celebrities be seen walking their "Doodle" (Dachshund-Poodle cross) or their "Bogle" (Beagle-Boxer cross)? Hopefully not, says Beverly Manners, head of the ILA. Manners believes that the current excitement about hybrid breeds has encouraged many uninformed people to start trying to create their own breeds. Just as the choice of mates in a purebred line can have splendid, or disastrous, results, randomly choosing two breeds to mate could also create unforeseen consequences. Nor is popularity a guarantee of being recognized by the American Kennel Club. According to their website, the AKC may not recognize a new breed due to lack of a parent club or registry records that fail to meet their standards. New breeds must have predictable characteristics and fulfill a specific purpose, in addition to having certain numbers of dogs across a set number of states. Finally, a minimum of three-generation true breeding pedigree must be shown. And, one of the biggest surprises to many is the price tag associated with these hybrid breeds. Labradoodles have routinely been sold in the United States at prices as high as $2000 or $3000 dollars. Puggles, which are becoming very popular in Manhattan due to their small size, have often cost their owners in excess of $600-900. A spokeswoman for the AKC warns consumers to not be taken in simply because the dog has a trendy breed name and price tag. "I'd like to know how long these breeders have been breeding puggles. Do they own a beagle and their friend has a poodle and they get together and breed a puggle?" says Lisa Peterson. "Historically, all breeds were bred to help man out to hunt, herd or as a companion. What is the purpose of a puggle?" For many, the bottom line is simply that the puppy had a face that said, "pick me". Thoughts of breed history, monetary value, or AKC rankings often fade away when one is looking down into the eyes of a puppy. Your veterinarian can be a wonderful advocate for helping you to find the right breed, hybrid or otherwise. And, be sure to follow your veterinarian's advice to help keep you puppy active and healthy for a long time. If you would like to know more about hybrid breeds, visit http://www.MyVNN.com for an informative video. Dr. Jim Humphries is President and News Director of Veterinary News Network. Hear the Veterinary Minute on Animal Radio®. Animal Radio® made possible by: World's
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Does Your Dog Ignore You?
Experts say dog training for names should start when you first bring the dog home, but it's never too late. Teach your dog his name by saying his name and giving him a treat or a toy. His name should always be a positive thing, and experts advise not combing the name when reprimanding him. Within a week you should get the respect you've been missing - a very attentive dog! Hear Britt and the Animal Minute at AnimalRadio.com
How Can I Train my Cat to
do Tricks? Dear Cat Coach, My wife and I saw videos on
"The Cat Coach" site of your cats performing tricks
when you asked them to. We always thought that it was impossible
to train cats to do anything but respond to the sound of a can
opener. How do you get them to perform on command? Do you think
we could train our two older cats to do tricks? Dear Sandy, You and your wife can certainly teach new and fun behaviors to your cats. It is well worth the time and effort and if done right, will be fun for both you and your cats. Since you have two cats, teaching new behaviors should be easier since cats learn from each other. One of the secrets to "training" a cat is to make sure that the cat performs something she enjoys doing. Don't you find that you can learn something easier if it's fun and you're motivated? Cats aren't any different. Additionally, it is important to never punish the cat, instead always use positive reinforcement when the cat is doing what you ask. Have you noticed that you do your best work when you are recognized and rewarded for your efforts? In this respect, we aren't too different then cats. We taught our cats new behaviors by using a couple of training methods. One of those techniques combines positive reinforcement with a way of marking desired behavior. Clicker Training is a great way to teach new behaviors to cats, and it's easy for us humans to learn! A clicker is a small rectangular box that is available at most pet stores. When it is depressed it makes a click. "Charging the clicker" is the first step involved in clicker training. Charging the clicker is simply associating a treat with the clicker. It is done by clicking and immediately giving the cat a treat. This is repeated four to five times until the cat associates the clicker sound with a treat. After the association is made between the clicker and a treat, use the clicker to "capture a behavior" and then reward for it. In other words, when the cat does something naturally such as sitting, click the clicker and reward her for it. The first behavior that is recommended to capture is touching a target. Chopsticks make good targets. Hold the chopstick, and when the cat naturally touches it with her nose, click and reward her. Every time she touches the target click and give her a treat. A very good resource for learning about Clicker Training is a book by Karen Pryor called Clicker Training for Cats. My description of Clicker Training is only a very basic and quick overview, read Karen's book for complete and thorough instructions on how to clicker train your cats. All of our cats sit when we ask them to. Sudan, one of our cats, was first taught to sit while the other cats watched. We "captured the behavior" with the clicker and then rewarded him with a treat whenever he sat. At the same time, we said the word "sit" so that he would associate the word with a treat and sitting. The other cats watched the process. Since they are all very food motivated and wanted what he had, they started to sit when we said the word "sit". Of course each of them was rewarded with a treat when they sat in response to our verbal sit requests. Teaching cats new behaviors should be fun for both cats and their humans. Our cats love their sessions since they always get rewards and lots of praise. One of Sudan's favorite tricks is to jump over a pole when I ask him to. The other day he brought me the pole he jumps over and sat in front of me with it balanced in his mouth until I took it. He made it very clear that he was ready for a session. So don't let anyone tell you that you can't teach an old cat new tricks. Make it fun and worthwhile for your two older cats, and you'll find your cats are eager to learn new behaviors. Marilyn Krieger, CCBC Animal Radio® made possible by: XFLEAS.com
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{Editors Note: We are absolutely thrilled to have Australia's top animal show on Animal Radio Network® We've brought together the world's best pet programs under one roof. If you haven't heard our full-time animal channel - check it out now } 
G'day from Australia to
all Animal Radio Network visitors.... Our website statistics reveal more continental US visitors than Aussies. WHAT! Maybe it's the fake Aussie accents, or maybe - as we suspect, people are interested in how our two countries deal with animals, anyway you guys have more than 10 times the number of people and pets as we do! After the great interview we had with Hal & Judy, a lot of our listeners told us they tuned in to http://www.AnimalRadio.com - this is great news because it means we can share knowledge, pick up tips and hints from each other, as well as discover that 'we are not alone' in our fight for better safety with kids and dogs. We also want more spaying & neutering (we call it de-sexing) and just like you want to help keep thousands of animals out of our shelters and pounds. Only last week we had two e-mails from the USA asking how we got figures for the number of animals euthanized each year here in Australia. The same writers wanted to know if we would like to join forces and somehow get an international front going to stop Puppy Mills - we call them BackYard Breeders - but the fight is the same. And, it seems our dog trainers want to know what your dog trainers are doing and vice versa. Well known pet dog trainer Terry Ryan from Washington - who runs the Legacy Canine Behavior & Training Centre http://www.LegacyCanine.com was here in Sydney on a 3 day speaking seminar teaching experienced trainers how to be better trainers. Putting the glove on the other hand, our co-host and internationally renown animal trainer Steve Austin has been invited to California next year to talk to about 400 of LA's finest about handling dogs! As different as we are, we have a lot to offer each other too... and we think the Internet particularly has had a lot to do with how that information is now shared. So to our US listeners we say "welcome" - or more correctly 'G'day', and hope you enjoy both Pet Talk Radio AND Animal Radio... 'cos you can't have too much of a good thing right? Another topic completely - we received a photo from an elderly listener last week of a very cute dog (Bandit) and a fluffy cat (Tina) snuggled up on a mans lap - the subject line was "We Love Our Dad" - it put a smile on our faces... but upon reading the e-mail tears soon welled - 4 roaming dogs had broken down the fence of the owners yard and attacked Bandit & Tina - Tina was saved but poor little Bandit was savaged to death.... Naturally the owner was devastated and wanted to know how could this happen - how can we teach owners to have more control over their dogs? - and we had to say... "you can teach an old dog new tricks, but teaching humans starts in childhood". To that end Pet Talk Radio hopes to soon be working closely with one of our state governments to help promote pet care, security and safety around dogs. The program is designed to be conducted in schools for the 5-7 year age bracket and will eventually become part of the school system. It will show how pets enrich our everyday lives and will also show how not everyone loves animals like the rest of us. It may not solve all our pet related problems but it's a darn good start! We'd like to know what is happening in your neck of the woods on this topic... Meantime we'll have more news
on this soon - until then, take care and hugs for your pets -
whatever they may be :-)) This week on Pet Talk Radio! Like you, we love learning about new things - and this week especially is a great way to learn about the humble chook - one of Dr Harry's favourite topics.
And did you know we have a Breed Historian right here in Australia? It's true - her name is Aleta Curry and she's looking at the origins of Australia's working dogs. Finally - Steve Austin
loves cats - particularly trained cats and gives all cat owners
some ideas where and when to start the training. Hear Pet Talk Radio! on Animal Radio Network® - Check schedule for showtimes. Animal Radio® is made possible by:
GET SERiOUS!
ASK "THE DOG BIBLE" Based on THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know by Tracie Hotchner Gassy Dogs A Guest Expert! Sabine Contreras Canine Nutrition Consultant, helps me solve a terribly gassy dog. This month, "The Dog Bible" had to ask someone else for the answers! My dog Scooby Doo has been gassing me out of my office and nothing I knew gave him (or me!) any relief. So I turned to a woman whom I have consulted several times about nutritional issues: in all my travels through the canine world no one has impressed me the way Sabine has in her depth of knowledge on the topic. And she outdid herself with "gassy dog" information and advice. She is available to anyone as a consultant about your dog's diet, in health but particularly if your dog has any special issues like kidney or bladder stones, cancer, etc. I bet you'll be as impressed with her as I am. What Causes Gas? Gas escaping the body is a normal occurrence in every healthy dog. We only really notice it when it becomes excessive and odorous. In order to solve this problem we have to address its underlying causes, and there is a number of possibilities: Swallowing air Dogs can swallow air for three reasons: eating too fast (gulping their food), producing larger quantities of saliva that requires frequent swallowing, or nervous swallowing due to stress. In most cases, excess air will be expelled from the stomach by belching, but some of it passes on to the digestive tract. Slowing down food intake can be accomplished by feeding from a flat surface (e.g. a cookie sheet instead of a food bowl) or putting several large, smooth, clean rocks into the bowl so the dog has to work around them. If stress is the cause, other changes to the dog's lifestyle may be required. Poor digestion This is the number one cause of gas in dogs (and in people too!). There is a long list of reasons why digestion could be poor, such as a higher amount or specific types of starch and/or fiber present in the diet than the individual dog can tolerate, intolerance to dairy products, insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid or specific enzymes, or loss of muscle tone of the digestive tract. The remedies are as diverse as the causes for gas. If the gas is persistent and chronic, my recommendation for the first course of action is examining the dog's food and keeping notes of what Rover is eating. In many cases all that's needed is switching to a higher quality, more digestible food, which can mean eliminating certain sources of carbohydrates from the diet and/or reducing the fiber content. Intolerance to specific meat sources is less frequent but possible. This can take a bit of trial and error, so "simple" products with a limited ingredient list that do not include a variety of protein and carb sources, fruits, veggies and other extras are preferable. In persistent cases where a change of commercial foods doesn't bring the desired results, an elimination diet may be necessary. For milder cases supplementation with a good probiotic can help. Many dogs improve from adding even just a good heaping tablespoon or two of organic, cultured yogurt to every meal, others require a high-dosed probiotic supplement. The characteristics of a quality product are:
It is safe to use any probiotic supplement marketed for humans. Give the full dose suggested for humans for two weeks, after that reduce to about half the amount for maintenance. At times of stress or illness, or whenever antibiotics are administered, give the full human dose. Antibiotics are not "selective" and kill all bacteria, good and bad alike, so it is a good idea to supplement any dog who is being treated with antibiotics for at least 2 weeks after treatment has ended. Make sure to administer probiotics 2-3 hours after the antibiotics, otherwise the "good bacteria" will just be killed off. Where lack of digestive enzymes is a problem, other symptoms also occur, including weight loss, a general lack of energy, poor skin and coat condition, persistent, loose, foul smelling stools, malodorous breath and/or body odor. In case of stress or illness, short-term supplementation with a plant-based digestive enzyme supplement for a short period of time may bring relief, but I do not recommend long-term supplementation on a daily basis without consulting a veterinarian, as this can cause the body to decrease production of its own enzymes even more. Probiotics do not only aid in improving digestion, they also boost the immune system and promote general good health. I strongly recommend using these for long-term supplementation on a daily basis - not only for your dog, but also for yourself! Increasing the daily amount of exercise can also be helpful. Movement expels excessive gas from the body where nobody is bothered by it, and vigorous walks condition the digestive tract, contributing to its motility. If excessive gas occurs as an acute, temporary problem, such as for example after a raid on the garbage bin or successful counter surfing for "people food" the dog is not accustomed to, there are harmless home remedies that can help: Herbs and spices with carminative (conducive to expulsion of gas from the intestines) properties such as peppermint, fennel, ginger, oregano or thyme can be used to make tea. Pour one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain, cover again and let cool to body temperature. Many dogs will drink this tea all on their own; otherwise you can just lift the lip on one side of the mouth and pour it in one spoon at a time. The homeopathic remedy Nux vomica will help relieve gas and bloating. Administer 1-2 drops or pellets of 6C potency every half hour to an hour for up to 10 doses, depending on severity of the gas. As a side note, this is also helpful for treating motion sickness in dogs who are uncomfortable on car rides. Parasites Especially the single celled organisms giardia and coccidia can be responsible for chronic, malodorous gas, but an infestation with roundworm and whipworms is also a possibility. If you suspect that intestinal parasites are the cause of gas in your dog, please have a fecal sample checked by your vet as soon as possible and be sure to mention the "gas problem". Depending on the cause, resolving the problem may take as little as a few hours with the help of home remedies, or a few weeks or months if a change in diet is required, until a suitable food is found. As a rule, if a dog shows visible
discomfort from excessive gas and simple home remedies do not
bring relief within several hours, please see your veterinarian. Hear Tracie Hotchner as she hosts Dog Talk The Radio Show on Animal Radio Network® Consult schedule for showtimes.
Remembering Katrina On August 29, Animal Ark will honor the survivors and heroes of Katrina, and remember those that were lost. It was an experience, unlike anything any of us ever faced before. In a way, it seems like it was another lifetime, or like it occurred in some alternate Universe somewhere. But, it didn't. It happened right here in the United States just about one year ago. August 29, 2006 marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina hitting New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf Coast. During the evacuation for Katrina, hundreds of thousands of residents followed FEMA instructions and left their pets behind. Many, maybe some of the lucky pets, died during the storm. Countless others were left stranded in the flooded streets of New Orleans. They were tied to balconies and stranded on rooftops. The stories of others were
a little different. Many people refused to leave their pets behind,
so they stayed. Since Katrina, some changes have been made. When Hurricane Rita hit Texas shortly afterward, people were asked to please take their pets with them when they evacuated. Legislation to provide for the evacuation of pets in disasters has also passed the US House and Senate. However, much more work needs to be done. We cannot forget the lessons of Katrina, or we may be doomed to repeat the mistakes made in last year. To help us remember, and to pay tribute to the people and pets that did not survive Katrina, Animal Ark takes this time to remember Katrina. There are too many stories to tell. Some are happy endings. Others are tragic. In the end, rescue organizations, including Animal Ark, saved a total of about 21,000 animals from Katrina. However, by all estimates, hundreds of thousands died during and after the hurricane. They shall not be forgotten. They are forever etched in the hearts and minds of those of us who were there. On August 26, Animal Ark will honor the survivors and heroes of Katrina, and remember those rescuers could not save in a special ceremony at the Animal Ark shelter. During the ceremony, a Peace Pole will be dedicated to the survivors, rescuers and victims of this disaster. The ceremony will also include, music, pictures and video of the rescue efforts. Please join us in remembering and honoring the heroes and victims of Katrina! Katrina Facts: Animal Ark spent more than $111,000 on our Katrina Rescue Efforts, not counting in-kind donations we made to the effort. This is a huge sum for a small organization like ours. Animal Ark helped rescue thousands of animals in New Orleans. We brought more than 250 animals back to Minnesota, where most were held in foster care for 6 months or more while we tried to locate their families. Nearly 50 of Animal Ark's Katrina Rescues were reunited with their families. Most of the families we spoke with said that of all the things they lost, their homes, their possessions, their jobs, the most difficult thing to cope with was the loss of their pets. About the event: When: Tuesday, August 29 beginning at 5:00 PM. Ceremony will take place just after sunset. Where: Animal Ark Shelter in Hastings, 2600 Industrial Ct. What to Bring: Candles, and lawn chairs, if you wish. People who attend will have
the opportunity to pay tribute to special people or pets that
have touched your lives during the ceremony. Hear Animal Wise Radio on Animal Radio Network® Animal Radio® made possible by:
My heart is really aligned
to helping people! One day I received a phone call from a woman
who wanted to know about her four beloved deceased pets, a cat
and 3 dogs. She was still grieving over their losses. Wondering
if she had done the right thing. What had happened to them? In
other words needing closure. She had felt so awful that
she had given up Kee after her daughter was born 20 years ago.
Her female cat was very jealous of the baby. The woman did not
know what to do so she took the cat to the vet to be put down.
She vowed that if she knew then what she knows now, she would
have handled the situation differently. The happy ending to this
was that the vet found a wonderful family with older children.
Kee lived the rest of her days being loved by a little girl.
Talk With Your Animals airs every weekday on Animal Radio Network's Full-time animal channel. If you would like to talk with your pet via Joy Turner, please call 1-866-405-8405 to make arrangements. http://www.TalkWithYourAnimals.com
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By Animal Radio® correspondent Arden Moore Get Fit With Your Dog
But the secret to improving your health is just a tail wag away. Your best workout buddy just may be your dog. THE MAGIC OF MOTION "As a sports medicine physiatrist in New York City, I've long valued the magic of movement," says Dan Hamner, MD, a marathon runner and visiting professor of rehabilitation and medicine at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in New York City. He urges people to replace the word exercise with motion. Each time you lift, bend down, twist, turn, throw, walk, run, or even skip, you're improving your digestion, melting away body fat, and fortifying your body against a host of medical woes. "I tell my patients to consider a refreshingly new approach to fitness a cross-training, cross-species approach work out with your dog," says Dr. Hamner. "My dog, Zook, a Japanese chin, loves to join me in casual jogs through Central Park." Keeping your body in motion is like putting gold in the bank. A national study by the American Heart Association reported that burning 2,000 calories a week by performing a physical activity such as walking an hour a day for a week could increase life expectancy by two full years. So, why not step into an exercise program with your dog? The payoffs: you and your dog can become fit and healthy together. You will enjoy happier, healthier years together, have improved strength and flexibility, be at reduced risks for heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and other conditions, and save money on doctor and veterinary bills, says Dr. Hamner. An added bonus: You may discover that you have much better behaved dog, adds Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, a veterinarian and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts. "Quite often, the cause behind doggie destructiveness in the home is sheer boredom," says Dr. Dodman, author of If Only They Could Speak (W.W. Norton, 2002). "A dog who doesn't receive adequate exercise will find something to do to release that pent-up energy. That may mean chewing on the sofa or digging up the garden." BOOK PHYSICAL EXAM APPOINTMENTS "From a cardiovascular perspective, your dog's overall health will be benefited by keeping him toned and trimmed," says John Rush, DVM, a veterinary cardiologist, emergency care veterinarian and professor of clinical sciences at Tufts. "There is very clear evidence in people of the major association between cardiovascular disease and the lack of physical activity and having extra pounds. Overweight dogs often have extra fat deposits on their chest walls or inside their chest cavities, which puts added burdens on their cardiovascular and respiratory systems." Keep in mind that no two dogs are the same. What may work, exercise-wise, for one dog, may not work for another, even if they are the same breed, say experts. Generally, long-legged, light-framed dogs are best suited for jogging and leaping. Short-legged, stocky-framed dogs are built for short energy bursts and steady-paced walks. But, there are always the exceptions: the low-to-the-ground Dachshund who craves a spirited jog down the block or the Golden Retriever who prefers long, lopping walks over mile-long runs. Begin major activities with a five-minute warm-up to stretch your dog's muscles. Using a treat for motivation, have your dog jump up on you. Then instruct your dog to get into a "play bow," (outstretched front legs, head down low, and rear end up in the air). If willing, have your dog do a figure-8 in between and around your legs, recommends Linda Caplan, a professional dog trainer and licensed aerobics instructor for people from Lebanon, Connecticut. Depending on your dog's condition, start with a five-minute walk, gradually working up to 30 minutes or longer. Equally important: size up your dog. Dogs of extreme sizes the gigantic (like Bull Mastiffs) or the itty-bitty (like Yorkshire Terriers) -- usually require less exercise than mid-sized breeds (such as Labrador retrievers). Make a date with your dog daily even if you can only spare 10 undivided minutes with them. For starters, break up the monotony of the nightly walk, says Susan Greenbaum, a professional dog trainer who operates the Barking Hills Country Club in Milford, New Jersey. Don't bring your dog back inside as soon as he goes to the bathroom. Vary your routes and stop occasionally to practice obedience commands and fun tricks. Have your dog "sit" or "roll over" or "gimme paw." These actions reinforcing your dog's mental focus and provide him a good workout so that when it comes inside, he is ready to relax. DON'T TRY TOO MUCH, TOO SOON Avoid turning your dog into a weekend warrior by only working out with him on Saturdays and Sundays. Devoting some time each day to exercise even 10 minutes can reduce you and your dog's risk for injuries to muscles and joints, says Howard Erickson, DVM, PhD, a professor of physiology and anatomy at Kansas State University's School of Veterinary Medicine in Manhattan, Kansas. Even a simple game of backyard ball can provide ample aerobic exercise for your dog. If your throwing arm is a bit achy, you can use a tennis racket to bounce the ball for greater distance in a game of fetch that will satisfy your dog's natural instinct to chase and retrieve. During hot weather days, scrutinize the walking surfaces. Always place your palm down on the sidewalk to test for its heat intensity on a sunny day before allowing your dog's footpad to touch the asphalt or concrete surface, says Dr. Erickson. "If it's too warm to your touch, stick with grassy surfaces or time your walks in the early morning or evening after the sun goes down so your dog's footpads won't get burned," says Dr. Erickson. Adds Dr. Rush, "As an emergency care and critical care veterinarian, I am concerned about the risk of dogs suffering heat stroke. Especially during the first few warm days of the year, dogs need time to acclimate to the heat so go easy with outdoor activities." Bring a water bottle for you and a lightweight collapsible water bowl for your dog on your excursions beyond your neighborhood. On hot days, encourage your dog to dash through a water sprinkler. Or, squirt a few jets of water into your dog's mouth every 30 minutes, adds Dr. Erickson. With your dog as a workout partner, your choices of activities depend on where you live and your interests. Your choices may be swimming, hiking, or even canine musical freestyle (translation: dancing with your dog to choreographed steps). TAKE A HIKE If you like to hike, take your adventure seeking canine with you. To ensure your trek is not treacherous, make sure your dog can physically handle the long distance and tricky terrain by starting with smaller hikes and gradually build up the distance and intensity. Equally important is to size up your dog. Short-legged breeds such as Dachshunds and Pembroke Welsh Corgis will eager try to match you stride for stride but risk getting fatigued. Hike at your dog's pace. Also, limit hiking treks with short-muzzled dogs such as Bulldogs and Pugs. These breeds are more prone to heat exhaustion and breathing difficulties, says Dr. Rush. Always phone ahead to make sure the trail permits dogs. You don't want to drive there only to discover dogs aren't allowed. Some overnight places require that you bring your dog's vaccination record. Stick to the trails. If your dog dashes off into the thick bush, he risks getting burrs, foxtails, ticks or running into a dog-unfriendly critter like a bear. Walk in the middle of trails away from tall grass and bushes. Finally, bring the essentials. For day hikes or longer treks, always bring a collapsible water bowl for your dog, plenty of water, food, an extra leash and collar, and a first-aid kit. ENJOY A SWIM If you and your dog are water fans, find a safe place to swim. Swimming gives all your dog's muscles a good workout without the jarring impact common in jogging. Select clean pools or bodies of water free of undertows and currents. Toss a fetch toy that floats and one that is sized so that it can be easily mouthed by your dog without risk of swallowing or having to dive underwater to retrieve it. Always rinse off your dog with water and a mild shampoo to reduce his risk of bacterial infections. If the idea of ball chasing, swimming, or hiking draws little or no appeal to you or your dog, you can get in shape to the beat of music. Canine musical freestyle features choreographed musical programs performed by person/dog teams. Each off-leash movement is accomplished by the subtle use of verbal cues and body language. Scoring is based on a scale of 100, with points awarded for technical and artistic skill. Participants say to select music that you enjoy and above all, to have fun with your dog. Even if you don't compete, you can still enjoy doing the cha-cha with your Cocker Spaniel or fox-trotting with your Fox terrier. The bottom line: dogs didn't invent fun, but they definitely put the P in play. The beauty of playtime with your dog is that it can occur anytime, anywhere. He is usually ready and raring to go at the drop of a leash. "View today as the first
day of the rest of your life," says Dr. Hamner. "Forget
past excuses as to why you skipped your gym workout or bypassed
the bike ride. Recognize how fortunate you are to share your
life with a tail-wagging pal. Join him in exercise indoors
or out or both." Is your dog exercising too much or too little? Try this test when you are watching television at night. A dog craving more exercise will often get in between you and the television show in an attempt for attention. A bone-tired dog will flop on the floor and barely move even during a noisy TV show. A dog who received adequate exercise will lightly snooze or contently chew on a bone near you, says Suzanne Clothier, a professional dog trainer and breeder from St. Johnsville, New York. Dog-Tired Signs Be careful not to overexert your dog on walks and during activities. "If your dog normally has been able to keep up with you on a walk or tends to pull out ahead, even pull on the leash, but now is walking besides you, or even lagging a bit behind you, he may be asking to rest," says Dr. Rush. "It may be a sign that you've cover more than enough ground with him." If your dog displays any of the following signs, stop the activity and allow your dog to rest, urges Dr. Rush:
What's Your Dog's True Age? Sure, you may know the chronological age of your dog, but how old does your dog feel based on his activity level, nutrition, breed, health, and environment? To find out, visit the DogAge web site: www.dogage.com. You will be guided through a series of multiple choice questions with the final answer determined, based on your responses. Pet expert Arden Moore is
the author of 15 books on dogs and cats. She is the editor of
Catnip, a special correspondent for Animal Radio®, and an
associate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior
Consultants. Look for her upcoming book, The Dog Behavior Answer
Book (Storey Books) to be released in November. She shares her
Oceanside, California home with dogs, Chipper and Cleo, and can
be reached through her Web site: http://www.ArdenMoore.com
ANGEL ANIMALS Story of the Week Inspired by a Pig by Annette Fisher
Upon arrival at her farm to learn about feeding and daily routines, I was shown quite a variety of horses, dogs, cats, a donkey, a farm hog, and a long list of other furry creatures. We came to a small door that opened into a tiny, completely closed-in pen located inside her horse barn. While peering through this small door, I could see thick spider webs and their creators hanging low from the ceiling. There, in her own filth and waste, lay a 150-pound potbelly pig. She was unable to move, and her front legs curled up underneath her. She had no hair; her skin was thick and peeling. In complete amazement at seeing this poor creature, I blurted out, "My God, what happened to this pig?" I was told that someone had brought her to the farm about six years ago and they had dropped her getting her off the truck. "I think they broke her legs," the woman calmly explained. "What did your vet say?" I asked. My mouth dropped open in utter disbelief as I heard the reply, "Oh, we never called a vet." The farm's owner then left on her vacation and was supposed to be gone only three days. This pig tore at my heart and haunted my thoughts each time I would leave the farm. I would open the door so that she could get some fresh air. I found straw for bedding so she wouldn't have to lay in such filthy conditions. The owner decided to stay gone for another day, then another day. Finally a week went by before she returned home. "How much do I owe you for feeding?" she asked. "How about just giving me your crippled pig?" I replied, terrified that she wouldn't agree to such a request. The deal was agreed upon, and I took Janice, the pig, to our local veterinarian for a complete physical and exam. Having worked at that farm for a week, not only did I not make any money, but it cost me $280 in an hour at the vet clinic. X-rays showed that Janice's legs weren't broken but had atrophied due to being kept in such horrible conditions in such a small area. She would never be able to walk normally, and the bones in her front knees would continue to fuse. I discussed euthanasia with the vet and asked if it would be kinder to let her go. The vet's reply was kind and sympathetic with an emphatic no! "Annette, this is the best the pig's ever had it," the vet said. "Let her enjoy life for a while, and she'll let you know when she's ready to go." That was six years ago. What the vet was talking about was that we had built Janice her own log cabin, fairly large, complete with heat lamps in it for the cold winter temperatures. We filled her log cabin with extra thick straw for her bed and gave her old sleeping bags and blankets to snuggle under. Her fur grew back, her skin healed, and I had gained her trust. She would look for me to bring her healthy snacks and hold her water bowl so that she could get drinks easily. Janice was given an arthritis supplement for any discomfort in her legs, and we gave and continue to give her daily body massages. A few months had passed after welcoming Janice to our farm. We then again rescued another potbelly piggy, a youngster we named George. We presented him to Janice as her companion. The two eventually became best friends and they enjoyed each other's company immensely. George grew up with Janice and now loves her with all his heart. George travels around our farm and takes stories back to Janice about the other animals he meets and greets. This heart-breaking experience with Janice made me wonder - if this poor pig was hidden in a barn and needed help, what other farm animals might be hidden in barns but need special care? I started to inquire with county humane societies and animal protective leagues across our state about what happened to farm animals that were removed from abuse situations. Their options weren't always great. Some agencies would euthanize the farm animals, since many were designed to handle only domestic animals. Several agencies were reluctant to even remove the farm animals from neglect because they had nowhere to take them. I decided that people needed to learn to treat the farm animals with compassion and give them the proper care and respect that they deserved. Janice, the pig, was my inspiration to create the organization now known as Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization located in Ravenna, Ohio. We focus on the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoptions of farm animals who have been removed from situations of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. This beautiful, loving, sweet, crippled pig, who now loves peppermints and belly rubs and good conversations, is credited with founding an organization that has now helped over 550 farm animals. In the past six years abused and neglected farm animals have received medical treatment, hope, love, compassion, and a chance at enjoying a life of peace and comfort with their new human companions. My bond with Janice is incredible. She continues to be healthy and to thrive on attention. I have come to understand her language, and she is very vocal about her thoughts. She makes a rather low and quiet noise that sounds like the word "boof" when she is happy and content and all is right with her world. When expressing displeasure about a late meal or not being in the mood for her drink of water, she very loudly proclaims a noise that sounds like "uhboooooo!" Janice still scoots around
as opposed to being able to walk normally but she enjoys her
time outdoors and loves the smell of her freshly washed blankies.
Thanks to this one very very special pig and what she endured
in her earlier lifetime, an overwhelming number of other farm
animals were given a new lease on life. These rescued animals
have, in turn, touched the lives of so many people -- their caretakers
at the sanctuary, the vets who treat them, and their newly adoptive
families. I have to very humbly say that Janice is one absolutely
incredible pig. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Has a rescued animal inspired greatness and generosity in you? This newsletter article is sent to you by the Angel Animals Network. Copyright 2006, Allen and Linda Anderson, Angel Animals Network. All rights reserved. Nothing in this article may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual authors and/or copyright owners. Angel Animals(r) is a registered trademark.http://www.AngelAnimals.net |
||
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Animal
Radio® Alfie Awards - September 30th
RECENT
PODCASTS:
If
you have a dog with a sniffing snout, you need to watch the kind
of mulch you are using in your garden. Cocoa bean mulch, a new
kid on the block, is beautiful, natural mulch. It comes from
the hulls of cocoa. I love it, it looks good and smells great.
Unfortunately, some dogs love it too. They are especially attracted
by the cocoa aroma and can't resist chowing down. The hulls contain
Theo bromine and caffeine which can make dogs sick and in rare
cases cause death.
Mildly
Toxic: 
Toxic,
Dangerous
Anyone
can qualify to win by sending us your used ink cartridges. Call us toll-free at 1-866-405-8405
and ask for your FREE postage-paid envelope to send us your spent
cartridges - and get qualified to WIN!
bio
Spot
The vessel was the largest and
most luxurious ever built. 2200 people booked passage on its
maiden voyage west across the Atlantic, and many of those passengers
had with them their dogs. Among the many distinctive appointments
on this grand floating palace was a statue of Artemis, ancient
Greek goddess of the wild and protector of animals. Prominently
displayed on the mantle in the first class lounge, the statue
of Artemis meant the dogs on board the Titanic had a special
goddess looking after them.
They
are all the rage across the United States and beyond. Crossbreed
dogs such as cock-a-poos have been around for many years, while
newer crosses, such as labradoodles and puggles have just begun
to become popular. So, are these dogs a new "hot" breed
or just a designer mutt?
player with our weekly 
Does
he just sit there when you call his name? Well there's a possibility
he doesn't know his name! It seems obvious, but it's not when
you think that both of you speak a different language. And a
lot of the time, owners combine the dog's name with a command,
leaving the dog to think his name could possibly be "Toby,
get out of that garbage right now!"
(rated 3 and 1/2 paws)
Hardcover
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Looking for a new - perhaps smaller
pet? .... Fancy a Cockatiel ? - we'll be speaking with Ted Lowe
from the Australian Cockatiel Society who has some great information
for anyone considering one of these very cute birds.
{"Ask
THE DOG BIBLE..." is a regular column by Tracie Hotchner
- Featuring excerpts from her new 700 page encyclopedic book
that has been called "a Dr. Spock for dogs." Further
information may also be on her website, 
Animal Radio® made possible by: G-Whiz and
Dogonit
You work
hard on your lawn, so prevent dog urine burns before they start!
G-Whiz for Dogs is formulated with all natural edible
active ingredients that work internally to reduce lawn burns!
Use Dogonit to repair Urine Spots without Reseeding. G-Whiz
and Dogonit keeping your lawn green with all natural and
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People, Pets and Planet. 
(Pictured
is Best Friends Animal Society staffer, Tom Gamble, holding a
frightened dog that was found curled up next to the dead body
of his owner. The dog suffered chemical burns. The emotional
scars, however, were the worst of his injuries. )
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Say the word exercise and many people
respond with one word: ugh. Or, they may come up with a half-dozen
excuses why they can't make it to the gym or reasons why their
bike gathers cobwebs in the garage.
Six
years ago I met a lady who was selling horse equipment at a tack
swap. We were comparing notes on how difficult it was to go on
vacation and have someone take care of your horses and farm animals
in the way you want them to be cared for. She said that she was
getting ready to go on a vacation and would be glad to pay me
if I would come over every day and take care of her animals.
I immediately agreed to help.