Prevent Pet Poisoning! How to keep your best friend safe.

At Napa Valley Holistic Vet we want to help keep your pets safe and healthy!  Preventative medicine is a cornerstone of holistic pet care.  We want to help you prevent your best friend from getting sick if at all possible!  In honor of Pet Poison Prevention Week we have put together a guide to help keep your pet safe from common poisons around your house.

First we must say that the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center does an amazing job.  If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic you can call 1-888-426-4435.  24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  They have veterinarians on staff who can help you decide what you need to do and if you need to take your pet to the veterinarian.  They do charge a $65 consultation fee but it is well worth it and often cheaper than a veterinary visit if it can be avoided!

The Animal Poison Control Center also offers a free mobile app with a wealth of information about different potential pet toxins.  You can access more information on it here .

Another great tool they have is a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for pets!  If you think your furry friend has eaten a plant, just look it up online to see if it could be poisonous.  This is free and easy accessible here. 

The Poison Control Center received 199,000 calls in 2017 alone regarding potential pet poisonings.  This number was up from last year which goes to show that we need to be better educated about keeping our pets safe from these potentially deadly toxins.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a poison you can call the APCC at 1-888-426-4435 to see how serious it is.  However if you know they got something poisonous then you should take them directly to your veterinarian.  The sooner the better because if the ingestion was within 3 hours vomiting can often be induced which will save you lots of money and potentially save your pet’s life.  Your pet may also be given activated charcoal to bind any toxin that remains in the stomach after vomiting so they won’t absorb it.

The top 10 poisonings of 2017 were…..

10. Garden Products - Pets often find fertilizers and compost irresistible.  Fertilizers often cause GI upset and if the compost or fertilizer is moist and growing mold your dog may develop serious tremors from ingesting them.  So it’s best to keep these products where dogs can’t find them and keep your dog inside or confined in a separate area of the yard when you are working in the garden.

9. Plants - Many plants can be very toxic to our furry friends.  Lilies are deadly to cats and Dr. Kim recommends never keeping them in your house if you have a cat.  The same goes for Sago Palms and Oleanders if you have a dog or cat.  If you aren’t sure a plant is safe for your pet you should use the Animal Poison Control Center’s online site to look it up - remember it’s free and can be accessed here. 

8. Rodenticides - These rodent poisons are potentially deadly to dogs and cats.  They should be kept out of reach of pets at all times.  If you suspect your pet has ingested this they should be taken to the veterinarian right away.  

7. Insecticides - Insecticides and herbicides are also potentially toxic.  So it’s best to keep these products where dogs can’t find them and keep your dog inside or confined in a separate area of the yard when you are working in the garden.

6. Household Items - The APCC lists paint, glue, cleaning products and laundry detergent as potential dangers.  Gorilla glue is very toxic to pets because, if ingested, it expands exponentially in the stomach and hardens.  Vomiting cannot be induced and surgery is required to remove the large “ball” that forms.  Very scary!  Also laundry pods are posing a new, potentially fatal danger to pets.  You can read more about this here.

5. Chocolate - This is a very common toxicity with our furry friends, especially dogs.  Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are more toxic than milk chocolate.  In sufficient amounts they can cause GI upset, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and even death.  If your dog has ingested chocolate you can use the chocolate toxicity calculator here  to see how dangerous the type/amount was.  

4. Veterinary Products - This includes the flavored and chewable medications that we give to our pets for pain relief as well as parasite prevention.  Dogs have been known to eat entire boxes/bottles and can get VERY sick.  Make sure to keep these medications out of reach of your furry friends. 

3. Food - Common toxic food items include chocolate (see above), grapes/raisins/currants, garlic, onions, macadamia nuts, alcohol, unbaked bread dough, alcohol and products containing xylitol.  Any amount of grapes or raisins could be deadly to your dog causing kidney failure if he/she is sensitive.  A small amount of garlic or onion isn’t a big deal in a large pet but if they are cooked down in a dish or concentrated powders are used then we get concerned about blood disorders.  Also if your pet is very small then a small amount could be a big deal.  Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is very common in gum, toothpaste, candies and sugar free baked goods.  If ingested it can cause low blood sugar and irreversible liver failure so make sure to keep all of these products FAR away from your dogs (check your labels)!

Even a small amount of grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs and we don't know what makes some dogs more sensitive than others!  Better to be safe than sorry!

2. Over-The-Counter Medications - Including but not limited to pain medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen), vitamins, certain herbal supplements, cold and flu medications. Please keep all of these out of your pet’s reach. Most exposures are accidental but some well-meaning owners think many of these are safe to give their pet.  You should always check with your veterinarian prior to giving any OTC medication in your pet.  They can tell you which are safe and if your pet is ok to take them and at what dose.

Ibuprofen and other human pain medications can be safe for us but deadly for our pets!

1. Human Prescriptions - Pain medications, anti-depressants and heart medications are the most common poisonings.  Again most are accidental but some well-meaning owners think these are safe to give their pets.  Please keep all of your prescriptions well out of your pet’s reach and ALWAYS ask your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.

Please remember to keep your pets safe this week and every week this year!  And please share this with your friends if you haven't already!  If you have any questions we can always be reached at 707-535-9979 or email Dr. Kim at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com. 

My Cat Hates the Vet! You can help to make it better.

Do you dread taking your cat to the veterinarian because it is such a stressful experience for you and your feline friend?  We completely understand!  Even Dr. Kim has a kitty who gets upset at the veterinary clinic.  So she is going to tell you some tips and tricks for making your kitty’s experience at the vet a positive one.

Veterinary visits are so important for cats.  Yearly visits are especially important in felines because they are excellent at hiding any problem from you.  They are biologically designed to hide their problems.  So things like tooth infections, intestinal issues, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, urinary problems, thyroid disease and lung disease can easily go un-noticed by the most loving and devoted pet parents.  A thorough veterinary exam alone can pick up on so many of these issues in the early stages so we can treat them before they progress to more serious concerns.

The bottom line is that you should be taking your kitty to the vet EVERY YEAR to get an exam, period.  If your vet finds a problem and your kitty needs other tests like bloodwork, urine or imaging (x-rays, ultrasound) it’s even more important to make sure they are happy at the vet!  We want to make sure the visit is calm and serene so keep reading to see what you can do to make it happen!

First, you need to understand that when your cat gets upset at the veterinary hospital it’s only because they are scared.  When they start to hiss, growl, bite or scratch it’s because they are fearful of being hurt and this is the only way they have to protect themselves. All the ideas we will share with you are designed to take their anxiety away as much as possible.  If your kitty arrives happier and the visit is handled in the appropriate way then they won’t need to get upset.

It all starts at home.  We all know this scenario….your cat has a vet appointment so you bring out THE CARRIER.  Then…your cat disappears.  This is the first place that you can help.  Cats are very smart.  They know that the carrier means the vet and the vet is scary.  So how can you help?  Make the carrier part of everyday life.  Dr. Kim keeps her cat’s carrier in her bedroom closet and puts a soft kitty bed inside.  She takes the door off so her cats can go in and out and use it as a hiding and resting place.  That way when it’s time to take them to the clinic, she can put the door back on and they are actually happy to be in the carrier!  This can be done with any carrier but another great product is the Sleepypod® Mobile Pet Bed.  It is a pet bed that easily transforms into a carrier and is even crash tested! Watch the video here! If you are using a carrier you should always put something soft in it like a towel or preferably, your kitty’s favorite bed.

Make this carrier your kitty's regular bed at home!  Vet visits will be a breeze!

The next thing you can do is use kitty pheromones. A mother cat secretes this to help her kittens relax and now you can use it to help your kitty relax!  Feliway® is our favorite pheromone brand.  It can be purchased in a spray or a wipe.  The wipes come in individual packages which may be more convenient for a single visit.  It is very important that you do not use the wipe directly on your kitty!  You should wipe the inside surfaces of the carrier and the pet bed or towel that is placed in the carrier.  They can be purchased here .

Use these pheromone wipes on the inside of the carrier and pet bed inside it!

After you have wiped the carrier with pheromones, put in your cat’s favorite kitty bed (or just change your Sleepypod® into a carrier) then you can actually cover the carrier with a small towel or thin baby blanket.  Using a towel cuts down on visual stimuli that may add to your cat’s stress level.  If the weather is very warm you should skip this step because you don’t want your kitty to overheat in the carrier.

You can even play special music in the car on the way to the vet!  Harp music has been shown to soothe animals and decrease stress.  The music will also help calm you down so you aren’t as stressed!  Dr. Kim thinks Susan Raimond has done lovely work with this and her CDs can be purchased online here .  Many other types of music can be found online for this purpose with a quick google search.

You can call ahead to the veterinarian to make sure that the doctor is running on time.  If the doctor is running a little behind then you can arrive a little later so that you don’t have to wait in the lobby as long.  Upon arrival, ask to be placed into an exam room as soon as possible.  That way your kitty won’t hear the noises in the lobby or smell the other animals that might be there (dogs!).  If you have to wait in the lobby pick a quiet corner away from other people and pets.

Once you get into the exam room Dr. Kim recommends leaving your kitty in the carrier until the nurse or doctor comes in.  Unless of course your kitty is the social type and would prefer exploring!  For most kitties it is much less scary to be in the quiet carrier. 

Ask the nurse and doctor to do as much of the exam and tests IN THE EXAM ROOM and IN THE CARRIER as possible.  With the Sleepypod® and many other carriers you can just take off the top so they don’t have to pull or “dump” your cat out - very stressful!  Also, you should ask to be present if possible.  Staying with your pet can be soothing for them.  However, you should let the nurse and doctor hold your kitty for the exams and tests.  You don’t want to risk a bite or scratch if they do happen to get grouchy.  This is so important for safety.  Many veterinarians are becoming Fear Free® certified.  Dr. Kim is in the process now!  Those veterinarians will already be employing these low stress handling techniques.  They will often use towels to wrap your kitty if bloodwork is needed instead of scruffing your pet.

Look for this logo at the veterinary office you choose!

The last thing we need to comment on is a medication called gabapentin.  If your kitty gets really stressed at the veterinarian despite the above techniques then you should ask your kitty’s doctor to send this home with you and come back a different time.  Gabapentin has been proven as a very safe and effective way to decrease stress in cats at the veterinary clinic when given orally (either in a treat or pilled) at home prior to the visit.  A great clinical trial was just released and can be found here.  Trazodone is another medication that has been used very effectively for this purpose.

Ask your vet for this!

We hope that these tips and tricks have been helpful for you!  As a holistic veterinarian decreasing stress and anxiety is of the utmost importance for Dr. Kim!  This will not only help to improve your kitty’s anxiety but also their health and well-being by allowing a calm and serene yearly veterinary visit!

Dr. Kim regularly does house calls for acupuncture.   These home visits eliminate the stress of the vet clinic but can still make your kitty nervous.  Alot of these techniques can be employed at home visits too such as Feliway®, acupuncture in the pet bed and gabapentin if needed!  To schedule an appointment please call 707-535-9979 today!

Wildfire and Pets: What You Should Know

With the recent wildfires in our hometown of Napa, California we wanted to put together an informational guide about your pet’s health risk during and after a wildfire and what the important things are to know.  

DURING A WILDFIRE

The most important thing that we can stress is to please TAKE ALL OF YOUR PETS WITH YOU DURING AN EVACUATION.  If you need to leave your home then so does your pet!

Wildfires are extremely stressful and frightening, not only for us but for our pets.  Sometimes we have time to prepare for evacuation and sometimes we are forced to leave in a moment’s notice.  If you are prepared ahead of time it can help immensely so it is always a good idea to have an emergency bag prepared for your animals.  Here is an example of what you can include:

Emergency Animal Kit: 

1. A week’s worth of food for each pet
2. Any important medications
3. Leashes for your dogs
4. A portable water bowl with small bottle of water for travel.
5. Portable food bowls 
6. Some form of pet ID (collar with tags, implanted microchip) 
7. Favorite blanket/bed 
8. Carriers for your cats and a towel to cover each carrier (also put a blanket/bed inside)
9. If you have cats you may also want to consider having a disposable litter box such as this PetSafe Disposable Litter Box

Dr. Kim’s other tip for your emergency kit is to include some holistic options to help with your pet’s anxiety.  Leaving their home environment and relocating somewhere new can be extremely stressful.  We recommend Stress Away Soft Chews by Vet Classics, Rescue Remedy for Pets, Lavender Essential Oil (our favorite brands are Young Living and DoTerra), and Adaptil pheromone spray for dogs or Feliway pheromone spray for cats.

If your pet gets extremely anxious with travel you may want to ask your veterinarian for a sedative to have on hand so that you and your pet can both get some needed rest.  Also, if you have a dog-aggressive dog you may want to consider having a basket muzzle in case you come into contact with unfamiliar dogs.

AFTER A WILDFIRE

Please make sure all evacuation orders have lifted from your home before you consider returning.  You may want to make sure that your home has power and clean water before re-populating.  At the very least please follow any boil water notices for your area so that you are providing your pets with safe drinking water. 

Just as important as the status of your home is the status of the air quality.  Please refer to the Air Quality Index which can be accessed for your zip code at this website. The chart below provides a detailed explanation of what the AQI means.  If the AQI is above 151 (unhealthy, very unhealthy or hazardous) then we would recommend keeping your pets out of the area if possible.  If people need to be outside during these conditions we can wear a protective N95 mask, but the human masks that exist cannot be manipulated to fit over the snout of a dog properly.  So if our pets are outside using the bathroom or taking a walk during these conditions we are putting their health at risk.

If you absolutely need to bring your pet back to your home when air quality is poor then hopefully we can offer some helpful tips to keep them as safe as possible.  

If you are returning to an area that has been badly burned consider leaving your pets with a friend, neighbor or boarding facility during cleanup as there are numerous hazards that they could be exposed to including sharp objects and toxic chemicals. 

Wildfire smoke is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant material. The gases and fine particles can be dangerous if inhaled. The particulate matter (also called “PM”) in wildfire smoke poses the biggest risk to the public’s health. The potential health effects vary based on the type of plants burning, atmospheric conditions and, most importantly, the size of the particles. Particles larger than 10 micrometers usually irritate only the eyes, nose and throat. Fine particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5) can be inhaled into the deepest part of the lungs, and may cause greatest health concern.

If you have a very young pet, elderly pet, or a pet with a heart or lung condition (congestive heart failure, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia) then your pet will be particularly at risk to the effects of smoke exposure.  Birds are also extremely sensitive to the effects of wildfire smoke and should be kept indoors at all times.  What you need to know is that what affects you affects your pet and the measures you take to protect yourself are the same measures you should take to protect your pet.  Dogs and cats lungs are very similar to our own. 

Here are the main things you can do for your pets to reduce the risk of exposure to wildfire smoke once you return home if the air quality is poor:

1. Keep your pets indoors as much as possible (limit dog walks to potty breaks only and if you have outdoor cats keep them inside).
2. Keep windows and doors closed.
3. Use a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce indoor air pollution.
4. Replace the filters on your central air conditioning unit and run your air conditioner to reduce indoor air pollution
5. Provide plenty of fresh water (boil water if instructed to do so).
6. Avoid smoking tobacco, using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces, burning candles, incenses or vacuuming which can all further contribute to indoor air pollution after a wildfire event.
7. After being outdoors, wipe down your pet’s coat and paws with a fresh water cloth in order to remove particulate matter and prevent them from ingesting it while grooming. 
8. Run a humidifier to help moisten the air and loosen respiratory secretions. 
9. Make sure to wear your N95 mask when taking your pets out to use the restroom!

Dogs and cats are most at risk for developing eye and lung problems after exposure to wildfire smoke.  Mild eye irritation, mild clear nasal discharge and mild sneezing are common with wildfire exposure.  You can help lessen these signs by following the recommendations above.  Also, to help with eye irritation you can purchase over the counter eye lubricants such as Genteal Lubricant Eye Gel or Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops and use them on your pet frequently throughout the day (every 2-4 hours).

If you notice any of the following signs please contact your family veterinarian as it could indicate a more serious eye or respiratory issue that may require additional treatment.

• Unusual coughing, sneezing or gagging
• Difficulty breathing, including open mouth breathing
• Eye irritation (redness, squinting, pawing at the face) and excessive watering
• Yellow or green nasal discharge
• Asthma-like symptoms
• Increased breathing rate
• Weakness and lethargy
• Lack of appetite

HOLISTIC OPTIONS

Keeping the indoor air clean and limiting outdoor exposure during poor air quality conditions is of utmost importance for your animal’s health.  In addition there are other holistic options to help with wildfire smoke exposure including herbs, supplements, antioxidant and immune support.  Marshmallow and licorice are two common herbs that can help to soothe the respiratory tract. Some other products we recommend for our patients from the Standard Process line include Emphaplex and Pneumotrophin PMG.  Thorne Mycoimmune and Stamets7 Daily Immune Support are two mushroom blends that Dr. Kim uses with her patients for general immune support.  For antioxidant support we recommend Cell Advance 880 or Vet Classics Canine Antioxidant Support.  All herbs and supplements for respiratory support should only be used under the direct supervision of your holistic veterinarian.  

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim for a specific respiratory support plan for your pet please contact us at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com or call 707-535-9979.  Dr. Kim is currently still under mandatory evacuation but will update her Facebook page and voicemail box when she is back in Napa. 

Full Circle Pain Management for Arthritis in Dogs & Cats

Arthritis is a very common condition in pets, but the pain arthritis can cause is often overlooked by families or misinterpreted as their pet “just slowing down” as they age. The underlying disease process is slightly different in dogs (Osteoarthritis) and cats (Degenerative Joint Disease), but both species very commonly show clinical signs related to the pain of arthritis as they age. These signs are often subtle since pets very rarely cry or groan in pain. Many families expect that they will easily recognize pain, but animals are instinctively very good at masking their discomfort. Often pain could manifest as simple behavior changes such as refusing to go up the stairs, declining to jump on a couch or countertop, unwillingness to groom themselves, or staying seated instead of following family members around the house.

Luckily there are many therapies we can use to control the pain associated with arthritis. Sometimes, though, the multitude of treatment options and wealth of information available on the internet can be overwhelming for families. With that in mind, we have created this worksheet to help guide pet families as they approach their pet’s arthritis pain management plan. Utilizing the difference approaches allows families to utilize multi-modal pain management strategies to keep their pet as pain-free as possible for as long as possible.

Weight Management: One of the most beneficial things pet families can do to guard against the pain of arthritis is to keep their pets lean throughout their life. Studies have shown that 80% of labrador retrievers develop osteoarthritis when fed generous calorie meals. However, when their study counterparts were fed a reduced-calorie diet, only 50% of those labrador retrievers developed osteoarthritis. This highlights the difference monitoring weight and calorie intake can have on a pet’s longterm health and comfort. The labs in these studies who were fed the restricted calorie diets also lived 1 to 1.5 years longer than the free fed labs. Ask your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s ideal weight and make sure to monitor their body condition score throughout their lives.  An ideal body condition based on the chart below would be 4-5/9 or 2.5-3/5 depending on the point system being used.

EPA Rich Diet: Diets high in Omega-3 fatty acids supply the body with building blocks that help regulate the amount of inflammatory mediators in the body. The most helpful building block is Eicosapentaenoic acid ( or EPA), which is a type of Omega-3 fatty acid.  EPA can be incorporated into the diet by adding a high quality fish oil (our preference) or by switching to a diet that has higher levels of EPA.  We recommend both Grizzly and Kronch salmon oil at Napa Holistic Vet.  The dose of EPA will be appropriate for your pet's arthritis if you follow the dose on the label.

If changing to an EPA rich diet be somewhat wary of general “fish oil” or “fatty acid” claims as you want the diet to contain >2% Omega-3 Fatty Acids and specifically mention EPA to be most beneficial. Omega-6 fatty acids do not provide the same type of joint inflammation protection. These increased EPA levels can be found in prescription diets as well as some over the counter diets. Examples of EPA rich diets include: Hills J/D, Purina Pro Plan JM, Iams Joint Plus, Royal Canin Mobility Support, Orijen Senior, Dogswell Happy Hips. Victor Performance/Joint, Now Fresh, Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight, Fromm Gold Weigh Management, Earthborn Weight Control, Earthborn Coastal Catch, Annamaet Grain Free Lean, and Nature’s Variety Instinct Healthy Weight.  Make sure to evaluate your pet’s food for the AAFCO label and review the Guaranteed Analysis section to ensure it contains these ingredients.

Chondroprotectants: Chondroprotectants include Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and Avocado Soybean Unsoponafiables (ASUs). Some of the products we recommend include Dasuquin, which provides all three chondroprotectants listed above, Adequan, ArthriEase Gold and Standard Process’ Flex Support. Dasuquin is one of the only products including ASUs, which makes it one of the most beneficial chondroprotectants available to pets. Dasuquin Advanced is a newer product which also includes boswellia (frankincense) and curcumin extracts in addition to ASUs. Many other glucosamine/chondroitin products are available, but please keep in mind these products are not regulated by the FDA and in many cases you do get what you pay for. Studies evaluating glucosamine products have shown that when products cost under $1 per day, that less than 10%actually contained the amount of glucosamine that their label claimed. Using products that your veterinarian trusts will ensure you are not using products with no benefit to your pet. The good news is that often after being on chondroprotectants for 4-6 weeks, you may be able to decrease your pet’s medication dose by 25% – saving you money on their medication costs instead of their chondroprotectant cost.

nSAIDs: Non steroidal anti inflammatories are the mainstay of medical treatment for arthritis pain in dogs.  These medications treat the inflammation that is at the root of arthritis pain. Commonly prescribed nSAIDs include carprofen (Rimadyl, Truprofen, etc), deracoxib (Deramaxx), meloxicam (Metacam), and firocoxib (Previcox), among others. These medications are often invaluable in breaking the pain cycle for pets with arthritis and while we attempt to use the minimum effective dose, many pet families are reluctant to give these medications for fear of liver or kidney damage or GI upset. While these concerns are valid, simple monitoring with routine blood work and treatment with anti-oxidants to support the liver can alleviate many of these concerns, while allowing us to keep a pet comfortable.  There is also a new NSAID on the market for dogs called Galliprant that is safer for the kidneys and liver if your pet has a pre-existing condition with these organs.  Cats are much more sensitive to NSAIDs.  Meloxicam is often used off-label in cats at low doses and like any NSAID, should always be done so under the supervision of your veterinarian.

Nutraceuticals/Supplements: Other dietary supplements are available that support joint and general muscle-skeletal strength. We often use Standard Process’ Musculoskeletal Support with good results. Standard Process’ Whole Body Support is another that we will commonly use in our geriatric patients as a foundation for good overall health. Many people have reported improvement by using Golden Paste a tumeric formulation that can have anti-inflammatory benefits.  Another product we recommend is CurcuVET-SA50, which uses the active component of turmeric called curcumin.  This often is more simple for pet owners who do not wish to make their own golden paste.  Essential oils can also be extremely helpful for pain and discomfort!  We recommend both individual oils and blends from Young Living® And DoTerra® that include but are not limited to copaiba, frankincense, helichrysm, wintergreen and peppermint.  Please always consult with your holistic veterinarian prior to starting an essential oil regimen for your pet!

Adjunctive Therapies: There are several other therapies that can be utilized for pets with arthritis and degenerative joint disease. Cold laser therapy can be very beneficial in reducing inflammation. At Napa Holistic Vet we offer both in-home cold laser treatments as well as cold laser rental for clients who wish to treat their pets themselves in the comfort of their own home.  Stem/Regenerative Cell Therapy is a process which involves harvesting a small amount of adipose (fat) tissue from a dog, using a laboratory to process and localize the stem cells present in that tissue, and then injecting the processed solution back into the dog (usually via an IV or directly into the affected joints).  We do not currently offer this therapy, however make sure to check with your regular veterinarian because more and more clinics are starting to offer this service. Environmental modification such as using ramps, using yoga mats or “puzzle pieces” for traction control, and using Toe Grips and PawFriction can also help older pets have more control of their footing and minimize sliding or falling on slick floors. Acupuncture is a very beneficial treatment for pets with arthritis pain and can make a significant difference in the comfort and mobility of geriatric pets. Learn even more about acupuncture for pets on our website!

Adjunctive Medications: Many times as the pain from arthritis progresses, the nSAID being utilized is not enough to control the pet’s pain. Utilizing multiple medications that each have different ways of interrupting the body’s inflammatory and pain responses can make a big difference in your pet’s overall comfort. Commonly used adjunctive medications for arthritis pain control can include Chinese Herbal medications, Gabapentin, Amantadine, and Tramadol. Occasionally Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be used for painful conditions in dogs but is not recommend with pre-existing liver disease.  It is important to note that Tylenol® is high toxic (deadly) to cats so careful discussion with your veterinarian prior to administering this medication is required!

Physical Therapy: Physical Therapy is often considered for people with joint and mobility concerns, but is not as often prescribed for pets, although it can be just as beneficial. There are several very simple exercises that families can do with their pets to encourage muscle use and flexibility. Massage is also beneficial to pets and can be a nice bonding experience for the pet and their caretakers. Speak with your veterinarian about which exercises they recommend for your pets.

If your pet is showing clinical signs related to arthritis changes, please contact Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services at 707-535-9979 to schedule an evaluation to discuss which recommendations might be best for your pet.

Cognitive Dysfunction in Pets

Cognitive dysfunction is a syndrome of brain changes which affect dogs and cats “of a certain age”. It can be a very challenging disease to treat because often cognitive dysfunction does not shorten a pet’s life expectancy, but it can significantly interrupt the pets’ relationship with their family and disrupt everyone’s quality of life.

Studies have shown that dogs being asked to complete memory tasks can show signs of brain changes as early as 6 years old. The same amyloid proteins found in people with Alzheimer’s can be found in dogs by the time they are 8-9 years old. Recent studies have shown that 28% of dogs tested between 11-12 years old had lesions in their brain and 68% of dogs 15-16 years old showed lesions. Despite this high indigence rate, the average diagnosis rate for older dogs is only 1.9%! This is likely because most families dismiss these symptoms as normal behavior of aging animals. Although cognitive dysfunction signs are very common, they are not to be mistaken for normal!

Cats are also affected by cognitive dysfunction. Studies of cats older than 11 years have shown similar prevalence of the disease. 28% of cats aged 11-15 years and 50% of cats over 15 years old were diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction in one study. It is suspected the incidence is actually much higher since these were cats that were formally diagnosed with the disease and diagnosis rate is probably very low (as it was in the dog study discussed above).

These amyloid proteins and plaques develop in the brain and can lead to brain atrophy (tissue wasting, similar to muscle atrophy seen on the outside of the body), neuron loss, blood vessel changes, micro-hemorrhages (mini-strokes), and oxidative damage to the brain tissue. Dogs show very similar plaques and perivascular infiltrates to people, making dogs a model for studies of Alzheimer’s disease. The brain changes noted in cats more closely resemble age-related changes seen in the human brain.

Common Symptoms of Cognitive Dysfunction

Senilife® is a supplement containing a unique blend of antioxidants, which work together to help reduce brain-aging behaviors.

• Disorientation
• Altered interactions with people or other pets
• Altered sleep-wake cycles (waking up or pacing at night most commonly)
• Housesoiling
• Going to the wrong side of the door
• Vocalizing at night
• Pacing/Restlessness
• Not responding to previously learned commands
• Decreased interest in playing
• Changes in appetite
• Compulsive behaviors (increased, repeated licking, etc)
• Altered activity levels, depression, apathy (“moping”)
• Increased anxiety or agitation
• Decreased awareness or response to stimuli (“forgetting” why they walked into a room, staring into space)

The primary goal of treatment for cognitive dysfunction is to reduce risk factors that contribute to brain aging and lead to cognitive changes. Secondarily, we can treat specific clinical signs impacting the pets’ quality of life. There are several nutraceutical recommendations, as well as Eastern and Western medications, and diet changes that can be used to help minimize symptoms in cognitive dysfunction.

Common Recommendations for Cognitive Dysfunction

Quality fish oil with high levels of DHA can help protect cognitive function.

• EPA & DHA: Fish oil supplements show to have high levels of EPA (anti-inflammatory) and DHA (neurologic benefit) can be a good addition to a senior pets diet for many reasons. You can easily add fish oil to any diet, however, you should make sure you are choosing an oil that provides high levels of EPA and DHA to ensure your pet is getting the true benefits needed. Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services usually recommends Grizzly Salmon Oil or Kronch Salmon Oil.
• Senilife®: Senilife® is a nutraceutical product containing phosphatidylserine, a membrane phospholipid, as well as Gingko biloba, vitamins E and B6 and resveratrol. There are other products on the market with similar goals as well, including Novifit.®  Our practice has had the most experience and success with Senilife!®
• Neutricks.®: Apoaequorin is a calcium-buffering protein found in jellyfish. In laboratory trials it showed to improve learning and attention in dogs (even more so than Anipryl, a commonly used cognitive dysfunction medication).
• Melatonin: Melatonin can be used to help regulate sleep-wake cycles to try to get a better night sleep. Speak with your veterinarian about the recommended dose for your pet.
• Chinese Herbs: There are several Chinese herbal medications that can be used to help support a pet with cognitive dysfunction, depending on their examination. These herbal medications are tailored to each patients, but can be useful for anxiety, incontinence, and night-waking.
• Diet Recommendations: Certain foods have been shown to benefit brain health according to Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. These include walnuts and lychee, along with many other foods thought to help boost the immune system and support aging. A home-cooked diet can be tailored to your pet and can be used to support the brain as it ages.
• Pain medications: While pain medications are not specifically indicated in cognitive dysfunction- often our senior patients are experiencing some discomfort from arthritis or other conditions. Making sure that their pain is managed can go a long way to putting their minds at ease.
• Anti-anxiety medications: Anxiety does tend to worsen with cognitive dysfunction and specific anti-anxiety medications can be used  to help alleviate any distress.
• Anipryl (Selegiline): Anipryl (Selegiline) is a medication that has been used to treat Parkinsons Disease and has been the only option in veterinary medicine for cognitive dysfunction for some time. While some pets who are diagnosed very early can benefit from this medication, we typically recommend the other treatment options on this list with more success.

Early detection is key to improving a pet’s quality of life with this disease and the goal of treatment is to slow the progression and minimize the effects the symptoms have on their (and your!) daily life. This means discussing your senior pets’ behavior frequently with your veterinarian to intervene early in the process. We can take steps to improve these symptoms (or ideally prevent them from developing), but your veterinarian can only recommend them if they know your pet might be at risk.

Healing Soup for Pets

Soups have long been used for their nourishing properties.  Just think back to your childhood when you were sick, was there anything better than a hot bowl of soup to make you feel better?  This tradition has extended down through cultures and time because it actually has a medicinal purpose.  

We don’t often think of giving soup to our pets, but this can be a wonderful way to help our animals recover from illness and keep them eating when they are sick.  One of the best soup recipes for this purpose is called “Marrow Soup”.  This soup can be used for cancer patients, geriatric animals, debilitated pets and animals who are not eating or have gastrointestinal issues.

Rather than a bone broth, which is cooked for 2-3 days and can sometimes be too rich for the patients described above, marrow soup is milder and much faster to prepare.  Like bone broth, it still has many healing properties without being too rich for your pet or time consuming for you!

This soup can be offered by itself or added to your pet’s diet.  If your pet is not eating you can try to offer some warm marrow soup, and you may find they will choose to lap it up when they are not eating anything else!  This can put them on the road to recovery.  You can also mix the broth into your pet’s current food or whatever therapeutic homemade or commercial diet they may be on.

The marrow soup supplies minimal calories but many amino acids, minerals, micronutrients and natural glucosamine.  The broth can also have special “medicinal” properties, depending on what you season it with.  For example ginger can be very helpful for nausea and apple cider vinegar is detoxifying and can stimulate digestion.  Turmeric can help with inflammation and pain.  

Onions should never be used in making soups as they are toxic to dogs and cats.  Always make sure a broth does not contain onions in any form if you are purchasing your broth instead of making it yourself.  

What about garlic?  You’ve probably heard of the medicinal benefits but isn’t it toxic too? Small amounts of garlic in a soup tend to be ok because it is strained out in the end and the dose ends up being extremely small. In high amounts it can cause anemia in dogs and cats (and cats tend to be more sensitive).  Powders have more likelihood to do this than fresh garlic.  So what do you do?  In a cat, I’d avoid using garlic at all to be safe. In a dog you’ll probably be fine with a small amount but if your dog is anemic (low red blood cell count) I wouldn’t include it.  Also if you are feeding the broth occasionally a small amount of garlic is probably ok, but if you are feeding it daily for an extended period of time I’d leave out the garlic because the effects on red blood cells are cumulative.  Just one more thing, the Japanese breeds of dogs (Akitas, Shiba Inus) are very sensitive to garlic so never use in these breeds.

It is always recommended to make your own marrow soup, rather than purchasing a similar broth from the store.  A homemade broth will have fresher ingredients and less additives, and thus it’s healing properties will likely be better. However if you really don’t have the time there are commercially available dehydrated bone broths for pets that can be reconstituted.  Just make sure to check your ingredient list for artificial ingredients, garlic and onions!

Marrow Soup Recipe

• 1 organic chicken, cooked with meat removed
• Crack long bones, cover with water, add 1/4 cup organic apple cider vinegar (the acid helps draw calcium and minerals from bones)
• Add veggies if desired (beets, carrots, celery, turnips, parsley)
• Add a slice or 2 of fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic crushed (optional for dogs-see above, omit for cats)
• Salt/pepper (optional for seasoning)
• Simmer slowly 4 hours, up to 12 hours.  A crock pot on low overnight also works great!
• Strain to remove bones and veggies and discard everything but the broth.
• Can freeze in ice cube trays for daily use or use small ziploc bags for larger portions
• Will stay good in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for months

For small dogs and cats start with a few tablespoons in their food.  For a larger dog you can go up to 1/2 or even 1 cup daily.

If you would like to learn more about home-cooked diet and nutrition specifically designed for your pet, please contact Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services at 707-535-9979 to schedule a consultation!

I'm Yunity: Medicinal Mushroom for Cancer

An exciting new supplement is now available for treating cancer in dogs!  An extract of the turkey tail mushroom (Coriolus versicolor) has been proven to extend the survival time of dogs with hemangiosarcoma (a highly aggressive, metastatic cancer often involving the liver and spleen and spreading throughout the body).  The most exciting thing is that patients treated with this extract lived longer than currently available chemotherapy protocols!  

In 2012 the University of Pennsylvania performed a study with dogs that had hemangiosarcoma.  This cancer often causes a tumor in the spleen to rupture and bleed, requiring a surgical procedure called a splenectomy.  Following surgery, with typical chemotherapy protocols, dogs have an average survival time of 141-179 days.  In the study with the mushroom extract, WITHOUT any chemotherapy, dogs lived for 199 days!  These results are astounding and extremely exciting for our canine companions!

This mushroom has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years.  The compound within this mushroom is called a polysaccharopeptide (PSP). The specific supplement being tested is called I’m Yunity, which has a guaranteed analysis of 38% PSP in each capsule.  

Another great thing about I’m Yunity is that it was extremely safe and well tolerated among all patients in the study.  A very important thing to note is that the dose of I’m Yunity which was most effective was 100mg/kg/day. 

Due to the success of the early study, researchers are currently conducting a study evaluating dogs with hemangiosarcoma treated with I’m-Yunity alone, dogs treated with I’m-Yunity + chemotherapy, or dogs treated with chemotherapy alone. If you know a dog who has recently been diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma and would like more information about joining this study, please contact PennVet’s Clinical Investigation Center directly at (215) 573-0302 or via e-mail at vcic@vet.upenn.edu.

It is also exciting to imagine how effective I’m Yunity may be for other cancers.  More research needs to be done and we are eagerly awaiting results!  For more information and to order I’m Yunity go to www.imyunity.com or www.imyunityfordogs.com. 

Acupuncture and Intervertebral Disc Disease

What is Intervertebral Disc Disease?

Your dog’s spine is made up of a number of bones called vertebrae.  They extend from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail.  Separating each vertebrae are flexible cushions called intervertebral discs.  These discs help the spine to be able to move and bend in many directions.  Each vertebrae has a small tunnel running through it which holds the spinal cord.  The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body.  Because of the anatomy of the spine, the cord passes over each vertebrae and also over the intervertebral discs as it runs down the length of the back.

Due to trauma or age a disc can become weakened and rupture, or herniate, putting pressure on the spinal cord.  This interrupts nerve transmission along the spinal cord and can cause varying effects on a dog’s body.  Most frequently it causes pain, weakness and loss of sensation to the legs.  It can also cause paralysis and urinary dysfunction if the herniation is severe.  Usually this occurs in the rear legs, if the disc herniation is along the back.  If the herniation is in the neck then all four legs can be affected.

Mild disc herniations are typically managed with pain medication or steroids, muscle relaxants and strict rest.  More severe herniations causing paralysis are managed with surgery of the back in order to decompress the disc.

Acupuncture For Disc Disease

Several exciting studies have recently been performed showing that the addition of electroacupuncture can be extremely effective in helping animals with disc herniation make a better recovery.  It can also be very helpful for dogs who would benefit from surgery but who are unable to undergo anesthesia, or whose owner may not be able to afford it.

Electroacupuncture involves inserting tiny acupuncture needles into various locations along the back and legs and connecting pairs of these needles to a mild electric current for varying amounts of time.  This procedure is not painful and in fact releases several endorphins in the brain which relieve pain and promote relaxation.

A 2007 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association compared dogs with disc disease who received standard western medical therapy alone to dogs who also received electroacupuncture.  Dogs in the group receiving electroacupuncture recovered the ability to walk sooner than the dogs that did not receive acupuncture!1A 2010 study published in the same journal looked at dogs with disc disease that needed surgery.  This study showed that electroacupuncture alone was just as effective as surgery in recovering the ability to walk again.2 

In my opinion electroacupuncture IN ADDITION to western medical treatments (pain medication/steroids, rest, muscle relaxants) should be the gold standard of care in treating this condition.  Recovery to function will be much faster for your dog.  And if your dog would benefit from surgery but is unable to undergo anesthesia due to other health issues or you simply cannot afford it then acupuncture is a wonderful option for your dog!

For more information please always feel free to call 707-535-9979 or email us at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com.  If you are interested in full text PDF documents of the articles below just let me know.

References

1 Hayashi, A.M., Matera J.M., Pinto, A.C. “Evaluation of electroacupuncture treatment for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk disease in dogs” JAVMA Vol. 231, No. 6, September 15, 2007. Pages 913-918.

2 Joaquim, J. G., Luna, S. P., Brondani, J. T., Torelli, S. R., Rahal, S. C., Freitas, F. P. “Comparison of decompressive surgery, electroacupuncture, and decompressive surgery followed by electroacupuncture for the treatment of dogs with intervertebral disk disease with long-standing severe neurologic deficits” JAVMA Vol. 236, No. 11, June 1, 2010. Pages 1225-1229.

Golden Paste: Turmeric for Pets

You probably know turmeric as a common cooking spice.  Also known as Curcuma longa, this plant’s uses go far beyond your kitchen!   

Numerous clinical trials in dogs have shown the potential health benefits of turmeric.  It has shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory and is also a good pain reliever!  It has even been shown to have a positive effect on cancer cells.  If your pet has any inflammatory disease, arthritis or cancer you may want to give turmeric a try.

The active component in turmeric is called curcumin.  Taken alone, curcumin is not very bioavailable which means only a small amount actually gets absorbed into the bloodstream when taken orally.  By combining curcumin with piperine (a compound in black pepper) the bioavailability increases dramatically.

So how can you use turmeric for your dog’s health and make sure that it is available for the body to use?  In comes Golden Paste.  This whole food recipe, created by Dr. Doug English, an Australian veterinarian, is a wonderful way to safely incorporate turmeric into your furry friend’s holistic healthcare plan.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (125 mls/60gms) turmeric powder
• 1 cup water (250 mls) PLUS 1 cup water in reserve, if needed
• 1/3 cup (70 mls) Raw/Cold Pressed/Unrefined Coconut/Flaxseed-Linseed Oil, Virgin/Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2-3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Place turmeric and water in pan, stirring over gentle heat until you have a thick paste. This should take about 7-10 minutes and you may need to add additional water along the way.

Add the freshly ground pepper and oil AT THE END of cooking. Stir well (a whisk is ideal) to incorporate the oil and allow to cool.

The Golden Paste will keep for 2 weeks, refrigerated

Freeze a portion if you think you have too much to use within two weeks.

A good starting dose is 1/4 teaspoon two to three times daily.  Just add to your dog’s food!

PLEASE NOTE: Commercial turmeric capsules/pills that have high levels of curcumin are not recommended for use with animals.  That’s why we prefer the whole food recipe above.

Side effects are very uncommon with turmeric but there are a few circumstances where it would not be recommended for your pet.  Curcumin causes contraction of the gallbladder so it is contraindicated if your pet has gallbladder stones or bile duct obstruction.  Also use with caution in diabetic patients because it can lower blood sugar a bit.  Stomach ulcers and bleeding disorders are two other situations where turmeric is not recommended.  It can occasionally cause stomach upset and might slow blood clotting.  These effects are all very mild but if your pet has any of these conditions then turmeric would not be the best choice for them.

Further information can be found on Dr. Doug English’s website http://turmericlife.com.au/ as well as the Facebook User Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/415313751866609/

As always if you have further questions you can contact Dr. Kimberly Schmidt, owner and head veterinarian of Napa Valley Holistic Veterinary Services at 707-535-9979 or email her at kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com.

National Animal Hospice Day

In recent years, the field of animal hospice has grown, as an increasing number of people seek to provide a peaceful end-of-life experience for their companions. However, too often, pet parents are still forced to make difficult decisions about their pets’ final days without adequate information or preparation.

National Animal Hospice Day is a time to learn more about hospice and palliative care options for your four-legged family members so you have a better understanding about the resources that are available when they reach the end of their lives.

The animal hospice and palliative care process is unique in that it provides support for both pets and their caretakers. Families work with a hospice team that helps to ensure that all options are explored for the comfort and care of pets who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, debilitating condition or are nearing the end of their lives. The hospice team helps to guide decision making about pain management, mobility and nutritional needs and offers counseling to family members as they process their grief and spiritually prepare for the loss of their beloved companion.

If you are interested in learning more about hospice and palliative care for your pets, please contact us at 707-535-9979 or kschmidt@napaholisticvet.com.