Webvet Holistic Pet Care Feed

Webvet Holistic Pet Care Feed http://www.webvet.com/main/showArticles/page/8 This feed contains articles about Holistic Pet Care en-us Copyright 2009 Webvet, LLC 2009-11-07T07:20-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com Holistic Pet Care hourly Should your pet's diet go 'natural?' http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2110 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2110">Should your pet's diet go 'natural?'</a> As you scan the choices in your market's pet food aisle, you've no doubt noticed the labels promoting "natural" foods for dogs and cats. Natural pet foods are popular, according to a survey of 1,090 respondents conducted by Hill's Pet Nutrition, which makes Hill's Nature's Best, a natural product. But the pollsters also found confusion about what the term means.  To complicate your shopping and feeding tasks, veterinarians don't all agree that pets need "natural" formulas.First, the survey findings:<ul><li>A third of respondents say they feed their pet a natural food, the majority for health reasons, and about half choose the natural food based on ingredients.</li><li>More than half of respondents believe natural pet food is the best option for their pet's health.</li><li>More than half say they <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1582" target="_blank">read the label</a> before buying a pet food, but understanding the label or all of it is difficult for most who do.</li></ul>The survey answers trigger several other important questions, such as what constitutes a "natural" pet food and whether it beats out other types.<h4>What is a natural pet food?</h4>Guidelines for natural pet foods are made by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), says Kurt Gallagher, a spokesperson for the Pet Food Institute in Washington, D.C.  Among other requirements, the use of the term natural in reference to the food product as a whole is acceptable only when all of the ingredients meet the definition. Natural means none of the ingredients are chemically synthesized.The association does, however, make an exception when chemically synthesized vitamins, minerals or other trace nutrients are present in an otherwise natural food product if a disclaimer is used that these parts of the food aren't natural. In this case, the label would probably say: "Natural with added vitamins and minerals."If only some of the ingredients are natural, look for such labels as "natural cheese flavor."<h4>Is natural food a necessity? Three views</h4>There's no official policy or advice about natural pet food from the American Veterinary Medical Association, according to spokesperson David Kirkpatrick. Individual vets do have their opinions, however."Natural" means different things to different pet owners, finds Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital, Columbus, and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.  "If they mean raw food, I want to see the recipe," he says. If pet owners are asking about feeding their pets a diet labeled as natural from a commercial manufacturer that has years of experience making pet foods, he says: "Have at it."But he adds a caveat: Don't expect health miracles just because your pet is eating "natural" foods. "Natural pet foods are just another kind of pet food made available for people who are interested in those kinds of food," he says. "There's no evidence I am aware of [that] they are any different from the point of view of the health of the animals or that they are any worse."However, Heidi Hulon, DVM, a consultant for Hill's Pet Nutrition and a small animal practitioner in Louisville, Ky., sees benefit to natural foods--assuming the food lives up to its label claims as natural.If so, she says, "it provides complete and balanced nutrition, and it helps maintain ideal body weight when fed appropriately." Some kinds of natural foods include high levels of antioxidants, which help maintain cellular health, she says, by protecting cells from damage done by unstable molecules known as free radicals.In a nutshell: "The natural products are good, provided you know who the manufacturer is and they can confirm that the food follows the AAFCO guidelines," Hulon says. By Kathleen Doheny for WebVet By Kathleen Doheny for WebVet Holistic Pet Care Reiki therapy: Healing your pet with the 'universal life energy' http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2040 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2040">Reiki therapy: Healing your pet with the 'universal life energy'</a> I’m in a small pet supply store in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, a neighborhood of quaint brownstones, trendy restaurants and art galleries, and chic clothing stores. With me is Johanna Campbell, an Australian woman with blazing blue eyes, an infectious smile, and an uncanny way with animals. We’re seated cross-legged on the floor of one of the store’s cramped aisles. With us is Aldo, a seven-year-old cat who calls the shop home. As soon as Aldo sees Campbell, he greets her warmly and enthusiastically, licking her hands and arms, rubbing against her, eventually settling into a comfortable nest in her lap. Aldo is about to receive his twice-monthly dose of the “universal life energy” — or “Reiki” as it is known in Japanese — channeled through Campbell’s trained hands.<h4>Alternative therapies</h4>While the efficacy of “alternative”' medical therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal medicine, and homeopathy, is widely debated, their popularity has soared in recent years. Reiki is one of the more recent alternative therapies and, like the others, is now being applied to animals, both for disease treatment and general “wellness.”Reiki (pronounced “RAY-kee”) originated with the work of Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan in the 1920s. A compound of “rei” (spiritual) and “ki” (energy), Reiki is described by its practitioners as the “universal life energy” that flows throughout the universe and through all living things. Reiki practitioners and those who consult them believe that this energy can be channeled through the hands of the practitioner to others, thereby bringing about wellness and “balance” to those whom they treat, whether human or animal.<h4>Aldo responds</h4>As soon as Aldo settles into her lap, Campbell holds her hands just above his body, allowing him to touch her when he chooses, rather than petting him, as we are accustomed to doing with a cat. Campbell is focused entirely on Aldo, holding her hands in various positions and moving them occasionally, as Aldo moves. Whether it’s universal life energy or something else, it’s clear that Aldo is soaking it up. From time to time, he shifts position, almost as if to say “I need a little more over here, please.” Campbell responds by once again shifting her hand position, and Aldo again settles down.<h4>A new trend?</h4>Although Campbell limits her <a href="http://www.reiki4furkids.com/benefits_of_reiki.html" target="_blank">practice</a> to the treatment of animals in Manhattan, Reiki animal practitioners are now found in virtually every state as well as in a number of foreign countries.Kathleen Prasad, a pioneer in the use of Reiki for animals and founder of the Animal Reiki Source, emphasizes that Reiki is not intended as a substitute for conventional veterinary medicine: “We don't diagnose, prescribe, or perform medical treatments. Reiki is a support in addition to conventional veterinary medicine.”In fact, Prasad will be teaching a Reiki class to veterinarians at the upcoming annual convention of the <a href="http://www.ahvma.org" target="_blank">American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association</a> in October. Her <a href="http://www.animalreikisource.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Web site</a> is an excellent source of information on Reiki principles and practice in animals, and includes a directory of Reiki animal practitioners.<h4>Back to Aldo</h4>Aldo has shifted positions a few times, and Campbell has shifted her position to accommodate him. I have rarely seen a cat so seemingly relaxed, as Aldo gives himself over completely to Campbell’s attentions. Over a half-hour period, Campbell’s hands have hovered close to Aldo’s body, occasionally touching him, but only very lightly. Then, when—as Campbell put it—Aldo had “soaked up” as much Reiki as he cared to, he stood up, clearly finished with the session. Campbell and I said goodbye to him, and he quietly walked away.<h4>So, what's the verdict?</h4>WebVet does not provide veterinary advice or endorse or reject any particular therapeutic modality. We want you to be aware of what’s available. Because Reiki does not involve the administration of any drug, and only the gentlest physical contact with the animal, it would seem that, at worst, it is unlikely to do your pet any harm. As Prasad and Campbell both emphasize, however, it is not intended as a substitute for conventional veterinary treatment, but rather as an adjunct to it.So, if you choose the path of Reiki, look for a practitioner with animal Reiki experience with whom you—and your animal companion—feel at ease. And don’t forget: If your pet is ill, seek veterinary care first and use Reiki as an additional therapy. By Peter Lopatin for WebVet By Peter Lopatin for WebVet Holistic Pet Care Holistic medicine for your pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2060 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2060">Holistic medicine for your pets</a> Holistic medicine can improve your pet's health without chemicals or invasive processes. After having surgery to correct a herniated disk in his neck, Asko, a 115-pound German shepherd, couldn't walk. So, the dog's veterinarians took an integrative approach -- one that involved giving the canine traditional pain medications along with more holistic approaches, such as antioxidants, heat therapy, and massage. And it worked."It was so wonderful to see his owners' reaction when they called to Asko from our office lobby and he started walking to them,'' said Dr. Kim Danoff, one of the vets at the Veterinary Holistic & Rehabilitation Center (VHRC) in Vienna, Va., who treated Asko. This, Danoff and others agree, is the power of holistic medicine -- a more natural and less invasive approach than conventional therapies to treating and preventing illness. It's becoming a highly sought alternative for a growing number of pets and their owners. "When I first started my practice [almost 10 years ago], I mostly worked with older animals who were ready to die,'' said Karin Serejski, owner of Holistic Pets in Silver Spring, Md. But more and more owners are seeking alternative therapies for their pets in much earlier or more moderate stages of illness.<h4>From acupuncture to good nutrition</h4>While holistic practices can be varied, they do share a few common denominators: For one, they're decidedly less expensive than more invasive techniques like surgery. For another, they each aim to restore alignment between energy and body systems. Following are some of the most common methods:<h3>Acupuncture</h3>Acupuncture is derived from traditional Chinese medicine, and its practitioners insert tiny needles into "meridian'' points on the body that, once stimulated, release endorphins, enkephalins (substances that are  the body's natural pain killers), and other chemicals into the system. In turn, these substances can relieve pain, improve healing, strengthen the immune system, and increase circulation."I like acupuncture for pain relief more than anything else, especially for orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia and arthritis,'' said Danoff. "We've also had really good success using it to treat animals with gastrointestinal problems like poor appetite and motility, vomiting, and chronic bowel disease.''<h3>Reiki</h3>A Japanese healing method, Reiki moves energy from one life force to another by focusing on the seven chakras - or energy centers - close to major nerve branches in the body. When they're closed and out of alignment, it's a sign that the energy in that part of the body is either depleted or unbalanced. To restore it, practitioners place their hands over the spot and visualize the transference of healing energy. This promotes healing and relaxation, strengthens immunity, relieves pain, and prevents disease. "Reiki is great for hospice animals that just need to relax,'' said Danoff, adding that anything else would be too much because they've usually been through so much already.<h3>Chiropractic care</h3>Chiropractic care seeks to keep the vertebral bones of the spine in alignment and avoid subluxations. When the vertebrae are out of position, abnormal function can result and symptoms develop. (Some animals that have vertebral subluxations sit with their rear legs out to one side, appear uncomfortable or sensitive to touch, or show a change in coordination.) Chiropractic care can also provide alternatives for other conditions commonly treated with medications and surgery, such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. <h3>Massage</h3>Massage can be very relaxing for animals that have arthritis in multiple joints or trouble getting around, say experts. It works by improving blood flow and, in the process, reducing pain, improving circulation, decreasing anxiety and stress, and supporting the immune system. <h3>Nutrition</h3>Something more common, but no less powerful, is a nutritional approach to healing. At VHMC, for example, Danoff uses chinese food therapy to help owners best address their pets' nutritional needs. It dictates that all foods have an associated energy of hot, cold, or neutral. "If I'm treating an animal that's too hot, for example, as evidenced by red skin, panting, and a warm nose, I'll recommend cooler foods like turkey,'' she said, adding that chicken, lamb, and venison are hot foods.She also uses supplements - like Echinacea for immunity, ginger for stomach problems, and an herb called valerian for stress - to prevent and treat illness. <h3>Flower essences</h3>When introduced into the body, flower essences may have the ability to release past and present fears, traumas, and anxieties. "Everything in nature has a therapeutic value,'' said Serejski, who uses these essences to alleviate depression and memories of abuse. "And so does each plant and flower have medicinal properties that can heal the physical, emotional, and spiritual in the animal.''No matter what the approach, Serejski and Danoff agree: While holistic techniques can do wonders for animals, they are best paired with conventional therapies for the best results. By Jill Sherer Murray for WebVet By Jill Sherer Murray for WebVet Holistic Pet Care Going "organic": Making the right choices for your pet http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1985 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1985">Going "organic": Making the right choices for your pet</a> Going green is a trend that is spreading to pet care. You start with house cleaning products and recycling. Then you start working on <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1561" target="_blank" title="Organic pet food">organic food</a> and other things for your family of four. You think, "Wow, this is actually pretty easy...but what about Mable and Zoey, our 1-year-old Chow Chow dog and 4-year-old cat?" Where can you go to find green pet products? Again WebVet pulls through with a list of our favorite green pet products. <ul><li>Since you are feeding your family <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1562" target="_blank" title="Home-cooked food for your dog">organic meals</a> now, don't you think it’s time to start doing the same for your pets? After all, they deserve the best of the best. Now you can try <a type="amzn">organic pet food</a>, as well as organic pet treats. Preservative-free and packed with nutrients, organic pet food is a nice little treat that you know will be good for your pets.</li><li>Attention cat lovers: We’ve all heard of catnip, but have you heard of <a type="amzn">organic catnip</a>? Containing only the choicest parts of the catnip plant, organic catnip will make your cat "high" on life after you sprinkle some of it on its favorite toys.</li><li>Speaking of toys...yes, there are even <a type="amzn">organic pet toys</a>. You can find everything from plush, cotton dog toys to all-natural, organic catnip-stuffed cat toys.</li><li>Everyone, including your pets, loves a good night’s sleep. Now it can be even better with an <a type="amzn">earth-friendly pet bed</a>. These beds are made from the best organic cotton and fiber made from recycled plastic bottles. Your pet will be thanking you for the much nicer naps they will be taking.</li><li>One of the biggest parts of going green is reducing the amount of waste we produce every day. But what about the natural waste our pets produce? One way we can help out is by picking up after them. The second way we can help is by using <a type="amzn">biodegradable dog waste bags</a>. With these new flushable bags, you can reduce the waste you make by picking up your pet's waste. If you are skeptical that the bags are actually biodegradable, do an experiment and place the empty bag in a bowl of water to see if it disappears. If not, send the bags back!</li><li>If you're <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2024" target="_blank" title="DIY pet grooming">grooming your pet at home</a>, try some <a type="amzn">organic dog grooming products</a>. Your pup can have a totally organic bathing experience. This is especially good for dogs with sensitive skin, and will leave your pet feeling soothed and itchy free.</li><li>In order to avoid the harsh chemicals found in everyday cleaners, try an alternative for keeping your house clean and your pet healthy and happy. These <a type="amzn">organic floor cleaners</a> are non-toxic and pollutant and chemical free. </li><li>Many of the new <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1355" target="_blank" title="Using safe cleaning products for pets">organic cleaning products</a> tend to be deodorant free, but will that help remove pet stains and odors? Try an <a type="amzn">organic pet odor and stain remover</a>. Designed to remove even the nastiest of pet odor, these non-toxic formulas are safe to use around pets, plants and people.</li><li>If your pet likes to "clean up" after you clean up by licking cleaner off the glass table you just wiped down, try this <a type="amzn">organic glass cleaner. </a> </li><li>To keep you and your pet's dishes clean and safe, you can use <a type="amzn">organic detergent</a> that's harmless for pets who lick their bowls clean after a meal. </li></ul> By Corey Wetzel for WebVet By Corey Wetzel for WebVet Holistic Pet Care Holistic pet care overview http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1429 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1429">Holistic pet care overview</a> <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2124/med/0" target="_blank">Holistic pet care</a> can come in a variety of forms: A Siamese cat receives a prescription you might not expect for a life-threatening digestive disorder – acupuncture and nutritional counseling.An arthritic boxer regains his range of motion with underwater therapy and chiropractic care.Sound a little far-fetched?Before you raise a skeptical eyebrow, consider the story of Stone, a three-year-old Siamese who was diagnosed with severe megacolon (not uncommon in cats) as well as irritable bowel disorder.Stone’s desperate owners approached holistic veterinarian Barbara Royal, based in Chicago at the Royal Treatment Veterinary Spa, as a last resort because after nine months of medication and regular enemas, the cat’s condition had not improved at all.Royal quickly prescribed acupuncture. “I had to chase this particular cat around the room – I used a blow dart method of acupuncture around Stone’s digestive tract and liver. Acupuncture on the run!” Royal said. But, months later, after several acupuncture sessions, Stone was off all medications and eating (and pooping) normally. The now healthy Stone now comes in every eight weeks for a digestive “tune up.”<h4>Looking for alternatives</h4>Royal admits she was initially skeptical about holistic care methods for pets. Early in her practice, however, she was confronted with the limitations of traditional medicine while working with greyhounds, a breed so sensitive to medications, she often felt frustrated that so many routes of treatment were off-limits.That’s when Royal started looking for some alternatives.According to the American Association of Holistic Veterinarians, “The techniques used in holistic medicine are gentle, minimally invasive, and incorporate patient well-being and stress reduction.”To fully understand and appreciate holistic veterinary care, you might need to reverse your perspective on diagnosing “what’s wrong” with your pet.“I don’t limit myself to finding a diagnosis as much as I try to find all of the things that I can treat," Royal said. "In traditional medicine, you often rule things out in order to find one diagnosis. I start in just the opposite direction. I try to rule in what I can do…to help treat whatever they came to me for.”It’s an approach not only growing in popularity around the country, but improving (and saving) the lives of many animals.“I remember a boxer named Star, who was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, which is a slowly progressive disease that makes the animal unable to walk," Royal said. "Using my approach, I discovered the dog had severe arthritis in the knees, and so what was initially a life- threatening diagnosis became completely manageable with acupuncture, underwater treadmill therapy and supplements.” Star is now able to get up and down the stairs and the dog’s muscle mass went up three centimeters during three months of Royal’s treatment.Some of the more specific holistic pet care methods include:<ul><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1586" target="_blank">Acupuncture</a></li><li>Nutritional counseling</li><li>Vitamin and herb supplementation</li><li>Underwater treadmill exercise </li><li><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1409" target="_blank">Massage therapy</a></li><li>Chiropractic care</li></ul>Here are three things you might not know about holistic pet care for your pet:<ul><li>It can be suprisingly affordable: Though an initial consultation might look pricey, it can save you money in surgery and medication. Moreover, you are guaranteed a thorough analysis of your pet’s health. </li><li>It can work wonders: The overriding success of many alternative therapies is hard to dispute. In fact, Royal is frequently called upon by her local zoo. </li><li>Treatment is individual. Royal warns against buying 20 different herbs for your cat without careful consultation. Holistic treatment, like all medical treatment, is never one-size-fits-all. </li></ul>Royal, who started with 10 clients a decade ago, now serves more than 300 satisfied customers. Since then, holistic treatments, such as acupuncture, are gaining in popularity and acceptance. In fact, such services are now often offered by some traditional veterinary practices. With holistic care growing in the human population, it’s a trend that’s likely to continue for pets. By Kim Nagy for WebVet By Kim Nagy for WebVet Holistic Pet Care Healing the whole animal http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1427 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1427">Healing the whole animal</a> <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=2124" target="_blank">Holistic pet care</a> is an emerging trend in the pet health arena. “I recognized the need to look at things from the ‘whole’ perspective of the animal early on,” said Jean Dodds, a pioneer in the field of holistic veterinary medicine and founder of Hemopet, the largest animal blood bank in the country, headquartered in Garden Grove, Calif. “Now we can discuss holistic care openly. But back then, people used to scream at me and walk out when I lectured on the subject,” laughs Dodds. As acupuncture and nutritional guidance are increasingly referred to in many veterinarians’ offices, it seems clear that things have changed since 1959, when Dodds became one of the first women to attend The Ontario Veterinary College.<h4>Paving the way</h4>Dodds is a woman accustomed to charting her own course.The same veterinarian who launched the first non-profit blood bank for dogs is now opening a groundbreaking facility in holistic veterinary health and recovery, called the Restore Health Center. The multimillion dollar center (serving as the new headquarters for Hemopet) will offer alternative, transitional or emergency care for six to eight weeks for dogs and cats that are in the process of healing, but not yet ready to go home. The fact is that most veterinarians lack space for animals who are recovering from surgery or an accident. So, if your dog breaks his leg and you work full time, your options for care are extremely limited. And your cat may likely recover from surgery more quickly with on-site <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1586" target="_blank">acupuncture</a>, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and herbal medicine, as well as aromatherapy -- all offered at the Restore Health Center. The Center will also offer a home veterinary nursing service for those who might need additional help once their pets are finally able to come home. <h4>Seeing results</h4>Over the course of her career, Dodds has watched holistic methods heal animals with profound results. Consider the case of a shih tzu in her care, who was diagnosed with fatal non responsive bone marrow in 2005. Dodds prescribed the GARD diet (glutamate and aspartate restricted diet), which she had found to be particularly effective in animals with liver conditions and/or damage. After adhering to the diet for a year, it was no longer necessary for the now healthy dog to receive transfusions every three weeks. Though she is still securing funds for the cutting-edge project, Dodds believes the Restore Health Center will begin a long overdue trend around the country. “The whole world seems more aware of diet and nutrition, and they are increasingly aware of other treatment modalities, like chiropractic care and acupuncture,” said Dodds, who also predicts that there will be even stronger interaction between holistic and allopathic veterinarians in the future. Three holistic tips for pet owners:<ul><li>Keep your pet’s life as free of <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/2127" target="_blank">stress</a> as possible for optimal health. For instance, don’t leave them alone for too long during the day. </li><li>Remember that prevention and nutrition can improve the health of your pet. </li><li>More <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=98&med=1" target="_blank">vaccinations</a> are not necessarily better. “I’m not against vaccinations. I’m for the proper use of vaccinations,” said Dodds, who suggests asking your vet for a preventive care package, rather than scheduling too many vaccinations in one day. </li></ul> By Kim Nagy for WebVet By Kim Nagy for WebVet Holistic Pet Care A green career? Don't panic, just think organic http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1425 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1425">A green career? Don't panic, just think organic</a> Interested in a career with pets?  Starting your own <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1430" target="_blank" title="Eco-friendly pet careers">eco-friendly pet business</a> is tempting.   You look at the burgeoning environmental movement in the United States, and think to yourself, “Now that’s a trend for me.” Good money, growing pet market, socially responsible cachet, and maybe even a great pick-up line at the bar on Friday nights.But trying to harness the green trend in the pet career market isn’t the way to go, experts say.In fact, eco-pet business owners maintain that career-minded individuals should take a lifelong mindset – and not give in to the trendiness of green living – into the eco-friendly pet care market.“It’s no secret that people who want to get in to the <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1426/med/0" target="_blank" title="Green pet care business">green pet care</a><a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1426/med/0" target="_blank" title="Green pet care business"> business</a> should have the passion and business know-how to succeed,” said Gina Quiroga, co-founder of Olive Green Dog, an Austin, Texas, provider of healthful and <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1985" target="_blank" title="Green pet care products">environmentally conscious pet care products.</a> “But the last thing I think we are – and the last thing I would advise – is to try to cash in on the trend factor in green businesses. So our business model is pretty simple. We stock only high-quality dog products that are made to last and ensure responsibility when it comes to their environmental impact.”“It’s as much a business model as it is a green business model,” she said.<h4>Here to stay</h4>One thing’s for sure – the green pet care market, trendy or not, is here for the long haul.“I think the market for green pet professionals is large and getting larger,” said Ralph Rossdeutscher, president of Natura World, a natural bedding and sleep accessories manufacturer. As consumers grow more health conscious and seek the benefits of natural and <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1561" target="_blank" title="Organic pet food">organic goods</a>, the idea of living “green” benefits their pet, as well.Rossdeutscher said his own dog, Sheeba, an Afghan hound, sleeps on a “green” bed and reaps the same sleep benefits as the rest of the family.  “Americans are showing that they want the same environmentally sound benefits for their pets as they do for themselves,” he said.But Americans won’t sacrifice quality for living the green life – a fact that should not be lost on green pet career professionals. “Americans’ first concern is quality, added Rossdeutscher, “and that’s what people going into eco-friendly pet careers should know that matters most. So my advice to green pet professionals is to make sure that your product or service is just as good or better than what's already out there.” By Brian O'Connel for WebVet By Brian O'Connel for WebVet Holistic Pet Care Acupuncture goes mainstream for pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1586 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1586">Acupuncture goes mainstream for pets</a> Acupuncture for pets is becoming increasingly common. When Dr. Heidi Goss, DVM, was young, she watched her veterinarian uncle use acupuncture on patients that did not respond well to Western medical treatments.Veterinary medicine has evolved dramatically in a relatively short time. "Just 20 years ago we didn't give animals post-op pain relief. Now the demand for high-quality care for animals has progressed tremendously,'' Goss said.Now an integrative vet herself, Goss primarily practices Western medicine at the Quail Hollow Animal Hospital in Wesley Chapel, Fla., but turns to ancient Eastern practices when she doesn't get results. Speaking at the 2008 American Animal Hospital Association convention in Tampa, Fla., Goss said she frequently uses acupuncture to improve the quality of life in her geriatric patients. It is particularly useful for enhancing strength in the hindquarters, she said. Acupuncture lessens pain and provides "more mobility, more energy and a better appetite,'' she said.<h4>Gaining the trust of patients</h4>To the uninitiated, the insertion of needles into pets might seem painful or dangerous, but a well-trained veterinary acupuncturist can quickly gain the patient's trust. As many human patients have discovered, acupuncture might look painful but it usually is not and can bring about pain relief and relaxation. Goss personally attests to acupuncture effectiveness partly because of successful treatments of her own dog, Andie, a female Chow that is deaf. The treatments increased Andie's energy and well-being to the point where Goss has to run after her into the woods when the dog is chasing deer around the property.Before approaching her patients, Goss prepares herself by breathing, relaxing and getting centered. "If I go in there wound up like a clock they won't tolerate the needle,'' she said. "It's all energy medicine because you're a conduit passing healing energy. You can also pass nervous anxiety. I usually like the owners to stay in the room, but if they are very anxious I'll send them out,'' suggesting they take a break.<h4>Acupuncture defined</h4>Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body to release blockages and restore the flow of qi (pronounced "chee''), the vital energy or life force that can enable animals to heal themselves. "Dry needles'' (therapy with the needle itself) are frequently used, but another technique is electro stimulation, also known as electro acupuncture, when a mild electrical charge is conducted through the needles.The treatment is not limited to dogs. "You can do acupuncture on reptiles, birds, hamsters - any species,'' Goss said. It is especially beneficial for pain control in cats. "There are not a lot of pain meds for cats, and it's more challenging to get pain control in a kitty cat. Acupuncture is one thing we can offer that's safe,'' Goss said. In fact, acupuncture treatments have been documented back to the year 659 B.C. in China in the earliest veterinary acupuncture book, Bole's Canon of Veterinary Acupuncture.<h4>What ailments can be alleviated? </h4>Acupuncture can be used for a long list of ailments including arthritis, <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=63&med=1" target="_blank">kidney disease</a>, <a href="http://webvet.com/main/article?id=67&med=1" title="pet liver disease">liver disease</a> and "upset in the head,'' Goss said. It's not unusual for her to receive client requests for acupuncture rather than psychopharmacological treatments.According to publications by the Chi Institute in Fla., a school that offers the certificate of Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, clinical trials demonstrate that acupuncture is effective for the following:<ul><li>Musculoskeletal problems, including osteoarthritis, back pain, disc problems and degenerative joint diseases.</li><li>Gastrointestinal disorders, including vomiting, constipation, colic, gastric ulcers and diarrhea.</li><li>Neurological disorders, including <a href="http://webvet.com/main/article?id=88&med=1" target="_blank" title="seizure">seizure</a>, facial and radial nerve paralysis.</li><li>Chronic conditions, including asthma, coughing, skin problems, geriatric weakness, behavior problems, renal failure and Cushing's disease.</li><li>Acupuncture can also be used for disease prevention and performance enhancement. </li></ul>As East meets West in veterinary care, the range of options is expanding to improve overall pet health. By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet Holistic Pet Care DIY-massage therapy for pets http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1621 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1621">DIY-massage therapy for pets</a> Massaging your dog or cat can provide them comfort and health benefits if the massages are done correctly. Courses, manuals, videos – there are plenty of resources for anyone who wants to give a <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article/id/1409/med/0" target="_blank">massage to their pet</a>.Kim Shotola strongly urges pet owners to consult with their vets to make sure massage will be beneficial and not detrimental. “It’s very important to know what you can do and what you cannot do,” she said. “You never want to do more harm than good. Working with a vet can help minimize problems.”She says that for the most part, massage for a pet involves many of the same techniques used on people, including four basic techniques:<ul><li>Effleurage – long, slow strokes increase circulation and promote relaxation</li><li>Friction – promotes blood flow and prevents adhesions</li><li>Percussion – drumming with the fingers or hands</li><li>Petrissage – kneading in which the skin is lifted and squeezed.</li></ul>Shotola recommends placing the animal on a firm but comfortable surface. “The floor is fine; tables are not needed though special tables for pets are now being marketed,” she said. “Skip cushions or pillows.”<ul><li>Start with soft, slow strokes from head to tail.</li><li>Move to the head. Work various areas of the face using light pressure and using circular motions. Work gently and avoid abrupt movement.</li><li>Move to the neck, shoulders, and chest and increase pressure while sustaining circular movements. Gently gather loose folds of skin and stretch (petrissage).</li><li>When working on the spine, use the thumb and index finger to trace the length of the spine; however, work the long muscles on each side of the spine instead of directly on the spine. </li><li>Don’t forget the legs. Use gentle, circular strokes to work up and down.</li><li>Finish with the same long, slow strokes that began the massage. </li></ul>She also notes the importance of knowing what not to do when giving a pet massage:<ul><li>Don't press too hard, especially on the stomach. </li><li>Be careful with sensitive areas, such as ears.</li><li>Don’t force the massage on the pet. They’ll let you know when to proceed and when to finish.</li></ul>“You must be careful,” Shotola said. “For example, owners should never massage an animal that has low blood pressure, fever, poisoning, severe trauma, severe debilitation or pets that have gone into shock. Do not massage hot spots, tumors, infected areas, cuts or abrasions, surgical incisions or areas where the animal shows signs of discomfort or pain.”Pet massage is worth the effort. “It will improve their health and prolong their lives,” she said. “Those are pretty good reasons to do it.” By Chris Smith for WebVet By Chris Smith for WebVet Holistic Pet Care