 Fatty Acids May Improve Mobility In Osteoarthritic Dogs A series of recently published scientific papers have indicated that diets rich in fatty acids may reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis in dogs. Three papers published in the January and March editions of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association investigated the effects of feeding a diet supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on dogs with osteoarthritis, and all three papers concluded that the results were positive. In a paper titled "A multicenter study of the effect of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on carprofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis", a team from Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc's Pet Nutrition Center studied whether dogs with supplementation ended up receiving less of the anti-inflammatory drug carprofen. The dosage of carpofen was decided based on investigators' assessments of 5 clinical signs and owner assessments of 15 signs of osteoarthritis. In dogs with supplemented diets, the dosage of carprofen they received decreased significantly faster over the 12-week study period that in the control group. The team concluded that where dogs are receiving carprofen to reduce pain, a diet with increased omega-3 fatty acids will decrease the carprofen dosage required for alleviation of symptoms. In another paper, titled "Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs" and supported by Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc, researchers investigated the effect of food containing high concentrations of fish oil omega-3 fatty acids and a low omega-6–omega-3 fatty acid ratio on the clinical signs of osteoarthritis in dogs. According to the owners of dogs on a supplemented diet, their dogs had a significantly improved ability to rise from a resting position and play at 6 weeks and improved ability to walk at 12 and 24 weeks after starting feeding. In the third paper, titled "Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis", also supported by Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc, researchers investigated the effects of a food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis. The team concluded that dogs eating the supplemented food had improved weight bearing. All three papers appear to show that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids can bring a range of benefits, at least in the short-term, to dogs suffering from osteoarthritis. Dog owners can expect to see increased mobility, weight-bearing and more playful behavior in a relatively short period after beginning to feed a diet rich in fish oil omega-3 fatty acids. View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/fatty-acids-improve-mobility-in-osteoarthritic-dogs.htm Peridontal Disease in Dogs 03/04/2010
 Top 10 Dog Breeds Affected By Periodontal Disease To coincide with February's Pet Dental Month, new findings have been released which reveal the extent of dental problems in the dog population. Banfield's Applied Research and Knowledge (BARK) team has released new findings to help Pet owners maintain and improve the health of their dogs' teeth. Banfield's BARK team conducts ongoing research in the field of veterinary medicine based upon the data from the nearly 115,000 office visits to Banfield hospitals every week. The findings show that periodontal disease is the most common disorder affecting cats and dogs worldwide, and informal estimates put it's prevalence as high as 85%. Classified by the degree of deviation from healthy teeth and gums, the severity of dental disease is labeled by six stages, which is also supported by BARK findings. These stages range from mild plaque and gingivitis, to gingival recession and degradation of the periodontal ligament, to significant inflammation and loss of teeth. According to their latest findings, certain breeds are more predisposed to periodontal disease than others. The 10 breeds most predisposed to periodontal disease are as follows:
"All breeds need regular professional cleanings, but with regard to the top breeds at risk, professional dental cleanings and compliance with at-home care of the health of teeth and gums is especially crucial," said Jeffrey Klausner, DVM, MS, DACVIM, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Banfield. "Although dental disease can occur rapidly at any age, risk factors for developing periodontal disease in dogs can include increasing age, small breed size and neutering. Periodontal disease has also been associated with changes in a pets' kidneys, liver and cardiac functions - in short, unhealthy teeth can lead to an unhealthy pet in ways pet owners can't imagine." Banfield recommend that proper at-home preventive dental care should include feeding your pet a firm, kibbled food specially formulated to reduce tartar accumulation, use of specially-formulated hygiene chews and dental specific water additives. View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/top-10-dog-breeds-affected-by-periodontal-disease.htm Canine Melanoma Vaccine Gets Full Approval 02/25/2010
 Canine Melanoma Vaccine Gets Full Approval The first and only USDA-approved therapeutic vaccine for treatment of cancer in dogs has been announced. Merial has received full license approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for it's ONCEPT™ Canine Melanoma Vaccine. ONCEPT™ is descibed by Merial as a "breakthrough vaccine indicated in aiding in extending survival of dogs with stage II or stage III oral canine melanoma". Oral canine melanoma is a common yet deadly form of cancer. Dogs with stage II or stage III malignant melanoma typically survive for less than 5 or 6 months after diagnosis when treated with surgery along. When also treated with ONCEPT™, dogs survived for so long that 50% of dogs in the study were either still alive when the study was concluded, or died of other causes. Oral melanoma, which can be seen in any breed, is the most common malignant tumor of the dog's mouth, and can also be seen in the nail and footpad. This type of cancer is extremely aggressive and frequently spreads throughout the body. To date, the most common form of treatment has been radiation and surgery. "Canine melanoma spreads readily, and, unfortunately, existing treatments have not succeeded in controlling the disease," said Dr. Bob Menardi, a veterinarian and spokesperson for Merial. "ONCEPT™ is a new adjunct treatment option for dogs that have been diagnosed with this often fatal disease." The USDA issued a conditional U.S. Veterinary Biological Product License for ONCEPT™ in 2007. During the period of conditional licensure, ONCEPT™ was available to veterinary oncologists as Merial conducted additional research to further support the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The results of that research led to the full licensure of ONCEPT™. The vaccine will be administered via a Canine Transdermal Device, which delivers the vaccine without the use of a needle. "The Canine Transdermal Device makes administration of the vaccine easy and quick for oncologists and their patients, leaving one less worry for dog owners dealing with their pet's cancer treatment" said Dr. Richard Stout, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Bioject. "We are proud to work with Merial in bringing this breakthrough product to market." View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/canine-melanoma-vaccine-gets-full-approval.htm by Daphne Reid View Biography Does your dog have a weight problem? 02/15/2010
 Between 25 and 40 percent of dogs are considered obese or are likely to become obese. It is the most common nutrition-related health condition in dogs in our society. The primary causes of obesity are overeating and lack of exercise. Recent research shows that brands of dog food are not consistent, in calorie value and few dogs actually lose weight on dog foods sold for weight control. Doesn’t that sound familiar? Not unlike the situation (weight loss product)for their owners. The experts tell us it is all about portion control, cutting out the snacks and getting enough exercise, for overweight dogs to lose weight them maintain correct weight. No different than the best advice for us human owners J  Olives are not ideal food for dogs but they are not toxic to healthy dogs so are safe to grow in your shared with a pet, garden. Here is a list of some foods that may be safe for humans but may be food, toxic for dogs Shown here is EBay Item number: 300396227035 Item location:1072 Great Northern Highway Baskerville, Australia Posts to:Local pick-up only 1x Large Mission Olive tree– Value $40.00 - please note picture is for illustration purposes only, your plant will differ, all proceeds go to the Hope From Ashes charity to assist those rebuilding their lives after the Toodyay Fires of December 2009 1 large Mission olive tree – Value $40.00 This variety resulting from the olive farming practiced by 21 missions, spread from San Diego to Sonoma and is appropriately named “The Mission”. The majority of Mission olives are grown and picked for consumption rather than oil production. It’s a medium sized oval fruit whose skin is deep purple that dramatically changes to jet black when ripe. ( value $40) Olives are a part of the highly recommended Mediterranean diet for humans. Olives are also a part of the not so healthy fatty take away food culture and then there is the diet industry culture , does nutrisystem work, which thankfully dogs don’t get so involved with, they are usually content with the same healthy meals eaten to a regular schedule and a walk and play to maintain their fitness.I had an apricot tree once and I did not pick up the fallen fruit. If fermented, my poodle ate it, got drunk. Indeed, she was a nasty snarly drunk, poor dog. I now pick up all fallen fruit off the ground. Weight Loss Pet Foods Not Consistent 02/03/2010
 By Daphne Reid View Biography Weight Loss Pet Foods Not Consistent A recent study has indicated that weight-control diets for pets have different calorie densities and recommended intake, and that in most cases pets will not lose weight or will actually gain weight if owners follow the labels' feeding guidelines. With almost 50% of domestic animals being overweight or obese, weight-loss diets are becoming increasingly popular in the pet food industry, and this is illustrated by the choice available to consumers. A new study, carried out by Lisa M. Freeman, professor of nutrition, and Deborah E. Linder, DVM, of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and published in this month's Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, indicates that these diets will have varying results for pets. The study examined nearly 100 commercially available diets with weight management claims. Among the report's findings is that dry dog foods range in calorie density from 217 to 440 kilocalories per cup (kcal/cup) and a recommended intake that ranged from 0.73 to 1.47 times the dog's resting energy requirement. The diets also varied wildly in price - from 4 cents to more than $1.10 per kilocalorie. Similar findings were made in wet dog food (189 to 398 kcal/can) and cat food (235 to 480 kcal/cup) marketed for weight control. "There is so much information - and misinformation - about pet foods, it's understandable that people are confused about what to feed their dogs and cats," said Freeman. "To counteract these myths, people are accustomed to turning to the labels on food - but, as this study shows, packaging might not always be a reliable source of information." Under federal guidelines, pet foods labeled with the "lite", "light" or "low-calorie" designations must provide the caloric content, and must adhere to a maximum kilocalorie per kilogram. More than half of the foods evaluated in this study exceeded the maximum. Based on feeding recommendations of these brands, most of the diets would not lose weight or would actually gain weight if owners adhered to the labels' feeding guidelines. View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/weight-loss-pet-foods-not-consistent.htm February is Pet Dental Health Month 02/02/2010
 February is Pet Dental Health Month Veterinarians say that while most people brush their teeth every day, very few pet owners brush their pets' teeth as frequently. February is Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Pet Dental Health Month is designed to teach pet owners that proper dental hygiene is just as important for their pets as it is to them. "Sure, eating hard, crunchy food does minimize plaque in your pet's mouth but giving Fido dog biscuits everyday isn't going to do anything but make him put on weight. The truth of the matter is that pets require daily dental care the same way we do. So take your pet to the vet and have their teeth checked out at least twice a year. You'll be glad you did and so will your pet!" says Debbie Bailey, a veterinary technician for 15 years and writer for PetPeoplesPlace.com. The AVMA's president, Dr. Larry Corry, says that most people have no idea that dental health is so important to their pets, and that periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. The AVMA recommends a 3-step plan towards good pet dental hygiene, starting with taking your pet for a dental check-up with your veterinarian. Secondly, you should begin a good dental regimen at home, and lastly you should schedule regular dental check-ups. "Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums, is incredibly common in pets, and it can be quite serious," explains Dr. Niemiec, a board certified veterinary dental specialist. "It's estimated that by the age of two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal infections have been linked to diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and other life threatening disorders. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is by regularly brushing your pet's teeth and by regularly visiting your veterinarian." View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/february-pet-dental-health-month.htm Best Dogs For Children With Allergies. 01/30/2010
 Indigo makes friends with children everywhere we travel. Dogs and Children usually love each other’s company. However, some children are allergic to the dander in the skin of double-coated dogs and even their hair The good news is, not all dogs have a double coat. The undercoat of most dogs is an annual coat that moults off each year. This creates a lot of skin shedding, or dander, and this dander rather than the actual shedding hair, is the main cause of most allergies to dogs. The topcoat is more like human hair in that it grows t maturity over several years then sheds gradually. There are breeds of dogs most children can be around without causing any health issues and allergies. Even though each person is unique and different, it depends on your child's body and type of allergy, which breed will be the best for him/her, but here are a few general guidelines. Dogs with less hair are much better for allergic people - especially children. It is simply because they shed less fur. Also dog breeds that have shorter hair or a thick single coat are more in the hypo-allergic group, so safer for allergic children. Hair-less dog breeds:
Our Indigo, adores children and will be missing their company soon as a family she plays with were looking at florida hotels , last time she visited, as they were planning a trip to Disney land. Indigo will not miss children’s company for long. We are planning the next phase of our, Australian tour and when we travel, she is an irresistible magnet for children and gets lots of children’s company. Disability Assistance Dogs. 01/30/2010
 Indigo is alert if she is needed to be on carer duties. What are disability assistance dogs? "A dog providing assistance to a person with a disability". While most of us have heard the term "guide dog" or "seeing eye dog", there are many more types of assistance for which a dog will be trained. · Guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired. · Hearing dogs (sometimes referred to as "signal" dogs) for deaf or hearing impaired persons detect everyday sounds such as door bells, alarm clocks, smoke alarms, timers, telephone or a crying baby. · Social or Therapy dogs, whose work is to effect a change in the person's emotional or psychological state. · Seizure dogs who detect when a person is going to have a seizure (yes, even before a seizure actually occurs). · Service dogs performing physical tasks such as pulling a wheelchair, retrieving dropped items, turning on a light switch or opening a cabinet door I have had some experience training disability assistance dogs, as I was a Seeing Eye dog trainer with the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School. The role entailed the care and training, of the dogs. Then the training, of the new owner, to know how to interact with, care for and work as a team member, with the dog. I bought Indigo, for the role of and to train as a disability assistance dog, for my husband. She goes to bed with him as a companion if he is unwell during the day, she barks, if I am needed. She will not allow Reg to go out the front of our home without her, and she demands that he not go very far away from me. Indigo’s role as a disability care dog, is subtle, not over obvious to others, but it is very obvious to me, and useful. Dementia care dogs are becoming more common, but because I trained Indigo myself, she is not, officially recognised, as a care dog and so she gets no special privileges to allow her to go places where only officially recognised care dogs are allowed and it is illegal to claim a dog is an official care dog, if they are not. It is sad that home trained care dogs, cannot be recognised and receive, access with the owner, privileges to more places. People who have their claim for disability insurance and benefits disallowed can seek expert help to make a disability appeal. I have sometimes wondered if there was anything like that, where I could appeal the law that currently says that only a particular association can train a dementia care dog. Pilbara Pup 01/30/2010
 Mt Bruce, Pilbara, Western Australia. One of my favourite places, to camp with the dog and explore has been the gorges that are not off limits to dogs, those adjacent to but not in, the Karijini National Park, in the Pilbara. Just stay well away for Wittenoom and do not fall for the story that it is safe to go there. The area in and around Wittenoom is heavily contaminated with blue asbestos fibres. Exposure to these fibres presents a public health risk that could result in mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis. "Travelling in the area should be avoided." More information can be found at www.wa.gov.au/wittenoom Government of Western Australia Department of Local Government and Regional Development Tel: ( 08 ) 9217 1406 Fax: ( 08 ) 9217 1555. When touring with a dog, remember that humans have their noses a lot further away from the soil than your pet, soil hazards can affect your pet a lot sooner that they will you as they love sniffing around the ground. | Kathy Shell on Facebook If you enjoy Indigo's blog, would you please vote for her blog in the link below. :-), Thank you
 Kathy Shell
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