Omega FA have been a topic of health for some time now.  We hear about these miracle components found in certain oils in regards to human health, but are they actually good for dogs and do they need to be added to our dog’s diets?  Yes and Yes.

There are some commercial brands of food who claim to have omega FA in the food.  The important thing to understand is how it is derived in the food and at what ratio the Omega 3 and Omega 6 are found.  Most pet foods have large amounts of Omega 6 and therefore need to be supplemented with Omega 3.  The ratio needs to be at 5 omega 6 to 1 Omega 3.  Most pet foods have a 20:1 ratio.

Both types are beneficial and necessary for the health of our pets.  However, omega 6 is known to be pro inflammatory.  Some inflammation is a good thing and necessary, especially when fighting certain disease, but many of our pets are actually suffering from conditions which are caused by excess inflammation in the body.  Omega 3 are know to be anti-inflammatory in nature, and therefore, when omegas are given at an appropriate ratio, the pet is going to benefit from both the needed inflammation and the anti inflammatory effects provided.

Commercial dog foods are created by cooking at very high heats. The oils would be destroyed if placed in the food before cooking, therefore the oils are sprayed onto the cooked kibble before packaging.  If fed within the dates provided on the bag, this is effective, but many times owners buy food marked down in price thinking they are saving money. This food is typically marked down because it is about to go out of date, and once the sell by date is passed, the oils will often be rancid.  This means the oils and Omegas will no longer be effective and the taste and safety of the food is questionable.

When supplementing with Omega you can choose different oils.  For Omega 6 you can use safflower oil, canola and sunflower oil. Olive oil is also a good choice.  For Omega 3 the best option is “wild” caught salmon oil.  If you have a source that does not say wild caught, the oil is being extracted from the flesh of farm raised fish which are typically full of heavy metals. It is important to remember that it is the fish body oil, not liver oil (as in cod liver oil) which is the source of Omega 3.

Flax seed oil can also provide a source of Omega 3, but the body has to convert the omega 6 to omega 3.  Humans are capable of doing this efficiently, but dogs are not as efficient.  Therefore, this is not the first choice.

Another oil we often hear about being a miracle oil is coconut oil.  Some animals may benefit from the shorter chain fatty acids which can be quickly absorbed for energy, but overall it does not have the effects most state it has.

I hope this has been a beneficial posting.  The main points to remember are a 5:1 ratio of Omega 6:3. That omega 6 are pro inflammatory and omega 3 are potent anti inflammatories and that most commercial foods have a 20:1 ratio of omega 6:3 therefore we need to supplement Omega 3 oils in the diet.

I recently saw a news report on Rimadyl and the “death” of a golden retriever after recieving this drug post surgery.  I, like everyone, am heartbroken at the loss this pup. I do, however, feel all the facts were not given. I have been using Rimadyl for over 20 years, as well as many of the other NSAID we have available for veterinary medicine.  Like any drug, or chemical (and yes, that can be a plant) there is always a small percentage of animals or humans who may have an adverse reaction.  There is no way of predicting who these individuals may be but there are precautions we take, especially for any animal on chronic use.

How many of you know someone, or are someone, who is allergic to peanuts?  Some peanut allergies are so severe these indivuals cannot even consume a product manufactured in the same plants as peanuts.  Do you hear a shout out to ban all peanuts, or that peanuts are deadly and killing us and therefore those growing or selling peanuts should be burned at the stake? NO!  Or how about bees?  I know many who are deathly allergic to bees but I don’t see Bees being proclaimed as dangerous (other than the overly aggressive Killer Bees).  What I am trying to get you to see is how we have created this false sense of safety with “all natural” remedies vs. the evil pharmaceuticals.  Any drug, synthetic or natural, has the ability to elicit an adverse reaction in you or your pet.  So when you take a remedy, do so with caution and awareness.

The typical adverse reactions you may see with Rimadyl or NSAID use is vomiting or diarrhea secondary to an upset GI Tract.  As soon as you notice this, discontinue useage.  Worse case scenario is a severe reaction where the kidneys or Liver are affected.  The way we avoid this is to ALWAYS perform lab work before use of this medication and every six months for those pets using these medications chronically.  If we see elevated liver or kidney enzymes, we will either not use the drug or discontinue use.  In 20 years, the only time I have seen a significant adverse reaction was if a dog consumed several times the dose he should recieve.

I am a proponent of integrative medicine, in other words, the use of both western and eastern or holystic methodologies.  And I have great sucess when I combine these two.  But at times we absolutely need our pharmaceuticals because that is the quickest most effective way to relieve pain or reduce life threatening swelling.  It is very important for everyone to remember, before western medicine came into existence many more people  died from terrible disease and infection. It has it place and when used appropriately, is very effective and safe.

Food therapy?  What does that mean exactly?  When I speak of food therapy I actually mean just what it sounds like, using food to treat or prevent illness in our pets.  What is the most basic need for health in any living thing?  Quality nutrition which can be easily consumed and absorbed and then properly assimilated by the body.  For years, before commercial diets were available, most families fed the pets the same food they were eating. Usually a home cooked meal consisting of home raised meats, veggies and grains. And the reality is, at least in the area of nutrition and chronic disease, these pets were healthier than they are today.

Obesity was not an issue 75 years ago, cancer was less common, chronic allergies and auto immune diseases were not common place as they are today.  Now some of this is because we have better diagnostic skills and actually look for these issues, but much of it is in direct correlation with feeding our pets highly processed, convenient food.  Just look around yourself at your human counterparts.  Obesity, diabetes, raging heart disease and cancer is rampant, and I believe we can also correlate much of this with the highly processed, unhealthy diets most americans consume day in and day out.  Too high in simple carbohydrates (kibble for your pets) and processed.

My method is simple.  Each animal is an individual with individual needs.  This is where it gets difficult.  When feeding a maintenance diet, it is pretty easy to create a nicely balanced food for all in the house.  But many pets are suffering from problems, and those animals need to be fed a diet specific for their problems.  And as the issues begin to resolve, the diet needs to be adjusted.  The biggest hurdle we face is getting clients on board.  Most of us are basically lazy and we would prefer to scoop a helping of kibble out of a container rather than cook for our pets.  I hear it all the time, “I don’t cook much for myself, I’m not gonna cook for a dog”.  My answer is two fold. You should cook more for yourself, but I do understand the increased work load.  And, if you have a pet and you want them to be healthier you may have to make some adjustment and sacrifices.”  We have chosen to bring these pets into our homes, have indicated we are willing to care for them financially and otherwise.  So step up to the plate and honor your choice, otherwise I would encourage you to not have an animal.

If you want more info regarding food as therapy, stay tuned.

There is a great need for pain control and treatment in our pet populations.  Anyone who has ever suffered from chronic pain understands how it can affect your life, in every way.  When we humans hurt, we are able to express this in a manner others can understand and we seek help and relief.  Most of the time owners do not recognize or understand their pets are actually suffering much more than it appears on the surface.

Most dogs and cats as they age, just like humans, begin to suffer the effects of osteoarthritis.  This is a very painful condition and often causes a decrease in activity, which results in weight gain, more decreased activity, more pain….. in  a vicious cycle.  One of the easiest and best things we can do for these pets is get the weight off and keep them exercising, again, no different than you or me.  But in the cases of some of these pets who are in chronic pain and relying on anti-inflammatory drugs to control the pain, we have an incredible option.  Stem Cell Therapy!  It is 100% safe, no side effects or adverse reactions and has very noticable results quickly.

What is it and how does it work?  Stem cells are the most basic cell our body produces.  Given the right signals by chemicals or hormones in the body, these cells can become any cell the body may need for repair or to decrease inflammation.  A stem cell can become a bone cell or liver cell or kidney cell and on and on.  Mostly, at this time, we are using Stem Cell Therapy to treat pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthirits, but every day we are learning more new and exciting applications for this therapy.

It is simple, minimally invasive and highly effective.  We collect a small sample of fat from our pets either from the side of the chest behind the elbow or from the abdomen.  The fat is then mascerated and treated with enzymes which help seperate the stem cells from the fat.  From there we activate the stem cells and they are injected either directly into an affected joint, intravenously or both.  It is minimally painful, a same day procedure and you and your pet will be thrilled with the results.

I have been using stem cell therapy for a little over a year and I do not have one patient who has not seen dramatic reduction in pain and return to a more comfortable life.

I, like most ,people, like a good bargain.  But I also believe that you get what you pay for.  When it comes to your health and the health of your pets, do you really feel choosingyour doctor based on the lowest price is the  smartest option?  Though the financial cost of medical care must be a consideration, it should never be the sole reason behind choosing a veterinary practice.  If the services being offered are considerably cheaper than other practices in town, their is probably a reason.

My main concern is keeping your pet healthy.  In order to do so, I have to build a relationship with both my client and my patient.  If I never see you untiil your pet is either very ill or very old, there may be little I can do to improve the state of their health and medical care can become very expensive.  On the other hand, if my clients create a working relationship with me, and we create a wellness plan for your pet together, everyone is bound to win.

I believe in practicing quality medicine, keeping up on the latest in medical (both eastern and western philosophie)s practices, having up to date equipment to give the best diagnostic value I can.  I also make sure I keep my prices reasonable.  But if I drop my prices below cost of operation, then we will not be here to service our community.  So here is my challange to you, if it sounds to good to be true it probably is.  If prices are very low, important things such as pain control after or during surgery may be left out.  If vaccines are being given without an exam how can the veterinarian find problems early?  It is a matter of spending a little more up front to have the peace of mind your pet is being cared for as you would hope your doctor would care for you.

I am unwilling to practice medicine in this manner.  I believe in actually seeing and touching the animals who walk in my door.  I will not participate in Vaccine clinics as I feel it is a disservice to the animals in my care.  Our pets cannot talk to us, they often hide their pain and their illness.  And when you see them everyday it is hard to see the subtle changes which may be occuring.  So here is what I ask of you and recommend to all my clients.  Pets should be seen a minimum of once a year and as they become older at least twice a year.  Vaccines need to individualized for the pet and the pets needs ( a vaccine clinic will not do that), dental cleanings should be performed every 12-14 months, and nutrtion needs to be one of the first things addressed when creating a wellness plan.  I have many other recommendations, and they are always created to meet the needs of each individual pet.  If this is something that resonates with you, then please give us a call.  If your only concern is how cheap we can treat your pet, then I am not the doctor for you.

To the wellness of your pet and to your peace of mind.

I believe most of us have no idea  what questions we should be asking veterinarians in order to decide if they are the right doctor for us and our pets.  How do you decide if your doctor is giving you the care you and your furry friends deserve?  Is it based on price, service, location?  Have you ever even asked yourself this question?  Well you should be making your decision based on important information about the veterinarian and their practice style.

5 questions every individual should ask their vet:

1. Does the veterinarian require or recommend Lab work (blood work) before any anesthetic procedure?  I believe if a veterinarian asks you, the layperson, to make this medical decisoin,  then walk away.  It is our job, as the professional with the medical expertise and experience, to make that call.  A good veterinarian should always be taking every precaution to minimize the risk of any medical procedure. Therefore, bloodwork before any anesthetic procedure should be required not suggested.

2.  What is the length of appointments:  I believe no appointment (other than a brief recheck or booster appointment) should be less than 30 minutes.  Shorter appointment times do not allow for proper evaluation of the patient, adequate time to educate the client, or the time needed to develop a relationship with the client and the patient.

3. Are  Intravenous Fluids administered to patients under anesthesia?  Again, if a doctor either does not do this or leaves it up to you to decide, then they are not taking every precaution to minimize risk.  One of the most common adverse affects of anesthesia is loss of blood pressure.  I V fluids help to alleviate this issue and gives the doctor immediate access to a vein if an emergency should arise.

4.  Does the veterinarian provide pain medication to every surgery patient in need? (IE: post surgical, injury, osteoarthritis, etc.)  If a doctor

indicates pain medication is  a bad idea because pain will keep an animal less active after surgery or injury, then choose another veterinarian.  This is a ridiculous and old-fashioned thought process, and we have a great deal of information telling us pain control helps animals heal faster and with fewer long term complications.  Animals feel pain, whether they show it in a manner we recognize or not, and they should not have to recover from injury, old age, or surgery without the benefits of good pain control.

5.  Ask if they are open to alternative therapies.  Even though the doctor you choose may not actually practice any alternative medicine, if they are open to other options it is a good indicator they are forward thinking and will want the best for your pet.

And in closing, if you are choosing a veterinarian strictly on price, please remember every practice is different and you are never comparing apples to apples.  Even if you are price shopping something like a spay or neuter.  If there is a large difference in pricing, there is a reason and you always get what you pay for.  Do you really want to choose a veterinarian on who is the cheapest?  The one who will suffer is your pet, and possibly your pocketbook.  Because with cheap there comes a price.

For millenia, the dogs and cats of the world were often treated with home remedies when in need of medical care.  For food they hunted or ate whatever the family tossed their way, which often depended on what part of the world they lived in.  Could be fish, eggs, milk, meaty bones, or whatever else came their way.  Most of this “food” was raw when consumed, fresh and locally grown.  Along came the 20th century, the industrial revolution, and small family farms were replaced by large scale agricultural facilities and conveniently packaged and processed food.  Food that was shipped from hundreds, even thousands of miles away, was often frozen, refrigerated or cooked if not placed in chemical preservatives.  And pets began to eat grain based commercial diets.

At the same time home remedies began to replaced by western Medicine and the health care of animals began to change.  I need to make on point clear, I am a western trained small animal veterinarian, and I believe in the value western medicine offers.  I also believe there are often other methods of medical care we can utelize which is often as effective or at times, more so.  I believe in order to offer the best medical care to our patients and clients, it is in everyone’s best interest to use integrative medicine.  Raw diets, herbals, acupuncture and acupressure, homeopathy, and many other methods have been used with great success.

Aromatherapy, the healing use of essential oils and hydrosols is a more recent addition to our tool chest.  It is increasingly popular because it is so versatile.  We can use it with or in combination with other conventional, alternative, complementary or holistic treatments.  And even more importantly, it works.

It is very important to point out that, like other medicianl modalities, aromatherapy can be dangerous if used incorrectly.    The highest quality essential oils must be used, they must be diluted and they must be used appropriately.  And I am able to offer the use of essential oils in a safe and effective method.

I am quite certain some will read this and think I have lost my mind.  Though that may be true in certain areas of my life, it is not true in regards to aromatherapy.  As in the human world, there are very valid reasons to consider the use of aromatherapy with high grade essential oils. The area I want to address today is in regards to use in animals who suffer from anxiety and stress.  I see this daily in my practice and I have been looking for ways to help these animals without having to resort to such drugs as prozac or other anti depressants.

I often use lavender for those animals who seem overly stressed or frightened. We either a very small amount on the tips of the ears and bridge of the nose or use a plug in in the rooms.  I have lavender has a calming effect and makes the animals a bit more relaxed.  It allows me to examine them and seems everyone enjoys the benefits, including the owners and myself.

I also recommend lavender for travel.  If you place a small amount on a cloth or cotton ball in the car or kennel with the animal, it seems to help them relax.  It is important to remember quality counts.  And when you have quality oils very little is needed to get good effects.  I also want to remind everyone that just because it is safe in humans, some oils may not be safe on animals, especially cats. So please consult someone who has experience with this before you apply or use.

When we talk about therapeutic nutrtion, we are recommending the use of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and phyto-nutrients to help the body’s immune system and healing systems.  What does this do?  It allows us to help the body help itself, to heal itself and possibly even change or stop a disease in it’s tracks.  Today, more and more people are seeking ways to keep their body strong and healthy and they want the same options for their pets.  And those options are available.

Therapeutic nutrition can be used as a preventative measure.  As I have stated so many times, it is better to keep the body strong than it is to try to correct  the damage once disease has taken hold.  With therapeutic nutrition we have the tools to help reduce inflammation and correct deficiencies and imbalances in the body before they create a disease process.

Many of us have heard the word “Neutaceutical” but perhaps uncertain of the definition.  As I know it, neutraceutical means nutrients which have a therapeutic effect on the body. Therapeutic nutrition action focuses on  the intracellular and intercellularspaces.  These are not meant to address symptoms or disease, rather they are meanit to feed and fuel the cells of the body, using or calling upon the cells” inherent ability to heal itself and maintain a state of homeostasis.

For years I have practiced strictly western, evidence based medicine.  And understand, I believe it is important and necessary in many instances.  But I believe there is a better way to practice medicine.  And that way is what we call integrative.  What this means is we don’t depend on one style of medicine to treat all animals.  Just like you and I, they are individuals and should have their needs met with individualized care.

Currently I have started utelizing methods such as Chinese herbals, Acupuncture, exercise and rehab therapies.  By using these tools, in conjunction with western medicine, I feel I  can better serve my patients. Integrating different methods allows me to create individual preventative or treatment plans for your pets.

Have you ever wondered if there was a better way to treat a pet or in which to keep them healthy?  Most veterinarians, as well as MD, are taught western medicine.  But we know that other forms of care exist and are effective.  It is important to realize that in order for a Veterinarian to become proficient in other styles of medicine, they must take outside classes, at their own expense.  But a doctor willing to do this is likely interested in giving your pet the best possible care available.  So if you are interested in more than one way I recommend you seek out a veterinarian who is open to multiple styles of medicine.