Can complementary therapies help your pet? Here's how to integrate them safely

By Kim Campbell Thornton

When pets are sick, it's often tempting to turn toward treatments that are considered "natural." Concerns about side effects of drugs, fear that a pet will die under anesthesia or worries about the cost of a procedure can all drive people toward treatments or remedies that seem safer or less expensive, even if there's not much science behind them.

We're here to remind you that modern veterinary medicine is safe and advanced. If your pet has cancer or another illness or needs surgery or treatment for an infection, conventional treatments are better. And just because something is natural doesn't mean it can't be harmful or that it's a cure-all.

That said, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM for short) can help to support conventional treatments or improve a pet's quality of life. Such treatments include acupuncture, herbal medicine, low-level laser treatments, massage and nutraceuticals such as glucosamine-chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Acupuncture stimulates the release of beta endorphins. It can relieve pain and nausea and has helped dogs with cancer pain. It can also be useful for the aches of arthritis or recovery after surgery when used in conjunction with pain medications.

Milk thistle is recognized for its value in helping manage liver disease. It works so well that most veterinarians consider it an accepted part of treatment.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements appear to reduce joint pain, with the added advantage of rarely causing side effects. High levels of fatty acid supplements may have anti-inflammatory effects and help relieve allergies.

But before you decide to try a natural medicine on your pet, examine it with the same investigative zeal you would any other medication or treatment. Start with your veterinarian.

Ask your veterinarian how conventional and complementary approaches compare when it comes to treating your pet's condition. If your veterinarian isn't familiar with a therapy, consult a holistic veterinarian. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association has listings on its website. Even if there's no one in your area, you and your veterinarian may be able to set up a phone consultation.

Be aware that CAVM can take time to work. Don't try a treatment for a week or two and expect to see any benefit. You may not see results for several weeks or months.

Consider the potential risks and benefits of any approach, taking into account safety and quality of life. Will a complementary therapy actually help your pet, or will it simply make you feel better because you're giving something "natural"? It's better to address the problem effectively, even if that means using conventional treatments. But if the standard treatment offers little benefit, you and your veterinarian may decide that a nontraditional option offers better quality of life. Every situation is different.

Some nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and herbs such as milk thistle have been evaluated in animals, but most herbs given to pets haven't been tested for safety or effectiveness. Be sure that any therapy you are considering can be safely used in animals, especially if you have a cat. Just because something has been used safely in dogs or humans doesn't mean it will be safe to use in cats.

It's also important to avoid negative drug interactions. Like drugs, herbs work by causing biochemical reactions, and they may interfere with other medications your dog or cat is taking. Always tell your veterinarian about any supplements or herbs you are giving your pet.

Avoid any practitioner who claims that CAVM is always better than traditional veterinary medicine. That's not true, but it can have benefits and can be an important part of your pet's veterinary care when used appropriately.

Q&A

Cats at low risk

for avian flu

Q: Can cats really get bird flu? How does that happen? Is it from eating birds? -- via Facebook

A: The strange but true answer is yes, cats can become infected with avian influenza, although their risk of contracting the disease in the United States is currently considered very low, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Avian influenza infections in cats appear to be associated with outbreaks in domestic or wild birds by way of eating raw meat infected with the virus. No evidence shows that cats play a sustained role in transmitting the virus, the AVMA reports, noting, "There have been no known cases of human avian influenza [AI] resulting from exposure to sick cats, and there have been no outbreaks of AI among domestic cat populations."

If you find your cat with a dead bird or know that he has eaten a dead bird, don't worry too much. According to the international Food and Agriculture Organization, transmission of avian influenza to a cat from a dead bird is extremely rare. To be on the safe side, though, talk to your veterinarian and consider quarantining your cat for seven to 10 days if AI is known to be in your area.

To decrease your cat's potential exposure to AI, keep him indoors to prevent contact with wild birds that may be infected with the virus. If your cat is sick or becomes sick within two to five days of exposure to a dead bird, take him to the veterinarian right away. Signs of AI (and other respiratory diseases) include fever, listlessness, conjunctivitis or difficulty breathing.

Finally, even if avian influenza isn't a concern, always practice smart pet hygiene. Wash your hands after handling animals, disinfect surfaces regularly, clean and disinfect food and water dishes, and don't get up close and personal with pets who are coughing, sneezing or wheezing. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

What's your state's

pet health record?

-- The research team BARK (Banfield Applied Research and Knowledge) analyzed data from nearly 2.8 million pets seen at Banfield hospitals across the country. Here's some of what they found. In Oregon, one in 24 dogs is diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Minnesota has the highest rate of pet obesity: 41 percent of dogs and 47 percent of cats. (They must be packing on the pounds for those harsh winters.) Mississippi has the highest prevalence of heartworm disease in dogs. In Texas, the prevalence of parvovirus is two times higher than the national average. Check your state at www.stateofpethealth.com.

-- Props to the Air Canada pilot who saved the life of a 7-year-old French Bulldog named Simba by diverting a flight when a heating system malfunction would have sent temperatures plummeting in the cargo area. The Tel Aviv-to-Toronto flight landed in Frankfurt, Germany, so Simba could be placed on another flight. Approximately 200 travelers were delayed for 75 minutes to make the unscheduled landing and transfer, but Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said the overall reaction was positive once people learned of the reason for the delay and that the dog was safe.

-- Planning a vacation? Consider Tierras Enamoradas in San Ramon, Costa Rica. Located in a cloud forest near Costa Rica's Arenal volcano, its walking paths give guests the opportunity to glimpse more than 300 species. As a bonus, people missing their own dogs can walk some of the dogs from the nearby pet hotel—known as the Dog House—which doubles as an animal rescue center. It houses more than 400 dogs and cats in need of homes, so you might bring back more than just memories or add a warm, fuzzy feeling to your vacation by contributing to their care. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Low-level laser treatments are among the therapies that may help pets with gingivitis or other painful inflammation. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The five states with the highest prevalence of overweight and obese cats are Minnesota, Nebraska, Utah, Illinois and Colorado. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

Want to build a better relationship with your dog? Play with him!

By Kim Campbell Thornton

A dog's play behavior is unmistakable. We all recognize the play bow: forelegs down, rear up in the air, mouth open in a big smile and tail wagging madly. Sometimes the play bow is accompanied by verbal encouragement in the form of a stutter-bark (arr-ruff!) or a noisy growl that's all in fun. If a play bow isn't enough to get you (or another dog) to join in the game, your dog might bring a favorite toy or ball and drop it in front of you, just in case you need more of a hint.

When you toss a ball for your dog, play tug, or participate in a canine sport such as agility, nose work or rally, you're doing a lot more than just having a good time with him. Play provides exercise, reduces stress and improves motor skills, to name just a few of its benefits. Dogs who get plenty of playtime usually don't become frustrated or bored. They are less likely to get in trouble for nuisance chewing, digging and barking, and they tend to have better social skills with both people and other dogs.

Play is a fascinating subject for scientists and dog lovers alike. Even though some play behaviors don't always seem to make sense, we know that it has an important role in learning. Think part social bonding, part practice for behaviors that will be important for survival in adulthood: fighting, hunting and running away.

Puppies start playing almost as soon as they can walk. Whether they are playing bitey-face or chase with another dog, grabbing and shaking a toy to "kill" it or playing fetch with you, puppies are learning skills that will serve them well throughout life, including how to interact with other dogs and people and how to develop a soft mouth so they don't accidentally hurt anyone.

Dogs invent games, too. They might not lie awake at night thinking of how to build a better chew toy, but they learn quickly what actions work best to instigate play. You know, like dragging your underwear out into the living room to get you to chase them.

Teaching tricks is a fun way to play with your dog, at the same time giving him a mental workout. Depending on what your dog likes to do, his natural behaviors and his physical agility, try teaching wave, play dead, sit pretty, spin, speak or roll over.

If your dog already does some of those things naturally, you can use a clicker, treats and praise to reinforce the behavior and put it on cue so he does it on command. That's how I taught my dog Twyla to roll over and play dead and my dog Harper to sit pretty and push a ball with her nose. They already did those things on their own; I just gave the games a name and rewarded the dogs for doing them.

Play is a great training aid. If your dog asks you to play, ask him to perform a sit, down or fun trick first. Many working dogs are rewarded not with treats, but with a fast game of fetch or tug. Play helps them to unwind after an intense search or speedy sled-dog race.

Play helps dogs to become comfortable with being touched and with sudden movements. When we play with our dogs, they associate us with good times. That might be the best thing about play: It helps to strengthen the human-animal bond.

Cat lovers, don't feel left out. Play is just as important and beneficial for felines. Play on!

Q&A

How to stop a

dyed-in-the-wool chewer

Q: My cat loves to suck on my wool sweaters, and it's ruining them. Not to mention it can't be good for her. Why does she do this, and how can I get her to stop? -- via email

A: This condition, unimaginatively called wool-sucking, isn't all that unusual in cats, although Siamese and other Oriental breeds seem to be especially fond of doing it. The behavior is a misdirected attempt at nursing that may occur in cats who were weaned too early or who are responding to stress in their lives. In the same way you might suck on your hair or bite your fingernails when you're nervous or distracted, your cat sucks on wool.

The easiest way to stop her is to keep your sweaters where she can't get to them. If your cat only sucks on your sweaters at certain times, see if you can figure out what's triggering the behavior so you can change it if possible.

If you do catch her sucking on one (or any other wool or acrylic item), distract her with an unusual sound. When she looks up from what she's doing, remove the item and focus her attention on something else, such as a treat, being groomed or getting a favorite toy. Reward her with praise and a treat every time you see her sucking on a toy or some other acceptable item. This may help her to kick the habit.

Some experts believe that adding a little fiber to the cat's diet may help. It can't hurt to add a couple of teaspoons of plain canned pumpkin (no sugar or spices) to her meals. That has the bonus of also helping to reduce hairballs.

Be concerned if your cat is actually ingesting wool, because this can cause an intestinal obstruction. See your veterinarian if this is the case; your cat may need a prescription for medication to combat depression or anxiety. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Boldly going where

few cats have gone before

-- Aren't they all adventure cats? Well, maybe not, but some cats have made a name for themselves on social media as intrepid explorers. Under the hashtag #AdventureCats, their exploits are chronicled on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as they hike, kayak, sail, canoe, camp, bicycle and paddleboard with their people. Not every cat is cut out to ride in a backpack, walk on a leash or go rock climbing, but if yours has a yen for adventure, protect him with an ID tag and microchip, and teach him to wear a harness and leash and come when called.

-- You might be hopeful that a hairless pet or one with a curly or wiry coat won't cause you to break out in hives, develop red, runny eyes, or go into spasms of sniffling and sneezing, but the truth is that all animals produce allergens, says Dr. Oren P. Schaefer, an allergist at Mass Lung and Allergy in Worcester, Massachusetts. "The impression of a hypoallergenic pet is one that does not produce allergy, and that doesn't exist," he says. "There are some animals that are less allergenic, but they all make the allergen that can cause trouble. It's a matter of how much they make." If you have a pet who sends your allergies into overdrive, some simple steps can help you be less miserable: Have him groomed or bathed frequently (by someone else), put a T-shirt or bodysuit on him to reduce your exposure and don't let him sleep in your bedroom or lick you.

-- The Bedlington terrier is often described as having the eyes of an angel, the look of a lamb and the heart of a lion. His woolly coat, tasseled ears and the topknot on his head were meant to protect this breed, originally created to hunt rats and other vermin, from attacks by his prey. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Play engages a pet's cognitive and motor skills. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The Bedlington terrier is active and playful but usually not as high-energy as some other terrier breeds. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3

What's behind your cat's striking eye color

By Kim Campbell Thornton

It's not just the fur or the purr that cats use to hold us spellbound: It's those eyes. Whether they are blue, green, gold, copper or some variation of those shades, a cat's eyes are one of his most beautiful features. Here's how they come to be that way.

Eye color is genetically linked to coat color. Kittens are born with blue eyes, which may stay that way or change color as the kitten matures. For instance, all pointed cats have blue eyes. Cats who are solid white or mostly white may have blue, green, gold or copper eyes. The most common eye colors range from greenish-yellow to gold.

You may have heard that white cats are always deaf. Not necessarily. Some are, and some aren't. White cats with blue eyes are more likely to be deaf, however, than white cats with gold or green eyes.

Deafness is associated only with the dominant white gene, not the white spotting gene, says feline geneticist Leslie A. Lyons, Ph.D.

"There's a high association of dominant white with deafness and dominant white with blue eyes, and if you are dominant white with blue eyes, you're more likely to be deaf."

Between 10 and 20 percent of white cats with eyes of other colors may be deaf. White cats with only one blue eye may be deaf only in the ear that's on the same side as the blue eye.

Eyes with the brilliant copper of a shiny new penny or the bright green of an emerald usually are the result of selective breeding, but genes don't discriminate. Those eye colors can appear in cats without a pedigree as well. Pedigreed cats noted for their distinctive eye color include the Burmese, with large, round gold eyes; the tonkinese, with sparkling aqua eyes; the Egyptian mau, with gooseberry green eyes; and the Russian blue, with vivid green eyes.

Some cats have "odd eyes," meaning one eye is blue and one is green or gold. The scientific term for this is "heterochromia," from the Greek words "hetero," meaning "different," and "chromia," referring to color. The difference in color might not be noticeable in a kitten, but changes gradually as the kitten moves toward adulthood.

We usually see odd eyes in white cats or cats with the white spotting gene, such as bicolor and tuxedo cats. Breeds in which odd eyes are common include Turkish angoras and Turkish vans. A description of angoras stated that the eyes should be "as green as the lake and as blue as the sky." Other breeds that may sport odd eyes are Persian, sphynx, Oriental shorthair and Japanese bobtail cats.

Odd eyes occur when a dominant white gene (meaning it masks other colors) or a white spotting gene blocks the concentration and distribution of natural pigments within the iris tissues during development. It's unusual to see odd eyes in cats who lack both the dominant white and the white spotting genes, but it can happen.

An unusual and attractive look is the dichromatic, or dichroic, eye, usually seen in white cats. That's one with two colors in one iris. For instance, the eye might be half green and half blue or have a green iris encircled by yellow. One or both eyes can be dichromatic, sometimes with each eye mirroring the other. Even more rarely, only a section of the eye may be a different color. Think of a pie-sliced shape of brown in what is otherwise a blue or green eye. Those eyes aren't just odd; they're downright weird, but undoubtedly beautiful.

Q&A

Can dogs benefit

from cancer diet?

Q: My dog has been diagnosed with lymphoma. I've heard that there's a cancer diet that may help. What can you tell me about it? Are there any other dietary changes I can make? -- via email

A: Many pet owners hope that a change in diet can help pets with cancer. So far, little published research has been done in this area, so I'm afraid I can't tell you that there's a "silver bullet" feeding regimen that will cure your dog. But I can discuss cancer-related changes in metabolism and evidence-based approaches that are being looked at to help reduce or eliminate those problems.

Dogs with cancer may lose weight or experience muscle wasting as a result of chemotherapy or radiation treatment. It's really important to make sure they are able to take in nutrients and maintain a healthy weight as they undergo treatment. This can mean continuing to feed your dog his regular food that he likes and does well on, or switching to a particular commercial or homemade diet recommended by a veterinary nutritionist.

You have probably heard that a low-carbohydrate diet is beneficial to cancer patients. There's no strong evidence for that yet, but on the other hand, it can't hurt to try it, as long as you choose an appropriate food that contains less than 20 percent of its calories from carbohydrates. Bear in mind that a low-carb diet is not the same as a grain-free diet, which can still be high in carbohydrates, fat and calories. Ask your veterinarian to consult a veterinary nutritionist about appropriate choices.

We don't currently have specific nutritional requirements for dogs with cancer. The best thing you can do to help your dog recover is to continue to feed a food that will maintain his body condition and meet his energy needs during treatment. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Dogs fetch help for

farmers with disabilities

-- Border collies, Labrador retrievers and other dogs are learning to help farmers with disabilities perform chores, thanks to a small group of volunteers called PHARM Dog USA: Pets Helping Agriculture in Rural Missouri. Founder Jackie Allenbrand evaluates farmers' needs, assesses farms and makes placements. She and other trainers teach the dog-farmer teams to work together. Tasks the dogs may perform include bringing or picking up tools, opening gates, carrying buckets, managing livestock, helping farmers brace themselves and going for help. The dogs, donated by breeders or acquired from shelters, are placed at no charge to farmers.

-- Pet owners will spend nearly $16 billion on veterinary care this year, estimates the American Pet Products Association. If you're considering purchasing pet health insurance, here are five things you should know: 1. Some insurers provide discounts to AARP or AAA members, active-duty and veteran military personnel or to customers who enroll two or more pets. 2. Some employers offer pet insurance as an employee benefit. 3. Policies are available for birds, reptiles and other exotic pets. 4. Older pets can be insured, usually until they are 12 to 14 years old, but policies may exclude coverage for age-related illnesses. 5. Policyholders can usually take pets to any veterinarian.

-- You're probably familiar with sighthounds -- dogs that hunt by sight, such as greyhounds -- and scenthounds -- dogs that use their sniffers to track quarry -- but did you know that some hounds are multitalented, able to hunt by both scent and sight? Sometimes called utility hounds, they include the Rhodesian ridgeback, basenji, pharaoh hound and Ibizan hound. Other versatile hunting dogs that are classified as hounds are the Finnish spitz and Norwegian elkhound, spitz-type dogs that were created to hunt game birds, elk and bear. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Multiple genes determine eye color. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Always ask about exclusions, deductibles and possible provider restrictions before purchasing pet health insurance. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2