More and more people are replacing having children with pets. According to recent survey, more people are choosing not to have children. Many seniors who have raised families are finding that pets can replace that void that hits them after children leave the family. Studies have shown that pets decrease feelings of loneliness, help fight depression and keep seniors more active.

Who needs children when research has shown that certain hormones that increase when we cuddle children also increase when we cuddle our pets. The hormones Oxytocin and Prolactin increase when we play with or pet dogs, as shown from studies where blood samples were drawn prior to playing with a dog and afterwards. The hormones, which are high in pregnant and post birthing women, increased in the blood stream of men and women after petting a dog in one study and playing with a dog in another study. Both Oxytocin and Prolactin play a critical role in the birthing and bonding process of humans and all mammals.

These hormones are found to dampen stress, combat depression and reduce feelings of anxiety. So save a pet by adopting, and feel better in the process!

Suspend your puppy holding under the front legs below eye level for about six seconds.

Hug the puppy; gently squeeze tighter during any wiggling, then release when the puppy becomes fully relaxed.
Cradle your puppy upside-down in the crook of your arm and talk baby-talk while smiling and praising.

Massage every square inch of the puppy moving in a circular motion. Focus on his mouth, ears, eyes, scruff and feet. This exercise builds tolerance and trust for later in life when needed to treat these areas or examined by your vet.

Manipulate the head, ears, legs and tail through the normal range of motion. Make sure there is no pain involved. If they resist, use a treat as a distraction.

Pull up gums and rub teeth, to desensitize for later brushing.
Restrain your puppy on his side after gaining calm compliance of all previous steps.

Offer a small treat after each step. Acceptance of the food is an indication of minimal to no stress from the exercises.

Dr. Rolan Tripp of the Animal Behavior Network. Visit http://www.animalbehavior.net for more information.

Adopting a pet from the local shelter is not only the responsible thing to do if you want a companion pet, but the right pet is also good for your health.

Social Responsibility
Unfortunately, there are many millions of pets that enter shelters because they were lost, their owners moved, could not afford them or simply were bored with them. Through no fault of their own they end up discarded. Nearly all of these pets would do very well in a new home and the stigma of adopting a pet from a shelter is unwarranted. My family has adopted and fostered many shelter pets and every time it has worked out marvelously. When you are thinking of adopting a companion pet, consider a shelter pet.

But first, do you homework and read the many articles we provide on how to select and what type of pet is best to adopt. Then your new relationship will start off right and you will have the knowledge you need to forge a wonderful long term bond with your new pet. Only adopt if you are prepared, have the space, time to devote and will provide the pet with a life time commitment.

Your Health
Pets are good for our health and well being. Sitting with your pet and the simple act of petting them actually improves certain hormones, neurotransmitters and chemicals in your body and diminishes stress hormones.

Studies have repeatedly demonstrated the positive effects of companion pets to our health. One study measured bloodstream levels of certain chemicals, hormones and neurotransmitters immediately prior to interaction with a pet and afterwards. Cortisol, the stress hormone is lowered; Oxytocin the happiness hormone and Prolactin the bonding hormone are elevated afterwards. In addition certain neurotransmitters, and serotonin associated with anti depression are elevated, after petting a dog. (Only dogs were used in the study.)

Pets provide companionship, keep us busy, entertain us and prevent loneliness. Another study documented improved weight loss over other weight loss methods when walking a dog as a form of exercise. Pets can provide these benefits and more to humans. It seems we have been “hot wired” in our biochemistry through eons of companionship and close proximity. Return the benefits that pets provide and adopt a companion pet into your home.

June Pets Best Newsletter – In this issue:
Top 5 Dog Travel Concerns
5 Reasons to Promote Pet Dental Health

For A Healthier, Happier Life … Every Pet Deserves Oxyfresh

Is your pet’s bad breath enough to knock you over?

Well, it could also be knocking years off his life!

An alarming 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over age three suffer from dental disease. Called the “Silent Killer of Pets,” dental disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and infect the heart, liver, and kidneys — shortening your pet’s life by up to five years!

You’d do just about anything for your pet. That’s why you should pamper them with our extraordinary pet products that are guaranteed to keep him happier and healthier — and even living longer! Many of our pet products are formulated with our special proprietary ingredient Oxygene^® to eliminate odors at their source.

Discover why our exclusive pet products are second to none for supporting the healthiest pets.

Dental Care. Face-to-face sweet breath! Only Oxyfresh has Oxygene^® to safely eliminate bad breath and protect the pet you love from potentially life-threatening dental diseases.

Nutritionals. Keep your pet fit as a fiddle! Oxyfresh uses glucosamine, MSM, and chrondroitin, along with powerful antioxidants to offer life-enhancing nutritional support.

Hygiene. Cuddly clean! Your furry friend will be fresh smelling and conditioned with our all-natural cleaners and deodorizers.

For nearly 20 years, Oxyfresh pet products have been used and recommended by veterinarians, breeders, groomers, avian professionals, and pet lovers everywhere!

Oxyfresh Pet Dental Care

Pet Oral Hygiene Solution

It’s the next best thing to brushing. Convenient Pet Oral Hygiene Solution softens plaque and tartar while promoting fresh breath and healthy gums. Just a capful of this tasteless and odorless solution in his drinking water daily does the trick. You’ll see results in just days.

Pet Gel

Superior protection. Versatile Pet Gel soothes, cleanses and deodorizes gums and can also be used on open wounds and abrasions.

Triple•Pet Toothbrush

Complete dental coverage. The uniquely designed Triple•Pet Toothbrush has a triple-head to provide optimum efficiency to reach all tooth surfaces.

“I have such positive results using Oxyfresh pet dental products on the pets I treat. My clients are amazed how effective these products are.”

Michael R. Kelly, DVM

Ventura, California

Oxyfresh Pet Nutritionals

Pet Jerky

They’ll go nuts over this treat! Pet Jerky is made with 100 percent real beef and packed with nutraceuticals to maximize joint function and mobility. And it tastes fantastic!

Pet Antioxidants

He’ll be calm and relaxed. Pet Antioxidants protect against the damaging effects of free-radicals, supports the immune system and helps slow the destructive aging process.

“Veterinarians are always looking for nutritional supplements with high quality, beneficial ingredients. Oxyfresh Pet Nutritionals deliver!”

Greg McWatt, DVM

Ontario, Canada

Oxyfresh Pet Hygiene

Pet Ear Cleaner

Soothing solution deodorizes. Pet Ear Cleaner gently loosens dirt and wax from the ear canal to help prevent ear infections.

Pet Shampoo

For a silky, soft coat. Cruelty-free, p-H balanced Pet Shampoo has a conditioning formula, is all natural and includes no harsh chemicals.

Pet Deodorizer

No more P-U. Pet Deodorizer removes pet odors from cages, furniture, carpets, litter boxes and more. Our non-toxic formula neutralizes odors and is safe to use directly on your pet.

We love our pets. Are we doing all we can to support their health? No other company cares more about your pet’s health than Oxyfresh — your pet’s best friend for life.

Please remember that products purchased from Oxyfresh are considered supplemental and are not covered by your Pets Best insurance policy, but may help to prevent future health conditions. Before beginning a new supplement, it is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. For additional questions, contact your Oxyfresh consultant at 800-333-7374.

PETS SERVE EMOTIONAL NEEDS

We have long known that we feel better when we are playing or interacting with our pet. We were never sure why, we just knew that at the end of a hectic day we looked forward to being with our pets. Maybe it was their enthusiastic greetings, the uninhibited play time, or that they simply loved our company. No matter if you are gone an hour, a day or a week, your pet’s greeting always makes you feel special.

Recently, science has discovered why we have such positive feelings towards our pets. It seems that pets affect our biochemistry in positive ways that can be scientifically measured. Pets diminish or drain away stress by increasing “good feeling” hormones and reducing chemicals associated with stress.

Studies have been performed that measure hormones and certain chemicals in our bloodstream before we interact with a pet as compared to afterwards. The results demonstrated a definite positive improvement in increasing those hormones that make us feel better and diminishing those that are related to stress!

Why not adopt a pet from your local shelter and bring home a full-time stress buster? Adopting a homeless pet is a responsible act, provides a needed home and is good for your health and emotional well-being.

But be sure to follow our tips and advice on adopting to make your adoption a pleasurable experience. Learn about feline or canine behavior to provide the proper relationship. Be prepared for the type, age, breed and health of the pet you are adopting. Otherwise, adopting can become stressful and lead to the opposite results that most pet owner’s experience.

Being prepared, properly introducing the newly adopted pet into the home, understanding some basic pet behaviors and having the right expectations for your circumstances can improve your odds of adoption being favorable. Otherwise, behavior problems or not understanding the pet’s needs can lead to an unfavorable situation and create stress, instead of relieving stress. Learn more about all the many positive benefits of pets on this site.

1. Introduce your newly adopted pet to other pets in a neutral location. Do not introduce a new pet in the “territory” of your current pets. This will set up a confrontation.

2. Do not have the first meeting of the newly adopted pet at the front door. Again, reinforce the neutral area. For dogs, it might be a park down the street. For cats, you might want to place the newly adopted cat in a bathroom for gradual introduction, avoiding confrontation. This way the animals get to smell each other and used to the idea of an intruder. Provide a hiding place like a covered kennel or safe room. Being able to hide lowers a cat’s stress when confronted by strangers, changes or excess activity.

3. Be patient and build trust with your new pet. Expect them to take some time getting to know you, and to feel safe. Do not “push” them to respond to you until they are ready to engage.

4. Do not overly lavish attention on a new pet, as it will establish the expectation that this level of attention should continue and the pet will become stressed if the attention does not continue. The tendency is to lavish a lot of attention in getting to know each other and to bond, but this can backfire when your normal routine sets in.

Information provided by Dr. Rolan Tripp of animal behavior network. Visit www.animalbehavior.net to learn more.

June Pets Best Newsletter – In this issue:
Top 5 Dog Travel Concerns
For a Healthier, Happier Life … Every Pet Deserves Oxyfresh

Many pet owners may not realize just how crucial dental care is. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), an organization dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of periodontal disease by the age of three. Although pet periodontal disease is completely preventable, it often goes untreated and can threaten the health of your furry friend.

5 Reasons to Promote Pet Dental Health

1. Pets with fresh breath get more lovin’

People love to closely interact with their pets — to snuggle, hug and kiss them. When they have bad breath, snuggles, hugs and kisses don’t happen as often. Fresh breath can help improve the human-pet bond, making pets and people happier.

2. A healthy mouth feels good

Dental disease can cause severe inflammation of the gums and socket of the tooth. Inflammation also means the pet is in pain — even if they don’t show obvious signs of discomfort.

3. Pets with healthy mouths live longer

Pets free of dental disease may live three to five years longer. The stress placed on the immune system and the bacteria that escapes the mouth and makes it’s way into the bloodstream can cause major organs like the lungs, heart,kidneys and liver to age prematurely, thereby shortening their potential life expectancy.

4. Dental disease can lead to tooth loss

Without proper preventive or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar buildup leads to periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and structures supporting the teeth. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause oral pain, dysfunction, tooth loss and systemic complications.

5. Pet owners are looking for a convenient solution

Brushing is the gold standard for keeping the teeth free of tartar, the mouth healthy and the breath fresh. Fewer than one out of 20 pet owners are willing or able to brush their pet’s teeth on a regular basis. That means 19 out of 20 pet owners are open to a more convenient way to control dental disease and doggie breath.

Remember that illnesses and complications caused by periodontal disease are generally preventable with regular checkups and teeth cleanings from your veterinarian. Preventable diseases and ailments are usually not covered by your Pets Best policy, so it is important to maintain the health of your pet’s teeth to avoid costly problems in the future. To further help avoid periodontal disease complications, consider brushing your pet’s teeth on a regular basis and using an oral hygiene cleansing solution. Check out Oxyfresh’s complete line of superior pet care products that include all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients such as Oxygene® for maximum odor-fighting and oral health.

June Pets Best Newsletter – In this issue:
5 Reasons to Promote Pet Dental Health
For a Healthier, Happier Life … Every Pet Deserves Oxyfresh

For many of us summer is travel season; a time when the entire family finally has some precious time together for rest, relaxation and recreation. Of course, if you are a pet owner and lover like me, your dog is likely to be traveling with you. So don’t let poor planning for your dog’s travel turn your vacation into a disaster. Here are some pet travel basics to follow and pitfalls to avoid:

Top 5 Dog Travel Concerns

1. Anxiety: Dogs can be scaredy cats on the road

Some dogs get all excited at the prospect of a car ride. They jump eagerly into the car and watch happily out the window. Others are afraid. They have travel anxiety. These dogs must be dragged into the vehicle and they pant, tremble and stay crouched down for the entire trip. Different feeding times, a strange bed, long car rides, lots of commotion and unfamiliar faces can all be stressors for your pet that can have a wide range of side effects — from having an accident in the vehicle to getting aggressive. Consider a safe and natural supplement to calm your pet. Although supplements are not covered by your Pets Best policy, your small investment could help to make your dog more comfortable.

2. Dehydration: Quench thirst to avoid medical issues

Dehydration in dogs is common during warm weather, travel or any time your dog doesn’t have access to water for an extended period of time. Signs of dehydration range from excessive panting and dry mouth to loss of elasticity in the skin, sunken eyes and exhaustion. Dehydration can occur quickly as a lot of moisture is lost when pets pant from either anxiety or summer heat. Plenty of fresh cool water is essential to maintain proper hydration and organ function and avoid possible heat stroke. Pack water in a sealable container — and don’t forget the bowl.

3. Pet Odors: Never Pleasant on a Trip

If you have had problems with noxious pet odors in your vehicle, you know that getting rid of the odor is very difficult. Traveling in the close confines of an automobile exaggerates odors from pets. Dogs often find unpleasant things to roll in at parks and rest stops and a soiled crate quickly diminishes the air quality. And it’s not just the nasty odor. Pet feces and urine can pose a real health danger to you and your family. Be sure to pack deodorizers and cleaners to keep your pet and your family safe, clean and fresh.

4. Digestive upset: Calm his topsy-turvy tummy
Travel or motion sickness is caused by movement in different directions, particularly when the animal is sitting or standing still in a moving vehicle. It can also happen when there is a loss of visual contact with the outside horizon or due to pressure changes through elevation changes. These events may cause changes in the balance center of the inner ear, leading to fatigue, nausea, dizziness and even vomiting. Your dog is experiencing enough changes during travel season, so try not to alter his normal diet. And include healthy snacks to keep him energized and happy.

5. Emergencies: Be prepared for the unexpected
Medical problems and injuries can be even more difficult to deal with when you are on the road. Be sure to have a pet first aid kit, medical records, your veterinarian’s number and a pet poison control phone number with you at all times. Next, be sure every family member knows where these things are at and that they are readily accessible.

Small efforts in organizing and preparation can pay large dividends for both you and your pet during your next travel. Tips like ensuring access to an online vet locator can help make sure you are prepared for any pet emergencies. Plan ahead for pet-friendly locations and if one of your destinations does not allow pets be sure to have scouted out a nearby boarding facility you are comfortable with and make reservations well in advance.

Now that you are ready, get out and have fun!

-Article submitted by Boyd Harrell, DVM – Oxyfresh Pet Consultant

Posted by Pets Best on 6/9/2009 in Articles from Newsletters

With winter well underway, you’ve probably spent time and energy to winterize your house and your car. But have you thought about winterizing for your pet?

Severely cold weather brings threats to pet health and safety, and many of these might shock or surprise you. Here we have listed some of the most serious threats and what you can do to avoid them:

Killer Wind Chill – Dogs who spend plenty of time outdoors, even if protected by a doghouse, run a risk of death due to the cold. The doorway of your dog’s house should be faced away from the wind or covered. Also, the house should be well-insulated and just big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down inside comfortably. A doghouse that is too big won’t contain your dog’s body heat and stay warm. For multiple dogs, consider a house large enough to let them cuddle together.

Undernourishment/Dehydration – In cold weather, keeping warm requires a lot of energy. If your dog or cat spends a lot of time outside, you’ll want to increase their supply of food, particularly protein, to keep them—and their fur—in tip-top shape. Also, outdoor pets may become dangerously dehydrated if their water freezes solid. A good heated water bowl prevents this problem.

Severely Dry Skin – The air in most houses becomes dry during the colder months, depleting moisture from dog skin and fur. A dog whose skin is dry and itchy may habitually scratch or bite at their skin, possibly creating sores or “hotspots.” To improve skin, coat and circulation, brush your dog vigorously and regularly. Dogs with dry skin may benefit from fatty acid supplements during the winter. Also, pet shampoos formulated with oatmeal can help soothe dry skin.

Catastrophic Car Trouble – Outdoor cats are often drawn to the warmth of a parked car’s engine, and may cuddle up beneath the car or inside the engine compartment. They run the risk of serious injury or death if the engine is started, so knock on the hood of your car or honk the horn to warn cats away before you turn the key.

Chemical Poisoning – Antifreeze that leaks or spills from your car’s radiator can kill dogs and cats alike. They are attracted by the sweet taste of the antifreeze, which almost always results in death of the pet unless treated immediately. Keep antifreeze containers sealed tight and out of reach, and clean spills immediately. Consider using antifreeze that is free of ethylene glycol, the component that makes antifreeze both sweet and toxic.

Chemicals and salts that are used to melt winter ice on sidewalks and roads can also be poisonous. Dogs and cats can pick them up on the pads of their feet during a walk; afterward, licking their paws could cause stomach upset or illness. It’s best to rinse the pet’s paws with lukewarm water as soon as possible after each outing.

Tongue Injuries – In freezing temperatures, metal bowls and buckets pose a threat. Pets’ tongues can stick to the cold metal, and animals can injure themselves trying to pull away. For safety’s sake, switch to plastic or ceramic-type pet bowls when it’s below 32 degrees outside.

Frostbite Injuries – Even short-term exposure to temperatures below zero can lead to frostbite of the feet, nose or ears. In these areas the skin might appear red, gray or whitish and could peel. Prevent frostbite by removing ice and snow from paws and fur right away. Balls of ice can form in the areas between the toes and toe-pads; you may want to clip the fur between toe pads to reduce the amount of snow that collects there.

Hypothermia Alert – Dogs and cats who lack thick fur coats and have low body fat reserves are generally not suited for cold temperatures. Pets who are old or who have been ill can also be sensitive to winter weather. When it’s frigid outside, it is especially important to keep them indoors or to provide a warm shelter outside the house. Consider dressing Fido in a warm dog sweater or jacket whenever you go for a walk.

Fire Danger – Portable space heaters may be handy, but in homes with active dogs and cats they could be deadly. Every year, numerous house fires start with space heaters knocked over by pets. If you choose to use one, make sure it is the type that will shut off automatically when it is tipped.

Lost Dogs – More dogs are reported lost during the winter than any other season, as canines often lose track of scent trails in the snow and can become disoriented. Dogs may also panic during snow storms and run away. When outside a fenced yard, dogs should always be kept on leash and should wear current identification tags.

Kitten-proof accessible rooms. Remove anything that can be knocked over, broken or ingested.

Do not use your hands to play box with the kitten. This gives action gives the wrong message to cats that biting and scratching at the human hand is acceptable behavior.

Initiate object-oriented play. For example, use a feather on a pole. Play mouse by pulling a small toy mouse across the room in short jerky movements. Drag a string across the room.Use a laser pointer to play catch the bug.

Let the kitten choose their favorite game and win about every five minutes by using the toy to lead to a treat.

Begin “gentling process” as early as possible. Use affection and object play in addition to lots of treats as reward for good behavior.

Submitted by Dr. Rolan Tripp of the Animal Behavior Network. Visit www.animalbehavior.net for more information.