The News At Home
Recently, our Zoey decided that she would once again have a bacterial overgrowth. Not to be out done, Cassie has a corneal ulcer. The neighbors can see me at all hours of the day and night, inspecting Zoey’s poop but what they don’t know about are the sleepless nights while Cassie gets her eye drops amongst other lotions and potions. A friend of mine has an ill dog and we chatted about the stress that this brings. He suggested that we write a book about the truth of pet ownership.

Studies show that animal companionship reduces stress – blood pressure in particular. My friend and I beg to differ. We’re pretty sure that visiting with someone else’s pet is a nice break and reduces stress. Living with an animal is something else altogether when that animal happens to be ill. If we’re not inspecting poop, we’re checking the gums for signs of dehydration. If I’m not watching the clock to see when the next round of eye drops need to be administered, my friend is scouting the stores in Florida for novel foods for his dog.

Are we tired? Yes! Are we tired of being tired! You bet! Can either of us imagine being without a dog in our lives? Despite the current griping - no. Life without dogs seems lacking. True enough, it may lack some of the stress but it would also lack in the love that only pets bring.

What’s New at monicasegal.com
Joint Complex One Week Special

You’ve used our Joint Complex and reported that it brought excellent results. This is your opportunity to buy it at the special price of $16.15 per bottle (80 caplets). A savings of 15% - but only until June 7th!

New Bundled Savings
Your response to our new seminar CDs was terrific. Several have asked for a bundle with the book as well, so we are pleased to announce a Book & CD Bundle with greater savings. Now get both products in one package and save $4.

You can also hear samples of the seminar posted on the Bundle's product page.

As an additional benefit, sales of these CDs help to support the Flat Coated Retriever Cancer Research Project while Book sales help to support our chosen charities.

New Puppy Diets
Our Consultations section now offers Puppy Diets. Diet plans that change over time to suit the needs of the growing dog translate to these new consultations being an ongoing program until the dog is one year old. The first year is critical in that nutrient dense foods must support growing needs if we hope to have healthy adult dogs. We have only one chance to grow a puppy right.

Fact of The Month

Pancreatitis

Is this diet related or not? Despite what you may have heard, the truth is that nobody truly knows what causes pancreatitis. What is certainly known is that there are a number of factors to consider.

The pancreas has two main functions. It produces digestive enzymes that secrete into the intestines for normal food digestion and it also produces insulin. Disease or injury through trauma can cause the pancreas to minimize the production of enzymes but in a quirky twist, these enzymes may begin to digest the pancreas itself because the enzymes activate within the pancreas rather than in the small intestines.

Unfortunately, the pet owner is not always able to distinguish between signs of pancreatitis and other ailments. For example, the usually calm dog becomes aggressive. While this may be perceived as a personality change, perhaps due to any number of things, it’s also possible that the dog is in pain. Due to pain, the dog may become a fussy eater. In turn, the pet owner tries to tempt the dog with special foods layered on top of the usual dinner. Perhaps some added meat or a nice meat broth will be helpful. However, if pancreatitis is the underlying cause of this sudden “pickiness”, the last thing this dog needs is added fat to his diet. While fat alone may or may not be a cause of pancreatitis, it will certainly take the predisposed dog over the edge.

Pancreatitis can mimic other diseases. It is not uncommon to see a dog with any number of intestinal diseases vomiting now and then. Sometimes, the vomiting may be forceful and the pet owner, accustomed to this behavior now and then, is unlikely to think about pancreatitis being the cause this time. The opposite is also true. A dog vomiting profusely may be doing so for reasons other than pancreatitis.

There are certain conditions that seem to predispose a dog to pancreatitis. Gastrointesinal diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney failure, intestinal obstruction, diabetes and certain medications are considerations. When a dog seems to be uncomfortable, sensitive to the touch, vomiting with force and/or often, your veterinarian should be visited as quickly as possible.

Which dogs are at greatest risk? According to Dr. Jorg Steiner, DVM, DACZIM, DECZIM, Gastrointestinal Laboratory Professor, Texas A&M, Schnauzers top the list. Other breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Yorshire Terriers and Miniature Poodles also seem to have a genetic predisposition.

Treat of The Month

When the weather heats up and your dog wants a cooler, here’s a yummy way of providing nutrition as well as quenching thirst.
- 3 oz. whole milk yogurt
- 1 oz apple juice, unsweetened
- 1/2 banana, medium sized, over-ripened and mashed well

Combine well and freeze in an ice cube tray. Offer as a lick-able treat that provides 92 calories per recipe and is well balanced in calcium to phosphorus. This also has the added plus of potassium to keep the dog feeling perky.

Until later...

Monica

“Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window!”
-- Steve Bluestone