Luke scratches and sometimes I feel itchy too. So maybe environmental allergy?
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Sunday, January 5, 2025
dog years
[7/5/20] Dogs do not simply age at seven times the rate of humans, scientists have found in a study that reveals young dogs might be “older” than previously thought.
The findings suggest a one-year-old puppy is actually about 30 in “human years” – an age when humans, at least, might be expected to have stopped running riot with the toilet paper.
Writing in the journal Cell Systems, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine describe how they focused on epigenetic changes to DNA – modifications that don’t change the DNA sequence but can switch genes on or off.
In particular the team compared the way the particular molecules, called methyl groups, accumulated in certain areas of the human genome over time with how they accumulated in similar areas in the dog genome.
The results, which draw on genetic data from about a hundred labrador retrievers from puppies to elderly animals, reveal every human year is not equivalent to seven dog years.
Instead the situation is more complex, with dogs showing far more rapid accumulation of methyl groups in their genome than us within their first year or so, suggesting they age at a much faster rate. However the rate of ageing in dogs, compared with humans, slows down as the years roll by.
Indeed, the findings suggest a one-year-old dog would have a “human age” of about 30, while by the age of four they’d be about 54 in “human years” and by 14 years old they would be on a par with a human in their mid-70s.
The relationship, the team say, is described by the formula: human age = 16 ln(dog_age) + 31. In maths, ln refers to the natural logarithm of a number.
The team say the work now needs to be repeated in other breeds of dog. But, they say, for young and old dogs, the relationship seems to reflect the ages at which humans and dogs experience particular milestones.
“For instance, the epigenome translated seven weeks in dogs to nine months in humans, corresponding to the infant stage when deciduous teeth erupt in both puppies and babies,” the team wrote in a preprint of the study. “In seniors, the expected lifespan of labrador retrievers, 12 years, correctly translated to the worldwide lifetime expectancy of humans, 70 years.
Prof Lucy Asher, an expert in canine puberty at Newcastle University who was not involved in the research, welcomed the study.
“If we think about ageing in terms of how old our cells are, this new paper is really useful in matching up human and dog years,” she said, adding such biological ageing is important for medical and veterinary health.
But, Asher added, the match breaks down if ageing is considered in terms of behaviours, hormones or growth – meaning we shouldn’t be surprised at the escapades of young dogs.
“Whilst a 30-year-old human might have cells of an analogous ‘age’ to a one-year-old dog, many dogs won’t be fully grown at this time and they will still have unsettled hormones and behaviour associated with puberty,” she said, noting that one-year-old dogs act more like human teenagers.
“The development of dogs is not just a shortened version of the human development, which is why it’s difficult to find a clear match-up between a dog’s age and a human’s age.”
The findings suggest a one-year-old puppy is actually about 30 in “human years” – an age when humans, at least, might be expected to have stopped running riot with the toilet paper.
Writing in the journal Cell Systems, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine describe how they focused on epigenetic changes to DNA – modifications that don’t change the DNA sequence but can switch genes on or off.
In particular the team compared the way the particular molecules, called methyl groups, accumulated in certain areas of the human genome over time with how they accumulated in similar areas in the dog genome.
The results, which draw on genetic data from about a hundred labrador retrievers from puppies to elderly animals, reveal every human year is not equivalent to seven dog years.
Instead the situation is more complex, with dogs showing far more rapid accumulation of methyl groups in their genome than us within their first year or so, suggesting they age at a much faster rate. However the rate of ageing in dogs, compared with humans, slows down as the years roll by.
Indeed, the findings suggest a one-year-old dog would have a “human age” of about 30, while by the age of four they’d be about 54 in “human years” and by 14 years old they would be on a par with a human in their mid-70s.
The relationship, the team say, is described by the formula: human age = 16 ln(dog_age) + 31. In maths, ln refers to the natural logarithm of a number.
The team say the work now needs to be repeated in other breeds of dog. But, they say, for young and old dogs, the relationship seems to reflect the ages at which humans and dogs experience particular milestones.
“For instance, the epigenome translated seven weeks in dogs to nine months in humans, corresponding to the infant stage when deciduous teeth erupt in both puppies and babies,” the team wrote in a preprint of the study. “In seniors, the expected lifespan of labrador retrievers, 12 years, correctly translated to the worldwide lifetime expectancy of humans, 70 years.
Prof Lucy Asher, an expert in canine puberty at Newcastle University who was not involved in the research, welcomed the study.
“If we think about ageing in terms of how old our cells are, this new paper is really useful in matching up human and dog years,” she said, adding such biological ageing is important for medical and veterinary health.
But, Asher added, the match breaks down if ageing is considered in terms of behaviours, hormones or growth – meaning we shouldn’t be surprised at the escapades of young dogs.
“Whilst a 30-year-old human might have cells of an analogous ‘age’ to a one-year-old dog, many dogs won’t be fully grown at this time and they will still have unsettled hormones and behaviour associated with puberty,” she said, noting that one-year-old dogs act more like human teenagers.
“The development of dogs is not just a shortened version of the human development, which is why it’s difficult to find a clear match-up between a dog’s age and a human’s age.”
***
[1/5/25] Is my dog ‘old’? Vets finally have the answers
Seven dog years equaling one human year is a myth.
The calculation of seven dog years to one human year is a common and persistent myth regarding dog age. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 15 human years is equal to the first year of a medium-sized dog’s life. The second year of life is about nine years for a person. After age two, each human year approximately five years for a dog. This more staggered year comparison and the breed-specific differences in aging, makes comparing our ages with dogs even more tricky.
In the new study, a team from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom analyzed a database of veterinary electronic health records called the Small Animal Surveillance Network. They found that smaller breeds–such as Jack Russell terriers–tend to age more slowly. They might be considered old when they are closer to 14. Larger breeds like labrador retrievers, are considered older almost two years earlier at 12.
The team also identified the top five health concerns that affect older dogs. The first concern was weight related issues (35 percent), including weight loss and being too heavy or underweight. Musculoskeletal problems including mobility challenges and stiffness came in second at 33 percent. Tartar buildup, periodontal disease, and other dental conditions came in at 31 percent. Skin related problems–lumps, infections, and hair loss was a concern for 28 percent of the records sampled. Finally, digestive issues such as diarrhea and vomiting were a concern for 22 percent.
Sunday, September 27, 2020
puppy socialization (wait?)
Recently with all the new Covid puppies, the myth, and frankly, dangerous, outdated “advice” breeders, rescues and even vets are giving to new owners that puppies can’t go outside until all their vaccines are complete, has reared it ugly head again. (Note: I am not a vet, so perhaps there are rare cases when this applies.). Vets, rescues and breeders who are clinging to the outdated belief that dogs should be prevented from socialization until fully vaccinated are not keeping up with the current research, literature and recommendations from behavior professionals.
Looking at current position statements from organizations like AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior), who are the leaders on veterinary care and behavior, they are abundantly clear that this outdated belief has no place in current standards. Read their complete position statement here.
“The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the *standard of care* for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.”
The main point conveyed is puppies as young as 7 WEEKS OLD can begin socialization training, even in group classes, as long as they’ve had one round of vaccines and have been dewormed. Puppies have a finite, time sensitive window for socialization – for learning the world, novelty, people and places are safe. This is also the window they have to learn how to appropriately use their mouths and learn bite inhibition. Once this window closes, it cannot be reopened.
“Veterinarians specializing in behavior recommend that owners take advantage of every safe opportunity to expose young puppies to the great variety of stimuli that they will experience in their lives.”
Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age. We need to shift the focus away from fear mongering that puppies will get sick or die if they go outside and instead focus on socialization as prevention for later behavioral issues, which is a much greater risk of dogs being surrendered or euthanized.
“Because the first three months are the period when sociability outweighs fear, this is the primary window of opportunity for puppies to adapt to new people, animals, and experiences. Incomplete or improper socialization during this important time can increase the risk of behavioral problems later in life including fear, avoidance, and/or aggression. Behavioral problems are the greatest threat to the owner-dog bond. In fact, behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters.”
This doesn’t mean you should take your unvaccinated puppy to the dog park or a giant pet store where there have been hundreds of unknown, potentially unhealthy dogs traipsing through. But you can make responsible choices, allowing your puppy to interact with healthy, known dogs, puppies on the same vaccine schedule and neighborhood walks. Or you can always carry your puppy if you really don’t want feet on the ground. If you wait until your puppy is full vaccinated, you’ve missed their critical socialization period. Opting to keep your puppy locked in your home, not being socialized during this critical window is the worst decision you can make for your puppy’s future behavioral health.
-- Kate LaSala
Monday, August 31, 2020
dogs with benefits
My friend, Jan, has spent the entire pandemic in lockdown in San
Francisco, unable to touch another human being. It’s hard to imagine how
difficult that must be. And yet she’s doing OK. One big reason: her
dog, Maisie.
“This cottage would feel kind of bereft of life without Maisie padding around,” says Jan.
I’m sure Jan is not alone in feeling happy to have a dog. Many of us are relying more on our pets for comfort while we face the uncertainty of the pandemic—even those of us who have human roommates to keep us company, too. Research suggests that there’s something about our dogs that makes us feel less lonely and anxious, and can even keep us healthier.
What is that something? It’s hard to put a finger on, but hormones may play a role. Petting a dog has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), for example, and caring for a dog releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone that calms us and increases our trust in others).
Here are some of the science-backed ways that our dogs can help us cope with difficult circumstances and stay well.
1. Dogs stave off loneliness
Many of us are feeling a bit lonelier than usual these days; sheltering-in-place and keeping our distance from others is hard for everyone, including introverts. Being without human touch is particularly difficult: People who are touch-deprived tend to feel more depressed, experience more pain, and even have poorer immunity. But having a pet around (including dogs or their cat rivals) can help prevent loneliness.
“I’m hugely grateful that I’ve had Maisie as my eight-pound, fluff-ball quarantine buddy,” says Jan. “She keeps me company whether I’m reading or gardening, and cracks me up regularly with her episodes of doggy silliness.”
Though the benefits of having a pet have been studied more among the elderly (who often have limited social contact), they likely apply to many more of us during COVID-19. After all, we all have less social contact than we’d normally have right now, and that’s got to be hard on our psyches.
Why do dogs help us with loneliness? It’s probably not an accident that dogs are often called “man’s best friend.” Many people feel that dogs are like family members (but without the baggage), providing unconditional love and easy companionship. Plus, many of us have the sense that our dog resonates with us emotionally—a notion that some science supports. We’re bound to feel less isolated with a soft, understanding, loving being around.
2. Dogs reduce stress and anxiety
Many of us have been super stressed and anxious during the pandemic. We don’t know when we will be able to move about freely again, our jobs may be compromised, and we’re worried about contracting the virus or passing it on to others. We also can’t do many of the things that usually help us manage stress better—like going to the gym or having dinner with a group of friends.
Luckily, dogs can help, as many studies have shown and experts attest. In one study, 48 participants were given a stress test where they had to do public speaking and then perform difficult calculations while unfriendly observers watched them. The participants were randomly assigned to have either a friend, a dog they didn’t know, or no one accompany them before and during the test. Their cortisol levels and heart rates were measured before, just after, and 30 minutes after the test, and they filled out questionnaires about their anxiety.
While everyone became more anxious during the test and showed higher heart rates and cortisol levels, those participants paired with a dog had lower levels of both than those with no support or even those with a friend. This suggests that being with a dog can help us recover from stressful situations—perhaps even the stress of a pandemic—even if it’s not our own dog (which may be why so many colleges bring canines onto campuses during finals week).
For those who can’t have a pet, there is some evidence that just seeing videos of dogs can reduce stress and anxiety. That probably explains why many of us turn to cute puppy (and cat) videos for relief.
3. Dogs help us get along with others
While many of us are seeing our friends on Zoom and in other physically distanced ways during the pandemic, it can be hard to feel truly connected. And, as the quarantine drags on, it may be harder to get along with the people we live with, too—like our partners and our children.
But there is evidence that having a dog around can improve our ability to connect with other people. For example, one study found that in the presence of a dog, people acted more trusting, friendly, and cooperative. Although this study was done in a work group, the same might be true for those of us working and living together in tight spaces, too.
Another study found that when someone is out and about with a dog, people consider them to be more approachable than someone without a dog. And, if people walking a dog “accidentally” drop some coins in the street, they are more likely to be helped by a stranger.
This is something Jan noticed during her quarantine outings. “Maisie prods me out of the house for walks around our neighborhood, where she invariably provokes friendly (socially distanced) interactions with friends and strangers alike.”
It’s nice to know dogs can act as a kind of social glue. In another study, researchers randomly surveyed people in the U.S. and Australia, asking them how much they interacted with their neighbors. The findings revealed that pet owners (in the U.S., at least) were significantly more likely to know people in their neighborhoods, while dog owners in particular were more likely to consider a neighbor a friend and to feel socially supported by their neighbors.
Given that so many of us are limited to our neighborhoods or, possibly, dependent on neighbors for help during the pandemic, dog ownership may give us a slight advantage when it comes to connecting with those around us.
4. Dogs keep us healthier
All of these advantages—being less lonely, less stressed and anxious, and more connected to others—also tend to make us healthier. And there is direct evidence that dog owners experience a variety of health benefits.
For example, one study
found that people who acquired a dog reported fewer minor health
problems and rated themselves as healthier than non-pet owners, up to 10
months later. Another study
found that dog owners live longer and that pet owners make fewer annual
doctor visits than non-owners, even after considering gender, age,
marital status, income, and other health-related factors.
A review of multiple research studies found that pet owners had significantly lower heart rates, arterial pressure, and systolic blood pressure, suggesting better cardiovascular health. Some of this may have to do with the fact that most dogs need to be walked, and so people who own dogs tend to walk more. But there are probably other pieces to the puzzle.
It could be that adopting a needy animal confers its own benefits, as doing good deeds tends to make us happier and healthier. Interestingly, during COVID-19, there has been an increase in the number of people willing to foster a pet, in part because more people are working from home and can therefore accommodate a pet’s needs more easily.
It’s clear that what we receive from dogs in love and care comes back to us a hundredfold. Perhaps, if we want to get through the pandemic in better mental and physical health, it wouldn’t hurt to have a dog around.
“This cottage would feel kind of bereft of life without Maisie padding around,” says Jan.
I’m sure Jan is not alone in feeling happy to have a dog. Many of us are relying more on our pets for comfort while we face the uncertainty of the pandemic—even those of us who have human roommates to keep us company, too. Research suggests that there’s something about our dogs that makes us feel less lonely and anxious, and can even keep us healthier.
What is that something? It’s hard to put a finger on, but hormones may play a role. Petting a dog has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), for example, and caring for a dog releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone that calms us and increases our trust in others).
Here are some of the science-backed ways that our dogs can help us cope with difficult circumstances and stay well.
1. Dogs stave off loneliness
Many of us are feeling a bit lonelier than usual these days; sheltering-in-place and keeping our distance from others is hard for everyone, including introverts. Being without human touch is particularly difficult: People who are touch-deprived tend to feel more depressed, experience more pain, and even have poorer immunity. But having a pet around (including dogs or their cat rivals) can help prevent loneliness.
“I’m hugely grateful that I’ve had Maisie as my eight-pound, fluff-ball quarantine buddy,” says Jan. “She keeps me company whether I’m reading or gardening, and cracks me up regularly with her episodes of doggy silliness.”
Though the benefits of having a pet have been studied more among the elderly (who often have limited social contact), they likely apply to many more of us during COVID-19. After all, we all have less social contact than we’d normally have right now, and that’s got to be hard on our psyches.
Why do dogs help us with loneliness? It’s probably not an accident that dogs are often called “man’s best friend.” Many people feel that dogs are like family members (but without the baggage), providing unconditional love and easy companionship. Plus, many of us have the sense that our dog resonates with us emotionally—a notion that some science supports. We’re bound to feel less isolated with a soft, understanding, loving being around.
2. Dogs reduce stress and anxiety
Many of us have been super stressed and anxious during the pandemic. We don’t know when we will be able to move about freely again, our jobs may be compromised, and we’re worried about contracting the virus or passing it on to others. We also can’t do many of the things that usually help us manage stress better—like going to the gym or having dinner with a group of friends.
Luckily, dogs can help, as many studies have shown and experts attest. In one study, 48 participants were given a stress test where they had to do public speaking and then perform difficult calculations while unfriendly observers watched them. The participants were randomly assigned to have either a friend, a dog they didn’t know, or no one accompany them before and during the test. Their cortisol levels and heart rates were measured before, just after, and 30 minutes after the test, and they filled out questionnaires about their anxiety.
While everyone became more anxious during the test and showed higher heart rates and cortisol levels, those participants paired with a dog had lower levels of both than those with no support or even those with a friend. This suggests that being with a dog can help us recover from stressful situations—perhaps even the stress of a pandemic—even if it’s not our own dog (which may be why so many colleges bring canines onto campuses during finals week).
For those who can’t have a pet, there is some evidence that just seeing videos of dogs can reduce stress and anxiety. That probably explains why many of us turn to cute puppy (and cat) videos for relief.
3. Dogs help us get along with others
While many of us are seeing our friends on Zoom and in other physically distanced ways during the pandemic, it can be hard to feel truly connected. And, as the quarantine drags on, it may be harder to get along with the people we live with, too—like our partners and our children.
But there is evidence that having a dog around can improve our ability to connect with other people. For example, one study found that in the presence of a dog, people acted more trusting, friendly, and cooperative. Although this study was done in a work group, the same might be true for those of us working and living together in tight spaces, too.
Another study found that when someone is out and about with a dog, people consider them to be more approachable than someone without a dog. And, if people walking a dog “accidentally” drop some coins in the street, they are more likely to be helped by a stranger.
This is something Jan noticed during her quarantine outings. “Maisie prods me out of the house for walks around our neighborhood, where she invariably provokes friendly (socially distanced) interactions with friends and strangers alike.”
It’s nice to know dogs can act as a kind of social glue. In another study, researchers randomly surveyed people in the U.S. and Australia, asking them how much they interacted with their neighbors. The findings revealed that pet owners (in the U.S., at least) were significantly more likely to know people in their neighborhoods, while dog owners in particular were more likely to consider a neighbor a friend and to feel socially supported by their neighbors.
Given that so many of us are limited to our neighborhoods or, possibly, dependent on neighbors for help during the pandemic, dog ownership may give us a slight advantage when it comes to connecting with those around us.
4. Dogs keep us healthier
All of these advantages—being less lonely, less stressed and anxious, and more connected to others—also tend to make us healthier. And there is direct evidence that dog owners experience a variety of health benefits.
A review of multiple research studies found that pet owners had significantly lower heart rates, arterial pressure, and systolic blood pressure, suggesting better cardiovascular health. Some of this may have to do with the fact that most dogs need to be walked, and so people who own dogs tend to walk more. But there are probably other pieces to the puzzle.
It could be that adopting a needy animal confers its own benefits, as doing good deeds tends to make us happier and healthier. Interestingly, during COVID-19, there has been an increase in the number of people willing to foster a pet, in part because more people are working from home and can therefore accommodate a pet’s needs more easily.
It’s clear that what we receive from dogs in love and care comes back to us a hundredfold. Perhaps, if we want to get through the pandemic in better mental and physical health, it wouldn’t hurt to have a dog around.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Being a Dog Lover May Be in Your Genes
There may be a genetic explanation for why John Wick (played in the film series by Keanu Reeves) cared so much about his puppy that he embarked on a murderous rampage after a team of hit men killed the innocent pup.
OK, maybe not. But scientists did recently discover that people who love dogs may do so in part because of their DNA.
Prior studies have shown that exposure to dogs during childhood can shape a lasting affinity for canine companionship, but researchers wondered if genetic factors might play a role as well. To find out, they examined data from more than 85,000 twins in the Swedish Twin Registry — the world's biggest twin registry — searching for genetic clues that may be linked to dog ownership in adulthood. [10 Things You Didn't Know About Dogs]
For the new study, the scientists consulted copious twin data and 15 years of records on dog ownership. (Sweden requires all dogs to be officially registered with the Swedish Board of Agriculture, while pedigreed dogs may also be registered with the Swedish Kennel Club.) Of the 85,542 twins evaluated in the study, 8,503 people owned dogs.
The study authors then created computer models to identify patterns among the twins that could represent genetic influence or environmental impacts shaping a lifelong attachment to dogs. Researchers found that genetics were slightly more predictive of dog ownership in adulthood than environment; genetic contribution to dog ownership amounted to about 51% in men and around 57% in women.
"These findings are important as they suggest that supposed health benefits of owning a dog reported in some studies may be partly explained by different genetics of the people studied," study co-author Carri Westgarth, a lecturer in human-animal interaction at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, said in a statement.
For instance, scientists reported in 2017 that owning a dog could lower the risk of heart disease by providing people with emotional support and increasing exercise. However, the new findings hint that genetics could also partly explain physical and mental health trends in dog owners.
OK, maybe not. But scientists did recently discover that people who love dogs may do so in part because of their DNA.
Prior studies have shown that exposure to dogs during childhood can shape a lasting affinity for canine companionship, but researchers wondered if genetic factors might play a role as well. To find out, they examined data from more than 85,000 twins in the Swedish Twin Registry — the world's biggest twin registry — searching for genetic clues that may be linked to dog ownership in adulthood. [10 Things You Didn't Know About Dogs]
For the new study, the scientists consulted copious twin data and 15 years of records on dog ownership. (Sweden requires all dogs to be officially registered with the Swedish Board of Agriculture, while pedigreed dogs may also be registered with the Swedish Kennel Club.) Of the 85,542 twins evaluated in the study, 8,503 people owned dogs.
The study authors then created computer models to identify patterns among the twins that could represent genetic influence or environmental impacts shaping a lifelong attachment to dogs. Researchers found that genetics were slightly more predictive of dog ownership in adulthood than environment; genetic contribution to dog ownership amounted to about 51% in men and around 57% in women.
"These findings are important as they suggest that supposed health benefits of owning a dog reported in some studies may be partly explained by different genetics of the people studied," study co-author Carri Westgarth, a lecturer in human-animal interaction at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, said in a statement.
For instance, scientists reported in 2017 that owning a dog could lower the risk of heart disease by providing people with emotional support and increasing exercise. However, the new findings hint that genetics could also partly explain physical and mental health trends in dog owners.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
custom wheels for Cody
A set of new custom wheels has given canine Cody a new leash on life.
The 9-year-old Siberian husky is unable to use his back legs due to neurological issues and back problems. Initially, owner Carol Ginoza of Kakaako took him out for walks in a stroller but noticed he still seemed sad. Then her veterinarian, Jamie Furutani of the Mililani Mauka Veterinary Clinic, fitted him with a rear-wheel cart from Eddie’s Wheels of Shelburne Falls, Mass. The company designs and manufactures “wheelchairs” for disabled pets.
“There was a huge difference,” Ginoza said. “He’s so much happier in the wheels.”
Furutani, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist, has fitted numerous dogs with the carts. It might take some tweaking and a few days for animals to adjust to the assistive device, but she has seen it do wonders.
The 9-year-old Siberian husky is unable to use his back legs due to neurological issues and back problems. Initially, owner Carol Ginoza of Kakaako took him out for walks in a stroller but noticed he still seemed sad. Then her veterinarian, Jamie Furutani of the Mililani Mauka Veterinary Clinic, fitted him with a rear-wheel cart from Eddie’s Wheels of Shelburne Falls, Mass. The company designs and manufactures “wheelchairs” for disabled pets.
“There was a huge difference,” Ginoza said. “He’s so much happier in the wheels.”
Furutani, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist, has fitted numerous dogs with the carts. It might take some tweaking and a few days for animals to adjust to the assistive device, but she has seen it do wonders.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Kimo is limping
A couple of months ago, I noticed Kimo is limping. Often I see when dogs limp they seem to heal themselves are are back to normal in a day or two. But this time the limping continued.
I'm not sure how he injured his leg. One guess was that he was really excited about Jojo and started running around and making energetic play motions. Something he rarely does with Jojo. Or maybe it was when he ran from the front yard to the backyard in anticipation of getting fed.
Or maybe it was the time the boxer jumped him.
Or the time Jojo jumped him after he growled at June trying to pet him.
Anyway, I decided to take him to Dr. Asato. She moved his leg back and forth. Pulled out something from his paw. But was still limping.
I wasn't sure what the diagnosis was, but she decided to give him acupuncture treatments. He kind of yelped when they stuck the needles in him, but seemed ok during the 30 minute treatment.
She was saying that acupuncture releases endorphins. I think that one of its functions is as a natural pain killer that the body produces. I'm not exactly sure how that would heal the sore leg.
She also mentioned to limit his movement.
The second time I took him, she mentioned she thought it was the bicep tendon. He behaved better this time. I also mentioned to her about taking an MRI since that was they did to my mom when she hurt her shoulder. But she took an x-ray instead. The x-ray seemed OK but had a light coloration in the shoulder area.
She decided to do a consult with a specialist and said it may have been a previous injury.
She also gave me some medicine which they use on horses to help build up the cartilage or some such.
She again mentioned not to have him strain himself. I've been leaving him in the back, but sometimes he would jump up on to the hothouse slab on the way to the grassy area. The problem was when he came back, he would have to jump down a couple of high steps which might jar his injury. So I blocked off the entrance with some stone blocks.
I also put some small bricks on the step down from the slab in the back, so he would have only a small step down when walking off the slab.
The third time, I mentioned the MRI again. But she said they would have to anesthetize him. So we proceeded with the acupunction.
Before the fourth time, Kimo and Jojo interacted and I heard Kimo squeal. I think Kimo was sniffing Jojo's underneath area and Jojo didn't like it and went after him. Didn't see what happened as it was over before I ran to the backyard.
I mentioned that Kimo wasn't putting weight on his leg. The doctor maneuvered his leg again and noticed a sound as she moved his leg. She said she might have re-injured it again. This time Kimo was squealing when they put in the needles.
The day before the fifth time, I had Kimo tied with a long cord as he was lying down outside the back gate. I tried to tug him back in but he would come in. And when I came him he started to growl and was showing teeth. I think he was either in pain or just didn't want to move.
So I skipped the fifth session.
In the meantime, I had scheduled a session with Wendy Simmons who Dr. Asato had recommended. I put on the muzzle that she brought (which I had recommended to her for safety reasons). He was reacting and was stiff as she tried to get him used to her hands around his face area. But after a while he calmed down and was able to massage him.
However he was still not putting pressure on his leg. And would offer no resistance if you tried to lift up his leg.
I mentioned that to Wendy when she came for her second session. First she started with UltraSound which he got used to after a while. Then she lifted his leg and he squealed. That made her think that it was more than bicep tendinitis and there might be something wrong with his shoulder.
She completed the massage and I told her I think I was going to take her to another of my vets for another opinion and she concurred.
I was debating whether to take him to Dr. Chang or Dr. Kamiya. I had about decided on Dr. Chang. But then I check my voice mail.
Wendy had called that she talked with Dr. Asato. And that she recommended a consult with Dr. Yoshioka who's an orthopedic specialist. He doesn't have his own office and apparently works out of other offices. So I could call Makai Animal Clinic to coordinate an appointment.
Anyway I called today and Cookie said the Dr. Asato would have to recommend it, but she wasn't in today, so she'll talk to her tomorrow. And also that Dr. Yoshioka's fee is $180. I'm looking at it that he must be good to able to charge that price.
The other thing I've noticed is that there's some scabs scales on his right leg. Dr. Asato thinks it's scabies so she had given me some shampoo to wash it with. But I notice some similar scabs on his ears. I combed it off with the flea comb. Hopefully it's just dirt or sap or something.
Anyway, stay tuned. Poor Kimo.
[6/18/15]
had the consult with Dr. Yoshioka
move his leg around and said that his shoulder is popping out
two possible treatments:
immobilization and rest
or surgery (followed by immobilization, rest, therapy)
it would be major surgery
20% chance of complications which is twice normal due to his age, etc.
the prognosis is not as good since it's been several months since the injury and the muscle has atrophied
will have Dr. Asato write up an estimate
[6/20/15]
decided to make an appointment with Dr. Chang at Aloha Animal Hospital
want to get a second opinion
and possibly build him up in preparation for possible surgery
since last time he was built up in preparation for his teeth extraction surgery
[6/20/15]
Dr. Asato calls back saying that Dr. Yoshioka is not really encouraging surgery
due to Kimo's age and predisposition
surgery estimated to cost $3000
alternatively could try put him in a sling to limit movement
but if that's not successful, surgery will become even less likely of success
[6/23/15]
See to Dr. Chang at Aloha Animal Hospital. Takes x-rays and blood test. X-ray look OK. Blood test shows high bilirubin. Will schedule an ultrasound to investigate further
[6/30/15]
took ultrasound. showed sediment in his gall bladder. will try to see if they can flush it out with medication
[7/13/15]
Duane suggested I take him to Dr. Yoza, who does resonant healing. So today was his first session. Warned him about Kimo's bite history and he says they don't do dogs that bite. But I told him it would probably be OK, if I held him (which I did gently). Kind of waved his hands. Mentioned maybe it was a nerve problem (which Dr. Chang suggested) and he said maybe it's a pinched nerve
[7/17/15]
Kimo was crying in the red ginger. Take him to Dr. Yoza. Sign up for the seven session plan.
[7/20/15]
pick up Kimo's prescription, which is a liquid which was refrigerated. I probably should have headed straing home, but I stopped off at Petco to get a comfy dog bed
[7/21/15]
Dr. Yoza
[7/24/15]
Dr. Yoza says Kimo's leg looks better which might be his immune system is improving. (I think it's because I combed out the flakes)
[7/28/15]
Dr. Yoza. Lady with the 14 year dog comments that Kimo is limping less. (I dunno)
[8/3/15]
comb off Kimo's right leg. notice nails on that side are dark vs. the left side
[8/4/15]
Dr. Yoza
[8/8/15]
Dr. Yoza (last visit)
[8/17/15] snout looking a little raw, wipe legs with cotton, back leg looking scaley now
[8/31/15] see flea on Kimo's snout
[9/10/15] left rear leg looks pretty raw, full of knots on inside
[9/13/15] give Kimo a bath, notice his legs look dark
[9/14/15] one of the nails on right foot is sticking up, slightly clip a couple of nails. left eye has mucous, wash with water, I'll take him to vet
[9/15/15] eye has mucous again, rinse it off
[9/17/15] take him to Dr. Chang. Mange is back. Prescribes Nexgard. Administer another blood test. Gets a pedicure
[9/19/15] blood test results, protein is low
[9/30/15] try lemon water for his mange
[10/4/15] more lemon water, right paw not looking so great
[10/9/15] right rear leg looks stiff, having trouble lying down
[10/10/15] give Kimo a bath, must be in pain because tries to shake off water then stops
[10/13/15] let Kimo in the house, goes around to sniff every room, hard time lying down
[10/14/15] having trouble lying down, periodically moans while lying down
[10/15/15] Kimo lying down by the couch on his side and moaning all morning through the afternoon. Doesn't look good. Tell Donna his time may be up. Try to get him by slipping a towel under but he reacts negatively. But then suddenly pops up by himself. Take him out to pee and poop. Then to the garage to to go the vet.
Dr. Kamiya notices loss of muscle all around (whereas before it was just his left shoulder area). Thinks it may be severe arthritis. Prescribes steroids, painkiller to see if condition improves. Otherwise not so good.
[10/16/15] Is more lively and is walking better. Still having trouble lying down, but at least he's sitting which was also having trouble doing. Later lies down by the pillow on the hallway with his left (bad) side up. That's a good sign. Previously he would go by the couch and struggle down to the floor and lie down with the left side down. Then have a hard time getting up.
[10/18/15] Notice his rear right leg is stiff which gives him difficulty going down steps. But overall much improved from a few days ago.
I'm not sure how he injured his leg. One guess was that he was really excited about Jojo and started running around and making energetic play motions. Something he rarely does with Jojo. Or maybe it was when he ran from the front yard to the backyard in anticipation of getting fed.
Or maybe it was the time the boxer jumped him.
Or the time Jojo jumped him after he growled at June trying to pet him.
Anyway, I decided to take him to Dr. Asato. She moved his leg back and forth. Pulled out something from his paw. But was still limping.
I wasn't sure what the diagnosis was, but she decided to give him acupuncture treatments. He kind of yelped when they stuck the needles in him, but seemed ok during the 30 minute treatment.
She was saying that acupuncture releases endorphins. I think that one of its functions is as a natural pain killer that the body produces. I'm not exactly sure how that would heal the sore leg.
She also mentioned to limit his movement.
The second time I took him, she mentioned she thought it was the bicep tendon. He behaved better this time. I also mentioned to her about taking an MRI since that was they did to my mom when she hurt her shoulder. But she took an x-ray instead. The x-ray seemed OK but had a light coloration in the shoulder area.
She decided to do a consult with a specialist and said it may have been a previous injury.
She also gave me some medicine which they use on horses to help build up the cartilage or some such.
She again mentioned not to have him strain himself. I've been leaving him in the back, but sometimes he would jump up on to the hothouse slab on the way to the grassy area. The problem was when he came back, he would have to jump down a couple of high steps which might jar his injury. So I blocked off the entrance with some stone blocks.
I also put some small bricks on the step down from the slab in the back, so he would have only a small step down when walking off the slab.
The third time, I mentioned the MRI again. But she said they would have to anesthetize him. So we proceeded with the acupunction.
Before the fourth time, Kimo and Jojo interacted and I heard Kimo squeal. I think Kimo was sniffing Jojo's underneath area and Jojo didn't like it and went after him. Didn't see what happened as it was over before I ran to the backyard.
I mentioned that Kimo wasn't putting weight on his leg. The doctor maneuvered his leg again and noticed a sound as she moved his leg. She said she might have re-injured it again. This time Kimo was squealing when they put in the needles.
The day before the fifth time, I had Kimo tied with a long cord as he was lying down outside the back gate. I tried to tug him back in but he would come in. And when I came him he started to growl and was showing teeth. I think he was either in pain or just didn't want to move.
So I skipped the fifth session.
In the meantime, I had scheduled a session with Wendy Simmons who Dr. Asato had recommended. I put on the muzzle that she brought (which I had recommended to her for safety reasons). He was reacting and was stiff as she tried to get him used to her hands around his face area. But after a while he calmed down and was able to massage him.
However he was still not putting pressure on his leg. And would offer no resistance if you tried to lift up his leg.
I mentioned that to Wendy when she came for her second session. First she started with UltraSound which he got used to after a while. Then she lifted his leg and he squealed. That made her think that it was more than bicep tendinitis and there might be something wrong with his shoulder.
She completed the massage and I told her I think I was going to take her to another of my vets for another opinion and she concurred.
I was debating whether to take him to Dr. Chang or Dr. Kamiya. I had about decided on Dr. Chang. But then I check my voice mail.
Wendy had called that she talked with Dr. Asato. And that she recommended a consult with Dr. Yoshioka who's an orthopedic specialist. He doesn't have his own office and apparently works out of other offices. So I could call Makai Animal Clinic to coordinate an appointment.
Anyway I called today and Cookie said the Dr. Asato would have to recommend it, but she wasn't in today, so she'll talk to her tomorrow. And also that Dr. Yoshioka's fee is $180. I'm looking at it that he must be good to able to charge that price.
The other thing I've noticed is that there's some scabs scales on his right leg. Dr. Asato thinks it's scabies so she had given me some shampoo to wash it with. But I notice some similar scabs on his ears. I combed it off with the flea comb. Hopefully it's just dirt or sap or something.
Anyway, stay tuned. Poor Kimo.
[6/18/15]
had the consult with Dr. Yoshioka
move his leg around and said that his shoulder is popping out
two possible treatments:
immobilization and rest
or surgery (followed by immobilization, rest, therapy)
it would be major surgery
20% chance of complications which is twice normal due to his age, etc.
the prognosis is not as good since it's been several months since the injury and the muscle has atrophied
will have Dr. Asato write up an estimate
[6/20/15]
decided to make an appointment with Dr. Chang at Aloha Animal Hospital
want to get a second opinion
and possibly build him up in preparation for possible surgery
since last time he was built up in preparation for his teeth extraction surgery
[6/20/15]
Dr. Asato calls back saying that Dr. Yoshioka is not really encouraging surgery
due to Kimo's age and predisposition
surgery estimated to cost $3000
alternatively could try put him in a sling to limit movement
but if that's not successful, surgery will become even less likely of success
[6/23/15]
See to Dr. Chang at Aloha Animal Hospital. Takes x-rays and blood test. X-ray look OK. Blood test shows high bilirubin. Will schedule an ultrasound to investigate further
[6/30/15]
took ultrasound. showed sediment in his gall bladder. will try to see if they can flush it out with medication
[7/13/15]
Duane suggested I take him to Dr. Yoza, who does resonant healing. So today was his first session. Warned him about Kimo's bite history and he says they don't do dogs that bite. But I told him it would probably be OK, if I held him (which I did gently). Kind of waved his hands. Mentioned maybe it was a nerve problem (which Dr. Chang suggested) and he said maybe it's a pinched nerve
[7/17/15]
Kimo was crying in the red ginger. Take him to Dr. Yoza. Sign up for the seven session plan.
[7/20/15]
pick up Kimo's prescription, which is a liquid which was refrigerated. I probably should have headed straing home, but I stopped off at Petco to get a comfy dog bed
[7/21/15]
Dr. Yoza
[7/24/15]
Dr. Yoza says Kimo's leg looks better which might be his immune system is improving. (I think it's because I combed out the flakes)
[7/28/15]
Dr. Yoza. Lady with the 14 year dog comments that Kimo is limping less. (I dunno)
[8/3/15]
comb off Kimo's right leg. notice nails on that side are dark vs. the left side
[8/4/15]
Dr. Yoza
[8/8/15]
Dr. Yoza (last visit)
[8/17/15] snout looking a little raw, wipe legs with cotton, back leg looking scaley now
[8/31/15] see flea on Kimo's snout
[9/10/15] left rear leg looks pretty raw, full of knots on inside
[9/13/15] give Kimo a bath, notice his legs look dark
[9/14/15] one of the nails on right foot is sticking up, slightly clip a couple of nails. left eye has mucous, wash with water, I'll take him to vet
[9/15/15] eye has mucous again, rinse it off
[9/17/15] take him to Dr. Chang. Mange is back. Prescribes Nexgard. Administer another blood test. Gets a pedicure
[9/19/15] blood test results, protein is low
[9/30/15] try lemon water for his mange
[10/4/15] more lemon water, right paw not looking so great
[10/9/15] right rear leg looks stiff, having trouble lying down
[10/10/15] give Kimo a bath, must be in pain because tries to shake off water then stops
[10/13/15] let Kimo in the house, goes around to sniff every room, hard time lying down
[10/14/15] having trouble lying down, periodically moans while lying down
[10/15/15] Kimo lying down by the couch on his side and moaning all morning through the afternoon. Doesn't look good. Tell Donna his time may be up. Try to get him by slipping a towel under but he reacts negatively. But then suddenly pops up by himself. Take him out to pee and poop. Then to the garage to to go the vet.
Dr. Kamiya notices loss of muscle all around (whereas before it was just his left shoulder area). Thinks it may be severe arthritis. Prescribes steroids, painkiller to see if condition improves. Otherwise not so good.
[10/16/15] Is more lively and is walking better. Still having trouble lying down, but at least he's sitting which was also having trouble doing. Later lies down by the pillow on the hallway with his left (bad) side up. That's a good sign. Previously he would go by the couch and struggle down to the floor and lie down with the left side down. Then have a hard time getting up.
[10/18/15] Notice his rear right leg is stiff which gives him difficulty going down steps. But overall much improved from a few days ago.
people food for dogs
By Nicole Pajer
We try to keep our dogs on their canine diets but sometimes we just can’t resist slipping them an occasional human morsel. If you’d like to reward your pet with a table scrap, make sure that you choose people foods that are safe for canine tummies.
Here are a few “dog-approved” people foods:
1. Peanut butter. A favorite treat of many canines. Not only is it a good source of protein, but it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Stuff peanut butter into a Kong to keep your dog busy for hours. Choose raw, unsalted peanut butter.
2. Cooked chicken. Can be slipped into the bowl along with your dog’s regular food to add a spice and extra protein to its diet. This also makes a good meal replacement if you’re in a pinch and out of dog food.
3. Cheese. A great treat for a dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction. Opt for low or reduced fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheeses can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice.
4. Baby carrots. Good for a dog’s teeth, carrots are low calorie and high in fiber and beta carotene/vitamin A.
5. Yogurt. High in calcium and protein. But make sure to only choose yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s digestive system.
6. Salmon. A good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are responsible for keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, as well as supporting your dog’s immune system. Feed your dog cooked salmon, add salmon oil to her food bowl, or slip him some of your unwanted fish skins.
7. Pumpkin. Good source of fiber as well as beta-carotene/vitamin A. It can help keep the GI tract moving and can aid with digestive issues.
8. Eggs. Scrambling up an egg for your pup is a great way to give her diet a protein boost. Eggs are also a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, making them a healthy snack.
9. Green beans.Make a great treat for your dog since they are filling and low in calories. Select beans that have no added salt.
10. Apple slices. Help to clean residue off a dog’s teeth, which helps to freshen her breath. Apples are a good source of fiber as well as vitamin A and C. Make sure to take out the seeds and the core before feeding to your dog, as these can be choking hazards. [comments] [apple cider vinegar]
11. Oatmeal. A great source of soluble fiber, which can be especially beneficial to senior dogs with bowel irregularity issues. It is also a great alternate grain for dogs allergic to wheat. Make sure to cook oatmeal before serving it to your dog. Do not add any sugar or flavor additives.
These are just a few of the human foods that you can toss your dog’s way. Remember to try them in small amounts. If your dog experiences any sort of reaction, immediately consult a veterinarian. Before giving your dog any people food, do your research to make sure it’s safe. Never feed your dog toxic human items such as: chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, artificial sweeteners, macadamia nuts, avocadoes, alcohol, or coffee. Consult your veterinarian with any questions on what is safe and what is harmful.
***
10 People Foods for Dogs
We try to keep our dogs on their canine diets but sometimes we just can’t resist slipping them an occasional human morsel. If you’d like to reward your pet with a table scrap, make sure that you choose people foods that are safe for canine tummies.
Here are a few “dog-approved” people foods:
1. Peanut butter. A favorite treat of many canines. Not only is it a good source of protein, but it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. Stuff peanut butter into a Kong to keep your dog busy for hours. Choose raw, unsalted peanut butter.
2. Cooked chicken. Can be slipped into the bowl along with your dog’s regular food to add a spice and extra protein to its diet. This also makes a good meal replacement if you’re in a pinch and out of dog food.
3. Cheese. A great treat for a dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction. Opt for low or reduced fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheeses can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice.
4. Baby carrots. Good for a dog’s teeth, carrots are low calorie and high in fiber and beta carotene/vitamin A.
5. Yogurt. High in calcium and protein. But make sure to only choose yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugars. Yogurts with active bacteria can act as a probiotic and are good for your dog’s digestive system.
6. Salmon. A good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which are responsible for keeping your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, as well as supporting your dog’s immune system. Feed your dog cooked salmon, add salmon oil to her food bowl, or slip him some of your unwanted fish skins.
7. Pumpkin. Good source of fiber as well as beta-carotene/vitamin A. It can help keep the GI tract moving and can aid with digestive issues.
8. Eggs. Scrambling up an egg for your pup is a great way to give her diet a protein boost. Eggs are also a source of easily digestible riboflavin and selenium, making them a healthy snack.
9. Green beans.Make a great treat for your dog since they are filling and low in calories. Select beans that have no added salt.
10. Apple slices. Help to clean residue off a dog’s teeth, which helps to freshen her breath. Apples are a good source of fiber as well as vitamin A and C. Make sure to take out the seeds and the core before feeding to your dog, as these can be choking hazards. [comments] [apple cider vinegar]
11. Oatmeal. A great source of soluble fiber, which can be especially beneficial to senior dogs with bowel irregularity issues. It is also a great alternate grain for dogs allergic to wheat. Make sure to cook oatmeal before serving it to your dog. Do not add any sugar or flavor additives.
These are just a few of the human foods that you can toss your dog’s way. Remember to try them in small amounts. If your dog experiences any sort of reaction, immediately consult a veterinarian. Before giving your dog any people food, do your research to make sure it’s safe. Never feed your dog toxic human items such as: chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, yeast dough, artificial sweeteners, macadamia nuts, avocadoes, alcohol, or coffee. Consult your veterinarian with any questions on what is safe and what is harmful.
***
10 People Foods for Dogs
Monday, August 10, 2015
Lucy and Rufus
Most of you -- Susan's and my readers -- are familiar with out Yellow Lab siblings, Rufus and Lucy, whom we've had since about their fourth day out of the womb. Over the years, we've referenced them in our columns to make points about "unconditional love" and the sheer joys of dog companionship.
Both dogs have had the potential to outlive their normal live expentancy.
Lucy barely did. We lost her last New Year's Eve at just over 14 years (equivalent to 98 human years) as a result of liver cancer, and enervating effects of spinal surgery and knee replacement surgery.
Rufus is still hangin' in there. His main problems are ones to which I can personally relate, difficulty walking, in his case because of serious, classic Labrador hip dysplasia, whereby the "socket" portion of his hip joints have deteriorated so badly they no longer hold the ball portion of the joint up into the socket, so they tend to become "disjointed" when he walks.
When he collapses, we have to put a padded sling under his belly to lift him up high enough to get his hips straight down under him again so he can walk forward.
Oh, and there's the issue of his forgetfulness and dementia. Now pushing 15 years, he's like a little old man trying to adjust to the loss of his lifetime partner.
When Lucy passed, we buried her down in the lower part of the yard where she used to just roam by the hour, pushing through shrubbery, inhaling each new smell of the day, and barking a fierce warning at any living thing that traversed the pathway just outside the chain-link fence.
Our daughter Kim Isaac, currently the practicing "artiste du jour" of the family, made a beautiful mosaic tile with Lucy's name on it for a marker. She has promised a matching tile with Rufus' name when the time comes.
So this cool, shady place in our lower yard has taken on significance the likes of which we had never planned. It will always be the focal point for so many warm and happy memories of Rufus and Lucy, and the joy they brought into our lives.
Every family should be so blessed.
And remember, dog spelled backwards is God. And I think that simply is too profound a coincidence to just write it off as God messin' with our heads.
-- Jerry Coffee, MidWeek, July 15, 2015
Both dogs have had the potential to outlive their normal live expentancy.
Lucy barely did. We lost her last New Year's Eve at just over 14 years (equivalent to 98 human years) as a result of liver cancer, and enervating effects of spinal surgery and knee replacement surgery.
Rufus is still hangin' in there. His main problems are ones to which I can personally relate, difficulty walking, in his case because of serious, classic Labrador hip dysplasia, whereby the "socket" portion of his hip joints have deteriorated so badly they no longer hold the ball portion of the joint up into the socket, so they tend to become "disjointed" when he walks.
When he collapses, we have to put a padded sling under his belly to lift him up high enough to get his hips straight down under him again so he can walk forward.
Oh, and there's the issue of his forgetfulness and dementia. Now pushing 15 years, he's like a little old man trying to adjust to the loss of his lifetime partner.
When Lucy passed, we buried her down in the lower part of the yard where she used to just roam by the hour, pushing through shrubbery, inhaling each new smell of the day, and barking a fierce warning at any living thing that traversed the pathway just outside the chain-link fence.
Our daughter Kim Isaac, currently the practicing "artiste du jour" of the family, made a beautiful mosaic tile with Lucy's name on it for a marker. She has promised a matching tile with Rufus' name when the time comes.
So this cool, shady place in our lower yard has taken on significance the likes of which we had never planned. It will always be the focal point for so many warm and happy memories of Rufus and Lucy, and the joy they brought into our lives.
Every family should be so blessed.
And remember, dog spelled backwards is God. And I think that simply is too profound a coincidence to just write it off as God messin' with our heads.
-- Jerry Coffee, MidWeek, July 15, 2015
Friday, August 19, 2011
5 Ways Your Pet Keeps You Healthy
1. Pets are good for your heart
And we’re not just talking about the unconditional love they give (although that’s certainly good for your self-esteem). Several studies have shown that pet owners have healthier statistics for several cardiovascular criteria, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels than non-owners. Additionally, studies have shown that heart attack sufferers who have pets have longer survival rates than those who don’t.
2. Pets are good motivators for exercise
Not feeling motivated to hit the gym after a long day of work and traffic? That lack of motivation’s probably not going to fly with your dog. He’ll get you off the couch and into your sneakers for an evening walk or jog. Plus a dog means never having to worry about having a sports companion for the weekend. They’re always up for a walk, a run, a bike ride, or a Frisbee toss. It may also be one of the reasons pet owners are so heart-healthy.
3. Pets are good for your social life
Anyone who’s seen the scene at the local dog park knows this is a perfect place for dogs and their humans to sniff each other out for future potential companionship. Also, walking your dog gets you out into the community, where you can meet your neighbors, check out the newest merchants and get yourself out of the car and into the mix.
4. Pets are good for your immune system
Sure, having a pet means you’re going to stock up on lint rollers and vacuum cleaner bags, but children who are exposed to pets from an early age have been shown to be more resistant to allergies and less likely to develop asthma. Improved immune system response has also been linked to early exposure to the allergens and, well, dirt, which usually come part and parcel with the family pet.
5. Pets are good for your mood
Pet therapy has taken off in nursing homes and hospices around the world. Caring for a pet has been shown to lower stress, reduce depression and anxiety, and increase energy. And not just in the elderly and the infirm. People who have pets in their lives have shown increased levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin. The benefits have been so remarkable that some cities have banned “no pets allowed” landlords from denying pets to residents above a certain age or who are living with disease or disability.
So the next time you’re walking along with a full baggie in your coat pocket and telling yourself you can’t believe the things you do for your dog, take a step back and think about all the amazing things your dog is doing for you.
And we’re not just talking about the unconditional love they give (although that’s certainly good for your self-esteem). Several studies have shown that pet owners have healthier statistics for several cardiovascular criteria, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels than non-owners. Additionally, studies have shown that heart attack sufferers who have pets have longer survival rates than those who don’t.
2. Pets are good motivators for exercise
Not feeling motivated to hit the gym after a long day of work and traffic? That lack of motivation’s probably not going to fly with your dog. He’ll get you off the couch and into your sneakers for an evening walk or jog. Plus a dog means never having to worry about having a sports companion for the weekend. They’re always up for a walk, a run, a bike ride, or a Frisbee toss. It may also be one of the reasons pet owners are so heart-healthy.
3. Pets are good for your social life
Anyone who’s seen the scene at the local dog park knows this is a perfect place for dogs and their humans to sniff each other out for future potential companionship. Also, walking your dog gets you out into the community, where you can meet your neighbors, check out the newest merchants and get yourself out of the car and into the mix.
4. Pets are good for your immune system
Sure, having a pet means you’re going to stock up on lint rollers and vacuum cleaner bags, but children who are exposed to pets from an early age have been shown to be more resistant to allergies and less likely to develop asthma. Improved immune system response has also been linked to early exposure to the allergens and, well, dirt, which usually come part and parcel with the family pet.
5. Pets are good for your mood
Pet therapy has taken off in nursing homes and hospices around the world. Caring for a pet has been shown to lower stress, reduce depression and anxiety, and increase energy. And not just in the elderly and the infirm. People who have pets in their lives have shown increased levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin. The benefits have been so remarkable that some cities have banned “no pets allowed” landlords from denying pets to residents above a certain age or who are living with disease or disability.
So the next time you’re walking along with a full baggie in your coat pocket and telling yourself you can’t believe the things you do for your dog, take a step back and think about all the amazing things your dog is doing for you.
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