3. PROVIDE DAILY


DENTAL CARE. There are serious and potentially irrevers-


ible health consequences associated with periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a syndrome of conditions affecting the teeth and their adjacent structures, including bacterial infection, gingivitis (gum inflam- mation), and loss of attachment between the periodontal ligament and underlying bone (causing loose teeth). Millions of bacteria that thrive in the


canine and feline mouth can enter the blood through inflamed gums, showering the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and other body systems with a constant stream of toxic organisms. Periodontal disease in pets is preventable.


Unfortunately, pet owners often don’t prioritize the dental health of their canine and feline companions to make cleaning a daily habit. Brushing with moistened toothbrush, cleansing with an oral antiseptic wipe, and chewing on tooth-safe toys and treats are my top picks for home dental care.


2. FEED HUMAN-GRADE, MINIMALLY PROCESSED, WHOLE


FOOD MEALS AND TREATS. Nature makes food then humans highly process


nature’s ingredients to create ‘nutritionally complete and balanced’ pet foods conveniently available to dispense out of a bag or can. Unfortunately for our animal companions, most pet


foods contain ingredients that are considered to be feed-grade instead of human-grade. As a result, there are higher allowable levels of toxins, like mold- produced aflatoxin, which can end up in your pet’s bowl that can cause short or long-term health problems. Additionally, eating meals and snacks containing


grain and protein meals and by-products, artificial colors and flavors, chemical preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, etc.), and recognized toxins and carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) found in many commercially available pet foods and treats has been linked to digestive tract upset (vomit, diarrhea, inflam- matory bowel disease, pancreatitis, etc.), allergic skin conditions, kidney and liver disease, immune system abnormalities (including cancer), behavior problems and other ailments. As most pet foods are so radically altered from


nature’s original format, energetic changes occur that reduce the nutritive content of the basic components. Additionally, high-heat cooking used to make kibble and other commercially available foods can alter starches cooked at temperatures exceeding 248F into Acrylamide, a carcinogen. Human-grade, whole-food based, home-prepared or commercial diets undergo- ing minimal refinement and cooked to temperatures that destroy pathogenic bacteria but don’t mutate nature’s healthful creations into toxins should replace processed dry or canned pet foods.


4. DON’T LET OLDER AGE BE A DETERRENT TO ANESTHETIC


DENTAL CLEANINGS. Pets are never ‘too old’ to undergo anesthesia, but they can be ‘too unhealthy.’ Although there are risks associated with anesthesia, such concerns can be minimized by working with your veterinarian to make your pet is as healthy as possible before the procedure occurs. Blood testing, radiographs (x-rays), ECG


(electrical evaluation of heart rate and rhythm) and possibly other diagnostics (ul- trasound of the heart or abdominal organs, urinalysis, etc.) should be performed in the days to weeks before your pet goes under anesthesia. Illnesses should be resolved or improved before an anesthetic dental occurs to reduce potential for complications. Remember, age is not a disease. The


bacterial infection and associated inflamma- tion in your pet’s mouth capable of causing problems elsewhere in the body is disease that needs to be treated.


5. RECOGNIZE NORMAL PATTERNS SO ABNORMALITIES CAN BE


QUICKLY RECOGNIZED. Recognizing when your pet is having a health


problem is a key component to determining if immediate evaluation is needed. Be aware of your pet’s daily habits so that the abnormalities can be quickly detected, including:


• Food/water consumption—quantity, pace of consumption, time of day, etc. • Waste elimination—Unusual location, pattern, or appearance to bowel movements and urination, etc. • Respiratory patterns—Open or closed mouth, fast or slow, effortful or relaxed, etc. • Mobility—Normal gait or lameness, inability to stand or walk, falling, etc. • Energy and behavior—Energetic or lethargic, interest in exercise or exercise intolerance, sleeping normally through the night or restlessness, separation anxiety, etc.


If you suspect your pet is sick based on alterations to


their day-to-day patterns then immediately schedule an examination with your veterinarian or take him to an emergency veterinary hospital. Early diagnosis typically leads to quicker and simpler resolution of most pet-health issues.


6. MINIMIZE YOUR PET’S NEED FOR MEDICATIONS POTENTIALLY HAVING


SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS. Many human and veterinary prescription drugs are


used by veterinarians to treat animal diseases. Although these medications fight infection, reduce inflammation, minimize pain and kill cancer cells, there’s potential for mild to severe side effects associated with their use, especially at higher or more frequent dosing. As a result, it’s vital that pet owners reduce their furry companions’ reliance on such medications. Means by which owners can work with their veterinar-


ian to take a holistic approach to their’s pet’s disease management and overall health include:


• Environmental modification—Making your home “pet-safer,” etc.


• Dietary supplements—Omega fatty acids, joint support products, antioxidants, etc.


• Maintaining a lean Body Condition Score—Dietary modification, exercise, etc.


• Providing human-grade, whole-foodbased diets— having none- to minimally-processed nutrients.


• Pursuing physical rehabilitation—Massage, range of motion, stretching, etc. or acupuncture treatment— laser, moxibustion, electrostimulation, etc.


If the healthiest possible state is maintained despite


age or history of illness or trauma, then a pet’s medica- tion requirements can be minimized.


AUGUST 2017 | RAGE monthly 27


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