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Vet Central: Top 3 Health IssuesHumane Society of Pikes Peak Region UpdateCover Story: 6 New AKC BreedsAround the Globe: Wildlife Travel LogAsk the Doc: April Showers Bring... Ear Infections? Pet Aftercare: What Will Happen to Your Pets?Supplements: What’s Good for the Goose...Are You Afraid of Dogs?Business MarketplaceCalendar of Events

in this issue

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from the publisher

Spring 2012

lthough it is not here just yet, spring is around the corner. Getting pets ready for warmer weather is a great way to keep your pets comfortable and well-groomed. Many breeds of dogs and cats will start shedding their heavy winter coats as the days get warmer. Check out the great grooming transforma-

tions happening at Tailored Tails Grooming Salon & Pet Spa. Page 5 debuts a regular feature of “before and after photos” of dog and cat grooming.Did you have an opportunity to watch the annual Westminster Dog Show? This exciting event is held over two days, every February. The 2011 Westminster champion was Hickory, a Scottish Deerhound. The 2012 Best in Show Trophy was awarded to “Ch Palacegarden Malachy” a.k.a. “Malachy,” a Pekingese. There were over 2500 dogs, from all over the world, which competed at the event, 170 breeds and varieties, including six new breeds now recognized by the American Kennel Club. Page 8 features our cover story on these new breeds.What will happen to your pets if something happens to you? Skye Stevens, owner of Homeward Bound addresses these tough questions and also shares information on how to set up a Pet Trust. We will be growing our Pet’s Remembered Page in the upcoming issues where we will feature photos and tributes to our departed pets. Email info@petacularusa.com for information on how to feature your cherished pet.Spring is a great time for people and pets alike to get out and shake off the winter blues. Remember to take a few minutes to prepare yourself and your pet for the warm weather to come.

Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic4323 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.Co Spgs, CO 80918(719) 598-7879www.AustinBluffsAnimalClinic.comRichard Monyek, DVM Eli Layman, DVM

Brown Veterinary Hospital45 E. Broadmoor RoadCo Spgs, CO 80906(719) 636-3341www.BrownVet.comJeffrey Gross, DVM Theresa MacNab, Harrison Wellman, DVM

Cook Veterinary Hospital21 W CimarronJust east of I-25 on CimarronCo Spgs, CO 80903 (719) 633-7769www.CookVeterinary.comCarin Ramsel, DVM

High Plains Veterinary Hospital4007 Tutt Blvd.Co Spgs, CO 80922(719) 574-8920www.HighPlainsVet.comAnne Pierce, DVM Jessica McKenney, DVM Whitney Anne Butler, DVM

North Powers Animal Hospital5470 Powers Center Pt, Suite 100Co Spgs, CO 80920(719) 282-1222www.NorthPowersAnimalHospital.comRussell Welfare, DVM

St Francis Animal HospitalLocated in Briargate8834 N. Union BlvdCo Spgs, CO 80920(719) 282-3443www.FrancisVet.netKim Kaufer, DVM Kerri Mozinski, DVM

COMPOUNDED MEDICINE FOR PETS

The Medicine Shoppe #04372431 N. Union BlvdCo Spgs, CO 80909(719) 630-3154www.MedicineShoppe.comGene Bockrath R.Ph.

vet central

4 spring 2012

Top 3 Health Issues

Vomiting and Diarrhea Vomiting and diarrhea are very common in dogs and cats and can range in severity from mild discomfort to a sign of serious or life-threatening illness. Vomiting is the body’s way of expelling the contents of the stomach or upper intestinal tract in order to purge it of a source of irritation. The most common cause of vomiting in pets is the ingestion of such irritants as sticks, leaves, bones, trash, or greasy table foods. Sometimes, vomiting may be the result of viral or – more rarely – bacterial infection of the digestive tract. Other common causes of vomiting are parasites – such as roundworm – as well as various systemic diseases such as liver and kidney disease, and cancer. Diarrhea results from irritation further down the digestive tract in the small or large intestine. Some of the same conditions that cause vomiting can also cause diarrhea. Otitis (Ear infections) Otitis the clinical term for ear infections – is a common problem in pets. The deep ear canals of dogs and cats create a good environment for the growth of bacteria and yeast. Ear mites can also live in the ear canal and cause irritation and itching. Pets with ear infections usually rub or scratch their ears and shake their heads often, and infected ears often have a bad odor. If the infection spreads to the middle ear, the pet may develop a loss of balance. In more serious cases, the infection may spread further to the bone, requiring long-term therapy. Ear drops are usually required to treat the infection and remove any mites. Dermatitis Both dogs and cats can develop dermatitis – inflamed skin and skin rashes – from a number of causes, including allergies, fleas, mange mites, and bacterial or fungal infections. Seasonal inhaled allergies (atopy) usually appear as red, itchy areas on the paws, face, armpits, and groin. Food allergies can also cause dermatitis, typically on the head and neck. Dermatitis is also sometimes caused by moisture buildup under the skin, often in folds of skin around the face, lips, armpits, groin, and mammary glands. Fungal infections can affect hair, nails, and dead skin, leading to bald, scaly areas which show up as patches or rings – more commonly in cats – known informally as ringworm. Treatment for dermatitis varies depending on the underlying cause.

Information provided by Webvet.com. Credit: Reviewed by Susan E. Aiello, DVM, ELS, and John A. Bukowski, DVM, MPH, PhD. Article last reviewed: 2010-09-01

5spring 2012

pet transformationssponsored by

Before After

Karlee’s Happy Tail

Do you love to walk dogs, give belly scratches to kittens, photo-graph animals or meet and greet people? We need volunteers to help with the daily operations of our sheltering facilities.Volunteers also use their creative skills to help photograph and promote pets. Are you a social butterfly? We need help with event planning, too. Volunteering is a rewarding and heartwarming experience that will touch the lives of thousands of homeless animals in your community. Call 302-8721 to volunteer.

Volunteers Needed

Please spay or neuter your pets. Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is proud to offer SNIP, (Spay Neuter Incentive Program) donor subsidized spay/neuter services. Through this program, we hope to help decrease the pet overpopulation in the Pikes Peak Region and save more lives.If you are interested in getting your dog spay/neutered, you must qualify for this program based on your income or participation in select government programs. Income qualification is not required for cats. Call (719) 302-8795 in Colorado Springs and (719) 544-3005 in Pueblo.Fees For Cats & Dogs in Colo SpgsProcedure Price Cat Neuter $25 Cat Spay $45*Dog Neuter $55*Dog Spay $65 Vaccinations $12 *income qualification required

Fees for Cats & Dogs in Pueblo *Cat Neuter $35 *Cat Spay $45**Dog Neuter $45**Dog Spay $65 *Cat spay/neuter surgeries are available for FREE for cats living in 81004**Additional $20.00 fee required for animals over 75 pounds.

Animals Can’t Add, butThey Can Multiply

610 Abbott LaneColorado Springs CO 80905719.473.1741 hsppr.org

4600 Eagleridge Place, Pueblo CO 81008719.544.3005 puebloanimalservices.org

We adopted a female Pit Bull named Karlee seven years ago from Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, as we have adopted all our Pit Bulls over the years. She is just amazing; the sweetest dog ever with both humans and other animals. Karlee is gifted as a Pit Bull ambassador and she believes it is her duty to show everyone how sweet this often misun-derstood breed is when they are raised appropriately. That has been my experience with the breed and I’ve had five over the years. We now have four dogs and they are the best! Jean

6 spring 2012

breed bio

The Norwegian Lundehund NorwayNon-Sporting Group12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder Puffin retriever.Small, agile Spitz breed with several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog. Features such as six toes on each foot; prick ears that fold closed, forward or backward at will; and the ability to tip the head backward until it touches the back bone all helped them perform their job as Puffin hunter. It originated on the remote islands ofarctic Norway, where it was used to wrestle and retrieve live Puffin birds from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. Alert, very energetic, loyal and protective. He can be wary of strangers but never aggressive toward people.

The Xoloitzcuintli or "Xolo"MexicoNon-Sporting Group Guard; companion

It comes in three sizes – toy, miniature and standard, and two varieties – hairless and coated.

One of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds, the Xolo can justly be called the first dog of the Americas. Archaeological evidence indicates that Xolos accompanied man on his first migrations across the Bering Straits. Their name is derived from the name of the Aztec Indian god Xolotl and Itzcuintli, the Aztec word for dog. With areputation as a healer, the breed and its warm skin is often put to use in remote Mexican and Central American villages to ward off and cure ailments like rheumatism, asthma, toothache and insomnia. Xolos were also believed to safeguard the home from evil spirits and intruders.

Calm, tranquil, aloof and attentive. They make excellent companion dogs with moderate exercise and grooming needs.

The Cesky Terrier Czech RepublicTerrier Group 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulderSmall game hunter. Well-muscled, short legged and well-pigmented hunting terrier that was developed to be worked in packs. Keen and alert, the Cesky Terrier has been used in hunting fox, rabbits, ducks, pheasants, and even wild boar.

Cesky Terriers are loyal family members who require continued socialization throughout their lives due to their reserved nature towards strangers. They are an active breed and like most terriers, love to dig.

American English Coonhound AmericaHound Group 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulderRaccoon and fox hunter

Renowned for his speed and endurance, he has the strength, grace and attitude of a well-conditioned athlete. The American English Coonhound evolved when descendants of English Foxhounds were bred to adapt to rougher terrain. Today's American English Coonhound is a wide-ranging hunter that possesses tremendous speed and excellent voice.

Needs regular exercise and activity to stay in peak shape. Pleasant, alert, confident and sociable with both humans and dogs

The Entlebucher Mountain Dog Switzerland Herding Group16 to 21 inches tall at the shoulderHerder

Smallest of the four tri-colored Swiss Mountain Dogs; medium-sized, compact and strongly muscled. Primarily a herding and general all-purpose dog, Entles excel atcompetitive sports and are willing and enthusiastic partners in any athletic canine activity chosen by their master. Swiss farmers have used the Entlebucher to move cows from pasture to pasture in the Alps.

This lively, active, persistent, self-assured and determined breed is loyal and protective of family, but may be reserved with strangers. Entles are an active, high energy & physical breed, with above average exercise requirements Entlebuchers do best when they have a job. Their smooth, short coat requires minimal upkeep.

The Finnish Lapphund Arctic CircleHerding Group 16 to 21 inches tall at the shoulderReindeer herder; companion.Medium-sized breed that combines the look of the northern type dog with the temperament of the herding dog. Developed to live and work outside, the breed has a thick, profuse coat, allowing it to withstand extremely cold temperatures. The original Finnish Lapphunds were the helper dogs of a tribe of semi-nomadic people, the Sami, in Lapland the dogs evolved from hunters into herding dogs that helped maintain the reindeer.

When working, Finnish Lapphunds are agile, alert and noisy. While interacting with people, however, they are calm, friendly, and very submissive. Lappies shed seasonally, but the fur can be easily controlled with regular brushing. Their double-coat makes them intolerant of the heat. Daily exercise is also necessary.

6 New Breeds Debut at Westminster Dog Show

he 136th Annual Westminster Dog Show was held in February in New York. Six breeds, newly recognized by the AKC, earned the right to complete for the first time this year, bringing the total number of breeds to 186. Malachy, a 4-year old Pekinese won Best of Show.

T photo courtesy AP

Special thanks to the American Kennel Club for information and photos. AKC.org

8 spring 2012

n the middle of the Indian Ocean is a small atoll that is not well known to the world. Part of the Chagos archipelago, also known as the British Indian Ocean

Territory, Diego Garcia is home to wild donkeys. Prior to the early 1970s and Diego Garcia’s purely military use today, the island’s economy was based on coconut palms. The donkeys were beasts of burden used in coconut oil production. When demand for coconut oil declined and the military took over the island, the civilian population was moved north to the Maldives and west to Mauritius. The donkeys did not make the trip. In the 1980s their population dipped to around 20 but without intervention from humans the donkeys have started to thrive and now number close to 200. The Diego Garcia atoll is shaped roughly like a footprint with a large lagoon in the center. The land mass is rarely wider a quarter mile and 36 miles from tip to tip. Twelve miles from the Western tip of the island is the “donkey gate” that transverses the width of the island to keeps the donkeys from mixing with the military population and work areas. Two thirds of the island is free for them to roam.Wanting to experience as much of the wildlife on Diego Garcia as possible a friend and I armed ourselves with carrots and headed past the donkey gate. After stopping at several other must see sights on the island and no donkey sightings, the van we were driving lost its brakes and we coasted to a stop on the side of the road. Within minutes, like Robin Hood’s band of merry men, three donkeys appeared from

nowhere to see if we were packing orange vegetables. Weary of human contact though familiar with our presence, the donkeys moved towards the van deftly. I made my way across the street to an emergency phone while my friend stayed in the van. One donkey followed me and a second stayed with the van. The third, shy donkey kept its distance as if it was the lookout for the donkey gang. Once we finally produced the carrots from the van the donkeys became slightly more interested in us and closed in. Being veterans of the carrot feeding scenario, if we weren’t quick enough with the carrots the donkeys would look inside the van for more. We were close enough to hand feed them but touching them was not appreciated. Posing for photos was another matter. They were naturals in front of the camera. Never flinched and never backed away from a flash. What’s so special about feeding donkeys that can be accomplished at many farms and petting zoos across the US? Those donkeys are domesticated and in their natural climate. The donkeys on Diego Garcia have adapted to a tropic climate which does not have any fresh water ponds or streams. They were on the brink of extinction on this island and have survived.

around the globe

By Bradley Ritzenthaler l

Bradley Ritzenthaler is a Medical Services Officer at USNavy’s Military Sealift Command.

Wildlife Travel Log:Domesticated Animals Gone Wild

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9spring 2012

ask the doc

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Brown Veterinary HospitalBy Dr. Jeffrey Gross l

s the winter turns to spring and our outdoor activities with our pets begin to increase, I

thought that this would be a great time to talk about ear infections, a common problem in our dogs and cats that I tend to see more frequently starting this time of year. Many clients ask, “Why does my pet get an ear infection”. Although there are many reasons, some of the more common causes are environmental changes (i.e. swimming, bathing, and humidity), allergies (food, environmental), endocrine or hormonal abnormalities (thyroid disease), thick or matted hair around ear canal, wax accumulation or even hereditary/genetic predisposition. Most of the time the symptoms are very obvious but some pets are less symptomatic. If you are concerned that your pet may have an infection in their ears, here is a list of some of the more common signs that you may see:

Ear infections are very common in dogs, although less so in cats. When determining if your pet may have an ear infection, it is important to remember that every pet has some level of bacteria and yeast growing in their ears. If this level becomes disturbed for any reason, then an overgrowth of either bacteria or yeast and in some cases both can occur. This overgrowth is what constitutes an infection. This process can cause discomfort and irritation in your pet. But before assuming your pet has an ear infection, it is important to rule out some other concerns including fleas, ear trauma, tumors, ear mites or even a foreign body inside the ear canal. Since there are so many causes of ear infections, it is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian who can determine the proper diagnosis, treatment and medications that your pet may need. Your pet’s ear is divided into 3 areas, the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The outer ear is made up of the ear pinna (ear flap). It directs sounds into the ear canal and towards the middle ear. Unlike humans who have a very short ear canal, your pets’ ear canal is L-shaped and has both a vertical and horizontal canal. The middle ear is separated from the outer ear by a thin membrane called the eardrum or tympanic membrane. The inner ear is connected to the brain and is the center for hearing and balance. In order to examine the ear, your veterinarian will use an otoscope, an instrument that provides light and magnification in order to view the ear canal and the tympanic membrane. This can help determine if there are any problems seen in the canal and if the ear drum is intact. It is very difficult to

see into the horizontal canal without the use of an otoscope and impossible to see the ear drum without one. Sometimes the ear canal is very painful and sedation may be necessary in order to complete the exam. After a thorough exam, a sample of any material in the canal will be obtained and examined under a microscope. This allows the veterinarian to determine what type of infection (yeast or bacteria) is present in your pet. If during the otoscopic examination a foreign body is found or there is significant build up or debris in the ear canals, sedation may be necessary to remove the foreign body and allow for a thorough flushing of the ear canal. Otitis externa, or inflammation and infection of the outer ear is most likely caused by yeast or bacteria overgrowth. Otitis media, or middle ear infection, usually results from a spread of infection from the outer ear to the middle ear. Foreign bodies, ulceration or even improper ear cleaning can rupture the eardrum and allow infection to enter into the middle ear. With regard to a middle ear infection, they can be more difficult to diagnosis and treat. Diagnostics may include labwork, x-rays and sometimes even surgery. Treatment may last 4-6 weeks until the infection is gone. Once a diagnosis of an ear infection is determined through the results of the otoscopic and microscopic exam, a proper and effective treatment option will be selected for your pet. The treatment may include multiple topical medications, ear cleaners and possible oral medications may be necessary. Another important part of the evaluation of your pet is to identify any underlying cause of the ear infection. Many pets with chronic or recurrent ear infections may have allergy problems or thyroid disease. If there is an underlying disease, it must be diagnosed and treated if possible. If this underlying problem is not corrected, your pet is more likely to have a life long problem with ear infections. I have many clients ask, “How can I stop my pet from having ear infections?” Remember, an ounce of prevention…This is especially true with ear infections. First, it is important to keep your pet in good overall health. Second, pet owners may help avoid ear infections by checking and cleaning your pet’s ears regularly at home. This is important in all pets, especially in dogs that have pendulous or droopy ears, excessive hair in and around their ear canals or have allergies or other medical conditions which may make them prone to ear infections. Third, after bathing or swimming it is important to dry out your pets ears thoroughly. Lastly, if your pet has excessive hair in or around the ear canal, have a groomer or your veterinarian carefully clip or pluck the hair to limit infections. It’s important not to self-diagnose ear problems, as improperly treated infections may lead to chronic pain or deafness in your pet. Allow your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s symptoms and the appropriate treatment. Good luck and remember it is always better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to the health and well-being of your precious dog.

April Showers Bring...

Ear Infections?

Ear discharge, either black or yellow and may be crusty or pastyPungent or abnormal smell from ears or head regionScratching or rubbing at head or earsExcessive shaking of headRedness or inflammation of the ear flap or ear canalEars are warm and/or painful to the touchHead tilt Loss of balance Loss of hearing

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10 spring 2012

pet aftercare

What will Happen to Your Pets if Something Happens to You?

Many of us avoid facing the difficult task of preparing our estate for the time when

we will not be around anymore. That can result in problems for our family members after we are gone. But it can be even more troublesome if we have pets that may need care after we are deceased or disabled. Have you considered what plans you might wish to make for the care of your pets when you are not able to care for them anymore, either through death or incapacity? In Colorado, it is possible to set up a “Pet Trust” which will provide instructions and financial resources for the care of any pets you have at the time such a situation occurs. It is important to have the terms of the trust structured properly, as any money left in a last will and testament to an individual “for the care of a pet” is merely a request and unenforceable in a court of law. Setting up a legal trust for the care of a pet is very similar to setting up a trust for a minor child or any other person you may wish to provide for. The pet trust is a legal entity into which you put money and then designate a trustee. The trustee has a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard the monies in the trust and only use them for the specified purposes of caring for your pet(s). You may want to designate a separate person to act as the caregiver for your pet(s), rather than having the trustee and the caregiver be one and the same person. The trustee can then make

payments to the caregiver as bills are incurred for food, veterinary services, grooming, toys, etc. A pet trust can be very specific regarding your pet’s care. You can direct whether your pet is to be kept indoors or outdoors, what quality of veterinary medical care the pet should receive, what type of food to be provided, what type of exercise or training programs, and grooming frequency. You can even stipulate the arrangements you would like to have made for your pet when it dies or has to be euthanized. The trust is your voice when it comes to your pet’s care. It is a good idea to keep your trust up to date with current information and to ensure nothing has changed in the pets’ or caregiver’s situations. You should also give a copy of the trust document to your executor or caregiver so that they know your wishes as well. Setting up a trust for your pet is not just for those who are wealthy or eccentric. It is relatively inexpensive and is a practical way to give yourself peace of mind that your pet will provided for when you are not long able to do so. For any pre-need arrangements for care of your pet after it’s death, Homeward Bound is available to assist in planning to suit your wishes.

11spring 2012

By Skye M. StevenslOwner, Homeward Bound

Pets Remembered

Asti There will never be another like you.

You were the best friend always.

Harley You were the most amazing guide on

this journey we all take together.

Bronco Our companion and friend, you will always be missed - everyday we think about you. You brought love, happiness and filled our

lives with great memories.

“…what we have enjoyed, we can never lose…all that we love deeply becomes a part of us."

-Helen Keller

For information on placing your devotional…. info@petacularusa.com

Skye M. Stevens is the owner of Homeward Bound Pet Memorial Center & Crematorium. For more information

please call, 719.636.1036 or visit www.Homeward-Bound-Pet.com

cupuncture, Massage, Reiki, natural supplements, all excellent healthy choices for

our personal health are also great options for our companion animals. In this four part series we will focus on alternative therapies that can benefit our pet’s health as well.In the wild, what do you suppose animals do when they fall ill? They follow their instincts. Without any coaching from man, they instinctively know where to go to obtain the nutrients necessary to sustain life immediately upon birth, such as reaching for mother’s milk.Unlike domestic pets, animals in the wild don’t have access to the range of treatments provided byowners or vets. Do wild animals know how to heal themselves? Growing scientific evidence indicates that animals do indeed have knowledge of natural medicines. In fact, they have access to the world's largest pharmacy: nature itself. Zoologists and botanists are only just beginning to understand how wild animals use plant medicines to prevent and cure illness.The emerging science of Zoopharmacognosy studies how animals use leaves, roots, seeds and minerals to treat a variety of ailments. Indigenous cultures have had knowledge of animal self-medication for centuries; many folk remedies have come from noticing which plants animals eat when they are sick. But it is only in the last 30 years that zoopharmacognosy has been scientifically studied. Biologists witnessing animals eating foods not part of their usual diet realized the animals were self-medicating with natural remedies.Not only do many animals know which plant they require, they also know exactly which part of the plant they should use, and how they should ingest it. Chimpanzees in Tanzania have been observed using plants in different ways. The Aspilia shrub produces bristly leaves, which the chimps carefully fold up then roll around their mouths before swallowing whole. The prickly leaves 'scour' parasitical worms from the chimp’s intestinal lining.The same chimps also peel the stems and eat the pith of the Vernonia plant. In bio-chemical research, Vernonia was found to have anti-parasitic and anti-microbial properties. Both Vernonia and Aspilia have long been used in Tanzanian folk medicine for stomach upsets and fevers.Wild animals won’t seek out a remedy unless they need it. So, how do animals know how to heal themselves? Some scientists believe that evolution has given animals the innate ability to choose the correct herbal medicines. In terms of natural selection, animals who could find medicinal substances in the wild were more likely to survive.

Other observations have shown that, particularly among primates, medicinal skills appear to be taught and learned.

Wild animals don’t rely on industrially produced synthetic drugs to cure their illnesses; the medicines they require are available in their natural environment. While animals in the wild instinctively know how to heal themselves, humans have all but forgotten this knowledge because of our lost connection with nature. Small companion animals such as cats and dogs as well as exotic animals may be treated safely and effectively with the correct herbal medications. Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is a 3,600 year old medical art and science of using either single herbs or, more commonly, well-researched herbal formulas to act as both nutrients and drugs in the patient's body. All of the animals on the earth have co-evolved with plants and thus have gastrointestinal and detoxification systems more safely amenable to herbal treatment than most drugs.Veterinarians are increasingly recognizing that nutritional supplements can lead to better health and resistance to disease in pets. A targeted program of supplementation may mean the difference between your pet thriving and merely "getting by." It is important to consult your veterinarian to diagnosis what your pet is ailing from and be sure to choose a doctor with a good understanding of healing herbs. Turmeric is one such herb that can be helpful for your pets. Turmeric is the bright yellow spice plant officially known as Curcuma longa. This is a perennial plant related to ginger. It has plenty ofantioxidant properties and may be beneficial treating cancers, diabetes and arthritis. Fresh aloe is an excellent application for cuts and scrapes. It is a natural antiseptic and will keep the area moist until the cut can heal. According to Herbal Remedies for Dumies, you can prevent fleas from hopping on your pets by making an herbal flea collar by dipping a string into a combination of essential oils containing eucalyptus, citronella, and sage and tying it around your pet’s neck. Yarrow tincture sprayed onto affected areas can discourage fleas. Even if your pet is healthy and free of health concerns, consider dietary supplements as a means of adding back vital ingredients such as enzymes and helpful bacteria that are lost in highly-processed diets.

alternative therapies

What’s Good for the Goose...Natural Supplements benefit People and their Pets

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For more information: Naturalwonderpets.com www.natural-wonder-pets.com/do-wild-animals-heal-themselves

12 spring 2012

any of us have pets, especially dogs and feel good being around them...but sometimes something goes wrong - perhaps our animal

gets set upon by a large dog that's loose from its yard or maybe we are walking alone and one comes bounding out of a gate, large, barking and fierce.Most of us know the reality of a situation like that...stay calm...and don't look the dog in the eye. Easier said than done! What automatically happens is that our nervous system kicks in with some fear feelings. Fear is actually a protection mechanism within our subconscious minds and the nervous system is trying to stop us going near the fierce dog by giving us fear. However, we, with our conscious minds meanwhile are saying "ok, so I can handle this...stay calm...walk on..." etc. Again, most of us know that animals can sense fear and will respond to it, no matter how calm we are trying to appear! As a Hypnotherapist we call this first encounter of the furry kind the "initial sensitizing response". In other words we've responded to the situation and had a fear reaction. If we are lucky that may fade quickly and if we don't have another event like that all will probably be well. However, if we do have another similar incident in the not too distant future - then real fear kicks in - in other words it multiplies. Every fear is like this - fear of heights, planes, public speaking - you name it....the fear just gets bigger each time....a re-enforcing response. It's the job of the subconscious - primitive as it is - to do this. So how do you get rid of a fear?Well, we've all heard of facing our fears and that can work so long as you can control the fear - staying cool and calm and being able to get "past" the fear and respond in a friendly manner. Not everyone can do that - so they need help.

Are You Afraid

of Dogs?

The clue here to getting help is that fear is part of the subconscious. As adults our subconscious minds represent 90% of our minds and it works at 230,000 faster than our conscious minds! This tells you just how powerful it is and… guess what...it's not accessible to us as adults"consciously" without help!. This means we accessour subconscious automatically but cannot go in there and remove a nasty feeling or fear ourselves. Now you understand why the subconscious is considered the "primitive" and "survival" part of our minds.Removing the fear after a traumatic event is part of the everyday work that a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist does. In this particular instance, the negative feelings attached to any "dog incident" can be desensitized in about 20 minutes and with positive suggestion therapy (together with a custom CD, given to every client of the Hypnotherapist author) the dog lover should be back on board with their furry friends in no time!For help with this issue or any other fear or phobia contact Roberta Brunner CCHt. of a Tranquil Mind Clinical Hypntherapy at 719.321.9600 or by email atranquilmind@gmail.com. Formoreinformation: www.atranquilmind.com. With 6 years of experience, doctor referred and with many proven successes and testimonials from happy clients, you are in safe and professional hands. Weight Management, PTSD, overcoming Trauma, Habits and Emotional Distress are all part of their services. Located at The Garden of Infinite Vitality, 835 Highway 105, Suite A, Palmer Lake, Co 80133 (just next to Monument Pinz Bowling). Please call for an appointment and free consult

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help for fears

Tranquil Mind Clinical HynotherapyBy Roberta Bruner, CCHt. l

13spring 2012

pet-loving businesses Thank you for supporting these pet-loving businesses in our community.

Look for the special offers and mention you saw them in PETacular.

Colorado Petacular is published by Production Plan-it Inc. and is distributed to over 150 locations in the Colorado Springs and area communities. Copyright 2012 Production Plan-it Inc. 6620 Dreamweaver Drive, Colo Springs CO 80923 (719) 260-8177. Customer Service, Advertising and other questions: Info@PetacularUSA.com All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Views expressed by editorial contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. Editor/Creative Director: Alison HarderContributing Writers: Roberta Bruner,Dr. Jeffrey Gross, Bradley Ritzenthaler, Skye M. Stevens,

We would like to thank you for reading the PETacular magazine. Our advertisers allow this publication to be FREE by their support and contribution. Please visit them today.

Don’t forget to sign up on Coupaw.com for the latestin pet products and services.

Mega Match-A-ThonAdoption Event sponsored by ASPCA Saturday, March 31, 2012 10am – 3pmColorado Springs Event Center3960 Palmer Park Blvd. CS, CO 80909

Colorado Springs Pet Expo April 21-22, 2012Event Center at Rustic Hills3960 Palmer Park BlvdColorado Springs, COSaturday, April 21 - 10:00 am to 6:00 pmSunday, April 22 - 11:00 am to 4:00 pmFor more information, contact Tiphani Ruark800-756-4788 email tiphanir@rjpromotions.com

7th Annual Bark at Briargate Promenade Shops at Briargate Saturday August 18, 2012 11am – 2pm thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com Vendors call: 719-265-6264

14 spring 2012

Calendar of Events