Honor our Military on Veteran's Day

C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

Sergeant Stubby

We should honor our military personnel every day of the year but November 11 has been designated as a special day to remember those who have served and those who are serving. Our military men and women deserve special thanks as do the military dogs that serve with them. Today, teams of working dogs and handlers are trained at Lackland Air Force base near San Antonio. In WWI there was no program for military dogs but Stubby, a Boston Bull Terrier, became famous for his service to the troops.

Stubby was befriended by Private J. Robert Conroy who noticed him wandering around Yale Field in New Haven, Connecticut where soldiers were training. Private Conroy smuggled Stubby aboard the S.S. Minnesota. They landed in France with the 102nd infantry, Yankee Division and were on the front line February 5, 1918. Stubby participated with valor in seventeen WWI engagements. He recovered in a military hospital from injuries suffered from a German hand grenade and later from a German gas attack. Exposure to the gas made Stubby very sensitive to the smell. One night he detected the gas from a German attack wafting in while soldiers slept and ran through the trenches barking and nipping to wake sleeping soldiers. His valiant effort saved many lives. On another occasion, Stubby found a German soldier mapping American trenches. Stubby caught and reportedly held the intruder by sinking teeth into his buttocks until soldiers arrived to take charge of the spy.

Stubby met President Woodrow Wilson on a Christmas visit to France in 1918. He was the first military dog to be promoted to sergeant and received many military medals, badges and patches. General George Pershing awarded a gold medal to Sgt. Stubby in 1921. That same year Sgt. Stubby visited the White House and met President Harding. He was invited to the White House again in 1924 to meet President Coolidge. Sgt. Stubby was loved, well respected and is fondly remembered for his service as the first of a long line of military dogs that faithfully serve to protect our country.

---

Text and photos are Copyright © 2013 C. Sue Furman, Ph.D. and Holistic Touch Therapy
c.suefurman@gmail.com

This article originally appeared in the November 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

The Integumentary System

excerpted from Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog ©2013
C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

The canine body is made up of eleven different organ systems. Each has a special set of jobs to perform, yet none can function efficiently alone. A healthy dog is evidence that in the face of millions of internal chemical reactions occurring every moment all of the organ systems are working hand-in-hand to maintain a well functioning body. Massage and acupressure have positive effects on each of the organ systems. Following is a brief summary of the structure and function of the integumentary system.

The common integument is the term used to describe the skin and its appendages, which include the hair, nails and skin glands (Fig. 5). We can see the dog's skin, hair and nails, but we can't see many of the components of the skin. It is important to appreciate their many functions. The common integument protects the body, regulates body temperature, senses the environment, synthesizes vitamin D, serves as a blood reservoir, and excretes wastes.

The skin is an organ directly influenced by the touch of massage. Because massage increases circulation to the skin it can improve skin and coat health and decrease or eliminate constant discomfort and scratching due to poor skin condition or infection.

The skin, while thin, is the body's interface with the outside world. It protects the dog from external threats like bacteria and prevents him from losing body water and heat. In the average adult human, the skin has a surface area of 1.5 to 2 square yards and weighs 9 to 11 pounds, which means it accounts for seven percent of the total body weight. These numbers are roughly comparable for our Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, Mastiff, and other giant breed friends. While the actual values decrease with the size of the breed, they remain proportionally similar. For example, the skin of a Dachshund weighs only one or two pounds but still accounts for approximately seven percent of the dog's body weight (16 to 32 pounds).

The numbers become even more interesting when you consider what you cannot see. It has been estimated that in every square centimeter (a little less than 0.5 square inch) of human skin there are 28 inches of blood vessels, 22 inches of nerves, 100 sweat glands, 15 oil glands, and 230 nervous system sensory receptors that sense touch, temperature, and pain. In addition, there are about half a million skin cells that are continually dying and being replaced. Similar estimates apply to the contents of a square centimeter of surface area of the skin of a dog. Too often, this amazing organ, rich in vessels, nerves, and glands is highly underrated.

The skin is composed of three distinctive layers (Fig. 6). Cells in deepest layer of the epidermis or outer layer of the skin constantly divide. New cells are pushed toward the surface, are keratinized, die and are sloughed. The dermis is a strong connective layer of the skin. It binds the entire body together like a body stocking. The dermis contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, sensory receptors, nerves, and sweat glands. This is where the hair follicles and their associated arrector pili (hair raiser) muscles are found. Extreme cold or fear can stimulate these smooth muscle bundles to contract and the dog's hair literally stands on end. The hypodermis or subcutis is a loose connective tissue layer that contains loads of fat cells and blood vessels, nerves and white blood cells.

Remember, the more you know about the functions of the 11 organ systems, the better you can understand how massage and acupressure work to comfort and encourage healing in your dog.

---

Text and photos are Copyright © 2013 C. Sue Furman, Ph.D. and Holistic Touch Therapy
c.suefurman@gmail.com

This article originally appeared in the July 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

Traveling with a Pet

Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian

Winter is the perfect time of year to go on vacation and bring your pet or pets along. However, make sure you have prepared for their needs when you are planning your trip.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Some pets are not good passengers in a car or plane. Other pets are not used to being in new places. It is important to address this issue before you embark on your journey. Here are a few helpful hints:

• Expose your pet to car rides in small doses before the trip. This gets them accustomed to the sounds and motions of being in a car.
• Make use of a carrier before travel for your pet to use as a safe place. You can then use this carrier as a way to transport your pet and also as a portable safe haven for them.
• If your pet has a favorite toy or blanket, bring it with you. This will help them feel secure in a foreign environment.
• Do not change anything else at the time of the trip. For example, if you just bought a different kind of food to try, save it for when you get back. Some pets are susceptible to gastrointestinal upsets while traveling so it is best to keep their food and treats the same.
• Ensure that the heat/air conditioning systems are working in your car. Pets can overheat very easily. Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle.
• Be sure you have adequate leashes and collars. You will need to take your pet on walks at rest stops for potty breaks. Their collar must be very secure to prevent loss of your pet.
• It is a great idea to pack pet food in air-tight containers both to keep it fresh and to preplan how much you will need while away.

Veterinary advice

Apart from preparations you can make yourself, be sure to discuss a trip with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is ready for the trip.

• Be sure your pet is completely up to date on vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm prevention. Traveling can stress an animal and compromise their immune system. Exposing them to areas where unvaccinated animals may have been can put them at serious risk. In addition, there are some diseases that are more prevalent in some areas and your pet may require additional vaccinations. Some territories require a certificate of vaccination to travel with a pet.
• Your veterinarian can help make suggestions if your pet is susceptible to stress on the road. This may manifest as not eating, changes in behavior, diarrhea or vomiting, and even fur loss. There are natural remedies as well as prescription drugs that may help control these issues to ensure both you and your pet have a great time.
• If your pet has not been microchipped, it is an excellent idea to do before you travel. This is a small (size of a grain of rice) chip that is implanted in between your pet's shoulder blades. Should your pet get lost away from home, the chip will help ensure that you are contacted for their return.
• Sometimes letting your vet know that you are planning a trip can help them be aware in case of an emergency. Getting a copy of your pet's health records if they are being treated for something is a great idea. Also, it may be that your pet is not safe to travel if they have a serious illness or you may need to make special arrangements for them when you are traveling.

Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian
Deuel Veterinary Services, P.C.
2047 N Broadway Ave
Salem, IL 62881
Phone: 618-548-6755
Fax     : 618-548-6855
deuelveterinaryservices.com

---

Text and photos are Copyright © 2013 C. Sue Furman, Ph.D. and Holistic Touch Therapy
c.suefurman@gmail.com

This article originally appeared in the January 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

The Power of Touch

by Dr. C. Sue Furman

The Power of Touch, by Dr. C. Sue Furman Massage benefits dogs and people in much the same way. It relaxes healthy individuals and makes them feel good. Massage also has positive effects for those mentally, emotionally or physically challenged. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression as evidenced in shelter dogs by the change in attitude and personality of those massaged regularly. They become more receptive to touch from people and are, therefore, more adoptable. Dogs and people with infirmities also benefit from massage. The pain of arthritis or dysplasia can be eased thus increasing the comfort level of the one receiving massage. Massage can also relieve bronchial congestion and improve range of motion. In other words, massage is a versatile complementary therapy that can improve the quality of life for healthy individuals as well as those who are ailing.

Research concerning the positive biological effects of touch from massage to hand-holding is growing. Mark Rapaport, MD, recently published a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in which healthy adults received one of two types of touch treatments, and their physiological changes were monitored by blood tests. The 29 individuals who received Swedish massage had decreased stress hormones and increased white blood cell counts which are a boost for the immune system. In contrast, 24 volunteers who received only light touch treatments experienced increased levels of oxytonin, a hormone that promotes bonding. More research is necessary, but Dr. Rapaport believes that a single massage may have positive health benefits. Other research indicates that a little touch may do a lot. A University of North Carolina study found that women who simply sat in close contact with a partner for 10 minutes experienced decreased blood pressure.

An added bonus is that massage is a two-way street. Tiffany Fields, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, School of Medicine monitored grandparents who massaged a puppy each day for a month and found they experienced decreased levels of stress hormones, felt less anxiety and depression, and had improved self esteem. In addition, they drank fewer cups of coffee each day and made fewer visits to their doctor. The old adage, "It is better to give than to receive" seems to hold true. Both grandparents and puppies benefited. In this case, the grandparents gave massage and the puppies gave their friendly co-operation. The grandparents profited with improved health and mental outlook and the puppies benefited from the beneficial human touch they received. The positive effects occur when pressure receptors or mechanoreceptors of the nervous system are activated by the pressure of touch. Fields recommends it is beneficial to receive a "regular dose" of some type of touch for a few minutes every day although 10-15 minutes is best. Massage or pet your dog each day and share the power of touch!

---

Text and photos are Copyright © 2013 C. Sue Furman, Ph.D. and Holistic Touch Therapy
c.suefurman@gmail.com

This article originally appeared in the June 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

Canine First Aid

Before we begin, while it's not strictly a part of our first aid article (at least we hope you won't need it) something to keep in mind all year, and this time of the year especially, is to make sure your canine does not eat any chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is closely related to caffeine. While not present in large enough amounts to do harm to humans, canines can easily overdose. There are many articles on the subject which you can readily find using a search engine of your choosing.

Now for our feature article...

First Aid Kit for Pets

If you have pets at home, it is a very good idea to have a first aid kit specifically for pets. Although first aid is a valuable tool, nothing can replace getting your pet to a veterinarian in the event of an emergency or prolonged symptoms.

Benadryl

The drug name for Benadryl is Diphenhydramine HCl and it is a very effective antihistamine available over the counter. Benadryl is available in 25 mg tablets. The dosage to use is 1 mg per pound of body weight so for a ten pound dog, a half tablet is appropriate. This can be given every four to six hours. Benadryl can be used for a vaccine reaction, an allergic reaction to a bee sting, and mild itchiness. It can even be used to help cause drowsiness to prevent motion sickness if given 45 minutes before a car ride.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Not only is hydrogen peroxide an effective disinfectant, but it can also be used to induce vomiting. For example, if your pet has eaten mouse or rat bait, hydrogen peroxide can be given orally at one tablespoon per ten pounds of body weight. This will help rid the body of the toxins before they are digested if it is given with 45 minutes of ingestion of the toxic substance. Some substances can cause harm to the esophagus so if you are not sure whether the animal can vomit the substance, check with a veterinarian first.

Rubbing Alcohol

Alcohol is a good disinfectant. It can also help to cool an animal if they are suffering from heat stroke. Apply alcohol to the pads and ears of the animal. These areas have a high number of small blood vessels in the skin to help with temperature regulation. By putting alcohol on the area, it will have a cooling effect.

Dishwashing Soap

Soap is a very simple way to provide a cleanser to a wound. A little bit of dishwashing soap goes a long way, so do not use too much. Over the counter flea medications can be very toxic to animals. If your animal has a seizure-like episode after applying a new medication, wash thoroughly with dishwashing soap. There is an old saying with regards to wounds: "the solution to pollution is dilution." This means that if you are trying to clean a wound before getting medical attention, washing the area as thoroughly as possible will help remove debris that may cause infection.

Tweezers

Animals are curious by nature and will sometimes get too close to something dangerous such as a bee sting. Tweezers can remove the bee's stinger, a splinter, a tick, or other foreign objects. If you do remove an object from your pet, be sure to save it so you can show the veterinarian and help with the treatment of your animal.

Bandaging

A variety of bandaging materials is useful to have on hand. If an animal suffers from a wound where blood is being lost, apply pressure using gauze sponges and a bandage. This will help control the bleeding until you can get to a veterinarian. Never leave a bandage on for more than an hour as you can cause damage to the area from lack of blood flow.

Karo Syrup

If your animal has suffered from heart stroke or exhaustion, rubbing karo syrup on their gums will help provide immediate energy. Do not put too much in the animal's mouth as you do not want to cause choking.

Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian
Deuel Veterinary Services, P.C.
2047 N Broadway Ave
Salem, IL 62881
Phone: 618-548-6755
Fax     : 618-548-6855
deuelveterinaryservices.com

---

Text and photos are Copyright © 2012–2013 C. Sue Furman, Ph.D. and Holistic Touch Therapy — c.suefurman@gmail.com

This article originally appeared in the October 2012 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

Storm Season Woes

by Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian

The start of summer is often marked by severe weather, flooding, and tornadoes. It is crucial to have a plan for your animals to make sure you are prepared for a possibility of an emergency. In addition, some animals have an underlying phobia of storms which can make for a stressful season for you and your pet. Below are some tips for combating storm-related anxiety and being as prepared as possible for the coming storms.

Emergency plan

In the event of a severe weather issue, your pet should not be forgotten. Many pets break out of their fences or homes during a storm and end up getting lost. It is imperative that you have your pet micro chipped so that they may more easily be returned to you. A good emergency protocol for your pet is to make sure that they have a collar on with identification. Also, one should have a leash or even a crate available to restrain your pet should a disaster strike in your area. If you have a basement shelter, be sure to stock it with items for your pet such as water, food, a cage, and flashlights.

Thunder shirt

Available online and through some retailers, a thunder shirt is a snug-fitting jacket that mimics a hug for a dog. The effect is to sooth the animal even when a person is not available to offer comfort. It is such a simple concept but it works tremendously. The most important thing is to measure the dog according to the manufacturer recommendations to ensure that the shirt will fit snuggly.

Nutraceuticals

Nutritional supplements, or nutraceuticals, that aid in treating conditions such as anxiety are becoming a useful treatment option. Check with your veterinarian for the best available products available over the counter for the treatment of anxiety.

Royal Canin offers a commercially available food called "Calm" that is designed to help provide a calming effect to the dog. This food contains tryptophan, a hydrolyzed milk protein, which is an amino acid that helps to restore changes in mood in the brain. When fed to an animal, this food provides a long term solution to anxiety. It is easier for some owners because the calming effect is constant, negating the need for the owner to rush home and administer a medication.

Some manufacturers are now offering "natural" anxiety treatments such as NutriCalm which contain tryptophan, valarian, catnip, and other calming ingredients. These products are typically used on as as-needed basis, meaning just prior to the storm.

Medicines

While not ideal to medicate an animal for anxiety, there are some cases where medicine can be given in conjunction with other treatments initially and then the animal weaned off of the medicine. There are long-term and short-term anxiolytics which provide relief from storms and other anxieties. A drug should never be given to a pet without full consultation with a veterinarian as some medicines are sedatives as opposed to anxiolytics and can be unsafe for pets with underlying conditions.

Pheromones

Released by all creatures, pheromones are naturally produced substances that send silent messages to other members of the same species. In the animal industry, they have managed to re-create the pheromone that dogs and cats produce during the birthing process to calm the puppies and kittens respectively. These compounds are available embedded in collars, as a spray for an environment, and in a plug-in adapter. Though not strong enough to sedate an animal, it will help to assuage an anxiety.

Desensitization and counter conditioning

A longer term solution with more effort involved includes slowly introducing the source of anxiety to the pet in an attempt to remove the fear over time. There are commercially available recordings of thunderstorm that can be played and associated with more pleasant situations. Starting with the volume on low and giving your pet a treat or rewarding them with play can help an animal overcome fear. Animals respond well to routines and can find solace in knowing that you have a plan for them during a storm. Some animals like a small, dark, quiet area for their respite. A closet, laundry room, or bathroom can help. When the recording is being played, rehearse your pet's safe plan with them so they will associate that safe area with the start of the stimulus. If the anxiety is severe, this method is not recommended without combining it with other means of calming.

Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian Deuel Veterinary Services, P.C. 2047 N Broadway Ave Salem, IL 62881 Phone: 618-548-6755 Fax     : 618-548-6855 deuelveterinaryservices.com

---

This article originally appeared in the July 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

Set the Stage for a Relaxing Massage

by Dr. C. Sue Furman

A human massage therapist goes to great lengths to set the stage before a client arrives for a massage. Many considerations are taken into account, not least is the physical environment. The client need only recline and enjoy an hour of undivided attention. The setting is designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels from the moment the client arrives.

What about our canine friends? How does one set the stage for a canine massage?

Actually, conditions very similar to those that relax and de-stress a human have the same effect on a dog. It is desirable that the room or area temperature be at a comfortable level. It is more difficult to receive the full benefit of a massage if one is too hot or too cold during the session. Keep in mind that the optimum temperature for a Chihuahua may be a degree or two different than that for a more hirsute friend like a Portuguese Water Spaniel or an Old English Sheepdog. Similarly, lighting should be warm and cheery, but not glaring. Nobody likes a bright light in his face.

Aromatherapy, while not essential to an effective massage, can be calming to a dog in the same way it is to humans. An appropriate fragrance should also help the massage therapist relax and center, consequently maximizing the effectiveness of the massage. Lavender is commonly used for its well-known soothing effect on the nervous system.

However, other essential oils may be equally effective for other purposes. Eucalyptus and cinnamon are known to benefit dogs with respiratory problems. They may be placed in a diffuser individually or mixed before use. Stress, anxiety and depression respond to wild marjoram, especially when used in combination with lavender. Mint is used to improve digestion while rosemary is recommended for fatigue.

A dog can be massaged standing or lying down as long as both the dog and Canine Massage Practitioner are relaxed and comfortable.

Soft, relaxing music playing in the background serves a dual purpose. Dogs, like people, respond to rhythmic, soothing sounds. Classical pieces, Indian flute music, chants, new wave songs, Frank Sinatra ballads, and Reiki compositions are but a few styles of relaxing compositions that fit the criteria. There is even a Japanese CD available that is designed and marketed as relaxing music for dogs! Human and canine nervous systems are very similar. Sounds that are soothing and relaxing to a human will have the same effect on a dog. Tunes that start your toes to tapping will probably stimulate your dog. While such music might create a cheery, energizing mood, that is not the desired effect for a relaxing massage session.

Slow, relaxing music provides an additional benefit by setting the tempo of the massage. To be most effective, massage strokes should flow in a continuous pattern so that the transition from one stroke to another is like a finely choreographed ballet. There should be no long hesitations or abrupt shifts between strokes. Similarly, movement from one part of the body to another should be smooth and flowing. The intent is to balance the body and bring all individual elements to oneness-a whole. If massage movements are jerky and sporadic, the dog's nervous system will respond in kind. A canine massage therapist can use slow, relaxing background music to set the rhythm for a massage and to maintain slow-paced, fluid movements.

C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.
c.suefurman@gmail.com
www.HolisticTouchTherapy.com

---

This article originally appeared in the March 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.