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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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

Search and Rescue Dogs

by Paula Bindrich

Dogs' noses are used to search for many things from medical conditions to bed bugs. Their abilities are very amazing to me every time I watch them. I volunteer with my labs to find people in wilderness situations. I will be writing from my experiences in Wilderness work. My first lab, Phoebe, and I learned from the start together. She is now gone and I am working with Freyja, now twenty months old.

We have quite a few breeds in our organization that generally fit into the herding or hunting groups. Dogs that will work for search and rescue need to be confident, fit and agile, willing and wanting to work for long hours and still remain focused, and able to work out problems on their own but still work as a partner with their human. The bond of trusting, working together and reading each other I find quite important.

Most of us prefer to start with a puppy, as I have with both of mine, starting at twelve weeks old. First time handlers can expect to train hard for three or more years before certification because there is so much to learn. Take a walk for an hour in a park and notice the shifting breezes and winds, along with terrain changes and woods to meadows. Then add the sun and how it heats up the air and causes it to rise, the cool night air drops down into the low points. Now imagine how smoke would travel through the space, swirling about. That is how scent moves. A river can show that movement in a more 2D space. We need to learn what could happen so that we can both, train the dog how to move through large spaces, linking the information together and also if we lose the scent, we can make an educated guess as to where we could move to pick up the scent again based on earlier information.

Our group starts with Trailing and then most move to Air Scent. We can add specialties later like Water, Avalanche, and Human Remains. Trailing is similar to tracking where the dog follows the path the person took. Air Scent is the scent that is wafting in the air directly from the person. Trailing training starts with very short trails with the puppy watching the person run away like a fool and hide behind a blade of grass. It starts a game of hide and seek that progressively gets harder. With Trailing we can watch the dog's behavior to different scent pictures easier since they work closer to the handler. Trailing is very meticulous work as it gets harder and you will see most dogs move to Air Scent. Moving the dogs to Air Scent is fairly easy and fun. The dogs get to move out looking for and then following the scent as it gets bent around hills and trees. Again we build up the difficulty teaching them new situations. Sometimes you think that you are in a washing machine as the scent appears to be going in all directions at once. With either work we want the dog to be excited to want to work. If we work a dog on a very hard problem one day we will generally have an easier problem the next time so it remains fun. When the dogs find their subject it's a big, happy party. For some dogs all they want is treats and others have to have their favorite toy thrown wildly about.

Search work is hard on the dog's bodies. We need to be able to travel whereever the scent takes us. They are running through all sorts of terrain, jumping over dead fall, hot days, cold days, cactus and avalanche debris zones that resemble boulder fields. Our dogs are hard workers that don't always tell us they have been hurt. Twice with my old dog, it wasn't until we got in the car after training that I realized she had a large puncture wound in her back leg. Keeping them healthy to start, helps them stay healthy and recover faster.

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Our guest expert this month is Paula Bindrich. This is how she describes herself and experience:

I am an Emergency Medical Technician who started in Search and Rescue (SAR) sixteen years ago and started my first dog, Phoebe, for search in early 2000. It has been an amazing journey. Not only is it fun to watch these dogs, you develop a very tight partnership with them. I must say though, your life becomes search and rescue in time (and money, it is all volunteer) spent in training and missions. It allows me to be out in the wilderness, with my dog, while helping someone having a bad day. I learned canine massage from Sue in 2001 to help Phoebe for SAR. The massage helped two-fold, it brought me closer to Phoebe (now Freyja too) allowing me to be able to know every inch of her body and help recognize issues and fix them. Wilderness search dogs are everywhere in rugged terrain. I guess I can say three-fold, I have the skills to help others too!

Paula belongs to Search and Rescue Dogs of Colorado and Alpine Rescue Team. Visit their websites for more information and some great photos.

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

Passive Touch for Achy Muscles and Joints

by C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

It is reported that Plato said, "Massage must be simple." Passive touch certainly fits that bill. The technique is performed by gently placing both hands on the dog and allowing them to remain motionless. To perform passive touch, place your entire open hand or hands on the spot where heat or tension is present. One or more fingers can be used if the area or the dog is small. Rest your hand there as briefly as 20 to 30 seconds or as long as several minutes without applying pressure and without movement. The heat from your hand will warm the superficial tissues. This promotes blood vessel dilation which increases peripheral circulation and helps relieve pain.

Passive touch can be applied virtually anywhere on the body of a dog as a warming technique to prepare sore or stiff muscles for deeper or more vigorous strokes. When used on the upper arm (Figure 1a), place one hand on the lateral side of the limb. The other hand should always be in contact with the dog. Gently hold this position until the upper arm muscles are warmed. The dog may relax or even heave a sigh as passive touch provides comfort. On the other hand, he will begin to wiggle or give other clues if he is ready for you to release and move to another area. It is important to respect the dog's wishes. You can feel his muscles from the outside. Only he can feel them from the inside of his body.

Passive Touch can also be used on aching or stiff muscles of the upper thigh (Figure 1b). Movements that strain muscles on one side of the dog's limb often affect those on the other side. You can address this problem by doing double duty and using both hands to simultaneously apply passive touch to warm the medial and lateral muscles of the limb. Rest one hand on each surface of the large thigh muscles to relieve the discomfort. Hold the position for one to several minutes. The muscles should be ready for additional work.

Figure 1a		Figure 1b

Figure 1a. Apply passive touch to warm the upper arm by placing one hand on the muscles of the lateral surface of the leg and the other on the medial surface of the limb.
Figure 1b. Place one hand on the lateral surface and the other on the medial surface of the hind limb to warm muscles on both sides of the upper thigh.

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

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

Inappropriate Urination

by Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian

Urinating in the wrong place or at the wrong time is a very common reason for a dog or cat to make a trip to the veterinarian. There are a number of behavioral and medical reasons why this may occur. Diagnostic tools and a thorough history can help determine the cause and the solution.

Cats

A cat that suddenly starts to pee outside the litter box is definitely a signal that something is not right. In many cases, something in the house has changed. For example, if you suddenly buy a different litter type, a cat may decide not to use the box anymore. Cats are very sensitive to change and often show their disapproval with litter box issues. It is always a good idea to think about anything that changed at the same time that the cat started to have the problem.

Common new things that can be the problem are: different food/treats, new litter substrate, not changing the litter pan frequently enough, an addition to the family (ie. another pet or a new baby), and changes in routines. Even things that you may not think of like a new air freshener, laundry soap, or radio station can send a cat into stress mode and cause inappropriate urination.

If there have been no changes whatsoever, then the next cause could be medical. After a thorough physical exam, a veterinarian will likely get a urine sample and check it for signs of infection, crystals, pH issues, or concentration abnormalities. Cats are prone to urinary tract issues that can cause irritation and result in urgency of urination that can prevent them from making it to the litter pan. Some diseases that can be associated with changes in urination are: diabetes, a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, crystalluria (crystals in the urine), and food allergies. Bloodwork may be necessary to help rule out diseases. Often a change in food can help limit the reoccurrence of urinary tract issues.

Urinary issues are so common in cats that there is an acronym, FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), which encompasses idiopathic cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), urolithiasis (urinary stones), and urethral obstruction. Signs other than urinating outside the litter box that could indicate a serious issue would include: straining to urinate, frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate, vocalizing while urinating, excessive licking of the genital area, and blood in the urine.

Dogs

A dog that suddenly starts to pee inside is generally an indication of something medically wrong. If the dog doesn't know that they are peeing or they seem to leak while sleeping, incontinence may be the problem. In order for a dog to void urine, there is a symphony that must occur involving numerous muscles, nerves, and hormones. If one of these components is not functioning, it can affect the whole process. These dogs may need hormonal treatment with a pill given twice daily to correct the incontinence. A diabetic dog can have accidents in the house because they are producing so much urine that they cannot make it outside in time. Once the diabetes is under control, this problem tends to cease. However, diabetic dogs are also more prone to urinary tract infections.

If your dog strains while urinating, pees frequently in small amounts, or seems to have discolored urine, this can indicate an infection, a bladder stone, or both. A veterinarian should perform a thorough exam and a urinalysis. If a bladder stone is suspected, an x-ray or ultra-sound would be indicated. Stones, depending on the size, number, location, and type, often require surgical removal. There are diets on the market now that can dissolve certain types of stones. Even if surgical removal is required, the special diets can be used to help prevent stone formation in the future.

Veterinarian

If your pet exhibits any abnormalities with regards to urination, have a veterinarian check them over. It may be the first sign of a more serious problem like diabetes or an infection. If you can bring a urine sample with you to the vet, it can facilitate a diagnosis. The first urination in the morning is the most valuable. You can use a soup ladle to capture the urine mid-stream. Try not to have any debris from litter or grass in the sample. Store the sample in a clean (or even sterile) jar at room temperature until you can get it to the vet appointment.

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

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This article originally appeared in the May 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy newsletter.

Animal Behavior

by C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

On Saturday, August 31, 2013 I attended an excellent seminar on animal behavior hosted by the Dorothy H. O'Connor Pet Adoption Center in Victoria, Texas. The seminar was a great opportunity for dog trainers, handlers, owners, and veterinarians to learn from Dr. Lore I. Haug an expert in the field of animal behavior. Dr. Haug has had a passion for animals all her life. A graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Haug is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, a member of the AVMA, Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Dr. Haug worked at the TAMU Animal Behavior Service, and is the founder of Texas Veterinary Behavior Service, a referral service dedicated to diagnosing and treating behavior problems in animals. Her presentation was jam packed with information. Dr. Haug's vivacious manner held everyone's attention while conveying a tremendous amount of valuable material. I think everyone learned much more than anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the process. I highly recommend attending a seminar by Dr. Haug if you ever have the opportunity. Check out her schedule on her website at www.texasvetbehavior.com.

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

Evaluating Flexion and Extension in Your Dog

by C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

Fall is just around the corner, and a dog's activity level often increases with the cooler weather. It is wise to take a few minutes to evaluate your pet's gate to make sure no subtle changes have occurred. That is an easy chore if you understand flexion and extension and how your dog should move.

The muscular system is divided into axial and appendicular parts that correspond to the axial and appendicular skeleton. Muscles of the head, neck, spine and trunk make up the axial muscles while the muscles of the pectoral girdle, front limb, pelvic girdle and hind limb compose the appendicular muscles. One should consider the action of muscles when evaluating the gait of a dog. This is especially true when considering which muscles may be compromised in a dog that is limping.

Skeletal muscles allow the dog to move by changing the angle of one bone to another at a joint. Freely movable joints, synovial joints, exhibit several types of movement including flexion and extension.

Flexion describes the movement of two bones in relation to one another in a manner that decreases the angle at their joint. If a dog bends or flexes his foreleg at the elbow or wrist or the hind limb at the stifle or hock, the angle of the two bones at their joint is decreased (Fig. 1a). The rule of thumb is that muscles that flex a joint are above the joint and on the side that the joint angle is decreased (Fig. 1b).

Figure 1 – (a.) Sand flexes at the elbow (1), the wrist (2), the hock (3) and the knee (4) as handler, Debbie Coggin, moves him around the show ring. (b.) The muscles responsible for flexion are above or proximal to the joint on the side that the joint angle is decreased.

On the other hand, extension increases the angle of two bones at their joint. Therefore, if the forelimb is flexed at the elbow and the dog extends or straightens the leg, the angle of the elbow joint will increase (Fig. 2a). Muscles that extend a joint are usually below the joint and on the side opposite of the joint angle increase (Fig. 2b).

This material is excerpted from Dr. C. Sue Furman's book, Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog©.

Figure 2 – (a) Continuing around the show ring, Sand extends his elbow to maintain an even smooth gait. (b) The extensor muscles that increase the angle of the elbow are located below or distal to the joint on the side opposite that the joint angle is increased.

This information helps evaluate a dog with a limp. Watch him move to determine if he has difficulty flexing or extending a joint in the affected limb. Now you know which muscles may be strained or injured. You can palpate for tenderness to determine if rest or a visit to the veterinarian are indicated. The discomfort of sore achy muscles caused by overexerting or other neuromuscular problems can be soothed by appropriate massage. Regular massage also decreases the risk of injury.

It is not necessary to learn names of all the muscles in a dog's body. It is very helpful to know where muscles responsible for actions like flexion and extension of joints are located. This gives you a great advantage when assessing movement or aberrations of movement in a dog.

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

Note: This article is an excerpt from Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog©, a new book just released by Dr. C. Sue Furman. It also appeared in the May 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy newsletter.

Petting With a Purpose

by C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

Kaskaskia College asked me to teach a community service canine massage class for pet owners. The class was called "Petting with a Purpose". The college was concerned about having a live dog in a classroom so the students practiced the massage moves on stuffed animals. The college has decided they will allow one of my Irish Wolfhounds to attend the class next time it is offered.

The students were very pleased and gave the class high marks. I was so inspired working with the students who were concerned with helping their own pets that had problems. The inspiration resulted in two new HTT online classes especially designed for folks who want to learn canine massage for their own pets. These new classes, Petting with a Purpose I and Petting with a Purpose II will be available on line in October 2013.

Petting with a Purpose I – is especially designed for those interested in learning massage to add a new level of care for the pet that shares their life. Students learn why the touch of massage is so powerful and how it benefits the health of the eleven organ systems of a dog. Several basic Swedish massage strokes from the passive touch, effleurage, compression, and petrissage categories are taught and their specific beneficial effects are discussed. Students practice each of the strokes on several appropriate areas of a dog. Performed on their pets, the moves will maintain muscle tone and flexibility in a healthy dog and comfort or encourage healing in a dog with an acute or chronic condition. Learn to pet your dog with a purpose. You will both enjoy it and your human-canine bond will become stronger. A certificate of completion is awarded to signify mastery of Petting with a Purpose I material.

Petting with a Purpose II – is a continuation of Petting with a Purpose I. Several new techniques from the friction, percussion and stretch categories are demonstrated and their specific beneficial effects are discussed. When to massage and when not to massage a dog is discussed, and a simple method of record keeping shows how to track the success of massage sessions is taught. Students learn to choreograph a full body massage from their pet's nose to the tip of his tail using the strokes learned in Petting with a Purpose I and II. Pet your dog with a purpose or massage to relax, soothe and comfort pain from chronic conditions. You will both feel better. A certificate of completion is awarded to signify mastery of Petting with a Purpose II material.

Watch www.HolisticTouchTherapy.com for more information and availability of these two new classes.

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

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

Caring For Your Senior Pet

by Dr. Abby Deuel

Ever heard the age-old sayings that a cat has nine lives and one year in dog years is equivalent to seven years in human terms? There is some merit to thinking about the longevity of your pet. As human life spans have increased in society, so too can our pets' life spans. A little bit of preventative medicine can mean all the difference in the world.

How old is my cat?

A cat becomes senior after nine years of age and geriatric after fourteen years of age. The equivalent in human years is about one cat year for every 5-6 human years. Therefore, if your cat is ten years old, he or she is about 55 years old.

How old is my dog?

Dogs are a little trickier since larger dogs do not live as long as small dogs. For small dogs, senior age is from nine to twelve years and while a large dog is would be considered senior when they are older than six years. The equivalent in human years for every dog year is between 6-8 human years, with the higher numbers applying to bigger dogs. If you have two dogs that are ten years old, the smaller one would be 56-60 years old and the larger one would be 66-78 years old.

Health tips

Based on the guidelines above, it is safe to say that animals age quicker than people. Regardless of how old your pet is in human years, it is a great idea to have them checked out regularly by a veterinarian. Diseases that are more prevalent in senior pets include diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Many older pets also begin to suffer from arthritis and joint stiffness. Weight gain can occur due to decreased exercise, increased calories intake, or an underlying endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism.

Take this simple quiz below to see if your pet is exhibiting signs of aging. If you answer yes to more than two of the questions below, it is probably time to have them seen by a veterinarian.

• Drinking more often than normal?
• Peeing more often?
• Eating patterns changed? (ie. Increased or decreased)
• Hard to get up the stairs?
• Having accidents in the house?
• Changes in haircoat or skin?
• New lumps or bumps seen?
• Less energy?

• Difficulty navigating the house as if confused?
• Scratching or licking a lot?
• Changes in weight? (either increase or decrease)
• Bad breath or difficulty eating?
• Changes in breathing pattern?
• Just not himself/herself?
• Seizures/shaking?

Recommendations

Every veterinarian is different about how often they would like to see a senior pet. At least once a year is the minimum. This would enable a veterinarian to do a thorough physical and ask questions that may highlight changes associated with early signs of a disease. Whereas twenty years ago, there were not as many options for senior pet diseases, we now have a variety of pain relievers, heart disease medications, nutritional options for arthritis/organ dysfunction. In some cases, a check up every six months is recommended to monitor disease issues more closely. For example, if a dog is diagnosed with seizures, they will be put on medication that needs to be monitored regularly to ensure that the treatment of one disease (seizures) does not cause another (liver failure).

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

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This article appeared in the November 2012 issue of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

Pomeranian

Victoria Leitner has owned, trained and bred Pomeranians since 1981. Her kennel, Courbette Pomeranians, is well known for the several Poms she has titled in conformation, obedience, rally, agility and tracking... always owner handled. She has always strived to have dogs that are competitive in multiple venues and has obviously been very successful at that. Besides demonstrating that Poms are beautiful and smart, Vicky has confirmed their excellent temperaments with some superb therapy dogs. Her philosophy of breeding is that a dog should be a good and loving pet above all else. Simply put, she believes that dogs are a species that should excel at being "man's best friend."

Victoria Leitner
Courbette Pomeranians

Left to Right: Song, Curtsy, Fin, and Margin

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is the smallest of the spitz dogs. It has been bred down in size over the past 100 years plus from a 30 pound dog to a 5 pound, toy dog. Its original colors were black, white and wolf sable. Now, the Pom is seen in almost every coat color known in dogdom. Since breeders have manufactured and miniaturized this breed, many genetic and congenital problems are seen. The Pom , as with many toy breeds, have dental abnormalities. The bone structure of the jaw just doesn't support good dentition. As a result, adults lose teeth easily and at a young age. Good dental hygiene is of the utmost importance. Also commonly seen are slipping patellas (knee caps), collapsing tracheas and heart problems. A hairless condition known as Alopecia X or BSD (black skin disease) seems to be on the rise. Its cause is unknown but most breeders believe it to be genetic. The condition itself is not a serious medical problem, as an otherwise healthy Pomeranian can become bald. It is diagnosed as such after all other causes of hairlessness have been tested for and eliminated as the cause.

Owners of Pomeranians and other toy breeds need to be protective guardians in the care of their dogs. Small children and large dogs can unintentionally hurt or maim tiny dogs. Small children should never be allowed to run or carry a toy dog for fear of dropping, smashing or falling on the dog. Poms are, by nature, usually bold, brave and adventuresome. They do not know that they are not big dogs. Pomeranians sometimes have a bad rap as being nippers. This is usually due to being handled too roughly. Pomeranians can be trained rather easily if done intelligently, but they cannot handle physical corrections. They respond well to food and toy rewards. Pomeranians are barkers and can sometimes be difficult to housebreak. A crate or small enclosure is of value to encourage “quiet” and for reducing the possibility for accidents in the house. Weekly or bi weekly brushing is recommended to prevent matting. The Pom generally blows undercoat twice a year and needs methodical combing at that time. Frequent bathing is not recommended if a regular brushing/combing regimen is implemented.

Pomeranian owners should be careful with drug and vaccination protocols. A rule of thumb is to administer only one drug, vaccine, worm/flea medicine, etc. at a time. For example: If a Pom is to be vaccinated for rabies, do not worm or apply flea medication at the same time. It is very easy to overdose a toy dog. Also, a toy dog should be fed at least twice a day, as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is often seen, especially with young puppies. Many people keep honey or Karo syrup on hand to apply to the tongue of a dog that has collapsed due to a hypoglycemic “attack”. If a Pom is to spend much time outside in the summer, do NOT shave or clip its body coat. The belly area only can be shaved for better air circulation, but the double coat protects him/her from the sun.

Pomeranians, like most dogs, enjoy being with their owners and are very loyal companions. They enjoy doing almost any doggie sport or activity imaginable. Since they are so small, they are very portable. Most are very easily trained and are a fairly active breed. Owners need to be diligent in looking out for possible dangerous situations for them however. Sadly many Poms and toy dogs fall victim to predators both canine and others. If basically healthy, Pomeranians live well into their teens. Beware! It is very difficult to own just one!

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

Recommended by Allie

Hi. My name is Allie Lewis. I'm a red lab (as you can see by my picture below - pretty cute, don't you agree?). I was born outside of Kansas City almost 2 years ago and now I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Here is a letter I wrote to my Aunt Nancy after she recently showed me how much she loves me. If you want to show your favorite canine how much you love him or her, visit the author's web site.

Dear Aunt Nancy,

Thank you for the very cool book! I can really use a massage after all the fetching I've been doing. Dove season opens in 2 weeks so this will be great!

Love,
Allie

Allie Lewis

Obesity in the Pet

Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian

According to the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), 35% of pets are tipping the scales at such high numbers that they are considered obese. Unfortunately, an overweight pet puts them at risk for heart problems, diabetes, breathing difficulty, and mobility issues. It is a matter of life and death for some pets to lose the extra pounds. In fact, according to VIN, overweight pets live 2.5 years shorter than their normal weight counterparts.

Body Condition Score

While many breeds have ideal weight ranges, we are seeing more and more variation within a breed. Therefore, the actual number of pounds that your animal weighs is not a specific way to determine if they are overweight. The actual weight of the pet in pounds can help monitor progress when putting your pet on a diet. For overall health, however, we use body condition score (BCS). This is a 5 point scale, where 3 is ideal, 1 is vastly underweight, and 5 is obese. The parameters for determining the Royal Canin BCS include:

• Very thin - Ribs, spine, and pelvic bones easily visible; Loss of muscle mass; No palpable fat on chest
• Ideal - Ribs, spine, not visible but palpable; Obvious waist behind the ribs (seen as an hourglass figure from the top); Little abdominal fat (cats), little palpable rib fat (dogs)
• Markedly obese - Massive fat deposits on chest, spine, abdomen (cats), and base of tail (dogs); Obviously distended abdomen

Health Issues

Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints of an animal. It is painful and will decrease your pet's quality of life. It stands to reason that the more weight there is on a joint, the more it will hurt, the less they will be active, and the more weight they will gain. It becomes a vicious circle that is best prevented.

Respiratory compromise can result from the inability of an animal to take a long, deep breath. This can occur because fat tends to deposit in the chest and around the ribs, resulting in a competition between fat and space for the lungs and trachea.

The heart is a vital organ that can become overworked if it is trying to pump blood against the effects of obesity. This can lead to an enlarged heart, which can then lead to congestive heart failure.

Diabetes is a treatable but complicated disease that can alter your pet's life span and quality of life. It is the result of insulin resistance which means that the body's sugar levels can increase to dangerous levels.

Hepatic lipidosis is a disease that can occur in an obese animal that does not eat for several days to a week. The body starts to break down their energy store which causes the liver to shut down. The initial reason why the animal does not eat well can be any number of conditions unrelated to obesity.

Prevention

The best way to prevent and treat obesity includes good diet and exercise. Not all pet foods are created equal. Those that contain mainly grain are incredibly fattening. Corn is what the agricultural industry uses to put weight onto pigs and it works very well to do the same in dogs and cats. Inspect your pet's bag of food. If the first ingredient is corn, wheat, oats, or barley, it can easily make your pet gain weight. There are special foods that are specifically designed for weight loss or maintenance. Be sure to have a nutritional consult with your veterinarian.

The portion you feed your pet is important. The bag's recommendation is just that: a recommendation. The pet food company wants you to feed more so you will buy more food. If you're not sure how much to feed your pet, consult with your veterinarian.

There are some diseases like Cushing's and thyroid disorders which result in an animal's inability to lose weight. If you are trying to get your pet to lose weight and nothing seems to be changing, it may be time to have them checked out by a veterinarian.

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

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This article originally appeared in the February 2013 Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

Sue at the Zoo

My move to Texas was much anticipated but was approached with much concern about where Holistic Touch Therapy canine massage and acupressure classes and the Pet Tech Pet Saver programs could be taught. I am so excited that the Texas Zoo (www.texaszoo.org) in Victoria has a wonderful air conditioned education facility that is available. Even better, their two resident Great Pyrenees, Jazz and Sarge, will participate in classes!



Save September 27-29 to come to the zoo and learn canine massage. Sue Furman teaches Canine Massage Preparation and Techniques (NCBTMB 24 CE) and Canine Massage Techniques (NCBTMB 24 CE) using a combination of PowerPoint™ lectures and demonstrations of massage strokes, interactive discussions with students and personal critiques of student hands-on mastery of massage strokes. She explains the groundwork necessary to prepare for a successful massage session, and the application and appropriate use of more than 30 Swedish massage strokes. Sue also discusses how massage encourages relaxation and healing of the dog's body, mind and spirit. A certificate of completion is awarded. Class size is limited.

On September 30, take the PetTech® PetSaver™ Class designed for pet owners as well as Pet Care Professionals and become certified in pet first aid and pet CPR. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) 1-out-of-4 more pets would survive, if just one pet first aid technique was applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care. Pet Saver teaches over 50 skills to help save your pet!

Spend busy mornings and afternoons learning and practicing hands-on techniques and choreographing massage routines for many specific conditions or practicing first aid techniques and CPR. On your lunch breaks, stroll through the zoo and meet some residents like the peacocks up close and personal as they freely wander the zoo grounds.

Find more information about classes and register online at (www.HolisticTouchTherapy.com). Hope to see you in September!

One-handed Effleurage

One-handed Effleurage is Petting With a Purpose

C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

The one-handed effleurage stroke resembles petting but is definitely petting with a purpose. The term effleurage comes from the French word effleure, which means to glide or skim the surface. The name aptly describes techniques that use the one-handed effleurage stroke that uses the open hand to slide over the dog's coat. NOTE: This is one of the many massage strokes you can learn with Sue at the Zoo.

Effleurage strokes look and feel quite gentle, but yield great rewards throughout a massage session. They follow the contour of the dog's body and push the tissue down and away from the massage practitioner. Even light to moderate pressure with effleurage warms the underlying tissues causing the arteries to dilate and increase blood flow bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the region. Effleurage also promotes the movement of venous blood to the heart ridding muscles of excess protein-containing extracellular fluid and waste products such as lactic acid. Removal of these wastes refreshes tissues allowing them to function more efficiently. Effleurage also has a soothing effect on the nervous system that facilitates relaxation and fosters a sense of well being in the dog and stimulates important psychological and emotional modifications.

Figure 1a	Figure 1b

To perform one-handed effleurage, place both hands lightly, on the dog (Fig. 1a). Slide the palmar surface of one hand over the area to be effleuraged (Fig. 1b). For small dogs or small areas of large dogs, you may use two or three fingers rather than the whole hand. Always keep the second hand in contact with the dog even if it is not actively being used in the massage stroke. This maintains a constant communication with the dog and keeps you aware of his body. For example, you immediately know if his muscles are relaxed or tense.

Dr. C. Sue Furman
Holistic Touch Therapy

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Text and photos are Copyright © 2013 Dr. C. Sue Furman & Holistic Touch Therapy, appeared in the January 2013 HTT Newsletter and were excerpted from the book, Canine Massage for the Athlete in Every Dog.

Microchip Your Pet for Safety

C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

Recent natural disasters like the Oklahoma tornadoes, fires like the Black Forest fire in Colorado, and floods and flash floods throughout the Midwest and West have prompted many to prepare a disaster plan that can work well if you have time to take your pets with you. Unfortunately a much loved four legged member of the family can be separated from his humans. Many are found by folks anxious to offer housing, food, and comfort for the lost pet, but the goal is to return him to his family. Thousands of pets – cats, dogs, donkeys, snakes, llamas, horses, and more- were placed in shelters following the Black Forest fire in Colorado. Many were reunited with their owners.

Similarly, scores of pets were left homeless following the May Oklahoma tornadoes. Following a natural disaster, concerned animal lovers use the internet to help reunite people and pets. Twitter and Facebook sites helped following the Black Forest fire while pet rescue groups and veterinarians in Oklahoma City set up www.OKCLostPets.com, a website designed to help get pets back to their owners. In both cases, many pets were reunited with their families, but many remain on the list of the lost. Reunion is much more likely if the owner has planned ahead so his pet has carries identification.

The majority of pets that had a happy reunion with their humans had tags, tattoos, or microchips, that allowed rescuers to contact the owners. Tags on the collar are helpful but are not permanent. A collar can easily be lost in a disaster. Tattoos are time consuming. The cost of the tattoo varies and must be registered with the National Dog Registry for $45. In comparison, insertion of a microchip is relatively quick and usually costs about $45. My dogs have tags that they sometimes wear. All are microchipped for permanent identification.

A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice.

Dogs and cats can have a microchip, which is about the size of a grain of rice (Fig. 1), injected under the skin between the shoulder blades, but dogs and cats are not the only pets that are microchipped. Horses are microchipped on the left side of the neck, halfway between the poll and withers and approximately one inch below the midline of the mane. Parrots, cockatiels and other birds have the microchip implanted in their breast muscles. Pets of other species including llamas, alpacas, goats, sheep, miniature pigs, rabbits, ferrets, snakes, lizards, turtles, toads, frogs, and mice can also be microchipped. Interestingly, penguins, alligators, chimpanzees, rare fish, prairie dogs, wild bison, black-footed ferrets, grizzly bears, elk, white-tailed deer, giant land tortoises and armadillos — even whales and elephants have been microchipped primarily for research purposes.

Each chip has a unique identification number that can be scanned and matched to the owner. But don't stop by just getting your pet a microchip. It is important to register the ID and your contact information, pet name and description, and shelter and/or veterinarian contact information. This information is critical to a rescue group trying to locate an owner. Investing a little time and $45 to have a veterinarian microchip is a small price to pay for a happy reunion if your pet is ever lost.

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

Raindrops

Raindrops: A Gentle Percussion Massage Stroke

by C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.

Percussion massage strokes were originally known as tapotement, from the French verb tapoter which means to rap, drum, or pat. The very gentle and at the same time stimulating Percussion stroke called raindrops does not at all seem to rap or drum on the dog. The next time you have an opportunity, listen to the whisper soft landing of very gentle rain against your windowpane. This is reminiscent of the raindrops stroke and should serve as an inspiration as you practice and use the technique. As one finger after another gently makes contact, the calming rhythm of raindrops relaxes, and its soft touch leaves one tingling. This move conveys a quite unique and very pleasant sensation that is great for relief of tension.

Most people enjoy practicing the raindrops technique on themselves to better understand what their dog is experiencing. Relax and sit quietly in a chair. Place one hand near your head. Starting with the pad of the little finger of your raised hand, tap your head very lightly. Follow this touch with contact from the next three fingers in a rhythmic succession. There should be no hesitation between the tap of the fourth finger and the second tap by the little finger. The continuous movement of alternating fingerfalls should create a rhythmic pattern that mimics gentle raindrops falling on your head. Do you feel the tingle?

Many dogs seem to enjoy raindrops on their face and head. To see what your dog thinks, place one hand on your dog and place the other nearby. Gently begin the raindrops technique near his nose. Each fingertip should touch the dog lightly at a slightly different time. Work your way along the muzzle toward the cheek, over the head and around the ear (Fig.1). The movement should be slow and uninterrupted. The continuous movement of alternating fingerfalls should create a rhythmic pattern that mimics gentle raindrops falling on his head. Repeat the pattern on the other side of the face and head. Raindrops is a very light stroke that imparts light but excitatory stimulation virtually anywhere on the body.

Figure 1a	Figure 1b	Figure 1c

Figure 1. The thenar eminence and side of the thumb rest gently on a dog when the raindrops stroke is delivered. The gentle taps are delivered with one finger at a time beginning with the little finger (a) followed in succession by the remaining fingers (b-c). Once all four have landed, they are raised as one and the raindrop stroke is repeated.

Dr. C. Sue Furman, Ph.D.
www.HolisticTouchTherapy.com

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This article is excerpted from Canine Massge for the Athlete Every Dog© and appeared in the December 2012 issue of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.

What is Herding?

by Joyce Norris, Norwood Border Collies

Herding is the controlled movement of livestock. The dog must control the livestock at a certain rate of speed as the dog moves the livestock to a particular location. The livestock must be moved through obstacles, into a pen, to the barn, or into a trailer.

Maddie at work

Herding is like no other sport. It is a true partnership. Handlers are working with two forces of nature. The handler is working with the dog's natural instinct and desire to control livestock, keeping them grouped together and the livestock's instinct which is to fear a predator and to form a flock or herd for self-preservation. Handler and dog must work together as a team.

Rocky at work

In order for a dog to be able to herd any kind of livestock there are Six Basics he needs to learn:

1. Instinct and Desire to work with you
2. Circular Flank Commands - These are Come By which means move clockwise and Away To Me which means move counterclockwise. The dog is to circle around the stock at a distance that does not cause the livestock to move or panic. Once the dog is in the right position he is then asked to do one of the following.
3. Stop (on his feet) or Lie Down
4. Walk Up - This is where the dog actually makes contact with the stock and sets them in motion.
5. Get Out or Back - If the dog is too close to the livestock he can make them anxious or nervous and needs to get out or back off to make them settle down.
6. That'll Do - Once the livestock has arrived at the given destination the dog is to be called off and leave the livestock.

There are several organizations  sanction herding tests and trials including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the American Herding Breeds Association (AHBA), the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), and the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA). They offer test and trials herding sheep, goats, cattle, ducks, geese, and turkeys. There are several levels of competitions for each type of livestock depending on the experience of the dog and handler. AKC has test classes.

The Herding Test (HT) is for beginning dog and is scored on a pass/fail basis. The Pre-Trial or PT is a J-shaped course and is also scored on a pass/fail basis. Trials can be A Course (arena) or B Course (open field). Both A Course and B Course Trials have Started, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. There are also C Course trials involving large flocks or tending.

Any breed in the AKC herding group plus other breeds accepted into the herding program are eligible to enter test and trials at 9 months of age. Numerous titles can be earned in herding events, from Herding Instinct all the way up to Herding Championships and Master Titles.

If you own a dog in the herding group and you notice him wanting to herd your children or the neighbor's cats, think about getting him involved in a local herding club and let him do what he has been bred to do for generations, to control the movement of livestock.

Editor's Note: Dogs trained by Joyce have earned roughly 300 titles in agility, obedience, and herding.

Joyce Norris
Norwood Border Collies

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Joyce and Rocky

Our guest author is Joyce Norris. Joyce has bred Border Collies for over 30 years with a goal of producing dogs for performance events. Fifteen years ago she started herding with her dogs and they have achieved championships in cattle, sheep and ducks in trials sponsored by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the American Herding Breeds Association (AHBA), and the Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA). Her dog, Rocky, twice made AKC history by earning a perfect score (100) on Started B course Ducks and by being the first dog to earn the Master Herding title on Advanced B course ducks. Joyce is an approved herding judge for AKC and AHBA. She is also well known in the herding world for her expertise in raising, training, and leasing Call ducks for herding trials.

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This article appeared in the February 2013 issue of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.