When it comes to osteoarthritis in dogs, natural and alternative therapies are safe and can be used in conjunction with western medicine.

Here are a few natural remedies to help both dogs and humans suffering from arthritis:

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate will help protect and lubricate joints. Please note that it may take four to six weeks before your dog feels the results.

An Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplement from fish oil or flaxseed oil works as an anti-inflammatory. These help to lubricate the joints and help with inflammation.

A wonderful product for both humans and dogs suffering from arthritis is Wobenzym.
Wobenzym is clinically proven to normalize inflammation, promote healthy joints, encourage robust circulation, support immune function and promote healthy aging. It contains the proteolytic enzymes, bromelain, papain, and a powerful antioxidant called rutin.

Safe for both humans and dogs. It can be found at most natural food stores or online. Please reduce the dosage to half or less (based on weight) of the suggested human dosage if you give it to your dog.

www.wobenzym.com

The Whole Dog Journal is a no frills, monthly guide with excellent information about diet, training and new products for dogs. It does not contain any advertising which is very refreshing and therefore does not cater to big corporate dog food companies. I highly recommend this journal. To subscribe to Whole Dog Journal visit their websitewww.wholedogjournal.com

Another fun magazine to read by the pool is Animal Wellness. This full-colored journal is for dogs and cats. It contains articles on diet, products, and training with great photos and stories. You can find it at Whole Foods or visit their website. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com

One of my favorite dog magazines is BARK It provides excellent information about dogs.The photography and the entertaining stories are such a treat. I look forward to each issue. It is difficult to find in most stores. You can visit their website at www.TheBark.com

Halloween can be a spooky time for pets. Strange noises, unfamiliar trick or treaters and dangerous candy. Here are a few ideas to keep your pets safe during Halloween.

Halloween candy, especially chocolate, can be harmful or even deadly for your pets. To help keep your pets out of the candy bowl, try to have a few extra pet treats around the house for your furry friends. After all, it’s a Trick or Treat night for them, too, and it’s only polite to have treats for your pet.

Candy wrappers, tin foil and small toys can get stuck in your pets digestive tract and may require an quick and expensive trip to the vet. Some dogs will eat anything that’s laying around the house, so be sure to keep an eye on what falls to the floor.

Thinking of Trick or Treat with your pet? In many places, Halloween night is not a safe night for any of your animals to be out. Here in Salem, Massachusetts, Halloween night means thousands of noisy and costumed visitors filling the streets: quite a confusing spectacle, and far too loud for a dog’s or cat’s sensitive ears. Try keeping your pets indoors for the evening and reward them with a special treat.

If your pets are sensitive to noise, loud rapping on the door and noisy children may rattle them. Add some Rescue Remedy to their water for the evening, and play soothing music for them. You may want to set them up in a room that is away from the commotion for the evening.

Finally, remember to keep your pets (and their tails) away from burning candles and jack-o-lanterns. There is nothing spookier for your or your animal than a tail on fire.

With these safeguards, your night of ghosts, goblins and costumed children can be safe and fun for everyone.
Happy Halloween!

Bringing a blessing to the animals

By Jennifer Barker Staff Writer

Children, parents, grandparents, teachers and animals attended the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi outside St. Thomas More Parish yesterday afternoon. Father Steven Foppiano has been holding this ceremony annually for five years. This year he brought his blue-eyed dog Tommie, named after St. Thomas More.

St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and the environment. From 1181 to 1226 he preached to the animals and about nature. This prayer service and blessing of the animals is a good way for children to connect to what’s important and share faith with their animals, Foppiano said.

The children who attended the service were excited to bring their animals. Though there were mostly dogs, some children brought rats, cats, turtles, hamsters and even a snake. Prior to the service the children got the opportunity to talk and share their animals.

“Its fun, the kids bring hamsters. We have one snake, I’m not a fan of snakes, but I’ll bless them too,” Fappiano said.

The church has been lucky so far, all the animals have been trained, and there haven’t been any problems. To read more of this article click on www.paradisepost.com