Divine Canine: The Monks’ Way to a Happy, Obedient Dog
by The Monks of New Skete

Just in time for the holidays.

From the Amazon Book Review Book Description:

Bring out the divine in your canine! Obedient, devoted, and happy — that’s what we all want our dogs to be. Let Brother Christopher and the Monks of New Skete show you how to get there through the stories of sixteen unruly dogs who came to them with more than a few lessons to learn. In this engaging and informative companion book to the hit Animal Planet series, the Monks of New Skete, renowned masters in the art of raising and training dogs, demonstrate tried and true techniques for influencing animal behavior, showing how a caring attitude and honest communication can turn any dog into a divine canine.

Featuring: The Monks’ Way: inspiring insights into the special New Skete training methods Tips on tackling problems: dominance, aggression, separation anxiety, and more “What if” guides when things don’t go as planned Glossary of key training techniques Step-by-step photos and full-color illustrations of dogs in training at the New Skete monastery A must-have for anyone who loves dogs, Divine Canine offers unique and entertaining lessons that resonate far beyond the food dish and water bowl.

To see more books by The Monks of New Skete and other books for dog lovers, click on FourPawsAcupuncture.com

By Joan Gralla
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) -

Captain gets it to ease his arthritis and it helps Mishaka’s bad back, but with fangs and claws they are not your typical acupuncture patients — they’re dogs.

The ancient Chinese system of therapy that has helped to soothe the aches, pains and ailments of people for thousands of years is now doing the same for canines.

“She is so happy, she relaxes, her tail wags and she just plops herself down to get her treatment. She likes it,” said New York resident Sissy Stamm, about 12-year-old Mishaka.

The Caucasian Ovcharka, who tips the scales at about 120 pounds and was bred to guard sheep, doesn’t seem to mind having needles inserted into her limbs during her weekly acupuncture sessions in Stamm’s apartment.

The traditional medicine treats a wide range of illnesses, from skin problems to heart conditions, according to Vikki Weber, the executive director of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in Fort Collins, Colorado.

At least 2,000 vets in the United States practice acupuncture, although no official statistics exist on how many animals undergo the procedure. Prices for the average visit for a cat or dog run around $50 to $85, added Weber, whose group runs courses for vets around the world.

The treatment, which vets can study at schools such as Colorado State University and the Chi Institute in Gainesville, Florida, is also very popular in the horse racing industry.

Captain, a high-strung 10-year-old Dalmatian, enthusiastically greeted Dr. Jeffrey Levy, the New York vet who treats him for arthritis.

“He gets all excited, he runs out in the hall and then tries to stick his face in the bag Dr. Levy brings and pull all the treats out,” said his owner, Elizabeth Kumin, a Manhattan professional.

She turned to acupuncture for her pet after two anti-inflammatory drugs and a cortisone shot failed to help. When scheduling problems halted his acupuncture treatment Captain grew worse, she said.

To read the rest of this article click here.

Visit the Tao of Dog Cafe for unique gifts for dog lovers. Shop from home this holiday season and spend more time with your dog!

Dogs Treated With Acupuncture For Wobblers Syndrome and Cancer
Dog News

DogExplorer.com News - Dog and horse owners in Birmingham, Alabama, are finding that alternative health care therapies like acupuncture, massage and herbal remedies yield real improvements in their pet’s quality of life.

One owner of a ten-year-old Doberman Pinscher with Wobblers Syndrome says her dog has done well with the services of a licensed Veterinary Acupuncturist. Another 13-year-old dog with cancer has been treated for two years with straight acupuncture and electrical impulses through the needles instead of chemotherapy and radiation (after first having a tumor removed). To read more of this article and to watch a video go to
www.dogexployer.com

Jeanie Marie Kraft, Lic.Ac. is keeping tails wagging on the North Shore of MA with K9 acupuncture house-calls. FourPawsAcupuncture.com for more information.

From: The Herald Tribune

ANIMAL ACUPUNCTURE FACTS

Was practiced on animals in China for about 4,000 years.

Can be combined with homeopathy, herbal and traditional medicine, including vitamin B-12 injections.

Can increase blood circulation or decrease lymphatic drainage or inflammation.

Patients can feel effects in as little as 10 seconds or not for more than an hour.

Can also be used to treat musculoskeletal, urinary and respiratory problems.

Is one of the safest therapies available.

Can include needles, electro-acupuncture, aquapuncture (injecting solutions), applying heat or laser acupuncture.

For veterinarians it takes about 130 hours of training for veterinarian certification.

Please note that licensed acupuncturists are required a minimum of 3,500 hours of training, receive a Master Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine and take national and often state boards to become licensed.

As a licensed acupuncturist I feel it is impossible to learn acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with only 130 hours of training. Even hairdressers are required at least a minimum of 1,000 hours!

Acupuncture is much more than knowing just where the points are located and how to needle. It involves a complete medical theory, diagnostic procedure and considerable training in needle technique. It is not simply an add-on to another medical practice.

Transitioning a human acupuncture practice to animals is easier than transitioning a western veterinary practice to acupuncture. From the standpoint of oriental medicine, animals have essentially the same organs, channels and diagnostic process as people.

Certainly there are veterinarians who take it upon themselves to study and become proficient in acupuncture and oriental medicine, but these very low state required hours of training are woefully inadequate.

jeanie marie kraft, L.Ac.

Acupuncture can be a significant treatment for ailing pets
SouthCoastToday.com
By Brian J. Lowney
Fur, fins and feathers
November 10, 2007 6:00 AM

Have you noticed that your dog is having difficulty climbing up the stairs?

Maybe you’ve tried conventional medication, but that doesn’t seem to be working and the poor creature is obviously in pain.

Have you ever thought of acupuncture?

Dr. Tim Donovan of Kindred Spirits Mobile Veterinary Hospital in Mattapoisett says that this ancient form of Chinese medicine is often used to help pets suffering from chronic conditions such as hip dysplasia, degenerative arthritis and pinched nerves, as well as inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and allergies.

Chinese medical philosophy believes that diseases result from an imbalance of the life force, called “Qi.” Acupuncture works to restore that balance, stimulating the nerves, increasing circulation, aiding in the release of hormones and relieving muscle spasms.

While needles are often used during treatment, other techniques include infrared stimulation, electric current and lasers.

“Acupuncture is very successful for the treatment of chronic conditions that medication frequently doesn’t have a cure for,” Dr. Donovan says.

He adds that acupuncture has been used to treat animals for 4,000 years, and as people learn more about the restorative benefits of this form of healing, it is becoming more popular in the treatment of household pets.
To read more of this article go to
www.southcoasttoday.com

Once upon a time, pets were “put down” when they became incontinent, injured, lame or because they were a burden.

Fortunately there are several therapies for disabled pets such as acupuncture, chiropractic, magnets, laser, physical therapy, herbs and proper nutrition. All have been proven to be very effective in helping disabled pets and their owners deal with the day to day challenges of life.

For more information on canine acupuncture please visit www.FourPawsAcupuncture.com.

For more information on canine physical therapy visit gooddogaquatic.com.

A wonderful website filled with information and products for ailing pets is www.handicappedPets.com.
This site is filled with information and stories about handicapped pets and their owners. They offer a variety of products such as dog ramps, wheelchairs, harnesses, diapers, books and dvds. A simple product like a dog harness can help your elderly dog walk up stairs with ease and save your back. I highly recommend checking out this website for more information.