THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
JANUARY, 2019
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! It is a great time of the year where most of us have a few days off work to spend time with our friends and family (and of course our fur babies)! I can’t believe another year has flown by and we are well into the first month of 2019.
We have a few changes in our events in 2019
Our Puppy Picnic (and Members Match) will be held on the Field of Dreams (at the home of Bart & Linda Whitmire) on March 24th. Thank you Linda for allowing us to hold this event at your house year after year. No one knows how much work goes into getting ready for this event. Linda and Bart spend several days just getting the field ready – cutting grass, ridding the field of any ant beds, setting up for the doctors, setting up the tables, chairs and ring and setting up the tents. We will have fun classes, Jr Showman, member match, heart and eye clinic and lots of delicious food. I for one am looking forward to spending time with the dogs and all my friends. Anyone that has not been able to come in the past this is an event that is a must – put it on your calendar and save the date.
Our Specialty that is normally held in February in conjunction with the Cherokee Rose Cluster is moving to August *one year only*. Since the Super Bowl in February is in Atlanta, this event has been moved to August 24th & 25th. It will be at the Expo Center on Jonesboro Rd, held in conjunction with the Conyers Kennel Club & Griffin Kennel Club. Our judges are Saturday: Puppy Sweeps Jim Schreffler (Stepamgar Cavaliers, USA), Specialty Judge Jean Tremblay (Halfmoon Cavaliers, Canada), Sunday Specialty Judge Janice Gallagher (Storyland Cavaliers, USA). We are working on a host hotel, seminar and dinner for exhibitors attending the show – Stay Tuned for updates.
Thank you to all the members that worked so hard to make 2018 a great year and I am looking forward to a fun filled 2019.
Paula Ayers, President
Cavaliers of Greater Atlanta
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
Please feel free to share your favorite inspirational thought or quote. Send them to me at Fitchpatrick@Earthlink.net
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Our next regular meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY February 6, 2019, at the Red Lobster, 3937 La Vista Road, Tucker GA. Social hour at 7 pm, meeting commences at 7:30 pm.
The next board meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at the Red Lobster, 6 pm, prior to the February regular meeting .
If you have an agenda item for either the Regular or Board meeting, please email club president Paula Ayers at playerscav@aol.com
PUPPY PICNIC
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Our Puppy Picnic (and Members Match) will be held on the Field of Dreams (at the home of Bart & Linda Whitmire) on March 24th. Thank you Linda for allowing us to hold this event at your house year after year. No one knows how much work goes into getting ready for this event. Linda and Bart spend several days just getting the field ready – cutting grass, ridding the field of any ant beds, setting up for the doctors, setting up the tables, chairs and ring and setting up the tents. We will have fun classes, Jr Showman, member match, heart and eye clinic and lots of delicious food. We all look forward to spending time with the dogs and all of our friends. Anyone that has not been able to come in the past this is an event that is a must – put it on your calendar and save the date.
2019 SPECIALTY
ACKCSC 25TH ANNIVERSARY
The ACKCSC is excited to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2019. We could not think of a better place to celebrate than our National Specialty show in Cape Cod. It’s not just a dog show. It is a gathering of people interested in sustaining and improving the Cavalier, and in keeping educated and connected. National Week includes educational seminars, health screenings, social events, Charitable Trust and Rescue Trust fundraisers, with 6 days of Conformation, 2 days of Junior Showmanship, 2 days of Obedience and 2 days of Rally competitions. If you love Cavaliers, you'll want to be part of the 2019 ACKCSC National Event.
Judges: Futurity- Patty Kanan
Sweepstakes & Junior Showmanship- Lu Dunham
Dogs & Bitches- Michael Leonard
Best of Breed- Robert Schroll
SAVE THE DATE AND PLAN TO JOIN US
APRIL 15, 2019
For more info: https://ackcsc.org/2019national/index.php
CREATE THE CLUB YOU DESIRE
PROGRAMS
CANINE ANXIETY
Natural remedies for canine anxiety
By: Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA
Animal Wellness Magazine, July 17, 2018
Is your dog a “nervous Nelly?“ Anxiety is common in our canine companions, so here’s how to help him chill using a holistic, natural approach.
Is your dog anxious? Not only are anxious behaviors difficult to deal with, but they can have a detrimental effect on your dog’s health and well-being. Taking a holistic approach to your canine companion’s anxiety cannot only calm him down and improve his quality of life, but also avoids the potentially nasty side effects of conventional meds.
How can I tell if my dog is anxious?
Anxiety in dogs can manifest in many ways. Airplane and car rides, thunderstorms, fireworks, and the presence of other pets or unfamiliar animals in the home or yard are just some examples of anxiety triggers.
One of the most common forms of anxiety in dogs is separation anxiety. When a dog is kept apart from a person to whom he’s attached, he may exhibit the following behaviors:
- Vocalizing (barking, howling, whining)
- Destructive tendencies (biting/tearing, scratching)
- Behavior changes (lethargy, increased tendency to sleep)
- Agitation (pacing, repeatedly walking a particular route around the house or yard)
- Ptyalism (salivation/drooling)
- Tachypnea (panting, increased respiratory effort)
- Inappropriate elimination (urination and defecation)
- Pica (consumption of non-edible materials)
- Digestive tract upset (reduced appetite, vomiting, diarrhea)
In my holistic veterinary practice, I always strive to reduce my patients’ reliance on medications by taking a multi-modal approach to their healthcare. Although it takes dedication on behalf of the veterinary and client care-providing team, it can reduce a patient’s reliance on behavior-modifying medications with potential side effects. Here are some of the modalities and remedies I use for my canine patients.
1. Lifestyle modifications
One of the most effective (and least expensive) means of naturally reducing anxiety occurs through exercise and other forms of behavioral stimulation. If your dog suffers from anxiety, exercise is one means by which you can help him.
Young and highly energetic breeds (border collie, Jack Russell terrier, Weimaraner, etc.) and their mixes generally need more activity to “get out the crazies” than do senior and more sedentary canines. Chasing a ball or Frisbee, playing with other dogs, going for a run or hike, and other vigorous activities are suitable for many youngsters. Older dogs and those with illnesses or mobility issues may get sufficient behavioral stimulation from less intense and lower-impact activities like walking around the neighborhood or having a canine buddy come over to hang out. Non-exercise options for stimulation include toys, treat dispensers and more.
Besides providing behavioral stimulation, exercise promotes your dog’s cardiac output, tissue oxygenation, lymphatic drainage, metabolism, lean muscle mass and more.
2. Pheromone collars and diffusers
Dogs naturally exude pheromones, hormone-like chemicals which create signals that are picked up by other animals and can influence behaviors.
Products like DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) can help calm an anxious pooch and come in collar diffuser and spray versions. They have been quite beneficial for clients of mine who find it challenging to get oral products into their dogs, or for patients with digestive tract upsets that could be exacerbated by oral medications or supplements.
3. Compression shirts
These shirt-like garments for dogs function like a baby’s swaddling blanket and have an anxiety-reducing effect. The Thundershirt is arguably the most popular compression shirt available. It’s well-tolerated by dogs and is a non-invasive means of reducing anxiety from thunderstorms and other triggers. “It calms a dog by applying gentle, constant pressure around the torso,” says CEO and founder Phil Blizzard. “It’s believed that this pressure releases oxytocin, a calming hormone.”
4. Products for inappropriate eliminators
Inappropriate elimination (urination and defecation) is another manifestation of anxiety. Dogs are biologically programmed to not soil their beds or personal space, so they are less likely to act on the urge to inappropriately eliminate when they wear some form of a garment that covers their penis, vulva or anus.
For male dogs, a belly band, which resembles a belt and covers the penis, can deter the urge to stream or dribble urine. For female inappropriate urinators, and dogs of either sex prone to improperly defecating, doggie diapers that cover the hind end can deter the urge to poop.
5. Acupuncture, acupressure, and massage
Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into the body to stimulate points along the body’s 12 meridians. It promotes blood circulation, modulates the nervous system’s sensation and motor response, and releases anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving chemicals. Liquids such as vitamin B12 or chondroprotectant medications can also be injected into acupuncture points. Electricity (electrostimulation), heat (moxibustion) or laser can be applied to needles or tissues to stimulate an energetic change.
Acupressure, which applies pressure to acupuncture points, as well as massage, can elicit a response comparable to acupuncture. You can be instructed on acupressure and massage techniques that have a calming effect, so treatment can be done on an as-needed basis.
Acupuncture points associated with eliciting behavior changes include GV 20, HT 7 (Spirit Gate), ST 40 (Master Point for Phlegm), BL 15 (Association Point for the Heart), CV 14 (Mu/Master Point of the Heart), CV 22 (Influential Point for Phlegm) and others.
6. Chinese medicine food energy treatment
According to Eight Principle Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are eight types of energy capable of affecting the body: excess, deficiency, interior, exterior, hot, cold, yin and yang.
Generally, anxious behaviors are due to an excess of energy manifested from the interior of the body (although they can also be affected by exterior factors). Anxiety is associated with heat negatively affecting the Shen (spirit), and is considered to have yang qualities (warming, drying, uplifting and masculine).
For anxious patients, foods and treats should have cooling energetic properties to quell excess yang. Examples include:
- Protein: cottage cheese, duck, fish (e.g. salmon, tuna), goose, pheasant, rabbit, tofu, turkey, yogurt
- Vegetables/fruit: banana, broccoli, cranberry cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, melon, mint, mushroom, pear, spinach, tomato
- Grains/beans: barley, buckwheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, wheat/wheat bran
Fresh, non- to minimally-cooked foods are best.
7. Nutraceuticals (supplements) and herbs
Natural products I’ve used for canine anxiety include Back Flower essences, melatonin, theanine, tryptophan, and various herbal combinations. Three of my preferred products are Jing Tang Herbal Shen Calmer, Bach’s Rescue Remedy Pet, and Rx Vitamins for Pets’ Nutricalm.
Editor’s note: Another product to help ease anxiety is Zesty Paws Calming Bites. “These chewable treats promote non-drowsy composure to help dogs feel more at ease in their surroundings,“ says Julia Yochum, Marketing Manager. “They feature Suntheanine®, a 100% pure non-GMO form of L-theanine. It safely stimulates the brain’s alpha waves to help dogs feel calm yet alert in conditions that trigger stress and anxiety. The formula also contains hemp, thiamine, chamomile, valerian root, and L-tryptophan, all of which can reduce anxiety.“
Cannabis extracts have calming effect
A topic of some controversy in veterinary medicine is the use of extracts from the Cannabis sativa L. plant for medicinal purposes, such as calming anxiety.
Mammals possess an endocannabinoid system (ECS) in their bodies. This system comprises a series of cannabinoid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, immune system cells, fat, kidneys, liver, muscles, salivary glands, skin, and other tissues. Cannabinoids are naturally produced by the body and act to modulate appetite, behavior, inflammation, pain, organ system function and more.
Cannabis sativa L. contains two primary phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids) –cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is non-psychoactive (mind-altering) and can have antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedating effects. THC has psychoactive qualities and induces euphoria, as well as having analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, and other medicinal properties.
At this time, it’s illegal for veterinarians to dispense or even consult with clients about cannabis extracts for their animals since marijuana is still considered a Schedule 1 illegal drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Studies involving the use of medical marijuana to treat arthritis and seizure disorders in pets are currently underway at Colorado State University. The results may help facilitate the recognition of cannabis extracts as a useful medicinal tool for pets.
Before trying any new herbs or supplements, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian appropriately trained in their use. I’ve used a combination of herbs, acupuncture and acupressure to successfully reduce anxiety in canine patients, and reduce reliance on medications.
If you and your vet are unable to improve your dog’s anxious behaviors with the recommendations in this article, consult with a board-certified veterinary behavior specialist. In most cases, however, using a holistic approach with natural remedies will effectively ease your dog’s anxiety.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
MEAT CAKES
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- Ground Beef 1-lb
- 3 cups water
- 8 eggs
- 2 large potatoes, grated
- 1 dash salt
- 4 large carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 large celery stalks, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups regular rolled oats
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease 36 cups of 3 large muffin tins.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, uncovered, and cook 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool several minutes, then fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, carrots, celery, ground beef, and eggs. Mix ingredients together using your hands or a sturdy spoon. Add salt, olive oil, rolled oats, and rice; mix well.
- Fill each muffin cup with some of the meat mixture, and pat down the to make it firm. Bake 45 minutes, or until surface feels set. Cool on a rack 10 minutes or longer.
- Remove the meat cakes by turning the muffin tin upside down over a sheet of aluminum foil. Tap each muffin cup to release the cake. Refrigerate or freeze in sealed plastic bags.
BRAGS
Jim & Sharon Utych are bragging on MBISS AKC GCHB CH Brookhaven The Dream Lives On. Edgar was awarded Best of Breed, Best of Breed Owner Handled at the Golden Triangle KC show on Saturday, January 12 under judge Margo Klinger. He was also awarded an OH Group 2 under judge David Kirkland. On Sunday, Edgar was awarded Select Dog under judge David Kirkland.
Jim & Sharon Utych are bragging on their puppy (and Edgar's son), Legendcrest Finnickyskye Dream Catcher. Catch was awarded first place in the 6 to under 9-month puppy class both days at the Golden Triangle KC shows and on Sunday was also awarded Reserve Winners Dog under judge David Kirkland.
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THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA
Mark Fitchpatrick, editor