DID YOU KNOW:
A cat that weighs 15 pounds is the equivalent of a 5'4" woman weighing about 218 pounds? 

Pet obesity is at epidemic levels! 
You know this. 

It's 2nd only to dental disease (and the recent studies were out of 2015, so it may have surpassed that by now...)*.

When our pets are heavier it leads to increased diseases, increased costs (for you), increased pain and decreased quality (and length) of life! 

Here are some "Fat Cat Strategies":

• No treats! Brush them instead
  
• Use toys and games like Laser pointers, feathers, balls to chase (or homemade ones with foil).
  
• Put meals in different places throughout the house (i.e., up stairs, on top of risers, etc).
  
• Get an outdoor pen
• Don’t overfeed!
• Use creative ways and cat’s natural instincts to get them to prowl for food
• Feed wet food over dry.
  
• Feed 2-4x a day vs. "free feeding"

*Reference: Rowe E, et al. 2015

​Laser is EXTREMELY beneficial for healing purposes - human and pets!

DID YOU NOW: Laser is actually an acronym? It stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. 

Now, hold up! Don't get anxious because of the word "radiation" because it's not radiation in the the truest sense - or negative sense.
It is a coherent (concentrated) beam of light operating at different frequencies and intensities. This sets it apart from different types of modalities like infrared which is VERY commonly marketed and sold to the public as a "Laser" for therapeutic applications, which...IS BOGUS. 

Infrared is an entirely different modality (& yes, one that I use for different applications including on myself - see www.TheFitChick.com as I posted specifically about infrared)!

There are some devices that are the equivalent of a laser pointer (!) being used & sold under the auspices of therapeutic laser. (No, laser pointers won't heal anything.)

The nice part about lasers is the effect is cumulative; the more treatments you have, the better. 

I usually advise a "loading" dose in the beginning and then tapering off. But this 100% depends on the condition/issue/ailment. 

The main difference between Class III (aka, Class 3, cold, low level) and Class IV (Class 4, high power) lasers is the speed in which the light is delivered to the tissues. (And also some absorption or depth depending on the device and how it's applied to the body.) Class IV lasers work faster. 

So one isn't necessarily BETTER than the other. 

I have been using lasers for almost 20 years. I DO think it's important for people to know the basics about lasers because it seems almost every clinic and hospital has one now, and they are accessible online. But keep in mind what I said above regarding the devices and the operators of those devices...and go forth being informed in your choices.

Lasers are not only great to heal tissues but they have a role in wellness and prevention too - particularly in the case of tendons. 

In general, the benefits of laser include: 

• Positive biological changes in the tissue by altering the activity of the cells to stimulate healing
• Increases (good, oxygenized) blood flow to the area
• Increases lymphatic function
• Reduces inflammation
• Pain control
• Stimulates nerve regeneration
• Stimulates a healthy immune response
• Doesn't REPLACE medical care but complements it

I am surprised with the exponential increase in laser use of recent that there isn't more information available online - including basic "how to's". 

--
Have you used lasers before or had one used on your or your pet? 

I am asked frequently what my opinion is about essential oil use with animals. 

I'm in favor! 

I wrote this guide to help explain some of the basics (for non-fur folks too)!

Obviously, if you are interested in oils as a remedy for a current illness or disease, please see in-person medical attention before attempting  treatment yourself. 

Essential oils are used for OTHER species besides dogs and cats (in particular - horses) but that is the focus of the information. 

We're offering the e-book for a limited time at a limited price. See the button below or the STORE page tab above.

Please share YOUR thoughts and experiences with oils!

Happy September! 

This month is National Animal Pain Awareness Month. 

While not a cause for celebration (pain) it is important to recognize and bring awareness to pain and pain issues (for humans too)! 

Animals are masters of disguising behavior and obviously their non-verbal characteristics make them unable to say, "HEY human, this hurts!"