October 2024

Annual Canine Health and Wellness Issue

This month’s issue is supported in part by SF Animal Medical Center and dog lovers like you.

Welcome to Bay Woof, October 2024

Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise!

“Health is wealth,” as they say. And if we’re talking about our dogs, we know that dealing with an unhealthy pet can be quite expensive, not to mention time consuming - much more so than raising a healthy, happy dog to begin with.

That’s why we’re pleased to present our annual Canine Health and Wellness issue this month, coming to you with a medicine bag full of practical, accessible insights about how we can give our best pals the best care.

Bay Woof’s October features include a piece on rethinking the dreaded cone of shame by Dr. Lissa Richardson (Sage Compassion for Animals); an overview of canine fitness plans by Shelah Barr (Happy Hounds Massage and Fitness); a look at longevity and socialization by Dr. Ian Dunbar (Dunbar Academy); plus tips from Jocelyn Whidden (Animal Communicator) about finding our own balance to help our dogs find theirs.

And there’s still more health news in our monthly columns. Just check out Lisa Franzetta’s (GriffinACU) writing about acupuncture and canine IVDD. Or Jane Aten (Marin Humane) on the importance of enrichment tools in meeting your dog’s mental and physical needs.

Elsewhere in the issue, author Susan Hartzler holds forth about the benefits of canine companionship for humans, while trainer Sara Scott’s Good Dog! column delivers a cheesy training tool your pup will love. Finally, Mr. Smarty Pants, Nose for News, and Red and Howling add that sugar that always helps the medicine go down in the most delightful way (cue the singing Chihuahuas).

In this month of ghouls and goblins, may your treat bags be full and your vet bills low (please keep the chocolate out of reach). Best wishes for a healthy Halloween!

Boo!

M Rocket
Publisher

This Month’s Bones to Chew

October Feature Stories

Featured Articles

Dr. Lissa Richardson

Cone of Shame or Halo of Healing? Managing Your Pet’s Attitude - and Your Own

Dr. Lissa Richardson

Also known as an Elizabethan collar or Cone of Shame, this simple plastic protector is the cheapest insurance there is to promote a faster recovery after surgery or any other wound to your pet.

Dr. Lissa Richardson

Shelah Barr

The Power of Canine Fitness: Building Strength, Bonds, and Confidence

Shelah Barr

Canine fitness is about more than just physical conditioning. It's an essential part of a dog’s overall health and well-being.

Shelah Barr

Jocelyn Whidden

Finding Your Balance: Why Extremes Don’t Work for Dogs

Jocelyn Whidden

When we connect with dogs or other animals from the heart, we sense and appreciate the quality of their characters, not just the actions we can dictate.

Jocelyn Whidden

Dr. Ian Dunbar

Building Better Puppies: Longevity Matters But So Does Socialization

Dr. Ian Dunbar

Ensuring that puppies grow up to be good-natured and well-mannered canine companions depends entirely on early socialization, handling, environmental enrichment, and basic training.

Dr. Ian Dunbar

Columns from the October Pack

Nose for News

S. Emerson Moffat

New Rules for International Dog Travel, TSA's Cutest Canine Winner, MLB Pup Scores with Fans, and More!

S. Emerson Moffat

Heads up, four-footed travelers! The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added new international rules for traveling with dogs.

S. Emerson Moffat

Ask Dr. Dog

Dr. Lisa Franzetta

Back Problems? Holistic Support for Dogs with IVDD

Dr. Lisa Franzetta

It is estimated that IVDD affects two percent of the domestic dog population. Sometimes this degeneration is age-related and happens gradually, typically in older, larger dogs.

Dr. Lisa Franzetta

The Monthly Woof