Say the Word

Maybe the key to successfully treating animals with alternative medicines is just to pass on the info.

That's the tack Portland's Ted Schenck is taking with a 3900 mile ride to raise money and awareness for Dog Cancer. Non-vet choices kept his own dog, Marty, living a year longer than the Vet had said was possible, but Schenck believes he just needed a bit more info and choices.

Maybe those choices are to be found in a couple week in Philadelphia among the products, info booths, author talks, etc. at The National Pet Expo, Sept. 7, at the Liberties Walk?

Or, maybe the info can only be found with an intensive self-eduction, such as that of Jeanie Marie Kraft, who studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in California, before beginning to acupuncture people and animals. The report on her prowess does include her own cat running off with needles in her back, but Kraft explains that is only testimony to how well she is now feeling.

Information. Unlike certain other treatments, it can't hurt.

Frankincense and Purr

Science Daily reports that, "An enriched extract of the 'Indian Frankincense' herb Boswellia serrata has been proven to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis."

While this offers promise for suffering people, the original tests were done on animals, so it may be time for uncommon scents when your pet is suffering to the bone.

And if you're not sure how far down the suffering is, consider calling in Susan Archer or another animal communicator to get your friend's POV.

Nosing About

Far ahead in offering benefits to employees, New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation (a government agency compensating injury victims within a "no-fault" context) offers its own employees the benefit of pet aromatherapy, although it is does seem to have gotten into some trouble for doing so.

If you can't get hired there, some interesting ideas for aromatherapy for dogs that you can take care of one your own are still available.

Surfs Up

If you haven't already done so, immediately sign your pet up for their own credit card so they can take on the burden of shopping — or at least make sure to pick up something they'll really like.

Two new options provide info and options for alternative (pet) lifestyles. The Vitamin Shoppe chain now offers Optimal Pet, a line of "natural" supplements for dogs and cats. And to make sure your animal will be an informed consumer of the right supplement for whatever health concerns he, she (or you) may have, just log them into the new web site Web Vet, the self-described "first whole-pet resource that brings together, in one trusted place, veterinarian-approved pet health and wellness information, as well as lifestyle trends and pet-centric news from leading animal health experts and award-winning reporters."

Or do you need to teach your pet to use a QWERTY keyboard first?

Mucho Moola

The American Pet Product Manufacturers' Association recently announced that of the $43 billion Americans will spend on pets, vets will get $10.9 billion and $10.3 billion will be paid for supplies and medicine.

Another $3 billion will be spent on services, presumably including such as dog massage at $40 an hour as practiced in the San Fran Bay area by Patti Moran. Food, grooming, vet bills, etc. It all adds up quickly although there are some things that can be done for free to create a more enjoyable environment for pets. Texas A&M Vet Bonnie Beaver says that (just like for people) it's all about the toys, which don't have to be expensive, just engaging and interactive and in some way a mirror for a life led outside the house.

For example, a well placed box for cats or plastic bottle with treats inside for dogs encourages the former to explore and the latter to play ... and keeps both of them from tearing up the furniture. Replacement of which — a regular event for many pet owners — is not even included in the $ figure above.