Love is in the Air
I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for new ways to spoil my four legged Valentines and today means doing those extra little things that say I love you. With Valentine's Day falling on a Friday it's a cause to extend the celebrations into the weekend! It's true what they say, that you can't buy love, or can you? Even though it's reported people will spend 1.7 billion dollars on their pets this Valentine's Day, here are some simple ways to celebrate your love that cost nothing. And remember to keep your chocolate far away from your pups and your flowers out of your cat's reach!
1. Serve a special meal. We all know that there are foods that our pets like and foods that they LOVE. Splurge on a favorite food and serve it on one of your "good plates"
2. Extra morning cuddles. If you are lucky enough to have the luxury of lingering in bed a bit longer today, do it by sharing extra cuddles. And if that's not possible carve out some time to nap or have an extra snuggle session today or this weekend. It will do you both a world of good.
3. Spend time doing a favorite activity. Whether it's indoors or out make the time to play your pet's favorite game, break out toys that have been lost under the furniture or take a walk in their favorite place. Whatever it is, involve yourself in the experience by being fully present with them; that means clearing your head and putting down your devices. 4. Have a Valentine's Day photo shoot. Break out the clothes with the hearts or create a fun V Day backdrop and have a blast adding to the thousands of photos you probably have of your pet! If you need inspiration and your social media feeds are anything like mine, they are probably full of four legged valentines!
1. Serve a special meal. We all know that there are foods that our pets like and foods that they LOVE. Splurge on a favorite food and serve it on one of your "good plates"
2. Extra morning cuddles. If you are lucky enough to have the luxury of lingering in bed a bit longer today, do it by sharing extra cuddles. And if that's not possible carve out some time to nap or have an extra snuggle session today or this weekend. It will do you both a world of good.
3. Spend time doing a favorite activity. Whether it's indoors or out make the time to play your pet's favorite game, break out toys that have been lost under the furniture or take a walk in their favorite place. Whatever it is, involve yourself in the experience by being fully present with them; that means clearing your head and putting down your devices. 4. Have a Valentine's Day photo shoot. Break out the clothes with the hearts or create a fun V Day backdrop and have a blast adding to the thousands of photos you probably have of your pet! If you need inspiration and your social media feeds are anything like mine, they are probably full of four legged valentines!
Love is in the (H)air
One of my favorite pet keepsakes to make are these adorable hearts. The most wonderful thing about them is they only require a small amount of brushings; making them perfect for slow shedders. You only need to save an ounce of brushings to have enough yarn made for a heart. That's about a sandwich bag packed full. These hearts can me made 3 dimensional and filled with extra brushings or fiber fill, or they can be made 2 dimensional if you'd prefer to mount them in a frame or shadowbox. Either way they are a truly beautiful keepsake and embody the spirit and character of your companion.
 "Mika Mae" keepsake heart |  "Gambit" keepsake heart and bracelet |
Your Pet's Heart Beats for You
Many studies have explored the relationship between pet ownership and cardiovascular health through focusing on the blood pressure, heart rate and physical activity of pet owners compared to non-pet owners. The American Heart Association reviewed these studies and issued a Scientific Statement connecting pet ownership to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. It's pretty incredible but not surprising seeing as how we know that the heart's energetics extend into the surrounding environment almost infinitely. Some traditions have said that it is this heart connection- man to beast - that is the reason the animals were sent her in the first place.
The Heart of the Matter
Heart disease is often termed "the silent killer", and for good reason. Much like heart disease in humans, heart disease in animals shows symptoms that can often mimic those of other ailments until the unmistakable signs of heart failure are present. Scary stuff, I know. But early diagnosis can be a game changer. Sometimes an early sign of heart troubles is a murmur which could be detected at a routine veterinary exam. Even if your pet is healthy, an annual check up could save it's life. While a heart murmur doesn't always indicate heart trouble, it merits further testing. Once a murmur is detected, or your veterinarian suspects a heart ailment, a referral to a board certified veterinary cardiologist is in order. I'm a huge believer in the importance of seeking out specialty care for your pet for anything that is beyond the norm. Being under the care of a veterinary cardiologist means you have access to cutting edge treatments and a team of care givers who are true experienced experts at diagnosing and treating heart disease. Cats and dogs are different, this we know. And what's true with dogs isn't always true for cats when it comes to heart disease. That said - I'm sharing my personal experience with my own pets and heart disease and I'm breaking out some really useful information specific to cats and dogs respectively, so that you can find the resources most beneficial for your pet's heart health.
Hairless Hearts
I knew when I brought Sphynx cats into my life there was a risk of bringing heart disease along with them. While they are known for being enormously affectionate, mischeveous and just downright monkey like, they are also infamous for their enormous hearts. It's debatable whether or not the prevalence of heart disease in Sphynx is a hallmark of the breed or a result of heightened awareness (and increased testing and diagnoses) of owners. HCM is the most common heart disease in ALL cats and affects far more cats than realized. We were not the lucky ones - both of my boys (siblings) were diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopothy (HCM) before the age of 2. In short, its a thickening of the heart. There is no cure, it can develop at any age, early warning signs are non existent and the only way to diagnose it before clinical symptoms appear is through an echocardiogram with a board certified veterinary cardiologist. Because I was hyperaware when murmurs were detected at routine vet appointments I wasted no time and had them referred to a cardiologist for further testing. Living with HCM is hard. Really hard. Sudden changes in the severity of the disease are common with no warning. We have scans every six months with the hope that we can catch progression before it leads to a fatal clot or congestive heart failure. Medications can help prolong the life of a cat with HCM in some cases - in our case Poppy is not on medication and Fergus is. There is no conclusive evidence that medications can stall the progression of the thickening of the heart,- and they don't come without risks of side effects. What they can do is help the heart to beat more efficiently and keep blood platelets healthy to avoid clots. Knowing this, with the advice of the cardiology team, we chose to medicate Fergus once his disease progressed to his atrium. This stage of HCM put him at high risk for clots and heart failure, and when he began his medication regiment in December 2016. To make matters worse, Fergus also is afflicted with two different arrhythmias. SVT and V tach. His arrhythmias began before he was a year old, and it was a holter heart monitor worn at home that gave us the diagnoses. All told, Fergus takes 11 pills each day and has shown no side effects or stress to his kidneys. He's amazing in so many ways, but his tolerance for medicine time is nothing short of incredible. Some pets are impossible to medicate without inducing an unhealthy level of stress. I'm so grateful that Fergus is a willing participant at pill time.
Both of my boys are outliers to statistics. Their disease has stalled -and while that can change at any time, we choose to live with optimism and hope; the fragility of their presence is certainly not lost on me. Being able to leave my "real job" and make Nine Lives Twine my solo endeavor has allowed me to spend every waking moment with my boys. I believe being present to this degree, both physically and emotionally has a positive effect on their hearts...and mine.
Both of my boys are outliers to statistics. Their disease has stalled -and while that can change at any time, we choose to live with optimism and hope; the fragility of their presence is certainly not lost on me. Being able to leave my "real job" and make Nine Lives Twine my solo endeavor has allowed me to spend every waking moment with my boys. I believe being present to this degree, both physically and emotionally has a positive effect on their hearts...and mine.
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Wearing a holter heart monitor at home saved Fergus' life. His terrifying episodes and lapses into unconsciousness were thought to be neurological. In preparation for his MRI he had to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours. It was this precaution that told us what no one could figure out. He was suffering from arryhythmic episodes and each time the beating of his heart became erratic, sudden death was a real risk. While the monitor is a bit bulky and cumbersome, he adapted each time he has had to wear it. The data that it provides along with the expertise of his cardiologist gives us a window into his condition that wouldn't be possible otherwise.
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Cardiovascular Health and Disease in Cats and Dogs
Dogs and Heart Disease: An Overview from The Pet Health Network
Dr. Ruth MacPete explains canine heart disease. For more from Dr. MacPete, find her on Facebook or at www.drruthpetvet.com!
“Dogs get heart disease?” The surprised question from a human doctor friend of mine still echoes in my ears. The answer, of course, is yes! Dogs get heart disease, just like their human companions. In fact, it is estimated that 7.8 million dogs in the United States have heart disease. That means approximately 10% of all dogs in the United States have heart disease. Despite these numbers, many people, even those in the medical field, are unaware that their dog may be at risk for heart disease.
Heart disease in dogs is almost as common as it is in humans, but unlike people, smoking and a fatty diet are not risk factors. The most common form of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, which primarily affects small breed dogs over 5 years of age and makes up 70-75% of heart disease in dogs. Heartworm disease causes 13% of heart disease even though it is entirely preventable. Myocardial disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, makes up 8% of heart disease and primarily affects large breed dogs of all ages.
Dr. Ruth MacPete explains canine heart disease. For more from Dr. MacPete, find her on Facebook or at www.drruthpetvet.com!
“Dogs get heart disease?” The surprised question from a human doctor friend of mine still echoes in my ears. The answer, of course, is yes! Dogs get heart disease, just like their human companions. In fact, it is estimated that 7.8 million dogs in the United States have heart disease. That means approximately 10% of all dogs in the United States have heart disease. Despite these numbers, many people, even those in the medical field, are unaware that their dog may be at risk for heart disease.
Heart disease in dogs is almost as common as it is in humans, but unlike people, smoking and a fatty diet are not risk factors. The most common form of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease, which primarily affects small breed dogs over 5 years of age and makes up 70-75% of heart disease in dogs. Heartworm disease causes 13% of heart disease even though it is entirely preventable. Myocardial disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, makes up 8% of heart disease and primarily affects large breed dogs of all ages.
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