In This Issue
March Special
Meet the Founder & CEO of Camp Bow Wow!
Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids): A Proven Treatment for Canine Arthritis
Camper of the Month - Hammy
Lucky Dog Week - March 15-19
St. Patrick's Day Pictures - March 12 & 13
Multiple Dogs/Discounts & Survey
Breed of the Month: Rhodesian Ridgeback
Fun Quote of the Month
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March Special
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Meet the Founder & CEO of Camp Bow Wow!
And, read her new book:
TALES FROM THE BARK SIDE: My Journey from Wayward Stray to Top Dog
Camp Bow Wow is turning 10 this year (that’s 70 in dog years!). In 2000, Heidi Ganahl, pursued her dream of starting her own doggy daycare business – and Camp Bow Wow was born. Her story of how she got started is moving, emotional and inspiring, as it hasn’t been an easy road to get where she’s at today. In her new book, titled Tales From the Bark Side, she recounts how she was able to turn tragedy into triumph in her personal and professional life. She now runs a $40 million franchise with over 100 open Camps, 24 Home Buddies in 65 territories and a charitable foundation to give back to the animals and community, The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation.
YOU can meet & mingle with Heidi! Heidi will be touring the country throughout 2010 visiting open Camps and Home Buddies. She’ll spend a little time telling her story but then will spend some time mingling with Camp and Home Buddies customers at some fun Yappy Hours – and she will be able to sign your books. We will keep you posted on her schedule and when she’s coming to our Camp!
To purchase Tales From the Bark Side go to www.heidi-inc.com. |
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Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids): A Proven Treatment for Canine Arthritis
By Nancy Kay, DVM
I had the good fortune of receiving my veterinary school training at Cornell University. Part of what made this education so fabulous was that the senior faculty spent a great deal of face time with their students. I have fond memories of a seasoned clinician patiently holding a Dachshund for me while teaching this novice how to collect a blood sample from the jugular vein. Another taught this city slicker how to collect a milk sample for mastitis testing from the teat of a cow. A major take home point my classmates and I received from these icons in veterinary medicine was, first, do no harm. In other words, before subjecting our patients to diagnostic testing or treatment, we should strive to be as confident as possible that the potential for benefit was far greater than the potential for harm. First do no harm has always been my mantra and is the main reason I try to rely on evidence based medicine (facts substantiated by research) rather than anecdotal information to support what I do.
Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence based medicine pertaining to the use of many commonly used supplements, nutraceuticals, and herbs for dogs and cats. This is the reason a big smile appeared on my face when I opened a recent edition of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. It contained two studies on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) for the treatment of osteoarthritis (also known as arthritis or degenerative joint disease) in dogs. The study designs were excellent in that many dogs were included, there was a control group (some dogs received a placebo rather than the fatty acids), and the observers were blinded- neither the veterinarians nor the dogs families knew if the dogs were receiving the fatty acids or the placebo.
Here’s what the studies showed. Compared to the placebo group, the dogs receiving omega-3 fatty acids had a significantly improved ability to rise from a resting position and play by six weeks after beginning supplementation, and improved ability to walk by 12 weeks. Additionally, compared to the control group, dogs receiving the fish oil had improved weight bearing on the affected limbs as assessed by force-plate analysis (an extremely humane testing method). No significant adverse side effects from the fish oil supplementation were reported.
If you’ve spent any significant amount of time with dogs (especially large dogs), guaranteed you’ve known at least a few with arthritis. It is estimated to affect up to twenty percent of dogs over one year of age. Dogs with arthritis resemble people with arthritis- they are often stiff and slow to rise when they first get up in the morning, as well as after vigorous exercise. There are many ways to treat this common canine malady including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (the equivalent of ibuprofen for humans), acupuncture, rehabilitation therapy, and supplements that increase the production of normal joint fluid. The effectiveness of all of these modalities, including fish oil, will vary from individual to individual. The beauty of fish oil is that, likely the only potential significant risk is for you- your dog may develop fish breath!
I love the fact that veterinarians now have evidence based support for recommending fish oil as a treatment for their canine patients with arthritis, and in doing so, they can abide by the mantra of, first do no harm. If you suspect your dog has arthritis (if you have a large breed dog over eight years of age, chances are that you do), talk with your veterinarian about the pros and cons of all the treatment options. And the next time you are dining on fish, don’t be surprised if your dogs nose appears right beside your dinner plate. Chances are, your dog clearly recognizes the benefits of fish oil supplementation! Now, pass the salmon please.
Best wishes to you and your four-legged family members,
Nancy Kay, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association 2009 Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award
Author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life
Email: dr.kay@speakingforspot.com |
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Camper of the Month - Hammy
 Hammy is a 1 1/2 year old Mini Pug that has been coming to camp for over a year now. When Hammy came to camp for the first time he was so 'tiny' and he makes these cute little squeaky noises. Everytime he wants your attention or he gets excited he spins in these tight little right-handed circles. Through the months that Hammy has come to daycare & board, the whole crew has come to ENJOY our little "puglet's" performances. We can alway's count on Hammy to put a smile on our face! |
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Lucky Dog Week - March 15-19
Calling all campers! Join us on 3/15-3/19 for Lucky Dog week. The first 15 dogs entering camp will receive a Lucky Dog collar and a Shamrock flasher. We will then put the names of the Lucky Dogs in a hat for a chance to win a 'free' day of daycare and a bath. Five winners will be chosen. Campers are only eligible to receive a maximum of one collar and one flasher for the week. . |
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St. Patrick's Day Pictures - March 12 & 13
Friday, March 12th - 1:00 - 5:00pm
Saturday, March 13th - 8:00 - 10:30am
Pictures are a $5.00 donation with all proceeds benefiting Bow Wow Buddies. |
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Multiple Dogs/Discounts & Survey
Some of our clients, who are eligible for our discount programs and have multiple dogs, have voiced a concern about our new pricing. Our boarding packages provide the same discount opportunity. Also, you are already receiving a 19-20% discount on your 2nd, 3rd & 4th dogs over those with only one dog. Our boarding packages are similar to our daycare packages, where the more days you purchase the bigger the discount and they never expire.
Lastly, we value your opinion and you may receive an email asking 2 quick questions regarding customer service. We would appreciate you taking the time to respond. We are always looking for ways to improve and better serve you. |
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Breed of the Month: Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is dog breed developed in Southern Africa where it was used (amongst other things) to hunt lions. This is most likely why this dog is known for its bravery. The Ridgeback's distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back, running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat. It consists of a fan-like area formed by two whorls of hair (called "crowns"). and tapers from immediately behind the shoulders down to the level of the hips.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal and intelligent. They are, however, aloof to strangers. This is not to be confused with aggression; a Ridgeback of proper temperament will be more inclined to ignore, rather than challenge, a stranger. This breed requires positive, reward-based training, good socialization and consistency; it is often not the best choice for inexperienced dog owners. Ridgebacks are strong-willed, intelligent, and many seem to have a penchant for mischief, though lovingly. They are protective of their owners and families. If trained well, they can be excellent guard dogs.
Despite their athletic, sometimes imposing, exterior, the Ridgeback has a sensitive side. Excessively harsh training methods, that might be tolerated by a sporting or working dog, will likely backfire on a Ridgeback. The Ridgeback accepts correction as long as it is fair and justified, and as long as it comes from someone he knows and trusts. Good-natured, the Ridgeback may not do well with small children because they may play too roughly. They are intelligent, skillful and straight-forward dogs that are loyal to the family.
If a Rhodesian Ridgeback sounds like a good addition to your family please visit the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue link below http://www.ridgebackrescue.org/ |
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Fun Quote of the Month
“Number one way life would be different if dogs ran the world: All motorists must drive with head out window. “
David Letterman
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Camp Bow Wow • 129 Corporate Drive, Suite A • Swansea • IL • 62226
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 | | Location
| | 129 Corporate Drive | | Swansea, Illinois 62226 | | View Map | | Email Us | | | Phone
| | Camp: | 618-234-9247 (WAGS) | | Fax: | 618-277-9247 (WAGS) |
| | | Hours
| | Weekdays: | 7am - 7pm | | Saturday: | 8am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm | | Sunday: | 8am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm | | Holidays: | 8am - 11am & 4pm - 7pm |
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