Ask Dr Jane Bicks Your Pet Questions

Dr. Jane Bicks
Dr. Jane Bicks, holistic veterinarian and HealthyPetNet product formulator, answers your pet questions.

First and foremost, Dr. Jane is the ultimate pet person. She shares her life with a dog, a goat, two horses, a monkey, and two cats. Her pets are her family and she is dedicated to their health and happiness. Dr. Jane knows you feel the same way about your pets and she has devoted her life to the health and wellness of our precious companions.

Dr Jane is a highly respected and nationally recognized holistic veterinarian. She is the author of three national books on pet care and nutrition and has served on professional boards including the Cornell Feline Health Center. Dr. Jane served as the President of the Veterinary Medical Association in NYC and was appointed by former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to help start one of the largest animal shelters in the United States. She has also appeared on many network television and cable programs and numerous radio stations as a veterinary expert.

Dr. Jane is responsible for HealthyPetNet product formulation and development, and she consults regularly with pet industry experts to ensure our cutting-edge formulas meet the highest standards for quality and effectiveness.

We are pleased to announce the formation of the Dr. Jane HealthyPetNet Foundation, Inc. This non-profit foundation is dedicated to the promotion, establishment, maintenance and management of animal rescue groups that are committed to rescuing abused animals in the U.S. And Trilogy International is donating a portion of our net profit to help support the operations of this extraordinary foundation.

We look forward to sharing with you more about the progress of this foundation’s important work. To find out how you can make a difference in the success of this noble enterprise, call our office at 800-428-6416.

Do you have a pet question? Let Dr Jane Bicks answer!

Contact Us with your questions and we'll post Dr. Jane's answer!

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Rimadyl Alternative

Dear Dr. Jane:I've read that Rimadyl can harm my pet over time because it's a steroid. I'm scared to give my dog anymore because I've just learned of all the possible side affects. Can you recommend a natural alternative that works, please?

Dr Jane's Answer: Absolutely! I'd like to recommend you try our Agility Agility is safer than steroids and NSAID’s because it is an ALL NATURAL supplement that delivers special nutrients and herbs to the joint, bones sand surrounding tissue. Agility is a safe alternative with no side effects. Steroids and NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can have medical disadvantages such as pancreatic disease, diabetes and liver disease to name a few.

Omega 3 For Pets

Dear Dr. Jane: I have two dogs and one cat. I am very well aware of the benefits of essential fatty acids in their diet, but would like to know what sets your formula apart from the oils I buy at my local health food store?

Dr Jane's Answer: Our Skin and Coat Formula for Dogs and Cats contains natural, wholesome skin & health support nutrients including fish oil (omega fatty acids) and vitamin E in a delicious roast beef flavor chewable (not in a liquid which goes rancid or a capsule). Fatty acids are microencapsulated for better absorption. Microencapsulation is an expensive, state-of-the-art process where oils/fats are made very small to promote better absorption in the intestines. This enables your pet to receive the full benefit of the oils. Oil is certified free of contaminates such as mercury & lead. Manufactured by a pharmaceutical plant that makes human products. This formula was tested on over 200 dogs in over 40 veterinary clinics and proven effective. This product has been sold for more than 7 to 8 years, and is non allergic.
Omega Fatty Acids: All oils are classified according to their chemical structure and their function in the body. Fish such as herring and salmon contain high amounts of Omega-3 oils, as do wild game. These oils are being studied intensively for their nutritional value throughout the body in humans, dogs and cats. Cornell Feline Health Center was one of the first to demonstrate the positive effects of Omega-3 oils in maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Differences In Pet Supplements

Dear Dr. Jane: My veterinarian gave me a daily supplement for my dog and cat when I brought them in for their yearly check up early this summer. She said that she recommends supplements for ALL pets. She was rather emphatic about it. I have almost finished them. What makes your dog and cat supplements different?

Dr. Jane's Answer: Both the dog supplement and cat supplement contain ingredients that support a healthy immune system. They also contain ingredients that support a healthy liver. While most supplements contain an array of vitamins and minerals, they don't generally include anything specific for liver and immune system. The liver works very hard to eliminate any toxins that your pets are exposed to. It also gets rid of the breakdown products are formed in the body daily. I feel that it is such an important organ that it must be supported. You know, the vitamins and minerals in any supplement are there for general support of the body. However, there are specific nutrients that the liver requires and should be part of a daily supplement. The same thing is true for the immune system.

Overweight Cat

Dear Dr. Jane: My cat is about 10 pounds too fat! What should I do?

Dr Jane's Answer: Unfortunately, most weight reduction foods focus on weight loss but not on sound health. These foods are formulated to deliver a diet of low protein, low fat, low calories and high fiber. While one would think that cat owners would be content with the weight loss, if there is any, they generally discard the diet food because of the consequences: itching and scratching, dandruff, excessive shedding, dull brittle coats, insatiable hunger, changes in personality and overall lack in vitality. Since older cats are generally the victims of this food, one must be concerned about their already-frail immune systems. Unless your cat is extremely obese and/or under veterinarian orders to lose weight, the alternatives are: 1. Increase Daily Exercise 2. Feed a High Quality Food like
Life's Abundance Health Food for Cats

Most owners of obese cats seek out a diet, light or senior food hoping that this will be the key
to weight loss. Unfortunately, in most cases, a cat becomes obese simply because he is over fed. Since every nugget contains calories, some more then others, the key to a slim waist line for a kitty is to measure the amount of food being fed. Since every food contains different amounts of calories and is metabolized differently, one must follow the feeding directions for the selected food and then lower the amount if necessary. If the food is decreased by 25% and the kitty is not loosing any weight, then changing to a weight loss food may be necessary. A cat doesn’t have to stay on that weight loss food forever. Once a waistline returns, the cat can be changed back to regular food. Measure out the food and don’t free feed. Spread its allotted amount of food into two to three meals per day.

Dr. Jane Tips for Washing Our Pets

Dear Dr. Jane: Can you give me some tips on the best way to bathe my dog please?

Dr. Jane's Answer: Sure! Here are some great tips for washing our pets.
1. Don't wash your pet outside unless you've found a way to get warm water out there. Cold water is not as enjoyable to pets as it is to us.
2. Don't use the bathtub. It can hurt your back and it's hard for your pet to get a grip. Instead, use the shower or the laundry room sink. The bigger the sink, the better.
3. Put towels on the floor before washing, because the floor will get soaked and you may slip.
4. If you're in fact using the sink or shower, put a rubber mat in it.
5. Use treat-giving to teach your dog to stay in the sink and to behave properly. This may not work with a cat.
6. Use an eye ointment in your pet's eyes to protect them from the suds. If soap gets in the eyes, you can use a human eye rinse.
7. Make sure their coats get really wet, especially water breeds that are meant to repel water and those with thick coats. A nice wet coat also helps the shampoo to lather up more luxuriantly. Use a curry brush in a circular motion to work the shampoo and exfoliate the skin.
8. When washing, don't go above the neck to prevent the ear canal from becoming an actual ear canal…. full of water. If you really want to wash the head, use a moist wash cloth only. Remember to wash under the tail, which is a widely forgotten area.
9. Avoid using a hair dryer, which can burn or irritate your pet. Use a towel for drying… that is, after your pet does its instinctual, infamous water-shake.
10. Remember to take your time. Make sure you carve out meaningful time on a weekend to do this bonding activity with your pet. Have a radio on with some soothing music to calm both of you down, and talk gently. If you are erratic and rushing, your pet will feel it.

And One More Important HealthyPetNet Tip…
When it comes to washing your pet, you shouldn't use baby shampoo or human shampoo. Different types of shampoos are formulated for specific skin types. Instead, you should use a shampoo formulated especially for dogs and cats, like HealthyPetNet Spa Scents Revitalizing Shampoo for dogs and cats.

Itching and Scratching

Dear Dr. Jane: I have recently moved and both my dogs and cats are allergic to something! It never happened before, but now they bite at themselves and scratch almost constantly. The vet said they could be allergic to fleas. Even though I use a flea product, I was told that fleas still land on animals and that’s enough to cause an allergy. The vet also said that since I relocated and the environment is new, there could be something in the air that is bothering them. Either way, I don’t want them on steroids and anti-histamines. Do you have any product that may help us?

Dr Jane's Answer: I have a few products that I can suggest. The first one you can try is our
Skin & Coat Formula. It contains a special mix of fish oils and other oils. Many vets recommend a combination of oils and support nutrients to soothe itching from the inside out. Our Skin & Coat Formula has been tested in over 200 veterinary clinics and has been sold for about eight years. I am happy to report that we have many customers who use the delicious tablets every allergy season!

Canned Food VS. Dry

Dear Dr. Jane: Is canned food better than dry? It looks more like real food.

Dr. Jane’s Answer: Canned food contains 75 to 78% water. That doesn’t leave very much room for nutrients and thus your pet has to eat a great deal of food to get its nutritional requirement. Dry food is a more concentrated source of nutrition with about 10% water, leaving 90% for nutrients. Canned food may look like meat, but it can consist of textured soy that is colored and flavored to taste like meat.

Potatoes vs. Wheat in Pet Food

Dear Dr. Jane: Why do you use potatoes rather than wheat in your pet food formulas?

Dr. Jane’s Answer: For starters, wheat has a lower digestibility than potatoes. Wheat can be contaminated with mold spores. Certain types of molds that can grow in wheat will and has killed dogs. Huge companies have had to recall their food because of it. It is the companies fault because they should test every batch but we are all human. Every batch of Life’s Abundance is quality control tested. The wheat contamination comes from the way we store it in America. Corn can have the same problem. When I formulate, I look at everything - not just the nutritional merit or a formula but possible ramifications from the individual ingredients. I will not use that in my biscuits or food because the chance I take can mean death to animals. Potatoes can get mold but rarely a type that would harm an animal.

Life's Abundance Weight Loss Formula For Dogs and NO Weight Loss

Dear Dr. Jane: I’ve been feeding Life's Abundance Weight Loss Formula For Dogs to my over-weight dog, but it doesn’t seem to be working. Can you tell me what I might be doing wrong?

Dr Jane’s Answer: It takes about one month for the hormones to regulate. You can give apples, celery and green beans as treats if your dog gives you those ‘hungry’ eyes, but no other people food of ANY kind, including carrots or biscuits as they equal FAT. One wrong treat, even given by another family member behind your back, can throw off hormonal balance instantly. Our Wholesome Hearts are delicious, healthy treats that you can give your dog and it will not affect weight loss. Also remember to feed according to the guidelines for your dog’s present weight, not desired weight. He’ll starve otherwise!

Felines and Water

Dear Dr. Jane: My cat doesn’t drink a lot of water. My vet told me that I have to make sure he gets enough water, but if he doesn’t go to the water bowl, what can I do? How much water does my cat need?

Dr Jane’s Answer: The amount of water needed by cats will vary dependent upon unique factors, such as age, diet, weight and environment. However, we know that when cats hunt in the wild, their prey contain anywhere from 40% to 80% water. This is part of the rationale behind recipes for canned food, which typically has between 76% and 80% water content.

Although there is no true formula for feline water intake, we do know that cats generally will not consume enough water on their own to sustain optimal organ functioning for a long and healthy life. This is because cats evolved as desert animals, so their sense of thirst is not nearly as acute as that of other mammals. In fact, cats will only drink an average of two milliliters of water for every gram of dry food eaten. This is part of the reason why when some cats eat a diet of only dry food, they can form crystals in the urinary tract.

Based on the physiology and evolution of the cat, we recommend that cats be fed canned food to ensure that they get enough water. Water is not only necessary for a healthy urinary tract – the body requires water to metabolize food and for all other chemical processes occurring on a cellular level. Cats are incredibly proficient at using the water they consume. According to a study by Wolf in 1959, cats can re-hydrate by drinking seawater!

The problem with eating canned food alone is that cats require a great deal of protein and nutrients. Since most canned food can only have about 20% dry matter, it takes a number of cans of food for the cat to get all its nutritional needs met. In fact, in order to fulfill the nutritional requirement of a 7-9 pound cat, the majority of supermarket canned foods recommend feeding three cans per day! As any cat owner knows, very few cats are capable of consuming that much food on a daily basis. This is the fundamental question in formulating canned cat food – how to balance the nutritional content and the water necessary to fully hydrate the body. To solve this, Dr. Jane formulated Instinctive Choice. The nutrients in this recipe are almost all-protein, as this is the true source of feline nutrition. And the water in Instinctive Choice is infused with nutrients from meat and fish sources, mimicking the water found in prey – Dr. Jane calls it “biological water”. Think of biological water as a nutrient-dense broth that delivers both the fluids necessary to sufficiently hydrate the body and the additional nourishment to support the functions of a healthy body.

Your sweet house cat is a true carnivore, requiring a diet consisting primarily of meat to satisfy his or her specific and unique nutritional requirements. Instinctive Choice is a new premium canned food that is scientifically-formulated to provide your cat with a meal that is similar in nutrition and moisture to wild feline diets. Instinctive Choice is rich in protein, containing organic chicken, turkey, chicken liver and shrimp. Now you can finally give your cat what he or she truly craves!
Instinctive Choice, The BEST Choice for your cat or kitten Page 2 >>