You just HAVE to read this column! Eight year old Gordi, invited to a charity cruise and soiree to the South Pacific, bemoans her “eight year old Labrador physique,” feeling she “had become an old girl.” But her best friend Happa, “an elegant Italian greyhound,” told Gordi the secret to her inner and outer beauty.

“Happa went on to tell me about an eating program he had switched to, after much frustration with foods that included unsavory fillers. The Pet Promise regimen had worked for a time, but because they were going out of business, Happa was in the process of switching over to the Halo menu.

“I thought Pet Promise was amazing,” he said. “But I’m feeling even better since I started Halo. I didn’t think life could get any better — but it has!”

Tune in to this 8-part series, a fanciful but reality-based account of Haute or Not columnist Rick Tamargo’s beloved Gordi’s transition to Halo. Under the supervision of Halo consulting veterinarian Dr. Donna Spector, the real-life Gordi has begun the transition to Halo Spot’s Stew (dry and wet), treats, supplements and grooming products. It’s can’t miss journalism!

2009 H1N1 Confirmed in an Iowa Cat

A 13 year old cat developed lethargy, decreased appetite and trouble breathing after several human members of its family became ill with H1N1 flu. Yesterday it was confirmed as the first case of H1N1 flu in a cat and the cat is recovering. To date, there is no indication that this cat passed the virus to any people.

In addition to people, at this point in the United States, 2009 H1N1 has been documented in pigs, two ferrets, and now one cat. Based on evidence available at this time, all infections were spread from people to these animals. It is unknown if pets can spread the infection to people. The USDA has begun posting documented infection in domestic animals at FINAL RESULTS 2009 PANDEMIC H1N1 INFLUENZA CHART.

Other influenza viruses have been known to cross species and all pet owners should take the same hygiene precautions against spreading H1N1 flu to pets as they would with humans. In addition, pets should be monitored for any signs of illness and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if you have concerns. There is no H1N1 flu vaccine available for pets at this time.

Q: Is Halo Puppy food ok for large breed dogs? I was told to get puppy food catered for large breeds and to try to stick to a fish diet for the coat.

A: Halo puppy food is perfect for large breed dogs. Work with your veterinarian to determine the amount of calories your dog should eat each day to avoid excessive growth spurts–which can be detrimental to bone development in very large breed dogs. It is not necessary to stick to just a fish-based diet for the health of your dogs coat. A high quality natural diet that contains no artificial colors, preservatives or additives and includes beneficial additives such as omega fatty acids will keep your pets coat healthy for years! You should also include an essential fatty acid supplement (like Halo, Dream Coat) to achieve optimal coat and skin health.

Hope that helps.
Dr. Donna Spector

Q: My dog is obsessed with sniffing other dogs. Its become such a problem that we have a hard time taking him to the dog park or beaches, which he loves. How can I break him of this behavior? Thanks!

A: Often what starts as friendly sniffing can turn obsessive when a dog owner has a strong negative reaction. Many dogs start this behavior as an “attention-getter”. Although the attention they get from their owner is negative, it is attention none the less. As hard as it is, the best tool here is to ignore the behavior and the dog often starts performing the behavior less frequently as it is not getting the desired affect from you. Tough it out…if you get angry with him and reprimand him…the vicious cycle will start all over again. Also take a large assortment of play items with you to the parks and beaches–distract his attention from other dogs if the behavior starts up.

Good luck.
Dr. Donna Spector

To celebrate her upcoming appearance on the cover of O Magazine, Ellen DeGeneres appeared on her Halloween show as, well, O Magazine. Be sure to watch the hilarious video clip to see how Ellen sets up the big “reveal” when she turns around!

Visit our News page for the clip.

November is Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month. Adult and senior pets give all the love and affection of younger pets…but often without the headache of training and accidents! If you, or someone you know, are looking to adopt, check out the ASPCA’s Top 10 reasons to adopt a senior.

Choosing Halo for your senior pet will get them started off on the right foot in their new home. Halo has several natural products and supplements for older pets to help them reach their optimal health level. Check out the Top 10 Secrets to Aging Gracefully and our informative article on aging and how to care for your senior pet.