At the dog track, there’s a winner in every race. There’s also a dog who places and one who comes in third for show. Even if there are no exotic bets allowed in a race – and few races don’t have some kind of exotic bet – someone wins money on one, two or three dogs.

You might be saying, “Well, duh! That’s certainly stating the obvious!”, but bear with me. There’s a point I’m trying to make here and it may be one that you’ve never thought of before, even if you’ve been going to the dog track for years.

The point is that tickets are cashed on every race. There’s no such thing as a race where no one has a winning ticket, at least not that I’ve heard of. Even when the winner is a long shot at incredibly long odds, someone has him. You can see the people walking up to the windows after every race, with their tickets out, ready to give them to the tote and get their money back.

So, if someone wins every race, why don’t you win more races? What do those people know that you don’t? Are they all dog owners, trainers and kennel staff? Do they all have someone planted inside the track to tell them which dog is going to win? Do they just pick lucky numbers?

My guess is that it’s none of the above. True, some people do win because they have inside information and it happens more often than you know. But there are other people who win because they’ve figured out how to tell when dogs are good bets and when they’re not.

With only basic handicapping skills, they use a method of picking winners based on key factors that most bettors know little or nothing about. And that’s why, even though there are winners in every race, so few people figure out which dog will cross the finish line first. Even if they do, many times they have the winner, but miss one or two of the other trifecta dogs.

With these two key factors, the smart bettor can do better than just pick winners. He can also figure out how to bet so as to maximize his odds and minimize his risks. Just picking winners isn’t enough to hit trifectas, because keying on one dog doesn’t pay off over the long run. You have to have both keys to win at trifectas and some people just never find them or, worse yet, know enough to look for them.

Oddly enough, these key factors are right in the program, but almost no one knows what to look for or how to use the factors to bet and hit trifectas. While the key factors stare them in the face, most of the bettors are looking at other factors that have nothing to do with whether a dog is ready to win, place or show. And they do it over and over again, missing trifecta after trifecta, even when they have the winner. Even when they have two of the dogs in the trifecta!

There’s an easy way to find dogs that are good trifecta bets – dogs who have a very good chance of hitting the board. Often these dogs aren’t favorites or dogs that you’d normally put in your trifecta bets, but they’re the dogs who are going to BE the trifecta. These are the Key Dogs and these are the dogs you have to have to win.

A poor family is not welcome, especially in the village, where neighborhood is closely knit. When Suma and her husband rented a hut and came to our next door, my wife was plainly upset. I tried to console her. ‘We are quite well financially. I know you are worried that they will borrow money. Don’t bother.’

They bought a cow. Naturally, we started buying the milk. Suma’s husband was lame and so he was not very helpful in looking after the cow, the whole burden falling on the poor woman. They had a daughter studying in the college. She was not beautiful, but was well endowed with brains, always coming up first in exams.

She used to seek my help in her studies and I gladly assisted her. When she needed money, I actually encouraged her to borrow money from us, but my wife kept proper account of it, even though I treated it as grant-in-aid.

Our son was a brilliant student aspiring to become a doctor. Whenever he came home, the two used to meet. I think my wife did not like it.

The girl liked to dress well, but I did not encourage her in this. Books are more important than looks, I used to say.

Once, when we went on a picnic, my son insisted that we take our neighbors with us. As we had no daughters (we are one; we need one, was her motto), I actually liked her company. If only she had better charms!

Once, the lame duck had to be hospitalized and kept in ICU for days. We paid the bill, though I cursed him heartily. I think Suma’s parents had no choice, being poorly off.

Days and months passed and their debt mounted. (Stop going to the jewellery shop, was my response to my wife). I suggested that Suma should buy another cow. Somehow, it did not receive any response.

One day, we noticed some strangers coming to see Suma. Is it not too early to think of marriage for her daughter, I wondered. My wife differed. Daughters are to be married off as early as possible, she commented.

But it was a different story, altogether.

Long ago, when lame duck was a small child, his grandmother was very much concerned about his future. When her husband expired, she secretly called a lawyer and made a will,

bequeathing the whole property to the lame duck alone. She too passed away and none knew about it, except the lawyers. When the family wanted to sell off a part of the property, they were told about the will. Then they realized the gravity of the situation and had come to obtain the consent of lame duck, who became a millionaire overnight, as the sole owner of tens of acres of landed property. All this was told to me by my wife.

Is she now willing to take Suma as a future sambandhi (husband of daughter-in-law), as they say in Hindi?

Although we love our dogs, we don’t always love how they smell. If you know or suspect your canine companion has picked up some unpleasant odors, Louise Louis of http://www.ToyBreeds.com offers you some tips on how to restore a fragrant home (and dog).

1. Dry him thoroughly after removing the bad odor.

Many dogs love to swim in whatever water is available. Use towels or a hair dryer on the lowest-heat setting until he’s totally dry.

If you need more than water to get him clean, try Listerine or other brand of mouthwash. Put some on a washcloth and clean your dog’s coat, then rinse or shampoo off. If that isn’t working, add some baking soda to the mix.

2. Check for sticky objects in his coat.

Many dogs get feces or other smelly things stuck in their fur. Especially check his paws and around his anus. It’s a good idea to shave his hair in a circle around his anus to minimize that possibility.

3. If his breath is bad, give him Greenies.

These are one of the great dog products and available in any pet store. If your dog is otherwise healthy and just has doggy breath, they’ll do the trick.

4. Bathe him regularly especially if he spends much time outside.

Use a gentle shampoo made for dogs and wash him about every six weeks or so. Follow with a nice conditioner or make your own using a little baking soda in lukewarm water.

5. Make sure his diet isn’t the problem.

Feed him a balanced, premium dog food that smells good to you and make sure his dog food hasn’t spoiled or developed mold. Dog food packaging should indicate its expiration date. Always check at the store before you buy it.

6. Check his ears.

Ear infections are a common cause of bad smells. Make sure he doesn’t have any discharges, bad odors or strange colors or insects in his ears. Infections need to be treated by a vet right away.

7. Clean your home and his possessions.

Doggy odors can linger in carpets. You must use an enzyme cleaner like Nature’s Miracle if he has a potty accident.

To restore a nice smell in your home, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and leave overnight before vacuuming in the morning. Also you can use a little baking soda with your laundry power when you wash his bedding and his clothing. Many people like to put a little white vinegar in the rinse water.

P.S. Older dogs and unneutered males tend to smell more strongly.

Dog food aggression is one of those dog behavior problems that is difficult for us humans to fully understand. It just doesn’t seem to make sense that your dog would consider you a threat to his/her food resource. I mean you gave him the food in the first place, and if you feed your dog’s the same kinds of foods that I do, it’s not all that appealing anyway!

But, what is your dog thinking?

If your dog glares at you, snarls, growls and positions himself between you and the food he is actually saying to you “this is mine, go away, find your own”. He is basically telling you that he considers himself as the leader or alpha dog in your household. Dog food aggression (sometimes called canine possession aggression) is a dominance issue, it is serious and needs to be addressed immediately, it won’t just go away.

We’ve all made the mistake of laughing and even encouraging our feisty little dogs when they first display the “cute” signs of dog food aggression. Don’t fall into this trap! Food or toy aggression in dogs should never be tolerated as you never know when it can escalate into something more dangerous for you or a family member.

Why Does Your Dog Display Dog Food Aggression?

Canine possession aggression can be triggered by any number of factors but in most cases it can be attributed to one of these common causes:

1. Your dog is desperate for this food, in his mind he doesn’t know if or when he will get more food. Therefore he protects or guards his food, just like he would have done in a pack situation in the wild.
2. Your dog may begin to see you as someone who is always taking good stuff away. He comes to view you more as a threat than a provider (you’ve got to turn this thinking around).
3. Dog food aggression can be part of the general confusion regarding who the leader is in your owner – dog relationship. Often it is not an isolated incident, it’s something you need to rectify.
4. It’s possible that your dog doesn’t even understand that his dog food aggression is unacceptable behavior. In such cases there is an obvious communication breakdown between human and dog.

General Rules For Correcting Food Aggression In Dogs

• If your dog is directing his aggression towards other dogs the best solution is to simply separate them at meal times. Feed them in different rooms or in their crates.
• Involve all of your family members in this dog food aggression training.
• Take control of feeding time. You control the time and place of dinner time – own the food!

• Make your dog earn any food. Just simple tasks like sit or a down stay is fine.
• Make it clear to your young puppies that it’s good to have people around when they are eating. If you do this from day one you will almost certainly prevent dog food aggression problems.
• If you encounter dog food aggression it is a good idea to feed your dog after you and your family eat. This again is a throwback to your dogs pack mentality where the alpha dog or leader of the pack (which is you) eats first – your dog will understand this technique.
• Don’t let your dog “win” the food through his growling, this would reward the very behavior you are trying to eradicate. Don’t bully or intimidate your dog though, it’s much better to make him actually like having you around at meal time (follow the tips below to achieve this).
• Never respond to canine possession aggression with aggression of your own. In essence what this does is to lock you and your dog into a battle of wills. Your dogs next move will most likely be to step up his level of aggression to counter your action.

Dog Food Aggression Training Techniques

Firstly, be careful. If you believe your dog poses any real physical threat to you or family members I’d advise getting professional help. Speak to a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist.

Below is a list of training techniques which could help your dog overcome his dog food aggression. Remember all of these techniques are designed to work towards reconditioning your dog to enjoy having you around anytime. Mix it up, show your dog who is boss.

• Hand feed your dogs, even stick your hands into your dogs bowl while he is eating.

• Stroke and pet your dog while he is eating and at the same time talk to him in a calming tone. All you are doing at this point is showing your dog that it is a good thing for you to be around.

• Stand at a distance your dog is comfortable with, then gradually reduce this distance over time. You can flick a few treats in (or near) the bowl as you slowly reduce the distance.
• Put your dogs bowl down with nothing in it, your dog will look back at you as though you are crazy. He’ll then literally beg you to come over and fill his bowl.
• Feed your dog as normal but hold back a few pieces of his meal. When he is finished licking the bowl, he’ll look back up at you, then you can come over and give him the remaining food.
• Drop a few of your dogs very favorite treats into his bowl each time you walk past it. After a while of this your dog will welcome the sight of you approaching the bowl.
• When your dog is eating, call him over to you, when he gets to you reward him, make it worth his while then let him back to the food bowl.
• While you are preparing your dogs meal put him in a down-stay or sit position, only release him from your command once you have put his bowl down. By doing this you are controlling meal time and establishing (or re-establishing) your role as your dogs leader.
• Work with another family member on this technique. Put your dog in his collar and leash and have him sit with your helper while you prepare the food. When you are ready release your dog and allow him his food. Again you are controlling the situation.
• Try the “Trade Up Method”. What you do is take away the food or toy your dog is guarding, and replace it with something better. You can use an obedience command such as “give” or “leave it” to encourage your dog to release the precious resource he is guarding. You then take this resource (the food or toy) and give the trade up item to your dog. Once your dog has finished with the new item, you can then give back the resource you took away. This technique proves to your dog that he will receive something great for giving something up, it will recondition his thinking.
• Every time you are with your dog have him in a pinch or prong collar with a leash attached. Whenever he displays any signs of dog food aggression you immediately administer a correction to your dog by snapping on the leash. What this does to your dog is build a negative association to the act of his food guarding antics.

Ever since the movie about the 101 Dalmatians, this spectacular spotted dog has grown in popularity. The Dalmatian’s history however goes beyond that of the movie. He is also known as a “carriage dog” or a “firehouse dog”. Before the “horseless carriage”, horses were used to pull the fire wagons and the dog became a common sight around the Fire Stations in the United States. The dog was used as a protector of the carriage, trained to run beneath the wheels and protect the horses by keeping other farm dogs at bay. The Dalmatian is an all around guard dog and protector and has also been used as a hunter.

The Dalmatian is an easy care breed, a simple wipe down of the coat will keep him clean. His white coat with many spots is spectacular in appearance. The puppies are born all white and gradually as they get older the spots begin to appear. The coat has short stiff hairs which shed year round so a brisk rub down with a towel several times a week will help to loosens the hairs and prevent fall out on the furniture. The standard of the breed describes the coat very specifically: “white must show in the ears” and “there must be only black or only liver spots” not a combination of the two. In the United States blue eyes are acceptable but the European and the English standards call for black or brown eyes.

He is generally healthy, but the breed does carry an inherited deafness trait. The Dalmatian is also a breed that is known to have some skin problems associated with allergies. There is little hip dysplasia in the breed but as with all larger dogs it is necessary that he be x-rayed to rule this out.

The temperament of this dog is steady but protective. He does not do well with children unless exposed to them early on. He is intelligent and requires a job to do to be at his best, therefore obedience training is a great option if you have one of these dogs in an urban setting. Plenty of exercise is the key. Joggers are great owners for Dalmatians as they adapt very well to jogging along with their owner and protecting him from stray dogs! He is the stable dog of choice in Horse establishments.

Since the movie, the Dalmatian has become a generally popular dog, which is not always the best thing for any breed. He has been over produced by breeders who have bred these dogs for the lure of the dollar rather than the quality of the breed. This often leads lots of these puppies showing up in pet stores. People buy on impulse, having no idea that what they will actually end up with is a dog who is protective, who needs a lot of exercise and with all the usual housebreaking and training which is always necessary for a family pet. As is usual when this occurs, there are a number of Dalmatians who have ended up in shelters. Fortunately the National Club does have an active “rescue” group which can be located by visiting the pages of the A.K.C. web page.

When it comes to your do you need to remember it has needs also. Your dog needs your love, feeding, and safety. Safety is given to the dog by fencing in your yard so no harm will come to the dog. Giving it a place to run without the worry of it running away or getting hit by a car. One of the best things you can use for this is a wireless dog fence. Choosing the best wireless dog fence will be left up to you and the environment you live in. Below, you will find a few things to think about when buying the wireless fence for your dog.

Find Different Brands

The best place to start is finding a few different brands of wireless dog fence is to do an online search for wireless dog fence. Some of the brands you will find include PetSafe and Dogtek. These are two of the top brands, but you should find a few more to help with your decision. The more you research the better decision you will make when it becomes time to buy.

Compare the Different Brands

After you have found a few different brands of wireless fence, you will need to compare them side by side. Compare them by looking at how much they cost, the voltage, installation, and so on. The voltage will differ, so make sure you understand the differences between each set. Smaller pets need less voltage and larger pets need a little more shocking power. Once you have compared and looked over the different types and styles you will have a clearer understanding of what direction you will go.

Review the Wireless Dog Fence

After you have compared the different types of fences find reviews on the wireless fence you want to use. Reviews will tell you a lot. However, keep in mind that not everyone’s situation is the same as what your situation is. For example, you may have a more hyper, stubborn pet than the person who wrote the review making it hard to trust every review. Use the reviews as a guideline when making your decision a way to get some helpful tips.

Once you have figured out which wireless dog fence you want to go with, you can continue shopping for it and then installing it. Good luck on your new journey as you find the fence for your dog allowing you to keep your dog safe.

For decades cancer has been the bane of medical practitioners worldwide. The dread of this killer has historically been so pervasive that I recall lay people and doctors alike referring to cancer it as the Big C during the 1960’s. No one wanted to say the word ‘cancer’ in almost superstitious attempt to foil the onset of a disease that has no cure and for many has proven fatal.

Veterinarians treating cancer in dogs as well as practitioners of medicine for our dog’s human counterparts have struggled with cancer diagnoses and treatments that have often been ineffective or debilitating to the patient. These have included chemotherapy, radiation and a variety of nominally effective or ineffective medications.

My mother was a victim of cancer. Our family has a background in medicine and we pursued every avenue approved by the AMA as well as non traditional approaches in medical clinics around the world for more than seven years. Some of these non traditional approaches may have extended her life by a few years and many of the techniques are incorporated by traditional medical practitioners today.

So what has this got to do with our dogs? In a word.. Everything.

Our dogs are more often diagnosed with cancer today than ever before, In fact some studies have suggested that more than 50% of all dogs will contract and/or die of cancer. Whether this increased number of diagnoses is due to a more astute veterinary community that has more resources at it’s disposal or whether there is an underlying cause is up to debate.

It does seem to this writer that many of the potential carcinogenic agents that impact us as dog guardians may mimic themselves and invade the healthy bodies of our best friends. The National Canine Cancer Foundation says that cancer can be attributed to factors such as excessive exposure to carcinogenic agents which include chemicals found in commercial dog food, and medicines

One of the biggest challenges to the immune system and health of your dog is as close as the bag, box or can of dog food that you may be feeding Fido. Commercial dog food often touted as all natural or balanced and is frequently nothing more than industrial waste replete with chemicals and additives that are tantamount to ingesting a bag full of poison on a daily basis. There is very little regulation of the dog food industry and labeling can be deceptive at best. Worse than junk food it is often a chemical laden poison and a contributor to the onset of canine cancer.

Another problem that may have an impact in the suppression of the immune system of our dogs is an over use of vaccines. Veterinarians will frequently recommend up to 16 different vaccines for a dog and the regularly scheduled vaccines that are given as a mater of course every one- three years is now the subject of much dispute among holistic practitioners who believe that that the biggest beneficiary of ‘over vaccination’ is the vaccine manufacturer

The American Animal Hospital Association ( AAHA,) reports that “…there is growing professional and public awareness that vaccine products are not as benign as first believed, and controversy exists as to duration of immunity and frequency of administration. Vaccine administration is a medical procedure with which, as with any medical decision, there are benefits as well as attendant risks”

Dr Donna Starita Mehan in an article posted at the Canine-Health-Concern at canine-health-concern.org.uk, wrote “Routine” vaccination, as it is practiced today, is not always effective…most of the problems involve the immune system. After all, the immune system is what vaccines are designed to stimulate. But they do so in a very unnatural way that can overwhelm and confuse the immune system. This can result in increased susceptibility to acute infections…. or in more degenerative cases, cancer.

Furthermore, in a Purdue University study cited at the Canine Health Concern, Drs. Harm Hogen Esch and Larry T. Glickman noted that “Concern has been growing among owners, breeders, and veterinarians that current vaccines cause immune-mediated diseases in dogs.”

A respected veterinarian, Dr Andrew Jones, recently noted that the vaccinations that he gave his dog as part of a regular protocol may have in fact been a contributing factor, along with dog food and meds in the onset of spleen cancer in his treasured friend.

Another potential cause of cancer in your dog may be attributed to certain medications that are prescriptive such as anti-inflammatory, such as those given for arthritis. These drugs can have a negative impact on your dog’s organs and may contribute to the onslaught of cancer. Other studies have noted a link between the use of certain medication and the onset of liver disease in dogs

So why did your dog get cancer? The answer may not be easy to pinpoint but there is a plethora of evidence that suggests that a number of immunology suppressing factors may be obliterating the natural nutrients and health sustaining capabilities of our dogs, and we may be unwittingly giving them these potentially life shortening culprits.

In an attempt to protect our dogs from disease we are vaccinating them into illness. In a desire to feed them a balanced dog food we are poisoning them with commercially produced garbage. In a desire to alleviate illness we are medicating them to death.

We live in a wonderful time of challenge and opportunity. The technological and medical advances in our world and the that of our dogs offer great promise. The unfortunate part in this is the misuse of many developments for convenience and greed which is lining the pockets of drug companies and unethical dog food manufacturers.

So the responsibility is ours as guardians of our dogs. Research before you buy, ask before you feed and never stop learning. The best question to ask may in fact be How am I keeping my dog from getting cancer, because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…

It is often hard to describe the intricate relationships between animals and their humans. In her book, “The Dog Thief: And Other Stories,” Jill Kearney has no such issue, delivering a poignant collection of short stories that pull at your heartstrings, leaving imprints not likely to fade when the reading is finished.

Inspired by her own experiences working as a care provider and dog rescuer, Kearney spins the narratives of people forgotten or displaced by society, and the animals that place their trust in them. In her own words, “I’m interested in the lives of people who feel like they don’t matter to anyone.” This statement truly echoes throughout the book.

The collection begins with the self-titled novella, The Dog Thief, in which neighbors of a downtrodden community band together to rescue a couple of dogs from their neglectful owner. Donald, the owner of the dogs, actually inherits the dogs upon the death of his mother and then later, his sister. Donald is lazy and neglectful toward the dogs, yet one gets the impression he feels duty-bound to keep them. His protectiveness of the dogs however belies any regard he has toward their well-being, placing his mental capacity into question, at least for this reader. The author also weaves riveting subplots into the story as we follow Donald’s neighbors in their efforts to help. Dealing with the injustices and the confines of their environment, Elizabeth, Blacksnake, The One-Eyed Woman, and others provide intriguing viewpoints of the complex issues they encounter as they learn first-hand how seemingly insignificant acts can make a difference in the world.

The short stories that follow the novella are just as captivating, each one striking a chord within, causing a need to stop for contemplation before moving onto the next. I was so drawn by some of the characters and the ways I could feel what they were feeling and going through, I actually read several of the stories twice.

Kearney’s writing is passionate, straightforward and direct. Foregoing the need to placate the reader with sugar-coated narrative, her voice and certain outspoken nature tells it like it is, with a wit and freshness that is as charming and endearing as it is haunting and discomforting. Seriously, there is no way one can help but be moved by these stories. Some of the most paltry surroundings, places I could never have imagined, became clear and distinct in my mind through the vivid and rich descriptions presented by the author.

Heartbreak, helplessness, hope, and inspiration – these words only hint at the range of sensations readers will feel in these pages. “The Dog Thief: And Other Stories,” by Jill Kearney is a book I highly recommend. Pet and human advocates will be hard pressed to put this book down as Kearney provides an insightful look into what truly matters.

I have two dogs, “Snappy” and “Epo.” They are both great dogs but they also have very different personalities. That is what makes them unique.

“Epo” is very kicked back, takes everything in stride. Her idea of hanging out with me is usually laying right at my feet. Sleeping while I am working on the computer or doing interviews. 99% of the time, nobody even knows she is in the same room with me while we are talking on Zoom or any other platform.

My dog, “Snappy” is the complete opposite. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a great dog, too! But, sometimes, he’s a pain – but he doesn’t mean to be. He’s really a very attentive dog. Sometimes, too much so!

I usually have to shut the door to my office when I am conducting an interview on my podcast or meeting with a podcast training client. I need to keep him out of my office at those times.

Why?

He could be laying on the floor or in the other chair, calm and just chilling.

But as soon as I start speaking with someone on the computer (through Zoom or Skype), he thinks I’m talking to him! Even though I’m looking at the computer, he believes I’m trying to communicate something to him.

He then comes over, scratches at my leg to say, “I’m right here.”

When I ignore him, but continue speaking for the interview or to my client, he starts to bark! He’s trying to tell me, “I’m right here! What do you want?”

If I continue to ignore him, he will then jump up on my lap! This totally interrupts the conversation and I have to stop and put him out of the office. He refuses to lay back down because he believes I’m talking to him! Amen!

He’s trying to tell me, “I’m right here! I’m listening! What would you like me to do?”

Epo, on the other hand, is just ignoring everything unless I speak directly to her. If I call her name, she looks up and will come over.

Can you see “us” in that example? Our relationship to God is just as simple as this example of the two personalities of my dogs!

Some people go through life, ignoring everything around them unless God specifically does something to get their attention. Something that affects them directly.

They may go to church, read their Bible, pray every now and then. But, for the most part, they are in their own little world and unless something speaks directly to them, God is “over there” and “I’m over here.”

These folks are in the same room as God (so to speak), but just content with living life on their own terms. They let God call out to them before they react.

Other people are so tuned into God that as soon as something is said, whether it applies to them or not, they want to jump into action immediately! They want to please God in everything they do – whether it deals directly with their callings or somebody else’s calling, they want to be involved.

We need to help others, don’t get me wrong. But we also need to let them DO their calling without us trying to interject ourselves into the conversation. It is THEIR calling, not ours. It is our responsibility to offer help – when asked!

Just like my pups! One wants to interject his opinion in everything – even when his opinion is not asked for. What happens? He gets shut out of the room. No access.

The other pup is there. Silently listening, doing her own thing. If I need her, I call her. She responds immediately and is willing to interact as needed.

This applies to your podcast as well.

You may be the expert in what you do and you are able to help others do this “thing” as well.

But, do you offer your advice as “gospel truth?” Or do you offer it as an option for others to consider?

Does God need to put you in “time out” just so He can complete a work He is doing in someone else? All because you feel it is your “Christian duty” to offer your opinion (whether it is needed or not)?

Or do you allow yourself to be “available” if someone does need your help? Someone may be doing something that you are an expert at. That does not mean you interject yourself into the situation. You can let it be known you are available if needed. Allow them to make the first request for assistance. Then, offer your advice on the issue at hand. Do not try to take over their podcast.

This is especially true if you a guest on their podcast!

Make yourself available. Give information as asked and don’t think you know all of the answers to every problem someone discusses. If you do, you will find yourself like my dog “Snappy.” On the outside and not able to participate anymore with this person and what they are trying to accomplish.

Be more like “Epo!” Be there. Be available. When needed, they will call you! Amen!

If you appreciate this article, please share!

As we domesticate the dog more and more each day, canine health problems continue to more closely follow human disorders. As the natural dog is separated further and further from their wild environment their health problems increase dramatically. One of the major contributors to this canine health problem is the constant exposure to harmful toxins. The most damaging of these are the metals aluminum, lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. They contribute to everything form dog teeth cleaning problems and dog bad breath to worsening allergies and skin diseases to serious life threatening illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, kidney failure, congestive heart disease, liver diseases, diabetes, deteriorate defenses against infections bacterial, viral and fungal diseases.

In our modern day society the domesticated dog is exposed to these harmful toxic metals in alarming amounts. The natural dog was not exposed to these toxins and is not able to defend himself as humans can in their new domestic world. These harmful metals are all around us and sometimes more so around our pets. They can be found in municipal water supplies, our soil, natural water sources, our food supply, as well as in sewage sludge, fungicides, pesticides, everyday products, including cosmetics, fabric softeners, batteries, inks, latex, paints, plastics, solvents, and wood preservatives. I mention all of these items because your dog doesn’t know this and thinks nothing of drinking contaminated water, chewing on batteries, plastic bottles or laying in the yard after the exterminator left completing his monthly spraying. Your dog is at further risk then yourself due to their relatively small size compared to humans making them more vulnerable to smaller amounts of these toxins.

Disturbing as it is, a major source of all these metals is commercial dog foods. Tests of many recognized and respected products both canned and kibbled have shown various levels of aluminum, mercury, cadmium and lead. The amounts of these metals were greater in kibble versus canned due to the refining and dehydration through the high temperature extrusion processes.

The Government and other agencies have long been assessing, regulating, protecting, and providing information to the public on toxic substances such as heavy metals. Organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) have been in existence for years. In comparison little has been done for our pets. So we must learn from human experiences and adapt these to the natural dog. On ATSDR’s “Top 20 Hazardous Substances “the heavy metals arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium appear #1, #2, #3, and #7 respectively. Therefore we must assume that if this is the case for humans it is likely also true if not more so for our “Best Friend” the domesticated natural dog.

The staff at Vitahound.com recommends both the addition of certain natural foods and herbs to the dog diet and the use of oral chelation cleansers to purge toxins from the body and return your friend back to their natural dog condition. Before we discuss these techniques it is useful to learn more about several of the more harmful heavy metal toxins that are adversely affecting your dog’s health. Information is provided below on the most common and worst toxins that are exposed to domesticated dogs. Each is covered separately in a few short paragraphs. You will find similar facts across all the metals but we intentionally repeated the information under each metal to emphasize to the reader the threat and the importance of understanding each metal by itself especially if one wants to return to this dissertation to refresh themselves on one particular heavy metal toxin.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most plentiful metallic component in the outer layers of the earth. It infiltrates our air, water, and soil thus finding its way into nearly all our food and water supplies. Numerous municipalities treat their water supplies with aluminum sulfate and fluoride. This combination is problematic because the body has trouble excreting through the kidneys and urine this particular compound of aluminum fluoride. But by far like most heavy metals, the leading source of aluminum comes from Acid Rain. The strong acids produced by this common environmental condition react with the aluminum molecules in the earth around us releasing them as free agents. These free agents them easily find their way into our crops and livestock food chains.

Commercial dog food is one of the foremost sources of the toxin. Independent testing has found it in many of the off-the-shelf name brand dog foods in toxic levels. Eating is the principal means of introducing aluminum into the body since it is easily absorbed by the body through the digestive tract. In addition it is absorbed via breathing (lungs) and physical contact (skin). Testing labs have reported it as the most prevailing metal toxin found in all animal hair samples. Once in the body, aluminum accumulates over time inclining to find its way to brain and nervous tissues. This means it can eventually affect every body organ though nerve connections. The array of health problems is therefore plentiful. It contributes to arthritis, kidney failure, congestive heart disease, liver diseases, colic, rickets, diabetes, multiple allergies and skin diseases, thyroid problems, pancreatic problems affecting ability to digest food properly, Cushing’s Syndrome, anemia, and blood clotting ability. A serious consequence of high levels of aluminum accumulating in the body is that dogs cannot fight infections effectively leading to a higher death rate attributed to bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases.

Symptoms of aluminum toxicity in dogs include extreme nervousness, weak muscles, seizures, loss of balance, and loss of energy.

Lead

Like the other metals Lead is stored in the body and is cumulative over long periods of time. Unlike some of the other metals is has no known need or benefit for your dog and is extremely toxic. If the body does not excrete it through the digestive system it is absorbed through the blood into body tissue. The body treats it the same way as calcium storing it even at low levels in the bones. It then continues to build-up concentration in the bones over the entire life of your dog. At any time but usually during some stressful or drastic change in some body function the lead can leave the bones once again entering the bloodstream.

Whereas exposure to aluminum comes from natural sources such as the earth’s crust, air, water, and food supplies high levels of lead are introduced into the body through man-made substances. It is one of the most widely used metals in the United States today. The problem with these everyday common substances and products is that dogs cannot read warning labels or know what should not be chewed on, eaten, smelled, or innocently rolled on. Lead poisoning can often be attributed to exposure to common household and outside pesticides which contain large amounts of lead. Lead-based paints that were applied years ago can produce harmful dust during home renovations. This dust in turn can contaminate dog food, dog beds, and even the dog’s coat and skin. People often use old or discarded bowls for watering that can contain lead paint or glazing. Puppies are especially in danger of lead poisoning from their constant need to chew. Electronic gadgets such as remote controls, cell phones, batteries, golf balls, ammunition fishing lures and sinkers are all common things they can find laying around.

At toxic levels lead prevents various basic enzyme functions. For instance the body relies on minerals like selenium and sulfur to act as strong antioxidants to protect cells from free radical damage. Lead lessens this function exposing the cells to serious damage. In your dog this results in damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system. Lead poisoning then can eventually leads to blindness, paralysis of the extremities, liver failure, and even coma and death.

As mentioned, exposure to lead in dogs can take years before it reaches dangerous levels and therefore is commonly seen in older dogs. Symptoms of lead toxicity in dogs include lack of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation followed by diarrhea, crunching of jaws, blindness, seizures or muscle spasms, behavior changes, circling, and loss of balance and agility.

Mercury

This heavy metal is also exceptionally toxic and lethal, actually more so than lead. This contagion is used in fungicides and pesticides but also in products we used daily in a variety of undertakings. It is often used in household products that are dogs are exposed such as batteries, light bulbs, fabric softeners, latex gloves, paint, plastics, ink, and solvents. If mercury vapors are ever present from such things as house renovations involving old paint, broken thermometers or thermostats it will concentrate at floor level were dogs are laying or walking. Even some cosmetics contain it…when is the last time your dog licked your face. Because of this plentiful list of everyday products that contain mercury this heavy metal toxin eventually ends up in either our sewage or landfills finding its way into our soil, water, and food supply. As for food, methyl mercury chlorine bleach is even used on certain grains and seeds. Mining operations and paper industries are significant producers of mercury especially into the atmosphere which can get dispersed across large regions or even globally. Acid rain then returns it the earth. Well known is the fact since our waters are contaminated with mercury it can be found in fish and sometimes in large amounts especially common ones eaten such as orange rough, swordfish, tuna and halibut.

As with most heavy metal toxins mercury is a cumulative poison. Your dog’s body, as in humans, has no natural mechanism to stop mercury from reaching tissue and cells. It is accumulated in the brain and central nervous system. Once it reaches and is stored in the cells, it seriously affects their normal critical body functions. It affects the processes at both ends, first prohibiting minerals and nutrients from entering the cells and then likewise preventing waste to be purged. Mercury also adversely affects your dog’s overall immune system by attaching to the immune cell structure altering their ability to function normally. Mercury can cause permanent kidney, cardiac, respiratory problems arthritis, and gum disease in your dog. Ultimately blindness and paralysis can occur.

Symptoms include loss of balance, fatigue, vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, weakness, and excessive salivation. High levels can also interfere with enzyme activity, resulting in blindness and paralysis.

Arsenic

As with the aforementioned heavy metals, arsenic is also highly poisonous, remember it is listed #1 on ATSDR’s “Top 20 List.” It also is cumulative and remains in the body for years. Arsenic can be found in a multiplicity of commonly used products including fungicides, pesticides, herbicides, laundry products, secondhand cigarette smoke, paints, and wood preservatives. Global industries such as mining and smelting, chemical and glass manufacturing produce arsenic as a by-product. This in turn finds its way into our water supplies and food sources. Once again, as with other heavy metals, arsenic is found in fish such as haddock, tuna, and halibut.

For years the most common cause of arsenic poisoning in dogs (as well as children) was the consumption of rodent trap, pesticides (ant bait) which relied on arsenic to kill the pests. In the late 1980’s the federal government started regulating the use of arsenic in consumer products such as pesticides and since then the incidences of accidental arsenic poisoning of dogs has steadily reduced. The common use of heartworm medications for both prevention and treatment has introduced yet another opportunity for arsenic poisoning of dogs or at least facilitating the buildup to toxic levels. These products contain organic forms of arsenic such as diethylcarbamazine citrate (Brand names Dimmitrol and Filaribits) or thiacetarsamide (Brand name Caparsolate). One warning concerning such medications states: “Low margin of safety. Need to have an accurate weight before starting treatment. May see damage to the lungs, kidneys, or liver. Signs may include staggering, lethargy, depression, tremors, drooling, panting, difficulty breathing, vomiting, collapse, coma, and death.” They could have just stated “Arsenic Poisoning.” Obviously, extreme care must be taken when administering these products.

Arsenic is stored in the hair follicles, skin, and nails and as mentioned will accumulate over long periods of time. Since the lethal dose only is 1 to 12 mg of arsenic per pound of your dog, this buildup of arsenic can cause serious health problems. Therefore it is important to know the symptoms of arsenic poisoning whether the result of an accidental consumption of a household product or the slow accumulation over time. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhea with mucous in, bloody urine, muscle cramps, weakness, hair loss, skin rash, gastrointestinal pain, convulsions, trembling, and staggering.

Arsenic toxicity affects the blood, lungs, skin, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system. Arsenic compounds can create reactions in the body that disrupt enzymes that are involved in respiration of cells, fat and carbohydrate breakdown and their proper absorption into the body. Certain types of cancer have been linked to arsenic as well. The accumulation of toxic levels of arsenic can result in paralysis, coma, cardiovascular collapse and death.

Cadmium

Cadmium although not as well-known as aluminum, lead, mercury and arsenic makes the list of heavy metals to be aware of that adversely affects dog health. Cadmium has no known required body function in the natural dog. It is extremely toxic with tolerable levels one tenth that of most of the other heavy metal toxins. It is has no definite taste or order and thus is hard to detect or know if you have been exposed. Moreover it is one of the largest industrial pollutants globally. Cadmium is widely used in industry as a plating material, in galvanizing coating on iron, steel, and copper, inks, and dyes. The vast array of the plastic and rubber products we use everyday use cadmium in the processing of the base materials. One of the main threats to dogs is its use in many fungicides and fertilizers. These agricultural products introduce cadmium into our food supply mainly rice and wheat crops both a common ingredient in commercial dog food. Like the other heavy metals it has contaminated our waterways and is commonly found in shellfish and others such as halibut, cod, haddock and tuna. One good aspect of cadmium is the body tends to not retain it passing it through the digestive system excreting it successfully and it is not easily absorbed through the skin. If inhaled as with your dog sniffing fertilizers and fungicides it is more likely to remain in their body being stored in lung tissue. But with this said a fundamental problem with cadmium absorption by the dog is linked to the beneficial metal zinc. Zinc is critical to proper dog health. It is a component of many vital enzymes promoting a healthy immune system, liver, and bones. It inhibits the absorption of cadmium by the body. When the proper level of zinc is not present the body replaces it with cadmium. So here is the problem. Our modern day commercial dog food refining processes removes most of the zinc. Therefore, when zinc is removed, much more cadmium is absorbed, stored in the liver, bones, and kidneys accumulating over time.

Its effects on the dog body are many, and it can be even worse than mercury and the other heavy metals. It causes a reduction in the production of the critical white blood cells (T-Lymphocytes) which defend the body by destroying harmful free radicals and cancer cells. The list of dog diseases that cadmium can promote is extensive including cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, bone disorders, and digestive problems. Cadmium toxicity can even contribute to the loss of the natural dog critical sense of smell.

Symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, increased susceptibility to infection, slow healing of wounds, skin lesions, loss of smell, yellow coloration of teeth, inflammation of mucous membrane of the nose, and loss of appetite.

Testing the Dog for Toxic Levels of Heavy Metals

Testing for toxic levels of the heavy metals in your dog include blood, urine, hair, fingernail, and fecal analysis. Most Veterinarian offices are not equipped to perform these tests and samples must be sent to appropriate laboratories that perform such testing. For measuring effects due to exposures within days or as long as sometime several months, blood, urine, and fecal analysis is the best. For long term and cumulative effects hair and fingernail tests are best. Consistent Minimal Risk Levels (MRL), acceptable levels or toxic levels for dogs are hard to find in the literature. Remember we mentioned the Government is looking out for dog owners but are not yet serious in their efforts for dogs. In addition as research and testing is increasing (usually in major University Veterinarian Schools), once proclaimed safe levels of toxins is now considered either borderline or unsafe especially over the lifetime of your dog. The following data is from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Agency (ATSDR) and is for humans but as a rule can be used for dogs adjusting to body weight. Test results need to be interpreted by your veterinarian or a medical toxicologist.

Aluminum: MRL 1mg/kg/day; Blood or Urine 3ug/L; Hair.05 ppm

Arsenic: MRL.005mg/kg/day; 1-25 mg/kg is lethal

Cadmium: MRL.01mg/kg/day; Blood 5ug/dL; Urine 10ug/dL

Lead: Blood 1.5ug/dL; Urine.677 ug/dL

Mercury: MRL.05ug/kg/day; Blood 5ug/dL; Urine 10ug/dL

Oral Chelation Therapy as Treatment to Heavy Metal Toxicity

Oral chelation therapy has long successful track records. It has been recommended by doctors for years for humans and can also be effective with dogs. Chelation was developed initially by Alfred Werner who received the Nobel Prize in 1913. G. T. Morgan coined the term chelation in 1920 deriving it from the Greek word “chele”, meaning a crab’s claw which refers to the pincer-like manner in which the metal is bound. This process stabilizes the heavy metal particle by binding it to the chelating agent, usually amino acids or organic compounds changing it to a chemically inert form that can be excreted via the kidneys without further damage to the body.

There are many effective chelation agents. Each one affects absorbability of minerals needed by the body and also the ability to bind potentially to different toxic metals making them inert. We discuss below five effective agents: Fulvic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Malic Acid, and Lipoic Acid.

Fulvic Acid

Grandma said “It never hurt to eat a little dirt.” What she was really saying was “Fulvic acid is very beneficial to your good health.” Modern day and ancient civilizations such as China, Mexico, India, and South America have known the health benefits of fulvic acid and use it as a natural medicine. Fulvic acid comes from humus material which is organic material that has decomposed over very long periods of time. It therefore naturally contains practically all if not all the substances we and our dogs need for a long healthy existence. Since humus over this long decomposition period assimilates a vast multiplicity of natural organic plant material, it and the resulting fulvic acid contain an immense collection of naturally occurring phytochemicals and biochemicasl along with 70 minerals and nutrients,18 amino acids, and 3 essential fatty acids. This in turn supplies natural antioxidants, enzymes, antivirals, hormones, and antifungals. For antiviral use it is one of the best there is for your dog. Fulvic acid also has antibiotic benefits without creating strains of disease that become resistant as with the common synthetic antibiotics of modern medicine.

Fulvic acid is one of the most aggressive antioxidants capable of neutralizing harmful free radicals, making it an effective chelation agent of heavy metal toxins with the ability to not only purge them from the body but repair damage to the cells as well. It can likewise eliminate food poisoning ill effects within minutes.

Fulvic acid is water soluble. This enables it to makes cell walls more permeable enabling substantially more amounts of nutrients and minerals to be absorbed. This characteristic prolongs the effectiveness of minerals and nutrients in the body metabolic processes.

Because of our modern agricultural methods that use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides fulvic acid finds its way less and less into our food supply. Farm lands today have only a fraction of the humus soil base that they did even 100 years ago. Commercially processed dog food is even worse than our food supply when it comes to supplying sufficient amounts of fulvic acid. Therefore it is best today to use dog supplements to supply the necessary fulvic acid to your dog’s diet.

Fulvic acid is considered very safe with few side effects reported when used for either humans or dogs. Diarrhea and/or change in the smell of feces can occur but usually only last a few days.

Glutamic Acid

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and glutamic acid was the most common amino acid found in the natural dog’s body. It accounts for approximately 20% of the total body protein. It produces the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The amino acid composition of the brain is more than 50% glutamic acid.

Glutamic Acic is an effective antioxidant and heavy metal chelation agent. But has many other health benefits for you dog. It fights heart disease, strengthens the immune system, helps to reduce inflammation, helps prevent and heals ulcers, and increasing overall energy levels. It is commonly also used as an additive to food to deter dogs from eating their own feces. It mixes with other acids in the digestive system making the stool bitter to the taste.

Glutamic acid is found naturally in high-protein foods like beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, corn tomatoes, soybeans and milk. Even through many of these can be found in commercial dog food the high temperature processing of these foods destroys the usefulness of the glutamic acid.

Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid (FA) is a phytochemical commonly found in fruits (apple, pear, orange, pineapple), vegetables (tomato, spinach, asparagus, carrot, sweet corn), brans (wheat, rice, oat). Phytochemicals are natural chemical substances and nutrients formed a plant’s normal metabolic processes. Phyto is the Greek word for plant. There have been thousands of different types of phytochemical identified and research is proving their benefits to good health in both humans and dogs.

Ferulic Acid has excellent antioxidant properties and is effective in fighting diabetes, cancer, heart, blood and circulatory disease, bone deterioration and neurological problems. It is often added to the diet of very active dogs such as work dogs since it helps rebuild the muscles quickly. As a chelation agent it effectively binds to free radicals neutralizing and enabling them to be safely purged from the body.

Malic Acid

Malic acid is a very effective chelation agent. Malic acid creates a reaction in the stomach to enhance absorption of minerals. The acid reacts with the mineral to break the bonds with its original inorganic chelation agent. This frees the mineral to bond with the malic acid to create a malate or allows the free mineral to chelate to other organic bonds available in the stomach, i.e. citric acid (citrate), proteins (amino acid chelate) and so on. These more effective chelation agents allow for better absorption.

Malic acid is a powerful detoxifier of aluminium, and may offer benefit in the chelation and removal of heavy metals. When used orally, malic acid can cause mild gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances.

In addition to increasing energy levels, malic acid is also an effective metal chelator. This means it is able to bind to potentially toxic metals that may have accumulated in the body, such as aluminum or lead, and inactivate them. As a result, the risk of toxicity is considerably reduced. Heavy metal overload has been linked to serious problems like liver disease and brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Lipoic Acid

Lipoic acid (LA) is an organic compound that is found in every cell of the body therefore it is essential to numerous metabolic enzymatic process needed for proper dog health. This sulfur containing acid has the unique characteristic of being able to be dissolved and work both in water and fatty tissues. This is completely contrary to vitamins which are either water soluble (B-complex, C) or fat soluble, (A, D, E, K).

Lipoic acid converts glucose into energy thus reduce risk of diabetes. Even though it is an effective antioxidant it also the ability to reestablish the effectiveness of other antioxidants. One of the critical ones that it helps restore is glutathione. This also occurs in every cell of the body and is critical to your dog’s immune system. Through these processes Lipoic Acid helps slow aging. If you dog is on any type of therapy or medication such as cancer treatments which compromise the immune system supplemental Lipoic Acid can be extremely beneficial.

Lipoic Acid is also one of the most effective antioxidants in neutralizes harmful free radicals. Research has shown it is effective against heavy metal toxicity due to lead, mercury, and cadmium.

Lipoic acid is found in very low concentrations is almost all foods but in higher levels in kidney, heart and liver meats as well as spinach, broccoli and potatoes. Because of this low concentration and it is not readily available from the food sources due to the nature it is chemically structured, all lipoic acid supplements are chemically produced.

Helpful to Counteract Metal Toxicity

Aluminum

Nutrients: Pectin, Calcium, Magnesium, Coenzyme A, Vitamin E, L-Glutathione, LecithinS-Adenosylmethionine, Vitamin B-Complex**

Herbs: Garlic*, kelp, Burdock Root, Ginseng,Ginkgo, Biloba, Echinacea

Arsenic

Nutrients: Superoxide Dismutase, Vitamin C, Selenium, L-Cysteine, C-Methionine, Pectin

Herbs: Garlic*

Cadmium

Nutrients: Calcium, Magnesium,Coenzyme A, Vitamin E, L-Cysteine, L-Lysine, L-Methionine, Zinc,Lecithin, Rutin

Herbs: Garlic*, Alfalfa, Burdock Root, Red Clover, Milk Thistle

Lead

Nutrients: Alpha-lipoic Acid, Pectin, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamins A, C, E, B-Complex, L-Lysine, L-Cysteine, Selenium, L-Cystine, Methylsulfonfl-Methane, S-Adenosyfmethionine, Glutathione, L-Methionine, Lecithin

Herbs:Garlic*, Kelp, Alfalfa

Mercury

Nutrients: Glutathione, L-Cysteine, L-Methionine, Selenium, Pectin, Vitamin A, C, E, B-Complex, Lecithin

Herbs: Garlic*, Kelp, Alfalfa, Brewer’s Yeast

* Although garlic is a good detoxifier it should only be given to dogs in small amounts if at all.

** Extra B6 & B12 should be given

Chelation Agents Sources

Ferulic Acid

Brans (wheat, rice, oat)

Fruits* (apple, pear, orange, pineapple)

Vegetables (tomato, spinach, carrot asparagus, sweet corn)

Fulvic Acid

Humus Soil (need to use supplement)

Glutamic Acid

High Protein Foods (beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, soybean)

Tomatos, Corn, Milk

Lipoic Acid

Low content in nearly all foods

Higher content in kidney, heart, liver meats & spinach, broccoli, potatoes

(Due to very low concentrations and difficulty in extraction source from supplements is recommended)

Malic Acid

Fruits* (apples, cranberries, pineapple, apricot)

* Only use the “meat” of the fruit- never feed the seeds

Conclusion

We have found that heavy metal toxicity is a major factor that affects proper dog health, especially in the modern day domesticated natural dog. That it is almost impossible to keep our dogs free from exposures to heavy metals. This toxicity is an accumulative process in the dog’s body therefore overtime even small exposures are harmful. Exposure to such heavy metals as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury come from are environment, everyday products we use, and even commercial dog food. Commercial dog food producers are particularly deficient in their control of these toxins. There are symptoms we can look for that indicate possible heavy metal toxicity in our dogs. Exposure can be minimized by having a good knowledge of were the heavy metals exist around us. There are foods, herbs, minerals, vitamins, and supplements that we can use to help protect, minimize effects, and even purge these damaging toxins from our dog’s bodies constantly promoting good dog health. And finally that dog owners should consider chelation therapy that uses power antioxidants to cleanse the body of the accumulated heavy metal toxins.

NOTICE: The content in this article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. While we make every effort to present information that is accurate and reliable, the views expressed here are not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by a licensed veterinarian. Please consult your veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or treatment of your dog and before administering any medication or pursuing any course of treatment that was presented in this article.