MISC | ASK THE PETXPERT BY BILL PIECHOCKI What defines the so-called true experts? For over fifty years in the animal health field, I have been fortunate to be at the heart of and involved in many innovative advances. So much practical and scientific knowledge is available today. The vast wisdom available gives pet parents so many options, but how do you know who and what to believe? I evaluate the pet health field as a system with many moving and functional parts that must work together. A holistic lifestyle is looking at the body with its individually specialized systems, such as the circulatory or endocrine systems which are dependent upon all the other systems. With all these innovations available to integrate the care of our pets; modern medicine and the pet food industry are taking a specialized approach that segregates the various segments instead of utilizing integration. Unfortunately, this is more costly for pet owners as they are referred to specialists or “so-called” specialty diets that look at the symptoms of a condition but not the root causes for them to be managed. We know that diabetes is a metabolic condition caused by improper diet, and liver issues can be caused by toxic chemicals and drugs; however, in many cases is reversed with lifestyle changes. The conventional approach is a single food entrée as a staple for the rest of your pet’s life with no adjustments for any other condition that may be caused by this entrée. On the medical side, the approach is to manage insulin levels to maintain glucose levels but not to eliminate the cause or create a physiological healing solution. The same is true with cancer and most other health challenges where the conventional approach is to look at the symptoms only and prescribe symptom relief instead of searching for the causes and correcting them. Contrast this with the comprehensive, holistic approach. We will use diabetes as an example to illustrate the difference. With all the SEND YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR OUR PETXPERT TO: PETS@ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM THESE PETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION parameters being the same, the holistic approach is to view the complete history of diet, vaccinations, prior challenges, and treatments including any adverse effects on record for any of the products. With this overall evaluation of risk and benefits, a lifestyle change to heal instead of alleviating or masking the symptoms is the approach. Eliminating carbohydrate sugar-based foods and restoring normal liver and pancreatic functions can allow the body the ability to heal itself. That same approach is effective except for traumatic or acute emergencies. This aforementioned holistic approach is also appropriate as aftercare to these emergency events. The body is designed to heal itself and our approach must always be to provide the natural tools for that to occur. In looking at the different processes, would you rather your pets heal and live a long, healthy, and happy life or be symptom- relieved but include the adverse effects that come with all drugs and medication, which presents both physical and financial stress on the pet and its owner? Remember the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “ The choice is clear but not always an easy decision to question the status quo. You have choices. Find the true experts and question them until you understand Bill Piechocki, animal nutritionist and CEO at My Paleo Pet in Pompano Beach, FL hosts The Pet Health Cafe web radio show. For over 50 years in the animal industry Bill has provided unparalleled vision and information that is passed on to his clients and animal lovers daily. View his new YouTube TV show with his special guests and esteemed colleagues at https://w4cy.com/ or tune-in to his podcast radio show archives at iHeart.com. Visit and follow Pet Health Café on Facebook and Instagram. Likes and shares are appreciated. Call for a free consultation or stop by My Paleo Pet in Pompano Beach, FL 954-971- 2500, where Bill and the staff would be more than happy to help. COPYRIGHTED 21287 BOCA RIO ROAD, BOCA RATON, FL 561-482-8110 WWW.TRICOUNTYHUMANE.ORG SIMBA CAL OLIVER Happy New Year as we celebrate Cats Meow Month at the shelter (The kitties made that up)! Come by and meet this pretty senior Tabby who so desperately deserves a loving home. SIMBA is a spayed female with all her vaccines, so she’s ready to kick off the New Year with you! Cal is a stunning, 2 year-old black and white tuxedo gal with nice manners and dreams of a family to love her. She’s got those bright, beautiful eyes on the door, waiting for you to stop in and meet her. Fill your 2024 with love! Yes, we usually have kittens! This beauty is just a few months old and a neutered orange male Tabby. His huge eyes dart around just looking for fun and someone to play with. Start the year with lots of smiles, because you can’t NOT smile with a kitten in your home! A NO-KILL ANIMAL SHELTER. OPEN TUES - SUN 11 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. ALL ANIMALS ARE UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINATIONS AND HEARTWORM TESTED. ADOPTION FEES $110 AND UP. 98 | JANUARY 2024 | WWW.ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM
MISC | PET SPOTLIGHT pet pix Princess Fiona Reggie Lucee You can now give your pets the fame they deserve! Make your pet a celebrity. Email your favorite photo along with their name to: pets@atlanticavemagazine.com Photos must be 300 dpi (high quality) Bailey Ziggy and Penny COPYRIGHTED Baxter WWW.ATLANTICAVEMAGAZINE.COM | JANUARY 2024 | 99
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