Turn back the clock? While humans live longer than ever, some breeds seem to die younger.  Young at Heart uses new "life extension" advances with the goal of returning your dog's metabolism to that in its prime. Enhances mental health, eye health, skin and coat.  Reduces joint inflamation and joint pain.  Young at Heart is a dog healthy supplement for senior canines that brings out the best in your aging companion.  Young at Heart, Xtreme k9 Performance for senior dogs.  FREE SHIPPING ON 7 and 30lb SIZES (CONTINENTAL U.S.).

Turn back the clock? While humans live longer than ever, some breeds seem to die younger.  Young at Heart uses new "life extension" advances with the goal of returning your dog's metabolism to that in its prime.

Young AT Heart Longevity and Anti-Aging Formula

COMBAT MUSCLE WASTING AND SUPPORT JOINTS- Reverse muscle loss associated with aging(sarcopenia). Reversing muscle loss boots metabolism, strengthens joints and resistance and helps avoid your dog becoming a "shadow of its former self".
RESTORE HEALTHY WATER BALANCE- Hydrate older canine bodies, optimizing cellular water balance.  "Volumizing" cells creates favorable metabolism for optimal health.
SUPPORT MENTAL FUNCTION- Phosphytidylserine and other nutrients are sugested to favorably influence age related cognitive decline (A.R.C.D.
ENHANCE DIGESTION AND ABSORPTION- Partially predigested calories used in elite medical and sports foods reduce stomach distress in older animals, while boosting uptake.
SUPPORT EYE AND HEALTHY HEART- Antioxidants litein, zeaxanthin and other related phyto-factors have been demonstrated to support macular (eye) health. Co Q10, ribose and others may assist heart finction in older animals.

HUMAN GRADE INGREDIENTS:  Life Force Proteins TM , Cooked chicken, Partially pre-digested zero lactose total milk protein, L-Glutamine, L-Arginine, L-Taurine, Life Force Lipids- Chicken fat, beef fat, rice bran, high-oleic sunflower oil, virgin olive oil, MCTs(Medium chain Triglycerides), plant derived DHA, L-Carnitine, Life Force Carbohydrates- glucose polymers, resistant starch, Life Force Antioxidants- cruciferous vegetable mix powder, alfalfa powder, dried tomato powder, cabbage leaf powder, whole leaf barley grass extract, FOS (fructo-oligosacchararides), freeze dried blueberry powder, freeze dried strawberry powder, decaffeinated green tea extract, citrus bioflavinoids, cranberry fruit powder, freeze dried carrot powder, freeze dried broccoli powder, lutein, zeaxanthin, Life Force Vigor Vitamins and Minerals- natural calcium from whey isolate, Calcium citrate malate, Potassium chloride, Magnesium oxide, Potassium iodide, Choline bitartrate, Vitamin E, Pyridoxine HCL, Inositol, Di- calcium phosphate, Copper gluconate, Zinc Oxide, Folic acid, Dimethylprimidinol sulfate (source of vitamin K), Thiamin monohydrate, Calcium lactate, Paba, Over 80 trace minerals as naturally occuring in colloidal polysilicates, Life Force Mental and Heart- L Arginine, L-Citrulline, Actyl-L-Carnitine, Co Q10, Ribose, Life Force Muscle Protectors- Creatine monohydrate, L- Carnosine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L- Valine, LifeForce Joint Support- D- glucosamine hydrochloride, MSM, Chondroitin sulfate, Hyaluronic acid, LifeForce Digest-All- Lactobacillus acidophilus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus latis, Lipase Amylolytic, Betagulcanase, Hemicellulase, Protease, Galatosidase

Early Spay-Neuter Considerations
for the Canine Athlete
One Veterinarian's Opinion
© 2005 Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVP

Those of us with responsibility for the health of canine athletes need to continually read and evaluate new scientific studies to ensure that we are taking the most appropriate care of our performance dogs. This article provides evidence through a number of recent studies to suggest that veterinarians and owners working with canine athletes should revisit the standardprotocol in which all dogs that are not intended for breeding are spayed and neutered at or before 6 months of age.

Orthopedic Considerations

A study by Salmeri et al in 1991 found that bitches spayed at 7 weeks grew significantly taller than those spayed at 7 months, who were taller than those not spayed (or presumably spayed after the growth plates had closed).(1) A study of 1444 Golden Retrievers performed in 1998 and 1999 also found bitches and dogs spayed and neutered at less than a year of age were significantly taller than those spayed or neutered at more than a year of age.(2) The sex hormones, by communicating with a number of other growth-related hormones, promote the closure of the growth plates at puberty (3), so the bones of dogs or bitches neutered or spayed before puberty continue to grow. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered well before puberty can frequently be identified by their longer limbs, lighter bone structure, narrow chests and narrow skulls. This abnormal growth frequently results in significant alterations in body proportions and particularly the lengths (and therefore weights) of certain bones relative to others. For example, if the femur has achieved its genetically determined normal length at 8 months when a dog gets spayed or neutered, but the tibia, which normally stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age continues to grow, then an abnormal angle may develop at the stifle. In addition, with the extra growth, the lower leg below the stifle likely becomes heavier (because it is longer), and may cause increased stresses on the cranial cruciate ligament. In addition, sex hormones are critical for achieving peak bone density.(4) These structural and physiological alterations may be the reason why at least one recent study showed that spayed and neutered dogs had a higher incidence of CCL rupture.(5) Another recent study showed that dogs spayed or neutered before 5 1/2 months had a significantly higher incidence of hip dysplasia than those spayed or neutered after 5 1/2 months of age, although it should be noted that in this study there were no standard criteria for the diagnosis of hip dysplasia.(6) Nonetheless, breeders of purebred dogs should be cognizant of these studies and should consider whether or not pups they bred were spayed or neutered when considering breeding decisions.

Cancer Considerations

A retrospective study of cardiac tumors in dogs showed that there was a 5 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma, one of the three most common cancers in dogs, in spayed bitches than intact bitches and a 2.4 times greater risk of hemangiosarcoma in neutered dogs as compared to intact males.(7) A study of 3218 dogs demonstrated that dogs that were neutered before a year of age had a significantly increased chance of developing bone cancer.(8) A separate study showed that neutered dogs had a two-fold higher risk of developing bone cancer.(9) Despite the common belief that neutering dogs helps prevent prostate cancer, at least one study suggests that neutering provides no benefit.(10) There certainly is evidence of a slightly increased risk of mammary cancer in female dogs after one heat cycle, and for increased risk with each subsequent heat. While about 30 % of mammary cancers are malignant, as in humans, when caught and surgically removed early the prognosis is very good.(12) Luckily, canine athletes are handled frequently and generally receive prompt veterinary care.

Behavioral Considerations

The study that identified a higher incidence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in spayed or neutered dogs also identified an increased incidence of sexual behaviors in males and females that were neutered early.(5) Further, the study that identified a higher incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs neutered or spayed before 5 1/2 months also showed that early age gonadectomy was associated with an increased incidence of noise phobias and undesirable sexual behaviors.(6) A recent report of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation reported significantly more behavioral problems in spayed and neutered bitches and dogs. The most commonly observed behavioral problem in spayed females was fearful behavior and the most common problem in males was aggression.(12)

Other Health Considerations

A number of studies have shown that there is an increase in the incidence of female urinary incontinence in dogs spayed early (13), although this finding has not been universal. Certainly there is evidence that ovarian hormones are critical for maintenance of genital tissue structure and contractility.(14, 15) Neutering also has been associated with an increased likelihood of urethral sphincter incontinence in males.(16) This problem is an inconvenience, and not usually life-threatening, but nonetheless one that requires the dog to be medicated for life. A health survey of several thousand Golden Retrievers showed that spayed or neutered dogs were more likely to develop hypothyroidism.(2) This study is consistent with the results of another study in which neutering and spaying was determined to be the most significant gender-associated risk factor for development of hypothyroidism.(17) Infectious diseases were more common in dogs that were spayed or neutered at 24 weeks or less as opposed to those undergoing gonadectomy at more than 24 weeks.(18) Finally, the AKC-CHF report demonstrated a higher incidence of adverse reactions to vaccines in neutered dogs as compared to intact.(12)

 I have gathered these studies to show that our practice of routinely spaying or neutering every dog at or before the age of 6 months is not a black-and-white issue. Clearly more studies need to be done to evaluate the effects of prepubertal spaying and neutering, particularly in canine athletes.

Currently, I have significant concerns with spaying or neutering canine athletes before puberty. But of course, there is the pet overpopulation problem. How can we prevent the production of unwanted dogs while still leaving the gonads to produce the hormones that are so important to canine growth and development? One answer would be to perform vasectomies in males and tubal ligation in females, to be followed after maturity by ovariohysterectomy in females to prevent mammary cancer and pyometra. One possible disadvantage is that vasectomy does not prevent some unwanted behaviors associated with males such as marking and humping. On the other hand, females and neutered males frequently participate in these behaviors too. Really, training is the best solution for these issues. Another possible disadvantage is finding a veterinarian who is experienced in performing these procedures. Nonetheless, some do, and if the procedures were in greater demand, more veterinarians would learn them.

I believe it is important that we assess each situation individually. For canine athletes, I currently recommend that dogs and bitches be spayed or neutered after 14 months of age.

References:

1. Salmeri KR, Bloomberg MS, Scruggs SL, Shille V.. Gonadectomy in immature dogs: effects on skeletal, physical, and behavioral development. JAVMA 1991;198:1193-1203
2. http://www.grca.org/healthsurvey.pdf
3. Grumbach MM. Estrogen, bone, growth and sex: a sea change in conventional wisdom. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2000;13 Suppl 6:1439-55.
4. Gilsanz V, Roe TF, Gibbens DT, Schulz EE, Carlson ME, Gonzalez O, Boechat MI. Effect of sex steroids on peak bone density of growing rabbits. Am J Physiol. 1988 Oct;255(4 Pt 1):E416-21.
5. Slauterbeck JR, Pankratz K, Xu KT, Bozeman SC, Hardy DM. Canine ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy increases the prevalence of ACL injury. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2004 Dec;(429):301-5.
6. Spain CV, Scarlett JM, Houpt KA. Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs. JAVMA 2004;224:380-387.
7. Ware WA, Hopper DL. Cardiac tumors in dogs: 1982-1995. J Vet Intern Med 1999 Mar-Apr;13(2):95-103
8. Cooley DM, Beranek BC, Schlittler DL, Glickman NW, Glickman LT, Waters D, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Nov;11(11):1434-40
9. Ru G, Terracini B, Glickman LT. Host related risk factors for canine osteosarcoma. Vet J. 1998 Jul;156(1):31-9.
10. Obradovich J, Walshaw R, Goullaud E. The influence of castration on the development of prostatic carcinoma in the dog. 43 cases (1978-1985). J Vet Intern Med 1987 Oct-Dec;1(4):183-7
11. http://www.akcchf.org/pdfs/whitepapers/Biennial_National_Parent_Club_Canine_Health_Conference.pdf
12. Meuten DJ. Tumors in Domestic Animals. 4th Edn. Iowa State Press, Blackwell Publishing Company, Ames, Iowa, p. 575
13. Stocklin-Gautschi NM, Hassig M, Reichler IM, Hubler M, Arnold S. The relationship of urinary incontinence to early spaying in bitches. J. Reprod. Fertil. Suppl. 57:233-6, 2001
14. Pessina MA, Hoyt RF Jr, Goldstein I, Traish AM. Differential effects of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone on vaginal structural integrity. Endocrinology. 2006 Jan;147(1):61-9.
15. Kim NN, Min K, Pessina MA, Munarriz R, Goldstein I, Traish AM. Effects of ovariectomy and steroid hormones on vaginal smooth muscle contractility. Int J Impot Res. 2004 Feb;16(1):43-50.
16. Aaron A, Eggleton K, Power C, Holt PE. Urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in male dogs: a retrospective analysis of 54 cases. Vet Rec. 139:542-6, 1996
17. Panciera DL. Hypothyroidism in dogs: 66 cases (1987-1992). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc., 204:761-7 1994
18. Howe LM, Slater MR, Boothe HW, Hobson HP, Holcom JL, Spann AC. Long-term outcome of gonadectomy performed at an early age or traditional age in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001 Jan 15;218(2):217-21.

The Commitment To a Healthy Planet, Healthy Pets

  As never before, consumers seek natural foods for themselves, their pets and to support the health of our planet. They recognize healthy people and pets depend upon a healthy earth. ANIMAL NATURALS is the preeminent pet line using human-grade nutrition with over 20 years success in natural nutrition. We are a “green” company that stresses recycling and conservation. ANIMAL NATURALS gives consumers the best in natural pet care while treating the earth with respect.

1. Proven Effectiveness Two decades of unparalleled success in Olympics, pro sports, police dog and other grueling arenas prove our formulas the gold standard to which others are compared. Each strengthens metabolic weak links for a specific stage of life. New natural healing formulas rival prescription drugs.
2. Natural Ingredients Beyond natural, beyond organic are “evofoods” that recreate evolutionary diets. In 1981, we originated evofoods and have improved them to a higher degree than anybody. Incredible smell and taste from the finest whole foods and extracts are unrivaled in the industry. No artificial colorings, flavorings or preservatives.
3. Recyclable Packaging materials are blends of recycled and/or recyclable, biodegradable materials. Food ingredients are from sustainably grown, renewable stocks. We never knowingly use depleted, high conservation or endangered sources.
4. State-of-the-Art Science For 20 years, we’ve created-then improved-the most advanced products in the world. Scientists help scan hundreds of medical journals for new breakthroughs in natural medicine, sports science, etc. to make products evermore powerful and cost effective.
5. Clean Production We go the added step to produce under strict GMP standards. We believe you should not feed your pet any ingredient you would not eat yourself, or from a packaging facility you would not eat in.

WE MAKE NATURAL AWESOME

NATURAL USED TO MEAN LAST PLACE. When I began creating human and canine foods, natural was code for “ineffective”. Natural nutrition just wasn’t effective; natural athletes lost to druggies. Natural bodybuilders looked like scrawny kids next to druggies. In drug tested contests, performance levels fell dramatically.

To insiders, natural was a joke.

  22 years later, natural foods I helped develop make today’s human and canine athletes leaner, faster and stronger. Improvements in power, strength and endurance are almost beyond belief. These products allow athletes to train harder, more often. The day to day difference in accelerating recovery and reducing muscle damage exceed even performance drugs. As proof, natural athletes tested for drugs actually beat drugged athletes and shatter old drug records.

Natural is no longer a joke.
 
Literally millions of athletes have set new levels of
personal performance using these breakthroughs.

  How did these products grow to eclipse drugs and power virtually every modern athlete? Renowned scientists from local universities Stanford and Berkeley helped. So did pro athletes and dogs to test on. But the real key to ongoing innovation of these natural products was not science, but Nature. Unlocking more hidden genetic potential required a fresh look at the evolutionary design of humans and canines.

  By coaxing Nature’s DNA secrets from the human, canine and equine body, my past products have changed the rules for drug-free performance. But my newest products surpass everything that’s gone before, in my opinion. These formulas contain power and safety impossible just a few years ago. Since increased performance is founded on health, overall health is raised.

  And my new therapeutics make natural healing a reality. Until now, natural remedies for pets were even more of a joke than nutrition used to be. A nice idea that just did not work.

My new healing formulas rival prescription drugs
effectiveness, yet are 100% natural…and cost less!

  22 years ago, I transformed natural from a joke into a revolution, changing sports forever. It’s hard to find a serious athlete who has not raised performance and health through the use of these products. Everyday, throughout the world, Professional, Olympic and other athletes use these formulas to compete against—and beat—drugged athletes.

  Below is a partial list of these landmark products.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
UNIPRO: Marketing Manager, November 1982 to January 1987.

1982

• AMINO 1000™ First sports nutrition application of milk protein peptide-free
  form amino acids mixtures.
• Created Professional and Olympic Athlete Research Program.

1983

• CARBOPLEX™ First sports nutrition application of glucose polymers.
• LIPOPLEX™ First sports nutrition application of MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).
• OXYGIZER™ First American sports nutrition application of alpha ketoglutarate
  (PAK: Pyridoxal 5 phosphate alpha ketoglutarate).

1984

• BCAAS™ First American sports nutrition application of branched-chain
  amino acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine)
• CREATINE 1500™ First American sports nutrition application of creatine.

1985

• JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCE First sports science abstract review for non-scientists.
• First sports nutrition advisory board of multi-disciplinary front-line researchers.
• First American research study of PAK: co-design of experimental protocol.

1986

• High school football workout book with Howie Long and Lyle Alzado, 39 pg.
• PAK study presented at ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine).

CHAMPION NUTRITION: Director of Sales and Marketing,
January 1987 to January 1990

1987

• MUSCLE N2ITRO™ First American sports nutrition succinate application;
  Point of sale literature, print ad.

1988

• POWER PASTA™ First sports nutrition application of protein/carbohydrate
  enriched pasta. Label, point of sale literature, print ad.
• METABOLOL II™ First L-lactate enhanced Optimizer: research, label and ad copy.
• CYTOMAX™ STUDY # 1 Co-design of experimental protocol.
• METABOLOL II STUDY # 1 Co-design of experimental protocol.

1989

• CYTOMAX STUDY # 2 Co-design of experimental protocol.
• METABOLOL II STUDY # 2 Co-design of experimental protocol.
• CYTOMAX™ First sports nutrition application of concentrated L-lactates.
• CYTOMAX STUDY # 1 Presented study at International Sports Congress,
  Leningrad, USSR via Dr. Thomas Fahey.

ABR/APRL: President, January 1990 to 2000.

1990

• METABOLOL II STUDY # 1 Presented study at ACSM via Dr. Fahey.
• METABOLOL II STUDY # 2 Presented study at ACSM via Dr. Fahey.
• PEAK PERFORMANCE™ First commercial canine sports nutrition supplement.
• STEROIDS AND DOGS HANDBOOK Academic review, 50 pg.

1991

• HOME ANABOLIC KIT™ First sports nutrition application of Nitrogen
  Balance testing. FDA approved, patented.
• MUSCLE CHEM™ Advanced Optimizer.
• MAXIMIZE™ Advanced Amino Acid.
• STEROID ALTERNATIVE HANDBOOK Co-author with Dr. Thomas Fahey, 197 pg.

1992

• WEIDER HOME ANABOLIC KIT Second generation.
• PRE FLEX HYPERDRIVE™ First effervescent version of L-lactate supplement.
• N2ITRO FIRE™ Nitrogen balance optimizing powder.
• POST FLEX PM™ Pre-sleep anti-catabolic formula.
• HOME ANABOLIC KIT STUDY #1.

1993

• ELITE ATHLETE TESTING SERVICE First mail-in steroid hormone lab testing.
• Developed 7 Products for GEN LINC.

1994

• POWER JERKY™ First USDA approved, all natural nutritionally fortified jerky for athletes.
• PEAK CONDITION Sports supplement for dogs.

1995

• CORT BUSTER™ First commercial sports nutrition application of
  phosphatidylserine as oral cortisol antagonist. Patent pending.

1996

• PEAK GROW™ First commercial reproduction of canine bitch milk.

1997

• POWER MEAT™ First commercial mixture of USDA human grade wild meats and PEAK 2.
• PEAK STRIDE™ Joint mobility canine enhancer.
• PEAK SENIOR™ Anti-aging canine formula.
• FAST TWITCH™ Sprint dog (greyhound) formula.

1998

• PEAK EQUINE™ Race horse supplement.
• PERFORMANCE DOG MAGAZINE Magazine devoted to performance dogs.
• MUSCLE MILK™ First human bodybuilding product based on human milk profile.
• ENDOCRE3™ First endogenous creatine formula with glycocyamine.

ANIMAL NATURALS, LLC CEO 2002 to Present.

• MUSCLEJACK™ First commercial use of Longifolia.
• EVOBODYBUILDING™ Natural diet and workouts based on the
  inner cavemen in modern humans, 116 pages.
• CARNIVORE COOKIES TM Fortified gourmet “superbiscuit” using
  Rhodiola and other functional foods.
• FEEL FULL™ Appetite suppressant using nutrients to raise body’s own feel full hormone, CCK.
• SHOW & GO™ Performance and appearance natural equine product.
• JOINT RE-GEN™ First human commercial activated glucosamine topical spray.
• COOL SPOT™ First 100% natural commercial spray to guarantee total recovery from hot spots.

NEW PRODUCT CATEGORIES HELPED CREATE

1. Amino Acids (Whey peptide/casein free-form).
2. BCAAs (Branched-chain amino acids).
3. Complex Carbohydrate Powders (CARBOPLEX, etc).
4. MCTs.
5. Alpha KetoGlutarates.
6. L-lactate Polymers (CYTOMAX, etc).
7. Home Anabolic Kits.
8. Defined Predigested Meals for Dogs.
9. Mail-In Hormone Tests.
10. Sport Jerky (POWER JERKY, etc).
11. Drug-Free Cortisol Antagonists.
12. Glucose Polymer/Amino Acid Fortified Pasta.
13. Human Grade Canine Metabolic Optimizers.
14. Human Breast Milk Analogs (MUSCLE MILK).
15. Endogenous Creatine Synthesizer (ENDOCREATINE).
16. Freeze dried raw meat with daily RDAs (POWERMEAT).
17. Super fortified gourmet meat dog biscuits (CARNIVORE COOKIES)
18. Longifolia testosterone prohormone. (MUSCLEJACK).
19. Topical hyaluronate spray (JOINT RE-GEN).

WRITING

• 50 + National articles.
• 7 Newsletters.
• Publisher, PERFORMANCE DOG
• 50 + Brochures.
• 75 + National print ads.
• 3 radio ads.
• 4 Books.
• 1 Infomercial, LEAN SOLUTION.

PATENTS

• 2 issued.
• 3 pending.