MALAMA (Health)
Malama encompasses a broader care giving principle addressing the
emotional and physical needs of animals.
- What is the social structure of the species?
- Are dogs allowed to interact with a pack, whether human or
dog?
- Are dogs allowed to interact with a pack, whether human or
- Is there a regular exercise program, appropriate to age and
health of the individual? - Can the guardian communicate in a basic language
understood by the species?- Are cats overcrowded, or forced to live with too many of the
same sex? - Is there a personal space provided for each cat, and a personal
litter box, if indoors?
- Are cats overcrowded, or forced to live with too many of the
- Are horses allowed to live with other horses, and have the
benefit of moving and grazing?
These emotional and social needs, if not met, can lead to illness.
See our resources page for other sources of information
MASSAGE, TTOUCH, TUI-NA, QI GONG
Kea enjoys her massage by massage therapist Niko
All life needs touch and contact with others. But more than simple contact, massage is a healing touch, whether used to soothe and relax a healthy pet, or a therapy to release tight muscles, energy blockages and trigger points.
We offer classes in basic relaxing massage to our clients from certifed massage therapists. Tui Na (twee na) is a specifc type of therapeutic massage in Chinese Medicine. It is simple to learn a few massage techniques to increase energy flow in tissues or along meridians and specifc areas of the body. If appropriate, our staff will show you the Tui Na movements for your pet.
Many years ago, Linda Tellington-Jones developed a neural
reprogramming technique for emotional disturbances and physical
injuries. This therapy is very calming for animals with fears and
phobias, and is offered through our certified TTouch practitioner.
DAILY EXERCISE
Jack & Mick on a break at Hapu'u
Daily exercise is a must for everyone,
human and animal alike!
Cats enjoy the stimulation of the chase,
and as excellent sprinters, excel at short bursts with long rests interspersed.
Dogs are distance athletes and are
especially attuned to dusk and dawn walks.
Walking with your dogs increases
the pack bond and the strong feeling of community they enjoy with their pack.
Age encroaches on us all, but movement every day enhances our physical and psychological wellbeing.
TRAINING
Sammy loves agility
Training is really all about communication and motivation. Fortunately, speaking “Dog” or “Cat” in movements and gestures they understand isn’t as hard as a foreign language.
Whether you want your pets to understand a dozen simple commands or to compete in agility at a national level, it all starts with the basics of communication and reward.
Few animals learn anything from punishment, except to avoid their owners. Dozens of great books on positive reinforcement can be found, as well as simple grammars on canine and feline communication.
Cesar Milan keeps it simple with exercise, discipline, and affection and we love the Gentle Leader halters for effective, stress free walking.
See our resources page for other sources of information
HEARTWORM IN KOHALA?
During the eleven years I have been practicing in North Kohala, we have been blessedly free of heartworm, at least by the results of yearly heartworm tests on dogs both on prevention and those that go without.
While other areas of the island are hotbeds of heartworm disease (Puna, Hilo, Kealakekua and parts of Kona) our dogs and cats have been spared the disease that is spread by mosquitoes from dog to dog. Heart worms literally live in the heart of our pets, and can cause serious illness.
Recently, the first positive dog that resides in Kohala was detected. This means that we may be beginning to see the development of disease here. A good way to prevent the spread of the disease is to have all dogs on preventive. That way the larva cannot develop into adults and the disease cannot be spread from dog to dog.
If your pet has not had a recent heartworm test, please have them tested. Also, preventive medication can only be prescribed to patients that have been examined by the doctor, annually.
For more information on upcoming events and clinics go to the News & Events section of our website and check-out the Calendar of Events.