This ezine is aimed at you, our Cranimal pet lovers and the Cranimal pet industry. Get clear guidelines and updates on the various pet conditions you may be dealing with as an owner or retailer, as well as which products provide optimal solutions. Our customer voice interviews cover inspiring pet owner stories and solutions that will empower you. As a team, we are absolutely committed to make an innovative contribution to pets through Cranimals preventative health and nutritional medicinal solutions that are sound and based on scientific research. Sit back and enjoy learning all about the powerful health benefits that dark colored berries have for pets (and you!). We welcome your feedback on any of the content or the format of this first issue and invite you to email me with any comments or suggestions you may have at [email protected].

In this issue we focus on beating Pet Urinary Tract Infections (UTI):

• Hit list for pet customer UTI symptoms,
• Customer Voice: A scrumptiously encouraging print and movie interview with (ex UTI) pet owner Jennifer Norato
• In Depth - The science behind UTIs and kidney/bladder stones and why our cranberries really work as a natural treatment preventative – explained by our CEO, Dr Wilma Pretorius.
• Flash offer countdown: Cranimals Original 15% off coupon
• Share your pet story link and get an absolutely free one year digital subscription to the fantastic Animal Wellness magazine
• Behind the scenes find out how Cranimals was started and what our expansion strategy promises

Update your knowledge, be inspired and make your next Cranimal purchase with absolute confidence. Wishing you and your furry ones a Berry Healthy 2012.

Mads (Editor: [email protected])

When to suspect Urinary Tract Infection?

Pain and frequency are key indicators of a possible UTI in your pet. UTI is also known as cystitis and in cats as Feline Urologic Syndrome or Cystitis.

What you will find for example is:

• Blood being present in your pet's urine
• Your pet straining or crying when urinating
• Your pets' urine having a bad smell
• Your pet becoming agitated and restless, wanting to go out and in all the time
• Your pet having accidents around your the house
• In the case of cats, stopping use of the litter box, suddenly doing it around the house
• Your pet urinating more frequently
• Your pet urinating just a few drops
• Your pet insistently licking the genital area

A urinary tract infection may seem like a minor issue, but it could be a urinary blockage that can be very dangerous if not treated and needs to be confirmed. Diagnosis of a U.T.I is usually confirmed by a urinalysis.

Customer Interview with Jennifer Norato

Watch the interview live on YouTube

Cranimals: Jennifer welcome. You have a very special story to share and some health tips for pet owners based on your experience. Tell us what you do?

Jennifer: I work here at Ramapo valley animal hospital in Oakland, NJ and I have been working here for over 10 years now. I first started during my college years as a part time job and quickly grew into a passion.

Cranimals: What made you look into Cranimals and where did you find us?

Jennifer: I first discovered Cranimals in a pet magazine, advertising the benefits of the original formula. It couldn't have come at a better time!

My Brooke was suffering from another bladder infection caused by her constant struvite crystals. Working at an animal hospital, I had every diagnostic and treatment at my disposal, but still she got infections. She had countless urine tests, blood work, cultures, x-rays, prescription foods, meds, and even ultrasounds but nothing could keep her from making struvite crystals in her bladder.

And then I saw Cranimals! I, of course, had tried cranberry supplements before to help Brooke's bladder, but this product immediately seemed different than the ones that failed in the past. I immediately placed an order and patiently waited for my shipment!

Cranimals: What seemed different about Cranimals from all the other products and treatments you tried?

Jennifer: I loved the science that is behind the claims of excellence. The Cranimals products didn't just say it would benefit my dog's bladder health, it explained how it would. As a pet owner, I loved that the Cranimals company detailed why this supplement was scientifically proven to work so I understood why it would work. Other products I tried didn't seem to have any scientific backing to their claims.

Cranimals: You mention it was painful to watch Brooke suffer – tell us about that?

Jennifer: Bladder infections most commonly cause symptoms of urinating frequently and in small amounts. It feels like they can't empty their bladder so they always have the feeling that they need to urinate. But in Brooke's case, she had struvite crystals, which physically made it painful to urinate. So much so that she would hold her urine as long as she could! She just didn't want to urinate because she knew it was going to hurt. And that starts the vicious cycle of bacteria collecting in her bladder, creating an infection.

Cranimals: Did she eat it with no fuss?

Jennifer: Brooke, being a hound dog, loved the taste of the Cranimals Original. I initially mixed the Cranimals with some plain yoghurt, which she was already eating for the probiotic benefits. But as I used it more, I realized she loved the flavor no matter how I gave it to her!

Cranimals: And Ramapo valley animal hospital now stock Cranimals?

Jennifer: Yes, getting my colleges on board with this new product was a breeze! They saw me suffering constantly with Brooke's bladder problems and were amazed with how quickly she felt better. After a month of being free of bladder problems, it was decided to recommend this product to all our patients with similar problems.

Cranimals: What health tip do you have for other animal lovers?

Jennifer: My best tip of advice is to use preventative medicine! It is always better for your pet and more affordable for you, to prevent a health problem than it is to treat one.

I am able to prevent bladder infections for Brooke by giving her two teaspoons a day of Cranimals Original and have saved me thousands of dollars in vet bills, let alone the pain and discomfort that would come along with her infections.

Cranimals: Thank you Jennifer and thank you Ramapo Valley Animal Hospital.

Why Cranberries work as a natural treatment preventative for pets with UTIs and struvite stones
By Dr Wilma Pretorius CEO Cranimals

A significant number of pet parents at one time or another have to deal with their cat or dog experiencing a Urinary Tract Infection. Frequently the infection is also accompanied by the incidence of struvite stones. So common is this disease that up to 1 in 5 dogs or cats can be affected by this in their lifetime.1

The most common signs of a UTI in cats and dogs is straining during urination, blood in the urine, fever, lethargy, unpleasant smell to urine, incontinence and urinating in inappropriate places, particularly for cats. Among the bacteria responsible for UTIs, E. coli was found to be present in most of the cases followed by Stapylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Klebsiella spp. , Proteus spp. and then Pseudomonas spp.

Usually UTIs clear up after antibiotic therapy, but sometimes they recur, either due to reinfection with the same or another bacterial species. The appropriate antibiotic to be used is identified via a urine culture. Modern medicine is, however, plagued by a rising incidence of antibacterial resistance and comes with additional costs, such as adverse effects on gut microflora increasing the risk of infection with Clostridium difficile and this in turn may lead to serious colon infections in dogs. The use of a natural plant based preventative for UTIs and struvite stones would clearly help to reduce the risk of antibacterial resistance and disturbances in gut microflora.

Most struvite stones in dogs are actually infection-induced and female dogs are at the greatest risk for this. The reason for this is likely due to the anatomy of the female urethra, which is short and wide compared with that of the male. When a UTI is caused by Staphylococcus spp. (less commonly Proteus spp. And Ureaplasma) bacteria, a biochemical reaction is put into play which favors the formation of struvite stones in the pets urine/bladder even if the pet is on an acidifying diet.

Dogs typically develop struvite stones (uroliths) in their lower urinary tracts within 2 weeks of contracting a staphylococcal urinary tract infection. There are, however, other conditions that promote crystallization of magnesium ammonium phosphate (i.e. struvite) including an alkaline urine, diet and genetic predisposition. Breeds especially affected by struvite stones include the Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Yorkshire Terrier. Even factors associated with inbreeding have been reported to increase the frequency of struvite uroliths in Beagles. An increased risk of struvite stones in both sexes of Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers has also been observed. Specific diets high in fat and salt that are given to dogs to help dissolve struvite stones have their own risks. Pathogenic bacteria trapped within the stones are then constantly released and pose a threat for reinfection and a diet high in fat and salt has its own set of health risks. Surgical removal is another option for stone removal. Sometimes stones can become bigger than half a kilo (1 lb).

One of the most effective natural remedies for Urinary tract infections and by association, infection induced struvite stones is cranberries. Cranberries contain tannins called (pro)anthocyanidins or PACs, which are stable plant compounds exhibiting potent in vitro anti-adhesion activity against pathogenic urinary tract bacteria such as both antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant strains of Escherichia coli. While preventing bacteria from sticking to the cell lining of the urinary tract is believed to be the primary mechanism, a direct mild antimicrobial activity against other UTI causing bacteria has also been reported. Pure cranberry extract powders are the most effective way to get the multiple health benefits of cranberries into your pet. Not only is the extract effective for preventing urinary tract infections and by implication infection induced struvite stones, but the phytochemicals in the berries are heart healthy and also good for dental health. Administering cranberry extract in powder form eliminates the excessive sugar found in juices and dried cranberries, as well the powder mixed in food coats the teeth and helps to keep the your pets mouth clean in exactly the same way it keeps their urinary tract "clean". The powder is also much more palatable to your pet than fresh cranberries and delivers a much more concentrated dose of the needed phytochemicals. Look for a cranberry extract that is not adulterated with fillers, preservatives or colorants and one that is food grade and certified organic.

References consulted:
1. Urinary tract infection - a European perspective. B. Gerber, EJCAP - Vol. 17 - Issue 1 April 2007, 51-54.
2. Canine urolithiasis: A look at over 16 000 urolith submissions to the Canadian Veterinary Urolith Centre from February 1998 to April 2003 Doreen M. Houston, Andrew E.P. Moore, Michael G. Favrin, Brent Hoff. Can Vet J Volume 45, March 2004, 225-230.
3. Recurrent urinary tract infections in older people: the role of cranberry products
DEEPA SUMUKADAS1,∗, PETER DAVEY2, MARION E. T. MCMURDO1
Age and Ageing 2009; 38: 255-257 C _ The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society.
All rights doi: 10.1093/ageing/afp034 reserved. For Permissions, please email: [email protected]
4. Berries: emerging impact on cardiovascular health. Basu, Rhone, Lyons. Nutr Rev. 2010 March ; 68(3): 168-177. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00273.x.
5. Potential oral health benefits of cranberry.
Bodet C, Grenier D, Chandad F, Ofek I, Steinberg D, Weiss EI. . Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2008 Aug;48(7):672-80.

Flash Offer Countdown

Cranimals Original 15% off coupon: PREVENT Take 15% off your next order online made before February 14, 2012.

Share your pet story link and get an absolutely free one year digital subscription to the fantastic Animal Wellness magazine

Send us a link to your pet story via Facebook or by email to and get an absolutely free one year digital subscription to the fantastic Animal Wellness magazine.

Behind the Scenes

The Animals behind Cranimals

The push to develop products for companion animals came from our CEO Wilma's own dogs in Vancouver - Phoebe, who died of cancer a few years earlier and Charlie, a dog prone to anxiety. The Fraser Valley, based near Vancouver, wedged in between the Pacific Ocean and Rocky Mountains is quite possibly the best berry growing region in the World. Wilma had researched the role of nutrition in disease and behaviour and already knew these ingredients had tremendous health benefits.The CranimalsTM brand was born in 2008.

At Cranimals we believe strongly in preventative health care and also nutritional medicine. The rise in chronic degenerative disease, including cancer, arthritis and heart disease, over the last few decades in both humans and companion animals is strongly tied to diet and environment. Most pets are now being raised on highly processed foods, and this includes kibble and dehydrated foods. It is widely accepted that the underlying cause of accelerated aging and degenerative disease is due in large part to oxidative damage and inflammation – countless studies have identified the importance of natural antioxidants (e.g. phytochemicals) and anti inflammatories (e.g. essential fatty acids) in helping to manage oxidation and inflammation. Many other modern pet illnesses including kidney & bladder stones and urinary tract infections are also on the rise. Our mission with the Cranimals line is to help pet parents deliver therapeutic levels of the key nutrients needed to manage or help prevent these problems. As they say..."prevention is better than cure"!

Cranimals Expansion and Future Products by Ryan Calvert

CRANIMALS have enjoyed considerable growth the past 3 years since its introduction into the market. This was achieved by quickly gaining a loyal customer following and earning a reputation of providing innovative quality products.

Our supplements are available in pet food stores, health food stores, veterinarian clinics and training and agility organizations­ all over the World! It always makes us feels good to get all the customer feedback of the positive results experienced from feeding CRANIMALS supplements. Visit our facebook page and read testimonials from one of our 15000 fans.

Another contributing factor to our success is the outstanding sales and marketing support we offer our retailers like attractive point of sale, single dose samples and online training to equip our retailers with the tools needed to promote CRANIMALS.

This year we are putting a focus on expanding even more into Europe and other global regions. We are excited with the opening of our distribution center in the UK earlier this year, facilitating sales to France, the Netherlands and Norway and delivering to retailers and distributors quickly and with lower cost.

CRANIMALS will continue to develop and manufacture innovative pet health products and is looking to launch a new product Spring 2012.

Director Sales and Marketing: Ryan Calvert

[email protected]