Your dog’s nose is remarkable with abilities that far surpass our own!
But it’s also important to view it as a sensitive organ that requires ongoing care to operate at its peak.
The Dog’s Nose: The Series
Thanks to our friends at East Valley K9 Services, you can learn all about your dog’s incredible nose through their 3-part blog series, “A Dog’s Nose.”
In their first blog, explore the eleven amazing facts behind your K9’s nose! For example, did you know the part of your dog’s brain that recognizes and interprets smells is 40 times larger than our own?!
Just like your own nose, nasal issues, both large and small, can challenge your canine’s sensitive nose and its incredible abilities. Learn the issues to watch out for and when you need to take your dog to see your vet.
Janie Heinrich, Founder of MobilityDog, hugging her Service Dog.
The “act of repeating or doing” is critical in the learning process whether it involves a child, adult or your dog! Proper repetition supports long-term learning and recall. And it’s just as important to use repetition in dog training when you want your dog to learn new tasks or skills!
Using Repetition
When it comes to repetition in dog training, proper repetition creates:
Association.
Understanding.
Long-term memory and recall.
Or, as Ty the Dog Guy says, “it’s all muscle memory.”
But, beware! Not all repetitions are created equal!
Read the rest of this blog post at MobilityDog.org!
This bag makes the perfect other “best friend” for dog walking!
The lightweight Pawfect Bag can carry everything you and your dog need for your walks leaving your hands completely free!
Do YOU Need the Pawfect Bag?
The Pawfect Bag is perfect for:
Parents with strollers.
Joggers or runners.
Professional dog walkers.
Mobility-challenged people.
People confined to wheelchairs.
Anyone who needs to keep their hands empty and free!
Anyone who doesn’t want to carry a warm poop bag in their hands!
Everyone who wants to protect the environment by easily bringing their full poop bags home to throw away!
Pawfect Bag: 101
Practical, water-resistant and durable with 2 removable (and washable) pockets!
1st Pocket: Use for clean poop bags, an extra leash, treats, water and even your phone!
2nd Pocket: Keep full poop bags in this separate pocket and away from your other items!
The Man Behind the Bag!
Nick Avery at his Show Booth
This convenient dog walking solution was created by British veteran, Nick Avery.
Nick loves exploring the countryside with his dog and he began to notice a huge issue with other dog walkers leaving their full poo bags on the ground, thrown into the bushes or left hanging from trees! Determined to address this danger to the environment, Nick created the comfortable and convenient Pawfect Bag so bringing home the poo is easy while also keeping your hands free and clean!
Sadly, dog walkers around the world are putting their local environments at great risk by leaving these full bags behind which never decay! Imagine the disease and parasites these forgotten poop bags leave behind which threaten our soil, water sources and even other animals!
In addition, with every purchase of his bag, Nick donates to a veteran organization of your choice!
NOTE: We try our best to bring you the important dog food recalls as they happen but it’s not always possible. Subscribe to free recall notices from the:
On June 18, 2022, Freshpet Inc., of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, issued a voluntary recall of a single lot of dog food. The Freshpet Select Fresh From the Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe in 4.5 pounds bags is the only product involved in this recall.
This recall was issued because due to potential contamination with Salmonella bacteria. According to the company, “Our Freshpet Team had designated this single lot for destruction, but a small portion of the lot was inadvertently shipped to retailers in limited geographic markets in the last two weeks.”
These potential markets may include:
Walmarts in
Alabama and Georgia.
Targets and other select retailers in:
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Maine
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Vermont and West Virginia.
To date, Freshpet has not received any reports of illness, injury or adverse reaction.
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and can also be transmitted to humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What to do Next with this Dog Food Recall
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any of the recalled products and dispose any affected product immediately in trash that is secured.
Consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after handling any affected products or cleaning any potentially contaminated surfaces including freezers/refrigerators where the product was stored, bowls, utensils, bedding, toys and floors.
Dog parents who wish to request a reimbursement, can go here to do so (scroll to the bottom of the page). Or consumers may contact Freshpet at 800-285-0563 between 9am to 9pm Eastern Time, Monday – Friday for additional information.
Our guest blogger, Billie Groom, is the Founder of UPWARD Dogology. She is an expert in K9 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the past 30 years helping 1000s of dog parents, rescued dogs and organizations prevent unnecessary surrenders, rehoming or worse, euthanasia.
Over three decades ago, Billie Groom began rescuing and fostering dogs. She noticed people, even those experienced with dogs, were stumped by behaviors common during the adolescent stage, approximately 8-18 months. Dogs in shelters, rescue organizations and “less-than-desirable conditions” were often challenging to integrate into their new families and homes.
Behaviors commonly associated with anxiety and aggression deterred many people from adopting since these dogs proved difficult to rehabilitate. Good people, with the best of intentions, were frustrated and felt out of options. Sadly, these problems still exist today; however, many people are discovering the benefits of Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
“Essentially, people hire me because they want to fix behaviors, but what we really do is create a bond, change perception, and develop skills that allow my client to build a relationship with their dog. In doing so, we prevent, and address, behaviors that lead to surrenders, returns, unsavory methods, or euthanasia.” (Billie Groom, Founder of UPWARD Dogology)
Next, let’s learn about the 5 priceless benefits behind K9 Cognitive Behavior Therapy!
Canine Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CCBT): The 5 Benefits
Courtesy: Pezibear / Pixabay
As mentioned in Part One, Canine CBT supports the human-canine bond by changing perception, which changes behavior. In the last post, we explored how CCBT prevents and addresses K9 behaviors with the K9 CBT principles.
Canine CBT is proven to offer the five priceless benefits below.
ONE: DECREASE SURRENDERS AND/OR REHOMING
Statistics have shown the number one reason for surrendering or rehoming dogs is behavioral. People with good intentions, who follow the advice of experts, believe they have tried everything and when conventional methods are ineffective, feel they are simply not the right home for their dog.
In some cases, the decision to surrender or rehome may be the best option. However, in most situations, once we switch from conditioning methods to CCBT, the dog stays in the home and lives a fulfilling life. The issue was not the home, it was the method to address the unwanted behaviors.
A Common Example
Courtesy: UPWARD Dogology
Dogs in the adolescent stage (approximately 8-18 months of age) that started life in a loving environment with responsible people. It is scientifically proven that dogs in the adolescent stage develop their cognitive abilities causing changes in their behavior. So, training techniques that were successful during puppyhood can fall short, or even backfire, as their cognitive skills develop.
To effectively work with these dogs, we need to recognizeand harness, not suppress, K9 cognitive abilities. By applying exercises that harness the cognitive skills driving these behaviors, we change the dog’s perception of us and our ability to calmly manage and relate to them. By recognizing what is important to them and providing them with options, they choose to change their behavior. When behaviors causing stress and frustration are eliminated, people commonly choose to keep their dogs.
We all want to help dogs in need. Rescuing, fostering, and adopting dogs with disadvantaged pasts is a great way to help a dog in need. Yet many people feel ill-equipped to effectively bring these dogs into their homes and lives. The “unknowns” as to the behaviors caused by emotional stress, or a less-than-desirable upbringing, often deter good-hearted people from taking in these dogs.
Mainstream educators encourage patience with adopted dogs. Patience is good; productive patience is better. Simply relying on the “decompression period” (waiting three months before a bond or communication is established) can deter people from adopting and is also unfair to the dog.
Not all dogs need a decompression period. In fact, three months commonly recommended for “integrating” a dog can backfire (and also discourage people from adopting). Although it is recommended (and common sense) to allow dogs time to rest, especially if they traveled a distance to their new home, it is important to adapt the integration process to the individual dog.
For Example
Courtesy: Leo_65 / Pixabay
If you adopted your dog from a foster-based rescue organization, and the foster home found the dog to be friendly, well-socialized, good on walks, with no signs of anxiety (including separation anxiety), then we apply exercises that establish platform skills in the first four to ten days. These exercises acknowledge the dog’s skills, intelligence, and personality. They create a bond and establish a communication base allowing you to easily integrate your new dog into your lifestyle.
If your dog shows signs of fear, anxiety, or behaviors associated with aggression, we apply exercises that respect the emotional intelligence driving those behaviors and create the necessary bond to change perception to change behavior. The program is flexible, allowing you to work at the pace of your dog and your schedule.
If your dog has been living independently (on the streets, for example), and it is challenging to bond with or the dog is showing behaviors they feel are necessary to achieve their goal, we apply exercises that harness those cognitive abilities driving those behaviors. The exercises show your dog:
You acknowledge the reason for the behaviors; and
Offers a reason for your dog to trust you. Therefore, your dog learns the value of bonding with you, and you learn to “read” your dog.
The UPWARD Dogology integration program is flexible, adaptable, easy-to-apply and, most importantly, dogs love it! Help rescues and shelters by increasing their adoptions!
THREE: ELIMINATE THE PERCEIVED NEED FOR HARSH METHODS, QUICK FIXES AND PAINFUL TOOLS
When common methods prove limiting or unsuccessful, it is human nature to search for alternative approaches. Unfortunately, this can lead to people unwillingly feeling forced to apply methods or use products which can cause physical harm or emotional stress to their dog (and often themselves). The reality is these “quick fixes” can be effective in the moment, and people may see no need to discontinue using them.
It is commonly ineffective to simply tell people it is wrong to use these methods or tools when, essentially, they are solving their problems. Also, if they feel pressured, this can push people farther in the “wrong” direction. As with dogs, we cannot tell them what is right or wrong, we need to provide them with options that achieve their goal. We need to respect the reason why they feel the need to use these products or approaches and provide them with options that allow them to make ethical decisions.
To eliminate unsavory tools and methods, we need to provide people with force-free, effective alternatives. Although there are many styles of training included in conditioning methodologies, the platform and principles are not intended to change perception to change behaviors. Refer to Part One for more information. UPWARD Dogology, using K9 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a proven effective alternative when conditioning methods fall short.
FOUR: PREVENT BEHAVIORAL EUTHANASIA
Courtesy: UPWARD Dogology
Shelters that do not uphold a “no-kill” policy, kill thousands of dogs across North America every day. Statistics show the most common reasons are behaviorally related. Euthanasia is justified by outdated assessments, which often do not respect the emotions or intelligence of individual dogs.
Veterinarians commonly provide behavioral advice, suggest resources, and/or recommend medication before suggesting, or agreeing to, euthanizing a dog. People do not want to euthanize their dogs and it can be extremely emotionally stressful for both parties.
It is common to justify euthanasia when conditioning methods fail to address behaviors consistent with anxiety or aggression. No one wants to see dogs suffer, live a life in fear, or endure emotional discomfort. Homing dogs with behavioral issues can be challenging and unsafe. Unfortunately, the majority of shelters and veterinarians are not aware of CCBT and dogs are euthanized before being exposed to Canine Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Dog lovers are not satisfied with succumbing to the fact they must simply cope or manage, avoid situations, permanently rely on medications, or rehome, surrender, or euthanize their dog. They want to live life to the fullest with their dogs and provide their dogs with the best life. UPWARD Dogology is successfully spreading awareness and hundreds of people every year, for three decades, have enjoyed the benefits of CCBT!
FIVE: INCREASE THE HUMAN-CANINE BOND
All forms of positive interaction are bonding. From walking our dogs to canine enrichment games to agility training or scent detection. Conditioning methods, using positive reinforcements, are bond-creating, but differently from that of CBT.
K9 Cognitive Behavior Therapy takes:
A holistic approach.
Addresses the reason for the behavior (not the behavior itself), and;
Changes the dogs’ perception.
Courtesy: Sven Lachmann / Pixabay
By communicating through exercises that:
Harness cognitive skills
Respect thought patterns; and
Recognize emotional intelligence
dogs begin to view their humans differently. This bond is noted through changes in behaviors that the dog chooses to do. For example, he may look at his person more (without being cued by a command or a treat), or he may follow his person less (if he followed due to anxiety) or follow more (if he was aloof).
The bond that is created through CCBT is, admittedly, challenging to explain. But it is like a “light-bulb goes on!” My clients literally feel it take shape. They feel:
Less controlling, yet they have more control.
More relaxed along with their dog.
Their dog trusts them more.
It is truly amazing! Once a bond, based on communication and mutual respect, is developed, we can creatively and effectively apply CBT to address behaviors associated with anxiety and aggression, and other behaviors common with adopted and adolescent dogs!
Award-winning author, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, Animal Behavior Society and the Comparative Cognition Society, and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (B.A.). Billie developed the UPWARD Dogology formula from working with thousands of dogs over 3 decades. Her clients include veterinarians, psychologists, animal experts, canine professionals, rescuers, fosters, adopters, and first-time dog peeps. In 2002, The Humane Society of Toronto awarded Billie for her work with challenging dogs and she has continued to develop her methodology over the decades through hands-on application.
Billie’s Mission: I am motivated to spread awareness of UPWARD Dogology because every day I help people who are at their wit’s end. The most common response is, “Why is this methodology not “out there?” It grinds my gears when I hear about dogs being put down because of behavioral problems that Conditioning Methods were unable to effectively address. C.B.T. needs to be a part of mainstream dog rearing, in addition to positive reinforcement training and other non-aversive Conditioning methods, to effectively address the needs of dogs of all ages, personality types and backgrounds.
Yes, our dogs help heal people. Have you ever stopped to think about it?
Why this dog?
Why now?
I used to pride myself on “rescuing” animals. This started at a very young age for me. I have always had a gift of connecting with animals since I was a small child. The reasons for my wanting to be a rescuer were not made clear, or obvious, until much later in life. My identity around being there for everyone else, helping everyone else, rescuing, would be shattered. Let me explain.
I saw my dog, my rescue dog, help heal people. My mom. My Reiki Master. Me. I started to notice things. See things differently. I started to wake up. I started to feel things I hadn’t felt before, both emotionally and energetically. I began searching for something, anything to explain what I was now waking up to. I was voracious. Books. Courses. Classes. I trained in multiple healing modalities. Then it hit me.
My dog was helping me to help myself. This idea blew me out of the water. How could this Pittie mix, this poor animal from a dog fighting situation, help me heal myself? I slowly became aware of what he was actually giving me. What he was actually trying to show me. What he was trying to teach me. He was trying to remind me of a most important idea, something that I had forgotten long ago. That I am enough. As I am right now, in this moment, I am enough. The power of this idea still rocks me on my heels. I started to wonder what my other dogs had given me.
As I dug into this I was in awe. I was fortunate to have dogs in my life at the time of traumatic events and reaped the benefits of what they each gave.
Sage gave me safety, security, a sense of belonging.
Winston helped me feel strong, capable, safe.
Miles gave me back my smile and helped me see that I could get out of any situation that didn’t serve me.
Darby opened up my entire world. He was the greatest catalyst for change in my life. When the student is ready the Master appears. Darby appeared and changed my entire existence, he became my Master.
Paying it Forward
Now I help others. I help other men wake up to what is possible. I help them learn how their dogs are helping them heal, grow. I guide these men into areas they have been afraid to venture into. With the help of their dogs, we create a safe space. A judgement-free, empowering space. A journey into the wilderness of their hearts. I show them how to let their dog lead.
I ask you again: Why this dog? Why now? Are you finally ready to move into what you are meant to do?
Michael Overlie is a Canine-Partnered Energy Coach, Energy Healer and Author. Dogs have been with him most of his life, giving him gifts and teaching him lessons. His greatest breakthrough was after the death of his brother. While grieving this loss, he was fully awakened to his own potential and the gifts our animals bring to our lives. Now he helps other men awaken to the gifts available to them from their dogs.
This is Michael’s purpose, his mission on this Earth.
From helping save lives in a trauma center to doing energy healing work with people and animals, Michael’s love for life shines through. He has trained in multiple energy healing modalities and infuses spiritual energy into everything he teaches, providing a safe space for healing and growth to occur. He knows what your dog is trying to show you, teach you.
In today’s guest blog post, you’ll meet Billie Groom, the Founder of UPWARD Dogology; an expert in K9 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for the past 30 years. Billie has helped thousands of dog parents, rescued dogs and organizations prevent unnecessary surrenders, re-homings or worse, euthanasia.
Keep reading to learn why YOUR dog, if he could, would ask to learn through CCBT!
Dog Training is Evolving
Courtesy: UPWARD Dogology
The landscape of teaching and communicating with our dogs is evolving right alongside the advancing science of how people really learn, feel and behave. Human Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (also known as CBT) reveals the relationship between one’s beliefs, thoughts, feelings and why humans behave the way they do. CBT is a more natural form of behavioral treatment which holistically changes thought patterns, problem-solving and decision-making and the actions/behaviors that follow.
These same principles and practices can be used with dogs – over the age of 6 months – to effectively prevent and address unwanted or negative K9 behaviors through K9 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
K9 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: What is It?
Courtesy: UPWARD Dogology
Canine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CCBT) is a scientifically-proven and evidence-based methodology that adheres to the principles and practices of human CBT and is designed for dogs over six months of age (the point at which K9 cognitive skills develop to a higher level).
The UPWARD Dogology formula offers a non-aversive alternative to determine which method is best for individual dogs at different stages in their lives.
As with humans, not all canines think and learn the same way!
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy behind UPWARD Dogology, does not use aversive, harsh or negative techniques. The ONLY tool used is the dog’s brain, meeting him where he is at developmentally. The Canine CBT methodology is, above all, calm, logical, creative, flexible, adaptable, and most importantly, dog-approved!
Canine CBT and K9 Behaviors
The UPWARD Dogology methodology of CCBT prevents and addresses K9 behaviors:
Common during adolescence.
Associated with anxiety, fear, and aggression.
Common with rescued and adopted dogs, and dogs with disadvantaged pasts
Resulting from change in lifestyle or a specific incident.
The Principles of Canine CBT
Courtesy: UPWARD Dogology
CBT (again, not only for canines), changes perception, which in turn, changes behavior.
The application of CBT principles assumes dogs:
Know right from wrong behavior and as such, is choosing the unwanted behavior.
Understand their human is discouraging certain behaviors.
Have preconceived thought patterns.
Employ emotional intelligence to determine behavior.
Do not feel there is a valid reason to change their behavior.
Do not trust the alternatives, if they change their behavior based on reinforcements.
Have employed cognitive skills to make decisions, often ones which have saved their lives.
The design and intention of Canine CBT makes it effective with dogs over six months of age whose behaviors are stemming from cognitive abilities and driven by emotional intelligence. To effectively work with these dogs, we need to harness – not suppress – their cognitive abilities.
For example, if a dog rips apart the garbage because she does not know it is wrong to do that behavior, then non-aversive forms of operant conditioning can be effective in teaching “right from wrong.” On the other hand, if the dog knows the behavior is wrong and is doing it in response to getting an “unacceptably short walk”, then Canine CBT is recommended.
Canine CBT Supports the Human-Canine Bond
Courtesy: UPWARD Dogology
Thankfully, the narrative of mainstream dog education is, finally, changing and progressing toward a more holistic, proactive approach, while recognizing the importance of creating a foundation that allows the human-canine bond to flourish.
Industry leaders are recognizing the need to address the reason for the behavior, as opposed to the behavior itself, while respecting the emotional intelligence of all animals. To effectively embody these mindsets and approaches, it is necessary to move beyond traditional dog training or conditioning methods and incorporate a methodology designed to embrace these mindsets for the ultimate benefit of dogs and those who love them.
To learn more about Canine CBT and UPWARD Dogology, subscribe and stay tuned for more blogs by our guest blogger, Billie Groom of UPWARD Dogology!
Look for Billie’s next blog to learn the irreplaceablebenefits behind K9 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy!
Award-winning author, member of the Dog Writers Association of America, Animal Behavior Society and the Comparative Cognition Society, and a graduate of the University of Western Ontario (B.A.). Billie developed the UPWARD Dogology formula from working with thousands of dogs over 3 decades. Her clients include veterinarians, psychologists, animal experts, canine professionals, rescuers, fosters, adopters and first-time dog peeps.
In 2002, The Humane Society of Toronto awarded Billie for her work with challenging dogs and she has continued to develop her methodology over the decades through hands-on application.
Billie’s Mission: I am motivated to spread awareness of UPWARD Dogology because everyday I help people who are at their wits end. The most common response is, “Why is this methodology not “out there?” It grinds my gears me when I hear about dogs being put down because of behavioural problems which Conditioning Methods were unable to effectively address. C.B.T. needs to be a part of mainstream dog rearing, in addition to positive reinforcement training and other non-aversive Conditioning methods, to effectively address the needs of dogs of all ages, personality types and backgrounds.
Ok, we admit talking about your dog’s poop is not the most pleasant of topics.
Image by Pezibear from Pixabay.
But did you know that your dog’s poop can say a LOT about their overall health and potential health issues and imbalances?
In our November newsletter, Cold Noses News teamed up with AnimalBiome to give you the 411 on what the colors of your dog’s feces can tell you! AnimalBiome protects your dog’s health and happiness through scientific assessments, supplements and maintenance.
Do not miss our November Cold Noses Newsletter with the informative AnimalBiome graphic that may save your dog’s life especially during the holidays if they eat something they shouldn’t!
As the seasons change, so do the dangers for your beloved dog! Learn the 6 Fall dangers you need to protect your dog from in today’s blog post from our friends at Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles!
NOTE: We try our best to bring you the important pet food recalls as they happen but it’s not always possible. We encourage our readers to subscribe to free, automatic pet food recalls through the following websites to protect your beloved pet immediately.
On October 1, 2021, Fromm Family Foods of Mequon, Wisconsin, issued a voluntary recall of approximately 5,500 cases of Fromm Shredded can Entrée dog food. The recall was issued because due to potentially elevated levels of Vitamin D. Affected products were distributed at neighborhood pet stores nationwide.
The Recalled Products
The recall was issued after Fromm’s own analysis and was done with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The affected products include the following:
Recalled Fromm Dog Food Products
Dogs of all sizes could be affected by potential adverse reactions from the recalled products. No reports of illness or injury have been reported to date.
The entire list of affected product brands and their Expiration Date/Lot Numbers can be viewed on the Fromm Family website here.All other Fromm products are unaffected by this recall.
What You Should Know About Elevated Levels of Vitamin D
Dogs who ingest elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Increased Thirst and Urination
Excessive Drooling; and
Weight Loss.
When Vitamin D is ingested at very high levels, K9s (of all sizes) can exhibit serious health issues including renal dysfunction.
For dogs who have consumed any of the affected products and are exhibiting the symptoms above should immediately contact their veterinarian.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any of the recalled products and return all recalled Fromm Four-Star Shredded Entrée canned dog food to their retailers.
Consumers may contact Fromm Family Pet Food at info@FrommFamily.com or call 800-325-6331 between 8am to 5pm Central Time, Monday – Friday for additional information.
History credits the very first Goldendoodle back in 1969 by Monica Dickens, the great-granddaughter of the English writer, Charles Dickens. The Golden Retriever and Poodle were first bred as guide dogs for people with allergies and visual impairment.
In Australia, the Goldendoodle is also known as the Groodle!
Want a great family dog with personality, charisma, affection and high intelligence? The Goldendoodle may be the perfect fit!
Our friends at Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles have a LOT of experience with Golden and Doodle puppies and in this blog post, they introduce you to the gentle and loyal Goldendoodle!
Introduced in 2003, the Bernedoodle is a relatively new designer or mixed-breed.
The best of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle!
Bernedoodles are also know as the Bernese Mountain Poo!
Want a great family dog with personality, charisma, affection and high intelligence? The Bernedoodle may be the perfect fit!
Our friends at Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles have a LOT of experience with Golden and Doodle puppies as breeders and in this blog post, they introduce you to the gentle, goofy and loyal Bernedoodle!
They are cute, adorable and cuddly WITH tiny little razors for teeth! If you are dealing with a new puppy who is biting, this blog is for you!
While a biting puppy is hardly the perfect picture you had in mind before you adopted your cute little bundle of fur, it’s first important to understand the following about your puppy.
Biting is a normal part of puppyhood, learning and maturing;
It’s not personal; and
You can teach your puppy how to control his biting!
Our friends at Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles have a LOT of experience with puppies as breeders and in their latest blog post, they share valuable tips and tricks to get you through your puppy’s teething period without becoming a human pin cushion!
NOTE: We try our best to bring you the important pet food recalls as they happen but it’s not always possible. We encourage our readers to subscribe to free, automatic pet food recalls through the following websites to protect your beloved pet immediately.
On March 26, 2021, Midwestern Pet Foods, Evansville, Indiana issued a voluntary recall of specific dog and cat food brands produced only at its Monmouth, Illinois Production Facility (identified in expiration date codes with an M”). The recall was issued because Salmonella contamination was discovered during routine sampling by the Company of finished products. Affected products were distributed to retail stores nationwide and to online retailers.
Cat and dog food brands affected by this voluntary recall include the following manufactured at the Monmouth Illinois Production Facility:
CanineX
Earthborn Holistic
Merdian
Pro Pac
Pro Pac Performance
Pro Pac Ultimates
Sportmix
Sportmix Wholesomes
Sportstrail
Unrefined
Venture
Wholesomes
The entire list of affected product brands and their Expiration Date/Lot Numbers can be viewed on the FDA website here. All other Midwestern Pet Foods are unaffected by this recall.
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in the stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any of the recalled products and discard them in a secure container where stray animals or wildlife cannot access them.
Consumers should also:
Clean their refrigerator/freezers where the product was stored.
Thoroughly wash their hands after handling any recalled products.
Clean and disinfect any:
Utensils;
Bowls;
Surfaces including floors; and
Pet bedding and toys.
Consumers may contact Midwestern Pet Foods Consumer Affairs at info@midwesternpetfoods.com or call 800-474-4163, extension 455 between 8am to 5pm Central Time, Monday – Friday for additional information.
For many dog owners, shedding dog hair is a concern and even a priority when choosing a new 4-legged best friend to share their life and home!
Whether it’s because of allergies or you just don’t like the look of dog hair-covered furniture and clothing, a non-shedding K9 may seem like a dream come true!
But before you bring home a new dog, learn the facts about hypoallergenic or non-shedding dogs first from our friends at Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles.
Anxiety can develop in canines at any age. Separation anxiety can lead to negative and even destructive behaviors and will only worsen with time. So it’s important to address any separation anxiety early whether it’s a puppy or a newly rescued adult dog.
Start with a dedicated space for your dog. It could be: ~ A crate or playpen. ~ A small, confined room in the house.
If you rescued a dog with separation anxiety, it will take some time and patience, but the problem can be solved. Please be patient!!
Never see confinement as a negative thing (your dog will pick up on this energy). Dogs are like wolves and see their “den” (i.e., a confined space) as their “safe place” when introduced slowly and properly.
Never use a crate, or any other space, as “punishment.” A crate also offers you peace of mind when you can’t be there that your dog cannot destroy your home. I have seen some horrible home destruction done by a dog.
Resolving K9 Separation Anxiety: Steps One and Two
FIRST, put the crate in an area of the house where the dog cannot see you getting ready or leaving the house. You might also want to use a plastic-covered crate, so the dog does not hurt themselves trying to get out.
Slowly introduce and acclimate your dog to their crate over an extended period of timebefore leaving them on their own for several hours or all day. The more time you spend on this training phase, the better the results will be for your dog.
In the beginning, let your dog explore the crate on his own leaving the door wide open. Once he is comfortable, put him in the crate with a deer antler or empty marrow bone with a little bit of (xylitol-free) peanut butter in the middle to create a happy and pleasurable association for your dog. Your goal is to get your dog’s attention on the bone instead of the fact you’re leaving him alone. Quietly close the door.
SECOND,go outside for 3–5 minutes (and increasingly longer) then come back in and quietly let them out of the crate. DO NOT say anything, just let the dog out, so they realize that they can be comfortable and happy in the crate. Every dog is different so be patient and work on your dog’s timetable and never force them to accept being confined.
Remember, dogs are very perceptive and quickly learn our daily routines. So, before you start getting ready to leave, put your dog in their crate (where they cannot see you) to avoid leaving your dog in a very high state of anxiety from knowing you’re leaving. Many owners misinterpret any accidents as being done on purpose; this is not true. With all the pent-up anxiety and fear, your stressed canine can no longer control its bodily functions. It’s just like a person with a nervous stomach, who cannot help but throw up or have a bowel movement.
If you are a stay-at-home parent or work from home, DO NOT have your dog with you at all times. Encourage your dog to be able to be on their own even if you are home. This is a good thing, no need to feel guilty! If you have the chance to leave the house for a little bit, even if it is for 15 minutes, please do, so your dog will get used to you leaving and coming home. When you do leave and come home, do not make a big deal because that will raise your dog’s anxiety.
K9 Separation Anxiety Begins Early!
I’d like to address something that’s been really bothering me lately. It’s also been a very big problem this year especially with all the new COVID puppies. Many breeders are selling puppies too young. There is no reason why puppies should leave their mom and littermates at less than 8 weeks old. They learn so much from their mother and littermates and this is negatively diminished when they are sold too young.
Not only are many breeders selling puppies too young, but then many are put into a crate and travel long distances in an overwhelming airplane cargo area. This causes major crate anxiety and fear from the loud noises and unknown smells. Then, when they finally land, these poor puppies are typically handled by people who are not gentle or even knowledgeable about these impressionable little creatures. Imagine being traumatized like this at less than 2 months old along with the fact that these puppies are usually covered in pee and feces!
Once traumatized, it is very difficult to fix crate anxiety and separation anxiety because these puppies typically pee and defecate from overwhelming anxiety as soon as they are put in a crate. This is because the confinement now represents a bad and even terrifying experience. Even if you switch to a playpen, which gives them more space, it can still cause major anxiety from what they’ve been through. This early trauma causes issues like: ~ Hurting themselves from trying to bite the cage or dig their way out at the bottom. ~ Unwanted and extreme barking, whining and crying. ~ Extreme shyness and fear making even a simple walk impossible once they hear loud noises. ~ Constant attempts to slip out of their collars from their natural response to flee when afraid.
So when is the ideal age to adopt a new puppy? Between 10-13 weeks.
K9 Separation Anxiety: Obedience Training is Priceless
Obedience training is so important for creating – and maintaining – routines along with daily peace and balance in your household. It establishes you as your dog’s leader and also helps tire out your dog from the mental stimulation of regular dog training sessions.
The best part is that training does not take long when done daily. Even if you work with your dog for just 10-15 minutes before you leave, that’s perfect! Also, take your dog out before you leave and remember to give them a bone in the crate and quietly walk out without making a big deal!
Remember, A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog!
K9 Separation Anxiety: Severe Cases
For severe separation anxiety cases, a Bootcamp program is the only effective training because the dog is separated from the family and stays at a training facility for several weeks. While the dog is being re-trained, the family is also learning how to change some of their own habits before the dog comes home. Remember, K9 anxiety and separation anxiety does not resolve on their own, so reach out for expert help, as soon as possible, for your dog’s overall happiness and well-being!
Meet Our Guest Blogger: Cherie Marquez
Image by Cherie Marquez
Cherie Marquez is The Dog Mystic and gratefully living her dream!
Cherie’s motto is Happy Dogs = Happy Owners and it’s her mission is to keep dogs in their forever home.
The Dog Mystic instructs dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, and does not discriminate against any K9 breed. Cherie works on problem-solving, commands, and exercises to strengthen your bond with your dog(s) on the soul level, so they will always be family.
The holidays are a magical time whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or another holiday!
But it’s also a time to proactively protect your new puppy, dog or other pet from potential holiday dangers like holiday foods and drinks, ornaments, decorations and even holiday plants! Curious noses, paws AND mouths can put your pup in danger in the blink of an eye!
Our friends at Arkansas Bear Creek Goldens and Doodles have got you covered with great tips to keep your puppy – and other pets – safe and healthy!
If you’re traveling with your pet(s) this holiday season, make sure you avoid these 6 common mistakes outlined by our friends atAvery’s Pet Styling Salon in Philadelphia!
With some careful planning and research about the location you are traveling to, a ready-to-use Pet Travel Checklist and your pet’s “must-haves,” you can ensure safe and comfortable travels for both you and your pets! Happy Holidays!
More specifically, it’s that time of year to proactively protect your dog (and of course other pets) from seasonal dangers! While many of the dangers are associated with the Holiday Season, not all of them are. Just as many hazards are associated with the Fall and Winter Seasons. Keep reading below to learn how to best protect your beloved pet from all seasonal hazards!
Pet Dangers Associated with Fall/Winter
The Fall season presents a variety of potential dangers to our dogs (and pets)! One in particular with most kids being home-schooled due to the Coronavirus.
Gábor Adonyi from Pixabay
School Supplies
Keep curious noses and paws away from common school supplies like glue sticks, pencils and pens, crayons and scented magic markers! Smaller items are even more dangerous because it only takes a second for a pet to ingest things like small erasers, staples, batteries, pushpins, paper and binder clips, rubber bands, magnets and more. Although many of these items may not present a toxic threat, stomach upset and blockages are possible if your pet ingests one of these items! Remember, dogs explore their world first with their nose and then their mouths!
Snacks
Benjamin Sz-J. from Pixabay
Another danger associated with homeschooling kids includes snacks and drinks. Many snacks while tasty for our kids, can pose a threat to nosy K9s! Grapes and raisins, salty pretzels and popcorn and even empty potato chip and other snack bags can pose a suffocation threat to pets who unknowingly put their heads inside the bag to lick the salt or eat up the crumbs! Once inside the bag, your pet’s breathing can tighten the empty bag around their throat and it may be too late before you notice it!
Many snacks also contain the sugar-free sweetener called xylitol. While not harmful to humans, this popular additive IS toxic to dogs and is found in a variety of candy, gum, mints, snacks, cookies and even sodas. So read all labels carefully and keep all snacks and drinks out of reach from your dog!
Avoidance is the best way to protect your dog from what lurks in leaf piles. But, if your dog or other pet gets into a pile of leaves, bathe and then carefully inspect and remove any insects trying to hitch a ride!
Getting Ready for Winter
Shutterbug75 from Pixabay
Many of our winterizing preparations can cause toxic harm to our dogs and other pets. These include:
The use of rat and mouse poisons/rodenticides
Engine coolant/antifreeze spills
Rock salt and other ice-melting products like water softener salt pellets; homemade deicers with dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and warm water; or a water and vinegar mix; or fireplace ashes.
Pet Dangers Associated with the Holidays
S Jutzeler, suju-foto from Pixabay
The holidays are right around the corner and that means some additional seasonal hazards for your beloved pets.
Toxic and Poisonous Holiday Plants
Mistletoe
Amaryllis
Lilies (for cats)
Holly & Berries
Daffodils (especially the bulbs)
Note: Traditionally, poinsettias have been considered poisonous to pets. Actually, they are non-to-mildly toxic and prone to giving your pet a mild rash if they brush against it or mild stomach discomfort if they ingest it.
Christmas Trees & Plants treated with a pesticide pose a serious risk (and potential death) to young pets including puppies and kittens.
Other Toxic Items
PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
Batteries: Traditionally, dogs ingest MORE batteries around Christmas than any other time of the year! Keep both old and new batteries out of reach!
Potpourri: Often a good-smelling temptation for your pet that contains toxic essential oils, chemical perfumes, pine cones, dried fruit, cloves and flowers. Bottom line, potpourri poses not only a choking hazard but pose potential poisoning for your pet. Keep it high and out of reach! (This includes all liquid potpourri too.)
Popcorn Strings, Tinsel and Ribbons: If your dog or cat gets hold of strings of popcorn, ribbons, strings or tinsel, there is a strong possibility of choking!
Ornaments and Decorations: Pets are dazzled by ornaments and decorations as much as their human guardians. But curious noses, paws and mouths can mean trouble! For the best protection, block off access to the Christmas, decorations, candles, pine needles and gifts when you cannot closely supervise your pets. Place breakable decorations higher on the tree or shelves to protect your pets if they break. Also, never hang homemade salt dough ornaments on the tree … they can actually kill your pets if ingested!
Trash: Keep all trash locked away and tightly secured from curious noses and mouths. Special holiday foods can spell trouble for your nosy and hungry pets and even wildlife!
Holiday Foods That Are Off-Limits for Your Pets!
This alphabetical list below is by no means exclusive, but it will go a long way in protecting the pets in your home at the holidays!
Linda Roisum from Pixabay
Alcoholic drinks (including egg nog, beer, wine and other spirits)
Artificial sweetener called xylitol
Blue cheese
Bread Dough (raw, not baked)
Caffeine (including coffee, tea and chocolate)
Chocolate, cocoa, chocolate coins
Cooked bones and corn cobs
Dairy (including butter, milk, cream and cheese)
Desserts
Dressings
Fatty meat scraps and skin, drippings and gravy
Fruitcake, mince pie and Christmas/Plum puddings
Grapes, raisins and currants
Ham (including bones), bacon and sausage
Hanukkah doughnuts: Sufganiyot
Marlita Annette from Pixabay
Hanukkah potato pancakes: Latkes
Hanukkah pastry: Rugelach
Macadamia nuts
Mushrooms
Onions, leeks, chives, garlic and scallions
Pistachios
Spices (including sage, baking powder and soda, nutmeg)
Stuffing
Walnuts
Keep this blog handy as you plan and celebrate the holidays safely with family and pets!
Ever been woken up at three in the morning by the cold nose of your dog, whining to go out? On the one hand, you want nothing more than to roll over and pull the covers over your head, hoping the moment will pass. But on the other hand, you worry about what your carpet might look like if you don’t get up … so, of course, you get up.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an inconvenient, smelly, sleep-depriving condition resulting from abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) function. Poop comes in a variety of consistencies and colors. A scoring chart, like the Bristol Stool Chart pictured here, presents seven categories of stool, helping standardize parameters for consistency.
There are two types of diarrhea:
Large bowel diarrhea: the most common type with signs of frequent straining (3-7 bowel movements/day), mucous, and soft-to-watery stool (which may contain blood).
Small bowel diarrhea: less common, and results in once or twice a day large amounts of liquid stool.
Typically, these two types of diarrhea have quite different causes.
Causes Behind Dog Diarrhea
The role of the intestines is to break down food and absorb small nutrients, while the colon absorbs water and leaves behind excrement we call “poop.”
Diarrhea occurs when there is a disruption of the cells lining the gutand/orloss of the protective mucus layer. Without the protective mucus layer or fully functioning cells, large molecules are now able to enter the bloodstream and body, triggering the immune system and creating inflammation. This immune response leads to a malfunction of the intestines in which the water is not adequately removed, leaving behind a watery mess we call “diarrhea.”
Although you may never know the culprit, potential causes of K9 diarrhea include:
Parasitic worms
Giardia
Bacterial or viral infections
“Garbage gut:” ingesting plants, mulch, dead animals, and things outside
Stress colitis: anxiety-inducing changes in the environment, people, loud noises, etc. (1) Even the stress and anxiety felt at the groomers or boarding kennels can impact and heighten stress-hormones (i.e. cortisol, adrenaline) that then alter the normal function and motility of the GI tract. (2) This stress, or disease, can also activate dormant infections in the gut, such as Clostridium Perfringens (i.e. C. Perfringens, which produces harmful toxins) or Giardia (which causes maldigestion and malabsorption) resulting in diarrhea.
Overall, although diarrhea can creep up suddenly (referred to as “acute”), if recurring or lasts more than 3 days (referred to as chronic), with no signs of improvement, it may be a concern. If your dog is experiencing chronic-recurring or ongoing diarrhea, visit a veterinarian to get a diagnosis of the problem and appropriate treatment.
The Microbiome
The intestinal tract is a complicated organ. Recent human and animal investigations are revealing the important and positive interactions between helpful bacteria and fungi in the gut (the microbiome), hormones, and immune cells in contributing to a healthy life. (3,4)
When healthy and functioning normally, the gut contains a large variety of virus, bacteria, and fungi which live symbiotically (in a mutually beneficial way) within the body. The body provides food (i.e., fiber, starch, sugars) for the bacteria and in turn, they make healthy nutrients, such as Vitamin B, Vitamin K, and short-chain fatty acids, to be absorbed by the body. Studies have documented that in the presence of anxiety, depression, IBD, or chronic diarrhea there is also a disbalance of the microbiome (with significantly less bacteria variety) termed “dysbiosis.” (5)
“You Are What You Eat” Applies to Your Dog Too!
You’ve probably heard the old expression, “you are what you eat.” Well, that also applies to your pets! Food, chemicals, and medications all impact the health of the microbiome. Since the microbiome – which includes bacteria from the mouth to bum – plays such an important role in overall health, it is best not to treat diarrhea the traditional way using antibiotics such as Metronidazole unless it is absolutely necessary. (6) While antibiotics may be effective at treating diarrhea, they are also indiscriminate killers of bacteria and wreak havoc on the important bacteria of the microbiome.
Relieving Diarrhea And Restoring Normal Function
Mother Nature has her own recipe to repair and promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract called Colostrum, which is the first milk produced by mammals immediately after giving birth. It is a nutrient-rich fluid that contains immune, growth, and tissue repair factors. Colostrum contains a significant number of complementary components that act as natural anti-microbial agents to actively stimulate the maturation and repair of the immune system and “leaky gut.” (5)
A new twist on an old idea, Anubis Bio has harnessed the power of colostrum along with eggs and a variety of protective proteins to develop DoggyStat: an all-natural food supplement that has been used to quickly improve many causes of diarrhea with 1-2 servings within 36 hours.
What’s more, it is 100% made in the USA. Just one packet of DoggyStat works on any size dog at any age. Dogs think it’s a tasty treat; plus it’s easy to administer as a powder on their food as shown in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhM5-F2JLuQ. DoggyStat can also be dissolved in a small amount of water (1/8 cup or 15-20 ml) if you need to syringe feed.
Great results have also been achieved using DoggyStat in combination with a bland diet made of rice and boiled chicken, as well as prebiotic and probiotic supplements for a few days to address K9 diarrhea safely and naturally.
My suggestion is to keep DoggyStat on hand for those middle of the night diarrhea occurrences so you and your dog can get a good night’s sleep!
Dr. Khodakhah works as a small animal relief veterinarian. Following her passion to help wildlife, stray animals, and owners in need, she directs international veterinary spay/neuter programs and works with the Wolf Conservation Center (NY). She leverages her entrepreneurial spirit and experience to drive meaningful change in the veterinary profession, becoming a Certified Professional Coach to help arm young doctors with the tools they needed to succeed. With a similar mission, she produces a podcast, Time to PAWS, which features common experiences in vet med, promoting opportunities, leaning into fear, while building strategies for resilience. She is an Advisory Board Member of several organizations and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, good food, and scuba diving.
You can learn more about Dr. Khodakhah on her LinkedIn and Facebook pages.
References
E. Mondo, M. Barone, M. Soverini, F. D’Amico, M. Cocchi, C. Petrulli, M. Mattioli, G. Marliani, M. Candela and P.A. Accorsia,∗. (Jan 2020). Gut microbiome structure and adrenocortical activity in dogs with aggressive and phobic behavioral disorders. Heliyon; 6(1).
Megan Clapp, Nadia Aurora, Lindsey Herrera, Manisha Bhatia, Emily Wilen, and Sarah Wakefield. (Sep 2017). Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis Clin Pract. 15; 7(4): 987.
Rachel Pilla* and Jan S. Suchodolski. (Jan 2020). The Role of the Canine Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Health and Gastrointestinal Disease Front. Vet. Sci., 14.
M. Hasan Mohajeri, Robert J. M. Brummer, Robert A. Rastall, Rinse K. Weersma, Hermie J. M. Harmsen, Marijke Faas, and Manfred Eggersdorfer. (2018). The role of the microbiome for human health: from basic science to clinical applications. Eur J Nutr.; 57(Suppl 1): 1–14.
Jin Young Yoon, Soo Jung Park, and Jae Hee Cheon. (Jan 2014). Effect of Colostrum on the Symptoms and Mucosal Permeability in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Study. Intestinal Res.; 12(1): 80–82.
Suchodolski JS, Dowd SE, Westermarck E, Steiner JM, Wolcott RD, Spillmann T, et al. (2009). The effect of the macrolide antibiotic tylosin on microbial diversity in the canine small intestine as demonstrated by massive parallel 16S rRNA gene sequencing. BMC Microbiol. 9:210.
As summer eases into Fall, it’s still important to remain vigilant about your canine’s safety while you’re sharing fun and adventurous activities with your four-legged best friend. Always be proactive about minimizing – and avoiding – potential injuries and dangers like heat exhaustion, dehydration, overheated cars, parasites and even water hazards.
Remember, your pup depends on you to be on your guard and protect him from injury and danger. Follow the 5 safety tips below even in the Fall when warm temperatures and other dangers are still present.
1. Stay Cool
Heat exhaustion is a common phenomenon experienced by dogs during warmer months. Even “mild” weather may be too hot for your dog. When your dog begins to pant heavily, become lethargic and unenthusiastic, get him to a cool place and encourage him to drink water.
A dog cooling mat or air conditioning can also help keep your dog cool and prevent him from becoming overheated.
Also, apart from staying cool, also protect your dog against skin cancer through the use of dog-friendly or baby sunscreens Ideally, you should apply sunblock on your dog every 4 hours and each time after they swim. Protect sun-sensitive areas like noses, lips, tips of the ears and tail and even the belly and groin.
Proper hydration will also help keep your dog cool and safe during the warmer months. Ensure they always have access to plenty of clean, cool water. Since they will be consuming more water than normal, make sure they have at least twice the usual amount of water available at all times.
You might also want to consider making the switch to a wet food diet during this time so your dog takes in more moisture. Also, liquids such as frozen chicken and beef broth goes a long way in encouraging them to drink more to stay cool and fully hydrated.
Never leave a dog alone in the car. While it might not be so harmful during the winter, in the summer you should never leave your dog alone in the car, no matter how short the amount of time is. A cracked window does not allow enough ventilation to keep up with how quickly a car can heat up. So keep your dog safe and at home in the air conditioning to ensure their safety and overall well-being.
Parasites and pests such as ticks, fleas and even mosquitoes can pose some real threats to your dog’s health. Work with your veterinarian for necessary precautions and appropriate steps to protect against parasites and pests. Also get your dog inoculated against diseases such as heartworms and hookworms, both of which are more prevalent during the warmer seasons.
Who doesn’t love a trip to the beach, a refreshing swim, or even a canoe ride. All of these are fun and amazing, but they can also leave your dog exposed to potential water hazards.
Most people believe dog are natural swimmers, but this is not always true. While many dogs do love the water, not all dogs are natural swimmers; especially when it comes to specific breeds that are larger with deeper chests. In addition, even the best swimmers can be challenged with being able to safely get out of the water (especially in pools) or dealing with unexpected water creatures. Always keep a close eye on your dog around the water to protect him.
Before enjoying the water with your dog, teach them pool exit strategies; have them wear a bright-colored and well-fitted life vest and keep an eye out for dangerous currents and riptides that can endanger even the strongest dog.
Meet our Guest Blogger: Pete Decker
Pete Decker is the lead editor at TheGoodyPet.com. For the past 20 years, Pete has been working professionally with dogs, and he has spent time volunteering in animal shelters across the USA and around the world. Now, Pete dedicates his time towards TheGoodyPet, a pet educational website made by pet lovers for pet lovers.
You can learn more about Pete on his website or by following TheGoodyPet on Twitter or Facebook.
UPDATE: On October 8th, Sunshine Mills, Inc., based in Alabama, expanded their voluntary recall of dog food products for aflatoxin, a naturally-occurring mold by-product. No illnesses have been reported as of October 8th.
After the initial recall on September 2nd, an investigation revealed corn-based pet food products (produced between April 3-5, 2020) came from a single load of corn with elevated levels of aflatoxin.
The recall now includes all the brands listed below:
Hunter’s Special
Sprout
Champ
Thrifty
Top Runner
Sportsmans Pride
Old Glory
Field Trial
Whiskers & Tails
Good Dog
Paws Happy Life
Pet Expert
Principle
Retriever
River Bend
No other Sunshine Mills Inc. products are affected at this time.
For more information, including a complete list of recalled products, Lot Codes and UPC Codes, visit the FDA website.
On September 2, 2020, Sunshine Mills, Inc., issued a voluntary recall for some of their dog food products. Sunshine Mills manufactures dog food products under the brand names of Family Pet®, Heartland Farms®, or Paws Happy Life®.
This voluntary recall was issued due to elevated levels of Aflatoxin beyond acceptable limits. Aflatoxin is a naturally-occurring mold/fungus (from the growth of Aspergillus flavus on foods) which can infect pets if consumed in significant quantities.
The elevated levels of Aflatoxin were discovered through routine testing by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry with a single 4-pound bag of dog food. While no adverse health effects related to these recalled products have been reported to date, Sunshine Mills, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, issued a voluntary recall.
The recalled products were distributed nationally in retail stores. There are no other Family Pet®, Heartland Farms®, or Paws Happy Life® products or other lot codes of these products affected by this precautionary recall.
The Sunshine Mills Products Recalled
Symptoms of Illness from Aflatoxin Consumption
Dogs that consumed any of the recalled products and are exhibiting the following symptoms should be seen by their veterinarian:
Reluctance to eat
Vomiting
Lethargy or sluggishness
A yellowish tint to the eyes or gums
Diarrhea
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop using any of the recalled products and return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may contact Customer Service at Sunshine Mills at 800-705-2111, Monday – Friday from 7am to 4pm Central time or via email at customer.service@sunshinemills.com.
Kibble for dogs is convenient and offers a long shelf life. But there is much more than meets the eye when it comesto commercial dog food especially when itcomes to what is really in your dog’s food!
Keep reading to learn about the not-so-pretty facts behind thecommon meat by-products found in most kibbles.
But while dry dog food is a useful convenience in our busy lives, there are potentially serious and unseen issues when it comes to feeding your dog dry kibble as a day-to-day diet. Issues you will never see when you look at those little dried squares! But what you can’t see can hurt your dog.
The Kibble Manufacturing Process
Manufacturing kibble involves extreme pressurized steam and temperatures. This alone negatively affects the overall quality nutrition and vitamins as much as 50%! This process also kills the beneficial and natural enzymes your dog’s body needs every day.
Meat By-Products in K9 Kibble
Pet food labels are full of “meat by-products” and “meat by-product meals.” But what exactly does that mean? But even more importantly, what does that mean for your dog’s health and safety?
According to the dictionary, a by-product is “a secondary or incidental product, as in a process of manufacture.” In other words, animal by-products (also called offal) come from the leftovers – or meat processing scrap – after all the premium meat for human consumption has been removed. At the end of the day, dog food manufacturers use meat by-products because they are much cheaper to use in dog food instead of premium cuts of meats fit for human consumption.
While some veterinary organizations and even “experts” may insist there is no harm in feeding your dog by-products, you need to consider the following three points.
While it’s much less revolting for a consumer to read “meat by-products” instead of “spleen, lungs, intestines, blood and plasma” on their dog’s food label, there is no way to guarantee the consistency of the specific ingredients included as “by-products” and the actual nutrition in each product.
While meat by-products may not come from inferior or unsafe meat ingredients, most are considered unfit for human consumption. Also, most by-products are further processed into meals or powders with high temperatures which can affect the overall nutrition and protein quality of these meals or powders (just like mentioned above in the general manufacturing process).
Most meat by-products are listed generically instead of listing the source (species) of the meat. If your dog is allergic to certain kinds of meats, this could pose a very real danger for your dog if he eats meat by-products his system cannot tolerate.
While it may seem you are feeding your dog nutritious and healthy dog food from the commercials and labels, the excessive processing – more accurately, overcooking – has very negative effects on the actual nutrition your dog is – or isn’t – getting which can lead to serious, even life-threatening health issues over an extended period.
Also, another critical factor in animal by-products is how they are handled after slaughter. Much of it is not safely stored (like the premium meat for human consumption) which can lead to the presence of mold, bacteria and worse before being processed and included in dog food.
Did you also know that legally, generic meat by-products can include diseased, dying or dead zoo animals, roadkill, spoiled supermarket meat and euthanized animals? It explains how traces of a euthanasia drug was found in dog and cat foods and treats. (Admitted to by the former AAFCO, American Feed Control Officials, President Hersh Pendell via a YouTube Video.)
What Should a Dog Owner Do?
Do your own research for your dog’s specific needs, health and activity level. Finding animal or meat by-products in your dog’s food does not make it automatically bad; but it can mean it is made with cheaper ingredients.
Make sure the experts you rely on for accurate information are supported by dog food consumers just like you, not the pet food companies who have a lot of profit at stake, literally billions of dollars!
Even if you need to feed your dog a dry kibble diet, find the best one possible. Then add some fresh ingredients to boost the overall nutrition, vitamins, minerals and enzymes with these great tips from the Dogs Naturally Magazine: 15 Tips to Improve Your Dog’s Diet Today.
Below are well-known, independent experts in the pet industry who can give you the best information.
On June 15, 2020, a voluntary recall for Carnivora Fresh Frozen Patties for Dogs and Cats was issued. This recall is unique because it involves potential contamination with E. coli O157a particularly dangerous strain of E. coli bacteria forhumans.
This specific strain of E. coli can cause cross-contamination andserious, even life-threatening illnesses in humans by simply handling the contaminated product. As of June 12th, four cases of human illness have been reported in Canada. Approximately 1,803 affected units were sold in Canada starting on January 13, 2020 until the recall.
The Risk Behind E. coli O157
E. coli O157 produces a powerful toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine which may cause bloody diarrhea. According to the recall issued on the Healthy Canadians website, “some people infected with E. coli O157 do not get sick at all, though they can still spread the infection to others.”
The Carnivora Products Recalled
E. coli O157: What You Need to Know
There are hundreds of strains of the E. coli bacteria and most are harmless and live in the intestines of both animals and humans. But according to the Mayo Clinic, the E. coli O157 strain, involved in this recall of raw pet food, is not harmless and can cause severe stomach cramps, pain or tenderness, bloody diarrhea and even nausea and vomiting in some people. Most healthy adults will recover on their own within a week to ten days with rest and plenty of hydration. But if diarrhea is persistent, severe or bloody, see your doctor.
The Health Canada website also warns, “Pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, young children and older adults are most at risk for developing serious complications (like a life-threatening form of kidney failure) and might need hospitalization.”
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop using any of the recalled products and contact the retailer where they purchased the products for a full refund or exchange. Consumers may contact Carnivora Pet Food 888-665-0856, Monday – Friday from 8:30 am-4:30 pm CST or via email at: carnivorarecall@carnivora.ca.
Did you know dogs have served our country as far back as World War I?
And each story is as extraordinary as each individual dog.
American K9 Heroes is dedicated to highlighting and supporting the training, service, expertise, heroics and well-deserved retirement of our police and military dogs.
Each K9 hero selected will be honored with a limited-production plush toy replica with their story and available for sale to support the dogs who protected our freedom.
Just like their handlers, our military and police K9s go to work every day not knowing if they will ever see their home or loved ones again.
These dogs are trained to save American lives and sacrifice their own lives if asked through a handler’s command. Since WWI, these dogs have performed heroic acts.
Smoky, a four-pound, 7 inches tall Yorkshire Terrier, proves war dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Found in the New Guinea jungle by an American soldier during WWII, Smoky was later sold to another soldier, Corporal William A. Wynne from Cleveland, OH. Wynne and Smoky stayed together for the next two years of the war and Wynne credits his dog with saving his life by guiding him away from the incoming fire on a transport ship. In addition, Smoky survived the relentless heat, limited food rations, typhoons, air raids, combat missions and even a 30ft parachute jump (she had her own special parachute)! Smoky has also been credited with saving 250 US soldiers during World War II.
Smoky Goes On to Serve as the 1st Therapy Dog
Smoky is also now recognized as the first therapy dog, as she spent many hours both during the war and back home visiting veterans and entertaining them with the varied collections of tricks that Wynne taught her. After the war, Smoky and Wynne made numerous TV appearances together, performing tricks and telling their amazing story. Smoky lived in Cleveland with Wynne and his family until her death in 1957 at age 14. On Veterans Day in 2005, a memorial for Smoky was unveiled in the Rocky Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks in Lakewood, Ohio. The statue features the tiny dog sitting inside a combat helmet, smiling her trademark smile.
It wasn’t until I was in the service that I really appreciated dogs. I saw firsthand the loyalty that they had for their trainers and their handlers. These dogs were special, highly trained K9s unlike the ones that I had when I was younger. They were trained to do one job … to save American lives through various duties.
After I got out of the service I continued to have dogs as my pets. But it wasn’t until I met a veteran who had adopted his dog after both of them had served two tours in Iraq. We met a few times and he told me about military dog training. It is a rigorous training very few can pass. His dog sniffed out bombs. He would walk with his dog who would alert him if dangers were apparent and he would trust the dog’s instincts explicitly. He also told stories of dogs in the act of performing their duties being maimed and killed in action (KIA). These are dogs dedicated to their handler and would do anything including risking their lives for a treat and a little love.
My background is in the toy industry and one day while waiting to get my hair cut I looked out the window and noticed a big burly guy walking a dog on a leash that was no bigger than a hamster. That immediately got me thinking about making a small replica dog to honor the many dogs and handlers that served our nation in the military and police. We needed to bring to the forefront the many stories of the bravery these dogs showed daily. We needed to tell stories of the dogs who gave up their lives so military personnel could go home to their loved ones once again.
When I got home, I called a veteran friend of mine who is also in the plush animal toy business and told him about my idea and he was ready to go. Our biggest hurdle was to find a manufacturer that could make our product in the USA. After a lot of research and phone calls, we finally found a manufacturer who could work with us at a reasonable price.
We now had the mission, product, manufacturer and a network of salespeople! The next step was getting our cause out on social media and finally found someone who was as passionate as we were about paying tribute to these incredible and heroic dogs.
Join our Mission to Honor American K9 Heroes
We are looking for just 10,000 supporters to donate $5.00 each!
Part of our profit will be donated to police dog foundations and the organizations that reunite military dogs with their trainers/handlers; or if necessary, find new homes for them after their service and throughout their retirement.
Join our mission, share with your friends and help spread the word about the valorous stories of our beloved military and police dogs and the veterans who were their handlers.
It’s undeniable, we love our pets! Most of us even regard our pets as an integral part of our family instead of just animals who share our home.
In return, our pets reward us with unconditional love and devotion each and every day.
But, Who is the Better Pet Parent?
Since pets can’t voice their opinions, Porch.com tried to do it for them in a recent survey of over 1,000 pet parents living with their partner to find out, who IS the better pet parent!
From which gender has the better pet parenting skills, who assumes most of the responsibility and day-to-day care for their pets to what pet parents fight over, the results may – or may not – reveal your own belief of who is the better pet parent!
It’s definitely a crazy time and lots of conflicting information coupled with lots of uncertainty!
Like you, we are hunkered down here in Northern Nevada and waiting for the “all clear” signal to go back to living our lives “normally.”
But in the meantime, I’m bonding even closer with the fur-kids (IF that’s even possible!), learning a lot through webinars and taking a serious look at new, creative ways to do business to minimize personal contact. Yes, it often feels frustrating and very uncertain, but times of hardship and “necessity” are invaluable in ramping up new ways of doing things!
I’m sure, like me, you’ve heard more than enough about the coronavirus! I would like to (quickly) address just one area to hopefully dispel some misinformation and stop the unfortunate actions on the part of some pet owners. This is from our upcoming April newsletter.
Can My Pet Get and Pass Along Coronavirus?
Sadly, there are reports of people abandoning their pets because of the unfounded belief that their dogs and cats can get, carry and transmit the coronavirus.
In a nutshell, this is not true and there is NO evidence backing up this claim. So please keep your pet in your home with you where they belong.
CLARIFICATION: There IS a Canine Coronavirus (CCV), but the current outbreak has nothing to do with the CCV virus.
The WHO, CDC, AVMA and AKC all agree there is no imminent threat from our pets for transmitting the Coronavirus. The CDC says the virus is spreading from person-to-person only. The AVMA also assures that petting a dog’s fur is low-risk because the virus survives best on smooth surfaces.
Remember, the coronavirus is transmitted via respiratory droplets from human-to-human. So follow the AKC’s advice to consistently follow basic hygiene in thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water before and after contact with any pet.
For further information, watch the “COVID-19 Update on Pets” video with Rodney Habib, Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Sarah Caddy of the University of Cambridge.
Ok, ’nuff said!
Play and Engage Your Dog!
The pets of our lives enhance and enrich our lives especially in uncertain times like these!
Instead of stressing out over every news report, spend extra quality time with your beloved pet and enhance your overall relationship and bond! Below are some great ideas to keep you and your dog active even as you shelter-in-place.
People-Oriented Dog Play
Hide-and-Seek
Tug-of-War
Object-Oriented Dog Play
Find It
Put it Away
Fetch
Task-Oriented Dog Play
Tricks
Puzzle-Solving
Dig Here
To learn more about other games to play with your resident canine, click on the links below.
Thankfully it’s been pretty quiet when it comes to product recalls for our beloved pets.
But on Monday, March 23rd, the FDA published a new recall for Whole Capelin Fish Pet Treats made by IcelandicPlus LLC of Fort Washington, PA. The recall was issued because some of the fish “exceeded the FDA compliance guidelines for fish larger than 5 inches.” While there have been no reports of illness as of the date of publication, Icelandic+ is cooperating with the recall because of a possible health risk.
The FDA has determined that salt-cured, dried, or fermented un-eviscerated fish larger than 5 inches have been linked to outbreaks of botulism poisoning in humans between 1981 and 1987 and again in 1991.
Icelandic Plus says that as of March 23rd, “there have been no reported illnesses of dogs, cats or people in connection with the recalled product.” In addition, there are no positive test results for Clostridium botulinum (botulism poisoning) in connection with the Capelin product.
The recalled product comes in a:
Clear plastic tube (2.5 ounces); or
Clear plastic bag (1.5 or 2.5 ounces)
Both the tubes and packages are printed with either:
Icelandic+ Capelin WHOLE FISH, PURE FISH TREATS FOR DOGS; or
Icelandic+ Capelin PURE FISH TREATS FOR CATS.
The recalled UPC codes are:
8 5485400775 9;
8 5485400711 7; and
8 5485400757 5.
The recalled lot numbers are 02/2020 to 02/2022.
The Entire USA is Included in the Recall
The recalled product was shipped to distributors for sale to independent retail pet specialty stores throughout the USA.
Botulism Poisoning: What You Need to Know
The botulism toxin can cause severe symptoms including death in both animals eating tainted products as well as people handling the contaminated product or coming in contact with exposed and tainted surfaces.
Common symptoms of botulism poisoning include:
Dizziness;
Blurred or double vision;
Trouble speaking, swallowing or breathing;
Muscle weakness;
Distended abdomen; and
Constipation.
Pets or people experiencing any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical help.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any of the recalled products and return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund. Consumers may contact the company at 857-246-9559, Monday – Friday from 8am-5pm EST.
“My dog is acting nuts,” I told the vet’s office lady over the phone.
“What do you mean?”
“She’s not behaving normal – just crazy,” I responded.
“What’s going on?” the lady asked in a tone that suggested I was the crazy one.
I know my dog . . .
If you have owned a dog for a while, you know their personality, their quirks, and their behaviors. I knew she wasn’t behaving normally (for her). I made an appointment for the next afternoon.
So, What Was the Crazy Behavior?
My 12-year-old pitbull, Lacey, doesn’t like to go out in the rain. She’s a big baby.
The weather was sleeting, and it was cold. Lacey wandered through the doggy door to the outside, down the steps and laid down. She wouldn’t come back in. I’d call her and she seemed confused. She’d start to walk to the deck stairs, pace back and forth, then turn around and lay back down.
She was now cold and completely soaked.
I hustled outside and brought her indoors. I wondered if she was getting dementia. Later, I found her standing with her head in the corner – again very weird.
Later that evening, she sat next to me on the couch and pressed her head into my chest rubbing up and down. I thought, “Aww, how sweet.” But then, as I ran my hand down her side, I could feel it tightening like contractions. Instantly, I knew my dog was in pain.
Urinary Tract Infections: Common Symptoms
The typical UTI symptoms usually include:
blood in the urine
cloudy urine
strong urine odor
trying to pee, but not able to get much out
dribbling urine in the house – can’t control it
excessive licking of the genital area
fatigue
loss of appetite
fever
nausea/vomiting
crying in pain while urinating
drinking more than usual
Know the Quirkier Symptoms
Symptoms including:
confusion
off-balance, dizzy, possible falling or tripping
agitation
shaking/chills
unusual behavior
walking with an arched back
sleeping in unusual postures
How Does a UTI Get Diagnosed?
First, you’ll need a clean urine sample; ask your vet for a collection container.
Take the sample to your vet to run a:
urinalysis; or
urine culture (this takes a couple of days).
This will tell the veterinarian what kind of bacteria or fungi your dog may have contracted, and which antibiotic to use (should you choose that route). You want to eradicate the infection the first time because having to use additional rounds of antibiotics can cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria which you really don’t want.
(I prefer the urine culture because it determines the specific cause of the UTI infection, bacterial or fungal. The treatment can then be targeted for that particular cause.)
Do NOT Let a UTI Go Untreated!
If left untreated, a UTI can turn into a serious and possibly life-threatening problem (once it travels to the kidneys). At a minimum, get a urinalysis or culture to see what your dog is dealing with and then treat it with prescribed antibiotics or holistic alternatives.
Holistic Alternatives
Once you know whether you’re dealing with a bacterial or fungal UTI infection, get your canine on an appropriate treatment immediately.
If you decide to use holistic options, only use organic, pesticide-free herbs on an empty stomach.
You could also use amino acid methionine. When used along with cranberry extract, it can be as effective as an antibiotic. Consult with a holistic vet versed in herbal treatments for proper dosing.
A Final Note
Whether you choose traditional or holistic treatments, the idea is to properly diagnose and treat your dog quickly.
I believe that holistic treatments and traditional treatments can work harmoniously. I use holistic treatment options on a regular basis with my dogs. But at times, you may opt for a traditional approach with antibiotics.
Pamela Morrison is a professional copywriter for the pet industry including marketers, pet product and service providers, veterinarians and holistic pet practitioners. She does home visits for a local rescue when she can and has been a dog foster mom. She lives in western Michigan with her husband and two dogs, Lacey and Zadie. Pam enjoys walking her dogs, reading, and drinking lots of coffee!
But when you’re faced with a life-threatening emergency requiring K9 CPR, proper preparation may be all that stands between life and death for that dog.
Christmas is a time to have fun, indulge and celebrate!
Since our pets are such an important part of our family, it’s natural to
include them in the holiday celebration as well!
But this festive season also presents many hidden dangers to our canine and feline friends, from toxic food to hazardous seasonal plants and even decorations!
To ensure your beloved pet remains safe this holiday season, keep reading about the unusual risks to our pets this festive season.
11 Christmas Risks for Dogs
Batteries
Did you know that more dogs ingest batteries during Christmas than at any other time of the year?
Just like with your kids, apply the same security measures for your dogs. It is vital to cover all batteries and wires so that your dog cannot access them. Batteries can cause burns in the mouth and esophagus leading to other severe internal injuries.
Enjoy a safe Christmas with your dogs by keeping all new and old batteries out of reach of your pets.
Live Christmas Trees
For some people, Christmas is incomplete without a Christmas tree. But pine needles (real and fake) are dangerous if your dog chews or swallows them! They can cause mouth injuries and swelling; if ingested, they can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Also, stagnant water from live trees can cause diarrhea or nausea in your dog.
Whether you use a real or artificial tree, create a perimeter to prevent your dog from swallowing any of the tree’s needles (and decorations!).
Also, ensure that the tree is securely stable so it won’t fall over and cause injuries to your dog, other pets or even children.
Salt Dough Ornaments
These commonly used holiday ornaments are made out of baked dough and contain flour, salt, and water. This mixture can be fatal for our dogs, especially small puppies.
But unfortunately, these ornaments can invite a pet’s curiosity thanks to their curious shape, colors and smells. But if ingested, the results can be unpleasant and worse for our pets.
Candles
Candles can be a great way to bring Christmas spirit into our homes. But as a pet parent, avoid leaving burning candles unattended – or within reach – of your pets.
Dogs (and cats) are naturally curious about new smells and tastes. A curious pet could easily get burned; or worse, cause a fire if a burning candle is knocked over.
Consider using no-flame candles instead. If you decide to light candles, be sure to place them on secure tabletops and remember to extinguish them before leaving the room.
Silica Gel
Silica gel in small packets is often found in the packaging of new handbags, shoes or electrical equipment. Although it has low toxicity, it can cause blockages in your dog’s gut if they eat it.
Always be careful when opening Christmas presents with silica gel packets and securely dispose of them immediately.
Potpourri
When eaten, potpourri can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in dogs. These issues might last for several days, even after passing through the gut.
Proactively protect your dog by keeping all potpourri securely out of reach.
Chocolate
Chocolate can cause severe gastrointestinal problems in dogs. These issues might last for several days, even after passing through the gut.
To protect your dog, you should keep them out of reach.
Blue Cheese
Despite the popularity of blue cheese, it does contain roquefortine C, a substance which dogs are susceptible to. As with all of the Christmas foods around, be sure to keep blue cheese away from your dog.
Cooked Bones
While you may think that cooked bones are a safe treat to give to your dog to enjoy, nothing could be farther from the truth!
Cooked bones are very brittle and can easily break into tiny, sharp pieces when chewed. These tiny pieces can cause irreparable harm to your dog’s gastrointestinal tract including blockages and piercing of the intestines. Keep all cooked bones away from your dog and make sure they are securely disposed of where your dog cannot get to them.
Mince Pies & Christmas Puddings
Mince pies and Christmas puddings contain toxic grapes, currants, raisins and sultanas and should be kept away from dogs and other pets.
Alcohol
Alcohol can cause diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, coma and even death in dogs.
Keep any and all alcohol beverages (including beer) out of reach of all pets and children for a safe holiday celebration!
Wishing you, your family and four-legged best friends a safe and Merry Christmas!
It’s also a wonderful time to think about our local animal shelters.
For most of us, the holidays come with colder weather. As I write this, here in Wisconsin, it’s only 6 degrees! Sadly, this time of year also sees an increased number of dogs and cats in need of shelter. Since shelters usually operate from donations, whatever you can give goes a long way in helping homeless pets.
Ideas for Giving to Your Local Shelter
Your Time – All dogs and cats need attention, cuddle time and exercise. Especially during the holidays, shelters and rescues are always looking for extra volunteers to help keep the animals feeling loved and well-cared for.
Food – Both canines and felines eat at least twice a day. That is a lot of food for a shelter! Depending on age and diet needs, they typically will accept a variety of quality foods both dry and wet along with treats. Other foods a shelter can typically use include peanut butter (please make sure it’s xylitol-free), fresh veggies and fruits, canned baby food and tuna. Call your local shelter first to see what they are currently accepting.
Spare Blankets, Pillows and Towels – Shelters can always use these items for their crates and bedding. They also need rags, newspapers and kitty litter.
Toys – Shelters can always use toys to help the dogs (and cats) stay happy, mentally stimulated and active. Kong toys, balls or puzzles are great, so are gently used stuffed animals! Do you have toys that your dog or cat refuses to play with? Donate them!
Crates and Carriers – Both dogs and cats love a secure den. Are you no longer using your dog crate or cat carrier? Donate it! You can help a shelter animal feel safer, especially in a busy shelter where things may seem scary and overwhelming.
Other items you could give include:
Food and water bowls;
Grooming supplies; and
Office items.
Obviously, you can always donate money to a shelter; but there are other ways to help if you don’t have the extra money (especially at this time of year)! Extra items or those going unused at home could be very useful at a shelter. Again, call a shelter first to see what items they need and will accept.
I am in high hopes that this blog helps our animal shelters receive extra donations during this Season of Giving. Also, keep your local shelters in mind, not just over the holidays, but throughout the coming year!
A big thank you to all our animal shelters and may all the pets find forever homes!
Dog Bless~
Not sure where to find YOUR local shelters?
Just pull out your smartphone and google “animal shelters near me!”
Meet our Guest Blogger
Holli Burch is a blogger at The Dog Connection focusing on Connecting Humans and Dogs; Mind, Body and Soul. She likes to focus everyday on giving back and uplifting dog lovers. You can follow Holli on Facebook.
I thought I had heard it all when it comes to the trouble our dogs (and even cats) can get into. Well, I stand corrected, because recently I learned about a common danger that exists at this very moment in almost every household (probably including yours)!
Pet parents know that having a pet brings an incredible amount of happiness into their life. But caring for your doggo can also have an invaluable impact on your health and well-being. While properly caring for your pet is a big responsibility, you will also enjoy improvements in your physical health, emotional health, and even your social life! It may make you feel like you need your pet more than they need you!
Good for Your Heart and Overall Health
According to a study by Sweden’s Uppsala University, adopting a dog can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in people who live alone. Owning a pet has even shown to increase life expectancy. Whether you’re taking your pup on a daily walk around the block, taking him on a hike or to the dog beach, you are also taking care of your heart and increasing your physical activity. And hey, pets are great for your “emotional heart” as well!
Reduces Stress
Stress can have significant effects on your mental health and sense of well-being. It can make everything seem much more dire than it really is and leave you at an increased risk for things like depression and anxiety. Stress is often hard to get rid of, but it turns out that pets can help! According to the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a study showed that owning a pet can actually help diminish symptoms of stress on a long-term basis.
Better Sleep
Sleep is important to both physical and mental health, and it can be particularly difficult to achieve quality sleep when you’re not in the right headspace. Did you know that sleeping with your pet could help? Many people find that they feel more comforted and secure with their pet in the room than they do without them. If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, consider sharing some space with your pet to see if it helps. While it doesn’t prove effective for everyone, especially if you have a rambunctious pup, you may be surprised at how much your pet’s presence can help.
Improved Social Life
Looking to jump-start your social life? Get a dog. Walking your dog can help you connect with neighbors and meet new people. Many conversations – and friendships – begin at the dog park. While this, at first glance, may not seem crucial to your health, it is believed that people with more social connections often live longer. You can actually help reinforce your physical health as well as your social circle simply by taking good care of your furry friend and meeting people along the way.
Unconditional Love
A price cannot be put on the unconditional love your pet gives you. We all have to cope with stress and the unexpected twists and turns of life. However, the one thing you can always rely on is the love of a pet. Your dog will always be there waiting for you at the front door with an open heart and a wagging tail. That’s a great way to end the day.
Our pets need us to help take care of their physical health, but it turns out that they might give us more than we could ever hope to give them. Having a pet is great for your mental and physical health!
Stephanie James is a dog-walker by day and freelance writer by night, who covers a variety of topics, including holistic health for both pets and owners. To read more work by Stephanie, connect with her on Twitter @sjaywrites13.
Anyone who is a pet parent knows that having a pet brings an incredible amount of happiness into your life. But caring for your doggo can also have an invaluable impact on your health and wellbeing. While properly caring for your pet is a big responsibility, you may find the improvements in your physical health, emotional health, and even your social life has you feeling like you need your pet more than they need you.
Good for Your Heart and Overall Health
According to a study by Sweden’s Uppsala University, adopting a dog can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in people who live alone. And owning a pet has even shown to increase life expectancy. Whether you’re taking your pup on a daily walk around the block or taking him on a hike or to the dog beach, you are also taking care of your heart, and increasing your physical activity. And hey, pets are good for your “emotional heart” as well!
Reduces Stress
Stress can have significant effects on your mental health and sense of well-being. It can make everything seem much more dire than it really is and leave you at an increased risk for things like depression and anxiety. Stress is often hard to get rid of, but it turns out that pets can help! According to the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a study showed that owning a pet can actually help diminish symptoms of stress on a long-term basis.
Better Sleep
Sleep is important to both physical and mental health, and it can be particularly difficult to achieve quality sleep when you’re not in the right headspace. Did you know that sleeping with your pet could help? Many people find that they feel more comforted and secure with their pet in room than they do without them. If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, consider sharing some space with your pet to see if it helps. While it doesn’t prove effective for everyone, especially if you have a particularly rambunctious pup, you may be surprised at how much their pet’s presence can help.
Improved Social Life
Looking to jump start your social life? Get a dog. Walking your dog can help you connect with neighbors and meet new people. Many conversations – and friendships – begin at the dog park. While this, at first glance, may not seem crucial to your health, it is believed that people with more social connections often live longer. You can actually help reinforce your physical health as well as your social circle simply by taking good care of your furry friend and meeting people along the way.
Unconditional Love
A price cannot be put on the unconditional love your pet gives you. We all have to cope with stress and the unexpected twists and turns of life. However, the one thing you can always rely on is the love of a pet. Your dog will always be there waiting for you at the front door with an open heart and a wagging tail. That’s a great way to end the day.
Our pets need us to help take care of their physical health, but it turns out that they might give us more than we could ever hope to give them. Having a pet is great for your mental and physical health!
Stephanie James is a dog-walker by day and freelance writer by night, who covers a variety of topics, including holistic health for both pets and owners. To read more work by Stephanie, connect with her on Twitter @sjaywrites13.
Dogs are naturally social creatures that enjoy attention. As a matter of fact, nothing more can make them go gaga than chancing upon their own kind, regardless of breed. That should not come as a total surprise because dogs came from a long line of ancestors who had thrived living in packs.
Unfortunately, some puppies and even adult dogs find it hard to contain their excitement and go completely overboard when around other canines. A dog may bark, whine or lunge at other dogs when they are giddy. These actions may come from a friendly standpoint, but the other dog might perceive it as a threat, especially if their personal space is being violated.
If your puppy or adult dog acts this way, he might be in danger of being attacked by another dog. Also, if this hyperactive behavior is ignored, it may progress into aggressiveness. This tendency is more evident in dogs that show signs of fear and anxiety. But, addressing the issue should be done in the right manner. Yelling will not help and will only impose a sense of negativity to the dogs involved. Also, if you pull your leashed dog close to you when he is about to interact with another dog, this can create unwanted tension. If you reprimand your dog for acting this way, it will lead him to think negatively about associating with other dogs, fueling unwanted and negative behaviors.
Is Your Dog Excited or Stressed?
Did you know that dogs often look the same way when they are excited or stressed? This can be a shocker for most pet parents to realize what they once viewed as a happy behavior is actually a cry for help.
It is not bad for dogs to get excited, but there are key differences between:
Stressed and anxious energy; and
Happy and enthusiastic canine energy.
A dog’s energy depends on their mental state at the time. As owners, we often observe their physical behavior without understanding the true energy behind it. Dogs are “cute” when they are over-excited or over-stimulated, but this attitude is not ideal for your dog. Also, when we match this type of excited energy from our dogs, they respond with more excitement, heightening their already intensified feelings which can lead to unwanted behavior.
To identify whether your dog is exhibiting signs of anxiety or excitement, take note of how he behaves when he is in a relaxed state. You can see how comfortable a dog is based on his posture and behavior. It can also be characterized by a soft gaze with squinted or rounded eyes and ears slightly erect and placed forward (does not apply to dogs with floppy ears). When you talk to him, he acknowledges you by moving his ear backward and relaxing his mouth.
Other Reasons Your K9 is Overactive Around Other Dogs
Aside from anxiety, your dog might be displaying fear. So when he acts in a reactive manner, other dogs and their owners may walk away in avoidance or fear, which is your dog’s intention if he is fearful.
Another reason is frustration. Many dogs feel restrained due to the leash wrapped around their neck that holds them back whenever they are excited to see other dogs. You also see this type of dog behavior with closed fences and gates.
Defining Your Role as a Canine Parent
Your dog might be too overeager upon seeing other dogs. Acknowledging your dog’s need to be with other dogs is essential. But, he has to learn to approach potential friends – and even old friends – with confidence and calmness. To protect your furbaby and ensure that he is capable of handling different social situations, you need to identify the root cause of this excitement. As mentioned earlier, some dogs act all gung-ho when seeing other dogs to mask their anxiousness or fear. If this is the case with your dog, you will need to address potential issues with anxiety, fear or frustration when training your dog to be calm.
Prevention is better than cure, many would say. The easiest method to prevent your dog from acting out when they see another dog is to go the other way. But do not wait until your dog gets all riled up. Properly socializing your dog as soon as possible will also help avoid unwanted, unsocial and overexcited behaviors.
The following methods below can help your dog learn:
To channel their extra energy into something positive; and
Help them learn how to stay calm and collected when hanging out with his peers.
Two Ways to Calm Your Puppy Down
During training, use a well-fitted harness to protect your puppy’s neck if he lunges forward upon seeing another dog. You might also want to ask a friend to help out and lend you his or her emotionally-stable and mature dog that will not overreact to your puppy’s over-eagerness or unbridled playfulness. Always reward your puppy’s good behavior with his favorite treat!
Method #1: Calm to Me
Enlist the help of a friend with a calm dog. Meet them in a park or have them join you and your leashed puppy for a walk. Keep all training short and fun
Once you see your friend and their dog, ask them to stop at a distance where your dog is still comfortable and not becoming overexcited. Tell your dog to sit or stay.
Ask the other dog to slowly approach. As soon as you notice your dog starting to go into a frenzy (timing is very important), ask your friend and their dog to stop, turn around, and walk away.
Wait until your dog is calm once again and repeat the process. As long as your dog remains calm and remains in the sit and stay position, the other dog can continue to move toward him. But the moment he begins barking, lunging or getting aggressive, your friend and their dog should stop, turn around and walk away.
Repeat the process for a few days until your dog fully grasps the concept and use this process to introduce to him other dogs.
Have your friend bring their calm dog over to your home. Before the dog and his owner come, place your dog on a leash.
Once the new dog enters your premises, command your dog to sit or stay. Tug the leash gently to the side if necessary to get your dog’s attention (but refrain from pulling back).
If your dog maintains a composed demeanor and obeys your orders, hand him a treat. Repeat several times with different dogs for several weeks until your dog automatically calms down without any command when seeing a dog.
Once your dog has learned how to act properly when there is another dog, have him socialize with all kinds of other dogs.
Dogs are naturally sociable and reprimanding or pulling them back when they get excited will not resolve the underlying issue. Use the tips and methods detailed above to train your dog to be more social and less reactive with anxiety, over-excitement or even fear. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out for expert help! A dog trainer or behaviorist can help identify behavioral issues and design an effective plan of action to create a happy, confident and social dog!
Meet our Guest Blogger:
Brian Larsen is the Co-Founder and CEO of RejuvaPet, LLC — the creator of RestoraPet and RestoraPet Hemp. He spent nearly 10 years developing these products to rehabilitate and protect pets at the cellular level, for a vastly improved quality of life.
As the debate rages on about whether a raw diet* is good or not for our pets, below is an interesting study about the potential risk of humans getting sick or infected from handling their pet’s raw food. The study included over 16K pet households in 81 countries. The research is published in the BMJ journal Veterinary Record.
(*Raw food includes any meat, internal organs, bones and cartilage fed uncooked to pets.)
(Did you know that more than 60% of pet owners in the Netherlands feed raw?)
When a man decides not to shave his face – it’s usually for an admirable reason, like No-Shave November (designed to raise cancer awareness throughout the month). Sometimes it’s just an excuse to get out of shaving, but – more often than not – there’s a purpose behind that decision!
But, when a groomer decides not to shave a dog’s coat, it’s rarely “just because.” It’s in the dog’s best interest for multiple reasons.
A Dog’s Coat is Suited for Heat or Cold
Often, pet parents mistakenly assign human conditions to their pets. For example, thinking their Husky, Chow or Samoyed gets too hot and should be shaved. The truth is their coats serve as natural heating and cooling mechanisms.
“These breeds have a double-layered coat that protects the
from the snow and cold, and prevents sunburn in hot months,”
says Humberto Z., who has been a groomer since 2008.
Shaving double-coated dogs can also cause unwanted medical conditions, like alopecia, which prevents the coat from growing back properly. Sam, an experienced pet stylist, explains, “I try to educate pet parents who request a shave on a double-coated dog on why it is harmful to do so.”
Does Shaving Stop K9 Shedding?
People tend to also believe that shaving will stop shedding – fake news! Fur returns, and with it comes inevitable furballs rolling across the floor like tumbleweeds. “Double-coated dogs shed a lot during hotter months because they’re letting their undercoat out <blowing coat>,” further advises Humberto. “When you do a de-shedding brush out it’s fine because you’re taking only the undercoat out and leaving what is called the guard coat – a layer to prevent sunburn.”
Brittany Z, who has been grooming professionally since 2005, offers alternatives to shave requests. “I would first offer a really good bath with de-shedding shampoo, blow out and a de-shedding brush out with the best tool for that dog’s coat. Then to reduce shedding, I recommend a good brush out every 2 weeks and a bath every 4 weeks.”
Fur-Bearing vs Hair-Bearing Canines
Fur-bearing dogs have different needs than hair-bearing dogs; talk with your groomer about what’s best for your pup. Hair-bearing dogs like Poodles, Shih Tzus and Yorkies, need haircuts regularly and can typically be shaved if needed. But fur-bearing, double-coated dogs, such as Alaskan Malamutes, Labs and Golden Retrievers have fur that grows to a particular length and should NOT be shaved.* You can find a complete list of breeds and coat types at www.akc.org.
Sometimes, when a dog has gone too long without proper grooming and develops tightly packed matted fur against their skin, a shave is necessary. These mats are painful – their skin is being pulled by the tightening fur, and skin diseases can develop if left untreated. Most of these shaves should be performed with the dog under sedation with vet supervision, followed by a skin/coat care regimen to protect the pup while their fur grows back, and a regular grooming schedule to prevent a reoccurrence.
With a bit of coat education, you can keep your pup’s coat and skin healthy, while the groomer makes them look grrrr-eat!
Meet our Guest Blogger:
Renee Ventrice is the VP of Marketing for Woofie’s LLC, proud mom of Beemer, a 13-year-old Parsons Russell Terrier and human mom to her 20-year-old son Gino.
Woofie’s was established in 2004 and is an award-winning pet care company offering pet sitting, dog walking and mobile pet spa services as well as franchising opportunities. Learn more about Woofie’s at www.woofies.com.
The USDA (US Food and Drug Administration) issues a recall alert on August 14th regarding 35 frozen lots of Texas Tripe Raw Pet Food (manufactured by Texas Tripe Inc).
The recall was issued after samples tested positive for Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes. Testing was done by the Office of the Texas State Chemist (OTSC). Of the 23 samples tested, 16 were positive.
The recalled products were sold frozen in 20- and 40-pound cases containing multiple plastic pouches in 23 product varieties. NOTE: There are no unique identifications numbers on the individual chubs (plastic pouches) to identify them as the recalled products. Lot codes are only printed on the outside of the cases.
Here is the list of all the recalled products and lot numbers:
(Courtesy: The Dog Advisor)
The States Included in the Recall
The recalled products were sold directly to consumers (online and over the phone) in the following states:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
ALSO … A Special Note
The products below were also tested and showed positive for Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes but have NOT been recalled.
Texas Tripe Chicken Blend: Lot 19196-6
Texas Tripe Pork Blend: Lot 19190-09
Texas Tripe Beef Blend: Lot 19191-05
Pet treats and food contaminated with Salmonella and/or Listeria monocytogenes pose a public health concern because they can affect both the health of animals and humans. Refrigeration or even freezing does not kill the bacteria.
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in the stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What You Should Know About Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes poses a risk to both animals ingesting the affected product and humans (if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after coming into contact with a contaminated product). Pets infected with listeria may display symptoms including:
Mild to severe diarrhea;
Anorexia;
Fever;
Nervous, muscular and respiratory system issues;
Abortion;
Depression; and
Shock and even death.
Infected animals can also serve as sources of infection to other household animals and humans.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any of the recalled products and discard them in a secure container where stray animals or wildlife cannot access them.
Consumers should also:
Clean their refrigerator/freezers where the product was stored.
Thoroughly wash their hands after handling any recalled products.
Now in its fifth year, Clear the Shelters is fast-approaching this Saturday, August 17th! Since the campaign started in 2015, more than a quarter of a million homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and even birds have found their “fur-ever” homes!
With the recent flurry of recalls and news stories about potential links of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to grain-free pet foods, more pet owners are taking another look at feeding their pets a raw meat diet. Our guest blogger, Jade Bossenbroek, Founder of 4 Raw Pets Raw Feeding, dissects this important subject below.
Why Feed Raw?
Some people might argue that our domestic cats and dogs with all the years of domesticating, breeding and being fed processed foods like kibble, they have adapted to live, survive and thrive on a more – or even complete – plant-based diet. But is this really true?
“Carnivore” literally means “meat-eater” in Latin. “True” carnivores (called obligate carnivores), are meat-eaters whose survival depends and thrives on nutrients found in animal flesh because they lack the necessary physiology required to digest a large amount of plant material. In other words, true carnivores must eat meat to survive. Cats, dogs and even ferrets are obligate carnivores. Their bodies are anatomically adapted to eating meat in the following ways:
Their teeth are sharp and pointy, meant for holding, tearing and crushing, all of which are needed for a meat-based diet.
Carnivores have a very short digestive tract, so food passes through fast and as such the food has got to be easily absorbed to be useful.
They do not have the enzymes to break down carbohydrates found in plant-based products.
They produce enzymes specifically for breaking down meat in their stomach.
The saliva found in their mouths is better suited to prevent cavities, there are no digestive enzymes present in their saliva, it is purely designed to get the food down into the stomach where the digestive process can start.
For the carnivore, meat protein is necessary for healthy muscles and organs. Meat also contains important vitamins, minerals and amino acids that help the body function in every way; including metabolism, brain function and healing. In contrast, feeding high carbohydrate diets (like kibble and other processed foods) can lead to many health issues for the carnivore such as allergies, gum disease, tooth decay and much more.
It is said that all the amino acids needed to function can be found in meat in the right levels; one of which is taurine, an ingredient only found in muscle and organ meat (large amounts of taurine can be found in the brain, retina and heart). This amino acid cannot be found in – or replaced by – plant-based protein. Cats and also foxes need a higher concentration of taurine compared to dogs. Without it, they can suffer from:
Blindness;
Heart problems; and
Even death.
Meat also provides saturated fatty acids in usable forms (unlike many plant-based oils). Fatty acids are important for proper:
Hormone production
Energy
Cell membrane formation
Protection of vital organs
Saturated fatty acids in animal-based proteins range around 80-90%, whereas plant-based proteins only contain around 10-20%.
On the other hand, an herbivore is an animal who is well-adapted to primarily beating plant material (anatomically and physiologically). In contrast to the carnivore, herbivores:
Have teeth that are flat with a jaw that moves from side to side to breakdown plant material.
Produce enzymes (starting in their mouths) to break down plant-based products; and
Have a longer digestive tract so plant-based material has time to pass through and be adequately absorbed.
Whether you have Chihuahua or a German Shepard, domestic dogs and wolves share roughly 99.9% of their DNA and because of this, wolves and dogs also share a lot in common anatomically. No matter how domesticated your dog may be, it still has the same short digestive tract, sharp teeth and the same enzymes for breaking down meat as his ancestors over 10,000 years ago.
Wolves are strict meat-eaters, but they will sometimes supplement their diet with greens and berries. This mostly occurs when there’s a food shortage or when they feel under the weather or lacking something. Think of your dog eating grass and then throwing up. But some occasional plant materials does not automatically make them an omnivore as some suggest.
Is Your Pet REALLY Fine on a Kibble Diet?
Ok, you might be able to survive on McDonald’s every day, but would you really be healthy?
Sadly, it’s all too common for our pets to die from cancer or kidney failure today. These illnesses that weren’t all that common just 30 years ago are now claiming pet lives at an alarming rate. Just like with us humans, nutrition plays a critical part in the overall health and well-being of our pets.
Yes, of course not everything can be blamed on diet alone. Genetics, the environment, stress levels and more all play an important role. But there’s unrefutable proof there’s a strong connection between health and overall nutrition.
Today’s commercial kibble contains a high ratio of carbohydrates. In order to maximize their profits, the pet food industry has been adding carbohydrates in the form of fruits, vegetables and grains into their products instead of meat. Both vets and/or the pet food industry do not want to potentially discredit their own industry, but basic common sense and research really can unearth the deceitful marketing tactics and indiscretion of the industry.
Humans (who are omnivores – beings who can eat and survive on both plants and meat) identify fruits, vegetables and grains as “whole foods” with valuable vitamins and minerals. But for our carnivorous pets, they can’t digest these “whole food” carbohydrates fast enough to utilise most of the nutrients.
Many carbohydrates we consider healthy such as peas, carrots and rice (which all turn into sugars) are actually pretty high on the glycemic index (the measurement of sugar in the blood) for dogs, cats and ferrets. Some of these same carbohydrates are linked to serious heart conditions and even cancers in our pets. Besides running the risk of developing diabetes, high sugar content also affects hyperactivity and is often converted into fat leading to obesity, a current epidemic among household pets. A weight management diet isn’t going to help, whilst these formulas may drop the fat content, the content of fibre and grain is increased more, which can worsen the condition.
Since the nutritional value of the raw ingredients has been depleted during the intense manufacturing (cooking) process, the pet food industry then adds artificial vitamins and minerals to mimic a balanced diet. Unfortunately, the ratio of vitamins and minerals added to kibble – and other commercially produced pet foods – is generalised so it covers a wide range of pets. The numbers posted in the analysis section only indicate maximum and minimum numbers and are not exact (think of a recent Hills Science Food recall, where high levels of vitamin D were found).
Since these added vitamins and minerals are not customized to your individual pet (some pets may absorb more nutrients than others), for some animals, there can be too much (for instance) calcium or magnesium which can result in painful crystals.
Then last but not least, in addition to the above, artificial food colouring and flavouring is often added to make it more appealing and palatable to the consumer (for marketing purposes). Sadly, many of these artificial colour and flavour additives have the potential for undesirable and high-risk health issues for our pets as well.
Kibble: The Lack of Moisture
Another hidden problem in kibble is the lack of necessary moisture which begins to tax our pet’s kidneys and can result in eventual kidney failure. Dry kibble typically contains only 7%-10% moisture (whereas meat contains 70% and more) in moisture. Vets already recognise that hydration is important, so why are they recommending dry kibble diets when they contain so little moisture?
The lack of critical moisture eventually results in many common illnesses such as urinary tract infections and chronic kidney failure, especially in cats.
The Proof is in the Poo
Meat protein sources are highly bioavailable at 90-95% (an ingredient’s potential to be absorbed); whereas plant-based proteins are only around 70% bioavailable. This is why when comparing pets on a raw meat diet with those on a kibble diet, those on kibble have large, smelly poos because they are not completely digesting what they are eating and therefore producing more (smelly) waste.
The Final Word
In short, despite human views and lifestyle choices, obligate carnivores like dogs, cats and ferrets cannot thrive on diets of grains and vegetables. As a human, you might choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, but those lifestyles should not be imposed on your carnivorous companion.
Meet our Guest Blogger:
Jade Bossenbroek, Founder of 4 Raw Pets Raw Feeding, turned to raw feeding after struggling to find a commercial dog food that would work for all four of her dogs. Each of the dogs was struggling with some kind of issue including flaky, smelly skin, hot spots, food-related allergies, strong dog smells and bouts of vomiting and explosive diarrhea. (She also lost a few cats at a young age form kidney failure.) After doing research on raw feeding, Jade finally took the plunge and her dogs have been transformed for the better because of it. To help other dog guardians, Jade started the 4 Raw Pets website as a free resource to share her extensive research and information on species-appropriate, raw meat diets.
The CDC has expanded its investigation to 27 states regarding the outbreak of human Salmonella infections because of contaminated bulk pig ear dog treats.
According to the CDC website, as of July 16th, 93 people have been infected with one of 3 genetic strains of the salmonella bacteria found on the bulk pig ear dog treats (from 27 states) and twenty people have been hospitalized. The CDC labels these infections as “multidrug-resistant.” Since it takes 2-4 weeks for a person to become ill (with diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps) after handling a contaminated pig ear, not all illnesses may have yet been reported.
Those at the greatest risk include children under the age of 5, adults 65 years and older and those with weakened immune systems.
In addition, infected pets can carry and infect other animals and humans.
Pet Supplies Plus has issued a recall to over 400 retail stores in 33 states for bulk pig ears (dog treats).
The recall only includes bulk pig ears stocked in open bins. Prepackaged branded pig ears are not included in this recall.
The recall was issued after testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed the presence of Salmonella.
The States Included in the PSP Recall
The recall involves Pet Supplies Plus stores in:
Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and West Virginia.
ALSO … An Investigation
On July 3rd, the FDA (together with the CDC) announced an investigation of contaminated pig ear dog treats that may be connected to human, drug-resistant Salmonella infections that have sickened 45 people in 13 states with 12 patients hospitalized from coming into contact with the contaminated pig ears.
The recall may or may not be related.
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in the stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately stop feeding any recalled pig ears and discard them in a secure container where stray animals or wildlife cannot access them. Consumers who have further questions are welcome to contact Pet Supplies Plus Neighbor Service team at 734-793-6564 between Monday and Friday 9 am to 4 pm ET (excluding holidays).
On April 4th, the Thogersen Family Farm (Stanwood WA) issued a voluntary recall for some of their frozen raw pet food.
The recall was issued after samples collected by the Washington State Department of Agriculture tested positive for listeria contamination.
There have been no reports of illness to date.
The Recall: The Affected Products
The products are frozen in 2-pound flattened, rectangular clear plastic packages.
Recalled varieties include frozen, raw:
Coarse ground rabbit
Coarse ground mallard duck
Ground llama
Ground pork
According to the FDA’s recall notice, “Recalled product labels did not contain any lot identification, batch codes, or expiration dates. The front of the package contains one large white square label with the company name, product type and weight.”
These products were sold to individual customers or two retail establishments which have been notified of the recall.
What You Should Know About Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria monocytogenes poses a risk to both animals ingesting the affected product and humans (if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after coming into contact with a contaminated product). Pets infected with listeria may display symptoms including:
Mild to severe diarrhea;
Anorexia;
Fever;
Nervous, muscular and respiratory system issues;
Abortion;
Depression; and
Shock and even death.
Infected animals can also serve as sources of infection to other household animals and humans.
What to do Next
Consumers should stop feeding any of the affected products and call the company with any questions at 360-929-9808.
Yesterday, on March 26th, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to dog owners to avoid feeding 3 separate lots of Darwin’s Natural Raw Dog Food.
(NOTE: All 3 lots were manufactured in October/November of 2018.)
After a consumer complaint, the FDA collected and tested samples from 3 lots and all tested positive for salmonella.
These frozen dog food products are manufactured by Arrow Reliance Inc., doing business as Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. Products are sold online direct to consumers.
UPDATE: The company just issued a public response to the FDA’s warning; it can be read here.
The Recall: The Affected Products/Lots:
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs
Package: 5309(11)181019
Manufacture Date: October 19, 2018
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Chicken Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs
Package: 5375(11)181106
Manufacture Date: November 11, 2018
Darwin’s Natural Pet Products Natural Selections Turkey Recipe with Organic Vegetables for Dogs
Package: 5339(11)181026
Manufacture Date: October 26, 2018
What You Should Know About Salmonella
Salmonella poses a risk to animals ingesting the affected product (including dogs and cats) and can also be transmitted to humans. Pets infected with salmonella may display symptoms including:
Fever;
Lethargy and shock;
Diarrhea (which may last up to 3-4 weeks or longer);
Vomiting;
Weight Loss;
Dehydration; and
Mucus and/or blood in stool.
People infected with salmonella can also have:
Diarrhea;
Fever; and
Abdominal cramps.
For some people, their diarrhea may be severe enough to require hospitalization.
What to do Next
Consumers should contact their veterinarian if their dogs have consumed any of these recalled products and are exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above. Also, contact your own doctor if you are feeling any symptoms of salmonella.
The affected product should be thrown away immediately.
Consumers should thoroughly wash their hands after handling any affected products or cleaning any potentially contaminated surfaces including freezers/refrigerators where the product was stored, bowls, utensils, bedding, toys and floors.
After 45 years (1974), a canine has tested positive for rabies in El Paso County in the state of Colorado.
Thanks to the strict laws and easy availability of the rabies vaccine in the United States, rabies in pets in extremely rare.
An infected animal spreads rabies through their saliva. Rabies can also be transmitted to people from infected animals when the rabid animal’s saliva gets into a person’s:
open wound or cut; or
eyes, nose or mouth.
Vaccinations are especially critical in places where wildlife and humans live in close proximity as Dr. Robin Johnson, medical director at El Paso County Public Health, explains: “Pet owners need to understand how close the threat of rabies is to their families. Living in Colorado, rabies is often as close as your own backyard due to the skunks, raccoons or foxes that walk through there. Vaccinating your pets is your first line of defense.”
Hill’s Pet Nutrition (of Topeka, KS) expanded its voluntary recall of January 31st to include canned dog food products due to the presence of elevated levels of Vitamin D. Specific lots of Prescription Diet and Science Diet dog foods are included in the expanded recall and were distributed to both retail pet stores and veterinary clinics throughout the U.S.
According to Hill’s, no dry foods, cat foods or treats are affected by these recalls.
Why the Recall
Hill’s originally received “a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated Vitamin D levels.” The recall was expanded after a detailed review isolated the issue to a vitamin premix from an American supplier.
The Recall: What Products and What’s Being Done
For a complete list of recalled products (including both the January 31st and March 20th recalls), click here.
According to an email sent to veterinarians on March 20th, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has:
Expanded the availability of their consumer call center to 7 days a week (800-445-5777).
Promised to begin collection of affected products from stores, clinics and shelters beginning March 21st.
Promised to pay for:
Diagnostic screening for Hypervitaminosis D for any pet who has consumed the recalled food;
Continued diagnostic testing and medical treatment for affected pets until they are back to normal.
What You Should Know About Elevated Levels of Vitamin D
Dogs who eat elevated levels of Vitamin D may exhibit the following symptoms:
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Excessive drooling
Weight loss
When consumed at very high levels, dogs can face serious health issues (including potentially life-threatening) including renal (kidney) dysfunction.
What to do Next
Consumers should immediately contact their veterinarian if their dogs have consumed this recalled product and are exhibiting the symptoms listed above.
The affected product should be thrown away immediately or returned to the purchase place for a full refund (unopened products only).
Consumers with any questions should contact Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Consumer Affairs) at 800-445-5777 (Every Day from 7am-7pm CST) or via email at ContactUs@HillsPet.com for more information.
The New Year celebrations are right around the corner.
As you’re making plans for your end-of-the-year parties and resolutions, be sure to include your dog and his comfort in your plans!
What do you need to consider to ensure Fido enjoys the festivities? Keep reading to find out.
Fireworks
With your dog’s incredible hearing ability, fireworks can be a dog’s WORST nightmare! Consider this: humans hear at a range of 20 and 20,000 Hz. In stark contrast, our beloved K9s hear a frequency range of 40 to 60,000 Hz! With that kind of hearing, loud fireworks can rattle even the calmest dog.
Sadly, emergency vet visits increase this time of year and they can quickly destroy the holiday spirit and your budget! Remember, many of the foods, treats and drinks (alcoholic and those that are not) you enjoy can be potentially dangerous to your canine. Traditional favorites include (but are not limited to):
Turkey, skin & bones, ham ,etc.
Table scraps (especially those that are spicy and fatty)
Alcoholic beverages including egg nog, beer, wine and cocktails
Yeast dough
Sweets (especially those with xylitol) and chocolate
New Year’s Parties & Celebrations
Not all dogs are well-equipped to deal with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, especially when it comes into their safe place/home. Keep in mind, these celebrations are never a good time to “socialize” your dog especially if they usually tend to not be social.
If you’re bringing the New Year’s Eve party home, make sure your dog (and even other pets) has a safe and quiet place so they are both secure and protected from running away or unleashing an unwanted bite (because of fear, anxiety or stress).
In addition, below are some other traditional New Year’s Eve items you should consider banning to keep the pets in your home safe during the celebrations:
Confetti
Sparklers
Party favors
Glow sticks & bracelets
Party poppers
Noisemakers
With some thoughtful planning, you and your pets can enjoy the New Year’s celebrations safely!
Diarrhea is an inconvenient, smelly, sleep-depriving condition resulting from abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) function. Poop comes in a variety of consistencies and colors. A scoring chart, like the Bristol Stool Chart pictured here, presents seven categories of stool, helping standardize parameters for consistency.
The role of the intestines is to break down food and absorb small nutrients, while the colon absorbs water and leaves behind excrement we call “poop.”
important role in overall health, it is best not to treat diarrhea the traditional way using antibiotics such as Metronidazole unless it is absolutely necessary. (6) While antibiotics may be effective at treating diarrhea, they are also indiscriminate killers of bacteria and wreak havoc on the important bacteria of the microbiome.
first milk produced by mammals immediately after giving birth. It is a nutrient-rich fluid that contains immune, growth, and tissue repair factors. Colostrum contains a significant number of complementary components that act as natural anti-microbial agents to actively stimulate the maturation and repair of the immune system and “leaky gut.” (5)
Dr. Khodakhah works as a small animal relief veterinarian. Following her passion to help wildlife, stray animals, and owners in need, she directs international veterinary spay/neuter programs and works with the Wolf Conservation Center (NY). She leverages her entrepreneurial spirit and experience to drive meaningful change in the veterinary profession, becoming a Certified Professional Coach to help arm young doctors with the tools they needed to succeed. With a similar mission, she produces a podcast, Time to PAWS, which features common experiences in vet med, promoting opportunities, leaning into fear, while building strategies for resilience. She is an Advisory Board Member of several organizations and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, good food, and scuba diving.
staple in most households with dogs. So much so that in just 2019, 
While it may seem you are feeding your dog nutritious and healthy dog food from the commercials and labels, the excessive processing – more accurately, overcooking – has very negative effects on the actual nutrition your dog is – or isn’t – getting which can lead to serious, even life-threatening health issues over an extended period.
relationship and bond! Below are some great ideas to keep you and your dog active even as you shelter-in-place.
First, you’ll need a clean urine sample; ask your vet for a collection container.
Pamela Morrison is a professional copywriter for the pet industry including marketers, pet product and service providers, veterinarians and holistic pet practitioners. She does home visits for a local rescue when she can and has been a dog foster mom. She lives in western Michigan with her husband and two dogs, Lacey and Zadie. Pam enjoys walking her dogs, reading, and drinking lots of coffee!
even after passing through the gut.
Meet our Guest Blogger
According to a study by Sweden’s Uppsala University, adopting a dog can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in people who live alone. Owning a pet has even shown to increase life expectancy. Whether you’re taking your pup on a daily walk around the block, taking him on a hike or to the dog beach, you are also taking care of your heart and increasing your physical activity. And hey, pets are great for your “emotional heart” as well!
A price cannot be put on the unconditional love your pet gives you. We all have to cope with stress and the unexpected twists and turns of life. However, the one thing you can always rely on is the love of a pet. Your dog will always be there waiting for you at the front door with an open heart and a wagging tail. That’s a great way to end the day.
inevitable furballs rolling across the floor like tumbleweeds. “Double-coated dogs shed a lot during hotter months because they’re letting their undercoat out <blowing coat>,” further advises Humberto. “When you do a de-shedding brush out it’s fine because you’re taking only the undercoat out and leaving what is called the guard coat – a layer to prevent sunburn.”
r about what’s best for your pup. Hair-bearing dogs like Poodles, Shih Tzus and Yorkies, need haircuts regularly and can typically be shaved if needed. But fur-bearing, double-coated dogs, such as Alaskan Malamutes, Labs and Golden Retrievers have fur that grows to a particular length and should NOT be shaved.* You can find a complete list of breeds and coat types at 
individual chubs (plastic pouches) to identify them as the recalled products. Lot codes are only printed on the outside of the cases.
companion usually without side effects.
