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Pet Health
Most pet owners are unaware of the harmful process that kibble goes through before it reaches the mouths of their pets. All dog kibble undergoes a heating and cooling process which strips the food of any vitamins and minerals. In order for kibble producers to meet AAFCO requirements, vitamins and minerals are then added back into the kibble after the heating and cooling process. Without adding the vitamins and minerals back into the kibble, the food would not provide enough nutrients for your pet to survive.
This process of adding vitamins and minerals back into kibble is problematic for a couple of reasons. The vitamins and minerals added into the kibble come in what is called as a “premix” form. Premixes are often bought from producers overseas in countries like India and China, where the production standards are very low. There is no way of knowing, even by checking the ingredients of high end dog kibble, where the premix came from. Premixes that are not carefully regulated could potentially contaminate dog kibble sold here in the United States, causing many pets to become very ill. The second issue with premixes is that many of them are created with synthetic vitamins and minerals. This causes a different reaction in your dog’s liver during the digestion process. The synthetic vitamins and minerals are identified by your dog’s body as a foreign substance and this can cause toxicity in the body.
Research has shown that the best alternative for providing your dog with vitamins and minerals would be through whole foods. Only through whole foods, will your dog receive all of the necessary ingredients from each food in order to process the beneficial vitamins and nutrients they provide. For example, “there are over 10, 000 ingredients in an orange. If you give your dog a supplement with ascorbic acid as the only Vitamin C source, you are eliminating the other 9, 999 ingredients necessary to process the ascorbic acid properly,” states Dogs Naturally Magazine in their recent article entitled “Why Kibble (And Other Fake Foods) Could Be Harming Your Dog” published in May 2012.
Next time you are shopping for dog food, compare the labels between the leading kibble brand and a quality whole food brand of dog food. The difference is clear: no harmful premixes.
Written by: Holly Sharpe, TLC House & Pet Sitting Service, LLC
Information Provided by: “Why Kibble (And Other Fake Foods) Could Be Harming Your Dog”
by Dogs Naturally on May 16, 2012www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com
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Pet Health, Pet Safety, TLC News
Here are a few links for pet food recalls.
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/diamond-pet-foods-expands-voluntary-recall-.html
http://health4uandpets.typepad.com/healthproducts/2012/04/diamond-expands-its-recall-to-chicken-soup-for-the-pet-lovers-soul.html
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Pet Health, Pet Safety, TLC News
Fourteen people have been sickened with Salmonella Infantis infections back east. Make sure someone you know is aware of this situation. Here is the link to the article so you can read it.
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/05/salmonella-tainted-dog-food-sickens-14-people/
BY MARY ROTHSCHILD | MAY 04, 2012
For Puppies, New Pet Owners, Pet Health
Bordetella: Does Your Dog Really Need the Kennel Cough Vaccine?
by JAN RASMUSEN on MARCH 22, 2012 · By dogs Naturally Magazine.
Permission from Jan Rasmusen at www.Truth4Dogs.com
Your veterinarian, kennel owner, day care provider or groomer says your dog should/must be vaccinated against kennel cough, but you’re trying not to over-vaccinate.
What should you do?
More and more, pet parents are finding another vet, kennel owner, day care provider or groomer — or keeping their dog at home! Vaccination is a serious medical procedure with significant potential risks. If that isn’t enough, the vaccine isunlikely to prevent kennel cough. It can even produce kennel-cough like symptoms. The WSAVA Guidelines say, “Transient (3–10 days) coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge may occur in a small percentage of vaccinates.” It can also cause a serious anaphylactoid reaction. Look it up. You won’t like it.
About kennels, day care providers and groomers: In general, if they have good ventilation and practice good hygiene, kennel cough shouldn’t be an issue. Bordetella is not for dogs playing together in well-ventilated areas — like dog parks or backyards or living rooms.
Think of kennel cough as a canine cold, transmitted as human colds are transmitted — from an infected individual in close contact with another individual with compromised immunity. Like a cold, it is also considered a mild self-limiting disease. A veterinarian friend uses an OTC remedy called B & T Cough and Bronchial Syrup to treat the cough. For small dogs she uses the children’s variety. See your vet for further treatment information.
If your service provider is afraid your dog will contract kennel cough at their establishment, offer to sign a letter of informed consent saying you’ve been informed of the risk and will waive liability. That should do it. Should. It’s really just liability at issue, not your dog’s overall health.
If the person insisting on the Bordetella vaccine is afraid other dogs at their establishment will contract kennel cough from your unvaccinated dog, this person clearly doesn’t trust that thevaccinated dogs actually have immunity. If they don’t believe the vaccine is protective, why insist that you or anyone else vaccinate?
Note: If you decide to give the vaccine, make sure it is the intranasal form, that is, given as nose drops, not injected. And give the vaccine at least a week before contact with other dogs, for the sake of both your dog and other dogs.
Don’t take my word for any of this. Read what two vets and a PhD have to say about the Bordetella vaccine:
World-renowned vaccination scientist, Dr. Ronald Schultz, says [emphasis is mine]: “Many animals receive “kennel cough” vaccines that include Bordetella and CPI and/or CAV-2 every 6 to 9 monthswithout evidence that this frequency of vaccination is necessary or beneficial. In contrast, other dogs are never vaccinated for kennel cough and disease is not seen. CPI immunity lasts at least 3 years when given intranasally, and CAV -2 immunity lasts a minimum of 7 years parenterally for CAV-I. These two viruses in combination with Bordetella bronchiseptica are the agents most often associated with kennel cough, however, other factors play an important role in disease (e.g. stress, dust, humidity, molds, mycoplasma, etc.), thus kennel cough is not a vaccine preventable diseasebecause of the complex factors associated with this disease. Furthermore, this is often a mild to moderate self limiting disease. I refer to it as the ‘Canine Cold.’”
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Cats, Pet Health
Cat Feeding Recommendations
The general public, scientists and veterinarians have recommended for years to feed cats like dogs; free choice dry food or meals of dry with some wet. Finally after years of this misaligned thinking, food standards for cats have changed. To understand why our standards have changed, we must understand cats.
Cats are “obligate” carnivores which means they depend on nutrients solely from animal flesh for their survival. They are hunters of meat and would eat small rodents and birds multiple times daily if they were not domesticated. A cat’s stomach is designed for these small frequent meals. Cats get their water from the animals they eat and do not drink much in the wild. They also lack specific digestive enzymes which make them less able to digest and absorb energy from carbohydrates compared to proteins. Due to these facts, we recommend a canned grain free diet with protein as the number one ingredient and that they should eat many small meals throughout the day. Cats can eat dry food, but should get most of their water from wet food rather than drinking.
Our recommendations for feeding cats are as follows:
Feed small frequent meals throughout the day.
Ideally 3+ meals of a GRAIN-FREE canned food.
If it is not possible to do only canned food multiple times throughout the day,
then we recommend keeping a dry grain free food out for your cat at all times.
This allows them to have so they snacks or small meals along with their 2 canned meals a day.
In order for cats to get enough essential fatty acids in their diet
we recommend feeding them 1 can of wild caught canned salmon per week
OR supplementing their diet with pure DHA
(omega 3 fatty acids—we carry a couple of quality products here).
posted: December 02, 2011 by: McClintock Animal Care Center
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Pet Health, Pet Safety, TLC News
At the end of December, a local kennel donated 12 cases of Kirkland canned Lamb and Rice dog food. They said it was too rich for their dog because they all got sick. Did not think any problem with the food. I fed to my dogs, and to visiting dogs. Diarrhea for all dogs, puppy threw up 15 times. She survived…Tesla and Dino did not.
I contacted the company on Jan. 3 to say all dogs got sick. They said they did not produce that food. Four weeks later, one dead dog, next week, another dead dog. Finally got a response with…tell Costco. I contacted Costco, and then they contacted the manufacturer. Who wants a sample of the food. Mind you…this similar food was recalled in 2007-2009 for melamine contamination. Over 400 dogs died. I filed a report and waiting for request for the sample of food.
I need to put out a warning of possible food contamination….is not
verified yet…but the vet and I feel it will be. The*Kirkland Canned Lamb
and Rice with expiration 2013. The cans I have say June 23, 2013*. Please
let your friends know. It would have been purchased in Nov.-Dec. 2012.
Please anyone that has a can to contact me directly. Do not return to
Costco. We need to let everyone know so more dogs don’t die.
Renee Carleton
woof@thepetfoodbank.com
Tania Camarillo
HCWS Dog Coordinator
702-845-0819
dogs@hcws.org
http://sunbearblogsquad.org/tag/kirkland-dog-food/
Pet Health
Canine Allergies: Addressing the Cause, Not Suppressing the Symptoms
Allergies in dogs may be difficult to recognize and diagnose, as they can manifest in many ways such as: skin rashes, hot spots, respiratory problems, and/or digestive problems. Furthermore, allergies can be caused by any number of environmental triggers like: toxins in food, pesticides, drugs, bacteria, and so much more.
Allergy symptoms arise when the bodily organs are unable to detoxify the body properly when overexposed to toxins. Symptoms such as: rashes, inflamed ears, or respiratory problems may appear because the body is attempting to eliminate the toxin, since the kidney, liver, and other organs were unsuccessful in doing so.
Most current medications only suppress the symptoms and the overall immune system, but after long-term use, they may lead to more serious problems. They simply don’t address the underlying cause. A more natural way to treat allergies in dogs would be to reduce the amount of toxins your pet encounters, and provide wholesome foods and supplements to support the elimination of toxins in the digestive system. Replacing medications with homeopathic treatments, eliminating unnecessary vaccinations, and opting for more natural kinds of home pesticides and cleaning products whenever possible will help to reduce your pet’s exposure to harmful toxins. Also, carefully research the food products given to your dog. Many products are processed overseas in places like China, where processing standards are questionable. They may contain bacteria, toxins from mold and fungi, and genetically modified plant products. On the other hand, fresh foods and supplements can aide in eliminating toxins through the digestive system as well as alleviating symptoms. Some of these foods and supplements include: grape seed extract, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene just to name a few.
Pet owners can overcome allergy causes and symptoms in their dogs by taking a closer look at their pet’s environment and nutrition. A healthier life is possible for their dogs without the harmful immune suppression of allergy medications.
Information provided by: “A New Look at Canine Allergies,” January 9, 2012, Dogs Naturally Magazine, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com .
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Pet Health
Most families consider tap water to be a safe source of drinking water for their pets, and even their family members. However, there is a dangerous chemical lurking in the tap water of most homes in America. Fluoride is a chemical derived from fluorine, which is found naturally in the earth, water, and minerals. It may be harmless in its natural state; however, synthesized fluoride, which is added to tap water, has been shown to have devastating effects to both animals and humans when consumed.
The History of Fluoride in Tap Water
Proponents of adding fluoride to tap water claimed that it was highly effective in preventing tooth decay, despite recent studies which have proven this claim to be unfounded. Successful marketing campaigns to promote this chemical as a tool in the fight against tooth decay resulted in many city governments in America and around the globe to add fluoride to tap water. An increase in the demand for fluoridation of tap water led to the import of synthesized fluoride from China, which has been proven to be contaminated with heavy metals.
Fluoride has a long and dark history as a biochemical toxin. It has been used in rat and cockroach poison, and even on human inmates in Nazi German prison camps to sterilize inmates and make them more docile.
Debunking the Myth That Fluoride is a Safe Water Additive
Recent research not only challenges the common belief that fluoride strengthens teeth, but there is evidence that it actually causes tooth disease as well as weakened bones, bone cancer, bone loss, kidney disease, and cognitive dysfunction, among other side effects.
This most recent research has lead to a major movement in Europe to become completely free of fluoridated water. In fact, European countries have almost reached this goal, as 98% of their tap water is fluoride free.
Harmful Effects of Fluoride in Pet Food and Water
A current study of components in dog food, taken by the EPA, found that high levels of fluoride were found in 8 leading brands of dog food. Osteosarcoma may be caused by ingestion of fluoride and it is the most common primary bone tumor in dogs, effecting approximately 8,000 dogs per year.
The fluoride in tap water leads to fluoride in most vegetables and meat products that humans and animals consume in this country. Therefore, it is very difficult to avoid consumption. However, concerned pet owners do have the power to limit their pets’ consumption by providing home-prepared food.
Protecting Family and Pets
There are ways to counteract the fluoride in tap water. Here are some fairly common household items that may help to remove fluorine from the body:
– Boron (only if used in a very small amount, as large amounts can be toxic).
– Kelp and Iodine Supplements (although Iodine may cause Calcium depletion; therefore Calcium should be added to the diet).
– Apple Pectin, Turmeric, Cilantro, Cayenne, and Parsley may also be useful agents in the removal of fluoride in the body.
Protecting Your Community
For those individuals who are concerned about fluoride in your tap water, there are steps that can be taken to protect your communities. First, research the annual water quality report provided by your local city water department. If fluoride is present in the tap water in your community, speak out against it by contacting your state and local officials as well as your senators. Another way to raise awareness is by educating the public about the harmful effects of fluoride on humans and animals. Many communities have become aware of the evidence that suggests that fluoride in tap water is harmful and they have moved toward fluoride free tap water. By raising awareness, your community can do the same.
By: Holly Sharpe, TLC House & Pet Sitting Service, LLC servicing Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert
Information provided by: “What’s In Your Pet’s Water?” by Joanne Suresh, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com .
Pet Health
If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a kidney infection, has had kidney infections in the past, or displays such symptoms as: frequent urination and increased drinking, then your dog may benefit from certain herbal treatments for kidney disease.
Herbalist, Greg Tilford, recently stated in an article entitled, “Herbs For Kidney Disease,” published in the November 2011 edition of Dogs Naturally Magazine, that the purpose of herbal support for kidney disease is to increase the blood flow to the kidney. He believes that kidneys are highly dependant upon their oxygen supply, which can be thrown out of sync quite easily by poor circulation.
Greg recommends a recipe including five herbs, all of which support kidney health and blood circulation. Dandelion leaf (increases urine flow), Marshmallow (decreases inflammation), Echinacea (anti-bacterial agent), Ginkgo (improves blood vessel function in the kidneys and helps reduce inflammation in the urinary tract), and Hawthorn (improves renal circulation) may be combined in equal parts and administered by ¼ teaspoon, for dogs weighing 20 pounds, twice daily separately from meals. It is also important to make sure that your dog has plenty of fresh drinking water as well.
Information provided by, “Herbs For Kidney Disease,” Dogs Naturally on November 9, 2011, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com .
Written by Holly Sharpe, TLC House & Pet Sitting Service, LLC.
Pet Health
Manage Your Dog’s Arthritis the Natural Way
There are numerous options for pet owners to manage their dog’s arthritis without turning to drugs, which may have harmful side effects. Arthritis is defined as an inflammation of the joints and Osteoarthritis is considered to be the degenerative deterioration of the cartilage which causes inflammation of the joints. This inflammation is both chronic and painful.
Each dog will display symptoms of Osteoarthritis in different ways. It is important for the owner to recognize how their pet displays symptoms, in order to properly treat it through natural and herbal medicines as well as certain foods and supplements, wrote Dr. Julie Mayer, DVM of Integrative Pet Care, featured in the June 2011 edition of Dogs Naturally Magazine. Some pets may have more pain and discomfort when the weather is wet, while others may have more difficulty during periods of activity.
Treating Osteoarthritis by consuming certain foods, supplements, and natural medicines listed below may help to decrease stiffness, reduce inflammation, strengthen bones and joints, reduce dampness in joints, and ease pain and discomfort.
Food Remedies to Address Symptoms of Arthritis
Break Up Stiffness – basil, barley crab, alfalfa, kelp, almond, shrimp, oats, nori, kelp, vinegar, and wheat germ
Anti-inflammatory – alfalfa, turnip, sweet potato, squash, spinach, soybean, radish, pumpkin, pear, peach, parsley, papaya, mango, kale, ginger, garlic, cucumber, celery, cauliflower, carrot, cabbage, broccoli, berries, beets, beans, bananas, apples
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidants – citrus fruits and veggies, green tea, grape seed extract, quercetin, pine bark
Supplements to Reduce Inflammation and Improve Joint Function
Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Silicon, Zinc, Magnesium, Manganese, Calcium, MSM, Green Lipped Mussel, Cetyl-meristoleate, and Omega 3
Herbal Remedies
Ginger – a common anti-inflammatory herbal remedy
Arnica – an herbal pain killer
Aconitum napellus – addresses both pain and inflammation made worse during cold weather
Rhus toxicodendron – helps with stiffness when moving after periods of inactivity
Bryonia – aids in controlling symptoms after periods of activity
Calcarea phosphorica – reduces bone calcification
Ruta graveolens – assists with stiffness that appears during damp weather
Morinda root – strengthen bones and joints
Mellettia – addresses dampness and stiffness in joints
Du huo – dries out dampness in joints and reduces pain
Eucommia – strengthens bones and helps to heal injuries
Frankincense (Boswellia) – reduces joint pain and improves function
Poria – reduces dampness and stiffness in joints
Myrrh – breaks up stiffness and reduces inflammation
Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) – improves strength in bones and joints while reducing numbness in arms and legs
Creating a Treatment Plan for Your Pet
Dr. Mayer suggests that pet owners who would like a holistic approach to the symptoms of Arthritis should do so by first consulting their dog’s health care provider, as well as by including a physical therapy routine, based upon the needs and abilities of their pets.
The key to providing an effective treatment plan for a pet with Arthritis, is through understanding the types of symptoms the pet has and how those symptoms are triggered (during damp weather, after periods of activity, etc.). Using one or a combination of foods and alternative medicines may help to ease pain and improve joint function.
Information provided by “A Natural Approach to Managing Arthritis,” by Dr. Julie Mayer DVM. Copyright May/June 2011 edition, by Dogs Naturally Magazine. Reproduced with permission of Dogs Naturally Magazine, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/subscribe/
By Holly Sharpe and Kara Jenkins, TLC House & Pet Sitting Service, LLC.
Pet Health
Not all dog treats are created equally. When choosing the right treats for your dog, remember that things such as country of origin and ingredients are important. Here is a simple overview of healthy treats for your dog vs. not so healthy ones.
Healthy Treats
Meat Treats – All natural meat treats are an excellent source of protein for your dog. All dogs are carnivores and a diet rich in high protein, low fat foods such as all meat treats made with 100% chicken, duck, or pork will help them to maintain good health.
Compressed Rawhide – Not only are natural rawhide bones low in calories, but they are also very helpful in eliminating plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth.
Liver Snacks – As another low calorie treat, liver snacks offer high protein, as well as promote healthy red blood cell growth, and strong muscle development.
Unhealthy Treats
Table Scraps- It may seem harmless to give your four-legged friend a few scraps from the table. However, table food does not offer the nutrition that dogs need. Once fed from the table, it is hard to break a dog from the habit. They become accustomed to table food and eat less and less of their food which is packed with the vitamins and nutrients that they do need. Table food is high in calories and low in nutritional value for your dog.
Chicken Jerky- Some chicken jerky products made in other countries, namely China, may be linked to diseases similar to Fanconi syndrome. Although it may not be true that all chicken jerky products from overseas are unhealthy, it is always best to be cautious. Symptoms of Fanconi syndrome are: vomiting, listlessness, and lack of appetite. If your dog has eaten chicken jerky treats from China and displays these symptoms, please seek assistance from your veterinarian.
High Calorie / Low Nutritional Value – Many dog treats may be high in calories and have very little to offer nutritionally. One rule of thumb for consumers who would like to buy the most nutritional treats for their dogs would be to check the ingredients. Real meat should be the very first ingredient on the list.
Information provided by: www.drsfostersmith.com and www.animalhealthfoundation.net
Pet Health
Plan for your pets Future
In recent years, planning for the care of a beloved pet through a pet trust has become more common. A pet trust is a way of arranging for the care of one’s pet after the owner has passed away. Some pet trusts may specify who will care for the pet as well as provide funds for the pet’s care.
This trend of providing a pet trust has sparked the growth of other related services such as: pet retirement homes, attorneys who specialize in pet trusts, and even how-to books on estate planning for your pets.
When planning the care of a pet after the owner passes away, one should consider whether or not the pet is a good match for their new caregiver. Choosing a family member or friend is common. Usually owners will request that their family member or friend care for their pet after they pass away, and they will allot a certain amount of money to be given to the new pet owner so as not to be a financial burden to them.
Whether you choose to provide a pet trust for your pets or not, perhaps take a moment to consider who would care for your pets and how would they be cared for should something happen to you. Making those plans in advance ensures the best care for your beloved four-legged family members who depend on you.
Most pet owners are unaware of the harmful process that kibble goes through before it reaches the mouths of their pets. All dog kibble undergoes a heating and cooling process which strips the food of any vitamins and minerals. In order for kibble producers to meet AAFCO requirements, vitamins and minerals are then added back into the kibble after the heating and cooling process. Without adding the vitamins and minerals back into the kibble, the food would not provide enough nutrients for your pet to survive.