Puppers Corner: Recent Episodes
Michael Garman and Samantha Green
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
- Excessive Panting (prolonged period)
- Really Dry Nose, Lethargic
- Thick sticky, drool
- Gums changing color (bright red or blue)
- Lack of urine
- Rapid heart rate:
- Muscle Spasms or Tremors
- Shivering or shaking excessively
- dizziness ( can't walk straight)
Preventing Heat Exhaustion
- Never leave a dog alone in a vehicle
- Make sure Dog has access to fresh clean water at all times, and don't leave them outside for long periods
- Avoid walking your dog during peak temperature hours -- you may be able to handle the heat a lot better.
Dog get stressed just like us. Look for the signs of stress and take steps to resolve their stress
Signs of Stress: According to an article by Karen Becker
How to occupy your dog indoors or in your back yard. Article from Dr Karen Becker
One of the ways to alleviate stress in your pet is training and giving them a job. Here is an article on how to make a small agility course in your back yard
Classical
Reward
Clicker
Science Based
Which form of training do you use? Not a cut and dried answer
Homemade Food
All homemade food: Biggest Pro You know exactly what is in the dog food because you made it. And healthier dogs
Biggest Con: Time Comittment—make it a family affair, if the kids are a little older let them help
Gently Cooked: If you are going to cook any of the contents of your food, gently cook it. 210 degrees or lower: takes a much longer time to cook, but nutrients are preserved. Large crock pot
Ideal Equipment:
- barn or dedicated shed
- Standalone freezer
- Meat Grinder: big enough to allow minimal knife use
- Food processor
- Large Mixer: alternative paint stirrer with drill and 5 gal bucket
- Containers
- Scales
Sources
There are farms that sell frozen sources that either deliver or their freezer trucks have drop off points in major metro areas
Find a local farmer that sources his products to your standards (I.e grass fed, no antibiotics, etc)
Farmers markets good place to look
Mealmixforpets.com
PROS
More bio available nutrients
Less processed-easier to digest
Shinier coat
Cleaner teeth-pervasive myth that kibbles abrasive properties are better for your teeth
More species appropriate
Poop is glorious--doesn’t stink near as bad and turns into powder in 3 or 4 days
CONS
Requires a little bit more knowledge and effort to keep diet balanced-there is a mullti vitamin mineral supplement which gives peace of mind
Requires some time to prepare
Can be gross, organ meats
With the better quality sources of meat, can be more expensive
Requires some equipment
MUSHROOM BROTH-Courtesy of Dr Karen Becker
Variety of Mushrooms
Chop
Saute in butter
1 cup mushroom 2 cups water simmer 20 min
Add grated ginger and or turmeric (optional)
Let cool/blend
1 TBSP / 25#--> refrigerate or freeze in ice cube tray
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/raw-feeding-primer/
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/06/12/fresh-food-meals-for-dogs.aspx
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/10/09/5-mistakes-dog-parents-often-make.aspx
Removing all the water by sublimation : removes up to 99% of moisture—astronaut food
PROS OF FREEZE DRYING
- Usually higher quality ingredients: can be raw at time of freeze drying which preserves the nutrients
- No preservatives: It doesn’t need them it will keep for a long time because it does not have moisture
- Incredibly convenient
CONS:
- Most expensive category: Not an ideal option for daily feeding
- May not be nutrtionally complete
- Rely on the company to be truthful in what they are putting in the food
FRESH-Gently Cooked
Freshpet, Farmers Dog, NomNomNow, There are probably several local ones in your area
PROS
- Most generally higher quality ingredients
- Less preservatives
- Convenient: fresh pet is in a lot of retail establishments. Others are on a subscription service delivered with dry ice right to your door
Cons:
- Pretty expensive: 13$/day. if you can swing it it is light years better than kibble or canned
- You are relying on the company to be ethical and honest in their sourcing.
NEWS
AAFCO bans pet owners from meetings
https://truthaboutpetfood.com/aafco-bans-pet-owners/
Documentary about the pet food industry on Amazon Prime Video PET FOOLED
Plans to Extract Pet Food From Chicken Poop STORY HERE
CANNED
PROS
Moisture content
Protein content
Palatability(Taste)
Usually has less processing than kibble and less dyes
COns
BPA- and BPA Replacement
Not quite as convenient as kibble
Must be refrigerated after opening
You have to trust the manufacturer with what is in the ingredients
Have to monitor source ingredients ( may contain euthanasia drugs and be from euthanized animals)
Still highly processed for most brands
BPA
Plastic lining in cans that help keep the metal of the can from leaching into the food
- After just two weeks eating two different brands of widely available canned dog food, BPA levels tripled in 14 study dogs
- BPA is able to imitate the body's hormones, especially estrogen, in ways that are damaging to the health of both humans and animals. In humans, exposure to BPA has been linked to:3
- Reproductive disorders and breast cancer in women and impotence in men
- Heart disease, diabetes and liver-enzyme abnormalities
- Problems in brain function, memory and learning
- Reduced effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment
- Asthma
BPA-Free: still is a plastic lining the can and it is less toxic than BPA
Study of 10 manufactures: no way to actually tell if bpa free without an independent test and be ready for a legal fight
FDA--> manufacturers do not have to list preservatives that are in their source ingredients ( ethoxiquin)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethoxyquin
- https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/red-flag-ingredients/ethoxyquin-dangerous-dog-food-additive/
https://blog.homesalive.ca/canned-dog-food-benefits
https://truthaboutpetfood.com/fda-admits-pentobarbital-in-pet-food-more-of-a-problem-than-originally-thought/
https://www.mensjournal.com/health-fitness/why-bpa-free-plastic-isnt-necessarily-safe-20140611/
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/12/16/fresh-foods-for-pets.aspx
SEPARATION ANXIETY
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2019/10/25/how-to-help-a-dog-with-separation-anxiety.aspx?utm_source=petsnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1HL&utm_campaign=20191025Z1&et_cid=DM373302&et_rid=736182272
TIPS if you decide to feed kibble
- Single name protein source as first ingredient ) for example, beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, etc..)--watch out for ingredient splitting
- Lower heat kibble vs. High heat kibble
- Buy only enough for you to use in a week ( when opened, fat will begin to oxidize. other option is to put in a freezer
- Supplement occasionally with antioxidants and omega 3's . sardines or salmon oil in food bowl with kibble. Throw in some blueberries, carrots, fresh greens (kale).
Reading a label: avoid dyes and "animal by products”
NEWS
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/blog/dangerous-dogs-in-your-neighborhood/?MailingID=192&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Are+Dangerous+Dogs+Running+Loose+In+Your+Neighborhood%3F&utm_campaign=BL20191010-WhenPigsFly
https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/dog-destroys-training-book
CHEWING
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2019/10/11/dog-chews.aspx?utm_source=petsnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1HL&utm_campaign=20191011Z1&et_cid=DM363505&et_rid=726537604
https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/dog-food-label-tricks-every-owner-needs-know/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=ah&sept_compare_01&utm_content=2b50_infographic
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/11/04/nutrition-provided-by-your-pet-cat-food-or-pet-dog-food.aspx
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/03/choosing-a-healthy-dog-food-for-your-pet.aspx
https://dogfood.guru/reviews/
Summary of the Food Series
INTRO TO FOOD SERIES:
FIND OUT WHAT EVERYONE FEEDS
Dog Food Industry: 25 Billion Dollars: couldn’t find exact percentages but a large percentage is kibble
History: The first commercial dog food was served in cans. When WW2 broke out, metal became hard to come by and expensive so the commercial food industry began making kibble. Needed for shelf life
PROS
convenient
price
Balanced by federal standards
Long shelf life
CONSMycotoxins in the bulk grains
Moisture content
Plaque on teeth
Highly processed
Not ideal for dogs digestive system
Fortified nutrition
Mold contamination a possibility
Increased metabolic stress vs. Raw food (increased inflammation)
Bad for the teeth. (MYTH THAT IT IS GOOD)
Usually cooked at high heat leading to cancerous chemicals
Have to have trust in the company that is making your kibble of choice
MYTH : Kibble is good for the teeth. Most Kibble is high in carbs and the bacteria in the mouth feed on that to create tartar.
Kibble making Process:
- Larger companies bring raw materials in bulk via truck or rail
- Materials are meat, fat, grains and concentrated raw vitamins and minerals
- Grinding all of the raw materials
- Blend all the dry materials at the appropriate ratio in batches as large as 2000#
- Dry mix mixed in appropriate amount with wet materials to make a paste. Then mixed, kneaded and sliced
- Moved to an extruder where it spins , cooks and pushed it through a die where it becomes the shape we are familiar with. many are cooked at high heat
- Drying and cooling
- Enrobing: liquid or powder added to outside surface to enhance the flavor
- SOURCE:dogfoodinsider.com
Checking out a dog for a few hours
http://www.fox35orlando.com/news/local-news/you-can-now-check-out-a-dog-for-2-hours-from-the-pet-alliance-of-greater-orlando
SOURCES Available on our blog
Step by step process for decisions. You have a decision to make in the care of your dog
-
Gather information from various sources – most topics will not be cut and dried. various sources will disagree with what is best. don’t worry about a decision yet or dismiss any information, take it all in.
- Read, listen, watch as much information as you are willing to dedicate time to it. some decisions have a higher priority than others.
- Podcasts
- raw dog food truth podcast
- Dr karen becker
- Books
- Dr Karen Becker – Real Food For Healthy Dogs
- Unlocking The Canine Ancestral Diet
- Blogs
- News Articles
-
Put all the information through your personal belief prism. Does it violate that?
-
For example: if you want to limit chemicals, and there are alot of chemicals listed in the ingredients
-
Sometimes new information and/or our life experience can change our belief prism
PODCAST: ALL ABOUT YARDS
How safe is our yards for our dogs? Are they escape proof
Turns out not very safe
- Poorly maintained fence
- Broken slats-wooden splintered—noticed in our yard have 2by 4 railings nails missed the 2 by 4 and are sticking out
- Broken or burred chain link
- Any holes?
- Poorly maintained landscape
- Dead branches--> dog chew and can get splinters in their mouths
- Gardening materials left out
- Fertilizer, pesticides, hoes, shovels, rakes
- Plants
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/poisoning-toxicity/e_dg_poisonous_plants
What about escape artists
What causes a dog to escape?
- Boredom!!!!
- Scent of prey or other dogs
- Territorial dogs may see other dogs or humans
Jumping over or digging under
How to prevent digging under a fence
Types of Digging Prevention
- Electric fence around perimeter
- Metal spike strips
- L shaped wire that goes at the bottom
- Concrete trench
How Much of a “DOG” person are you
There is an online quiz for that
https://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseamarshall/what-level-dog-person-are-you
https://www.gotoquiz.com/are_you_a_dog_person_1
https://embarkvet.com/quiz-are-you-a-crazy-dog-person/
- It’s amazing how much we spend
- 75.38 Billion estimated for 2019
- https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/lady-and-tramp-remake-shelter-dog
https://patch.com/us/dealtown/14-ways-spoil-your-pup-national-dog-day
Blue Green Algae produces a toxin that can be deadly for a dog
Conditions for Algae Blooms
Still water: Farm Pond with no inlet stream or multiple very still (no wind) hot days
If you want to keep your farm pond free of blue green algae you can get a solar water circulator
Fertilizer runoff
Weather or Sports on the news usually have an outdoor segment.
In our area lake going is popular so the local weather during the summer reports on the conditions of the lake and they will let you know if either algae blooms have been spotted or the conditions are right for them to form
https://www.theoutdoorpond.com/solar-pond-pumps/
Puppy Party Room Service: During National Dog Day August 26th
puppy room service party
Dogs Biting children on a swing when it is moving? Form of aggressive play? High Prey Drive tired and mentally stimulated dog is a calm dog
Set up a simple agility set in back yard. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/375628425169255104/
Train 10-15 minutes or more per day. You and your dog are bonding and achieving something together. Dog has a job, and everyone is happier.
Train with someone swinging. Make them sit and stay while someone is swinging. Start with them on a leash. Then as you train them to stay while someone is swinging
DOGS AND CHILDREN:
- Never leave toddlers and infants and young children, alone with your dog
- Teach children basic dog behavior
- Putting your face in their face is perceived as aggression
- Hugging a dog is a very dominant behaivor
- Never lay (woller) on a dog
- When you are around other children, have your dog leashed
Acclimating your Dog with an infant
- Acclimate your dog as early as possible to all the baby “equipment”
- Have a “safe” place for the dog where it can go that the children, are not allowed. Crate, master closet, etc.
- “Good association” when the baby is crying or other things that may be stressing the dog, give them a treat
- Don’t discipline the dog when the child is around. The dog could associate the negative consequence with the child
- Keep your dog’s routine as much as possible
Top Family Friendly Dog Breeds
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2019/02/25/10-great-dogs-for-families-with-kids.aspx
If more of us who get a dog would commit even when they drive us nuts, there would be less dogs in shelters.
Discussion on a common problem Itchy skin, hot spots. Also I went coon hunting for the first time
Samantha came up with the question, How often should you wash out your dog bowl. Honestly, this question never came up on their radar, so I did some research.
Dr Becker has a good article on her blog that answers the question. Spoiler alert for those that won't read the article, The research and her recommendations is to wash them out between each feeding.
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/why-flea-and-tick-products-are-a-bad-idea-and-4-natural-repellent-recipes/
https://www.certapet.com/natural-tick-repellent-for-dogs/
DATING A NON-DOG PERSON
Key is Communication:
During the dating process, make sure that you are compatible with each others level of dogginess!
As long as your potential mate is willing to compromise, they don't have to absolutely be on your level of dog crazy.
Technology and Dogs
Rover and Wag-- If you are OK with strangers walking your dog and pet-sitting. These seem to have the most features
Bring-Fido: when you are traveling, this shows all the dog friendly hotels restaurants
RED CROSS App for emergencies and will show you closest Emergency Vet GOOGLE PLAY APPLE APP STORE
Article from Rover website blog
Losing a Pet is incredibly hard especially if you consider them a member of your family.
Denial, Bargaining, Guilt/Anger, Depression, Acceptance.
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2012/03/02/helping-your-child-grieve-the-loss-of-a-pet.aspx
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/07/07/when-a-pet-dies-how-to-deal-with-grief-and-mourning.aspx
Don't forget about your other surviving dogs.
https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/11/17/grieving-pets.aspx
Molly Removing all the sticks from the streams. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwx5O3MFvjF/
There should be more Dogs in Hospitals to help alleviate fear, anxiety and depression amongst the patients.
If you want to have your dog be a therapy dog.
https://assistancedogregistry.com/therapy-dog-information/
https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/akc-therapy-dog-program/
Would you check to see if a movie has a dog that dies in it before watching it?
Rawbones in Tulsa Area
https://www.facebook.com/GreenwoodFarms.74332/
According to the 2018 General Social Survey. You are much more likely to state you are very happy if you are a dog only home than if you have only cats in your home.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/04/06/dog-owners-are-much-happier-than-cat-owners-survey-finds/
Dog Owners are more likely to seek comfort from their pet, and play with the pet and are more likely to consider their dogs as a member of the family.
The cost of fresh food is more expensive. How Much more?
Listen In .
Beagle Pup is whining at night and gets up in the middle of the night. We are trying everything!!
Essential Oils for Relaxation: Lavendar Oil diluted with coconut oil on the ears helps Scout the Beagle sleep better at night.
Bolting and A Cussing Grandmother.
Dashchunds: According to a Daschund owner: Tenacious to the point of stupidity.
Our experience with Fresh Food and homemade food: Experiment with how much to give them.
Dr Becker's Book: Dr Becker's Real Food For Healthy Dogs and Cats: Simple Homemade Food.
Dr Becker's website and blog https://healthypets.mercola.com/
Why do certain stuffed animals not get shredded?
Brenda volunteers as a foster for a local rescue organization. She checks background for potential adopters. Why people give a dog back or take to the pound.
Brenda stresses the importance of spaying and neutering. Below are the links to Tulsa Area Low Cost Spay Clinics. They have need verification/qualifications. If you are not in the Tulsa Area, google "Low Cost spay clinics"
http://animalallianceok.org/low-cost-spay-neuter/
http://spayok.org/
https://tulsaspca.org/
Commercial puppy operations
Match you and your prospective dog's personalities. Do your research before taking on the commitment of a dog.
We were having so much fun we ran really long. So we are splitting this episode into 2 parts.
Traveling with Dogs-What to do with your dogs when you are out of town?
Does your dog bark when you are not at home? Are they depressed when you come back home.
Make relationships with lots of different dog lovers that you can take turns taking care of each other's dogs.
Be wary of your dog groomers. Make sure you know them well.
https://healthypets.mercola.com/ great blog for all pet owners (primarily dogs and cats)
Top 10 Mistakes
Brush their teeth more often. Fresh food helps keeps tartar off. Special Treat after teeth
Fresh Food is awesome!!
Almost witnessed a dog getting hit by a car.
Dogs and Air Travel. Dogs paw caught in moving escalator at Denver Airport
Emotional Support Dogs in an Airplane.
How does an emotional support dog work? Are they trained.
There is a rise in dog ownership. Here's a theory why.
Family of Nine Kids Fosters a litter of Nine Puppies
We are visited by Eli Sammy's son at the 10:38 mark. He's one and half !!
A Day In the life of Zipper, Scout, Molly and Jackson. The pack order is being established!
A Day in the life of Daisy. The namesake of the podcast.-- Daisy is escaping the yard and sitting on the front porch.
Are Dog Parks a Good Thing or Not?
S1 Ep 4 – Dealing With Allergies To Dogs & Border Collie
You want to have a dog, but you have allergies to dogs. What do you do? Although there are no truly hypo-allergenic dogs, there are allergy friendly breeds. With some diligence and work, you can minimize the allergens produced from dogs.
- If possible, remove as many allergen trapping articles from the home. Remove cloth furniture and replace with leather. Remove carpet and replace with hardwood or laminate. The carpet and cloth can trap the allergens.
- clean frequently ( water filtration vacuums reduce the amount of dust created while vacuuming. One popular brand is the rainbow.
- most allergens are from your dog’s dried saliva and dry skin. The more allergens in your dog’s food, the more allergens in their saliva and skin. Consider feeding a higher quality fresh diet
- have a pet free zone in your house
- more frequent baths
Allergy Friendly Breeds
- Affenpinscher
- Poodle
- Lhasa Apso
- Silky Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
Dog Breed of the Week-Border Collie
Intelligent and Obedient
- Bred to herd livestock
- intelligent and playful
- require grooming and exercise
Resources
- Article
- Tips for Handling Pet Allergies-Dr Karen Becker
- Water Filtration Vacuum (PS I use this at my house and they work great at keeping the dust down while vacuuming.) There are other brands out there. Do your research
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321420.php
HIKING WITH YOUR DOG
According to Dr Karen Becker from mercola.com
What to Bring
- Water: half to one ounce per pound of body weight for large dogs. Dogs under 20 pounds bring one and a half ounces per pound
- 1st aid kit- with some type of salve or balm for feet
- Pocket knife/Utility knife
- Treats: Just as you need nourishment on a long hike, your dog will need high quality treats as well.
- Water dish: collapsible water bowls work great to save space
- Harness and leash –even if going to an off leash area
- Well trained dog
- Come on command even from a long distance
- high prey drive dogs who will normally behave at home may pick up the scent or site of wildlife and not listen to you.
Before your Hike
- Make sure the trail allows dogs
- Certain trails are off limits due to wildlife
- It is highly preferable to pre-scout the trail without your dog. If that is not possible, review a topographical map or a hiking app for terrain
- Make sure terrain of the trail is suitable. It if preferable to avoid sharp cliffs and sharp rocks. Rolling hills the best especially for dogs that have not been out hiking before.
- If not in your home area, look up the closest emergency vet clinic.
During Hike
- Don’t allow your dog to chase wildlife. This for your dog’s safety
- Don’t be spontaneous. Stick to your pre scouted trail and don’t deviate. Can run into unexpected terrains
Resources
4 overlooked questions to ask before hiking
Take a Hike With Your Dog
Outdoor Safety
Breed of the Week: Labrador Retriever
Labs are sturdy, athletic and resilient.
Labradors ranked the most popular dog breed in the United States for 27 years running. They are very eager to please and have a friendly fun demeanor. They are highly trainable and are very common for service animals and search and rescue during disasters. Labs are very active and need lots of exercise and stimulation.
- For more information about Labrador Retrievers, visit AKC.com
- The Labrador Club
- Find a Lab Rescue Organization
Season 1 Episode 2 Adventures of Training a Dog that Pulls On a Leash
I have a leash puller. She is the sweetest dog, most of the time and when I can get her off leash she will behave most of the time. But when I put on her harness and attach her leash she turns into a hard charging pulling beast. Using patience and persistence and a lot of stubbornness. I am making some progress.
If you have a leash puller, it is tempting to use a retractable 15 foot leash. Listen in to find out why that is an incredibly bad idea.
Cleaning up your bad dog behaviors including leash pulling. Excellent article from Dr Karen Becker.
Avoid Injuring Your Dog— yanking on the leash, using a prong collar or choke chain can damage your dogs neck and cause neurological damage. Change to a halter and use a six foot standard leash. I like the flat ribbon nylon because they are more durable if your dog chews on them.
Regular Chiropractic Care for your dog can help minimize injuries and further neurological damage from pulling.
Leash pulling is one of the more common behavior issues dog owners face. We wanted to tackle it because with better behaved dogs, there is less chance for injury to your dog and to YOU. Even smaller dogs that consistently pull and zig zag back and forth on a leash can cause injuries from tripping.
According to my research, most dog trainers and Veterinarians absolutely HATE retractable leashes. They are quite dangerous because of the material they are made from if they get wrapped around yours or your dogs leg, especially with a puller.
According to petful.com the best collar for leash pulling is a head collar. The article is here. A common brand name I have heard is the halti collar.
Halters are more comfortable for the dog, but in certain instances can create MORE pulling!!
The choke chain and pinch collar can be useful in the hands of an expert, according to the petful article, but are not their best choice for everyday use.
The worst collar for a leash puller is your standard band collar. For a serious puller, they can cause tracheal damage.
So what do you do if you have a puller?
- Hire a professional trainer: If you can afford it, this is probably the best option. Ask around at the dog park for recommendations for training and do your research in your area.
- Try a Head Collar. This may do the trick for most dogs. Some Dogs may need acclimation. Put it on them and let them wear it around the house without a walk first. Then work up to walking and take a shorter walk the first few times.
- Patience Method: Use a standard 6 foot leash or an 8 foot leash around your waist.
- Decide that there will be no more pulling, and stay consistent.
- When the tension is put on the leash, Stop and wait. Even ignore them until they reduce the tension in the leash.
- Prepare yourself that in the beginning you may not get very far. Dog’s are smart, they will eventually figure out that if they want to go, they have to stop pulling.
- Some dogs are really wanting to go places, while others want to stop and smell every bush. If you have one that wants to get out there and explore you may be slowing them down. Indulge them some by jogging or even running some. Added bonus. You get in shape too!!!
Resources
Best Dog Collars for Pulling on a Leash
3 Common Leash Problems Solved: Pulling, Mouthing, Lunging
Bad Dog Behaviors That You Unknowingly Create in Your Pet: Dr Karen Becker
Some Podcasts about leash pulling
Oppositional Reflex
Leash Pulling Podcast
