Pet Connection Canada Dec 2020/Jan 2021 Issue

Proudly

Made in Canada

Canada’s Natural Health Magazine for Pets

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

What if...

Cannabis Cured Cancer?

BLOAT HOME HEALTH CHECK

PUPPY NUTRITION

Pandemic Puppy Pointers

$4.95

Display until January 31, 2021

Adoptions Linked to Puppy Mills

IN THE RAW...

Food for Dogs & Cats Inc. 20th Year

Anniversary

Covid shopping protocols in place

please support a ‘cruelty-free’ world

BUYING OR SELLING? Laura-Leah Shaw for Success P ERS ONAL REAL ES TAT E C ORP ORAT ION

A donation to an animal charity will be made with each sale

604.551.9297 laura-leah.com

MA STER MEDAL L ION CL UB | REALTORS CARE AWARDS ( N ATION AL & LOCAL)

OUR COMMITMENT

100% REAL 80 20 0 0

AIR-DRIED DOG FOOD ALL LIFE STAGES RECIPE

% REAL MEAT,

ORGANS & BONE

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

% FRESH VEGETABLES

2

% GRAINS

% SYNTHETIC

INGREDIENTS

1 pound of MEGA morsels®

4 lbs

JUST ADD OR WATER NOT shelf stable

Ready in 15 mins

Air Dried

4540 Hastings Street, Burnaby, 778-892-6673 or 778-89AMORE. Come check out our free sample bar!

www.amorepetfoods.com

6.75” x 4.5”

Made in Canada

GETTING THE SCOOP ON CANADA’S PET CULTURE VOLUME 13 • ISSUE 5 • DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Inside: BLOAT The Mother of All Emergencies

8

by Dr. Wendy Brooks, DVM

Physical Exam Checklist

14

Peaches

By Dr. Michael Thomas, DVM and the late Dr. Roger Gfeller, DVM

Home Guide

20

by Donna Middleton Guide to Reducing Seizures

by Donna Middleton

22

What if: Cannabis Cured Cancer

26

by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM, MS

Puppy Nutrition

34

Milo

by Brenda Hagel

Pandemic Puppy Pointers

44

Pet Adoptions Linked to Horrific Puppy Mills

54

by V. Victoria Shroff

IN EVERY ISSUE Letter from the Editor Mark Your Calendars!

4 53

Cross Canada Photo Contest Cover Photo: Bacio, Bella, Lexi, Marlie Photo Courtesy of Jenna Mouland

58 Monty

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

by Valerie Barry

3

Letter from the Editor PUBLISHER BC’s Pet Connection Ltd EDITOR Leslie Kennedy Tel: 604-220-5346 info@petconnection.ca www.petconnection.ca GRAPHIC DESIGN Britton Design Services CONTRIBUTORS Valerie Barry Dr. Wendy Brooks, DVM Brenda Hagel Donna Middleton ACCN V. Victoria Shroff Dr. Robert Silver, DVM Dr. Michael Thomas, DVM

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Funded by

Pet Connection is published 6 times a year. Founded in 2008.

SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe to the Pet Connection, please send $25.00 for a one year subscription.

(6 issues). Single copies are available for $4.95 each. All taxes included. Either order online from our website, or mail a cheque or money order with your name, address and postal code to: Pet Connection 2443 Beacon Avenue Sidney, BC V8L 1X7 Pet Connection does not disclose its subscribers list to anyone.

PET CONNECTION does not assume responsibility for any claims made by its advertisers, or for any information dispensed. The articles and information presented are for information only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publisher. Permission to reproduce any part of this publication must be approved by the publisher. All pictures, articles or emails sent in become the property of Pet Connection.

All Rights Reserved © 2020 - BC’s PET CONNECTION LTD

If you are worried about the high cost of vet bills, and unnecessary vet charges you are not alone. It is far easier to prevent illness than to treat it, and there are many things you can do now at home yourself.

This issue is full of ideas and of things to try. Let 2021 be the year. If you haven’t already started a home file for your pet, start today. Do your own at home physical exam. Keep track and date occurrences of mishaps for your own records. Keep a home record of any and all lab testing and blood work results.

For those getting a new puppy, this is also the issue for you! We have great articles on puppy nutrition and puppy training. Nothing like starting things off on the right foot.

The Grand Prize Winner of our year long ‘Chance for the Cover’ Photo Contest will be announced December 15, 2020. For the 12 Finalists please see page 58. Thank you so much to everyone who entered.

Here’s to 2021 being a better healthier year for all, To your pets health,

- Leslie Kennedy Editor

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.

You are his life, his love, his leader.

He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.

You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”

- Unknown

OUR MISSION: To save innocent companion animals from any type of harm.

PEFC 4

Home Care

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021- SEPTEMBER 2019 www.petconnection.ca • AUGUST

they're family

5

CONTRIBUTORS Valerie Barry, KPA-CTP, Valerie has been working with people and their dogs for almost 20 years. Accredited by the BC SPCA AnimalKind Program, Dog Partners (formerly In Partnership With Dogs) uses Positive, and Force-Free training methods. Valerie was one of the first dog trainers to recognize the need for classes designed specifically for the adolescent dog. She really enjoys working with puppies, young dogs and their families. She also specializes in Behaviour Modification for dogs with all levels of aggression, reactivity, fear and anxiety. Valerie enjoys learning and finding new educational opportunities to further her goal of helping pet owners build true partnerships with their dogs.

Dog Partners: www.dogpartners.ca / hello@dogpartners.ca / 604-868-5145

Dr. Wendy Brooks, is the Educational Director for VeterinaryPartner.com, and in this role continues to provide top quality, cutting edge veterinary information to pet owners. She is the author of the Pet Health Library and the Pet Pharmacy. She also answers the Ask A Vet questions for Veterinary Partner. She is a native of the Los Angeles area, and graduated from the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. www.veterinarypartner.com

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Brenda Hagel resides in Saskatoon Sk. at Riveriene Farm. Dogs and horses have always been part of her life. In the past she bred working German Shepherds and competed in Schutzhund Sport, and, trained and showed in CKC breed show and obedience trials. She currently competes with horses. She has advocated species appropriate nutrition for companion animals for over 3 decades.

Together with her partner Dennis, the national company Carnivora was formed offering the first raw whole animal diets. www.carnivora.ca

6

Donna Middleton ACCN, is a Advanced Certified Canine Nutritionist, graduating with Honours from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute. Her passion is helping pet guardians who are looking for answers for better alternatives for their beloved pets. Donna lives in Winnipeg, with her husband, teenage son and 4 dogs. Two are rescues and 2 are Canadian Registered Champion Papillion's. When she is not in the show ring with Castel’s AltCh Nathaniel RE, you can find them in the Rally Obedience ring or working on their agility titles. www.headtotailcaninenutrition.com

V. Victoria Shroff is credited as one of the first animal lawyers in Canada.

She's practiced animal law for 20 years in Vancouver at Shroff and Associates, took a case up to the SCC, and is sometimes Adjunct Professor of Animal Law at UBC and Capilano University. Victoria helped establish a groundbreaking access to justice animal law clinic and founded the BC Animal Law Study Group. Recognized for her pioneering work in animal law, as finalist for Canad's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers 2020, 2019, 2018, recipient of SEEDS award, she lectures worldwide. Victoria created an animal law program for kids www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUNv5vt26og. Contact her: www.shroffanimallaw.com, twitter @shroffanimallaw

Dr. Rob Silver, a 1982 graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is the Chief Medical Officer of RxVitamins, a veterinary nutraceutical company that sells exclusively to licensed veterinary practitioners, is the past president of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, a former board member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the author of the book, Medical Marijuana and Your Pet, and currently is contributing to a chapter on Veterinary Nutraceuticals: Cannabis in a veterinary textbook soon to be published by Springer.

Winter Skin Care

Supplementing with Omega rich ingredients can help to keep your pets skin healthy and reduce shedding. The Paw Balm can be used anywhere on the body to sooth, moisturize and heal.

We keep your pets healthy and happy.

Canadian owned and operated. www.pet-tek.ca

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Dr. Michael Thomas, is a full professor in the Department of Animal Science at California State University, Fresno. A 1983 graduate of Washington State University, he has been teaching animal health courses since 1985. Dr. Thomas is a popular teacher, twice receiving meritorious teaching awards, and has received university and national recognition for his innovative multimedia educational techniques.

He has received research and educational grants for the study of infectious disease and development of computer-aided veterinary courseware. In addition to three years of practice experience prior to his university work, he continues veterinary practice as campus veterinarian and clinician at California State University, Fresno. www.veterinarypartner.com

7

B L O A T The Mother of All Emergencies

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

By Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP

8

VeterinaryPartner.com is not affiliated with Pet Connection.

URL: veterinarypartner.vin.com/doc/?id=4951541&pid=19239

T

here are many injuries and physical disorders that represent life-threatening emergencies.

There is only one condition so drastic that it overshadows them all in terms of rapidity of consequences and effort in emergency treatment. This is the gastric dilatation and volvulus – the bloat.

volvulus), will die in pain in a matter of hours unless drastic steps are taken.

What are the Risk Factors for Developing Bloat?

What is it and Why is it so Serious?

The normal stomach sits high in the abdomen and contains a small amount of gas, some mucus, and any food being digested. It undergoes a normal rhythm of contraction, receiving food from the esophagus above, grinding the food, and meting the ground food out to the small intestine at its other end. Normally this proceeds uneventfully except for the occasional burp.

Expect a Higher Standard in Natural Pet Nutrition

Dogs weighing more than 99 pounds have an approximate 20 percent risk of bloat. The risk of bloating increases with age.

Classically, this condition affects dog breeds which are said to be deep chested, meaning the length of their chest from backbone to sternum is relatively long while the chest width from right to left is narrow. Examples of deep chested breeds would be the Great Dane, Greyhound, and the setter breeds. Still, any dog can bloat, even dachshunds and chihuahuas.

Quality Food Exceptional Raw Diets Wholesome Supplements Cool Accessories Puppy Primer Classes Staff You Can Trust

Photo Courtesy of Robyn Baldrey

5565 West Blvd. Vancouver b/w 39th & 40th. Parking at back.

604.266.1125 • www.simplynaturalrawpet.ca

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

In the bloated stomach, gas and/or food stretches the stomach many times its normal size, causing tremendous abdominal pain. For reasons we do not fully understand, this grossly distended stomach tends to rotate, thus twisting off not only its own blood supply but the only exit routes for the gas inside. The spleen, which normally nestles along the greater curvature of the stomach, can twist as well, cutting off its circulation. The distended stomach becomes so large that it compresses the large veins that run along the back returning the body’s blood to the heart, creating circulatory shock. Not only is this collection of disasters extremely painful, it is also rapidly life-threatening. A dog with a bloated, twisted stomach (more scientifically called gastric dilatation and

9

Classically, the bloated dog has recently eaten a large meal and exercised heavily shortly thereafter. Still, we usually do not know why a given dog bloats on an individual basis. No specific diet or dietary ingredient has been proven to be associated with bloat. Some factors found to increase and decrease the risk of bloat are listed below:

Summary of Factors Increasing the Risk of Bloat • Increasing age • Having closely related family members with a history of bloat • Eating rapidly • Feeding from an elevated bowl • Feeding a dry food with fat or oil listed in the first four ingredients.

Factors Decreasing the Risk of Bloat • Including canned dog food in the diet • Including table scraps in the diet • Happy or easy-going temperament • Feeding a dry food containing a calcium-rich meat meal (such as meat/lamb meal, fish meal, chicken by-product meal, meat meal, or bone meal) listed in the first four ingredients of the ingredient list.

• Eating two or more meals per day Contrary to popular belief, cereal ingredients such as soy, wheat, or corn in the first four ingredients of the ingredient list do not increase the risk of bloat.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

In a study done by the Purdue University Research Group, headed by Dr. Lawrence T. Glickman:

10

• The Great Dane was the #1 breed at risk for bloat.

(The incidence of bloat in this breed is reported to be 42%. Preventive gastropexy should be considered as described below.)

• The St. Bernard was the #2 breed at risk for bloat.

• The Weimaraner was the #3 breed at risk for bloat.

In the 1993 study from Germany, the German shepherd dog and the boxer had the highest risk for bloat.

How to Tell if your Dog Has Bloated Classically, the dog is distressed, makes multiple attempts to vomit, and the upper abdomen is hard and distended from the gas within, though in a wellmuscled or overweight dog, the distention may not be obvious. There are other potential emergencies (sudden abdominal bleeding from a ruptured tumor, for example) that might have a similar presentation so radiographs may be needed to determine what has happened. The hallmark presentation of bloat is a sudden onset of abdominal distention, distress, anxiety and pain (panting, guarding the belly, anguished facial expression), and multiple attempts at vomiting that are frequently unproductive. Not every dog will have a classic appearance and some dogs will not have obvious abdominal distention because of their body configuration. If you are not sure, it is best to err on the side of caution and rush your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

What Has to be Done There are several steps to saving a bloated dog’s life. Part of the problem is that all steps should be done at the same time and as quickly as possible.

First: The Stomach Must be Decompressed The huge stomach is by now pressing on the major blood vessels carrying blood back to the heart. This stops normal circulation and sends the dog into shock. Making matters worse, the stomach tissue is dying because it is stretched too tightly to allow blood circulation through it. There can be no recovery until the stomach is untwisted and the gas released. A stomach tube and stomach pump are generally used for this but sometime surgery is needed to achieve stomach decompression.

Also First: Rapid IV Fluids Must be Given to Reverse the Shock Intravenous catheters are placed and life-giving fluid solutions are rushed in to replace the blood that cannot get past the bloated stomach to return to the heart.

The intense pain associated with this disease causes the heart rate to race at such a high rate that heart failure will result. Medication to resolve the pain is needed

Also First: The Heart Rhythm is Assessed and Stabilized A special and very dangerous rhythm problem, called a premature ventricular contraction, or “PVC,” is associated with bloat and it must be ruled out. If this is the case, intravenous medications are needed to stabilize the rhythm. Since this rhythm problem may not be evident until even the next day, continual EKG monitoring may be necessary. If the disturbed heart rhythm is noted at the very beginning of treatment, this is associated with a 38% mortality rate.

Getting the bloated dog’s stomach decompressed and reversing the shock is an adventure in itself but the work is not yet half finished.

Surgery

All bloated dogs, once stable, should have surgery.

Without surgery, the damage done inside cannot be assessed or repaired, plus bloat may recur at any point, even within the next few hours, and the above adventure must be repeated. If the stomach has not untwisted with decompression, the surgeon untwists it and determines what tissue is viable and what is not.

If there is a section of dying tissue on the stomach wall, this must be discovered and removed or the dog will die despite the heroics described above. Also, the spleen, which is located adjacent to the stomach, may twist with the stomach necessitating removal of the spleen or part of the spleen as well. After the nonviable tissue is removed, a surgery called a gastropexy is done to tack the stomach into its normal position to prevent future twisting.

If the tissue damage is so bad that part of the stomach must be removed, the mortality rate jumps to 28 - 38 percent.

If the tissue damage is so bad that the spleen must be removed, the mortality rate is 32 - 38 percent.

After the expense and effort of the stomach decompression, it is tempting to forgo the further expense of surgery. However, consider that the next time your dog bloats, you may not be there to catch it in time and, according the study described below, without surgery there is a 24 percent mortality rate and a 76 percent chance of re-bloating at some point. The best choice is to finish the treatment that has been started and have the abdomen explored. If the stomach can be surgically tacked into place, recurrence rate drops to 6 percent.

Surgery will prevent the stomach from twisting in the future but the stomach is still able to periodically distend with gas. This is uncomfortable but not life-threatening.

Results of a Statistical Study In 1993, a study involving 134 dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus was conducted by the School of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, Germany.

Out of 134 dogs that came into the hospital with this condition:

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

if the patient’s heart rate is to slow down. Medication for shock, antibiotics and electrolytes are all vital in stabilizing the patient.

11

• 10% died or were euthanized prior to surgery (factors involved included expense of treatment, severity/advancement of disease, etc.)

• Post-operative complications of some sort occurred in 75.9% of patients. Approximately 50% of these dogs developed a cardiac arrhythmia.

• 33 dogs were treated with decompression and no surgery. Of these dogs, eight (24%) died or were euthanized within the next 48 hours due to poor response to treatment. (Six of these eight had actually re-bloated.)

• Risk factors significantly associated with death prior to suture removal included clinical signs of bloating for greater than six hours before seeing the vet, partial stomach removal combined with spleen removal, need for blood transfusion, low blood pressure at any time during hospitalization, sepsis (blood infection, and peritonitis (infection of the abdominal membranes).

• Of the dogs that did not have surgical treatment but did survive to go home, 76% had another episode of gastric dilatation and volvulus eventually.

• 88 dogs were treated with both decompression and surgery. Of these dogs, 10% (nine dogs) died in surgery, 18% (16 dogs) died in the week after surgery, 71.5% (63 dogs) went home in good condition. Of the dogs that went home in good condition, 6% (four dogs) had a second episode of bloat later in life.

• In this study 66.4% of the bloated dogs were male and 33.6% were female. Most dogs were between ages seven and 12 years old. The German Shepherd dog and the Boxer appeared to have a greater risk for bloating than did other breeds.

(Meyer-Lindenberg A., Harder A., Fehr M., Luerssen D., Brunnberg L. Treatment of gastric dilatation-volvulus and a rapid method for prevention of relapse in dogs: 134 cases (1988-1991) Journal of the AVMA, Vol 23, No 9, Nov 1 1993, 1301-1307.)

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Another study published December of 2006 looked at 166 dogs that received surgery for gastric dilatation and volvulus. The point of the study was to identify factors that led to poor prognosis.

12

• A 16.2% mortality rate was observed. The mortality rate for dogs over age 10 years was 21%.

• Of the 166 going to surgery, 4.8% were euthanized during surgery, and the other 11.4% died during hospitalization (two dogs died during surgery). All dogs that survived to go home were still alive at the time of suture removal.

• 34 out of 166 dogs had gastric necrosis (dead stomach tissue that had to be removed). Of these dogs 26% died or were euthanized.

(Beck, J.J., Staatz, A.J., Pelsue, D.H., Kudnig, S.T., MacPhail, C.M., Seim H.B, and Monnet, E. Risk factors associated with short-term outcome and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery because of gastric dilatation-volvulus: 166 cases (1992-2003). Journal of the AVMA, Vol 229, No 12, December 15, 2006, p 1934-1939.)

It is crucially important that the owners of big dogs be aware of this condition and prepared for it. Know where to take your dog during overnight or Sunday hours for emergency care. Avoid exercising your dog after a large meal. Know what to watch for. Enjoy the special friendship a large dog provides but at the same time be aware of the large dog’s special needs and concerns.

Prevention: Gastropexy Surgery Preventive gastropexy is an elective surgery usually done at the time of spay or neuter in a breed considered at risk.

The gastropexy, as mentioned, tacks the stomach to the body wall, which drastically reduces the stomach’s ability to twist. The stomach may distend with gas in an attempt to bloat but since twisting is not possible, this becomes a painful and uncomfortable situation but nothing more serious than that. That said, gastropexy is not an absolute guarantee against twisting but we are talking about a recurrence rate of 76% without gastropexy versus 6% recurrence with gastropexy. A study by Ward, Patonek, and Glickman reviewed the benefit of prophylactic surgery for bloat. The lifetime risk of death from bloat was calculated, along with estimated treatment for bloat, versus cost of prophylactic gastropexy. Prophylactic gastropexy was found to make sense for at-risk breeds, especially the Great Dane, which is at highest risk for bloat.

Get in touch today: 905-751-9625 Premium Raw Dog Food Supplier 1111 Gorham Street, Unit 10, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 8X8 www.congoraw.com Proudly Canadian

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Congo Raw specializes in offering a select range of premium biologically appropriate products to ensure optimal health for your pet.

13

Physical Exam Checklist for Pets: FIRST AID

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

HOME GUIDE

By Dr. Michael Thomas and the late Dr. Roger Gfeller

14

VeterinaryPartner.com is not affiliated with Pet Connection.

URL: veterinarypartner.vin.com/doc/?id=4951314&pid=19239

T

o identify an illness or abnormal situation, you must first be able to recognize what is normal for your pet. You know your pet better than anyone else and will have to decide when an abnormal situation warrants professional help. Sometimes the condition is so serious it leaves no doubt. Frequently, the changes are subtle or happen over a long period of time and it is important that they are recognized and addressed. Early recognition of a serious problem can save your pet’s life.

The following information teaches you how to examine your pet and determine what is normal. The primary suggestion is to give your pet a “mini” physical exam occasionally when there is nothing wrong so you get used to what is normal for your pet. Record the normal values using the guide at the end of this article.

Skin The skin is an important indicator of overall health. Feel your pet’s skin and haircoat, noting any masses or sores.

Many older pets can develop accumulations of fatty tissue known as lipomas. In order to differentiate these benign masses from cancerous ones, it is important to have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian and have an aspirate performed. This simple and quick procedure can help your veterinarian determine the nature of the lump and help you decide if further tests or treatment are needed.

Normal • Shiny and smooth haircoat • Soft and unbroken skin • Minimal odor

Before starting a hands-on exam, stand back and look at your pet for a few minutes. The posture, breathing, activity level, and general appearance can tell you a lot.

Now start the physical exam, making sure to look at the following areas. Consult a veterinarian if an abnormal condition exists or you are concerned about any exam findings.

A hands-on physical exam in the comfort of your own home is the best way to learn what is normal for your pet.

Nose Normal: • Moist and clean

Abnormal • Sparse or patchy haircoat • Open sores or sounds • Oily or greenish discharge

Eyes Normal Abnormal:

• Bright, moist, and clear • Centered between the eyelid

• Dry or cracked

• Pupils equal in size

• Nasal discharge (such as thick greenish mucus)

• Whites of the eye should not appear colored (such as red or yellow) and should have only a few visible blood vessels

• Bleeding

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

• Foul or rancid odor

15

hematoma) in the floppy part of the ear called the pinna.

Normal • Skin smooth and without wounds • Clean and dry • Almost odor-free • Typical carriage for breed • Pupils shrink equally when bright light is shined into either eye • Pupils enlarge equally when the eyes are held closed or the room darkened.

Abnormal • Dull, sunken eyes. Eyes that appear dry. Thick discharge from eyes.

• One or both eyes not centered.

• Pupils unequal in size.

• Pain-free Abnormal • Wounds or scabs on skin. Lumps or bumps on skin.

Any sign of rash • Crust, moisture, or other discharge in ear canal • Any strong odor from the ear • Atypical carriage for breed; for example, a droopy ear in a breed with normally erect ears • Painful or swollen ears.

• Abnormal colors that indicate problems are yellow (jaundice), or red (bloodshot).

Your pet’s ears should be clean and odor-free.

• Pupils fail to respond or respond differently when bright light is shined into either eye.

Mouth

• Pupils fail to respond or respond differently to the dark.

Normal

Pay close attention to the color of the whites of your pet’s eyes, as well as the pupils’ response to changes in light.

• Teeth are clean and white • Gums are uniformly pink.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Ears

16

Abnormal • Tartar accumulation around the base of the teeth Chronic ear problems are common in pets, and are often a result of allergies to inhaled pollen (like hay fever in people) that are then complicated by secondary infections with bacteria or fungus. Ear infections can be painful and head shaking can lead to an accumulation of blood (or

• The gums are red, pale, inflamed, or sore in appearance.

Press on the gum tissue with your finger or thumb and release quickly. Watch the color return to the gums. This checks the capillary refill time (CRT) and is a crude assessment of how well the heart and circulatory system

are working. A normal CRT is 1 to 2 seconds for color to return. This can be a difficult test to interpret sometimes (for example, if your pet has dark or pigmented gums), and should not be relied upon as definitive evidence that your pet is sick or healthy.

Abnormal • Any unusual noise heard while the pet is breathing could indicate a problem, especially if the noise is new for the pet.

Gums should be pink -- teeth should be clean and white.

• There is noticeable effort by the pet to move the chest wall.

Neck, Chest, and Breathing

• The abdomen is actively involved in the act of inhaling and exhaling.

Normal

• The pet stands with elbows held out further than normal or, is unable to rest or lie down.

• It is difficult to hear the pet breathe at all except when he or she is panting.

Abdomen (Stomach)

• The chest wall moves easily to and fro during respiration.

Touch and feel (palpate) the stomach. Start just behind the ribs and gently press your hands into the abdomen, feeling for abnormalities. If your pet has just eaten, you may be able to feel an enlargement in the left part of the abdomen just under the ribs. Proceed toward the rear of the body, passing your hands gently over the abdomen.

• Most of the act of breathing is performed by the chest wall.

LOOKING FORWARD TO

2021

YOUR FRESH PET FOOD CONNECTION You won’t find kibble in our store!

ORDER ONLINE FOR LOCAL DELIVERY OR PICK UP 118 - 2871 Jacklin Road, Victoria, BC • 250-391-4475 • www.growlies.ca

Photo of Neal with Rosie and Daisy Photo Courtesy of Growlies

Facebook.com/Growlies

@Growlies

@Growlies4Pets

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

®

17

Normal • No lumps, bumps, or masses • No discomfort on palpation • No distension of the abdominal wall.

Abnormal • Any lump, bump, or mass may be abnormal.

• Palpation causes groaning or difficulty breathing.

Any evidence or indication of pain is a serious finding. Use caution to avoid being bitten.

Pulse and Heart Rate Learn to locate the pulse on your pet before a crisis. The best place on a cat or dog is the femoral artery in the groin area. Place your fingers around the front of the hind leg and move upward until the back of your hand meets the abdominal wall. Move your fingertips back and forth on the inside of the thigh until you feel the pulsing sensation as the blood rushes through the artery. Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds and multiply by 4. This will give you the pulse rate in beats per minute (bpm). Pulse rate is a highly variable finding and can be affected by recent exercise, excitement or stress. Do not use the heart rate at the sole evidence that your pet is sick or healthy.

Resting heart rates listed are for healthy animals at rest at home, not for animals evaluated in a veterinary clinic where higher heart rates than those listed might be detected due to excitement, stress of a visit to the clinic, or disease.

• The abdomen feels hard or tense and it appears distended.

Any pain felt during an abdominal palpation could be a problem. Consult your veterinarian.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Skin Turgor Test

18

The skin turgor test may is helpful to determine whether an animal is well hydrated. This test can be affected by several factors other than hydration status, such as weight loss, age and general skin condition, but it can help you make a rough determination of your pet’s hydration status. To perform this test, pull the skin over the chest or back into a tent and release it quickly; avoid the skin of the neck as it’s often too thick for this test.

Observe the skin as it returns to its resting position.

Normal • The skin snaps back into position quickly.

Abnormal • The skin returns slowly or remains slightly tented.

This is a sign of possible dehydration.

Normal • Cats: 100 to 160 beats per minute (bpm).

A relaxed cat may have a slower pulse.

• Dogs: 60 to 160 bpm.

Relaxed or athletic dogs tend to have slower heart rates.

• Pulse is easily palpated, strong, and regular.

• Normal resting rate is 15 to 60 breaths per minute.

A sleeping or resting cat would be near the low end, while an active cat would be higher.

• An increased resting respiratory rate may be a sign that a disease is progressing. If you know your cat’s normal resting rate is 15 breaths a minute, and after living with heart disease the resting rate goes up to 30 while the cat is asleep, the doubled rate means it’s time to see the veterinarian again.

Abnormal

Normal

• Too rapid or too slow

• Temperature is between 101°F and 102.5°F.

• Pulse is weak, irregular, or hard to locate.

• The thermometer is almost clean when removed.

Learn how to properly take your pet’s pulse.

Abnormal • Temperature is below 100°F or above 103°F.

Temperature Taking your pet’s temperature is an easy and important procedure. Use a digital rectal thermometer. The ear ones are less reliable and a rectal one should be used. Digital thermometers are easier to read and can be inexpensively purchased at a pharmacy.

Rectal temperatures are more accurate than axillary (between the front leg and the body) temperatures.

Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly. Gently and slowly insert the thermometer into the rectum about 1 or 2 inches. If it does not slide in easily, do not force it. Leave it in for 2 minutes (or until the thermometer beeps), then read and record the temperature.

• There is evidence of blood, diarrhea, or black, tarry stool on the thermometer.

It may be easier to take your cat’s temperature if you have someone to help you. Do not risk taking your pet’s temperature if you feel there is a risk of being bitten.

Normals: A Final Note Know the normals for your pet. Record the results of your pet’s home examination using the outline on the following page. Watch your pet closely so you know when something is wrong. Become familiar with these normals before a crisis so you can recognize an abnormal finding.

Normal Values for my Pet My pet _________________________________________________________________ has the following normal values: Date _____________________________________ Normal Weight: _____________________________________________Pounds/Kgs Resting Heart Rate (Pulse): _______________________________ beats per minute

Rectal Temperature: ___________________________ degrees Fahrenheit/Celsius Normal Gum Color: _____________________________________________________ Normal Whites of the Eyes: ______________________________________________ This information is intended as a general reference for the lay public, and is not intended to replace the advice of a veterinarian. A veterinarian should be consulted before starting, stopping or changing any medications.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Resting Respiratory Rate: ______________________________ breaths per minute

19

Home Remedies for Some Ailments

By Donna Middleton ACCN Head to Tail Canine Nutrition

ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO INSECT BITES Signs: Pets have the same type of reaction to insect bites as people do. If the face and throat swell up call an emergency vet ASAP and be prepared to utilize some Benadryl on your way to the vet.

If your dog was stung, remove the stinger with tweezers, apply meat tenderizer paste (mix a drop or 2 of water with the tenderizer) and rub it into the sting.

Use an ice pack to calm swelling and reduce pain.

BLEEDING

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO VACCINES OR DIET

20

Signs: Fever, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, scratching, chewing at feet, puffy face, trouble swallowing, weakness, sudden onset of pain and painful joints.

Call your vet ASAP if your pet is having a severe reaction.

Mild reactions should be discussed with your vet.

Homeopathic remedies; Thuja and Silicea that assists in the removal of associated vaccine side effects without removing any vaccine benefits.

Arsenic Alb. onset of allergic reactions-itching and burning sensation or skin eruptions (hives) swelling of throat, sneezing, watery eyes.

Real food allergies are rare. Most ‘allergies’ are a chronic systemic inflammatory reaction. Your pet could be experiencing a reaction to the synthetic additives in their kibble type food.

If your dog has environmental allergies you can make a strong green tea and chamomile tea rinse, (let it steep overnight). Put on their skin topically, let it sit 10-15 minutes and then rinse off. The green tea will remove the environmental toxins and the chamomile will calm the itch.

Place pressure on gauze or a clean cloth to stop bleeding.

Flush out any debris with saline solution, clean water, Calendula ointment, or Colloidal Silver.

Homeopathic remedy Arnica for trauma, bruising, pain, swelling, inflammation, fear, and/or Aconite for pain, hypersensitivity, fear, trauma, fever, and stomach issues.

For deep wounds, keep pressure on until you can get your pet to a veterinarian.

BLOAT ( Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) Signs: Retching/attempted vomiting, excessive drooling, restlessness, abdominal distension, pain/anxiety.

This can be life threatening if not treated by veterinary ASAP. Deep chested, large breeds are more prone.

DIARRHEA and/or VOMITING 24 hour fast - If your dog is very small and prone to hypoglycemia, you should give him tiny licks of honey or karo syrup.

Bland diet: a mix of half white rice and half low fat meat (you can add a 1 to 2 tablespoons plain yogurt and baked sweet potato or yam); a mix of cooked white rice and low fat cottage cheese.

I like to add in Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root as they act as an anti-inflammatory in the gut.

If at any time you see blood, your pet is extremely lethargic, bloated, whining in pain, arched back, then go the vet ASAP.

CHOKING Remove the object if reachable Perform the Heimlich manoeuvre (Abdominal thrusts) Put your arms around their belly, make a fist and push firmly up and forward a few times. If a small dog, you can hold them up from their back feet.

Go to your vet if you are not able to remove the obstruction.

OVERHEATING Signs: Excessive panting/drooling, weakness, inability to stand, uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhea, bright red gums/tongue.

Body temperature over 105°F can be life threatening. Once the body temperature has reduced a couple of degrees you can stop the cooling measures and contact your vet. Normal temperature 100 -102°F. Shorter faced, or very thick coated breeds are more prone to overheating, as are obese dogs.

Move your dog out of the heat and slowly cool the body down by using tepid water, cool wet towel, fans, air conditioner, and encourage but do not force your dog to drink water.

POISONING

SEIZURES Signs: Shaking uncontrollably, facial tremors/twitching, body tremors, not able to stand, paddling movements, loss of bowel or bladder control, does not respond to voice or touch.

Don’t try to restrain your pet during a seizure.

Keep your hands away from his mouth in case there is an accidental bite.

Move any objects that could injure your pet.

Call your vet immediately.

SKUNKED? 1. Do NOT wash first 2. First apply a mixture of • 1 Litre of Fresh 3% Hydrogen Peroxide • 1/4 cup of Baking Soda • 2 tsp of Dish Soap (Make mixture up in a bowl or bucket as it will fizz) 3. Use a sponge around the face • Don’t get the mixture in the eyes , mouth or wounds as it can sting.

4. Rinse and wash with regular shampoo NOTE: Wet the dog completely with this mixture as it will neutralize the smell. If you can still smell it then you use some more as you may have missed an area.

RESOURCES;

www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2237002 pets.webmd.com/dogs/gastric-volvulus-bloat-dogs#1 www.theaahp.org/articles/aconite-a-clinical-snapshot/ www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-checkups-preventive-care/pet-first-aid-102 DISCLAIMER: I am not a veterinarian and can only offer suggestions. I strongly advise seeking diagnosis and medical advice from your veterinarian.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Signs: Disorientated, lethargic, seizures, vomiting, excessive drooling, tremors.

If you know what caused the poisoning, keep the package and call or take to your vet ASAP. If you’re unsure what the substance was, call the National Animal Poison Control Center This number works from Canada 1-888-426-4435. Fees may apply.

21

Guide to Reducing Seizures in Your Furry Friends

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

By Donna Middleton ACCN Head to Tail Canine Nutrition

22

DISCLAIMER; I am not a veterinarian and can only offer suggestions to help reduce the severity and the number of episodes your pet is experiencing through diet, natural supplements and alternative treatments. I strongly advise seeking diagnosis and medical advice from your veterinarian.

When using natural modalities for your pets health issues, it is important to include several options. The body is a complex system and it is important to work with at least a few modalities together.

Here are some options: • Acupuncture: “A large number of clinical studies (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC4273587) have demonstrated that acupuncture produces favorable effects on varied types of epilepsy such as absence seizure, febrile convulsion, generalized clonic-tonic seizure, and even status epilepticus. The overall therapeutic benefits include the improvement of electroencephalogram ...”

• Chiropractic Care: Seeking a certified animal chiropractor to assess and perform adjustments has been seen to be effective in lessening the frequency and severity in cases of epilepsy that follow head injuries or physical trauma.

• Thyroid: Low thyroid function can exasperate an existing seizure disorder. Dr. Jean Dodds is, in my opinion the leading expert on thyroid function. Her website is www.hemopet.com • Diet: Changing your pets diet to a clean species appropriate raw and formulating a Ketogenic diet has been shown to greatly reduce seizures. “Of 21 dogs in the trial, three became seizure-free, and another seven experienced at least a 50% drop in seizure frequency while on the diet, said Tsz Hong Law, BSc, MRes, of the Royal Veterinary College in Hatfield, United Kingdom.” (www. americanveterinarian.com/news/ketogenic-dietlinked-to-seizure-reduction-in-dogs-with-epilepsy) Sometimes there is a correlation between food allergies and epilepsy. Switching your dog to a hypoallergenic diet, transitioning from an over-thecounter commercial food to home-prepared meals or a raw diet with organic ingredients can reduce and sometimes stop seizures. This will make a huge difference in your dog’s overall health.

Remove ingredients with high glycemic index such as white rice, sugar, honey, wheat, carrots, peas, corn, white potatoes.

Remove all grains, beans, lentils, nuts, cow’s milk, seeds, food sweeteners, monosodium glutamate (MSG) • Homeopathy; Reach out to a trained professional.

They look at each individual pet and create a very unique protocol for each case.

• Supplements to Support Brain Health and act as Anti-oxidants.

– Omega 3 fatty acids to supports brain health as well as joints, coat and skin. It is essential in the diet. Look for a non-contaminated fish oil or a good plant based source like hemp seed oil or camelina oil.

– Gelatine (Vititoe) has been shown to protect and heal brain injuries as well as an anti-inflammatory.

Plain, unflavoured gelatin can be sprinkled on the dog’s food or making treats out of it.

Suggested dosage: • 10 - 25 lbs 1 tsp • 25 - 50 lbs 3 tsp • 50 - 75 lbs 6 tsp • 75 - 100 or more 3 Tablespoons

JOANNE'S GELATIN DOG TREATS • 1/2 cup of unflavored gelatin • 1/2 cup of cold flavored liquid (bone broth) • 1 1/2 cup of boiling liquid (bone broth and or water) • 9 x 12 pyrex pan.

• 1 or 2 quart bowl Put 1/2 cup of gelatin in a quart bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of cold liquid and let stand one minute to soften. Pour 1/ and 1/2 cups of boiling liquid (water or broth) over the softened gelatin, and stir until all gelatin completely dissolves, about 5 minutes, or less. (If you would like "chewier" treats, next time add more gelatin.)

Pour into a 9 x 12 pan and let harden. Cut into approximately 1” by 3” strips (with shears or a knife) or a

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

S

eizures in pets is a very common neurological problem that makes many dog parents feel helpless.

However, there are things your can do to help reduce the numbers of seizures and possibly the severity.

23

correct size for your dog. The finished product is rather rubbery and “bouncy” if dropped! Pills can be inserted into them (to hide), and may be swallowed before being discovered. (Carson) • CBD oil either containing a very small amount of THC or none at all but use what works best for your pet. Studies have shown promising results in reducing seizures. Each pet is unique on the dosage required so please monitor and make adjustments applicable to your pets needs.

• toxic yard chemicals and fertilizers • second hand smoke • stress • food • flashing lights/bright lights • full moon • certain house plants

“The investigators concluded that CBD reduced seizure frequency across multiple drug-resistant epilepsy syndromes and seizure types and was generally well-tolerated in the open-label.”

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are now ongoing for DS (Doose Syndrome) and LGS (Lennox Gastaut Syndrome).”

• infection

• Antioxidants will reduce the toxic load in the body and brain. There are many antioxidant options however I will share a few that works well for my clients.

– Phyto Plankton is a whole food that is absorbed at the cellular level and it contains the KING of ANTIOXIDANTS, Super Oxide Dismutase that will remove toxins at a cellular level.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

• idiopathic - means they cannot find a reason

– Big Pharma recognizes the positive effects of medical marijuana.

Studies have shown CBD oil is very effective controlling seizures. “The data suggests that CBD without concomitant clobazam can be effective in reducing seizure frequency.” (FDA)

24

• vaccinosis

– Thuja and Silica are homeopathic remedies that aid in removing heavy metals associated with vaccines. Heavy metals is on the list of toxins that may cause seizures. (Lee) – Herbs such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root, Barberry and Greater Celandine, support and cleanse all the organs. (Lee)

SEIZURE TRIGGERS: • brain injury or tumor • low blood sugar levels • ingestion of poison or toxic substance • flea, tick and heart worm medications

• fever • metabolic disease Proactive measures: Talk to your vet about titer testing in lieu of vaccines, once your pet has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder.

Avoid exposing your pet to environmental toxins such as yard fertilizers, pest controls, second hand smoke, food additives and preservatives, as these can irritate the brain.

Reducing stress in your pets life can also be beneficial.

EVERYTIME YOU WALK YOUR DOG YOU WILL REDUCE STRESS Bibliography Carson, Joanne. http://canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/gelatin. htm. n.d.

Dodds, Dr. Jean. https://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/ post/132332401041/seizures-epilepsy-dog#.X5Y5gNBKjIU. n.d.

Epilepsy Foundation . https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/professionals/resource-library/tables/toxins-and-drugs-reported-induceseizures. n.d.

FDA. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fdaapproves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuanatreat-rare-severe-forms. n.d. https://www.americanveterinarian.com/news/ketogenic-diet-linkedto-seizure-reduction-in-dogs-with-epilepsy. n.d. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4273587. n.d.

Lee, JulieAnn. Adored Beast Apothocary . n.d.

Vititoe. https://www.vititoelawgroup.com/2017/12/01/study_gelatin_aids_healing_of_blood_brain_barrier_in_brain_injury/. n.d.

Gas, Burp, Fart, & Throw-up

Better G.I. Health Starts With

Probiotic 8 Plus

™

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

2 Antioxidants 3 Prebiotics (Supporting flora) 4 Relieving G.I. Factors 6 Digestive Enzymes 9 Multi-Stained Probiotic Blend Sources of B Vitamins Phytonutrients Trace Minerals Essential Fatty Acids

Why use Probiotic 8 Plus™ 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Promotes a healthy gastrointestinal tract Unique probiotic delivery system Reduces the risk of digestive ailments Helps reduce the possibility of digestive colic Enhances absorption of full nutrients Supports the immune system Reduces allergy situations Contains enzymes which aid digestion Increases bulk, softens stools, keeps things moving through intestinal tract

Probiotic 8 Plus™ is a synergistic, multi-strained probiotic blend that promotes a healthy gastrointestinal tract. It has prebiotics, phytonutrients and micronutrients that support healthy gut flora by using a unique delivery system. It also contains enzymes which aid digestion, essential trace minerals and has sources of B vitamins. The herbs used in this formulation help support the colon and may help with loose stools or diarrhea. A weak immune system, poor food choices or even pica disorders in dogs and cats can lead to hyperpermeability which can cause inflammation in the gut, and can lead to an increase of allergy symptoms. Protect immune health through the digestive pathways and reduce allergies.

OmegaAlpha.com | 1-800-651-3172 | Trusted since 1992

Proudly Canadian

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Probiotic 8 Plus™ formulation contains

25

What if: Cannabis Cured Cancer?

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

By Dr. Robert J. Silver DVM, MS

26

What if cannabis did cure cancer? Cannabis has had the popular “reputation” that it can cause cancer to go into long term remission and that claim is repeated frequently on the internet. You have on the internet the phenomenon of “Rick Simpson Oil" (RSO), in which Mr. Simpson has cured his own cancer taking a concentrated oil extract he made himself from the cannabis plant. This recipe is available on the internet and there are claims from a number of people who had cancer who tried this approach and reportedly cured themselves.

What are the facts? Are there any clinical trials using cannabis or its derivatives in cancer patients, and what were those trials’ outcomes? Are there any trials in veterinary species, other than laboratory animals?

This lecture will sort the fact from the fallacious, and present the science that supports the value of cannabis for cancer patients, from a cancer therapy standpoint or from palliation of the adverse side-effects associated with cancer treatment and with cancer itself.

Since the mid-1970s, researchers have been studying the effects that both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids have on cancer, in vitro, and in vivo. With the on-going legalization of medical cannabis, state by state in over 50% of the US, this topic has now become open to increased investigation. The cannabis plant, the source of plant-based cannabinoids, has been illegal for 70+years in the United States and most of the world.

The two plant-based cannabinoids,

cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the cannabis plant compounds at the center of these research efforts. Another factor that has been an impediment to veterinary research, specifically, is the lack of state medical cannabis legislation that would allow veterinarians to work with medical cannabis with their patients. This legislation would give veterinarians the same privileges that human physicians have with regard to recommending medical cannabis treatments to their patients.

The Endocannabinoid System And Cancer The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a recently discovered signaling system made up of: 1) Endocannabinoid receptors, which are G-protein coupled receptors distributed widely in the central nervous system and immune systems, as well as other bodily systems; 2) Intrinsic lipid ligands, the endocannabinoids AEA (N-arachidonoylethanolamide or “anandamide”) and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol); and 3) the transporters and biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. The

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

A

2500 year old mummy was unearthed in Siberia in 1993. Known as the “Siberian Ice Maiden”, her burial chamber contained, among other things, a pouch of cannabis. MRI imaging revealed that the princess had a primary tumor in her right breast with enlarged lymph nodes and metastatic disease. It has been speculated that the cannabis was used to manage her pain and other symptoms, or even had been used as a treatment for her breast cancer.18

27

endogenous ligands will also bind to other receptors such as the TPRV1 (vanilloid or capsaicin) receptor, the GPR55 “orphan" receptor, the peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor (PPAR), and the 5-HT1A receptor.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) can be targeted to address breast, prostate and bone cancer and their accompanying pain syndromes. Additionally, the endocannabinoid system can produce anti-neoplastic effects in a number of other types of cancers, such as cancer of the skin, brain (gliomas), and lung.10 Studies have found that by removing the activity of the CB1 and CB2 receptors experimentally, a higher incidence of cancer will result. In mouse models of cancer, the genetic ablation of CB1 and CB2 receptors increases ultraviolet light-induced skin carcinogenesis.

CB2 receptor (found mainly in the immune system) over-expression enhances predisposition to viral leukemia. CB2 receptors can be found on tumor cells.4

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

The pharmacological activation of cannabinoid receptors can reduce tumor growth. Upregulated endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes have been observed in aggressive human tumors and cancer cell lines, indicating that the presence and signaling action of endocannabinoids, and perhaps phytocannabinoids, can have a tumor-suppressive role.

28

When CB1 receptors have been deleted in a genetic mouse model of colon cancer, it was found that tumor growth was increased. Precancerous lesions in the mouse colon, induced by the chemical azoxymethane, could be reduced with increases in endocannabinoid levels.

With the reduced expression of the endocannabinoiddegrading enzyme, monoacylglycerol (MAGL), prolonging elevated serum levels of endocannabinoids, tumor growth was inhibited in xenografted mice.

The precise signaling mechanisms that regulate cannabinoid-induced cell death or cell proliferation continue to be under investigation. We are still discovering the many details that will help to clarify the role the endocannabinoid system plays in tumorigenesis and tumor suppression.

Cannabinoids And Cancer The anti-proliferative properties of cannabis were first

reported 40 years ago when it was shown that THC inhibited lung adenocarcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo in mice. No other research resulted from this study for well over 20 years, due to the prohibition around the cannabis plant. In the last 20 years, though, we have seen an emerging body of investigation, mainly using in vitro models of different cancers, to further elucidate the mechanisms whereby the ECS has an impact on cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.

Since the late 1990s, following the discovery of the ECS, these studies have shown that the cannabinoids have an anti-tumor effect in a wide variety of experimental models of cancer. These studies have found that the pharmacological stimulation of CB receptors is anti-tumorigenic.1 A number of cannabinoids (endo, Phyto and synthetic) have been shown to have this activity, including: 1) THC; 2) CBD; 2) 2-AG and anandamide; 3) Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists with equal affinity for both CB1 and CB2, such as WIN 55, 212-2, and HU-210; 4) Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists with a higher affinity for CB1 such as methandamide; and, 5) Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists with a higher affinity for CB2, such as JWH-133. The anti-neoplastic mechanisms of action of cannabinoids have been established through examination of the pharmacological impact of cannabinoid receptor agonists on tumor growth.4 20 Randomized clinical trials with cancer patients who have naturally-occurring disease are still lacking from the literature, but there is sufficient evidence from these studies to say that the phytocannabinoids, THC and CBD, have been found to have activity against a number of tumor types: Breast, bone, glioma, leukemia/ lymphoma, lung, colon, prostate, and thyroid.10 16

Induction of Cancer Cell Death and Anti-Proliferative Effects4 The cannabinoids have been found to induce apoptosis by means of CB1 and CB2 stimulation of the synthesis of the pro-apoptotic sphingolipid, ceramide. In studies performed in vitro with THC-resistant and THCsensitive glioma cells, it was found to upregulate the expression of the stress-regulated protein P8 (AKA:

ER stress response is an attempt by the endoplasmic reticulum to re-establish homeostasis. The stress response becomes activated in response to Ca+ depletion, oxidative injury, a high-fat diet, hypoglycemia, viral infections and exposure to certain anti-cancer agents.

ER stress reduces the protein load on the endoplasmic reticulum by shutting down protein translation and gene transcription with the goal of increasing the ER proteinfolding capability.

When this stress response fails to restore homeostasis, cell death can ensue, usually through intrinsic apoptosis, but through a different pathway can result in autophagy, which is another cause for cancer cell death. Autophagy is an attempt of the cell to correct its imbalance, and if successful, the cell will continue to live.

Autophagy is not always an effective path to cancer cell death. Interestingly, it has been found that autophagy is “upstream” to apoptosis in the mechanism of cannabinoid-induced cancer cell death. Blocking autophagy prevents cannabinoid-stimulated apoptosis, but apoptotic blockade prevents apoptotic cell death but not autophagy.

In addition to inducing cancer cell death through autophagy or apoptosis, cannabinoids also have been found to have an anti-proliferative effect by inducing cell cycle arrest. The effect of cannabinoids on hormonedependent tumors may be due to their interference with activation of growth factor receptors. Cannabinoids can also down-regulate other cancer cell growth factors such as: PIGF, BFGF, SDF-1, Ang-2, leptin, interferon-γ, and thrombopoietin.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid that does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors directly, yet uses many alternate pathways to influence the endocannabinoid system. CBD has been observed to promote the

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

NUPR1). This protein is a transcription regulator and involved in the control of tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In these studies, THC also impacted the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related transcription factors ATF4, CHOP (AKA: DDIT3) and TRIB3.

29

apoptotic death of cancer cells, independent of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Its mechanism of action, which has not been completely worked out, promotes the production of reactive oxidative species in cancer cells as well as an increase in the other endocannabinoids through inhibition of FAAH and MAGL.

Inhibition of Angiogenesis, Tissue Invasion, and Metastasis4 The activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway in cancer cells, is known to induce angiogenesis. It has been found that cannabinoids downregulate the two main VEGF receptor (VEGFR1& VEGFR2) pathways through reduced production of VEGF. VEGFR activation is decreased as a result of the reduced amount of its ligand, VEGF. Activation of the CB receptors in vascular endothelial tissue inhibits proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis in addition to activating endothelial cells. Thus cannabinoid activity results in a more normalized tumor vasculature with smaller and/or fewer vessels that are less “leaky”, therefore less likely to result in metastasis.

Cannabinoids have been found to reduce metastasis in animal models for glioma, breast, lung and cervical cancers grew in tissue culture. Tissue invasion, which is required for metastasis, is regulated by the extracellular proteases (MMP2) and their inhibitors (TIMP1), which are modulated by cannabinoids.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Clinical Use Of Cannabinoids In Cancer Patients

30

Although historical and anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis can be used to treat clinical neoplastic disease, carefully-controlled clinical trials of cannabis as a cancer treatment are rare to non-existent. Currently, in the United States, THC and CBD are both considered to be Schedule One controlled substances. Researchers need a special Schedule One registration with the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States to conduct research using these cannabis resins, and the only legal source of cannabis for clinical trials is the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA), which makes the acquisition of these plant extracts difficult to obtain.

These factors all have made it difficult to conduct clinical

studies into the effectiveness of cannabis for treating cancer. As a result, the preponderance of studies into the anti-neoplastic effects of cannabis have been in vitro or in vivo using experimental models for cancer in laboratory animals, versus clinical trials of patients with the disease.

Cannabinoids can express anti-neoplastic activity through binding with the CB1 receptor (This is for THC, anandamide, 2-AG). Phytocannabinoids other than THC (CBD, CBG, CBC, and others) do not bind to the CB1 or CB2 receptors but inhibit the enzymes (FAAH, MAGL) that degrade anandamide and 2-AG, thus causing prolonged binding of endocannabinoids to the cannabinoid receptors, which also has an antineoplastic effect.

The brain has the highest density of CB1 receptors in the body. Numerous studies in vitro and in animal models suggest that cannabinoids can inhibit gliomas.4 It has been found that other cancer cell lines are also inhibited by cannabinoids in vitro, such as adenocarcinomas of the lung, breast, colon, and pancreas, and also myeloma, lymphoma, and melanoma. Cannabis can enhance the activity of certain chemotherapeutic agents, and through the down-regulation of p-glycoprotein may also be able to reduce chemotherapy resistance.

The majority of studies evaluating cannabis in cancer patients have been to evaluate its ability to address symptoms of cancer or cancer therapies, such as pain, nausea, or anorexia. These studies have found that cannabis can work well for cancer pain. Cannabinoids have been found to work synergistically with concurrent opiate medication for better pain response in the cancer patient.13 One of the highest callings for medical cannabis in benefiting the cancer patient is its ability to control nausea, often better than the existing anti-emetic armamentarium.

The synthetic cannabinoid, dronabinol (Marinol™) was originally designed for this purpose and can work well, although it’s a 100% synthetic THC analog, some persons taking it to report hallucinations. There is good evidence that plant-based cannabinoids work better to relieve nausea without the potential for adverse events. This is due to the tempering effect that a fullspectrum cannabis extract with its full complement of phytocannabinoids has on the psychotropic effect

of THC.12 Appetite stimulation is the third reason that cannabis has value to the cancer patient. Famous for creating “The Munchies”, THC and CBD can help to relieve nausea and also increase appetite better than many of the existing aperient formulations.

Terpenes, which make up 10% of the total production of active molecules by the cannabis plant, are an integral part of the “Entourage Effect” that contributes to the clinical efficacy of cannabis. Certain terpenes, such as limonene has been shown to cause apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Additionally, for cancer pain, terpenes contribute substantially. Both phytocannabinoids and terpenes reduce inflammation and pain via inhibition of COX-2 and PGE2α.

Veterinary Cancer Patient Cannabis Considerations and Regulatory Issues For the veterinary cancer patient, legal constraints to the use of THC must be accounted for in a reasonable and safe fashion. Veterinarians cannot prescribe or dispense THC. However, pet owners will come to a veterinarian asking for help using cannabinoids to treat their pet’s cancer who have full access to statelegal dispensaries and the THC products they sell. The veterinarian should explain the risks and the problems with the current legal landscape, and the potential to send a patient to the ER with high doses of THC. The vet should explain that they cannot legally recommend

or prescribe these Schedule One controlled substances.

If the owner persists, then the veterinarian can give advice that will help to create a successful outcome free of unwanted side effects.

Studies in the 1970s discovered that dogs have a very high density of CB1 receptors in their hindbrain that govern balance and cardiovascular function.8 9 This is why a few dogs who are naïve to THC, when exposed to a sufficiently large amount of THC, especially when in combination with chocolate, as is commonly found in human “edibles”, have had reported deaths.19 These early studies found that dogs can develop tolerance to THC’s adverse effects in about a week when THC is introduced in small amounts initially and gradually increased over time,. Once tolerance is achieved, dogs were able to handle escalated doses a 100 times higher than the original dose that had caused the adverse response in the first place. Once tolerance is developed, it would allow the canine patient to tolerate larger doses if their condition warranted it.

Studies21 and reports from human and veterinary oncologists, veterinarians, medical cannabis physicians, pet owners, and human cancer survivors, although anecdotal, indicate that the most successful approach to the use of cannabinoids in the cancer patient involves the oral use of a combined formula containing both THC and CBD, usually in a 1:1 ratio. This combination

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Cannabis is the only anti-emetic that is also an appetite stimulant, although for anorexia-cachexia one study found it to be no better than placebo. This RCT was placebo-controlled to compare cannabis with the synthetic cannabinoid, dronabinol (Marinol™) in 243 human patients with the cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome. It was found that there was no difference among any of the two treatments and the placebo with respect to affecting appetite or quality of life.14 Anecdotally, veterinary oncologists are observing that THC does not stimulate appetite in more than 50% of dogs, although this may be dose-dependent. Cats exhibit a better appetite response to THC.

31

enhances the anticancer activity of the formula as these two cannabinoids have similar but different mechanisms of action against cancer, and work together synergistically.

Using a “ratio approach” to the blending of CBD with THC can help to reduce the dose of THC that is needed to inhibit tumor growth. The use of CBD also reduces the unwanted side-effects of THC, such as psychoactivity, convulsions, discoordination, and psychotic effects in humans and dogs, and in the dog, specifically, static ataxia.

The best approach to the blended use of THC and CBD from cannabis in a cancer patient is to use products that have THC and CBD formulated into a specific ratio of CBD: THC. Ratios can help to reduce the side-effects from THC and maximize the anti-neoplastic activity of the treatment. The protocol is to first start with cannabis that is hemp, which would have a ratio of CBD to THC of about 25:1.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

The use of this small amount of THC present in the hemp will help to “tolerize” your patient to the larger doses of THC that will be used for anti-neoplastic effects in a 1:1 ratio of CBD: THC. CBD-dominant strains of cannabis with very low THC, but higher than hemp levels of THC can be used to increase the patient’s tolerance to the higher doses of THC that are needed for cancer. Once the dog has been on the hemp for a week at a dose of 0.5-1.0 mg/kg BID of CBD, it should be tolerant of increases in its THC dosage, which will better address the anti-neoplastic effects of cannabis.

32

Starting dosages for the THC are also in the 0.1-0.5 mg/ kg BID range, with the lower doses being less likely to cause adverse events. In this author’s experience, patients who were taking 100% CBD for their tumors, with zero THC, would show an observed reduction in the size of the mass in about 6 weeks for that reduction to be substantial, as documented with photographs. The dose used in these successful cases was 0.5-1.0 mg/kg BID of CBD. Not all tumors respond to this dosage, but in those that do respond, it is remarkable to watch.

Summary The available literature suggests that the

endocannabinoid system can be targeted to suppress the evolution and progression of certain types of cancer and the pain, emesis and appetite syndromes associated with these diagnoses and treatments. In spite of the fact that there are no controlled clinical trials of cannabinoids in cancer patients as anti-neoplastic agents, there still is sufficient evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for veterinary patients with cancer in general, although specific tumor types may be more or less resistant to their beneficial effects. The biggest problem to date is the legal landscape since cannabinoids have been shown to be quite safe when given in controlled amounts.

Large population studies in humans have found no correlation between smoking cannabis and increased risk

of respiratory symptoms/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer.17 Cannabinoids can be used concurrently with chemotherapy and have been found to not interfere with chemotherapy efficacy in the tumors and chemotherapy agents measured.15 Determining the effective dosage for an individual patient and tumor type will improve outcomes, and is work that still needs to be done.

Cannabinoids can induce autophagy, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, reduce angiogenesis, tissue invasion and metastasis, without affecting normal cells. Cannabinoids can reduce pain, nausea and improve appetite. All of these actions make the use of cannabinoids for cancer very attractive to both the practitioner and the pet owner.

Copyright© Dr. Robert J Silver

REFERENCES 12 Ben Amar M. Cannabinoids in medicine: a review of their therapeutic potential. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006;105:1-25.

13 Narang S, Gibson D, Wasan AD, et al. Efficacy of dronabinol as an adjuvant treatment for chronic pain patients on opioid therapy. J Pain 2008;9:254-64.

14 Strasser F, Luftner D, Possinger K, et al. Comparison of orally administered cannabis extract and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in treating patients with cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome: a multi-center, phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial from the Cannabis-In-Cachexia-Study-Group. J. Clin Oncol. 2006;24:3394-400.

15 Ward SJ, McAllister SD, Kawamura R, et al. Cannabidiol inhibits paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain though 5-HT1A receptors without diminishing nervous system function or chemotherapy efficacy. Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171:636-45.

16 Massi P, Solinas M, Cinquina V, Parolaro D. Cannabidiol as potential anticancer drug.

Br J Clin Pharmacology; 2012;75:303-312.

17 Tashkin DP. Smoked marijuana as a cause of lung injury. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2005;63:93-100.

18 Mosbergen D. Now We Know What Killed the Ancient "Ice Princess", and why she had that marijuana. [Web article]. The Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost. com/2014/10/16/siberian-ice-princess-cancer-cannabis_n_5993052.html.

19 Meola SD, Tearney CC, Haas SA, Hackett TB, Mazzaferro EM. Evaluation of trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs living in a state with legalized medical marijuana: 125 dogs (2005-2010) J Vet Emerg Crit Care;22(6)2012; pp.690-696.

20 Bifulco M, Laezza C, Pisanti S, & Gazzero P. Cannabinoids and Cancer: pros and cons of an antitumor strategy. Brit. J. Pharmcol. 2006;148:123-135.

21 Scott KA, Dalgleish AG, Liu WM. The Combination of Cannabidiol and Δ9Tetrahydrocannabinoid Enhances the Anticancer Effects of Radiation in an Orthotopic Murine Glioma Model. Mol. Cancer Ther 2014;13(12);2955-67.

BULLY STICKS

Premium Quality Highly Digestible Dental Dog Chew Long Lasting No Odour All Natural 6” or 12”

NEW PRODUCT Simple... just 1 ingredient

If you would like to join us as a distributor, or sell our products as a retailer, contact us at: noahsarpettreats@ gmail.com

noahsarkpettreats.com

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

1 Munson AE, Harris LS, Friedman MA, Dewey WL, Carchman RA. Antineoplastic activity of cannabinoids. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 1975(55)3:597602.

2 Herer J. The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy. Ah Ha Publishing, Van Nuys, CA. 1985 3 Guzman et al. Nature Medicine March 2000.??

4 Velasco G, Sanchez C, and Guzman M. Towards the use of cannabinoids as antitumor agents. Nature Reviews/Cancer. June 2012;12:436-444.

5 Salazar M, Carracedo A, Salanueva et al. Cannabinoid action induces autophagymediated cell death through stimulation of ER stress in human glioma cells. J Clinical Investigation; May 2009(119)5:1359-1372.

6 Thomas AA, Wallner LP, Quinn VP et al. Association between cannabis use and the risk of bladder cancer: Results from the California Men’s Health Study. Urology 2015; 85:388-392.

7 Romano B, Borrelli F, Pagano E et al. Inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by a standardized Cannabis sativa extract with high content of cannabidiol. Phytomedicine 2014; (21)631-639.

8 Herkenham M, Lynn AB, Little MD, Johnson MR, Melvin LS, de Costa BR, Rice KC. Cannabinoid receptor localization in the brain. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 1990;87:1932-1936.

9 Martin BR, Dewey WL, Harris LS, Beckner JS. 3H–Δ9–Tetrahydrocannabinol tissue and subcellular distribution in the central nervous system and tissue distribution in peripheral organs of tolerant dogs. J Pharm Exper Ther.1976;196(1):128-144.

10 Guindon J and Hohmann AG. Review: The endocannabinoid system and cancer: Therapeutic implication. Brit J Pharm. (2011)163:1447-1463.

11 McAllister SD, Soronceanu L, Desprez PY. The antitumor activity of plant-derived non-psychoactive cannabinoids. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2015;10:255-67.

33

PUPPY Nutrition

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

By Brenda Hagel

34

This article is an excerpt from the new book, Your Urban Carnivore - The Definitive Guide to Feeding Your Pet a Raw Food Diet.

By Brenda Hagel

PUPPY BASICS

WILD PUPS

Your domestic puppy has essentially the same digestive system and basic physiology as his wild-pup relative.

If you want your puppy to live a long and healthy life, you need to feed it the foods that he or she is designed to eat. Growing pups should be fed the quality and quantity of food that will not only support optimal health throughout growth, but also provide the dietary foundation for a lifetime of excellent health. Providing too much food or the wrong foods early in life can lead to skeletal disorders that will affect your puppy throughout its life. Growing puppies should be kept lean and well muscled, with their ribs easily felt, but not seen.

Proper feeding should be carried out through portioncontrolled feeding, rather than free-choice feeding.

By the time you bring your new puppy home from the breeder, two or three meals per day are usually sufficient.

There are four recognized developmental stages in both wild and domestic pups:

It is difficult to know all the factors involved in the natural feeding habits of wild canids. However, published research has provided some valid information, which can be used to help understand the developmental and nutritional conditions for wild pups. Larger canids, such as the wolf, typically prey on animals such as moose, caribou, elk, and deer as the mainstay of their diet. Any remains of this prey could potentially become valuable food for the coyote, fox, or other scavengers. Smaller animals such as beaver and hare and, to a lesser extent, rodents and wild birds, are also consumed—as well as very small amounts of vegetation.

The diet of the opportunistic coyote is somewhat more diverse than the wolf, consisting of some larger prey such as deer, and virtually every small animal from rabbits to rodents, along with an assortment of vegetation depending on the region and the season. The prey of the fox is somewhat smaller than the coyote and wolf, comprising of rabbit, rodents, wild birds, insects, and some vegetation.

While the size of prey may change according to the size of the canine predator, the nutrition principle really does not. The menu consists mostly of whole-animals or, if sharing prey with a pack, various components of a wholeanimal carcass will eventually be consumed over a period of time. Prey animals supply nourishment for the young to the old, with nothing more than a change in whether it is regurgitated to pups or devoured by the adults.

2. the transition period, from the age of eye opening to 20 days, 3. the period of socialization, from 20 to about 77 days, and 4. the juvenile period, from 12 weeks to maturity.

During each stage, a puppy’s nutritional needs will also evolve as it grows.

Neonatal Period During the neonatal period, pups are blind and deaf and have little, if any, sense of smell. They can have difficulty regulating their body temperature, but they possess a good sense of balance, taste, and touch. Their motor capabilities are limited to crawling and, upon contacting their mother’s teats, they begin suckling. During this period, when pups are rubbed on their underside by their mother’s tongue, they urinate and defecate. This behaviour not only removes bodily wastes, but is also thought to provide the beginnings of passive submission.

First milk, or colostrum, produced by the dam and received shortly after birth contains antibodies needed by the newborn pup. This milk is rich in fat and protein and contains immunoglobulins, as well as other substances such as essential fatty acids and growth factors that influence the development of the puppy.

Transition Period The transition period begins when the pup’s eyes open around 11 to 15 days of age. Even when the eyes are fully open, pups see very poorly and are not able to perceive forms until weeks later. Hearing begins, and teeth erupt from 18 to 21 days. During the transition period, the abilities of the pups change rapidly, preparing them for a more adult-like life. In the wild, three-week-old pups are still dependant upon their mother for nourishment but they begin to stand, growl, and chew. They begin to appear outside the den, romping and playing near the entrance.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

NATURE’S MENU

1. the neonatal period, from birth to the age of eye opening,

35

chewable, including the leftover bones of prey animals brought to the den by the adults. Between eight and 10 weeks, wolf pups are moved from the den to various rendezvous sites where they remain throughout their first summer.

Juvenile Period

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Socialization Period

36

Around the fourth week, the period of socialization begins. Play fighting starts and helps establish dominance relationships among the littermates. With wild pups, the only individuals nearby are their littermates and the adult members, so emotional attachments become the basis for formation of the pack. The period of socialization is also marked by another important development. In the very beginning of the period, the pups are forced to nurse while standing, to follow the female around near the den, and to become accustomed to eating semi-liquid food regurgitated by the female and other adult members of the pack. Nursing is usually completed when the pups are six to eight-weeks old.

However, intermittent nursing may continue to 11 weeks, as there is likely a certain amount of psychological fulfillment in the nursing process even if milk is no longer available.

When an adult approaches the pups, they swarm around and sniff, nip, paw, and nuzzle its mouth. The adults seem to enjoy regurgitating food and letting the pups compete for it. This weaning diet consists of nutrient dense foods such as flesh meat, organs, sinew, connective tissue, and fat.

During the period of socialization wild pups learn to run, climb, jump, and play in most of the adult patterns. They explore a great deal and chew anything

The fourth period of development is the juvenile period.

It begins about week 12 and continues until the beginning of sexual maturity. During this time, the adults continue to bring food to the pups, or in the case of large carcasses, they may move the pups to the prey. Hunting comes naturally to wild pups but is limited to pouncing on insects and small rodents like mice. Over a period of time, wild pups will eat a wide variety of bits and parts of prey animals. Their milk teeth are replaced between the ages of 16 to 26 weeks. By the time the pups develop teeth suitable for hunting, their physical ability to chase and capture food begins to change as well, and the potential to catch various prey increases. During the middle of the juvenile period, physical growth and weight changes level off. The epiphyseal cartilage, or growing point of the long bone, closes at about one year of age, marking the end of skeletal growth and the beginning of adulthood.

Pampered Wild Pups Wild pups are at the centre of the pack’s attention and care. Almost every member of the pack plays an active role in their needs or is affected by the pups’ position within the pack. With large prey animals, pack members of all ranks and ages gather around a carcass and feed simultaneously with no status privilege apparent; however, if the prey is smaller, the dominant breeding pair may feed first and control when subordinates feed. Pups are subordinate to both parents and to older siblings, yet they are always fed preferentially by the parents and even by their older, dominant siblings. The parents both dominate older offspring and restrict their food intake when food is scarce, feeding pups instead. Highranking pups are more assertive in competing for food delivery by adults and sometimes accompany adults on foraging trips at an earlier age than do subordinates.

pups that eat heat-processed diets will live to old age, but many more will experience some type of health problem by the time they are adolescents, while the more resilient will not be affected until late in life. The limitations of substituting animal-origin nutrients with plant-origin nutrients in heat-processed kibble dog foods are being

Compared to the diet of wild pups, the average urban pup’s diet is dramatically different.

The typical modern-day puppy food is heat-processed, eliminating many of the lifeenhancing factors supplied by whole, raw foods. Processed puppy formulas are mostly comprised of grains instead of high-quality biological protein such as meat, meaty bones, and organs. Grains displace the rich nourishment present in a whole-prey carcass. Some

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

URBAN PUPS

37

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

38

increasingly realized. In fact, many serious health problems in dogs have a dietary factor. Some are actually caused by diet, and all are affected by it, including obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, arthritis, heart disease, allergies, cancer … the list is almost endless.

The addition of artificial flavorings, dyes, and preservatives ensure a palatable product that will remain stable on the shelf at the local grocer or pet store. However, chemicals in pet food have been associated with both physical and behavioural problems that may be related to the presence of:

Poor-quality puppy foods usually contain meat by-products, which are sometimes from questionable sources. Meat by-products may contain bones, feathers, fecal material, feet, beaks, heads, organs, and skin and are therefore an unpredictable source of meat protein. Though some may be nutritious, others are not, which is especially concerning when they comprise the main protein source in the diet.

Cooking meat at high temperatures creates carcinogenic (cancer causing) toxins and destroys or changes the fragile heat-sensitive amino acids.

• fat preservatives such as ethoxyquin, BHT, BHA, and propyl gallate

Commercial puppy foods contain rendered and rancid fats. These foods do not usually contain omega-3 essential fatty acids. If they do, chances are those fatty acids are rancid. The best fats puppies can consume come from animals that have been naturally raised with little exposure to toxins and contribute naturally balanced omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids to the diet. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one omega-3 fatty acid that is especially significant for growth and development. DHA plays an important role in the normal development of the central nervous system and in retinal function in the eye of the newborn pup.

No matter how good a heat-processed pet food is deemed to be, it can never replace the nutritional excellence raw whole-foods supply. The principles of nutrition for a growing puppy are really no different than that of a growing child. Wholesome food is truly the cornerstone of a healthy body.

Synthetic vitamins and minerals are added to puppy foods, but recommendations regarding the minimum daily requirements for vitamins and minerals are obtained by determining amounts of nutrients needed to prevent a deficiency disease. Dog food companies are required to meet, but not exceed, the majority of nutrients listed on a bag of puppy food. Therefore, missing or deficient nutrients or improper ratios of nutrients can contribute to poor health. It would be impossible to formulate a diet that provided optimal amounts of nutrients to meet the individual needs of every puppy. Consequently, complete and balanced puppy food does not truly exist except in the minds of those making and selling it.

Herbicides, pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics from feed-animals are processed into pet food, creating toxic conditions for a puppy’s liver, kidneys, and immune system.

• moisturizers such as tartaric acid, citric acid, calcium silicate, and sorbitol • stabilizers such as sodium nitrate and nitrite • mold retardants such as calcium, sodium propionatesorbic acid, and sodium diacetate • colouring dyes that make pet food more appealing to the owner

CARNIVORE-APPROPRIATE FOOD FOR URBAN PUPS The type of food a puppy is fed plays a major role in determining how healthy its body will remain throughout life. The food you feed your puppy can strengthen him or her by providing the building blocks for disease resistance. Or, it can also injure your pup by introducing toxins to various body systems. The single most effective way for you to ensure the best health for your puppy is to choose a diet that provides them with all the essential nutrients in the most digestible and absorbable forms. That means your puppy needs to eat a carnivore-appropriate diet.

A Puppy Requires Raw Meat and Organs Puppies need protein to make tissue for growth and replace that which is broken down and lost from the body each day. That amount is quite a bit, as they grow quickly! The protein in puppy food should be high quality and very digestible. A variety of raw meat naturally fulfills this role and ensures that sufficient levels of amino acids, the building blocks of protein, will be absorbed for use in growth and development. Along with

A Puppy Requires Bone and Cartilage Calcium is vital for normal skeletal development, however, supplemental forms of calcium should not be fed to growing pups. The most useful and beneficial way to provide balanced calcium and phosphorus in a puppy diet is by feeding bone and cartilage together with raw meat. These are called raw meaty bones. Besides calcium and phosphorus, bones also contain small amounts of other minerals such as copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. Whether raw meaty bones are fed in a ground form or whole, they are vital to growing

puppies. Most domestic pups also miss out on the chewing exercise whole bones offer. Chewing bones are a very important component of the exercise regime of pups that promotes healthy growth and contributes to disease-free bones and joints.

A Puppy’s Diet Can Include Some Vegetables, Fruits, or Green Tripe Puppies lack salivary amylase, the enzyme responsible for initiating carbohydrate digestion. Many pet owners and pet food manufacturers insist on adding vegetables or grains to dog foods, claiming that they would eat them along with the stomach and intestines of their prey. However, this does not take into account that the amount of vegetable matter in small prey is little and, more often than not, the stomach content is not eaten from large prey.

Puppies, like adult dogs, do not have a requirement for carbohydrates. They do have a metabolic requirement for

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

meats, animal organs provide an enzyme-rich mixture of protein, B-complex vitamins, vitamins A and D, some vitamin C, and the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA). Organs contain almost every important mineral that puppies need. However, meat and organs contain little calcium. For this reason, a puppy diet must contain connective tissue such as bones and cartilage.

39

glucose. This requirement can be supplied either through endogenous synthesis (the synthesis of a compound by the body) of glucose or from carbohydrate food sources.

Metabolic pathways in the liver and kidney use proteins and fats to produce glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis. This glucose is then released into the bloodstream to be carried to the body’s tissues. This way, a dog can maintain normal blood glucose levels and health even when fed a carbohydrate-free diet. While a puppy does not require the addition of vegetables, fruits, or green tripe in their diet, small amounts can be included for variety, nutritional and nutraceutical benefits, and fibre.

A Puppy’s Diet Should Provide Adequate Vitamins and Minerals

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

With a few exceptions, vitamin and mineral requirements for puppies are similar to adult dogs. Puppies are said to need approximately double the amount of vitamin E as an adult. The requirement for vitamin E is directly proportionate to the amounts and types of fats in the diet.

The more polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet, the more vitamin E is required to protect against the destructive effects of free radicals. The requirement also increases if the dietary fat is not fresh.

40

Indoor puppies may not receive sufficient vitamin D through sunlight to meet their nutritional requirements for efficient absorption of calcium. Iron is imperative for puppies. Puppies that are deficient in iron may be listless and lack normal colouration of gums. There is no dietary requirement for vitamin C in the canine species, as it can be manufactured within the body from glucose.

However, puppies may benefit from the antioxidant and immune boosting effects of vitamin C in some instances. A proper carnivore-appropriate puppy diet that incorporates a rotation of various animal and plant foods will supply a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

Any additional supplementation should serve to enhance the diet and must be carried out judiciously to ensure toxicities or imbalances are not created.

A Puppy Requires Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFA) are vital to development of the nervous system, immune system, and inflammatory system. One particular

omega-3 EFA—docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is the most abundant fatty acid in mother’s milk. Puppies cannot manufacture essential fatty acids in their body so they should continue to receive them in their diet after they are weaned. DHA is found in cold-water fish, fish oils, and animal organs such as brain, kidneys, and liver.

A Puppy’s Immune System Needs Bacteria Dogs evolved eating foods with bacteria. That means puppies did too. The environment where they are born and eventually eat their food is replete with bacteria.

The eating habits of puppies are not always sensible or hygienic. Puppies sniff and lick all sorts of unsanitary places. They are geared to bury bones and eat dead or rotting foods. They instinctively clean their private parts where all sorts of bacteria reside. Sometimes, to the disgust of pet owners, they will even eat their own stools.

Bacteria are part of a puppy’s life!

The new puppy’s defense against bacteria is primarily nonspecific innate immunity and passively acquired maternal antibodies. As the puppy develops, the body

When functioning properly, the immune system fights organisms such as bacteria. Puppies eating a raw diet are continuously exposed to bacteria, but exposure does not mean a puppy will get sick. A strong immune system provides a puppy with powerful natural defenses.

Conversely, a puppy with a weakened immune system is vulnerable to illnesses and bacterial overgrowth.

A Puppy Needs to Be Fed Appropriate Amounts of Food The idea that diets high in fat and protein cause overnutrition, especially in large breed puppies, is not valid.

On the contrary, orthopedic problems are more often due to overweight puppies. If a puppy consumes too many calories for his energy requirements and becomes overweight, then the risk for skeletal problems increases.

In a 14-year study done by Purina®, dogs prone to hip dysplasia were fed all they wanted (control group) or 75 percent of what the control group ate (restricted group).

The two groups were easy to tell apart—they were either obese or lean. By five years of age, 52 percent of the control dogs showed signs of arthritis in their hips while only 13 percent of the restricted group was affected. A dog genetically predisposed for hip dysplasia may not develop clinical disease if kept lean. Keeping a puppy

lean throughout the period of development is key. Overfeeding damages developing cartilage and growth plates, promotes bone disorders, and causes the premature closure of growth plates and a weaker bone structure.

A Puppy Needs Adequate but Appropriate Exercise Big or small, all puppies need daily activity to maintain a healthy attitude and burn off excess energy and calories.

However, the type of exercise provided to a puppy may be critical to the future quality of his life. Large and giant breeds take time to mature. While their body is undergoing this task, their skeleton has a lot of puppy to uphold. In young growing pups, skeletal bones initially develop from cartilage, which is gradually converted into hard bone. Good muscle tone is important to support the pup’s framework during the process of ossification.

Wild pups are kept close to home during the critical growth and development periods of their life. Pack and littermate interactions and playing with nature fulfills most of their daily exercise requirements until they have the physical maturity to hunt with the adult members.

While animal research has shown that low to moderate intensity exercise has a positive effect on bone development, high intensity exercise may actually compromise bone development. Providing just the right amount of exercise can be challenging when you have a puppy that is highly active. Small breeds can obtain much of their free exercise requirements within the confines of the home and yard. Large breeds may need to be taken to a larger, safe area outside of the home or yard

BC SPCA AnimalKind Accredited Our methods are Fear Free Certified Positive and Force-Free

Group Classes and Private Training

Valerie Barry, KPA-CTP 604.868.5145 hello@dogpartners.ca

dogpartners.ca

• Puppies, Adolescent and Adult Dogs • Aggressive, Fearful and Reactive Dogs • Veterinary Clinics and Dog Friendly Offices • Behaviour Modification Programs • Remote Training Options

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

provides numerous defense mechanisms to successfully deal with bacteria. Good nutrition is essential to develop and keep a puppy’s immune system healthy and strong.

Nutritional deficiencies may be responsible for health problems as it is easier for bacteria, or viruses, to take hold when important nutrients are missing in the diet.

41

Puppy

Development

PUPPY DEVELOPMENT Age

Development

Wild Puppy

Urban Puppy

Birth

Maximal Growth

Mother’s milk

Mother’s milk

Eat and sleep.

10-15 days

Eyes open

Mother’s milk

Mother’s milk

Eat and sleep, limited activity.

18-21 days

Hearing begins

Mother’s milk

Mother’s milk

Wild pups first emerge from den around 4 weeks.

Weaning begins around 4 weeks Mother’s milk

Mother’s milk

Teeth erupt 4-8 weeks

Weaning complete approximately Regurgitated semi-liquid food: nutrient-dense meat, organs, 8 weeks (may sporadically dryand fat; connective tissue, nurse to 11 weeks). soft bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, etc.

2-4 months

Rapid Growth Feed 3-4 daily meals

4-6 months

Milk teeth replaced

6-8 months

Growth slows Feed 2 daily meals

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Peak growth rate is generally achieved by most breeds.

1 year

Adult Epiphyseal cartilage closes— end of long bone growth. Small and medium breeds mature.

Large breeds may continue to mature up to 24 months.

Feed 1 to 2 daily meals.

Play with littermates. Short periods of romping and Finely ground: nutrient-dense wrestling. Puppy stops activity meat, organs, and fat; connective when desired. tissue, soft bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, etc.

Highly digestible, nutrient dense diet for growth which maintains a lean body composition Meals brought to pups by adults or pups may be taken to the prey to feed. High-ranking pups are more assertive in competing for food.

Dietary elements including: flesh meat, organs, fat, and flesh covered bones or small whole prey animals. Plant material (fruits), herbivore ingesta, insects, blood fluids.

Connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, sinew, and chew on anything chewable.

42

Exercise

Begin to accompany adults on foraging trips.

As pups continue to mature, they continue to compete more within the social order of the pack and within the ranks of their littermates for larger animal food items. Subordinate pack members may consume more flesh from bones, organ scraps, and stomach ingesta to augment their diet. Individual hunting of game, mice, rabbits, birds, etc.

Compete in social order for large game: moose, elk, deer, and sheep. Individual hunting of smaller game: beaver, mice, rabbits, squirrels, birds, etc.; fruits, insects, plant matter, soil, feces, etc.

Large and small whole-animal dietary elements including: flesh meat, organs, fat, plant material (vegetable and fruits), herbivore ingesta (green tripe), blood/ fluids from meats accompanied by adequate amounts of connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments; edible and chewing bones.

Wild pups are moved from den to rendezvous sites. Play periods extend—littermates romp, chase each other, wrestle, play, and hunt.

Urban pups: no forced running, jumping, fetching or endurance related activities. Puppy stops activity when desired. Limited exercise—short walks.

Bone chewing exercise.

Diets of large breed pups may require an increase in amounts of plant matter (fruits, vegetables, green tripe), reduced fat, or a decrease in the amount of food fed per day in relation to exercise in order to maintain optimal weight for proper growth.

Wild pups: may begin to travel with the pack. Pack socialization/ interactions.

Diet is adjusted according to requirements of environment, season, maintenance, health, pregnancy, lactation, exercise, and activities.

Wild dogs: high levels of activity.

Pack hunting.

Urban pups: increased amounts of suitable, moderate exercise.

Longer walks. Puppy stops activity when desired.

Bone chewing exercise.

Normal activities and exercise for breed/age.

Conditioned for working / performance requirements.

Puppies can go on walks, but if the walk is too long the

muscles will tire, causing stress on developing bones.

When heading out on a walk, remember that your puppy must be able to make the return trip home without tiring.

Large and giant breeds should not receive excessive exercise. Road work including biking, jogging, or treadmills, repeatedly running to fetch a ball, or jumping exercises that are part of canine sports, such as obedience or agility, should not be undertaken until their second year when long bone growth has ended. Both large and small breed puppies should be discouraged from jumping off furniture, such as the sofa or from laps. The most important point to remember is that the puppy can stop activity when it wants. Inactivity, such as extended crate or kennel time, is just as unhealthy as over-exercising puppies.

Normal appropriate activity helps to tone muscles and contributes to healthy skeletal development.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

in order to provide sufficient free exercise that the puppy can initiate and end on their own. Daily exercise may involve the games that most young puppies instinctually know—chasing a bird or insect, wrestling with a favorite toy, playing tag or tug with humans or other canine family members, pouncing on leaves, or ambushing a misplaced slipper. Providing an area outside to dig gives a puppy the opportunity to exercise in a completely natural way. A large, meaty recreational bone is another way to provide natural exercise for a puppy’s entire body, and it also encourages proper development of the jaws and forefront. The action of ripping and pulling the meat from the bone is a satisfying workout that will leave a puppy happy and tired.

43

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Pandemic Puppy Pointers

44

By Valerie Barry, KPA-CTP Dog Partners www.dogpartners.ca

Hugo

T

here has been A LOT of puppies show up on the scene during the Covid 19 Pandemic to date. Many of us have been inundated with requests for puppy classes and private training help.

Unfortunately, holding classes has been problematic for many trainers due to the restrictions on indoors events, and many facilities typically rented for training classes are closed to the public for these purposes. Outdoor classes are always an option but hard for puppies especially when the weather begins to change into fall with rainy, colder conditions.

However, that shouldn’t limit your ability to raise your puppy well. If you can’t find a class, seek out a positive, force-free trainer recommendation from some trusted sources. Online classes are very valuable too – don’t disregard that possibility! Believe me, some money spent up front can make a world of difference during the life you and your puppy will have together.

Based on the calls and client sessions that I’ve had over the past several months, I’ve taken a sample of common questions and put together some Pointers for the Pandemic Puppies.

integrate him into your own family.

• Be prepared to keep him company at night for a few nights – either with you sleeping beside his sleeping area or having him sleep beside yours within sight and sound of each other.

• Consider using a “Sleeping Loop” to help your puppy sleep more easily – helping to mimic the warmth and comfort of many bodies pressed together. Here is a great video on making and using a sleeping loop from Service Dog trainer, Donna Hill: www.youtube.com/watch?v=myraAIhU3JU • Remember that your puppy was used to food on demand, potty as needed and could move about as he wished while still with mom and littermates. Be mindful and ready to respond to his needs as they arise.

• Ensure you have water and some stuffed treat dispensing toys always available for puppy wherever he is – even during the night. Dogs don’t have the same sleep patterns as we do and puppies are used to waking and eating often when they’re very young.

This article is not intended to take the place of a well-run puppy class or private training from an experienced positive trainer, but hopefully you’ll find some helpful tips and useful resources for your own situation!

Recommendations on how to manage your puppy in the first few nights he is at home have changed a lot in recent years. If you have older books or are getting dated advice, toss it aside and contact a trainer who keeps up with their education!

• Consider your puppy’s perspective!

He is just a baby maybe on this earth a mere 8 weeks, and he has just been taken away from the only family and environment he knows.

He needs you to be as comforting and supportive as possible as you

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Those first few nights.

45

Crates and Confinement.

Confinement is important for puppies and young dogs.

We simply can’t let them have full run of our homes before they understand house training rules and are able to direct themselves to appropriate toys and chew items.

However, for a variety of reasons not all puppies or dogs come into our lives with this skill already on board.

I find that many breeders, unfortunately, are not taking the time to properly crate train puppies before sending them to a new home, so expecting them to go right into a crate for naps or to begin immediately spending the nights in this level of confinement in your home is really unfair and unrealistic.

It’s stressful for the human, too, trying to sleep lightly enough to hear puppy in the middle of the night and worrying about house training accidents.

If you have a pen set up like this one, there’s less stress and better sleeps for all!

• If you’re thinking “will my puppy take longer to be house-trained”? Don’t worry – stick to the usual house-training rules during the day, and your puppy will still learn to be housetrained as usual.

Socialization.

You want your puppy to build a bond with you, not feel as though suddenly no one can meet his needs or be there to comfort him when he needs it. It is no longer considered good training advice to let him “cry it out” until he settles down.

Until you’re able to train your puppy to be completely comfortable with crate confinement, consider using the type of pen set up recommended by Puppy Culture (puppyculture.com) – I really think it’s brilliant: • Set up a wire pen or similar secure confinement area that can accommodate a crate (containing a comfy bed) at one end and left open, a clear area in the middle for play, and a toilet area at the other end.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

• The pen should contain water, some chew toys and a stuffed treat dispensing toy for when puppy feels hungry (remember mom was feeding your puppy on demand, not on a human-type schedule).

46

• The toilet area should be clearly defined – think shallow litter box idea vs. simply a pee pad which is flat on the ground. This area should contain a suitable surface that attracts your puppy and allows him a clearly defined spot to head for in the middle of the night when he wakes up needing to potty.

The “litter box” could contain a pee pad or it could contain wood shavings, newspaper-style cat litter, dirt, or another safe substrate that’s not likely to be tempting to chew and swallow.

If puppy is in a closed crate at night, he has to fuss and make noise and become quite stressed needing to get out to potty and not entirely sure how to get there.

Group training outside

Socialization doesn’t stop at puppies meeting other puppies – there is soooo much more to socializing a puppy than most people think! Take a snapshot at the next 12-15 years with your dog and form a general socialization plan based on what that looks like: • Get your puppy out and about to the extent you can (considering your area’s Covid restrictions) and help him experience and be comfortable with all the people, sights, sounds, environments, animals and objects that are represented on your list.

• Socialization is about letting your puppy have many experiences at their own pace, with you there to keep them safe and provide some tasty treats to add to the experience.

• Every puppy is different in their level of confidence, so pay close attention to your own puppy’s body language and level of comfort in order to figure out how much and how often works for him or her.

• Here is a good Socialization Checklist from Dr. Sophia Yin to give you an idea of what to include in your socialization plan: drsophiayin.com/app/ uploads/2015/12/Socialization_Checklist.pdf

different outfits to help with “meeting new people” socialization opportunities.

If you can’t get out very much due to the pandemic restrictions in your area, get creative. Consider using audio and even video to replace some of the socialization opportunities:

• Invest in a long line – a leash of more than 2 metres – and let your puppy investigate new people at a comfortable distance on his own and come running back to you as needed.

• Find YouTube videos of fireworks, loud trucks, motor bikes, crowd noises, children laughing, crying and playing and the sounds of other animals.

• Play the videos at a lower than normal volume and let your puppy watch, listen and get treats at a comfortable distance that he sets for himself. Let him investigate at his own pace while you stand ready to move him further away or lower the sound if necessary and hand out tasty treats for bravery.

Get help from those people in your circle: • Ask your family and neighbours to dress up in

•

1-844-DOG-COAT

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

chillydogs.ca

Puppy obstacle course - making some adjustments!

47

Again, you need to get creative to find ways to ensure that your puppy won’t have a complete melt down the first time you have a visitor!

• Dress up time again! Ask your family and visiting friends to change their appearance. Get them to add hats, backpacks, carry different pieces of outdoor equipment, arrive at the door, change their voices, knock and ring the doorbell – imagine all the different scenarios from friends to service people coming into your home.

• Prepare ahead and have puppy confined at a good distance from the front door and have lots of tasty treats ready to go to help ease any fear responses that might occur.

Enrichment toys ready to go!

• Proceed slowly – ask a family member to dress up in full view of the puppy (or do it yourself if you live alone), go out the door and come right back in while talking to the puppy in a normal voice. Break down the “stranger” experience as much as you can so it’s not a complete stranger, knocking and “breaking in” as the first exposure for your puppy.

Get creative in your home: • Make obstacle courses with new surfaces and different objects in your home, on your deck or in your backyard to let your puppy investigate at his own pace while you cheer from the sidelines and toss treats.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

• Dig out the Christmas and Halloween decorations and let puppy investigate scary or new objects in his environment that may make noise, move or have flashing lights.

48

• Pitch a tent in the living room or back yard and get your puppy comfortable with “camping” and where his spot in the tent is going to be when you go on family vacations.

Having visitors to your Home.

This is a tough one when your area’s Covid 19 restrictions may include not having many visitors to your home. It’s also not something everyone really thinks about until that day your kitchen tap springs a leak and you need to have the plumber in. It will become apparent very quickly that having a stranger enter your home is entirely different for your puppy than seeing strangers at a distance on walks.

Working on our leash skills

Leash Skills.

Leash skills and walking nicely on a loose leash is always an issue for dog owners – pandemic or not. Now that many of us are spending more time at home and/or have more flexible schedules, use this time to get some really solid skills in place before you head out on many leashed walks.

• From day 1 with your puppy, practice leash walking without a leash right in your living room or kitchen

with a “following” exercise.

• Repeatedly Mark (verbal or with a clicker) and treat your puppy for simply catching up and following you around the house in something resembling heel position. As they are young and small, it’s easy to keep slightly ahead of them vs. struggling to keep up.

• Use treat position wisely – provide the treat close to your leg each time your puppy catches up to you, on one side or the other. Work on each side separately.

• Use the treat as a lure to get him close to your side if necessary. This will help solidify your puppy’s desire to hang out by your leg / at your side vs. forging ahead or coming around to your front.

• Work all around your house, on your deck and in your yard in small 5 minute or less increments of training fun before taking a break. If you make sessions too long, your puppy will lose interest and motivation.

• When puppy gets ahead of you, darts away or lags behind just call or lure him back.

• Once you introduce the leash, work hard at keeping even with your puppy and keeping your puppy engaged with you. The goal is to keep the leash loose at all times so leash tension it doesn’t become part of the walk.

This is a great way to use part of your puppy’s meal portion – working on leash skills in very low distraction areas in a very gradual way.

When you do need to go out in the world on leash, use a longer line so you can easily keep up with your puppy and reward him frequently in the same position with verbal praise and encouragement and lots of tasty treats.

The more practice he has walking on a loose leash, the less likely he will be to pull. If things go sideways and tension happens, stop moving and encourage your puppy to come back to your side for a reset.

Keep training sessions very short and take breaks often.

Recall – Come when you’re called!

• If he doesn’t seem interested in continuing, take a break rather than force him to continue – this is supposed to be fun and engaging and it’s up to you to find ways to motivate your puppy and keep training fun for him.

• As your puppy gets good at the following exercise, add in the leash on a collar or body harness held loosely in your hand and do exactly the same exercise.

Recall is obviously an important skill and one many dog owners struggle with throughout the lives of their dogs.

I recently had an opportunity to take a good course offered by the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy from Guatemala-based trainer, Chrissi Schranz. www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/people/786-people/ faculty/11693-chrissi-schranz Park bench parkour

Chrissi hits the nail right on the head as she has constructed her course in such a way that you are

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Big puppy recalls!

49

Puppy recall practice

instructed to begin building or enhancing your relationship with your dog before delving into the actual mechanics of the Recall skill itself. This (and simply practicing a lot) is exactly the problem I see people having with developing that “as close to perfect as possible” Recall.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

I’m not suggesting that you may not have a great relationship with your dog – most of us do. But it’s super helpful if you have a relationship that goes beyond simply hanging out with your dog and taking him for walks. I want to see dogs enjoy hanging out with their people just as much as I see people enjoying hanging out with their dogs. I see lots of dogs loving being out and about, but are they just loving being out on a walk or loving being out on a walk because they are with you?!

50

It would be great if walks were full of anticipation for your dogs, never quite sure what fun thing you had up your sleeve next. Chrissi has some great instruction involving lots of interactive games that can be played in the house initially and then out on walks. The games are geared toward many different personalities of dogs do there’s something that will work for everyone. I think it’s a brilliant approach to Recall training that will greatly enhance your dog’s desire to hang out with you, and it can’t help but boost the success of your Recall training.

Some simple ideas to try: • If you have a fetch or tug-toy oriented dog, take

a “hidden” toy along with you and produce it as a surprise at times for some fetch or tug along the way.

• Go out by yourself, pre-walk, and hide a toy to “find” on the walk with your dog – your dog will think you have a genius nose too!

• Get more interactive with the environment on your walks: walk across logs, jump over small obstacles, climb up on rocks, weave through tree. Make a fun “agility course” out of a normally straight walk.

• Occasionally toss treats into the underbrush and cue your dog to use his nose and find them – a nice mental break along the walk.

• If it’s appropriate, go out before you walk and hide a treat or two or something extra special like a hot dog somewhere along your walk. I recall being in a seminar given by Washington-based trainer Kathy Sdao talking about the “hamburger tree”. She would go out early and hang cooked hamburger patties from a tree and then “discover” this amazing thing with her dog on their walk. It was a magical moment for her dog when he discovered she could call him and offer this amazing tree for him as a reward!

Obviously this is not an appropriate option to do everywhere but get creative and come up with a similar idea that might work for you!

And of course, nothing boosts training like good oldfashioned practice. With more time at home, what better

time to be able to practice your Recall frequently instead of just on weekends when you have more time. Keep sessions short and fun. Consider having treat stashes throughout the house so you can practice calling your dog randomly throughout the day, every day, when he least expects it – a fun game all in itself.

If you’re raising a puppy, there are many things you can do to prevent separation distress from becoming a problem. Here are just a few prevention tips: • Build up the amount of time your puppy needs to be in his confinement area very gradually beginning with just seconds at a time. We humans have a tendency to rush things too quickly whenever we start to see progress. Don’t keep adding time to your puppy’s confinement, be as random as you can: 1 minutes, 5 minutes, 30 seconds, 6 minutes, 2 minutes, 10 seconds, 40 seconds, 3 mintues, etc.

Being Alone.

Probably the number one thing that people are concerned about during this time of Covid 19 shut down and restrictions, is raising a puppy that has separation anxiety or separation distress as it’s more accurately called. With large numbers of people spending much of their workday at home, it’s a genuine concern. If you have a dog with severe separation distress, I highly recommend you contact a positive trainer who has specific experience in this area. One great resource for either locating a trainer in your area or for getting some good resources for yourself is this site by well-known Separation Anxiety trainer Malena de Martini: malenademartini.com

• Pick your time to leave your puppy alone wisely.

A tired, full and successfully toileted puppy will be much less prone to distress than a puppy who is hungry or raring to take a few laps around the house.

• Ensure you have a good supply of a variety of treat dispensing toys stuffed and ready to deposit in your puppy’s confinement area that, initially, will last far longer than the time he needs to be left alone.

• Make sure your puppy can empty the treat

FOR THOSE ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, VISIT US AT OUR HEAD OFFICE AND WELLNESS STORE!

Bring your pet!

Mask

• Free weigh-ins • Real food • Real treats • Non-Toxic Flea Solutions

Proudly

• Made in Canada Designer Beds!

• Complimentary Magazine

Magazine for Pets

BLOAT

PUPPY NUTRITION

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY

Matching Bandanas and Masks!

2021

What if...

Cannabis Cured Cancer?

Totes

Pandemic Puppies!

$4.95

Display until January

31, 2021

Adoptions Linked Puppy

Mills

Not exactly as shown

www.petconnectionstore.ca Location: 2443 Beacon Avenue, Sidney by the Sea, British Columbia Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm • Monday - Closed

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Made in Canada

Canada’s Natural Health

HOME HEALT H CHECK

51

dispensing toys you’re using reasonably easily – at least at first. Take the time to teach your puppy how to successfully empty out each toy so he doesn’t become frustrated and stressed when he’s left alone with them.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

• Don’t immediately let your puppy out when you return, try to gradually get your puppy used to being confined even though you’re back and available.

Treat dispensing toys will help here if there are still some food left in the ones you left behind. You can also add another toy or toss in a couple of treats to give you a few more seconds of being back before you let your puppy out.

52

• Work on confining your puppy the same way for mere seconds at a time when you are home and he’s not technically alone. Again, make use of treat dispensing toys and pick your timing wisely. Learning to be able to busy himself when you’re unavailable but still at home is an important skill too. You also don’t want treat dispensing toys to predict being left alone, so it’s important to use them randomly throughout the day for no particular reason.

• Even when you’re not working on “alone training”, consider finding a way to fasten a treat dispensing toy like a rubber kong on a rope to one end of your puppy’s open crate or somewhere in his confinement area when

it’s open and available for puppy to come and go.

If he can’t take his toy with him but can only work on it in place AND it’s stuffed with really tasty treats, your puppy can choose to remove himself from you and get a highly valuable reward for doing so but yet still be able to come back to you when he needs to.

This is a valuable confidence building exercise!

• Here is a great video on Separation Training from trainer Emily Larlham and her popular YouTube channel – Dog Training by Kikopup: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWT9DI7hMfo Hopefully you’ve found some helpful information within my article. Remember that puppies are babies and need a lot of support and guidance from us to learn how to live in our human world. It’s a lot of work to raise a puppy well, but having a confident, fun and loving dog in your life is well worth the effort!

My top Puppy Pointer: PRAISE Often Punish NEVER PATIENCE Always

Many events are either postponed or cancelled due to Covid-19.

Check your local area for updates.

December 2020

January 2021

Tuesday December 15th Grand Prize Winner of the ‘Chance for the Cover’ Photo Contest will be announced.

December 12th to 24th 12 Days of Christmas Celebration!

MEOWY REXMAS In The Raw…Food for Dogs and Cats 150 E 2nd Street North Vancouver, BC

January 1, 2021 Chance for the Cover Photo Contest Begins again!

Win Cold Cash, fame and prizes!

See page 58 for all the details.

The Pet Connection assumes no responsibility for any information listed for any of these events. While every attempt is made to double check information submitted, we are not responsible for any cancelled events, rescheduled events, wrong dates or times, location changes, wrong address’s or wrong phone numbers. If you have an event you would like to mention, please submit it to, info@petconnection.ca. Due to space limitations there is no guarantee that it will be listed.

Follow us on Facebook PetConnectionCanada

Follow us on Instagram Petconnectionmagazine

Follow us on Twitter @PetConnectionCa

REGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE STILL ONLY

Name: _____________________________________ Email:_________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ City, Province: ________________________________Postal Code:___________________________ Amount Enclosed (In Dollars): _________________________________________________________ Check One

Print

Digital Mail to: Pet Connection 2443 Beacon Avenue Sidney, BC V8L 1X7

Or order online with Paypal.

See the subscription section on our website: www.petconnection.ca/subscriptions

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

$25.00 for 1 year or BONUS $40.00 for 2 years!

Digital is $15.00

53

PET ADOPTIONS LINKED TO HORRIFIC PUPPY MILLS

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

By V. Victoria Shroff

54

A

dopt Don’t Shop (#AdoptDontShop) is a common animal law hashtag on Twitter. I firmly believe it’s better for animals to be adopted, rather than shopped for, or bought. But there’s a caveat.

Without informed adoption, it can potentially be a bad idea to adopt an animal unless you know who you are adopting from and their animal welfare practices.

Every year at my Vancouver animal law firm we get inquiries from upset folks about pet adoptions or rescue scenarios that have gone awry. People mistakenly assume that they’ve acquired a rescue animal from a legitimate animal rescue organization when they’ve inadvertently adopted a pet that originated from a contemptible puppy or kitten mill, a place that over breeds animals to turn a quick profit at the expense of animal health and safety.

Humane Society International has a section on its website about the cruel industry of puppy mills that are sadly are a worldwide multimillion- dollar business. “A puppy mill is a breeding operation in which puppies are mass-produced in substandard conditions. The goal is to produce as many puppies as possible with minimal cost to — and maximum financial gain for — the operator.” If you suspect your animal is from a puppy/kitten mill, contact the SPCA or animal health authority.

with many other areas of animal law, is to instead solve the problem in another expedient way. While we have met with success via settlements, the underlying milling of animals (even if it’s not a full blown puppy or kitten mill) as products worldwide, is not going away.

A recent item in the news shows that international puppy mills may possibly be targeting Canadians.

Designer dogs are being imported for sale in Canada as if they were commodities like iPhones. CBC reported that on June 13, 2020, some 500 trendy French bulldog puppies were imported into Canada from Europe via a lengthy 10-hour Ukraine Airlines flight. Sadly, 38 of the puppies unloaded from crammed cargo holds at Toronto’s airport were pronounced DOA and many others suffered dehydration and other maladies. Ukraine Airlines offered condolences for the “tragic loss of animal life on our flight” via its Facebook page.

There are scant laws and regulations regarding importation of dogs into Canada. Animals need to be healthy and fit to travel with no visible signs of illness when departing the country of origin and there’s permit paperwork to be processed. I’m guessing it would likely have taken time to process the Canadian Food

Not surprisingly, because animals are, for the most part, deemed to be property under the law, they are treated like property. There is a lack of governmental or industry oversight concerning breeding, pet adoptions, selling, importing of animals. The so-called sale and adoption contracts I’ve encountered are usually poorly drafted.

Yes, I could probably file an action for my clients, but these entities are often judgment proof. My approach in this, as

Wondering where to get a copy of Pet Connection?

Ask for us at your Local Independent Pet Store!

Or subscribe and never miss an issue! www.petconnection.ca/subscriptions/

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Puppy and kitten mill animals are often sickly, but it’s not always readily apparent. The new pet appears healthy at first and then suddenly exhibits serious, debilitating health problems. Clients incur enormous vet bills to investigate, treat their pet or alternatively, they ask the vet to euthanize.

55

Inspection Agency (CFIA) import/export permit documentation for hundreds of dogs and am unclear why the applications were not more closely scrutinized, why animal welfare concerns were not flagged.

The CFIA investigated the Ukraine Airlines matter and issued a statement on its website that it “ ... takes its mandate for protecting animals very seriously ... the CFIA will no longer issue new permits for the importation of commercial dogs under 8 months of age from Ukraine. The CFIA’s decision is based on investigation findings of possible failures to comply with import requirements, including animal welfare concerns.

These actions will remain in effect until the CFIA is satisfied that import conditions and international transport standards are in place and that animals will travel safely in the future.”

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

OK, that’s something, but I remain concerned that the CFIA measures are temporary and do not fully address underlying issues. What about the import of other types of animals, or puppies older than 8 months of age? What about mass importation of animals from other European or other countries into Canada and the animal welfare concerns? Pricey French bulldog puppies fetch anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per puppy. Other than as commodities for commercial gain, why else were some 500 designer pups being flown into Canada and where were they acquired? With a view to adopting or “rescuing” foreign animals Canadian consumers may be unwittingly contributing to overseas puppy mills.

56

Canada already has too many domestic puppy and kitten mills. Though puppy mills can be found in every province, Quebec was considered the puppy mill capital of North America and got branded “the best province to be an animal abuser” in a 2011 annual report prepared by the U.S.-based Animal Legal Defense Fund. It’s a huge undertaking for investigative agencies which are often underfunded to shut down puppy/kitten mill breeders, animal abuse. Fortunately, I understand animal welfare has recently been improving in la belle province.

Canadians usually have more than enough animals for adoption at bona fide shelters, but due to COVID-19 and the demand surge for furry COVID companions, some shelters are near empty and have long wait lists for adoptable puppies and kittens.

Consumers are turning elsewhere and some are falling prey to puppy mill profiteers. Would-be adopters must do their homework and inquire at bona fide animal shelters or ask a veterinarian about adoptable animals.

Informed pet adoption is a must. People need to know where their animal originated and should be adopting, not shopping, with the exception of some very smallscale breeders with excellent standards and proven animal welfare track records.

Fortunately, several municipalities throughout Canada have already banned retail pet sales, but more should follow as this would help seal off a ready market for puppy/kitten mill operators. Not only should pet stores be banned from selling animals, animals should also not be sold online through classified adverts on Kijiji.

I am assisting a B.C. veterinarian to do that, to raise awareness of online pet sales. Dr. Adrian Walton posits that the June 2020 puppy import disaster is not a one-off event, so he is petitioning the Canadian government to ban import of dogs from foreign puppy mills, to implement a ban on the sale of animals via online classified platforms and social media. Petition E 2700 (Ontario MP Nate Erskine-Smith) to the government of Canada states in part: “The recent mass importation of dogs into the Toronto International Airport has highlighted a major hole in the Canadian system for monitoring the commercial sales of animals; We, the undersigned … call upon the Government of Canada to ban the sale of animals through online classified websites like Kijiji and other social media platforms.”

In my view, akin to the international and domestic wildlife trade, a worldwide effort will be needed to eliminate puppy/kitten mills. Aside from reporting puppy/kitten mills to animal authorities, countries ought to more closely examine animal import/export permits to avert future animal welfare disasters. Animals are living sentient beings, not commodities like cell phones.

Clearly, there’s a need for a better regulatory framework around importation of animals, sales and adoptions, to help bring a global halt to puppy/kitten mill operators.

While I’m working on the law to make the lives of animals better, please use #InformedAdoptDontShop.

(If you’ve got a better idea for an informed adoption hashtag, please tweet me @shroffanimallaw.)

57

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

2020 PHOTO CONTEST U

O NN

A

G

IN NC

12

our Finalists for 2020

$1000.00 of Raw Pet Food is going to the Grand Prize Winner

The Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from our Monthly Winners below.

January February March April

Grand Prize Winner

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

to be Announced on December 15, 2020!

58

PURRNICUS

FISHER

MAYA

SUNNY

May

June

July

August

SADIE

AXEL

September

October

IZZY

CALVIN

STANLEY & GORDIE

November #chanceforthecover

CHARLIE & MILLIE

HUNTER

December

THADDEUS

Thank you to everyone who sent in photos.

Visit our website for more information: www.petconnection.ca

2021 Photo Contest 2 Grand Prizes!

One for Cats!

One for Dogs!

Make sure to follow us on Social Media #petconnectionmagazine #petphotocontest #chanceforthecover #2021canada To find us on facebook go to: www.facebook.com/ PetConnectionCanada

Follow us on Instagram Petconnectionmagazine

The Grand Prize Dog Winner will be chosen from our Monthly Winners below.

The Grand Prize Cat Winner will appear on the Oct/Nov 2021 Cover!

January February March April

Open to entries from all of Canada

Open to entries from all of Canada

Open to entries from all of Canada

Open to entries from all of Canada

May

June

July

August

Open to entries from all of Canada

Open to entries from all of Canada

Open to entries from all of Canada

Open to entries from all of Canada

September

October

November

December

Open to entries from all of Canada

Open to Felines Only

Open to our Instagram Followers

LUCKY LOSER One lucky 2nd place winner from one of the Previous Months

MONTHLY WINNERS OF PET SUPPLIES RULES Contest is only open to Canadian pets alive and living in Canada. One pet per month please.

Prizes must be accepted as awarded. Monthly Winners have no cash value.

No purchase required.

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

Follow us on Twitter @PetConnectionCa

59

Is available Coast to Coast at select locations, or by subscription.

100%

in Canada

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

BRITISH COLUMBIA

60

Amore Pet Foods 4540 Hastings Street, Burnaby, BCC Best Friends Pet Market 5700 Dolphin Avenue, Sechelt, BC Growlies, Fresh Pet Foods #118 - 2871 Jacklin Road, Victoria, BC Healthy Spot Pet Nutrition #5 - 1050 - 10th Ave, SW Salmon Arm, BC Healthy Spot Pet Nutrition 3115 48 Ave #200, Vernon, BC In The Raw, Food for Dogs and Cats 150 E 2nd Street, N. Vancouver, BC Mountain K9 Acres Serving North Okanagan, Shuswap & Revelstoke

Pawsitive Veterinary Care Clinic #6 - 1551 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC Pet Connection Head Office and Retail Store 2443 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC Pet Planet #100 - 1135 Stevens Road, West Kelowna, BC Simply Natural Raw Pet Food 5565 West Blvd, Vancouver, BC Tail Blazers #130 - 3033 Immel St., Abbotsford, BC Tail Blazers #104 - 45300 Luckakuck Way, Chiliiwack, BC Tail Blazers 1790 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC Tail Blazers #105 - 1014 Glenmore Dr., Kelowna, BC

Edmonton Holistic Veterinarian Clinic 8215 - 102 Street, Edmonton, Alta.

Tail Blazers Acadia (Heritage) #8307 Fairmont Drive SE, Calgary, Alta.

Tail Blazers Copperfield Corner #107 - 15566 McIvor Blvd, SE, Calgary, Alta.

Tail Blazers Ingelwood #7 - 1420 - 9th Ave SE, Calgary, Alta.

Tail Blazers Legacy #1110, 47 Legacy View SE Calgary Tail Blazers North Haven #101 - 4400 - 14th Street NW, Calgary, Alta.

Tail Blazers Old Banff Coach Road #329 - 723 - 85th Street SW, Calgary, Alta.

Tail Blazers Panorama Hills 32 Panatella Blvd, NW, Calgary, Alta.

Tail Blazers Ranchlands #155 - 1829 Ranchlands Blvd, NW, Calgary, Alta.

Tail Blazers #240 - 6130 - 67th Street, Red Deer, Alta.

Tail Blazers 280 Mud Street W., Unit E2, Hannon, Ont. Tail Blazers 1877 Regent Street, Unit B, Sudbury, Ont. The Hungry Pooch - Lakeshore 486 Advance Blvd, Tecumseh, Ont. The Hungry Pooch 2451A Dougall Avenue, Windsor, Ont. Thrive 4 Life Holistic Pet Food Store 16572 York Durham Line Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ont.

QUEBEC Only available by subscription. In English only.

NEW BRUNSWICK Only available by subscription.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Blue Ribbon Pet Supply and Grooming 420 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PEI

Tail Blazers West End 10023 - 170th Street, Edmonton, Alta.

Tail Blazers Windermere 320 Windermer Rd. NW, Edmonton, Alta.

NOVA SCOTIA

SASKATCHEWAN

The Doghouse 204 Duckworth St., St. John’s, NL

Fido & Felix Foods We Deliver all across Saskatchewan

MANITOBA Head to Tail Canine Nutrition www.headtotailcaninenutrition.com

ONTARIO Chews Raw Pet Food 287 Dundas Street East, Waterdown, Ont. Tail Blazers 505 Bryne Drive, Unit D, Barrie, Ont. Tail Blazers 2410B Lakeshore Road W, Oakville, Ont. Tail Blazers #6 - 170 North Queen St., Etobicoke, Ont. Tail Blazers 6055 Mavis Rd., Unit 5, Mississauga, Ont. Tail Blazers 1089 Kingston Rd., Unit 8, Scarborough, Ont.

Only available by subscription.

NEWFOUNDLAND

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Borealis Kennels & Pet Supplies Box 2195, Yellowknife, NT

YUKON TERRITORY Humane Society Yukon 126 Tlingit Street, Whitehorse, YT The Feed Store Pet Junction 9006 Quartz Road Whitehorse, YT

NUNAVUT Iqaluit Humane Society PO BOX # 11089, Iqaluit, NU

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

ALBERTA

61

WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU.

®

PREC

DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

SIMPLE… JUST ONE INGREDIENT Trusted since 1992 Super premium single ingredient BC sourced pet treats/raw/ dehydrated Proudly Made in Abbotsford, BC Wheat and grain free facility SALMON SKIN CHIPS (our number 1 seller) Government inspected human food grade ingredients Look for a retailer near you

www.noahsarkpettreats.com

If you would like to distribute or sell amazing products, please To find usouron facebook go to: email us for more information at: noahsarkpettreats@gmail.com www.facebook.com/

We ship worldwide.

PetConnectionCanada

62

Visit us at www.petconnection.ca Follow us on Twitter @PetConnectionCa

Follow us on Instagram Petconnectionmagazine

63

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2020

IT’S ARRIVED!!

Your URBAN CARNIVORE THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO FEEDING

YOUR PET A RAW FOOD DIET

Inside Variety is Key for Vitality The Simplicity of a Raw Diet Carbohydrates and Carnivores Carnivore Food is Not Dry Food from the Bag! The Definitive Word on Bacteria A Species Appropriate™ Diet is the Foundation of Your Pet’s Health

BOOKS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR IN RETAIL STORES To find out where to purchase your copy visit www.carnivora.ca

a new book by

BRENDA HAGEL

www.carnivora.ca