Children’s Books with Pets that You Probably Forgot Existed

All of us have favorites from childhood and many of us have rolled those out for our kids in addition to discovering a few newer titles. Here are seven must-reads for young kids involving dogs.

CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG: He might’ve been the runt of the litter but love of his owner helps him grow and gow.

OFFICER BUCKLE AND GLORIA:

Caldecott Medal Winner.  Officer Buckle’s safety speeches get a lot more interesting when Gloria starts acting out the hazard.

HARRY THE DIRTY DOG:

Harry thinks he wants to leave home but a day away proves there’s no place like home.

MARTHA SPEAKS:

Martha gets fed alphabet soup and suddenly she’s talking. Goods and bads with a talking dog.

GO DOG. GO!

Learning to read? No problem. This is the perfect book. A classic with dogs all going somewhere.

I’LL TEACH MY DOG 100 WORDS:

Another great learning to read classic. What an amazing dog who can learn all kinds of tricks, or at least there’s a plan to teach him all the tricks.

THE DIGGING-EST DOG:

Anyone whose dog is a digger will understand the enthusiasm.

HAPPY READING TO EVERYONE!

Post by Zoe Forward, DVM, Dipl. ABVP




Photo credit:
reading girl1: http://bit.ly/2mfIPcO
reading girl 2: http://bit.ly/2mX7eZ1

Raw Diets...should you or not?

What is the scientific basis for ancestral diets and raw diets?

According to veterinary nutrition expert Dr. Tony Buffington, historically, “natural diets” or “ancestral diets” referred to rodents/mammals that fell prey to wolves and coyotes. Today, a "natural" diet more commonly refers to a mixture of ingredients such as raw meats with or without bones, vegetables and fruits. Some people believe that the act of ripping meat off bones and chewing bones is more healthful for their pets. Early literature reported that the natural diets of wild canids and felids had a plaque – retardant effect, and that these animals did not have periodontal or other diseases. Recent reports suggest this is entirely untrue. Although the value of "ancestral diets” has been asserted by some, one must recall that the ancestral lifespan for dogs and cats was likely only 2-3 years; some pets live ten times that long currently.

 

 

Types of Raw Diets?

There is no standardized raw diet. There are many such diets that fit within two general categories: homemade raw recipes and commercially prepared raw diets. Recipes for homemade diets can be found in numerous pet nutrition books and websites. The strictest of raw diet feeders are considered purists who feed only raw meat, bones, and eggs, but no fruit, vegetables, or grains; these diets rarely include supplements to make them balanced or complete. Many raw diet proponents believe that dogs and cats are not capable of digesting grains, and that diets containing grains have led to allergic and digestive diseases in companion animals (note: we are not saying this is "correct" but just stating what purists believe) There are several well-known homemade raw diets, including the BARF homemade diet (standing for bones and raw food), the Ultimate diet, and the Volhard diet. In many diets each meal is not meant to be balanced; however, over time the diets aspire to provide balanced nutrition. Many pet owners have amended these popular raw food diets to create their own recipes with or without additional supplements. This can be a major problem because now the diets are unbalanced. 

For all raw diets, meat can be purchased in bulk at local butcher shops, co-ops, and grocers. Commercially prepared raw food diets are typically sold frozen, although refrigerated diets are also available. One example is Dr. Billinghurst's commercial BARF diet marketed as frozen patties that are to be thawed and fed raw. Most commercial diets contain meat, bones, produce, and supplements to make a complete and balanced diet. The act of freezing is suggested to kill most bacterial contamination; however many bacteria are known to survive the freezing process. Although commercial diets may be a more convenient way to feed raw, they may also be more expensive than homemade diets and are considered "too processed" for many purist raw diet proponents.

 

ARUGMENTS FOR/AGAINST RAW DIETS?

FOR: Many argue in favor of feeding raw food diets to pets because dogs and cats evolved as carnivores eating raw foods, and the assertion that consumption of these diets result in improved coat and skin, improved "energy levels,” and reduced incidence of disease. Unfortunately, no evidence-based evaluation of raw food diets has occurred to substantiate these facts. These reported results are anecdotal reports only.

AGAINST: The likely incidence of infectious disease or malnutrition from feeding raw food diets negate the possible benefits. Reports of adverse effects of feeding these diets have appeared in the veterinary literature for decades ranging from infectious diseases your pet can contract (parasites, bacterial disease like salmonella) and malnutrition from the diet not being balanced.  Why does it get contaminated? All meats in the food industry get contaminated because of handling (we are referring to what is colloquially called “human grade food,” not that there is a difference between people and animal grade meat products). In the wild a coyote or wolf eats the whole carcass right away so it doesn’t get contaminated.

When should raw diets not be a diet choice at all?

If there are any immunocompromised pets or people in the household (e.g. children under a year of age, people on chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs, pregnancy) or pets on immunosuppressive drugs. Pregnant women are at extremely high risk for listeria and toxoplasmosis and since these can cause miscarriage, it is recommended not to feed your pet raw diets during the entire time of pregnancy.These people and pets are at high risk for serious, potentially life-threatening infection if they contract one of the diseases that can be acquired from raw food.

Pets can contract contaminants in raw foods and become carriers for bacteria such as Salmonella or E.coli and not appear physically ill, but they can still infect people with these diseases by licking their owners or in contaminated feces.

 

You want to feed raw food…we need to be sure it’s a balanced diet. How?

 

Commercially prepared food MUST have an AAFCO statement. This is the most important preliminary piece of information on the label when assessing if the diet is “healthy” and nutritionally balanced.  The AAFCO statement will be one of only 2 types:

• Nutritionally complete and balanced (or 100% nutritious) is known or shown to be nutritionally complete.
• 
  
• For supplemental or intermittent feeding only is assumed or known to be nutritionally incomplete as sole source of nutrition for an extended time. The specific clinical sign that may appear first and when is dependent upon the first limiting nutrient and magnitude of the variance from the recommended level (toxicity or deficiency).

  

 If the food has the first claim, then it has been demonstrated to be balanced and nutritious. If it has the second, then it is only intended as a supplement. If the food has no AAFCO statement, then it cannot be considered a balanced/complete diet and may not be “safe.”

 

We want to be sure any raw diet that may be fed is safe and provides what your pet needs to be healthy. This is even more important if you are home-cooking. Whether you home-cook a diet or buy one that is commercially prepared there are many nutritional support services that provide analyses such as: NCSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s nutrition department.

As long as none of the ingredients of a satisfactory diet are contaminated, it should be safe for adult animals for months to years. We also advise careful adherence to raw food handling procedures recommended by the USDA http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Be_FoodSafe/BFS_Messages/index.asp, and to schedule more frequent check-ups to provide more careful observation of the pet.

SAFETY OF RAW PRODUCTS?

The is NO advantage to feeding “100% USDA inspected” ingredients from a “USDA-inspected” facility. This is sometimes a label claim on raw pet food.

The U.S. meat, poultry and egg supply is contaminated with micro-organisms (e.g., salmonella, listeria, campylobacter). Meat from healthy animals becomes contaminated between slaughter and display case. This is a notable difference from the “fresh kill” raw meat consumed by feral omnivores and carnivores.

All meat and poultry products for human consumption are subject to mandatory USDA inspection. But this is not a nutritional assessment and the ingredients are not USDA “approved.”

*Consumer beware*  The FDA presumes purchasers of raw meat are aware of the potential risk and could take measures to mitigate those risks. However, pet owners who may not be as aware of the potential for harm feeding raw meat diets to companion animals has raised concerns. 

 

 

HOW TO HANDLE RAW FOOD DIETS TO KEEP THEM AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE?

Use appropriate sanitary technique when handling raw food, food bowls and feces gathered for disposal. This includes:

 

 1. Always buy irradiated meat (this doesn’t mean it’s radioactive but has been treated to make it less contaminated.  This is the symbol to indicate it has been treated:

 

 

 

 

2. Wash hands prior to and following contact with raw meat.

3.  Use a cutting board dedicated to raw meat prep.

4. Use a dedicated utensil for serving food.

 

 

5. Wash and disinfect food and water bowls and serving   utensil, ideally in a sink located  in a place other than the kitchen or bathroom. DO NOT USE A SINK TO WASH RAW MEATS because the water spray can contaminate the entire area.

 

6. Avoid allowing young, elderly or immunocompromised people to handle raw food diets.

7. Use high-quality ingredients that have been properly stored.

8. Feed a reasonable amount of prepared food that can be eaten in a limited time period.

9.  Avoid feeding pets in kitchen.

 

10. Thaw frozen raw food diets in fridge or microwave.

 

11. Refrigerate or discard food immediately after preparation or after feeding time is over.

 

Thank you to information provided by Rebecca L. Remillard, PhD, DVM, DACVN, Victoria Biondi, Kate KuKanich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, and Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, DACN

TIME FOR A TEETH CLEANING

Is your pet’s breath blowing you away?

You don’t have to live with it smelling that way! It also means there’s something going on inside the mouth, usually bacterial infection, that needs help. It’s time for us to clean those teeth.

Aside from the stink, dental disease is a real bummer. It affects 85% of cats and dogs over 3 years of age, and can cause painful damage to your pet's teeth and gums, or even worse, damage vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart. Those are important organs!

If your pet doesn't have much tartar/calculus then perhaps you should try Oravet chews, which are a NEW, highly unique chew designed for those dogs who specialize in particularly stinky teeth. They contain a drug called delmopinol to aid in clearing the stinky breath. There aren't any other chews on the market quite like it.

Pic source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aturkus/4342379566 and istockphoto.

Holiday Pet Dangers---Made simple

It’s that time of the year when we feel obligated to do the annual “dangers of the holiday” blog post.

If you have a dog, I hope you already know not to let the dog imbibe of the chocolate or the eggnog. Yep, dogs can get drunk too (and it’s not a pretty sight). Please try not to let the cat eat the ornaments or the string holding the ornaments on the tree or the package ribbons.  I wish I had a miracle recommendation to help you keep the tree upright if you have a young cat who is thrilled to have a new jungle gym in the house.

 Let’s just keep it short and simple this year: If your pet eats something and you’re worried, give us a call. If your friends feed your pet during a holiday meal and the day after is a puke/vomit fest, call us. We don’t judge (trust me someone has called to admit their pet ate something or was fed something far more embarrassing). Our goal is for you to have a happy, safe and totally awesome holiday.

Fun extra reading links from the ASPCA Poison Control:

Pets Poinsettas and myths

Misconceptions about Chocolate in Pets

Post by Zoe Forward, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (canine/feline)

People foods your dog CAN enjoy

It’s tempting to feed people food and sometimes seems healthier. We know our dogs love it. Here are a few great options when thinking about offering people food. Remember, though, moderation is the key. Too much of a good thing can be a problem. Always stop if your dog gets diarrhea, vomiting or gas.

If you want to do a homemade diet, phone us and we can give you tips on where to find recipes to balance your dog’s diet. These listed items are intended as treats or supplemented in addition to a balanced commercially prepared diet.

 

1) Peanut butter: An occasional tablespoonful of peanut butter is a great treat and also a useful trick to get your dog to take pills. (Just make sure your brand of peanut butter doesn't have xylitol – this is primarily a problem with powdered peanut butter products)

 

2) Yogurt: PLAIN yogurt can be a great treat. Historically we recommended this for dogs with digestive issues as a source of probiotic bacteria, but we have since discovered this is not a great source of this helpful bacteria. So, if you are using this as a digestive aid then you should ask us for a better probiotic supplement recommendation. Use yogurts without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

 

 

 

3) Chicken/Turkey: This can be a great source of extra protein but it must be cooked. Uncooked/undercooked poultry can give your dog salmonella. Best if giving poultry to stay clear of seasonings and extra salt.

 

4) Seafood: As long as this is well cooked and fed in moderation (e.g., no more than 3 to 4 shrimp at a time), then this can be a great source of omega fatty acids.

 

5) Cottage cheese: A great protein source to add to your dog’s food.

 

 

6) Other cheese: Moderation is the key. In small amounts cheese can be a great treat and also another good choice for giving pills so long as your dog isn’t lactose intolerant. Ideal to choose a lower-fat cheese such as mozzarella.

7) Carrots: What a great low fat treat option. And it’s crunchy, which most dogs love and make it good for your dog’s teeth. High in fiber and vitamins.

 

8) Pumpkin: Yes, your dog can have pumpkin, but as either a raw product or canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling). No pumpkin muffins or pumpkin cake. It’s a superb source of fiber and vitamin A. Highly useful in dogs who have anal sac issues.

9) Eggs: Cooked eggs are okay for an occasional snack for a protein boost. Eggs WHITES are best. If you want to use this on a regular basis, then stick to egg whites only. The yolks are high in fat and can cause pancreas problems if too much is fed. Never feed raw eggs. There is a risk of bacterial contamination from bacteria such as salmonella, which could make your dog sick.

 

10) Honey: A tablespoonful of honey once or twice daily might help if your dog has allergies. It’s rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants.

 

Post by Zoe Forward, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (canine/feline)

 

 

 

Picture sources:

Peanut butter: https://www.flickr.com/photos/certified_su/234726096

Yogurt: https://www.flickr.com/photos/theimpulsivebuy/24326222175

Cottage cheese: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fabienne/18810991924

Carrot: https://www.pexels.com/search/carrot/

Eggs: https://www.pexels.com/photo/food-eggs-8439/