Canine Nutrition 101: Prescription Dog Food

I recently completed an ICOES accredited pet nutrition course. I was amazed at the complexity of dog (as well as cat, bird, rodent, and amphibian) food. I will be sharing some of the canine nutrition knowledge I received through the course in my blog. First up is prescription dog food. At the Toronto Humane Society, we receive TONS of donated food from the public and companies that helped pet owners in the community keep their loved ones fed. Whenever we received a "prescription" diet food, we weren't able to give this out to the public and I never understood why - isn't a renal or weight management food almost the same as a complete and balanced food? As you can bet, they are completely different and prescription food should ONLY be used if it is vet prescribed. 

Dog food has come a long way from simply picking out a bag of kibble at the local grocery store. Food ranges from complete and balanced kibble from the store, raw food, dehydrated raw, and prescription kibble from the vet, along with a whole slew of vitamins and minerals to add to their diet (more on this in another post). If your dog is over the age of 8, a vet will may start her on a food that helps to extend the life of the kidneys. Below is a list of certain types of prescription foods and how they help with certain health issues:

Source: Holly and Hugo Nutrition Course

That's no Wile E. Coyote

I've heard from clients and other dog walkers that coyotes are becoming quite abundant in Toronto. Most of my walks are in the St. Clair West area and I've been told of coyotes boldly walking down a residential street. Here's a few tips I've learned to deal with coyotes when walking your dog: 

1. Carry an airhorn or pepper spray (humane repellant). I always carry pepper spray while walking with the dogs. I've never had to use it, but if need be, it's something that will help deter a coyote from getting any closer. 

2. If you are approached, don't run! This will only encourage them to chase you. Pick up your dog to keep it safe (if possible) and make yourself look as large as possible. Make loud noises. 

3. Carry a flashlight if walking during low light, and avoid dark areas. 

4. Most important, avoid walking your dog off-leash (except for in designated) areas. This is another reason why I never take my pack off leash anywhere except for designated parks (even then I mainly avoid those). If you leave your dog in the backyard, keep lights on, pick up any poop as this will attract the coyotes, and keep areas clear. 

Where oh where has my little dog gone?

A few days ago, before picking up a couple dogs for our walk, I encountered a woman whose small dog had just escaped her house through an open window.  Throughout my walk myself (and my two pooch "partners" Darwin and Leo) searched for the dog and I would have spent the rest of the day looking if I didn't have other waggers to walk. We both hoped that someone had picked her up for safe keeping and would put posters out soon. The lady was just on her way to create "lost dog" signs. Unfortunately the dog just had a bath and didn't have her collar and tags on (which the woman had in her hand). 

My biggest fear is losing a dog/cat. This has never happened to me and I do everything possible to prevent this. A few of my tips (which I've learned myself and taken from others) are below:

1. ALWAYS walk with a collar and tags (even when at home or in the yard).  A dog walker should always require that your dog have its tags. I found a lost dog (an adorable King Charles Cavalier Spaniel) wandering near my parent's house in the suburbs. She was incredibly friendly but a little anxious and had no collar or tags. Luckily we scooped her up right away and brought her to our backyard and made posters. The owner called us frantically a few hours later as the dog had escaped from the backyard and they were reunited. We had her identify the dog based on markings. We could have returned her hours earlier if the dog had any identification, even a rabies tag which many times list the name of the vet. 

2. MICROCHIP! At Toronto Humane Society (where I volunteer at the front desk and as a dog walker) we are always receiving found dogs. We have a scanner at the front desk, and the first thing we do is scan the dog for its information. If a dog doesn't have its collar and tags (or a thief has taken them off) the microchip is the best way of identifying your pet.  It's also cheap (it cost around $20 to microchip Rory when she was spayed). 

3. Collars and harnesses. While many harnesses for small dogs attach at the back, there are ones that attach at the front. If there is enough slack (or if you have a martingale collar), you can attach the leash to the harness and collar to ensure that if the dog slips out of the harness it can't go free. It's not 100% effective but something I do with all my front clasp harness pooches. If a dog has a harness that attaches at the back, I am extra cautious when he rolls around or runs, and am constantly checking to ensure a leg hasn't escaped so he can't "walk out" of it. Also ensure that collars fit properly as they tend to get quite loose over time, especially leather ones.

What to do if you found a dog?

1. Don't chase him! While some dogs may immediately come over, wagging their tail (like the friendly Cav I found), many are in fight or flight mode and will run from you if called or followed. A great suggestion from MissingPetPartnership.org is to sneeze to get the dog's attention then look away (a submissive gesture) and then pretend like you're eating, lay on your back and pat your chest. Basically avoid following the dog and staring right at him, especially if he already seems nervous. 

2. Basics. Check ID.  Get the pet scanned at a vet, Toronto Animal Services, or Toronto Humane Society. Put up posters.  When making posters for a dog without tags or a microchip, don't include a photo of it as this could lead to a person making a false claim. Have the owner identify the pet by their markings or other distinguishing features/behaviours. 

3. Post on Facebook. There are a couple of great Facebook groups ("Lost and Found Pets Toronto", "Lost and Found Pets Ontario", "Lost Dogs Toronto") that allow people to post about lost and found pets. 

Dog Facts: Why do dogs dance after they poop?

I broke out the ol' iMovie which I haven't used since 10th grade tech class to explain why!

Pet Safety: It's getting hot out!

It's under just a month away but it's already feeling like summer! Flowers are blooming, the grass is getting nice and thick, and I'm finding that the dogs I walk are stopping more often to take in those new smells. While we know not to keep our dogs in vehicles once it gets warm out, it's sometimes difficult to tell if your dog is too hot and undergoing heat stress during a walk. Dogs, who have a limited ability to sweat, are especially susceptible to hyperthermia if there isn't enough ventilation or humidity is high. 

There are lots of easy ways to prevent hyperthermia and heat stroke. When I'm out on walks, I always carry a portable water bowl and water just for the dog (as I tend to drink LOTS of water on walks and need some on reserve). On hot days, I will offer the dog water throughout the walk, even if he just avoided the water fountain at the park. While it sounds obvious, I tend to avoid dog parks with little to no shade on hot days and stick to walking instead, allowing the dog to stay as much in the shade as possible. Running around in the dog park and meeting lots of other dogs may overexert your pooch! If it's impossible to avoid the hot sun, perhaps invest in a cooling jacket or bandana. 

So how to tell if your dog is too hot and may have hyperthermia or heat stroke? While the list is quite extensive, they may do/have one (or more) of the following:

• Collapse/lie down and refuse to move
• Rapid, noisy panting with hard swallowing
• Thick, stringy saliva with reddened gums
• Vomiting 

If you fear that Fido may have heat stroke or hyperthermia, you should immediately move him to a cool area. Depending on your location, if you are able to take his temperature, see if he is warmer than 40 degrees Celcius. If so, run cool (not icy cold!!) water over your pet's body. Make sure to comb through the fur for double-coated dogs! If he's got a temperature of less than 40 degrees, get him to drink some water and place wet rags on his groin, head and pads as this will help bring his body temperature back to normal. In either case, it's important to get your vet to check him out afterwards. 

References: St. John Ambulance Pet First Aid course

Breed of the Day: Pekingese

I love watching dog shows (ie. "best in show") and watching the Pekingese is always one of the highlights for me. Most people think they are ridiculous looking (which they are) but they always have this determined spirit and royal disposition that makes me laugh. They are one of the slowest dog breeds which I learned after hearing a judge request a handler pick up the Pekingese they were showing as it was walking too slowly! Here's a few additional facts below:

1. They are one of the world’s most ancient dog breeds.

2. Known as the “lion dog”. Legend has it that the Pekingese is the result of a union between a lion and a monkey.

3. They were carried around in the sleeves of Emperors and Empresses.

4. Ordinary citizens had to bow to the Pekingese and only royals could own them (now we know where they get that attitude!). 

5. The Pekingese is very difficult to train and have many health issues. 

Dog Fact: Tilting Heads

I always love when dogs tilt their heads as it seems like they are actually understanding the conversation you're having with them (everyone does this, just admit it). Above is a video I shot to demonstrate the head tilt with Penny, one of my "waggers". I've found a couple reasons below why they do this, but I'll just go on continuing to believe that they pondering a witty reply. 

1. They do it to hear better. If your dogs tilts its head when it hears a sound or while you’re talking to it, it’s trying to absorb the sound better or trying to understand you. This is a sign of intelligence.

2. This behaviour has been positively reinforced. You probably find it cute when your dog tilts his head.  We reward this behaviour by speaking in a soothing voice, saying things like “awww buddy you’re so cute" and petting him.

Breed of the Day: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of my favourite breeds. They are the largest of the toy breeds and descends from the Pug and Japanese Chin to name a few. 

Where is it from? Great Britain

Lifespan? Live on average 9-14 years. Prone to heart problems so it’s important you choose your breeder carefully to ensure the parents didn’t experience these issues.

Colours? Blenheim (chestnut and white), ruby, black and tan, tricolour

Who should own one? Great for almost anyone from families with children to the elderly. Cavs are great apartment dogs and can thrive almost anywhere. They are happiest when around loved ones (and food!). They require at least 1 walk every day but have relatively low exercise requirements. 

Personality? Very affectionate and sweet temperament. Thrives on human contact. Nicknamed the “love sponge of dogs”

Fun facts? Royals made them sleep in their beds to attract fleas away from them. King Charles II was a huge fan (obviously) and never went anywhere without a few.

Famous owners? Featured on Sex and the City as Charlotte’s dog. IRL owners include Lauren Bacall, President Reagan, Frank Sinatra, Queen Victoria. 

Quote?

 “Here lies Dash, the favorite spaniel of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, by whose command this memorial was erected. He died on the 20th December 1840 in his ninth year. His attachment was without selfishness, his playfulness without malice, his fidelity without deceit. Reader, if you would live beloved and die regretted, profit by the example of Dash.” Written by Queen Victoria on her cav, Dash’s, tombstone. 

Best in Show = Best movie ever

If you have never had the chance to see this movie, I recommend repeat viewings. 

Dog Fact of the Day: Frosting

Similar to how human hair goes grey or white over time, as dogs age many lose pigment in the fur around their face and up to their temples. This is called “frosting”. You may notice frosting in your dog as young as 3-5. I love it when dogs begin to develop a white face as I think it makes them look distinguished. Look at 13-years young Linda (a former Toronto Humane Society resident) - doesn't she look like a wise sage, looking to dole out wisdom? Photo is low res (thanks to my iPhone).

Other dogs change colour as they age. Some start off almost black and eventually can turn a dark brown. This can occur as late as 5 years. Rory is mostly dark brown/black right now (with brindle paws) and I'm looking forward to seeing how her colour will change over time. I love how dogs' fur changes colour just like human hair!

Breed of the Day: German Shepherd

One of my favourite past times is researching dog breeds and their distinct personality traits. I love all varieties of dogs (purebreds, crossbreeds, scruffies, etc) and especially enjoy training and walking the wonderful mixes at the humane society. Helping to raise Rory, a german shepherd/border collie mix, I notice particular traits from both dogs in her behaviour. She does the "border collie stalk" and takes the stance of a german shepherd when alert. 

I hope you learn something about the breed below that you may not have known before!

Official name: German Shepherd Dog (GSD)

Where is it from? Germany…who would have guessed!

Life? Approximately 10 years, which is the average for a dog of its size. They are prone to hip problems.

Colours? Black and tan, solid black and most recently white

Backstory? Unlike many dogs the German Shepherd was bred for intelligence and training as opposed to physical appearance. They are known as being ideal service dogs but were originally developed to herd sheep. German Shepherds are used as police, guard, search and rescue and seeing eye dogs. While they have a biting power second only to the Rottweiler, they have the discipline to stop when told, another reason they are great police dogs.

Who should own one? While German Shepherds are ideal service dogs German Shepherds are best with active owners and families as they require lots of exercise. They are one of the easiest breeds to train as a result of their intelligence but shed quite a bit so beware!

Personality? German Shepherds are loyal to their owners and family, because of this they are protective of their pack and form a strong bond with owners. Due to this, it is important that they are socialized and trained properly to become accustomed to strangers.

Fun Facts? German Shepherds are the 3rd most intelligent breed of dog.

Famous dogs? Rin Tin Tin made 26 films and received over 10,000 fan letters per week. London from The Littlest Hobo, the most badass Canadian show of all time.

Dog Fact of the Day: The dewclaw

A dog’s 5th toe is located up its leg and is called a “dewclaw”.  There is debate over the removal of the dewclaw, but it does have its uses. Dogs can use it to hold toys, bones etc but it is also used to help dogs climb trees (some breeds can climb as well as cats!). Why would a dog climb a tree? Some hunting breeds used it to go after their prey. 

Like all toenails, don’t forget to clip the dewclaw! As it doesn’t get as much (if any) wear, it can snag if unattended.