September 2018 – Green Acres Kennel Shop Blog

Podcast – Is Feeding A Grain-Free Food to Our Dogs Dangerous?, with Linda Case, MS

Shareable Short link – < http://bit.ly/Podcast-FDA-Grain-Free-LindaCase-29SEP18 >

Grain-Free dog food has been all over the news since July 12th and sadly the information the mass media has reported been oversimplified and incomplete. The fact is this is a complex issue.

In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from September 29, 2018, Don speaks with canine nutritionist, science writer, and the author of Dog Food Logic Linda Case about this very issue, asking, Is Feeding A Grain-Free Food to Our Dogs Dangerous? Other issues addressed in the show are:

Should dog parents currently feeding their dogs a grain-free diet immediately switch to a non-grain-free dog food?
What is Dilated Cardiomyopathy and what is the role of Taurine in the disease and grain-free foods?
Does the FDA know with 100% certainty that grain-free food is the cause or could it be something else?
There has been some suggestion in posts on Facebook and other places online that one should only purchase dog food that has been tested via AAFCO feeding trials. Is that sound advice?
Is it important for dog parents to review the ingredients label when making decisions about what to feed their dog?

You can hear The Woof Meow Show on Z62 Retro Radio, AM620, and WKIT HD3 at 9 AM on Saturday. If you are not near a radio, listen on your computer at http://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=WZON or your smartphone or tablet with the free WZON 620 AM app. A podcast of the show is typically posted immediately after the show. You can download this show and others at http://woofmeowshow.libsyn.com/ and the Apple iTunes store.

< Click to Listen to Podcast >

#WoofMeowShow #PetNutrition #DogFood #Grain-Free #LindaCase

Contact Info

Linda P. Case, MS
AutumnGold Consulting and Dog Training Center
Mahomet, IL

(217) 586-4864

Autumngoldconsulting.com

https://www.facebook.com/pg/LindaCaseAutumnGold/posts/

https://thesciencedog.wordpress.com/

Recommended Resources

FDA Reports

FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease – 12JUL2018 – https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm

Questions & Answers: FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine’s Investigation into a Possible Connection Between Diet and Canine Heart Disease – https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/AnimalHealthLiteracy/ucm616279.htm

How to Report a Pet Food Complaint – https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm182403.htm

Whole Dog Journal Articles

DCM in Dogs: Taurine’s Role in the Canine Diet – What is taurine-deficiency dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and how can dog owners prevent it? (Hint: It involves more than just grain-free foods.) – The Whole Dog Journal – September 2018 – https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/21_9/features/DCM-in-Dogs-Taurines-Role-in-the-Canine-Diet_21901-1.html

Please Don’t Panic About the “Grain-Free Thing” – Whole Dog Journal’s Blog – 2AUG18 – https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/blog/Please-Dont-Panic-About-the-Grain-Free-Thing-21893-1.html

Articles on Don’s Blog ( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

UPDATE! – Pet Nutrition – Grain-Free Foods and FDA Reports of Increased Heart Disease in Dogs – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2018/07/27/update-pet-nutrition-grain-free-foods-and-fda-reports-of-increased-heart-disease-in-dogs/

Grain-Free Foods and FDA Reports of Increased Heart Disease in Dogs – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2018/07/22/pet-nutrition-grain-free-foods-and-fda-reports-of-increased-heart-disease-in-dogs/

What Do You Feed Your Dog? – http://bit.ly/WhatDoYouFeedYourDog

Some Myths and Facts – Part 1 – My story with Gus – Maine Dog Magazine – Winter 2017 – http://bit.ly/Gus-Nutrition

Book Review – Ruined by Excess, Perfected by Lack – The paradox of pet nutrition by Richard Patton – http://bit.ly/RuinedByExcess-BookReview

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show
( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

What do you feed your pets? – http://bit.ly/WhatDoYouFeedYourPets-Podcast

Podcast – Pet Nutrition with Dr. Richard Patton – http://bit.ly/DrPatton-Podcast

Podcast – Pet Fooled – A Look Inside A Questionable Industry with Kohl Harrington – http://bit.ly/WfMw-Pet-Fooled

Podcast – Rabies-Dr. Dave Cloutier from the Veazie Veterinary Clinic

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In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from September 22^nd, 2018, Don discusses Rabies with Dr. Dave Cloutier from the Veazie Veterinary Clinic. In the past few months, the news has been filled with stories about rabid wildlife in Maine. Rabies is a dangerous disease so we thought it would be appropriate to discuss it on the show. Don and Dr. Cloutier f discuss Rabies, why it is so dangerous to people, pets, and wildlife, the animals most likely to carry Rabies, how to recognize a potentially rabid animal, how Rabies is treated in both animals and people, and why vaccinating ALL dogs and cats with the Rabies vaccine is so important.

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Contact Info

Veazie Veterinary Clinic
1522 State St.
Veazie, ME 04401

207-941-8840

https://www.veazievet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/veazievet/

URGENT – Pet Health Alert – FDA Alerts Pet Owners and Veterinarians About Potential for Neurologic Adverse Events Associated with Certain Flea and Tick Products

On September 20, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert to pet owners and veterinarians concerning the potential for animals receiving Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, or Simparica. Some animals receiving these products have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia ( loss of full control of bodily movements ), and seizures.

The alert states “The FDA carefully reviewed studies and other data on Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, and Simparica prior to approval, and these products continue to be safe and effective for the majority of animals.”

If you are currently using any of these products, you may wish to discuss other options with your veterinarian.

You may read and download the FDA alert at https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm620934.htm

The FDA has also published a fact sheet on this topic which you may read and download at https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm620934.htm

Shared Blog Post – Acupuncture – Stuns Veterinarians, Relieves Pain Without Side Effects

In this blog post from September 13th, veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker discusses the many benefits of acupuncture for treating our pets. Acupuncture is not some new-age trend but is an ancient Chinese healing art with thousands of years of history behind it. It can be useful for treating pain, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), seizure, cancer, hip dysplasia, and arthritis. I have personally benefited from acupuncture as have two of my pets; Gus and Muppy.

FMI – https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/09/13/acupuncture-for-pets.aspx?

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog

( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

A Chiropractic Adjustment and Acupuncture Treatment for Muppy – WWM DEC2016 – http://bit.ly/ChiroAcupuncMuppy

Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – My Journey – WWM – OCT2016 – http://bit.ly/CompMed4PetsMyJourney

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show

( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

Podcast-Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – Veterinary Acupuncture and Chiropractic for Pets with Dr. Michael Munzer – All Creatures Acupuncture – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/10/09/podcast-holistic-and-complementary-wellness-for-pets-veterinary-acupuncture-and-chiropractic-for-pets-with-dr-michael-munzer-all-creatures-acupuncture/

Podcast – Holistic Approaches to Chronic Disease – Orthopedic Issues, Skin Issues and Lyme Disease with Dr. Michael Munzer from All Creatures Acupuncture – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/03/18/podcast-holistic-approaches-to-chronic-disease-orthopedic-issues-skin-issues-and-lyme-disease-with-dr-michael-munzer-from-all-creatures-acupuncture/

Podcast – Holistic Approaches to Chronic Disease – GI Issues and Cancer with Dr. Michael Munzer from All Creatures Acupuncture – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2017/03/25/podcast-holistic-approaches-to-chronic-disease-gi-issues-and-cancer-with-dr-michael-munzer-from-all-creatures-acupuncture/

Podcast – Holistic and Complementary Wellness for Pets – Our Personal Journey – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2016/10/08/podcast-holistic-and-complementary-wellness-for-pets-our-personal-journey/

Podcast – Pet Health and Wellness – Don and Kate’s Journey with Complementary Medicine – http://blog.greenacreskennel.com/2015/08/29/podcast-pet-health-and-wellness-don-and-kates-journey-with-complementary-medicine/

Remedial Socialization – Bring the Junkyard Home

OBJECTIVE: To help a neo-phobic dog habituate to novel objects in their environment.

Dog/handler teams are appropriate for this exercise when:

The dog is well bonded with and trusting of the handler.
The handler is very sure that this exercise will work. If there is any doubt, consult with a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) that is experienced in working with fearful and reactive dogs before proceeding.

The handler will need:

To read the recommended resources at the end of this document.
A hungry dog with a properly fitting harness or collar, one that they cannot remove or slip off. Shock, choke, or prong collars should NEVER be used.
A standard, 6-foot leash.
High value treats such as freeze-dried liver, meat, or cheese.
A yard and/or room large enough that the dog has space to feel secure in the presence of a novel object.
A variety of novel objects that they can place in their home or yard.

When to Start:

During a quiet time when your dog is not overly stimulated or excited.
Enter the room/yard so that the dog is as far away from the novel object as possible.
As the dog notices the object, give treats to the dog as long as they are not fearful or reactive.
The goal is for the dog to see something in the distance and anticipate a yummy treat.
Graduate to walking around the object.
With success move closer to the object in future sessions.

Training Sessions:

Are short and very fun – quit before the dog is sated, typically within five minutes.
Happen frequently and are repeated in the same location until successful (don’t introduce a second object or a new location until you can be with the dog, giving treats, within 10 feet of the object without your dog becoming fearful or reactive.
Are at the beginning level of difficulty until the dog sees something new and promptly looks toward its handler for the yummy treat.
Are only gradually increased in difficulty as the dog is successful.

The goal is to be able to:

Sit in a room/yard with different types of novel objects without your dog becoming anxious or reactive.

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog
( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

Help! My Dog is Aggressive, Reactive, Fearful, Anxious, etc. – What do I do? – WWM – APR2017 – http://bit.ly/HelpDogAggx

How Can I Tell When My Dog Is Anxious or Fearful? – http://bit.ly/DogsSignsofFear

Management of An Aggressive, Fearful or Reactive Dog – http://bit.ly/BhxManagement

Remedial Socialization – People – The Watch the World Game – http://bit.ly/RemedialSocializationPeople

Reward Based Training versus Aversives – http://bit.ly/RewardVSAversive

Understanding, Identifying and Coping with Canine Stress – http://bit.ly/Canine-Stress

What Is A Pet Behavior Consultant? – http://bit.ly/WhatIsPetBhxConsulting

What Should I Do When My Dog Does Not Let Me Take Something They Have Stolen and Snaps or Tries to Bite Me? – http://bit.ly/StealGuardGrowlSnap

What Should I Do When My Dog Growls? – http://bit.ly/DogGrowls

Remedial Socialization – The Watch the World Game

The original idea for this protocol was developed by Laura Van Dyne CPDT-KA, The Canine Consultant LLC, Carbondale, CO.

OBJECTIVE: To help a neo-phobic dog habituate to novel people in novel environments

Dog/handler teams are appropriate for this exercise when:

The dog is well bonded with and trusting of the handler.
The handler is very sure that this exercise will work. If there is any doubt, consult with a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) that is experienced in working with fearful and reactive dogs before proceeding.

The handler will need:

To read the recommended resources at the end of this document.
A hungry dog with a properly fitting harness or collar, one that they cannot remove or slip off. Shock, choke, or prong collars should NEVER be used.
A standard, 6-foot leash.
High value treats such as freeze-dried liver, meat, or cheese.
A vehicle with a door that can be opened so the dog and person can sit inside the vehicle together (hatchback or van with sliding side door) facing outward with the door open.
A parking lot with an appropriate level of activity, little or no action at first that is sufficiently large that you can position your car several yards away from any activity.

When to Start:

During a quiet time.
- Sunday morning, unless it’s a church parking lot.
Park at a distant point with the door for sitting facing the parking lot.
Sit inside with the dog either tethered or securely in hand.
Give treats to the dog as long as the dog is not reactive.
The goal is for the dog to see something in the distance and anticipate a yummy treat

Training Sessions:

Are short and very fun – quit before the dog is sated, typically within five minutes.
Happen frequently and repeated in the same location until successful (don’t go to parking lot #2 until your dog is non-reactive and content in parking lot #1).
Are at the beginning level of difficulty until the dog sees something new and promptly looks toward its handler for the yummy treat.
Are only gradually increased in difficulty as the dog is successful.

The goal is to be able to:

Sit in front of a busy grocery store with different types of people, grocery carts, cars, etc. passing by. Ideally, some of the people are speaking other languages and are of different nationalities

Remember Thus far – the team is still cocooned within the safety of the vehicle

Graduate out of the car:

Only when assured of success.
Perhaps in the original parking lot (#1), at the distant (station #1) location.
Step out of the car and simply stand there holding the leash securely in hand, if the dog is comfortable it should step out and stay with you to get more treats (Stay at this level for as many repetitions as necessary).
Graduate to walking around the car.
With success move closer to the action in future sessions.

Graduate to an outside location:

Find an appropriate bench or take something to sit on (Suggestion-have the dog sitting next to its person; it’s a more secure place than being removed to the ground).
Choose a place that is so easy; your dog is practically guaranteed to be non-fearful and non-reactive – maybe it’s just a quiet place – no people, vehicles, etc. at first
Gradually increase the difficulty – Over Practice Success!

What could go wrong?

Someone passing by could want to, ‘Pet the dog’ or come to visit with the person. The cuter and smaller dogs will be more attractive to passersby.
Sometimes, for safety and success the handler may have to be assertive to the point of rude to keep people away**
Bring a helper to run interference if necessary.
If the handler cannot read the stress level of the dog accurately, the dog could get worse!
“Life Happens” – at any time, if things go awry, leave.

**Comment:

Many people in the general public think they are a dog person, “Dogs love me!” and they move in, forward facing, staring at the dog, with their hands reaching for the dog’s face (actually doing all the wrong things!). A handler comment like, “Please don’t approach, my dog is fearful.” seems to stimulate the worst in passersby so the handler may have to interrupt and, perhaps, cross the border of polite behavior to prevent problems.

Recommended Resources

Articles on Don’s Blog
( http://www.words-woofs-meows.com )

Help! My Dog is Aggressive, Reactive, Fearful, Anxious, etc. – What do I do? – WWM – APR2017 – http://bit.ly/HelpDogAggx

How Can I Tell When My Dog Is Anxious or Fearful? – http://bit.ly/DogsSignsofFear

Management of An Aggressive, Fearful or Reactive Dog – http://bit.ly/BhxManagement

Remedial Socialization – Objects – Bring the Junkyard Home – http://bit.ly/RemedialSocializationObjects

Reward Based Training versus Aversives – http://bit.ly/RewardVSAversive

Understanding, Identifying and Coping with Canine Stress – http://bit.ly/Canine-Stress

What Is A Pet Behavior Consultant? – http://bit.ly/WhatIsPetBhxConsulting

What Should I Do When My Dog Does Not Let Me Take Something They Have Stolen and Snaps or Tries to Bite Me? – http://bit.ly/StealGuardGrowlSnap

What Should I Do When My Dog Growls? – http://bit.ly/DogGrowls

PET FOOD RECALL – Steve’s Real Food for Pets

Steve’s Real Food of Salt Lake City, Utah voluntarily recalls one lot of Turducken Recipe, one lot of Quest Emu, and one lot of Quest Beef due to possible Salmonella and L. Mono Contamination.

Green Acres Kennel Shop sells Steve’s Real Food for Pets but has NOT sold or stocked any of the reported SKU’s or Lot Numbers.

This recall is being initiated after the firm was notified by the Washington Department of Agriculture when a sample was collected and tested positive for Salmonella and/or L. mono. Steve’s Real Food for Pets did conduct their own test which resulted in a negative result for both Salmonella and L. mono. However, because of their commitment to overall safety and quality, Steve’s Real Food is conducting a voluntary recall of this product.

Consumers should also follow the safe handling tips published on the Steve’s Real Food packaging, when disposing of the affected product.

No pet or human illnesses from this product have been reported to date.

Salmonella and L. mono can affect animals eating the products, and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. Symptoms of infection in people include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella and/or L. mono infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected products were nationally distributed and are identified with the following UPC codes and the “Best by” date located on the front of the bag.

Product Name/Size	LOT #	UPC	Best By Date
Steve’s Real Food Turducken Recipe/5#	J155	6-91730-15304-5	6/4/19
Quest Emu Diet/2#	B138	6-91730-17103-2	5/18/19
Quest Beef Diet/2#	A138	6-91730-17101-8	5/18/19

This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers are encouraged to check the lot code and best buy date of any 5lb frozen Turducken, 2lb Quest Emu or 2lb Quest Beef. Any product with the noted lot code and best buy date should be returned to the specialty retailer where product was purchased for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Steve’s Real Food at 888-526-1900, Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm MTN.

This voluntary action is listed on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website – https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm619888.htm

Podcast – The Importance of Annual Wellness and Preventative Veterinary Care with Dr. Katie Carter from River Road Veterinary Hospital

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In this episode of The Woof Meow Show from September 8^th, 2018, Don talks with Dr. Katie Carter of the River Road Veterinary Hospital in Orrington about the importance of annual wellness veterinary care for pets. We discuss what Katie looks for in an annual exam of a cat and dog as well as why some pets may need to be seen more than annually. We also talk about how to know when to seek preventative care outside of an annual visit and the benefits of having a regular relationship with your pet’s veterinarian.

You can hear The Woof Meow Show on Z62 Retro Radio, AM620, and WKIT HD3 at 9 AM on Saturday. If you are not near a radio, listen on your computer at http://www.wzonthepulse.com or your smartphone or tablet with the free WZON 620 AM app. A podcast of the show is typically posted immediately after the show and can be downloaded at www.woofmeowshow.com and the Apple iTunes store.

< Click to Listen to Podcast >

Contact Info

Dr. Katie Carter
River Road Veterinary Hospital
210 River Road, Orrington, ME 04416

(207) 825-2105

http://riverroadvet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/riverroadvet/

Recommended Resources

Podcasts from The Woof Meow Show ( http://www.woofmeowshow.com )

The Importance of Wellness and Preventative Care with Dr. Dave Cloutier of the Veazie Veterinary Clinic – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2014-02-15-The_Importance_of_Wellness-Preventative_Care_with_Dr_Dave_Cloutier.mp3

The Importance of Annual Exams with Dr. Mark Hanks of Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic – http://traffic.libsyn.com/woofmeowshow/WoofMeowShow-2011-02-05-Why_Annual_Exams_are_so_Important_w-Dr_Mark_Hanks.mp3