Active K9 Issue One

ActiveK9 Alternative Therapies: “Vaccine damage gave my dog autism.”

Summer Edition 2013

For naturally healthy d ogs

FEEDING

Is your dog’s food giving them a raw deal?

BEHAVIOUR

Entertaining your dog whilst you’re out of the house EXERCISE

Our guide to picking the perfect walker for your pet

WIN!

PRIZES FROM REAL D HONEY’S OG FOO D

: t i t a b a J Taking a

e t a b e D e n The Vacci What should st? e b e h t r o f o d we

HOW TO USE CONTENTS

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Pg 4- How To’s We speak to our expert on how to pick the perfect dog walker

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Pg 5&6- Dogs Home Alone We ask our experts on how to make your dog cope when he’s home alone.

Welcome to this issue of ActiveK9 as we take a look at issues such as vaccination, raw feeding and alternative therapies for rare conditions such as canine autism.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed making it! Remember it is also available online at: issuu.com/ActiveK9 Pg 2- In the Dog House Editor Josh Parry gives his frank opinions on all things canine in his column “In the Dog House.”

In this issue he speaks about his dismay at the practice of buying crossbreeds on the assumption they’ll be healthier.

Pg 3- K9 News The K9 News team bring us the latest news from the dog world, this time we talk about the changes to the DDA.Also, dates for for your dog’s diary.

Pg 7&8- Ask the Expert We ask our expert on Separation Anxiety in dogs.

Pg 9&10- Taking a jab at it We take a look at the issue of annual vaccinations Pg 11&12- “Vaccines gave my dog autism” We find the inspirational story of how alternative therapies helped a dog with Canine Autism Pg 13&14- A Raw deal?

In the first of a two-part issue, we take a look at the BARF diet for dogs.

Pg 15- WIN! Raw Food Honey’s Real Petfood have donated prizes of raw food hampers, turn to Page 15 to find out how you can win!

Pg 16- Tweeting up the wrong tree!

Our top tweets from our favourite internet canines!

IN THE

DOG

HOUSE Editor Josh Parry gives his frank opinions on all things canine in his quarterly column.

PEDIGREE DOGS EXPOSED

Five years on from BBC One’s documentary investigating Britain’s pedigree dogs, and puppy buyers are still being misled into purchasing crossbreed dogs on the assumption they’ll be healthier than their pedigree counterparts. Josh Parry asks why.

Jemima Harrison’s BBC One documentary ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’ was an exposé on the breeding problems in UK pedigree dogs, however manyincluding myself- feel it has only opened the floodgates for yet more irresponsible breeding practices.

Criticising the UK Kennel Club for supposedly allowing breed standards, judging practices and breeding practises for ‘compromising the health of pedigree dogs’, the show resulted in many sponsors and exhibitors from participating in Crufts.

Perhaps the biggest effect was the BBC withdrawing its coverage of the dog show.

Thankfully- or at least in my opinion- the second part, ‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed: Three Years On’ received much less publicity and was shown only on BBC Four.

Breeds were slated for the extremities of certain features (for example the

Basset Hound being called a ‘deformed, congenital dwarf’) and breeders came into the firing line for, according to geneticist Steve Jones, interbreeding.

The word pedigree soon became synonymous with unhealthy, deformed dogs.

Not only that, but crossbreed dogs were heralded as ‘saviours’ of the dog world and soon enough misinformation such as and myths such as ‘hybrid vigour’ were championed as reasons to buy a crossbreed or mongrel over a pedigree dog.

The already booming industry for ridiculously named designer crossbreeds went from strength-tostrength; at the cost of the dogs’ welfare.

I have nothing against people purchasing well bred crossbreed puppies, from which the parents have had the necessary health tests for their breeds. However, a quick look on any wellknown sites used for advertising puppies throws up a whole bunch of adverts for

‘puggles,’ ‘jackapoos’ and other ridiculously named crossbreeds that sell for a small fortune, all on the basis that they have socalled hybrid vigour, and that, rather remarkably, are somehow healthier than their pedigree parents and that free from any diseases or conditions that can affect either of the parent breeds.

Any number of unsuspecting puppy buyers end up disappointed when their seemingly healthy ‘cockadoodle-doo’ puppy has Progressive Retinal Atrophy and hip dysplasia, both diseases which parents can be tested for.

Of course, I’m not denying that these problems plague pedigree dogs, and buying a pedigree pup from un-tested parents is just as risky, but conning would-be owners into paying through the nose for a puppy from stock which is not health tested, whether pedigree or otherwise, is wrong and this documentary has had such a long-lasting and far-stretch-

ing effect, that has created an anti-pedigree culture which allows back-yardbreeders of designer crosses to cash in, and sadly at the expense of dogs’ welfare.

What’s more is Jemima’s idea of a ‘perfect world full of mongrels.’ Correct me if I am wrong, but most people chose a pedigree dog on the basis that they like the way they look, and they feel that the breed’s personality and size will be a good fit for their family.

How exactly are wouldbe dog owners supposed to choose a breed suitable to their family if they are uncertain how their selected puppy will act and behave?

Few owners have the luxury of taking home any old dog without the worry of its suitability to their own lifestyle.

In this ‘ideal world’ full of mixed-breed dogs, I hate to imagine how many would end up in rescue because they grew up to be simply incompatible with the owner’s lifestyle? It really doesn’t bear thinking about.

Summer Edition | Active K9 | 2

K9NEWS Dates for your dog’s diary London Pet Show, Earls Court, London. May 11th & 12th The third annual London Pet Show features is bigger than previous years, with more display rings showcasing doggy dancing.

There is also the opportunity to meet reptiles, small furries and other pets to find out more about them.

Tickets Available at www.ticketmaster.com Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Crucial & CuttingEdge Concepts in Dog Training.

Holiday Inn, Swindon. May 22nd.

Dr. Ian Dunbar delivers his seminar tour on new and cutting-edge ways in which we can train our dogs. There is a daytime session as well as a less-formal evening Q&A where Dr. Ian Dunbar will be on-hand to answer any questions about dog behaviour and sell training DVDs and equipment.

Scan the QR code for more information

Changes to DDA nimal Welfare A charities have reacted angrily

to the proposed changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act. The proposed changes announced earlier this month aim to protect postal workers and visitors to homes from attacks on private properties. Under current laws, the owner of a dog that attacks on private property is exempt from being prosecuted under the dangerous dogs act. Various charities say that the pro-

posed changes do not go far enough.

The changes, which are in the aftermath of the tragic death of 14-year-old Jade Anderson, have been said to “cause more problems than they solve.”

Six leading animal charities have said they are “extremely concerned” that the dog measures have been placed in anti-social behaviour legislation rather than a dedicated Bill. Early this year EFRA said that the government had “com-

3 | ActiveK9 | Summer Edition

prehensively” failed to tackle out of control dogs.

In a letter given to the Home Office from various animal charities said: “Allowing untrained council workers or police community support officers to issue orders could lead to compromises in animal welfare or even make dog behaviour worse due to lack of understanding in these areas.

“It could also lull communities into a false sense of security around

dogs and not actually address the real problem: irresponsible owners.

This could lead to great division within communities and potentially marginalise all dog owners- even those trying to be responsible.

We cannot see how the new measures will provide for effective early intervention and prevention.”

Compulsory microchipping for all dogs will be in place from 6th April 2016 to protect the public.

Photo: Terry Dutchburn

&HOW TO’S

Choosing the perfect Dog Walker Rebecca Johnston (BSc Animal Behaviour) has worked with animals for over 20 years and now helps to run a dog walking business on the Wirral. We speak to her to find out how to find the perfect dog walker.

If you’re working longer hours, or cannot get out and about because of an injury a dog walker can be the perfect solution to keep your dog happy and well exercised.

However, with the job becoming more and more popular, there are many dog walkers servicing the same areas and sometimes it can be difficult to know how to chose the best, however

there are some ways you can pick out the best walker for your pet.

At the end of the day, you are allowing this person unsupervised access to your home and trusting them with your dog.

Firstly, if you are employing a dog walker as an absolute minimum they need to be police checked and fully insured. “Remember you are trusting these people with the keys to your house. Of course a police check (or CRB check) isn’t a guarantee but it shows that they’re willing for their background to be checked,” she says.

Insurance should cover the walker for damage to your own property, legal fees as well as public liability insur-

ance to avoid having hefty bills if your dog damages property when left in their care.

“You should also check their experience with animals. Someone who loves their own dog may not be the best at handling other dogs. At the very least, you should be offered a test-walk where you can attend to see how they handle your dog.

Ask them a few questions about training to see if their training practises are in-line with what you use yourself.”

A good dog walker would also offer to show you references or recommendations off their previous customers.

This will give you a good idea of their experience and whether or not they have

any experience of handling a dog of a similar breed and temperament for yours.

Rebecca says: “Make sure you get references from people who use their services who have dogs with similar need as your own dog’s.

For example, someone with plenty of experience walking Yorkshire Terriers may not be the best person to walk your two huskies, or your young German Shepherd!”

In order to see all this, ideally you should have a meeting beforehand to disclose the full history of your dog and let the walker know the complete history of your dog.

If you’ve got a question you’d like answered in a future issue, tweet us @ActiveK9Mag

Summer Edition | Active K9 | 4

l

ra Behaviou

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hroughout your dog’s life there is inevitably going to be an amount of time where he is left home alone. A well-adjusted dog will take this as a fact of life, however for some, it can lead to frustration and boredom.

In an ideal world, our dogs would come everywhere with us. They’d not be left alone and they’d enjoy life alongside their owners. However, for all sorts of reasons there are plenty of times your dog could be left alone for a few hours or more.

Life gets in the way sometimes, and as much as we like to think our dogs are the centre of the universe, it is best for their own wellbeing if they’re allowed some alone time so it is not too distressing for them if being left alone suddenly becomes unavoidable.

Many owners, for example retired people, do not consider alone time as part of a growing pup’s schedule.

Often when a dog becomes accustomed to having their owner around 24/7, they will act out through frustration and boredom and become destructive or start to obsessively bark.

This is known as separation anxiety and in different dogs it manifests itself in different ways, but most experts agree it is done as a way to relieve stress and tension which arises from being left alone.

Nick Jones is a Canine Behaviourist. He says:

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“Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety are not just destructive. The behaviour I have found is dealt with in different ways with different dogs. Some are destructive to the home eating their way through doors and walls given enough time, some are very vocal by barking, whining or a full on howl. Some may mess in their environment I’ve even come across a few dogs who self harmed by licking or chewing the coat or paws.”

A puppy who is left alone for gradually longer periods of time will often learn to accept that when the owner is gone, they will eventually

I’ve even seen a few dogs who self harmed by licking or chewing the coat and paws and so on.

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come back. It becomes part of their routine, however it is important that any puppy is left in a safe place when alone as they will chew and destroy things, which could potentially be dangerous.

Many owners invest in a crate, which, if introduced correctly can provide a safe and comfortable environment where your dog can relax and feel secure. Of course, if you have an adult dog or rescue dog you cannot expect them to accept a crate with no introduction, you have to build up a positive association with the crate; many experts say that the best way is to feed the dog in the crate and give them toys so that when they are in the crate, good things happen to them.

Dogs naturally seek out a secure environment and so if they are introduced properly the crate can become their ‘safe place,’ where they will retreat when they need to

feel secure. dog is being left for a reaSet your dog up for sucsonable period of time (up cess. If you have a typical to four hours for an adult routine before you leave dog) I would like to think your dog (I.E, you take your the dog is quiet and resting keys, get your coat on, and or asleep even. This is said then go and say bye to your in the view that the dog will dog) they are going to begin have been exercised, fed to associate this and watered and routine with given toilet breaks you getting before leaving ready to the dog for that leave them • Kongs are popular toys as period. Having and this can said that, they can be filled with treats be enough to I am in and even frozen. They are robust enough for even the set off an favour strongest chewers. episode of of stress.

In this scenario, dogs break the working for their cycle. For example, if your food and the gradual dog notices you grabbing release of the dog’s food your coat before you leave via a Kong or simithe house, try getting your lar device can be coat on before sitting and invaluable.” watching TV, or get your Kongs can keys and then doing the be filled with dishes. That way, your dog pastes or will not associate these biscuits, cues with you getting up and if and leaving him for a long amount of time.

Sharon Chapman is a Canine Behaviour Therapist.

She says: “Before you leave the house, take your dog for a walk if possible. This will your help to wear him out. When dog finds you get ready to leave, try these toys not to exhibit any guilty or particularly nervous feelings.” easy to get the Many behaviourists advise food out of, they the use of toys such as a are safe to be frostuffed Kong or a ‘doggy zen and this can slow board game’ in which you them down and keep them can hide treats and the dog entertained for longer. has to lick and chew to get The Nina Ottoson range of the reward. These sorts of toys (as seen in the photo) games are great for keeping are great toys which use your dog’s mind occupied your dog’s and can even be used to slow down eating. If your dog has to earn its food in this way it will be more satisfied and will also be more relaxed from the mental stimulation, however as Nick Jones points out, sometimes these are unnecessary.

“Interestingly, provided the

imagination in order to get treats. The doggy tornado, for example, makes your dog rotate various parts of the game in order for your dog to gain access to the treats and can provide endless amusement for your pet whilst you’re out of the house.

A well-exercised dog is a relaxed dog, don’t expect a dog to sit and behave

all day without first letting him release his energy with a walk before you leave him for the day. Hopefully with these tips you’ll have a happy, healthy dog who is fine with being left ‘home alone.’

• Toys that encourage your dog to use his mind can keep him from becoming destructive

TURN OVER FOR A Q&A WITH THE EXPERT

Summer Edition | Active K9 | 6

WE ASK THE EXPERT Nick Jones MA. MCFBA is a Canine Behaviourist with his over 15 years experience of training dogs. Currently studying for a Masters Degree in Dog Behaviour at Middlesex university, he owns a Border Terrier named Pip and a Wire-haired Vizla named Max, who is being trained as a gundog.

Active K9 finds out more about leaving your dog alone.

What causes dogs who are home alone to become destructive?

Nick’s Youtube Channel SCAN FOR MORE

7 | ActiveK9 | Summer Edition

This actually depends on the base reason for the destruction. For example, is the dog young and bored and being destructive? Is the dog older and simply under exercised? Or and most importantly is the dog anxious about being left alone (separation anxiety) and being destructive as a means of displacement behaviour?

Video and audio evidence usually allows the owner to establish which of the above is true and then to decide a way forward. The first options are relatively easy to address, whereas the separation anxiety requires delicate handling to ensure that the right measures are being offered to swiftly overcome the problem for the dog.

I’d like to add that dogs that suffer from separation anxiety are not just destructive.

The behaviour I have found is dealt with in different ways with different dogs. Some are destructive to the home eating their way through doors and walls given enough time, some are very vocal by barking, whining or a full on howl. Some may mess in their environment I’ve even come across a few dogs who self harmed by licking or chewing the coat or paws

and so on.

What can be done to keep stress at a minimum?

In an ideal world we would start to proof the dog to cope to be alone when it is young by the early introduction and use of a crate and to then build up time alone in the home which should be seen as a positive event with an opportunity to sleep after exercise, eating and toileting.

We don’t have this luxury with a rescue or older dog for example and so then a programme to overcome the stress needs to be put together to move the dog gradually into a calmer mind set when left alone.

There are probably two main factors to consider when addressing separation anxiety cases . One is the relationship that the owner maintains with the dog and the other is finding a way to gradually increase the time the dog can cope when left alone so that it resembles an acceptable period that the owner is likely to require when going shopping or out for an evening and so on.

Over bonding is possible with a dog and this can result from an owner that is unable to disengage from the dog at times and is constantly looking at, touching and talking to the dog either to please the owner or in response to the dog’s efforts and wishes.

• When introduced from a puppy, a crate with warm bedding and some entertainment can make the crate a rewarding place to be, and stop any potential destruction from chewing.

To address this aspect effectively the owner often needs guidance from me to learn some simple fresh rules to follow to engage with the dog.

We are likely to also look at other areas where overbonding can occur and this would involve making an assessment on where the dog sleeps at night and where it is able to rest during the day.

To increase time alone I usually involve a feeding system via a stuffed Kong and combine this with various other techniques that are called ‘Rapid Returns’ and also to place the dog on an ‘Attention Diet’. The rapid returns begin at a matter of seconds depending on the severity of the condition whereby the owner goes in and out of a room and notes the behaviour both

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sides of a closed door, increasing the time away from the dog as it improves in the process. The attention diet is a set programme whereby I guide the owner through how to ignore at first and to then reintroduce attention (on the owner’s terms) as the dog improves.

I find the above combination (along with numerous other well balanced measures) a highly effective approach, although it should be said that some cases of separation anxiety require weeks if not months of work on the owner’s part, so a determined and consistent approach is often needed.

I’ve even seen a few dogs who self harmed by licking or chewing the coat and paws and so on.

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What sort of toys do you recommend to keep your dog’s mind active?

Interestingly, provided the

dog is being left for a reasonable period of time (up to four hours for an adult dog) I would like to think the dog is quiet and resting or asleep even. This is said in the view that the dog will have been exercised, fed and watered and given toilet breaks before leaving the dog for that period. Having said that, I am in favour of dogs working for their food and the gradual release of the dog’s food via a Kong or similar device can be invaluable.

Many people use a crate when they leave their dogs home alone, how do you go about introducing a crate to a dog?

This should be done when the dog is young and it will see the crate as a calm, secure place to be. With older dogs, a slightly longer approach will be required whereby feeding in the crate is helpful and to only close the door for short periods during the day and to seek to increase these periods as the dog progresses. Covering the crate with a sheet can help some to create a greater sense of security and

quiet. They can also be useful for an injured dog.

If your dog is left at

home and destroys something, sometimes it can look ‘guilty’- is this possible? Is it worth shouting at your dog after the event has already happened?

Although I understand the owner’s frustration at damage when they return home, to berate the dog will only serve to cause concern towards the owner and the way they can behave in an unpredictable and at times frightening manner. A dog is unable to understand the values a human places of ‘things’ and has no idea what an iPhone or remote control does or costs to give an example. Young dogs need supervision and containing for sensible periods of time, hence the use of a crate.

You can contact Nick Jones MA by visiting his website at: www.alphadog behaviour.co.uk

Summer Edition | Active K9 | 8

Annual vaccinations is a growing issue for many animal lovers. With both advocates and those who disapprove giving seemingly compelling arguments, it is difficult to know if we are doing the best for our pets.

We take a look at the Facebook campaign aimed at educating owners on the issues.

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Facebook campaign started by a dog lover warning pet owners against the dangers of annually vaccinating their pets has shocked thousands of animal lovers online, leaving many questioning their vet’s advice.

The campaign, which was started by Wallasey based dog grooming studio owner of nearly 30 years, Ann Ridyard, aims to educate pet owners about the dangers of annual vaccinations for their pets, and instead urges them to research the topic of vaccination. The campaign was forwarded on by nearly 2,000 members of the social networking site in less than a week.

Ann believes that annual vaccines could be responsible for a number of common ailments in our four-

THE GREAT VACCINE DEBATE

legged friends: “We started O’Driscoll was sparked to set up CHC after losthe distributing the flier ing three of her Golden because so many of our Retrievers because of what customers ask us about the she believes to be vaccine topic. We see what could damage: be reactions “I started all the time; CHC for example almost dogs with twenty persistent I’m asking years ago ear infecowners to quesafter three tions, or dogs tion why one vet of my dogs with immune is saying you died from disorders. I should vaccinate vaccine saw too much tri-annually, and associated of it for it to the one down conditions. just be purely the road from At the time coincidence,” him is telling I thought she said.

Canine I must be you to vaccinate the worst Health annually. dog owner Concern, set in the up in 1994 world, but in order I started to to promote research why natural methods of caring for pets, has backed they had died research and it kept coming back to the campaign. The organithe fact that we are over sation’s founder, Catherine

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vaccinating our dogs. What I wanted to do was to stop happening what happened to me. I didn’t want people standing over the bodies of their dead dogs and asking ‘why did nobody tell me?

The first of Catherine’s dogs to die was a four-yearold golden retriever, Oliver.

“We woke up one morning and his back legs were paralysed, we rushed him to the vets but he was dead by 4 o’clock that afternoon.

Olly was a very special dog; it nearly destroyed me because he was my little boy.”

Not long after Oliver died, his sister also died of leukaemia and Catherine began to research the dangers of vaccines, however it wasn’t until her third dog died that she decided enough was enough and started Canine Health Concern. “My third

dog had his first booster, and I didn’t realise what they were capable of doing. His head swelled up like a football and he went running around, screaming all night. By the age of two he was diagnosed with autoimmune disease and he died of cancer at the age of five. All the signs clearly pointed to a connection between his adverse reaction.”

Current veterinary advice from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association says to vaccinate dogs and cats with ‘core vaccines’- for diseases such as parvovirus, hepatitis and distemper- every three years. However, Ann is concerned that some vets are giving outdated advice and instead are annually vaccinate our pets, and has urged pet owners to research the dangers beforehand: “I’m not putting down vets, I’m asking owners to question why one vet is saying you should vaccinate tri-annually, and the one down the road from him is telling you to vaccinate annually. I just want people to question what is happening rather than just accepting blindly what they’ve been told,” she warned.

Most vets now offer a blood test, also known as a titre test, which will measure a pet’s immunity to certain diseases which Katherine Linney, head vet at Liverpool University Small Animal Practice, advises to those with concerns: “For clients who express concerns about over vaccination simple blood tests can be performed to test the titre [vaccine level in the blood] of their pet. So if they do have concerns this is always an option.”

“I can completely understand clients concerns with over vaccination which is

why we at our practice do not give the core vaccines every year and only give every 3 years. However, I cannot describe how distressing it is to see puppies and previously healthy young dogs die or have to be put to sleep due to conditions such as parvo virus. I have to be true to myself and animal welfare, I could not perform something day in day out that I did not truly believe was in the absolute benefit of the animal,” she added.

According to Canine Health Concern, some vaccine manufacturers attempt to cash in on owner’s emotions by holding ‘vaccine amnesties’ where pets whose owners have not vaccinated in the past 18 months are offered a cut-price course of vaccinations, which Catherine claims damages pet’s health even further.

“The WSAVA actually more you over vaccinate says that it is harmful to the more you risk giving give the whole full series in these other diseases to your this situation. It is a sales dogs. The shame is that it’s ploy which absolutely not even necessary to over totally ignores vaccinate. the science. “[If an I believe owner is that that’s thinking fraudulent about not but nobody vaccinatI cannot describe seems to be ing their how distressing willing to pet] my do anything advice it is to see pupabout that,” would be pies and previshe said. to look ously healthy The camat the young dogs die paign has informaor have to be sparked tion that’s controversy available put to sleep due amongst and to to conditions Facebook make a such as parvo users, with choice virus. some comabout menting that the dog’s the informavaction is “scarecination mongering,” for Catherine on knowledge and not however, the answer is on myth, which is what clear: “There is happens at the moment. compelling Unfortunately, the large scientific proportion of the veteriresearch nary profession has been to show very badly served by their that education. They’re not the taught vaccinology properly in college, it doesn’t really go beyond ‘this is how you stick the needle in’ it really doesn’t get much more complex than that. ” She said.

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Candie_N (Flickr)

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• Alternative therapies from a homeopathic vet allow Moon to live a normal lifestyle despite his Canine Autism.

Alternative Therapies

S

ue Mirabaud, a Bookshop Owner lives in Sussex with her dogs, Mabel, Medoc, Mezzo, Myrtle and Doris. In 2009 her friend bred a litter of Working Sheepdog puppies, and Sue fell in love with one special puppy, who she called Moon. However, Sue’s world was turned upside down when Moon suffered an extreme reaction to his puppy vaccinations, which Sue feels left her with an autistic dog.

In 2008, Sue’s friend bred a litter of Working Sheepdogs. At just two days old, Sue fell in love with one particular puppy, who she later named Moon. At 9-weeksold, Moon was taken for his vaccinations and suffered a terrible reaction.

“I woke up in the middle of the night, I had a feeling something was wrong so I went downstairs and he was laying in a lake of his own blood. I rushed him straight to the vets, who luckily only lives five minutes away, and he was put on a drip for severe gastric enteritis.

“At first, his symptoms covered up at first because he couldn’t keep any food down. Another vet at the practice said if he hadn’t known me he would have reported me for starving the dog because he was all skin and bones!”

However, Sue was always worried about Moon’s health and was back-and-forth to her vet for the first year of his life. Her vet struggled to diagnose Moon’s problems and kept coming to a deadend.

“I had already known there was so many problems with my boy. He didn’t like crowds, if I so much as frowned at him he’d run away and disappear. He would just freak out and run” As an obedience trainer of 20 years, Sue was competing with Moon when the judge- who also taught autistic children- noticed that he was having a petit mals (A brief seizure caused by the brain malfunctioning for a short amount of time, sometimes known as an ‘Absence Seizure’) and advised Julie to take her to take Moon to the vets.

Moon was immediately put onto medication for his epilepsy, however the judge, who knew the symptoms of

autism, advised Sue to look into the possibility Moon could be autistic.

As a last resort, Sue and Moon were referred to Tim Couzens, a homeopathic vet who diagnosed Moon with Canine Autism and agreed it was probably caused by vaccine damage.

Thankfully, with new type of treatment called CEASE therapy, Tim was able to help Moon overcome some of his problems.

Although the treatment has proved difficult for Moon, with symptoms such as memory loss and incontinence whilst he underwent treatment, and at one point Moon even forgot his name Sue says it helped her enjoy a more normal life with her dog.

“He went through some terrible times, to be honest I found it heart breaking. He literally forgot who I was.

However bad the side-effects were, it worked for over a year, and for that year I had a dog that was as near to normal as my Moon will ever be. He was 100% a different dog and it was nothing short of fantastic.

“I’ve had to give up obedience with Moon completely, he would have had too many seizures but he is a fantastic pet dog, even with

his quirks.

When out-and-about with Moon, Sue finds parents of autistic children often recognise his symptoms.

“Anyone who is involved in autistic people recognise his symptoms immediately; he is manic, he makes a noise that a lot of autistic people recognise and occasionally he will run-up-and down my hall making this noise, for up to twelve hours a day.

“He can also be very obsessive, for example he is obsessed with walking on pavements and if he sees one he HAS to walk on it.

He has obsessive behaviours, a lack of social skills and he sometimes doesn’t recognise people that he’s known all his life.”

Despite all the problems Moon has, Sue has worked through them using various complimentary and alternative therapies and now uses Moon as an example to educate owners on the potential risks of vaccinating their pets.

“I just want people to be aware of the risks. I have had terrific support and I have been really lucky, despite all the illnesses and treatments Moon has gone through he is always a happy dog, and is extremely affectionate.”

Summer Edition | Active K9 | 12

W A R ?

A AE L E N O D T R PA DIET

In the first of two part series, we look at the benefits feeding a raw diet can have for your pet. Many people feed a raw diet to replicate the diet a dog would naturally eat, Active K9 investigates.

Vs. 13 | ActiveK9 | Summer Edition

Photo: Chris Ridyard

• As well as being great for cleaning teeth, chicken wings are great for keeping an active dog occupied.

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s owners become more and more aware of the contents of dog food, many search for a more natural way to feed their dogs. One such diet plan is the BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet, also known as the ‘Raw Meaty Bones’ diet.

Over the years, raw feeding for dogs has grown in popularity. Advocates claim it is a more natural way of feeding that will reduce the occurrence of persistent health problems such as periodontal disease and ear infections. Meanwhile, others have raised concerns it introduces harmful bacteria into a dog’s gut, or poses a serious health risk to the owners.

Thanks to a growing number of commercially prepared options, the diet, which is made up of a variety of raw meats and ‘raw meaty bones’ (and in some cases vegetable scraps, too.) has grown in popularity.

The first dog food was invented in 1860, when James Spratt, an electrician from Ohio developed a bone-shaped biscuit made from wheat to feed to dogs.

Although an American made the first dog biscuits, a British man monopolised the market in 1907 when the F H. Bennett Biscuits Co. introduced Milk-Bone dog biscuits as the first domestic

canine food. my elbows in tripe, liver and Before these commercial other offal. It was disgusting. alternatives, dogs were fed So I said to my friend on table scraps and bones.

‘Why don’t you give up your Many claim that the move work, and start making dog towards commercial dog food on your kitchen table to food is to blame for many sell it to me?’ The two of us chronic diseases seen in started in her kitchen, with a modern dogs. Ear infections, hand mixer and we made it persistent skin problems, ourselves. It got a bit out of dental disease and even hand, we have 30 members cancer have of staff and been linked a 6,0000 to feeding square foot your dog a kitchen.” commercial For JonaIf you look back diet. than, the at what your One health bengreat grandadvocate of efits of raw the raw diet are plain to mother used to is Jonathan see. feed her dog Self, an “The thing You’d probably ex-journalist you have get quite close to who started to rememhis own preber about what is good for packaged all diet is, a modern dog. raw food that if you company raised your called children on Honey’s Real fast food, Dog Food. then they’d “I was a pig farmer and not be as healthy as they then a dairy farmer. At the could be. All the Australian time, I had a homeopathic research shows that dogs vet who was telling me to that are raw fed live on feed my dog raw food. I average about three years used to think ‘he is a great longer. In fact, our vet says vet, but he was telling me to that 9 out of 10 visits to the give my dogs raw chicken vet are diet related. In terms and throw them a carcass- I of the benefits of switching thought he was mad!’ to a raw diet, it’s going to be “I went away on holiday, healthier. On a raw diet, all and the person looking after of the smaller more common my dog switched them to ailments tend to disappear; raw food so when I got back particularly skin conditions, I decided to carry on and allergies, and also most of before I knew it I was up to the major things such as

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cancer and heart conditions, and liver. On a peripheral level, the dogs have more energy, they have a much nicer, sweeter smelling coat and breath and coat, and to be blunt- they have less poo!”

Catherine O’Driscoll, founder of Canine Health Concern also feels that raw food is the best for your pet.

“A huge part of health is diet. In my book Shock to the System I’ve actually quoted various studies, which say that if a human or animal is fed properly, they are much less likely to come down with a disease we might vaccinate against. It really is crucial, the diet feeds the immune system, it feeds all the cells. It really is fundamental in health.

“Generally speaking, if you look at what dog food was invented- which I feel is no different to giving your child pot noodles every day and expecting them to be healthy- if you look at what they’d eat historically. My view is that dogs and wolves are descended from a common ancestor of the wolf. If you look back at what your great grandmother used to feed her dog You’d probably get quite close to what is good for a modern dog.”

Read our next issue for Part II with views from vets and nutritionists

Summer Edition | Active K9 | 14

Poppy, a happy Honey’s

READER OFFER

customer, by Holly Riggs

A HALF-PRICE HAMPER OF HONEY’S ETHICALLY-SOURCED, NATURAL DOG FOOD

Poppy, a happy Honey’s

customer, by Holly Riggs

WIN R AW FOOD

Honey’s make it easy to switch your dog to a natural diet. Our complete food is made using lean, minced meat Just (free range, wild and/or organic), bone (ground Honey’s make it easy to so small you can’t see it) switch your dog to a incl. delivery! and grated vegetables. It Team Honey’s! We m natural diet. Our comis completely suitable for The Honey’s Half-P human consumption.

We plete food is made using also supply raw meaty bones (nature’s Your hamper will co lean, minced meat toothbrushes). Our food is made to of Honey’s complete order, frozen and shipped overnight in (free range, wild and/or We’ve teamed up with Honey’s Real Dogbeef Food(2kg), to givelamb (1k If you believe that the four-legged insulated boxes to arrive the to next our readers the chance winday. a hamper duck of Honey’s (2kg); two me organic), bone (ground dog never food, and runners-up couldand winaabag copy members of your family deserve to eat Even if you planfive tolucky become a of chicken of Jonathon Self’s book on raw feeding! so small can’tmembers see it) customer, we will happily provide free as healthily as theyou two-legged alised feeding instru then here’s an opportunity to try out dietary advice. ing Jonathan Self ’s com and grated vegetables. It TeamToHoney’s! make dog us food by hand. enter the We prize drawour e-mail your the only natural dog food in the UK canine nutrition: H favourite picture of your dog as well as a is from completely suitable for made ethically sourced, seasonal Dogs love Honey’s and thrive on it. ing Handbook.

Usu The Honey’s Half-Price Hamper contains: small description of him or her to: d/or ingredients — at less than half the Order your hamper by telephone or human consumption. We Special offer £30 in nd usual cost. at Honey’s isReal offering readers email or complete and return the Theraw Team Honey’s Dog Food delivery.

JOSHPARRY92@GMAIL.COM supply meaty bones (nature’s Your hamper will contain nine kilograms A growing number of vets a glossy coat, healthy skin, it) of Country Living a £63 hamper of coupon below. are recommending thatis dog lean muscle tone, robust imEntries open 29th April 2013 until 14th May 2013.

Antique apple crate courte brushes).

Our food made to its mouth-wateringly delicious dog of Honey’s complete food: chicken (3kg), It Team Honey’s! oursystem, dog food hand.

1.) One lucky reader will win a hamper of Honey’s Real Dog Food, and five lovers switch their petsWe to make mune sweetby smellrunners up will win a copy of Jonathon Self’s book on raw feeding for your food for just £30, including a traditional, biologically ingovernight breath, healthy frozen and shipped overnight in teeth and dog. 2.) All lamb entries must be received by 12:00am the closing date to the or beef (2kg), (1kg), porkon (1kg) and e-mail address described. 3.) We reserve the right to amend any terms and appropriate diet ofHalf-Price raw gums, better digestion, strong Cont The Honey’s Hamper contains: delivery. conditions of this giveaway.4.) By submitting your photograph you are agree-

£30 WIN!

We meat, raw and raw heart and more energy. duck (2kg); ted boxes tobones arrive the next day. two inmeaty bones; ing it can be published future editions marrow of ActiveK9 Magazine, on our socialTelephone: 0 vegetables. It is what dogs Dogs eating a raw food diet www.hone networking pages and in future competition advertisements. 5.) PrizesWeb: are Your will contain provided by Honey’s Real Dog Food. 6.) Winners will be contacted by e-mail info@hon ifre’s youAnever plan to become aexpectedkilograms growing number ofhave vets are and theirhamper wolf ancestors Email: canrecombe nine to live longer and a bag of chicken wings.

Plus: person7.) Winners will be judged by our editor Josh Parry Post: Darling’s House been eatingthat for millions of switch and totheir suffer less illness, allermending dog lovers pets of Honey’s complete food: chicken (3kg), mer, we will happily alised feeding instructions and a copy of Wiltshir years and benefits include:provide gies andfree disease. tobeef a traditional, biologically in (2kg), lamb (1kg),appropriate pork (1kg) and y advice.

Jonathan Self ’s comprehensive guide to diet of raw meat, raw bones and raw 15| ActiveK9 Summer Edition y. duck (2kg);| two meaty marrow bones; Country Living Reader Offer Your dog’s details vegetables. It is what dogs and their wolf

G N I T E TWE THE UP NG O R W TREE

ag M 9 K e v i t s: @Ac

eet w t r u o end us y

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With the ever-growing popularity of social networking sites, it was only a matter of time before our four-legged friends were tweeting, ‘liking’ and ‘poking.’

We round up the top tweets from dogs and their owners.

Maggie May (Andy Murray’s Border Terrier) @MaggieMay_Hem

Joe Barnes @Barnes_Joe Josh Parry @Parrysite

“Nothing makes a Sunday like being chased through a field by a herd of disgruntled sheep” Victoria Stilwell @ItsMeOrTheDog

“Here’s me and my Newfoundland Misty enjoying some sunshine!”

Nick Jones MA @UKDogTrainer

Battersea Dogs Home @BDCH

“Good luck to everyone “The more people I meet, running the London the more I like my dog.” Marathon for us today, thank you so much for supporting us and let us know how you get on!”

October Jones @OctoberJones Scan to follow us!

“Dog’s barking like a lunatic. Someone must be at the door. I’m in the shower. I panic. Run downstairs in towel, and...”

“Jasmine, my Chihuahua, “Remember, our dogs just rolled in her favourite need plenty of exercise, something many of us are fox poop perfume. lacking, too! So get up, Lovely!” and get out!”

Summer Edition | Active K9 | 16

In the next issue of TRAINING

FOCUS ON: Agility FEEDING

Raw Feeding Part Two HOW TO’S

Choosing a breeder ALTERNATIVE CARE

Homeopathic Nosodes THERAPIES

Galen Therapy HEALTH

Microchipping your dog

17 | ActiveK9 | Summer Edition

ActiveK9

Scan here for issuu.com/ActiveK9 Summer Edition | Active K9 | 18

Available Online at: honeysrealdogfood.com