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Downtown

Dog

For Discerning Dogs & Pet Parents

Okanagan Valley

Is Predator Ridge Going To The Dogs Why Does My Dog Do That Dog Friendly Parks

downtowndog.ca

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Contents 7

The moments that drive us

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Going To The Dogs

By Robert Thompson It’s a dog’s world - we only live in it

8

Downtown Dog

Why does my dog

Famous Friends

do that

Popular pooches from around the valley

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Is Predator Ridge

Downtown Dogilosophy

Dr. Steven Wilson Is separation anxiety real

13

SHOULD I SLEEP WITH MY DOG

FABULOUS FURBABY FINDS

The editor and his friends showcase their favourites

Dr. Moshe Oz explores the age old question

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26 The doctor is in An interactive feature with Dr. Jason Rowan

DOWNTOWN DELICIOUS TREATS & RECIPES

Accredited pet nutritionist Michelle Bell shares some of her favourite recipes

24 28

Dog Friendly Parks

A host of the parks to let your fur baby run

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The Partys Got the Blues

Julia Lucich

560 Raymer Avenue Kelowna 250.448.8888 www.gallery421.ca Commissions & Portraits Available

DowntownDog

Editor’s Note

For Discerning Dogs & Pet Parents

PUBLISHED OCEANSIDE MEDIA

Like many people, I, the Associate Editor grew up with dogs, big dogs! Most of the time three or four eighty pound Labs at a time. In fact, my parents still have three big Labs to this day! Running, barking, swimming and hair absolutely everywhere was all a part of daily life. I never realized what a profound affect those furry faces had on me until I went away to university.

PHOTOGRAPHY Vincent Eger Chelsea Makcrow Contributors Dr. Steven Wilson Dr. Jason Rowan Dr. Moshe Oz Robert Thompson Michelle Bell EDITOR Sysco Blu Associate Editor Jay Denyar ART DIRECTOR Vivian Zhang ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Anne Wilson Cyndy Denyar Subscriptions Available Subscribe to Downtown Dog, available for $7.95 (+tax) per year. subscriptions@downtowndog.ca ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES 250.868.8249 E-mail: info@downtowndog.ca www.downtowndog.ca COVER PHOTO Shanti of Wilden MAILING ADDRESS #200 1789 Harvey Ave. Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G4 Tel: 250.868.8249 Fax: 250.868.8256 ©2015 DOWNTOWNDOG. All rights reserved. Entire contents are copyrighted. Any reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. DOWNTOWNDOG. makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

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I always said “when I grow up I’m going to get a dog of my own”, but I never did. There was always something, timing wasn’t right, not responsible enough, couldn’t afford it… I discovered that these were all excuses and I had all the capabilities to have a dog of my own all along.

Well, now I am “grown up”, married and lucky enough to have not just one but two amazing dogs. They have forever changed (and enriched) our lives, and continue to do so on a daily basis. I have come to discover that these little companions have some amazing, almost super powers. They have the power to heal and ease anxiety, the power to bring families together and the power to have entire conversations without uttering a yelp, strictly through body language and expression.

You might sigh with disdain at the thought of walking to the mailbox, but you would gladly take your little buddy for a walk through driving rain or stomping through two feet of snow. You feed them, bathe them, snuggle up with them and nurture them. They love you as much as you love them and their love is unconditional.

Sysco Blu

For many people, these are their kids. You could be having the worst day ever, come home at the end of the day, and boom, suddenly everything is ok with the excitement of your arrival and the constant wag of a tail, the stress of the day disappears. These influences can only be characterised as super powers.

Editor

The Editor, Sysco thinks that dogs have a great responsibility in this world, especially in this day and age. Sysco is very aware that they can choose to be service dogs that help the blind navigate their daily routine, help police find drugs, help the military find explosives even help PTSD patients get their confidence and spirit back.

But some dogs choose to be your best friend at home, someone that doesn’t get upset, someone that just wants your companionship and love. Sysco, the Editor Jay Denyar of Downtown Dog thinks like many dogs do, Associate Editor that this is the greatest job in the world!!

DOWNTOWN DOGILOSOPHY

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 7

Is Predator Ridge going to the dogs?

8 | DOWNTOWNDOG

Dog park highlights Pet-Friendly Initiatives at

Predator RIDGE

By Robert Thompson

It’s a dog’s world - we only live in it.

The dog park temporarily resides on a tract of land a few hundred metres across from the main entrance to Predator Ridge. It is free to guests and can be used by residents for a small fee. The park has two areas—a smaller area and a larger space—that are both fenced. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the park, something that isn’t allowed in other areas of Predator Ridge.

That might not be quite the message being sent

by Predator Ridge, but with an expansion of the resort’s pet-friendly policies, guests and residents will find more amenities for their four-legged friends.

The growth of the pet-friendly initiative gained traction last year when the resort set aside certain days and times when dogs could be on the golf course. Now Predator Ridge has opened a dog park and added stations where dogs can be leashed and receive water. There are also new trails for residents and guests to walk their dogs.

“It really makes sense given all the people with dogs at Predator Ridge,” says Breanne Tripp, landscape manager for the resort. “This gives people the opportunity to allow their dogs to roam a bit and the area set aside for the park is really dramatic and overlooks the resort. I think people—and their dogs—will really enjoy it.”

The concept is to open Predator Ridge up to those who live at the resort and have dogs as part of their lives, as well as those who are visiting and would like to bring their dog.

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“The goal is to make it as easy for people as possible,” says Tripp. “I think this is just another point of differentiation for Predator Ridge.”

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“Our goal is to make Predator Ridge the most pet-friendly resort in Canada, and I know we’re leading with this initiative,” says Brad Pelletier, vice-president of Predator Ridge. “Dogs play such an important role with people that we wanted those residents and visitors to the resort to be able to bring them along with them.”

But Tripp points out the resort’s support for dogs doesn’t stop with the new park. The Commonage Market is now selling dog treats, in addition to providing the dog rinse stations and areas where dogs can be leashed while guests and residents visit parts of the resort.

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DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 9

Downtown Dog - Famous Friends

SHANTI @shantii47

Shanti was born on January 23rd 2015 in Cawston, BC. Her dad is a pure-bread border collie and her mom an Australian Shepard. At the age of 8 weeks Shanti was adopted by a family living in Kelowna’s neighbourhood Wilden. With the girls of the family being enthusiastic Yogis, Shanti was named after the Sanskrit word for peace and bliss. She lives up to her name by spreading love and joy every day. With two photographers in the family, Shanti has learned from early on to strike a pose. You can find more adorable photos of her on Instagram: Shantii47. She also has regular appearances on the Wilden facebook page www.facebook.com/wildenkelowna.

Wrigley @moretreatsforwrigley

Tully @pandosyvet Tully, a strapping 180lb Irish Wolfhound, may be the tallest dog in all of Kelowna. Famous not only for his height but his friendly disposition, Tully can often be seen strolling in the Pandosy Village neighbourhood. This gentle giant eats a balanced raw food diet including two pounds of chicken, turkey necks, rice, seasonal vegetables, fish oil and vitamins, and apple every day.

10 an | DOWNTOWNDOG

Wrigley, a golden retriever from Kelowna, has a typical happy-golucky personality, with a bit of a serious side. “He’s a goofy dog, but when we pull out the camera, he often becomes a serious little gentleman” explains his owner Kim Brunet. Because of these expressions, Wrigley dominates the #mrseriouspants hashtag on Instagram, a social media platform his owners love using to interact with his nearly 4,000 followers all over the world.

To See Your Favourite Okanagan Dog profiled in

“FAMOUS FRIENDS�

Please submit your photos and editorial to info@downtowndog.ca

Lakeshore Animal Clinic

Downtown Dog is always looking for the finest tail-waggers. We are pleased to offer you, the reader, a chance to profile your favourite Okanagan pooch.

3969 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna | 250.764.4143

lakeshoreanimalclinic.ca

Why

Does My Dog Do That Dr. Steven Wilson I am excited to write about dogs and why they do what they do. There have always been wonderful dogs as companions in both my childhood and adult homes.

I have enjoyed the company of at least 8 different breeds of dogs through the years and presently I am always smiling at some new goofy move our standard poodle performs.

Stanley Coren, a neuropsychologist at UBC offers his input on dog’s intelligence and suggests a full grown dog’s mental capacity is comparable to that of a 4 year old human. Having children aged 4 and 6; I can say that this seems quite accurate.

As a veterinarian over the last 20 years I estimate approximately 20% of my consults are with clients who are upset over their dog’s negative behavior. Since these actions can really strain the humananimal bond I thought I would write about a common problem, separation anxiety, and its associated negative behaviors. I will also dicuss treatment broadly so it can be used as a framework for discussion with your veterinarian.

“Doc I came home after working all day and ‘Rodger’ had chewed my couch to pieces; he chewed a hole in the drywall and messed all over the front room. Why did he do that?”

Dogs are intensely social creatures that bond readily to their people. Separation anxiety is basically loyalty gone overboard and involves abnormal neurochemical responses in the dogs brain when they are separated from their favorite people. This disorder has physical, psychological and behavioral signs of distress associated with it. Commonly reported behaviors associated with separation anxiety are inappropriate urination, defecation, destruction of property and excessive howling or barking. More subtle behaviors

12 | DOWNTOWNDOG

include drooling, panting, shaking and immobilization.

Video footage may be needed to see if these behaviors take place while the owner is not present. Dogs that pant and whimper when no one can hear them are profoundly distressed and suffering.

So why some dogs sensitive to separation anxiety and others are not?

Research has shown a higher incidence of separation anxiety in pups removed from their mother and littermates before 8 weeks of age. There is no breed disposition and there is no proof it is caused by owners actions; ie: being too dominant or submissive with our dogs. Increased exercise and mental stimulation does not totally alleviate separation anxiety. The dogs are not angry or spiteful, they are just frantic and unable to control these feelings of terror. We don’t actually know exactly what causes these unusual neurochemical imbalances but we do know that we can take actions to help our dogs recover.

Treatment of dogs suffering from separation anxiety involves behavior modification often in conjunction with antianxiety medications. We need to patiently teach our dogs that they can be calm when alone. This is done through a gradual, punishmentfree process.

Anxious behaviors must not be encouraged while calmer, more independent behaviors are rewarded.

Some general points to consider are as follows: If your dog must be alone while you are working a pet sitter can be beneficial during the initial stages of training.

This helps avoid the fear ridden time alone that can slow the improvement process.

Don’t make a big fuss over exits and greetings.

Greet your dog calmly and only when they are relaxed and quiet .

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 13

Consider all the cues you are displaying while preparing to leavepicking up your keys, backpack or jackets are all examples. You can change the associations of these actions by doing them at random times when you are not leaving. Your vet can discuss practice departures with you where you attempt to desensitize your dogs to the actions associated with your departure. An initial step may be to open the front door and close it.

Once your dog is okay with this you can open the front door and step outside the door then return inside. This can progress until you are able to leave without your dog feeling any anxiety.

anxiety is not caused by boredom but an activity while you’re gone can be fun and also teach your dog that he/she is okay when you leave.

Do not punish you dogs for inappropriate behavior that occurred while you were gone.

Punishment needs to be for behaviors happening in the moment. Even 2 seconds after the fact is too late for punishment. Punishment on your return home will only intensify your dog’s fear and create confusion on your arrival.

Make sure your dog is getting adequate exercise.

This is another area where a pet sitter or dog daycare can be helpful. The exercise does not need to be excessive just enough to promote overall health and help lower anxiety levels.

Antianxiety medications are very helpful in the initial phases of behavior

Use scent games and food filled toys upon departure so your dog has an activity. Be careful that they don’t become repetitive departure cues. Separation

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Massage is great for teaching your dog to relax. When you notice your dog is taking deeper breaths and her muscles are relaxing say the word itself “relaaaax” slowly and in a low, calm voice.

With practice, later this word can be used as a cue to relax. You can also use a white noise machine or play classical music inside the home to drown out worries.

modifications as the dog’s anxiety levels will still be very high.

These medications can be decreased and phased out as the anxiety levels decrease with the behavior training. The medications used for behavioral modifications are safe with very few side effects which are mild if present. Studies show that behavioral modification with medication can allow treatment success in shorter periods of time.

Hopefully this information will be helpful if you have a dog companion suffering from loyalty gone overboard.

Dr. Wilson obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Simon Fraser University in 1993 and graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. Dr. Wilson enjoys general practice because of the diversity of cases he sees and the clients he gets to meet. One aspect Dr. Wilson finds particularly rewarding is providing relief from arthritis pain in his geriatric patients.

There are so many treatment options available that Dr. Wilson believes there is no excuse for these pets to suffer daily from this very common affliction. Dr. Wilson enjoys spending his free time on his hobby farm with his wife, three children, dogs, cats, horses, chickens & llama. Dr. Wilson also enjoys a good motorcycle ride through the Okanagan Valley.

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 15

FABULOUS FURBABY FINDS This year’s cool colour is red! Every trend-setting puppy needs a super hip puffy coat with a faux-fur collar, stylish bowls to eat and drink out of, big, soft and squeaky chew toys and of course edible treats to keep them going.

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Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypo-Treats have been developed by veterinarians and nutritionists, because dogs with food sensitivities and skin conditions should also get a treat!

Omega-3 and added anti-oxidants help to nourish your beloved pets skin and coat.

Available at: Lakeshore Animal Clinic 250 764 4143 3969 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna lakeshoreanimalclinic.ca

The greatest gift you can give your little puppy is companionship. Pet stairs give your little buddy the ability to get into bed or up onto the couch and snuggle right up to you at all times!

Available at: Most fine retailers

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed & Sleepypod Air, turn travel into a great experience with this 3-in-1 Mobile Pet Bed. For everyday use, a cool and stylish carrier and a safety car seat. Sleepypod Air is an airline approved pet carrier that fits under most airline seats. Both products allow for less stressful situations because dogs are more comfortable and familiar in their own bed!

Available at: Pounce & Hound 778 478 7088 2720 Richter St., Kelowna pandosyvet.ca 16 | DOWNTOWNDOG

FABULOUS FURBABY FINDS U-Trax Pet Tracker – Never lose your precious puppy again!

This smartphone compatible GPS tracker works by just sending a text to the tracker and Google Maps pin points your pet’s location. You can locate your pet anywhere in Canada with cell reception.

Available at: Indulgent Doggilama 778-484-1434 #4 – 3045 Tutt St., Kelowna Indulgentdoggilama.ca

This truly is where fashion and function collide! Buddy Belts provide the finest harnesses, collars and leashes and are available in a multitude of sizes, styles, colours and textures. Brilliant design and quality!

Available at: Fine pet retailers and buddy-belts.com

True Leaf Hemp-Based Chews for Dogs are a delightful treat and like a daily vitamin all in one. Researchers worldwide are recognizing the medicinal and health benefits of hemp and the folks at True Leaf are proud to offer these functional hemp-based dog chews.

Available at: Select pet stores and trueleaf.com

Custom made to fit not only your dogs needs, but your home décor needs as well. This special piece is available in various finishes and stains. Every bed is tailor-made and includes a handcrafted plush cushion to fit. When only the best (and coolest) will do!

Available exclusively at: Watson’s Hound Lounge 778 484 4479 #185-1855 Kirschner Rd., Kelowna watsonshoundlounge.com DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 17

www.spca.bc.ca • Animal Cruelty and Wildlife Hotline: 1.855.622.7722

Cosleeping with your Dr. Moshe OZ 20 | DOWNTOWNDOG

dog

Dogs are known man’s best friends. Now, the question whether your dogs should sleep with their owners is essentially a personal choice.

However, I get asked this question many times, so here some aspects of the pros and cons of cosleeping with your dog.

As mentioned, the bond between a human and a dog can be potentially even stronger than the bond between human beings amongst themselves. Your dog doesn’t judge you. Your dog loves you unconditionally, and always will. It’s a bond you can trust and rely on. Many people find the physical presence of their dog in their bed, very soothing and it’s a source of security feeling.

The problems that can arise from cosleeping with a pet are divided to- Behavioral aspects, medical aspects for the owner, and medical aspects for the dog.

When it comes to aggressive dogs, dominant dogs or very young dogs, that are still in their training and personality shaping process, sleeping with their owner can blur the boundaries for the dog. In a healthy relationship between a dog and its owner, it is clear that the owner is the alpha. That the owner is in charge and sets the tone. If the dog is allowed into the owner’s bed, it may confuse it and send mixed messages to the dog. Having its own bed, and sometimes even sleeping in a crate, is required for some dogs, in order to establish the hierarchy.

As for the medical aspect of the owners: clearly, the biggest issue is hygiene. Dogs are walking outside barepaws, they may step in urine, feces or any other contaminated surface.

If one wants to let their dog into the bed, it’s recommended to minimally clean the dog’s paws prior to allowing its access into the bed.

One should be mindful for external parasites such as ticks, fleas, or lice. These parasite can also infestate humans! The parasites are not found only on the dog itself, they may also be present anywhere in its environment. Letting your dog sleep in your bed, increases your chance of exposure and the potential manifestation of these parasites

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 21

Dogs that are commonly taken to hikes, camping and have an abundant access to the outdoors, as well as dogs that are spending time in doggy daycares, grooming facilities or any other place that they can come in contact with other pets, can get manifested by these external parasites. If your dog is manifested by external parasite, it’s an easy fix when it comes to the dog itself. But a crucial part of exterminating the parasite is by treating and sterilizing the entire dog’s environment including all the bedding.

its personality, your lifestyle and chances of it potentially carry any harmful conditions and the type of bond you are choosing to have with your pet.

When it comes to the dog’s health- some dogs are very sensitive and prone to allergies. The laundry detergent and softeners that people use, can be a source of a severe contact dermatitis (allergy based skin inflammation).

Dr. Moshe Oz was born and raised in Israel. He graduated with honors from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Slovakia in 2006. Moshe moved with his wife Noa to Canada immediately following graduation, and worked in Penticton Veterinary Hospital upon arrival. In April 2010 he and his wife became the owners of Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital. Moshe has a special interest in internal medicine including preventative health program and wellness testing. Dr. Oz strives to offer the best in medicine and surgery for his patients. He is a highly skilled, thorough veterinarian, who treats his patients with kindness, care and compassion.

A special hazard concerning small dogs can arise from the dog jumping off the bed, or falling of the bed. Especially if the mattress is very thick which makes the bed very high.

I’ve witnessed dozens of leg fractures and knees ligament tearing because of a bad fall of the bed.

There is no one right answer to the question whether your dog should sleep in your bed with you or not. It is a personal choice after all, that depends on the type of dog,

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If you want your dog close by, but not necessarily in your bed, place its bed just by your bed and you all it may be the best compromise for all.

TRUE LEAF’S

HEMP-BASED PET CHEWS FIND

“TRUE LOVE” What Does True Leaf Pet Do? True Leaf Pet provides quality of life to our furry friends with their innovative functional hemp-based dog chews. The health and medicinal benefits of hemp are quickly becoming recognized by researchers worldwide and - with a science-based focus and a team of highly regarded professionals in the medical, veterinary, hemp production and regulatory field - True Leaf Pet is well on their way to becoming a leader in the hemp product industry.

Although hemp and marijuana are closely related, they are not the same varietal. Hemp is legal in Canada and the USA, it does not contain any psychoactive compounds, and it does not get your dog ‘high’.

Hemp seeds are a balanced and rich natural source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in an ideal 3:1 ratio, plus vitamins A, E, B-12, folic acid, magnesium, potassium and iron. Hemp supports your pets health by providing anti-oxidants like tocopherols plus significant amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which help support the body’s natural response to inflammation.

Common ailments are mobility, and anxiety. this provided True Leaf Pet

affecting pets in general cancer, obesity Knowing

with their product inspirations. Each product contains a base active ingredient formulation consisting of Canadian-grown hemp seed powder combined with scientifically proven ingredients for Calming, Joint and Antioxidant support.

[Tell Us More About TrueCalm]: True Leaf Pet knows the difficulty of seeing dogs in stressful situations such as loud noise, separation anxiety or even our own mood swings. TrueCalmTM hemp chews contain a unique formula of plant-based natural calming ingredients like L-theanine, passionflower, chamomile, hops, valerian root and lemon balm. The company’s special blend may help reduce our pet’s tension and bring TrueCalmTM to our most sensitive furry friends.

[Tell Us More About TrueSpirit]: Watching our faithful companions grow old and slow down is hard. That’s why True Leaf Pet created TrueSpiritTM hemp chews with a unique formula of functional ingredients like glucosamine and turmeric toot extract that naturally support joint function and the body’s normal response to inflammation. The company’s power-packed blend will help bring some TrueSpiritTM back to our favourite and most loyal companions.

[Tell Us More About TrueLove]: The team at True Leaf Pet loves dogs as much as we do, and they know the importance of keeping our pets healthy and happy every day. TrueLoveTM chews are power- packed with antioxidants from polyphenols and DHA for cognitive health. The company’s special blend helps to protect our TrueLoveTM from naturally occurring cellular damage, leading to a longer and healthier life.

Why Should People Choose True Leaf Pet? True Leaf believes in returning the love that comes unconditionally from our pets. Their core values are compassion, trust and truth. Being true to themselves and everything the company does is their goal and the tie that binds them.

The team at True Leaf Pet wants to see a world where safe and effective natural products that provide quality of life are readily available for both people and pets.

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA DOWNTOWNDOG.CA DOWNTOWNDOG.CA| ||23 23 23

DOWNTOWN DELICIOUS TREATS

Dog Treats Recipes BACON AND CHEESE • 2 ½ Cups of Brown Organic Rice Flour • 1 ½ Cups of Chickpea Flour • 1 cup of Bacon (cooked till crispy) • 1 cup of Parmesan Cheese • 2 egg yolks • 1 cup of water.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

• Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

• Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

Dog Treats Recipes YAM AND CARROT • 2 ½ Cups of Brown Organic Rice Flour • 1 ½ Cups of Chickpea Flour • 1 cup of YAM (cooked and mashed) • 1 cup of Carrot (cooked and mashed) • 2 egg yolks • 1 cup of water.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

• Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

• Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

Dog Treats Recipes PUMPKIN AND CRANBERRY • 2 ½ Cups of Brown Organic Rice Flour • 1 ½ Cups of Chickpea Flour • 1 cup of Pumpkin • 1/2 cup of Parmesan Cheese • 2 egg yolks • 1 cup of water.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

• Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

• Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

Dog Treats Recipes PEANUT BUTTER AND OATS • 2 ½ Cups of Brown Organic Rice Flour • 1 ½ Cups of Chickpea Flour • 1 cup of Peanut butter • 1 cup of Rolled Oats • 2 egg yolks • 1 cup of water.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

• Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces.

• Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

RECIPES BY MICHELLE BELL - CERTIFIED PET NUTRITIONIST

BEST DOG HARNESS EVER. www.buddy-belts.com

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 25

The

doctor is in

Dr. Jason Rowan

My dog is feeling the weather and her age. Is there anything I can add to her food to help her arthritis?

Answer: Absolutely! Osteoarthritis can really affect a pet’s mobility in the winter months. Nutritional supplements and natural remedies are some of the most effective tools we have to treat a dog (or cat’s) arthritis.

Every aging canine should be getting a health dose of high quality fish oil, with enough EPA. All fish oils aren’t created equal: make sure your fish oil doesn’t smell like fish. If it does, it has gone rancid and actually contributes to inflammation. Instead, your quality fish oil should smell like ocean, and should be kept in the fridge to keep it fresh.

Glucosamine and other glycosaminoglycans provide building blocks for joint fluid and cartilage. One of the best sources is green-lipped mussel, straight from the ocean, which you can buy in powdered form. Glucosaminoglycans are complementary to fish oil and and herbal medicines.

Herbal remedies can also be extremely effective to ease the symptoms of arthritis. Our hospital’s mobility tincture includes ashwaganda and devil’s claw to reduce stress and quells inflammation, ginger to stimulate circulation, and St. John’s Wort to minimize pain and give a pick-me-up to depressed dogs.

Herbal powders and tinctures are simply added to the dog’s food, can have excellent results, and are also complementary to the others sea-sourced supplements.

Vaccines are a hot topic, and I’m interested how you weigh in. Do I need to vaccinate my dog and cats?

Answer: Vaccines can play an important role in protecting your pet; however, routine vaccination is often unnecessary.

Puppy and kitten vaccine series are important, as they give your pet initial exposure to diseases. But as your pets become

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adults, it’s best to test their immunity level to see if they need a vaccine boost, instead of just boosting a vaccination without knowing if they need it or not. I recommend that every adult dog and cat receives a titre test before deciding to administer vaccine boosters. This approach prevents over-vaccination and unnecessarily stimulating your dog or cat’s immune system.

Titre (pronounced tight-er) testing is a medical alternative to routine vaccinations. A titre test is a blood test performed in a laboratory that measures the immunity levels to individual diseases. At our hospital, we can do titre tests for rabies, as well as for the canine parvovirus, distemper and adenovirus, and feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Most boarding and daycare facilities in Kelowna accept titre tests as proof of immunity in lieu of vaccine certificates.

Our family has a new puppy. What kind of toys do you recommend?

Answer: Congratulations on your new family member. As you get to know him, you will find if he is a stuffie or ball kind of guy. The size of the dog doesn’t matter: our 180 lb wolfhound is gentle with stuffed animals but I know several chihuahuas that can make short work of soft toys.

As a general guideline, choose toys that are bigger than his mouth, so he doesn’t get them stuck or swallow them. This might mean you size up his toys as he grows. Depending on how aggressively he chews, you may be able to give him soft fabric toys, or may have to stick to leather or fabric reenforced with upholstery thread. Resist the urge to let him chew his toys apart, as he could digest the pieces. Instead, try hardy rubber or tiger-tested toys for maximum fun and minimal danger.

Lastly, avoid playing hard games of tug with your puppy until he gets older, as those baby teeth are quite fragile and break easier than you might think.

Sometimes my Boston terrier gets an upset tummy. Do you have any home remedies you recommend?

Answer: Have an upset stomachs is no fun, for the pet or the person cleaning up after them. When your dog gets diarrhea, constipation or other intestinal issues, you should them a very bland, low fat, fibrous and easily digestible food. Some people try hamburger, which only makes the issue worse since it is full of fat. Instead, try canned pumpkin. I don’t mean pumpkin pie mix, but the 100% squash variety without any spices. Pumpkin is, as our animal chiropractor Dr. Pam Carlson says, “the great equalizer.” It helps restore normal bowel function. If your dog is vomiting, sometimes a 12-24 hour fast away from food can give their stomachs the break that it needs.

Of course, both vomiting, diarrhea and constipation can indicate more serious conditions. If your dog can’t keep water down, they are painful or lethargic, or the bowel upset last more than a day, it’s best to see your veterinarian.

I was visiting my sister and was surprised to see her brushing her little dog’s teeth. Is this overkill, or does brushing really help?

Answer: Your sister isn’t crazy. Well, at least not about brushing her dog’s teeth! Ideally, all pet owner’s should brush their dog’s teeth, as it really helps prevent tartar building up and ruining their mouth. Remember, healthy teeth aren’t only

for a dog to eat with; they use teeth to pick up things, groom themselves and even play.

Teeth brushing is especially important for small dogs, because they are often prone to dental issues. It’s easier to start a dog as a puppy, but a tasty chicken or seafood flavoured toothpaste does wonders even for a reluctant retriever.

In between brushes, you can also give your dog soft chews so they can naturally fight off tartar. Avoid super hard chews like hooves and antlers: they are a recipe for cracked molars.

You’ll also want to avoid rawhide that comes apart in strips and can be swallowed by your dog. Choose instead dried meat treats like trachea or pizzel sticks for big dogs, or dried chicken gizzards for small dogs. Treats like these let them practice their chewing and clean their teeth at the same time.

I’ve heard that dogs need their ears cleaned regularly, but I don’t know what I should use, or how often.

Answer: Ear cleaning is part of a regular grooming routine for most dogs, but how often depends on a few factors. If your dog swims regularly, then an ear cleaning and drying after a soak in the lake is good idea. Some breeds are also prone to yeast infections (think droopy-eared breeds like basset hounds and cocker spaniels) and a weekly cleaning can help knock back the build-up of yeast in their ear canals. Otherwise, most other dogs only need an ear cleaning about once a month.

When choosing a preventative ear cleaner, you want to look for an astringent, antiseptic herbal wash designed for that purpose. Use gauze or cotton balls to soak up and clean out the visible outside ear. As your grandmother says, never put anything inside your ear smaller than your elbow. So don’t use cotton swabs or tissues, which could hurt the ear or leave bits behind.

If your dog’s ears start to smell bad or have brown goo inside of them, or your dog is continually shaking their head, please take those ears, and the dog, to the vet.

Dr. Jason Rowan has a passion for integrative veterinary medicine, combining the best of conventional medicine and holistic approaches. His neighbourhood clinic, Pandosy Village Veterinary Hospital, offers herbal medicine, nutritional therapy and chiropractic care as well as surgery, conventional care and dentistry. Dr. Jason’s adjacent Pounce & Hound Fine Pet Goods shop supports holistic pet health with balanced raw food, nutritional supplements and quality pet gear. PandosyVet.com

Do You Have A Question You Would Like To Ask?

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS info@downtowndog.ca

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 27

Dog Friendly Parks

OKANAGAN To keep your dog happy, healthy and entertained, dog parks play an important roll in every community. We are especially lucky here in The Okanagan because of the lakes, open spaces and dog-friendly people. It is important for dogs to constantly build on their social skills and continue to work on their relationships with their owners. There are currently dozens of developed, undeveloped and proposed future dog parks in the greater Okanagan area. An ideal dog park would have water (to drink and/or swim), shade is a

must in this warmer climate, a cache of extra doggie bags so that our parks remain clean and healthy and a separate, specific zone for smaller breeds. Because summers are so long and hot in the Okanagan, this list includes many beach/lakeside parks for all your swimming needs. The following dog parks are just a sampling of what is available in our region. The list below includes 10 parks, some of which are indicated as off-leash (O/L).

Predator Ridge Resort

1. MISSION HILL PARK – 3900 15th Ave. Vernon – Fenced O/L park 2. PREDATOR RIDGE RESORT – 301 Village Ctr. Pl. Vernon – Walking/Hiking Trails & Dog Park 3. LAKE COUNTRY OFF LEASH DOG PARK – Woodsdale Rd. Winfield – Flat, Fully Fenced O/L 4. ELLISON DOG PARK – 4720 Old Vernon Rd. Kelowna– Natural Area – O/L 5. BLAIR POND PARK – 333 Clifton Rd. Kelowna – Trails/Pathways 6. MISSION CREEK REGIONAL PARK – 2363 Springfield Rd. Kelowna – Trails/Pathways along creek 7. CEDAR CREEK PARK - 5200 Lakeshore Rd. Kelowna – Beach Facility - O/L 8. PEACH ORCHARD DOG BEACH – Lakeshore Dr. Summerland – Fenced Beach/Swim O/L 9. SKAHA LAKE DOG BEACH – 4851 Lakeside Rd. Penticton – Fenced Beach/Swim O/L 10. HAYNES POINT PROVINCIAL PARK – 32nd Ave. Osoyoos – Dog Swimming Area O/L

28 | DOWNTOWNDOG

97B 97A

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97

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The Tail End

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So come out and play!

Shanti Join us on facebook! www.facebook.com/WildenKelowna

www.wilden.ca www.wildentownhomes.ca Showhomes open daily from 1­5 pm, except Fridays. sales@wilden.ca · 250.762.2906 10 Minutes to Downtown 10 Steps to Nature

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