Downtowndog 2017 magazine

Downtown

Dog

For Discerning Dogs & Pet Parents

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Okanagan Valley

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE...

As much as your dog does

AFFECTION, DEVOTION & FRIENDSHIP

Man’s best friend is also woman’s best friend

downtowndog.ca

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Contents 10

THE ULTIMATE

FABULOUS

CONNECTION

FURBABY FINDS

Man’s Best Friend is Indeed Woman’s Best Friend

14 16

Downtown Dog

THIS PLACE IS GOING TO the dOGs

20

Famous Friends

Some of the most popular pooches from around the Okanagan Valley

BENEFITS OF LICENSING YOUR DOG Love Them, Leash Them, License Them

25 DOWNTOWN DELICIOUS RECIPES

Recipes That You Will Enjoy Preparing and Your Pup Will Love Eating

24 28

Dog Friendly Parks Open spaces where your Furbaby can run free

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The Chief Tester and his fuzzy friends showcase their favourites

26

The doctor is in Dr. Jason Rowan Answers your questions

The Year of the

狗年快乐

Happy New Year!

Dog 2018

The Dog’s: Loyal, Honest...

2018 is a Year of the Dog. In Chinese astrology, each year is related to a Chinese zodiac animal according to the 12-year cycle. 2018 is an Earth Dog Year.

Years of the Dog include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2030...

The Dog occupies the eleventh position in the Chinese zodiac, after the Rooster, and before the Pig. If you’re born in a Dog year, you’re a Dog, and the following are deemed lucky for you:

Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9 • Lucky colors: red, green, and purple Lucky flowers: rose, cymbidium orchids

Famous Dogs Winston Churchill - Bulldog - Dodo, Elvis Presley - Great Danes - Brutus & Snoopy, Bill Clinton - Chocolate Lab - Buddy George W Bush - Scottish Terrier - Barney, Steven Spielberg - Lab - Larry, Madona - Boston Terrier - Olga, Michael Jackson - Bulldog - Large, Justin Bieber - Papillon - Sammy DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 7

PAWS FOR THOUGHT Do we really need to enter into the conversation that dogs really are the best pets ever? If you are reading this, you probably already know this because it is likely that you have a dog! And if you have a dog you are already aware that they bring you more than just happiness, loyalty and support. They also provide companionship, urge you to get outside and actually make you stop and smell the roses!

Commit to the role of being the leader of the pack. Dogs are very social and require order as their owner, you are the pack leader. Your dog will grow into the role of being loyal, protective and faithful. No doubt, these little creatures are smart, talented and through thick and thin, they will always cheer you up!

Being resilient and tolerant are traits that we as people can learn from our dogs. You SYSCO BLU - EDITOR already know that they make the world a better place. It’s their world, the sooner we embrace that notion, the quicker we realize that often they save us more than we save them!

Our beloved pets bring joy and excitement to even the most mundane tasks. Recently, I found Georgie asleep in a dry cleaning bag full of clothes. Result, doing laundry is fun. Almost every night when I climb into bed my spot has been warmed up by a little furry “hot water bottle”. Result, getting into a cold bed is great! Walking GEORGIE BOY your dog in the sun, rain or snow ASSOCIATE EDITOR/CHIEF TESTER can sometimes be a burden.

Result, your four-legged companion inspires you to socialize and more importantly, explore the great outdoors.

Having and loving a special dog teaches you a lot more about life than you probably expect. Commitment, devotion, responsibility and sacrifice are all characteristics that you encounter. These are true life experiences that can (and most likely do) shape you into being a better person. Result… Dog’s Rule!

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DowntownDog For Discerning Dogs & Pet Parents

PUBLISHER DOWNTOWN DOG PHOTOGRAPHY Vincent Eger J. MacMillan Tim Turner Michael Twack Contributors Dr. Jason Rowan Sysco Blu J. MacMillan Brad Wilson EDITOR Sysco Blu Associate Editor / Chief Tester Georgie Boy ART DIRECTOR Vivian Zhang PRODCUTION CO-ORDINATOR Brad Wilson 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 MAILING ADDRESS #200 1789 Harvey Ave. Kelowna, BC V1Y 6G4 Tel: 250.868.8249 Fax: 250.868.8256 ©2016 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.

The Ultimate Connection There are only two things that it takes to complete the perfect house. A partner that you can share your love and life with. And… of course, at least one dog (probably more)!! Dog lovers are passionate people to begin with, why not use that to link yourself up with people that are just like you. What if there was an organization that tried to unite people based on excitement and common interests… HotDiggiddy.com provides a common thread… dogs! That’s right, dogs bringing folks together.

Supported by website, app and all the social media usuals, HotDiggiddy was born with a need for people with dogs to find each other.

There are specific dating sites for farmers, Christians and even millionaires. But imagine a specific site for dog lovers. A place where you automatically have something huge in common. And likely share the same attributes associated with having a pet. Most people who are

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responsible for the life of a dog are usually warm, loving people who are capable of caring for another human being too, whether it is their significant other or one of their friends.

Dog people can certainly be a little eccentric… Let’s face it, you can talk to your dog all day and never get a response, that’s a little curious isn’t it? Just think of it, there are other people in your area doing the same thing.

That alone is reason enough to explore HotDiggiddy.

This can also be used as a tool just to meet other people with dogs, friends that you can socialize with, go for walks or just meet for a coffee or even a beer!

While the passion of HotDiggiddy.com was to create critical mass locally, you can also use the app while exploring other cities and other countries. The numbers are increasing regularly.

You always hear comments like “… the perfect union”.

What could possibly be a better union than sharing time with someone that already has the same things in common as you. It’s an instant ice breaker, meeting mid-day in the park to walk your dogs together. First impressions say a lot, and you can tell so much about a person based on the dog they have and how that dog behaves.

share with their friends and their dogs is love.

It is not a coincidence that dog owners are familiar with the idea of unconditional love. It’s the perfect fit, the perfect notion that dogs could teach people how to maintain a relationship. Just another check mark for the power of dogs, now they have the ability to bring people together.

We find that the people who like our dogs like, are usually the people that we can trust and spend time with.

There are so many attributes that people share with dogs. Some people enjoy talking to their friends, but every pet owner will open up their hearts and bear their souls to their dog. Some people enjoy going for a walk on a nice summer day with their friends, but any pet owner would hike through snow and sleet so their dog can have a run around. The biggest thing that people

Have you ever invited someone over for a visit and as soon as they walk through the door your dog immediately reacts to them? It is a common occurrence in households around the world! Now what if that situation gave you the ability to immediately decide if you could like that person.

There are lots of people that just seem to give off good vibes and both you, and your dog can feel that. And, as a result you and your four-legged friend want to spend time with that person. What if you were able to find love and eternal happiness all because of what your puppies reaction was!

Happiness, ultimately that is what this is all about, finding happiness and being happy together. For most people they don’t care where they find happiness as

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 11

long as in the end, they find it. How many times have you spent, snuggled up to you dog hoping, knowing that there was someone out there for you? Well, as it turns out there are lots of people out there holding onto their dogs as well.

Makes perfect sense in the grand scheme of things that dogs can unite people and start relationships and make the world an even happier place. It can be a new movement, we can call it “The power of the puppy”!!

There isn’t a list of what makes relationships work, but if there was, pet relations would be near the top of it. You can learn so many life lessons and relationship lessons from your dog, that you would be wise to surround yourself with like-minded people with similar pet interests. It is a proven fact that growing up with dogs and being around dogs has huge benefits, way beyond mental. There a several physical upsides to having a dog. Dog owners get sick less and tend to be more resistant to allergies. Owning Fido and spending time with him/her allows you to get out there and explore your neighbourhood and community. People that walk are also healthier and being outside is good for your mind and soul! People that lead an outdoor lifestyle are also happier, they meet more people and have more active social lives, all because they have a dog on a leash, that’s powerful!

It’s no secret that singles today are looking for interesting people with common interests. Dogs meeting can shatter that tension and spark instant conversation among strangers. That common thread, that common bond might

12 | DOWNTOWNDOG

be the only thing you need to get beyond that initial, uncomfortable meeting.

Dogs are very much like people, they have the ability to love and be loved in return. The focus of HotDiggiddy.com is to provide members with a companion that loves dogs the same way that you do. As a community of dog lovers, we are passionate about dogs and people that love dogs. So, as it turns out, man’s best friend is indeed also woman’s best friend!

And, as a result you and your four-legged friend want to spend time with that person. What if you were able to find love and eternal happiness all because of what your puppies reaction was.

Happiness, ultimately that is what this is all about, finding happiness and being happy together. For most people they don’t care where they find happiness as long as in the end, they find it. How many times have you spent, snuggled up to you dog hoping that there was someone out there for you? Well, as it turns out there are lots of people out there holding onto their dogs as well. Makes all the sense in the world that dogs can unite people and start relationships and make the world a happier place. It can be a new movement, we can call it “The power of the puppy”!!

There isn’t a list of what makes relationships work, but if there was, pet relations should be near the top of it. You can

learn so many life lessons and relationship lessons from your dog, that you would be wise to surround yourself with like-minded people with similar pet interests. It is a proven fact that growing up with dogs and being around dogs has huge benefits, way beyond mental. There a several physical upsides to having a dog. Dog owners get sick less and tend to be more resistant to allergies. Owning Fido and spending time with him allows you to get out there and explore your neighbourhood and community. People that walk are also

healthier and being outside is good for your mind and soul!

People that lead an outdoor lifestyle are also happier, they meet more people and have more active social lives, all because they have a dog on a leash, that’s powerful!

It’s no secret that singles today are looking for interesting people with common interests. Dogs meeting can shatter that tension and spark instant conversation among strangers. That common thread, that common bond might be the only thing you need to get beyond that initial, uncomfortable meeting.

Dogs are very much like people, they have the ability to love and be loved in return. The focus of HotDiggiddy is to provide members with a companion that loves dogs the same way that you do. As a community of dog lovers, we are passionate about dogs and people that love dogs.

So as it turns out, man’s best friend is indeed also woman’s best friend!

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 13

FABULOUS FURBABY FINDS PETCUBE - BITES When you’re not at home you can watch, talk to and even reward your dog with Petcube Bites. This indoor wi-fi enabled camera has 130-degree wide angle with 3X digital zoom.

The most fun feature is that you can sit at work and reward your fuzzy friend at home with the built-in treat dispenser. Watch them in full 1080p right on your smartphone.

Best Buy - Kelowna, BC. bestbuy.ca

ED – Ellen Degeneres LOVE Hoodie & Pillow When being cool & hip is the only thing that matters! Maxed out in style and comfort, this line of Ellen Degeneres LOVE clothing and accessories provides the best in coziness and design.

Petsmart - Kelowna, BC. petsmart.ca

PRIMAL GOAT MILK Primal Raw Goat milk is a great digestive aid as it helps pets obtain their daily need for moisture. Dogs bodies are about 65% moisture and they are designed to obtain the majority of their water from the foods they eat. By adding raw goat milk (79% moisture), they gain needed moister and the benefits of raw nutrients.

Pet Planet - West Kelowna, BC. petplanethealth.com

NITE IZE – Nite Howl L.E.D. Necklace Why not give your pet the brightest accessories as possible. With this ultra-bright L.E.D. necklace you and everyone else will be able to see exactly where your pet is, in the dark, from any angle and up to 1000 feet away.

Shoppers Drug Mart - Kelowna, BC. (Pandosy) shoppersdrugmart.ca

14 | DOWNTOWNDOG

Famous Friends BLEU

@bleuberrymuffin

This is Cricket! She is a one year old Shetland Sheepdog. She is a very active girl who loves to goof around and be silly.

Her favourite things include playing fetch with her squeaky donut, running as fast as she possibly can, herding her daycare friends, and participating in her scent work class!

Oliver @goldenoliver

Often mistaken as an Irish Setter, Oliver is a 6 year old Golden Retriever who attracts a lot of attention wherever he goes.

Oliver’s greatest love is food but a close second would be humans, especially ones who take the paw he always offers.

This handsome boy is also very fond of car rides, camping, swimming, chasing squirrels and doggy daycare.

STITCHES @Stitches_the_oes

My name is Stitches and I am a 10 year old “ Old English Sheepdog”. I’m pretty much the king of my palace that I share with my pawrents. I am a good model too. Mom pulls out her cell phone and I love to pose for the camera.

Marcy

@marcyplaygrounds

Marcy comes from the Dominican Republic and loves a good sandy beach. Her hobbies include digging reverse sand-castles, paddle boarding, shredding toys, and avoiding baths. In Kelowna she works as an expert doorbell for her mom’s dog grooming salon.

FOLLOW US ON Instagram @downtowndogokanagan

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 17

Famous Friends Leo&Benny @leelee_and_bonbon

Leo and Benny are two miniature poodle besties who love nothing more than soaking up the Okanagan sun by running along the beachy dog parks and going for boat rides. They have also mastered the art of the perfect snuggle.

BELLA

Moose @moooseybaby

Moose is a golden retriever puppy who loves the outdoors more than life itself. He is an avid swimmer, cross country skier, and loves laying down at the dog park. He’s a couch potatoe, cookie monster, and master napper at heart. Moose is a people person and a people pleaser.

Sassy &Titus @sassyandtitus

Bella was born August 18, 2017 in West Kelowna. Her father is a Maltipoo and her mother is a Yorkie Pom. She is a real sweetheart. She is very mild mannered, loves to play, and occasionally barks when she needs her humans to give her some attention.

Sassy and Titus are both senior rescue dogs. We adopted Sassy last fall and Titus came into our lives last month. They both love to run around in the woods and swim in the lake. They’re the best adventure buddies ever!

FOLLOW US ON Instagram @downtowndogokanagan

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THIS PLACE IS GOING TO

the DOGs The vision - a community, based on nature, while leaving as much of nature undisturbed as possible, this is what they had in mind when they started developing Wilden. And lets be honest, they knocked this one out of the park! Great for people, but you know who else could benefit from a situation like this?

This is the absolute perfect atmosphere and climate for a dog. That is correct, this is the perfect community for dogs.

When building your new dream home, wine rooms and cigar bars are out and dog-wash stations, doggy doors and endless trails are in! Being pet friendly is the new frontier in community living. Cities, towns and some communities have been exploring dog parks and amenities for years. Just like the retail/

20 | DOWNTOWNDOG

clothing industry, doggy day care and dog medicine‌ the real estate industry is finally starting to catch up as well! The importance of finding a home that pleases all of you is paramount. That includes your dog(s) because, well, they are part of the family too.

At Wilden, they couldn’t agree more and they recognize that dogs are therapeutic and are always considered to be as much a part of the family as everyone else. They truly are a master planned

community that puts a serious emphasis on your dogs happiness. Dog accessibility to nature in all of their neighourhoods is carefully considered and planned. They understand that while it is important for owners that have a high quality of life, it is equally important for their dogs to share in that same aspect. What applies the most to the majority of pet owners? They want to have a safe trail and area that they can walk their dog, walkability. Wilden has provided the ability to open your back door and get lost in the vast tracts of nature set aside for this very reason.

There is a common understanding of the importance of keeping your pets happy and healthy. That concept has been incorporated

into Wilden’s environment by providing endless trails, bodies of water and the entire area is essentially a dog park. This doesn’t mean that the whole zone is over run with roaming gangs of dogs, this means that there are many options for people, couples and families who keep their dogs in mind when making decisions that enhance their lifestyles.

This “dog friendly community” was not established because of the growing popularity of dog parks, the idea was born for a need for there to be a purposeful place where people could live happily with dog friendly amenities where people and dogs can run, play and discover the great outdoors together!

Dog parks and dog friendly areas have become much more normal in many towns. It has never been safer to be a dog, there are an abundance of fun places where dogs can run and play. Exercise and socialize, two things that people really benefit from their fourlegged friends. Exercise is the unspoken profit of being a dog owner, I mean really, most of the time they are

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 21

walking us, we are not walking them like we think we are! Walking, jogging and biking on a network of seemingly endless trails that roll up and down through the Okanagan hillsides is a great way to stay active and enjoy the wonderful fresh air with like-minded people and fellow pet enthusiasts.

With several neighbourhoods doting the bluffs throughout Wildens expansive boundaries, it is almost like they have developed a network of “pocket parks” for you and your pooch. Surrounded by lush forest, the whole area is connected by trails and parcels of green space. This enables an active outdoor lifestyle for you, your dog and the pet lover in you!

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Take a walk, dip your feet into a flowing stream, discover wildlife like deer and turtles… People are constantly trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. While it is a necessary aspect of life, working in a city, it is also an amazing feeling to escape that. Surrounded by nature, trees, ponds and rocky hillsides… Perfect for the outdoorsy lifestyle that you and your dog are craving.

Leave the car in the garage and put on your hiking boots, this is for sure one of the highlights of living and constantly getting to explore Wilden. The motto “Nature Inspired Living” really lives up to its namesake.

It has been said that a certain way to become successful in business is to become pet friendly. Keeping that in mind architects, developers and homebuilders have

started to incorporate more “pet-centric� designs into their methods and make home design decisions based on the needs of their dog!

There are certain dog-friendly features that you can have custom built into your home. Take the guess work out of reading your dogs mind about whether or not it needs to go #1. Custom doggy doors leading into a fenced and landscaped yard designed with your four legged friends needs in mind is exactly what you need to relieve your carpets and hardwood from any more accidents!

Now that you live in such a pet friendly community, your little buddies feet will constantly be dirty from all the hiking that you will be doing. Why not make all of your lives easier and have a pet shower/wash station

built in by the back door or laundry room, built in, mini tub and shower (or bigger depending on your needs!).

Hang up their rain coat and leash before you rinse off the accumulated debris like pine needles, dirt and dust, a quick dry off and you have just saved your home from an exhausting clean up.

Sick of always tripping over food and water bowls, convert the end cap of your kitchen counter into a custom puppy feeding station. One bowl for water and one bowl for food, keep it simple and keep it clean. You could even install matching cupboards to house their food and treats. Really anything is possible with these master home builders. Come to WIlden and revel in the soaring lake, city and valley views. Bring your family but most of all, bring your dogs!

DOWNTOWNDOG.CA | 23

DOWNTOWN DOG DELICIOUS RECIPES PUPPY FRIED RICE

SALMON/VEGGIE PATTY

INGREDIENTS: • 2 carrots, shredded • 1 1/2 cups brown rice • 1 zucchini, shredded • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/2 cup peas, canned • 3 pounds ground turkey • 3 cups baby spinach, chopped or frozen

INGREDIENTS: • 1 can of Salmon • 1 medium-sized carrot • 1 potato • 1 egg

DIRECTIONS:

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large saucepan - 3 cups water, cook rice, set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks.

3. Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Let cool completely.

1. Chop the potatoes, celery, and carrot into bite-size pieces.

2. Drain the salmon and mix it with flour and egg.

3. Form the salmon into small patties and fry them in oil until they’re golden brown.

4. After the patties are done, remove them from oil.

5. Stir-fry veggies for 5- 8 minutes. (the patties are served with a side of veggies) of course!

BEEF STEW DOGGI STYLE INGREDIENTS: • 1 pound of beef stew meat • 1 small sweet potato • 1/2 cup of carrots, diced • 1/2 cup of green beans, diced

CHICKEN CASSAROLE • 1/2 cup of flour • 1/2 cup of water or organic vegetable oil, plus 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying

DIRECTIONS: 1. Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 mins. Set aside.

2. Slice the stew pieces into smaller chunks.

3. Cook the stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat 4. Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.

5. Dice the sweet potato.

6. Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the dripping while whisking to create a thick gravy.

7. Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots and green beans into the gravy and stir.

8. Cook until the carrots are tender – about 10 minutes.

9. Serve cool.

DISCLAIMER:

• 1 stalk of celery • 3 tbsp flour • Oil for frying

INGREDIENTS: • ¼ cup rolled oats • 2 chicken breasts • 2 cups chicken broth • 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, green beans, potatoes, • Oil for frying broccoli) DIRECTIONS: 1. Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite size pieces 2. Sauté them in oil until cooked 3. Add the chicken broth, rolled oats, and chopped vegetables in the pan 4. Simmer from 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Time to ENJOY! Simple and absolutely delicious!

24 | DOWNTOWNDOG It is always best to consult with your veterinarian to confirm that homemade dog food is acceptable for your beloved pet.

BENEFITS

OF LICENSING YOUR DOG There is a sort of a doggy mantra growing in the Central Okanagan… LOVE THEM, LICENSE THEM, LEASH THEM! It’s as easy as it sounds and you are only responsible for two of those items, the license and leash, the love comes naturally.

The number one concern you have for your dog is its safety and well-being. You will take every precaution to ensure that they are safe. You feed them, bathe them, walk them (constantly) and at the first sign of trouble… off to the vet! You have microchipped your furry friend and now you are a responsible pet owner, right?. Wrong!

As pet owners, it is our responsibility to take care and nurture our dogs. Part of that responsibility includes hanging a valid tag/license from their dog collar. This is not a cash grab by the region as some people may think. This is an insurance policy that if you get separated from your four -legged friend, that it is returned to you without harm and quickly. It’s a safe ticket home. And let’s face it, there are some anxious times when people are apart from their pets and can’t immediately locate them.

Nobody likes paying insurance, but oh boy are they happy when they need it! Lots of people visit from outside the Okanagan, if you are here longer than 30 days you are required to license your pet.

Again, why wouldn’t you take every precaution available to you.

What if in the event of your runaway dog, a by-law officer, fire fighter, a dog control officer or even a good Samaritan gets a hold of it. The reunion with Fido can happen so much quicker with the proper dog license in place.

There are many dog owners who have fenced yards and really, their animals never leave the safe

walls of this fortress. But what about a gate that gets left open or a small opening under the fence. A quick and curious dig and their off! It might take days for their beloved pet to turn up at a pet shelter, which is the best case scenario. Without a valid dog license, this and many other scenarios could end in tears.

There are many upsides to licensing your dog. Licenses cost between $20 - $80 and tickets start around $300!! It also proves that your little friend has been vaccinated against rabies. If more people register their dogs, the system sees that there is greater need for dog specific parks.

Dog control is much more about education that it is about enforcement. Officers are not running around with nets trying to lock up your doggy! They work with the RCMP and Fire Departments responding to situations that involve dogs. Car accidents, drug seizures, house fires… many of these situations involve people with dogs. During the summer months there is even a team of Dog Ambassadors that roam the parks and educate visitors and locals alike giving away bandanas and leashes. Again, not enforcement but education.

If you have been procrastinating getting a dog license for your pet because you think it’s too expensive, doesn’t provide any benefit or just don’t care, you should seriously reconsider your train of thought.

Remember, LOVE THEM, LICENSE THEM, LEASH THEM. LOVE is undoubtedly the most important part of this equation. You love your dog, so why wouldn’t you give it every oppourtunity to have a long and sensational life and give it the best odds at being safe. It’s simple, get a license and maintain your renewal annually, enjoy the dog parks and walking trails.

Love your dogs and keep them safe!

My Dog Matters – Download the app today for discounts, rewards, licence renewal DOWNTOWNDOG.CA and My Dog Park Finder |

25

The

Dr. Jason Rowan

doctor is in...

As soon as the warm weather comes, my Golden Retriever starts itching and gets red spots all over her body. It’s obvious that she has some kind of allergies, but I don’t want to put her on steroids. Do you have any holistic solutions?

Welcome to the “pets with allergies” club. I’ve worked all over western Canada, and Okanagan pets sure do struggle with a lot of allergies. No one knows why, but we do know how painful they can be for dogs and how frustrating it is for pet parents.

The good news is that there is an alternative to steroids for most pets. Out of all the holistic modalities I’ve tried, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) seems to work the best.

I’ve been studying Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) for several years now, but I’m still amazed at how 5000 year old (give or take a couple of years) medicine can provide solutions for pet illnesses... even conditions that befuddle Western medicine.

Our own Irish Wolfhound Tully suffered from seasonal allergies his first Spring as an adult dog in the Okanagan.

Tully’s seasonal allergies appeared as red welts all over his belly; he became constantly restless and couldn’t sleep.

It was horrible for the whole family. Quickly, we got Tully on some Traditional Chinese herbs for his allergy pattern, and switched him to energetically cooling foods. Within a couple of weeks, his red welts went away and he was once again relaxed and comfortable. As long as we keep up his herbs and food choices during the warm months, he doesn’t have any problems.

Most people are familiar with human Traditional Chinese Medicine through acupuncture. In fact, acupuncture is just one of the tools in Traditional Chinese doctors’s toolbox, along with other modalities such as herbal medicine and dietary choices. Pets benefit from the same modalities, although their symptoms and illnesses are of course specific to their species.

Allergy treatment with (TCVM) might be different for your Golden than for my dog, because it’s very specific to the patient. First, I examine the pattern of symptoms, and diagnose the dog’s particular responses to allergens.

Once I’ve got the individual patient’s pattern down, then I select specific Chinese herbs to fit the dog’s symptoms and constitution. Combined with a food change based on food energetics, it can be an effective and safe longterm approach to treating allergies.

Several members of my family regularly to a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor, and it’s very helpful. Do dogs get acupuncture too? What’s it used for?

26 | DOWNTOWNDOG

As a veterinarian practicing TCVM, I use both conventional diagnostic tools such as blood work and X-rays, as well as traditional Chinese diagnostics, such as pulses and skin colour, to diagnose a medical problem. When I figure out the pattern of symptoms, I might use acupuncture, herbal medicines, food changes and even conventional medicine to treat the issue.

Acupuncture can be very effective for conditions such as disc and nerve issues, mobility challenges, pain management, gastrointestinal issues and more. We use hair-thin needles to move the Qi, or energy, to balance the dog’s system. It sounds pretty hokey to a conventional practitioner, but you can’t argue with the countless studies in human and animal medicine pin-pointing the power of acupuncture.

Dogs and cats usually enjoy acupuncture. They get to sit in a quiet, comfy room with their head on your lap, listening to soothing music.

They get lots of treats from our staff and quality time with you. Now that’s a dog’s idea of a day at the spa!

My sister and I got puppies around the same time, but she’s waiting to neuter hers until it’s a year old.

What are the advantages of waiting?

Sterilization is the medical term for spay and neuter surgeries. The ideal time to sterilize your pet depends on their breed, size and gender. Each case is different, but there are a few guidelines you can use to make a decision for your own puppy.

Ideally, we like puppies to have all their hormones as they grow. The hormones that we take out of the system when we spay or neuter enable a pup’s bones to form properly. With little dogs like Pomeranians, that growing is likely done at six months; but a Great Dane doesn’t stop growing until 14 or so months old.

So your dog’s breed and expected size at maturity will have a huge influence on this decision.

With female pups, there is an added complication. If they go through a heat cycle before being sterilized, there is a small increase in their chances of getting ... cancer. It’s a small chance, but nonetheless, a consideration.

With larger male dogs, behaviour is often a factor that speeds up a sterilization surgery. If the male dog is wandering, making unwanted amorous advances, or getting picked on at the dog park, then pet parents might choose to speed up the surgery to deal with the behaviour.

All that said, a general guideline for play and neutering is 6 months for small and medium dogs, a year for large dogs, and 14 months for giant breeds. Talk to your veterinarian about when your dog is expected to reach it’s mature size, and plan accordingly.

Hi Dr. Jason! I’m flying my chihuahua down to Arizona with me for her first vacation this year. Any travel tips for us?

Absolutely! Assuming that your chihuahua is the adventuresome sort, they should really enjoy going on vacation with you.

Before you leave, make sure that you have all the vaccinations or titre tests needed for your pup. Generally speaking, all that’s require to enter the USA is a rabies certificate. But some cities, states and even resorts have more specific rules. We exported dogs to a dozen countries last year, and each place has different requirements, and timing for those exams and procedures. Do your research, and get what you need at the vet ahead of time. Since we are a digital clinic, we send a copy of the pets certificates and records to our clients so they can have them on their phones at all times. If it’s digital or on paper, make sure you have a copy handy, especially when crossing borders.

Also talk to your vet about what bugs and diseases your pup may encounter at your vacation destination. Warmer climates often have parasites and pests that we thankfully don’t have here. You may need flea or heartworm protection; again, talk to your vet and they can tell you what to protect your pet against depending on where you are traveling.

While you are at the clinic, also make sure that you have planned ahead and have adequate supply of your pup’s prescriptions. Most drugs can be found across North America, and you can restock if you have a written prescription; however, herbs or supplements might be harder to source.

If you have the luggage room, stock up and take what you need with you, along with a copy of the prescription for the flight.

Since you are traveling by air, make sure you have the right sized carrier that meets your dog and the airline’s requirements. Definitely research your airline’s requirements ahead of time. For little dogs like your chihuahua, we recommend the Sleepypod Air carriers, which are designed for air travel. We sell them in our Pounce & Hound Fine Pet Goods store.

Lastly, if your pet is a nervous traveler, don’t hesitate to visit your vet for some calming solutions before the trip. We often recommend herbal remedies, casein-derivative supplements and even conventional medicines to help pets be more comfortable in the air. With the proper documentation, prescriptions, carrier and calming remedies, you will be all set to have a bon voyage!

Dr. Jason Rowan has a passion for integrative veterinary medicine, combining conventional and holistic approaches. His neighbourhood clinic, Pandosy Village Veterinary Hospital, offers herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture 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

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