IOL Pets Issue 1

PUPPY FAT

OVERFED AND UNDER-EXERCISED... DOGS ARE PACKING ON LOCKDOWN WEIGHT

WHEN lockdowns to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus began, Massachusetts retiree Lisa Allen took her state’s stay-at-home guidance seriously.

She holed up in her high-rise Boston condo with her 6-year-old Pomeranian, Desi.

Allen reduced walks from three to two a day – the better to avoid the elevator and lobby. She bought pee pads for Desi and gave him a treat when he used them.

By late June, Desi was having trouble breathing. A routine visit to the veterinarian revealed that the tiny dog had gained 453g. “If I only gained a pound, I’d be very happy,” Allen said. “But when you’re 5 pounds, that’s 20% of your weight. It was putting strain on him.”

The problem, the vet said, was one familiar to millions of pet owners and a growing number of dogs: a routine upended by Covid- 19. In many cases, housebound humans are giving their dogs more attention and walks, boosting

fitness for pets and people alike. But in others, veterinarians and professional dog walkers say, the changes have led to overfed and either under-exercised or overwalked dogs – and to new joint problems and obesity.

Banfield Pet Hospital surveyed pet owners at the end of May about how they were faring during the pandemic. Many reported pudgier pets. “It’s too soon to tell if the Covid crisis has resulted in weight gain for the average pet,” said Andrea Sanchez, a Banfield veterinarian and senior manager of operations support.

“But of 1 000 respondents, she said, “33% said they thought their pet had gained weight – and it was especially dog owners.”

Sanchez said that 44% of respondents said they were paying closer attention to their pets. She had been encouraging them to think of new ways to give the dogs exercise and stimulation.

A veterinarian could also tell pet owners how many calories dogs should eat each day based on their current weight. The amount of food and treats varied from brand to brand, Sanchez said, so dog owners should work with veterinarians to determine a calorie count that worked for the food sources in the home.

That’s what Allen is now doing with Desi, whose new nickname is “the portly Pomeranian”. His meal sizes have been slashed, and she throws a ball in the condo for him to chase while she continues social distancing. At first, Desi was not a fan of the new plan, which also includes fewer treats. But he’s coming around.

“We spoil our pals because we love them, but watching their weight to ward off illness really is a better way to spoil them,” Allen said. “I have to keep reminding myself of that, even though he’s staring at me and I know perfectly well what he wants.”

CBD FOR PETS GROWS POPULAR...but vets urge caution

The increase in amateur fireworks earlier in May and June rattled a lot of nerves, and not just human ones. In Washington, DC’s Kingman Park neighbourhood, where fireworks became a nightly occurrence, a Labrador-hound mix named Nefertiti made herself a new home in the tiny space between the couch and the wall. Or, sometimes, the closet.

“She would be shaking and cowering and eventually hiding so we couldn’t find her,” said her owner, Sarah Wilson. “It just got worse and worse.”

She couldn’t bear to see her dog suffer, so she turned to her family for advice. One relative asked the question that changed the trajectory of Nefertiti’s summer: “He was like, Have you tried CBD oil?”

It’s a question that has been at the top of many dog owners’ minds lately. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that comes from hemp, but it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the marijuana compound that makes people high.

Proponents say that it can be used to address a variety of animal maladies, including anxiety and certain skin conditions. Some studies say it can decrease arthritis pain and control seizures. It’s available in several forms, including oils, capsules, topical lotions and dog treats.

Enthusiasm for natural and inexpensive remedies has helped the market take off at an astonishing speed: The pet CBD category grew 946% last year, according to the Brightfield Group, a cannabis market research company.

But peer-reviewed research on CBD for dogs is still limited, and the few studies that have been completed had small sample sizes. And even though pet treats and tinctures containing CBD are sold in stores and online, they have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which means veterinarians aren’t allowed to recommend them.

Gail Golab, chief veterinary officer for scientific affairs and public policy at the American Veterinary Medical Association, urges caution. “We want to make sure that owners can be confident that what they’re giving their animal is something that’s actually going to help them,” said Golab.

CAN YOUR PET GO VEG?

If you want to have a vegetarian pet, dogs are more promising – they’ve come a long way from their wolf ancestors. Whole-genome sequencing study of dogs and wolves revealed that, over the domestication process, 10 genes related to starch digestion and fat metabolism have significantly changed. It’s therefore likely dogs digest starch more efficiently than wolves. But there are some amino acids essential for dogs, that plants tend to be poor in.

MATTHEW Grant tried diet after diet to help lessen the food allergies of Cooper, his old English bulldog. “Raw diet, novel protein, kangaroo, venison, we tried just about everything,” he says. Nothing worked – until he went vegan.

Now his three dogs are on plantbased diets, and he says their coats are shinier and softer. Cooper’s allergies are completely gone. So remarkable was the change that Grant says he’s now thinking about going vegan himself.

As more vegetarian kibble shows up in pet stores, switching Fido and Fluffy to plant-based nutrition may seem a good idea. According to a study published this year in PLOS One, over a third of pet owners in English-speaking countries have considered putting their pets on plant-based diets.

Yet experts warn to be cautious. The science is sparse. While going plant-based – or at least forgoing

meat – may be healthy for humans, it’s not necessarily so for our furry friends – and for cats in particular.

Lisa Freeman, veterinary nutritionist at Tufts University, believes the answer to whether cats can be healthy on a vegetarian diet is an “unequivocal no”.

Unlike dogs, cats are obligate or “true” carnivores, meaning they rely entirely on animal flesh for some important nutrients. Take vitamin A: dogs and humans can convert beta carotene from plant foods into active vitamin A. Cats cannot – they need to ingest the vitamin directly with meat.

“There are also some fatty acids, like arachidonic acid, which is essential for cats and only found in animal fats,” says Jennifer Adolphe, animal nutritionist at the University of Saskatchewan. Other challenging nutrients are vitamin D, vitamin B12 and taurine – an

amino acid found in mammalian tissues (humans and dogs can synthesize it from plant sources). Taurine deficiency in cats can cause heart disease and vision problems.

Yes, it’s possible to whip up a cocktail of supplements and sprinkle it over your cat’s porridge. But, Adolphe warns, “you wouldn’t want to just simply add those ingredients and hope for the best”.

In real foods, nutrients come combined with thousands of others, interacting, complementing each other, changing the way they work. In supplements, such nutrients are taken out of context and don’t necessarily work in the same way. Studies on humans show, for instance, that popping beta carotene or vitamin E supplements can actually increase mortality. And although supplements can be essential to health in case of deficiencies, they cannot replace proper nutrition, experts say.

Besides, almost no research exists about the health of vegetarian cats. The few studies were done on very small numbers of animals.

In one, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, blood samples were obtained from 17 vegetarian cats. All were fine in terms of vitamin B12; as for taurine, three cats were found deficient. But the concentrations of vitamin A and arachidonic acid weren’t even measured.

Such a lack of research worries vets.

“I don’t think there are a lot of people with advanced training in pet nutrition that think it’s a good idea to feed cats vegan,” says Cailin Heinze, animal nutritionist at Tufts University.

Consulting a certified pet nutritionist is always advisable. | The Washington Post

CAPE TOWN Aegir (Noordhoek) After a stroll on the beach with your pooch head to the Aegir Project Brewery for a frosty one and a gourmet boerie roll. Aegir, the brewery’s mascot, also roams around freely, so make sure your dog is happy with other dogs before you head here.

Die Damhuis (Melkbosstrand) This beach restaurant have a dogfriendly menu with meatballs, sirloin and Cool Dogs ice cream.

Maria’s (Gardens) Bring along furry

JOBURG Arbour Café & Courtyard (Illovo) This French-inspired cafe is often populated by breakfast and coffee enthusiasts on summer days. They do welcome dogs but are situated in the quaint Birdhaven shopping centre, so do keep your furry friend on a leash. Arbour Café offers a menu for your canine companion.

Eat Your Heart Out (Maboneng) Your dog is priority at Eat Your Heart Out, where they’ll be seen to with a water bowl. You can relax and eat something from the Jewish-inspired men and take in the buzzy vibe of Maboneng.

Doppio Zero (Greenside) Buzzy and busy, this spot offers coffee and croissants. Dogs settle on the wide patio with their owners.

Picobella Trattoria (Melville) Locals and their dogs go to Picobella for an elevated verandah area and good-value Med-influenced Italian food, and a beautifully calm vibe. Dogs are offered complimentary dog biscuits and water.

friends and sit under the trees while you tuck into the Greek cuisine. Dogs are sometimes given a meaty lamb bone to keep them occupied. Sociable dogs are also welcome to sit inside.

Rhodes Memorial Restaurant (Newlands) With sweeping views, this tranquil family-friendly restaurant is the ideal weekend spot. Take your dog for a stroll on a mountain trail before settling down to a wrap, salad, or tempting tea-time treat.

Pets are offered dog biscuits and a bowl of water.

PRETORIA As Greek as it Gets (Cullinan) Owner Stavros Vladislavic is happy to welcome pets outside, where there’s ample seating under umbrellas for shade, provided they’re on a leash and well behaved.

La Madeleine (Lynnwood) Father-and-daughter Daniel and Anne Leusch run this popular bistro on a large property with many large trees where parents, children and dogs can co-exist happily. The security guard, who keeps watch over the cars in the street, is happy to take dogs for a small walk so you can enjoy your meal in peace.

Afro-boer (Willows) The gardens are filled with such beautiful rose bushes that you might want to spend all your time sniffing the flowers. All types of dogs are welcome, from handbag accessories who sit on laps to guide dogs and security-oriented observers. Leashes are a prerequisite, however. Dogs are made so welcome that staff love sneaking the odd rusk or meatball under the table – if the owners allow.

DURBAN

The Oyster Box Hotel (Umhlanga) The five-star garden villas offer a range of beds and menus to pamper the special pets of hotel guests. The Dogs’ Delights menu includes Woof Waffles with boerewors and gravy, toasted bread with cheese or scrambled egg, chunks of steak in gravy served with rice, and a full doggy breakfast complete with hash browns. Skabenga’s Savouries is another menu, offering kitty treats like flaked tuna, steamed chicken and a bowl of warm milk, plus other feline foods.

Surf Riders Food Shack (Addington Beach) This beach-front restaurant on Durban’s Golden Mile serves unfussy fare such as great breakfasts, burgers, pizzas and gourmet shakes. The popular spot is also dog-friendly, with a menu just for your pet that includes a Poochini Snack – peanut-butter sauce, ice cream, layered sponge and biscuit crumbs.

FOAM (Umdloti) Grab a salad or a good cuppa and watch the waves roll in as your furry friend rests by your side. Dogs are offered water and dog biscuits.

Circus Circus Beach Café (Snell Parade) The buzzing beach-side restaurant offers beautiful ocean views and a casual spot for a weekend breakfast or lunch with your pup. Grab a table outside and the staff will bring a bowl of refreshing water for your dog.

Market Restaurant (Essenwood) Enjoy lazy lunches under the trees with your well-behaved dogs on leads. They’ll also be offered bowls of water to lap up.

| Source: Eat Out and restaurant owner Larry Hodes

TIPS Socialise your dog: This helps you understand how your dog reacts to strangers, loud noises, other animals and other situations before you bring them to a restaurant.

Ease into it: Take him to a pet-friendly restaurant for a short visit when it’s not busy.

Exercise your dog: Exercising your four-legged friend before you leave for the restaurant will release your pet’s pent up energy, so they will be calmer in a social setting.

Don’t go alone: Have another person accompany you. The person will be able to wait with your fur baby if you need to use the loo or step out for a few minutes.

Stick to one dog per pet parent: Do not bring more dogs than humans to a restaurant. Although a restaurant may be pet friendly, this does not mean it is a dog park. Be respectful.

Take a water bowl: Some restaurants may provide special dog bowls, but do not expect it. Also make sure that you do not allow your pet to lick your plate or cutlery.

Have pets relieve themselves before you get to the restaurant. It is bad form for your pet to do his business in the restaurant.

Practise good table manners – you and your pup. Make sure your pet is calm and do not allow your pooch to sit in your lap or on a chair. Your dog should be sitting or lying down next to your chair at all times.

Do not allow your pet to wander and disturb others: Your pet should be on a leash at all times.

Be courteous of other patrons: Take your pet out of the restaurant if they are being loud or being unruly.

CHOW

DOWN!

HEAD TO A PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT FOR A PAWSITIVELY GREAT TIME WITH YOUR FURRY FRIEND

KEDIBONE MODISE

EDITOR’S

CHOICE

All the products are available on Loot.co.za. Click on the product/QR code to place your order and you will have them in less than a week.

COZY PET HOME (FOGGY GREY) R1 490 The Cozy Pet Home is the purr-fect solution for the style-conscious pet owner. Designed for both cats and smaller dogs, this bed features a modern knit-look design, crafted from a sturdy, yet flexible, resin material. Includes 2 cushions.

GARMIN DOG HARNESS FOR VIRB X AND XE (LONG) R2 293 Mount your action camera to your dog with this lightweight, fully adjustable harness. Available in two sizes.

BUY NOW

BUY NOW

CAT’S LIFE CAT CUBE – CHECKERED (PINK) R499 Kitty will be purring the day away in this supersnuggly Cat’s Life Cat Cube, while you can rest easy knowing the removable cover is so easy to clean.

BUY NOW

WAGWORLD INTERIOR FUTON DOG BED (GREEN STRIPE) R1 187 The design will complement your décor, while offering your hound the best support for a comfy sleep. Highly recommended for the larger breed of dog, due to excellent weight support.

BUY NOW

ROGZ TUMBLER MEDIUM TREAT DISPENSER

(BLUE) R232

A Treat Puzzle, to help stimulate both body and mind all, while filling their tummy. There are three adjustable release rates for different levels of learning and feeding.

PET SEAT COVER (170 X 60CM) R109 Let Fido cuddle with you on the couch. With this seat cover you can protect your seats from hair, scratches and dirt. This water-resistant, non-slip cover fits all kinds of seats.

BUY NOW

DOGIT VOYAGEUR PET CARRIER 400 (66 X 45 X 43CM) (GREY)

R1 322 The Dogit® Voyageur line of travel carriers is the ideal solution for your pet transportation needs. Available in 4 sizes (small, medium, large, extra large) and assorted colours.

BUY NOWBUY NOW

PAWFECT PLAYLISTS

PET owners of the world: Spotify wants you to know that it sees you – and your furry beloved – and is acknowledging the range of emotions that come with your version of parenthood.

No longer should you toil over whether your best bud likes Adele as much as you, nor should you feel guilt over the separation anxiety your cat or dog or even lizard may be experiencing while you work off your own tail for hours every day. Your pets might be alone, but they won’t be lonely. There’s a Spotify playlist for that.

The popular music streaming service has developed an algorithm to curate “pawfect” playlists that serve the soothing needs for you and your pet – as long as your pet is a dog, cat, bird, hamster or iguana (sorry, teacup pigs).

Its five-step process asks pet owners to identify their animal’s breed and then select on a sliding scale whether they are relaxed or energetic, shy or friendly and

apathetic or curious.

For this reporter, the owner of a large, fluffy black cat named Tank, who purrs like a diesel engine, drools like a dog and hates when others feel peace, the curation quiz meant toggling each slider hard to the right. The final step includes telling Spotify your pet’s name and uploading your favourite picture of its cute face. Then the streaming site’s algorithm says it is “syncing your taste” and spits out a personalised playlist.

Tank’s Pet Playlist included Velvet Kitty Cat by Prince, a song from the Moana soundtrack.

To develop the Pet Playlists algorithm, a Spotify representative said the streaming company consulted with musicologist David Teie, a cellist with America’s National Symphony Orchestra who pioneered species-specific music and composed two albums of music for cats.

Teie’s expertise informed the

We tried Spotify’s new ‘Pet Playlists’ generator. It picked the song ‘Nine Lives’ for my cat.

calculation, like how dogs don’t like low-register tunes because they can be threatening.

Spotify said pets seem to prefer classical and soft rock. A survey of 5 000 animal lovers from the US, UK, Australia, Spain and Italy found that 71% of owners play music for their pets and that 70% consider the emotional well-being of their pets every day.

Sixty-nine percent sing to their animals, and 57% dance with them.

Spotify concedes that pet music “isn’t an exact science” but said the goal of Pet Playlists is to build upon the “true connection” pet owners feel between their “beloved animals and music.” This pet owner just hopes Tank’s Pet Playlist becomes the calming soundtrack that keeps him from peeing in her potted plants.