SENIOR ALERT!
Lewis and Clark Humane Society, Helena, MT 406-442-1660 ext 107 Description Duke is a gentle hound with an excited outlook on life! He is great on leash and is always up for a stroll around the neighborhood. At 10 years old Duke does not want to be in the shelter, he is looking for a family to cuddle up with and enjoy a warm bed. Duke gets along great with cats and he would be more than happy to share his home with children of any age! Come meet this sweet boy today!
Description Description Meet Loki. He is a brilliant dog Shelter life is too much for this senior who knows all kinds of tricks “Sit,” boy, he is seeking a loving home and “Down,” “Stay,” “Come,” “Shake,” and a warm lap to curl up on. Butterball even “Speak!” A perfect day for took a much needed trip to the vet Loki includes hanging out with and he has had all his bad teeth his humans and going on leisurely removed, so he is feeling 100% better walks. Loki can be a little intense with and enjoying eating pain free again. cats and will probably need some This guy is pretty low maintenance, management if you have one at he just needs a warm place to lay home. If your family needs an older and some family companionship. dog with plenty of energy and life, Butterball is currently in foster care. then you might be the perfect match for Loki! 2
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January - February 2016
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2016
Photo Credit: Kyle Edwards monTana dOg MagazineŠ
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In this Issue... Activities Health & Wellness 06 - Winter Workouts:
Burning the Extra Calories
07 - Is One of Your New Year’s
08 - Winter Activewear to Suit
12 - Canine Obesity: Still a
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January - February 2016
Common Struggle
14 - Top 8 Questions asked
- Why Enzymes are Important to Your Dog’s Diet
Resolutions to Be More Active? Your Dog’s Breed
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10 - Nutrition Goes Natural 11 - Winter Dog Odor
Dog Lifestyle
about dogs
15 - Trending Montana
Pet Products
16 - Avalanche Dogs 17 - Featured Dog Breed
13 - Dog Product & Food Recalls
Photo Credit: Rita Mezzela
FOUNDER & EDITOR
monTana
dOg™
Trish DeVall Our contributors are people who have been in the pet/dog industry for multiple years. Some come from; dog rescues, pet supply companies, manufacturers, pet nutritionists and soon veterinarians. monTana dOg Magazine is currently looking for more contributors. We are looking for active dog enthusiasts who can offer fun, unique and entertaining articles about dogs. For more information about what we are looking for and what we can offer contact us at montdogmag@gmail.com WWW.MONTDOGMAG.COM Permissions: No content of monTana dOg Magazine shall be reproduced or replicated in whole or in part without the prior permission of the editor. Copyright 2015 Submissions: monTana dOg Magazine welcomes any submissions of articles or photography. Submissions to monTana dOg Magazine constitute permission to use material at its sole discretion, in whole or in part, without compensation to the material owner. Please email submissions to montdogmag@gmail.com
Trish and Zac celebrating his 14th birthday. Zac is an adopted rescue pup from the Las Vegas GSR. He was saved from the extremely high kill shelter in Las Vegas when he was one year old. Zac has lived in Montana since he was two. We hope to continue to love this boy for another year.
Advertise: If you are interested in advertising with monTana dOg Magazine please contact our Sales Rep Jonni Fornall at jonni.montdogmag@ gmail.com or montdogmag@gmail.com. You can also look at our media kit online at www.montdogmag.com. We look forward to working with you.
Memberships:
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There is not a traditional subscription fee for our magazine. monTana dOg Magazine can be purchased in print and/or digitally per issue through our website. To find out more information please visit www.montdogmag.com
Front Cover Dog: Photo Credit: Ivan Marn All information provided in this magazine is strictly for educational purposes only. monTana dOg Magazine does not claim to diagnose, treat or cure any illness and is not intended to replace your veterinarian with our articles.
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Activities
Winter Workouts: Burning the Extra Calories
Snowshoeing: 510 calories per hour Hiking: 445 calories per hour Shoveling: 380 calories per hour
It’s hard to see through the winter months and continue a regular work-out routine. For better health for you and your dog, check out some of these winter activities to burn some major calories. These outdoor exercises utilize major muscle groups and multiple joints. Warming up your muscles beforehand can lessen the chances of becoming sore afterwards. Your dog may need to warm up as well. You can warm their muscles up by playing a few minutes of fetch. Make sure to have all the proper gear and remember to dress you and your dog for the weather.
Sledding: 455 calories per hour Downhill skiing: 385 calories per hour Ice skating: 450 calories per hour Snowboarding: 390 calories per hour Cross-country skiing: 510 calories per hour Ice hockey: 380 calories per hour Broomball: 470 calories perhour
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Photo Credit: Alfred Borchard
Activities
Is one of your new year’s resolutions to be more active?
Guess what, you can do just that WITH your dog. Yes, this great outdoor activity can not only get you out moving, but it can also help you gain strength and endurance. What’s this winter activity we speak of? That’s right, snowshoeing. This time of year can be tricky for finding a good outdoor activity for you and your dog. Sometimes you just have to bundle up and head out into the woods. Snowshoeing is a great exercise for all ages. It can be low impact and you still get the great benefit of cardio. Did you know that this form of exercise can burn more calories than walking, running or even cross country skiing done at the same pace? It does and man you can feel the burn in “places” after you’re done. People that snowshoe on average burn between 420-1000 calories per hour depending on the terrain. Remember to wear layers of clothing so that you can be comfortable as you warm up.
welcome the snow environment, while the short haired ones may need a sweater or coat. There are also dog boots and waterproof socks that will help keep your pups paws warm and dry. If you don’t feel they need boots or socks it’s best to keep a close eye on their legs and feet to avoid any snowball build up that can hurt your dog later.
Just think how much your dog can benefit from this outing too. If there’s more than 8-10 inches of snow they must trek through, then they are burning off the excess energy they have. Just because its winter doesn’t mean that your dog must not exercise. They need that mental and physical workload to stay balanced. Just like humans need to keep moving in the winter months to avoid what we call “cabin fever”, which is a series of ailments like depression and weight gain. Make sure that your pup is over all healthy enough for the outdoor activity. The longer coated dogs seem to
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE Contact montdogmag@gmail.com for more information monTana dOg Magazine©
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Winter Activewear to Suit Your Dog’s Breed.
Photo Credit: Susan H.
How do we know if our dogs are warm enough for outside adventures? Well, first we consider the breed. Most types of dogs have a distinct hair coat, whether it is short hair or long hair. The longer-haired dogs, especially the ones with an undercoat or double undercoat tend to enjoy being outdoors in the winter time. Their bodies are specially insulated to handle the cold climates and they even enjoy lying down in the snow for periods of time. The shorter-haired dogs are most often the ones that get cold the fastest. They do not have an undercoat for insulation, which leaves their skin exposed to the cold and wet snow. There are some amazing coats and sweaters on the market today to help keep your dog warm and dry. There are also waterproof socks and boots that you can use to keep the snowballs off your dogs feet if you are going hiking or walking. Snowballs that gather between your dog’s toes and up along the legs can be painful, so make sure to always check these areas during your adventures and when you are done.
Photo Credit: Daniel Majewski
Photo Credit: J.M.
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Activities
Looking for a home
Photo Credit: Dora Pete
Buddy
RUN.....
This gentle giant is looking for his forever home. Buddy is a 100lb Great Pyrenees so he needs plenty of room to stretch his legs. This 6 year old gentle giant loves to hang out around humans and get head scratches. Buddy is happy to share his home with cats and children of any age. Buddy enjoys the company of other dogs, but he is not looking for a playmate; so another calm dog would be best. Buddy is an a great dog with a big heart; he’s ready to go home today!
AND BE HAPPY
Find out more at Lewis & Clark Humane Society Helena, MT 59604
406-442-1660
Photo Credit: S. Turner
Photo Credit: Vince Pahkala
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ALPINE APOTHECARY Integrating traditional pharmacy with natural medicine
Different Sized Dogs need Different Medication Doses A compounding pharmacy can make the exact dose your dog needs in a flavor they love!
Nutrition Goes Natural After several years of dog food brands going “natural” it’s safe to say that this is no trend. As with humans, health is a big concern these days. Why should it be any different with our dogs? We tend to look at the healthier products in grocery stores and even travel to upscale markets to purchase what we feel is “natural.” We feel our dogs deserve just the same. There are literally hundreds of dog food formulas on the market that are made from natural ingredients, with whole meats and vegetables being the top contenders. Dog owners are getting smarter on what they consume and also what their dogs consume. But don’t be fooled by those big name dog food brands that just put the word “natural” on the outside of the bag, but forget about changing anything in their formulas. Our dogs are faced with all too many health issues that point straight back to the foods they eat. Even if you are on a budget, healthy living can still be done for you AND your dog. Make sure to read the ingredient label of your dog food. Make sure that there isn’t an over abundance of unnecessary fillers. Find out where the ingredients are sourced. Are they U.S. ingredients or does the company outsource them to the lowest bidder? What about added chemicals? Where is the dog food processed? Some big corporations outsource their processing step to big plants that process other foods and chemicals. It’s good to know where your dog food is made.
No compounding pharmacy in your area of Montana? Give us a call! No shipping charges on all our compounded prescriptions, for your dog or you!
www.MTApothecary.com
406.862.7434 6475 Hwy 93 South Whitefish, MT 59937
Scan to see all the services we offer!
Health
Winter Dog Odor Does your dog smell like chips in
the winter time?
WHY ENZYMES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR DOG’S DIET The winter months can be extremely hard on any skin, whether it be human or pet. With drying skin, dander and all that hair, dogs need to be well-groomed in the winter time. The cold, dry environment can also cause a build up of flaking skin, known as dandruff or simply dry skin. For most dogs, this can cause a problem when the skin is already producing excess sebum [fatty oil]. Build up of both of these elements can cause a stinky odor that reminds some people of corn chips. Proper nutrition during the winter months is also important. A well-balanced food that contains adequate amounts of fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 can be also be beneficial. Supplementing with organic coconut oil or natural fish oils can also help nourish the skin.
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. Groom on a regular basis: Baths (once a month), Brush (two-three times a week)
. Add supplements throughout the winter months: Omega-3, Omega-6, Coconut oil, Natural Fish oil
Photo Credit: Chris Radzinski
Digestive enzymes, not to be confused with dietary enzymes, can be an important supplement for your dog’s diet. Most commercial dog foods do not incorporate digestive enzymes in their recipes, leaving the heavily processed food hard to digest. When digestive enzymes are incorporated into the diet, your dog can easily process commercial foods. Feeding commercial foods without these enzymes can be extremely hard on your dog’s system. After foods are processed there are virtually no enzymes alive in the final product. This means your dog’s pancreas must do all the work breaking down the food, which may lead to leukocytosis. There are four digestive enzymes: protease, which breaks down protein; lipase, which breaks down lipids or fats; amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates; and cellulose, which breaks down vegetable matter, including fiber. Supplementing with these enzymes long term when feeding commercial foods can only benefit your dog’s health. Make sure to check your dog food labels to see if the company incorporates enzymes back into the recipe. There are some that do, but there is usually not enough added per portion to make any health benefit.
Looking for a home
BAXTER This exuberant Coonhound mix is the perfect match for an active family. He loves nothing more than playing fetch all day. Baxter would benefit greatly from daily exercise and our basic manners class. Come meet this handsome guy today!
Humane Societ of Western Montana 5930 Hwy. 93 South, Missoula MT 406.549.3934
monTana dOg Magazine©
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Health
Canine Obesity, still a common struggle with dogs There have been literally hundreds of articles written on canine obesity. The causes and effects may or may not be the same in each of these articles. So, let’s get to the bottom of this everyday problem. What is it about dogs and their food? Does it matter what they eat and the calorie content or ingredients in the food? Many people will argue that dog food is just dog food and not think twice about the matter. In the meantime, those same people have overweight and unhealthy dogs and wonder why. Sound familiar?? If people don’t bother reading the labels of the food that they feed their dogs, they will never get the answers they seek. The most obvious action is to actually read the label and see if you are feeding the correct amount of food for your dog’s particular age and weight class. Sounds pretty easy doesn’t it? Would you be surprised if we told you that most people don’t read the feeding instructions of their dog food? Some owners feel that feeding several cups or bowls of food is ok for their dog. Surprise! It’s not…. Each pet food company has different feeding instructions for their foods. They have spent numerous hours of scientific research to give you the most accurate amounts for your dog’s daily diet. By NOT following these basic feeding guidelines you may be doing your dog harm and contributing to excess weight and health issues. Next let’s look at another area of the dog food label, the ingredients. No matter what brand you feed your dog, you need to look at the ingredients. If you have a dog that is packing on the pounds look for ingredients that may have too many carbohydrates such as Barley, Oats, Brown Rice, Whole Wheat, Whole Corn, Potato or Sweet Potato and Millet. If these are listed within the first few ingredients, the food may contain too many carbs for your pooch. There are plenty of weight control food formulas on the market to get your dog back on track but it’s up to you to feed the correct amounts. Overall health may also be a factor in dog weight gain. There are several alternative issues that may be the reason your dog is gaining weight. Some medical issues may be hypothyroidism or Cushing’s Disease. Abnormal fluid retention can also be a factor. Fluid in the abdomen is a common side effect of heart disease. Some prescription drugs can also cause a dog to gain weight. Make sure to talk with your veterinarian about all these factors if you are concerned with your dog’s overall weight health. Photo Credit: Sherry Wil
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Health
Dog Product & Food Recalls 1/04/2016 - Big Dog Natural (bdn)
Raw dehydrated dog food Chicken Supreme and Fish Supreme Reason: Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes
12/1/2015 - Stella and Chewy’s Pet Food, Frozen Dinner Morsels Reason: Listeria monocytogenes
12/10/2015 - Bravo
Chicken and Turkey Pet Food Reason: Salmonella
11/25/2015 - Blue Wilderness Cub Size - Wild Chews Reason: Salmonella
10/26/2015 - Halo, Purely for Pets Pet food Reason: Mold
10/23/2015 - Good ‘n’ Fun Beefhide Chicken Sticks Reason: Salmonella
10/02/2015 - K-9 Kraving Dog
Chicken Patties Dog Food Reason: Salmonella & Listeria monocytogenes
*For more information visit the FDA website
Photo Credit: Philipp Mamat
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Lifestyle
TOP 8 QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT DOGS Do you Google? There are literally millions of people who research questions on the internet every day. It’sno different when it comes to dog owners. Owners are looking for simple answers to common questions about dog ownership all the way to more complicated health-related issues. Instead of letting the computer do the work, here are a few of those questions answered for you.
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Whiskers function like sensory organs. Much like sonar, dog whiskers pick up vibrations and air currents, but can also be used for touch. Whiskers can also move forward or backward to give other dogs and animals information.
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. Why do dogs have whiskers?
. Why do dogs eat grass?
There are a few reasons your dog may eat grass. 1. It is thought that eating grass relieves gastrointestinal problems such as an upset tummy. 2. Some also say that dogs are searching for micronutrients found in plants. 3. Your dog just likes to the taste of grass.
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Place a small amount of natural or other high-quality ear cleaning solution in the ear and massage the base of the ear. Let your dog shake its head a few times, then gently wipe out the remainder of the solution and grime with cotton or tissue. Repeat if necessary.
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. Why do dogs howl?
Dogs will howl when distressed in a situation, feeling territorial, or responding to noises such as sirens. Some think that it can be a fun activity like singing in the shower.
Medical studies have indicated that humans and dogs share similar characteristics when it comes to sleeping. Dog dreaming can occur within a few minutes of dozing off to sleep. Change of breathing, muscle twitching and eye movements behind closed eyelids may be signs of dog dreaming.
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. How do you stop dogs from digging?
Digging is a natural behavior in dogs. However, if this activity is not managed it can get out of control. If digging becomes a problem for you and your dog, try these things to limit the behavior. Block off areas where your dog consistently digs. Don’t leave your dog unattended in problem areas. Redirect your dog’s attention to new activities before digging occurs.
. Why do dogs chase their tails?
A dog chasing its tail is sometimes thought of as a cute attention getter or, at worst, can become a compulsive act. Usually, dogs will groom or lick their tails if injured or irritated. It’s not a normal behavior if it’s done all the time.
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. How do you clean dog ears?
. Do dogs dream?
January - February 2016
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. Why are dog noses wet?
Dog noses act like sweat glands. The noses become wet when body heat is discharged. Clear discharge will be on the nose during temperature changes. Discolored discharge usually indicates a possible infection or other health concern.
Lifestyle
Trending montana pet products
Based in Bozeman, Montana this company is doing good by donating a portion of the sales of each dog toy to less fortunate people.
Based in Missoula, Montana this company is going all out with handmade collars and leashes.
www.montanagrrl.com
www.wodesign.com
monTana dOg MagazineŠ
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Lifestyle
Avalanche Dogs
Using our four-legged friends for a very important job such as avalanche search and rescue is a lifesaver. Search and rescue teams are pumping up their teams with these invaluable assets for the tedious search work when called out for avalanche rescues. These dogs are highly trained for endurance and accuracy. Most human handlers are already a part of a Search & Rescue team when they incorporate a canine partner. Most avalanche dogs start training within the first 6-12 months of their lives. If the dog is successful in training, these canines can hold their spot on the avalanche team 10-12 years. It typically takes at least two winter seasons for the canine to complete basic training. After these steps are complete the dog is then trained in high intensity situations in the backcountry. Some areas where these highly-trained canines work are ski resorts, snowmobiling areas and in the backcountry. The dogs are the most valuable member of the response team, as every second counts when lives are at stake.
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GREAT PYRENEES
Lifestyle
Featured Dog Breed CALM, PATIENT, SMART
G
reat Pyrenees are of the working line of dogs, officially recognized by the AKC in 1933.
T T T
heir origin dates back to France in the 17th century. he standard is one color and four types of markings
ypically know for their property and herd protection, these huge dogs can also be excellent companions with well-rounded exercise.
Good with Children Good with Pets YES YES
Training Yes, with consistency
Time Alone YES
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montana adoption spotlight Special Needs:
Block a 2 yr old that is well loved and is being worked with his training. He is so smart, has puppy-like tactics that make him unsuitable for children and prefers to be the only pet. Block needs a strong leader that loves to play in the water and throw the ball!
His name is Scout, he is a 4 year old Black Shepherd who was an owner turn in, they had to move and could not take him with. Scout initially came from a shelter in Guatemala. He has a good disposition, energetic which is so sad to see because he has a congenital spinal injury and has lost a lot of mobility in his back legs and it pains me to watch him walk. But with limited activity and a place to settle down he would be great. He has a lot of anxiety here in a shelter but I am sure in a home he would calm down A LOT! He doesn’t like cold baths but prefers them luke warm! Uncertain about cats and he doesn’t show his friendly side with dogs here as well. He would need some TLC in grooming, and it seems he has never been bathed before.
Find out more at
Find out more at
The Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton, Mt 59840 406-363-5311
The Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton, Mt 59840 406-363-5311
Nellie Meet Nellie! She is an affectionate Australian Cattle Dog who loves running and car rides. This sweet dog gets along fine with cats and is good around other dogs. Nellie would be the perfect friend to take on hikes. If you’d like to spend some time with Nellie, come to the Humane Society of Western Montana!
Humane Society of Western Montana 5930 Hwy. 93 South, Missoula MT 406.549.3934
ROXY Roxy is still waiting for a home of her own. Roxy was not socialized well as a puppy and will do best as an only dog for now. Roxy LOVES everyone and needs a family that wants her to be with them, indoors and out. Roxy loves to run and play so she needs a yard, but a fenced one would be best since she can easily get distracted by birds, etc. Contact Lynette (406) 270-7072 or email: lynette@polsonfitness.com
Life Savers Animal Rescue
Saka Saka is a great dog looking for his furrever home. He is very active and would love to accompany you on daily walks and hikes. This handsome Weimaraner mix is searching for a mature home with a secure fence. Saka has experience with other dogs and even likes cats! If you are looking for an energetic partner who loves to fetch, swim and hike, then Saka is the dog for you. This young fella would be a great candidate for our Basic Manners class.
Humane Society of Western Montana 5930 Hwy. 93 South, Missoula MT What a luv-a-bull dog! Zena does watch you intensely in the kennel but once outside she loves her belly rubbed and just wants to be snuggled. She would like an outgoing owner, not much of an apartment type dog. She has only lived outdoors but does do well inside our kennels! Zena loves chew toys and likes to be the only pet. She has this unusual but stellar face!
Find out more at The Bitter Root Humane Association in Hamilton, Mt 59840 406-363-5311
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406.549.3934
We want to help! Here you can place your adoptable dog for free! We want to do what’s right and help as many dogs find there forever homes as possible. Contact us today to see how we can help you. montdogmag@gmail.com Subject: Adoptable Dogs
Off-Leash Dog Parks in Montana Billings High Sierra Dog Park Wicks Lane and High Sierra Blvd BozemanCanine Beach Dog Park (at Bozeman Pond) 700-550 N. Fowler
WhitefishHugh Rogers Wag Dog Park 2nd St Armory Park complex
Have a Montana Pet Business?
Jacob’s Island Bark Park Van Buren and 5th along Clark Fork River
Your Ad could be here!
MissoulaFort Missoula Canine Campus Fort Missoula Rd. west of the horseshoe pits
Contact us at
Dog Park (at Softball Complex) Highland Blvd and Ellis St
montdogmag@gmail.com
Snowfill Park Off Leash Dog Area 2956 McIlhattan Road (Hedvig’s Trail)
Kalispell- Coming Soon
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