pet northwest
JULY 2012
MAGAZINE
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24 Russian Blue
16
Obesity in Companion Animals
10 Cat Quiz
8
14
Who gets the Dog?
Snickers
WHAT’S INSIDE Activity Guide Local Events Locally Produced
Pet Picks
Ursula Dodge Local Finds
Pet Spotlight The Goat Sweet Treats Helpful Oils Look... I’m Famous! Directory
Community Pet Photos
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pet northwest
MAGAZI NE
PUBLISHER ZOLT Publishing EDITOR Emily Olson expires 7/31/12
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laura Olson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Emily Olson | Laura Olson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Olson | Laura Olson | Don Cutler | Maria Elena EDITORIAL INQUIRIES OR SUBMISSIONS Northwest Pet Magazine welcomes editorial inquiries and suggestions. Please contact Emily at emily@northwestpetmagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES WASHINGTON: Please contact Emily at (509) 979-2028 or emily@northwestpetmagazine.com IDAHO: Please contact Laura at (208) 262-1234 or laura@northwestpetmagazine.com Northwest Pet Magazine is published monthly by ZOLT Publishing 2600A E Seltice Way #306 Post Falls, ID 83854 Phone: (208) 457.7211 info@NorthwestPetMagazine.com www.NorthwestPetMagazine.com
MAIN ADVERTISING OFFICE: 208.457.7211 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from publisher. Photographs, graphics,and artwork are the property of ZOLT Publishing. Š 2011 ZOLT Publishing Printed in the U.S.A. on Recycled Paper
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Loving, Forever Homes Needed... Adopt Today!
Rescue Pet Spotlight
Manny Medium • Young • Male Manny is a Nubian/pygmy cross little buck waiting for a loving, permanent home. He is 1 1/2 years old and as sweet and gentle as they come. He is healthy and "medium to small" in stature. He loves attention, especially from children. He currently resides in Marion, Mt. at AllMostaRanch.org Phone: 406-270-7513 Email: AllMostaRanch@hotmail.com
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northwest pet magazine | Activity Guide
JULY activity guide
JUST A REMINDER... Don't forget throughout the camping trips, car rides and hot days: Never leave your pet in a parked car... even if you crack the windows! Always be sure to have plenty of cool, clean water for your pet!
Inland Empire Kennel Association Dog Show July 14th & 15th
Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Building 25 Parking: $5 per vehicle; free admission into show All breed dog show; dog/pet supply vendors and food available. Information on time and day specific breeds will be shown: www.ieka.org or www.onofrio.com
Dog Days at Dover Bay July 14th & 15th
Dover Bay Enjoy a weekend all about dogs having fun. Agility, herding, fly ball, fun contests, live music, dog house auction, vendors and more! Don’t miss this first annual event. For more information visit www.dogdaysdoverbay.com
4-H South Camp July 20th - 24th
For more information contact Kate McCloskey at (509) 477-2165.
Palouse Empire Appaloosa Show June 30th & July 1st
Spokane Fairgrounds For more information contact Sharon West at (509) 633-1093 June 30: 7:30am-9pm July 1: 8am-6pm. No Admission.
IE Tennessee Walking Horse Show July 28th & 29th
Spokane Fairgrounds For more information contact Theresa Owens at (509) 464-8384
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Ursula Dodge
Northwest talent, Ursula Dodge, started drawing compulsively as a child and turned her talent into something much more! Her brilliant and obscure take on pets is easily identifiable. As an animal lover, she owns horses, a dog and a cat. She enjoys what she does and finds it very meaningful. Her art is available at many local shops... from greeting cards and stationery, ceramic coffee cups, pet food bowls, salt & pepper shakers, spoon rests, teapots, serveware, placemats, rugs, garden flags, mailbox magnets, napkins and paper plates. She not only offers various dog breeds but cats and horses too! Check out more of Ursula's work at www.ursuladodge.com
INC.
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northwest pet magazine | pets and family
Who gets the Dog?
by Maria Elena
Unfortunately, things don't always work out between spouses, and separating is the best choice for both of you. Custody of children is a common topic, along with deciding who gets the home and other objects and property. Up until recently, the state along with most people, have seen dogs and other pets as little more than property. But to a dog owner, our faithful companions aren't just an item on a list; they are much like children and family members. This topic has become increasingly popular as more people have begun an effort to assign joint custody to their dogs. Separation can be difficult, but separating a dog from someone they love and someone that loves them back can be even worse. Much like child custody, the well-being of your dog goes down to making decisions based on your pet and what is best for them. It is important to cover these decisions in a lawful form to avoid problems.
Joint ownership Is joint ownership better for your dog? Dogs become attached to their owners – both of them. Separation can make a difference in dog
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attitude, sometimes resulting in depression or anxiety. At the same time, you need to consider that both of you will be living in different places. Joint custody would likely require that the dog change location regularly, possibly every two weeks. This can confuse a dog, especially an older dog that has difficulty seeing and hearing. You also add the factor of multiple dogs to the equation. Separating your dogs from each other can also become a problem, so it is in the best interest of the dogs to keep them together wherever they go. This will also help ease the transition of regular relocation for them. Because training methods and habits differ between people, it is important that training be a joint effort, especially if joint custody is the situation. Training methods should target the safety of the dog and those around them (such as jumping up on people). There is also the concern of potty habits. Because a dog may be living in two different places, potty choices can be different. For instance, you may live in a house with a yard where your dog is used to going, while your former spouse may now live in an apartment, and wants to use an indoor potty. It can be beneficial for your dog, and your carpet, to agree on a single potty method.
Giving your dog the best home Sometimes, joint custody isn't the best choice. So you have to ask: who can offer the best home for your dog? Location, environment, and attention all play a part in this decision. While we've bonded with our best friend, you have to consider who is going to be able to provide the best home for them. That doesn't mean, however, that the other person can't pay an occasional visit to see their companions.
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This also means that you should always make housing decisions based on the well-being of the dog. Such instances may regard fencing, environment (safety first), and even feeding (choosing a diet that is healthy).
Animal care There is also the concern of animal care, such as medical bills and emergency situation decision making authority. These decisions need to be made together for the benefit of the dog. While these decisions are lawfully the choice of the legal owner, this would definitely be something to cover in joint-custody of your dog. This can prevent arguments and problems that can arise when decisions like these are made without the consent of the other owner.
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Personal differences The most important thing to remember is to never allow your personal differences to become a problem for your dog. This is perhaps the most devastating problem in faltering relationships, leading to mistreatment and neglect of the beloved pet. Be sure that you think about your dog first, before your quarrels. Luckily, the law system has begun to place much needed attention on this subject. A few years ago, such ideas were the cause of confusion but now there are over forty law schools which offer courses and additions to their syllabuses that specifically apply to animal laws. This is a great movement towards presenting exactly how important our dogs are to us. They aren't just a couch or an item with a price tag. They are special to us, and we should always remember that and consider what's best for our dog.
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cat quiz
northwest pet magazine | Tidbit
How well do you know your feline friend? by Emily Olson
1.
Cats are the most popular pet in the United States. True False True - There were an estimated 93.6 million cats owned in the United States vs. 77.5 million dogs owned in 2008. Cats have an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, so they are a real commitment. The years of caring for them, though, may actually be good for your health. One study shows that people who owned cats are 40% less likely to have a cardiac-related death than people who did not.
2.
Cats can be right pawed or left pawed True False True - A study conducted in Turkey looked at paw preference with a food-reaching test. Researchers found that out of 109 cats, 49.5% preferred using their right paw, 40.4% preferred their left paw, and 10.1% were ambidextrous.
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3.
Cats communicate with one another by meowing. True False False - Cats are not thought to have an innate ability to understand one another, though different vocalizations -- such as a purr, hiss, or shriek -- may be used in social interactions. Cats also use body posture and marking to communicate. Cats mark objects with scents from around their tail or face, urinations, or by providing visual cues to other cats through wood scratching.
4.
Chocolate is considered a special treat for a cat. True False False - Cats aren’t really known for having a sweet tooth, and chocolate can be toxic for cats, just as it is for dogs. Chocolate contains the stimulants caffeine and theobromine, and too much of these can cause serious elevations in heart rate and blood pressure and even seizures.
5.
9.
True - Whiskers, also called tactile hairs, are much thicker than normal hairs and are surrounded by nerves that help detect nearby objects. Whiskers also may indicate mood: They point forward when a cat is feeling friendly, but lie flat on the face when a cat is feeling threatened or aggressive.
True - Called the nictitating membrane, the third eyelid is the pink tissue at the inner corner of the eye. It helps protect the cornea and spread tears over the surface of the eye. They usually stay hidden unless a cat is sleepy. However, they often protrude in sick cats, especially cats with gastrointestinal problems.
6.
10.
A cat’s whiskers are about as long as its body is wide. True False
How high can a typical cat jump 3 feet high 4 feet high 5 feet high 6 feet high
5 feet high - Cats in their prime years typically can jump about 5 feet off the ground, however, their jumping ability decreases as they get older. If you have a senior kitty, take note if his jumping behavior changes. Seventy-one percent of cats with osteoarthritis will be unwilling to jump, and 67% cannot jump as high. Medication, dietary supplements, and weight loss can help ease the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
7.
In general, cats can squeeze their bodies through any space they can get their heads through. True False True - Cats don’t have true collarbones, rather they have free-floating clavicles, so their heads are usually the widest part of their bodies. If the head can fit through a tight space, generally, the rest of the body can follow. Cats also have relatively loose skin, which allows for more flexibility.
8.
All kittens are born with brown eyes. True False False - All kittens are born with blue eyes, and their eyelids stay closed until they are 10 to 14 days old. They usually reveal their true eye color by eight weeks.
Cats have a third eyelid. True False
A fifteen year old cat has spent about how much of its life asleep. 6 to 8 years 8 to 10 years 10 to 12 years 8 to 10 years - Cats typically sleep 12 to 16 hours per day. Like humans, they’re thought to experience three different phases: awake; non-REM sleep; and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It’s normal to see some twitching of facial and limb muscles, called “dream chasing.”
11.
Cats don’t sweat. True False
False - Cats sweat, but not a lot. They have fewer sweat glands than people and sweat much less profusely -- and the small amount they do sweat is often masked by their thick coat of hair. They can stay cool by grooming, which results in evaporation of saliva from their skin and provides a cooling effect.
12.
A female cat can have a litter of kittens only once a year. True False False - Cats are pregnant for about 65 days, and they can become pregnant again just a few weeks after weaning, so cats can have multiple litters in a year. This is especially true in temperate climates, because they usually need at least 10 hours of light a day to be fertile.
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northwest pet magazine | Community Spotlight
lights, camera... ACTION Have you ever wondered what it takes for a pet to get into show business? Spokane resident "Snickers" and his owner/handler Chris Visconti share their experience!
1. What made you decide to pursue an entertainment career for your pet? What's your goal for Snickers? We always knew Snickers was different. During his puppy years he was always a crack up making everyone laugh. He’d pull the toilet paper roll off the roller and drag it through the house or steal socks and hide them under the bed. He is a very smart, good looking Yorkie with lots of energy, a happy and friendly disposition and a high intelligence. I just had a gut feeling he could do well as a dog talent. Our goal is to make it fun for “Snickers” keep him well rounded and be ready for opportunities that comes his way at any time, this is a competitive and tough industry.
2. What steps were needed to start the process? Is being "cute" enough? As a dog owner, you have to dedicate your time and energy and must know this is something you really want to do before you begin. A reputable dog trainer can help you accomplish your goals so be sure you choose one that you feel comfortable with and who knows a lot about the industry you are pursuing. Being cute can sometimes be enough however it all depends on the casting call or what the director or production company is looking for. No matter how cute your dog is he will need to be focused and conditioned to deal with distractions since it takes a lot of dedication to handle the noise and lights and pressure of performing on cue.
Photo credit: Joel Riner/Quicksilver Studios
How much time is required to get a pet into entertainment or commercials? How much of a commitment? To be prepared Snickers will work on different skills for 30-45 minutes pet day. Some examples of his training regime include: off-leash sit/ stay, down/stay, heel, stand and stay and tricks which incorporate the use of props.
What contacts were made in order to begin... Is an agent needed?
Are there any trade secrets you care to share?
With Snickers we just happened to be at the right place at the right time. With youtube, many animals have been discovered based upon their talents but having an agency or a publicist can really help build your pet’s resume. Exposure is in your best interest.
The industry can be fun and exciting but because there is stiff competition, your pet must be conditioned to handle a diverse environment. Whether being in a studio or outdoors, a good handler needs to know they can rely on the animal talent to perform.
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Tidbit | northwest pet magazine
Camping Trip!
Compiled by Laura Olson
Here are some tips to keep your pet safe and your trip stress free. 1. Certain pets are simply not fit for camping. Talk with your vet about your pet’s physical/ behavioral condition. While visiting the veterinarian, check to ensure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. 2. Bring a Pet First-Aid Kit...a minimal Pet First Aid Kit should include: - Antiseptic -Tweezers - Bandages - Gauze - Tape - Eye Drops - Poison Absorbing First Aid Pet Gel 3. Temperatures during camping season can quickly rise to dangerous levels which can result in heatstroke and possible death.Do not ever leave a pet alone in a vehicle under any circumstance during months of extreme temperature. 4. Bring Plenty of Food and Water... bring more than you think you’ll need.
5. If your pet gets anxious in the car or when in new environments ask your doctor for suggestions on which calming products might work. Upon arriving at your destination, take time to introduce your pet to the new surroundings. 6. Many camping trips lead to lost pets. If your dog does not have good obedience it’s recommended to keep them on leash. New scents and other animals could invite your pet to give chase and not come back. 7. Respect the campers around you... Here are a few guidelines that will ensure your pet and your “neighbors for the weekend” stay happy and safe. - Maintain complete control of your pet. - Do not allow your pet to bark excessively. - Supervise your pet.
REMEMBER: Heat stroke & death can take place in a matter of minutes. Over time, your pet’s travel tags can get worn out and hard to read... make sure tags are up-to-date with current information and are legible. Clean up after your pet and happy camping!
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northwest pet magazine | Choosing a Cat
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Enough is Enough:
Obesity in Companion Animals by Don Cutler
That great philosopher, Winnie the Pooh, once ate a large meal of honey in Rabbit’s burrow, and upon making his exit, became stuck. Referring to himself as a “Wedged Bear in Great Tightness,” he quickly agreed to Christopher Robin’s request that he go on a diet. With his human friend’s help, it took Pooh a week of starvation to free himself. In real life, however, weight management isn’t always that straight forward.
she should have a well-defined waist behind the ribcage. Note that the appearance of ribs varies by breed and body type; greyhounds sometimes look emaciated when they’re not. Some dogs, like our English Lab, have stocky builds with vaguely-defined torsos. Your veterinarian can tell you your pet’s ideal weight and typically if they are more than 15% over their ideal weight (your pet, not the vet), they would probably be considered obese.
At mealtime, we love to see our best friend eagerly anticipating their first bite, gulp, or slurp. They race to their food bowl, wag their tail, hop around, whine, bark, meow, and generally display their excited approval. It’s satisfying for us to meet their expectations, but despite our best intentions, sometimes we overdo it. Nearly half the dogs and cats in the western world are overweight or obese, resulting in unnecessary cases of diabetes, osteoarthritis, joint problems, heart disease, skin disorders, and other issues. In some cases, obesity can be due to disease, but more often, we are not paying enough attention to our pet’s food and eating habits.
What does science say about pet obesity? 1
How can I tell if my dog is overweight or obese? Sometimes it’s not readily apparent. You should be able to feel her ribs without pressing very hard. It’s generally okay if the ribs are visible, but they should be just very subtle ripples, rather than ridges. If you can’t see the ribcage, or feel it with gentle pressure, she could probably lose a few pounds. Look at her profile; her abdomen should tuck upward. Looking from above,
Until recently, research in the U.S. concerning pet nutrition has been narrowly focused, emphasizing the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. One researcher noted that U.S. nutrition research is about twenty-five years behind Europe’s.2 In the United States, much of the pet nutrition research has been conducted by laboratories owned by, or under contract with, pet food manufacturers. Some of that research has been excellent, but too often it has lacked objectivity. For example, U.S. research has often minimized the adverse effects of high amounts of grain in dog food. In contrast, fourteen years ago a French study concluded, “The amount of starch consumed is the major determinant of the glucose response of healthy dogs; the higher the starch content of the diet, the higher the blood glucose increase.” Furthermore, they concluded, “The higher the dietary fat of the diet, the lower the blood glucose rise.” 3 In short: In obesity, fat isn’t the problem; it’s carbs, and the primary sources of carbohydrates in most pet foods are grain and potatoes.
Resources: 1. One of the best resources I’ve found for aiding in the understanding of pet obesity issues is Ruined by Excess, Perfected by Lack, by Dr. Richard Patton (University of Notthingham Press, 2011). Dr. Patton is an animal nutrition researcher and zoo consultant. 2. Ibid, 12 3. Ibid, 17. Starch is found in “starchy” vegetables like potatoes, grains, and to a lesser degree, some legumes.
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northwest pet magazine | Obesity in Companion Animals
continued from page 17
Soluble Carbohydrate
The human obesity problem in the Western World only became worse when food processors began touting “Low Fat” products, since they replaced fat with carbs (sugar) to provide bulk and enhance taste.4 Some pet food manufacturers have followed a similar strategy, and food labels may not tell the entire story. Claims of “Low Fat” and “Senior” sound good, but the foods they represent often have higher levels of grain. The bulk may make your pet feel more full in the short run, but some of the benefit is offset by the increase in soluble carbohydrate.5 For weight loss, it’s better to feed a high-protein, moderate fat, low carb food. This is especially important as pets age. According to the National Research Council, older dogs need a high protein, low carbohydrate food in order to sustain musclemass and avoid gaining unhealthy weight.6
Understanding how carbohydrates work is one key to helping your best friend with their weight.
Why don’t wild animals become obese? The two most significant reasons animals in the wild don’t get fat is 1) they spend a great deal of their lives in motion, either hunting, or being hunted, and 2) there is no refined sugar in jungles, forests, and deserts. In the wild, omnivores and carnivores are sometimes forced to binge and fast, depending on food availability. If food is plentiful, research shows that dogs prefer to eat perhaps half-a-dozen small meals a day, and cats, 10-20 times each day. In addition, in the wild, both cats and dogs consume only small amounts of carbohydrates, and the carbs they do eat have high fiber and low glycemic loads. Cats are true carnivores and carbohydrate intake is incidental to protein and fat consumption.
4. Ibid, 47 5. Terms like “Low Fat,” “Lean,” “Lite,” etc. can be used only in certain circumstances. If your pet is obese, you may have better results ignoring the claim on the label and feeding a high-protein, moderate fat, low-carb, high fiber food. Of course, you need to carefully monitor your pet’s calorie intake. 6. Nguyen, Duman P., V. Biorge, and E. Poteau, Glycemic and Insulinemic Response after Ingestion of Commercial Food in Healthy Dogs: Influence of Food Composition. Journal of Nutrition, 128:2654s-2658s. (1998).
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Soluble carbohydrate is total carbohydrate minus fiber; foods high in soluble carbohydrates are not suitable for optimal health in mammals.7 Most dry dog foods contain over five times the level of soluble carbohydrate that dogs once ate in the wild.8 Some manufacturers claim their foods provide an “ancestral” or “primordial” diet. These claims are misleading, not to mention silly, but certainly our animals’ digestive systems are better equipped to more efficiently digest protein and fat, rather than high quantities of carbohydrates. Pet food manufacturers are not required to print carbohydrate data on packaging, and few are inclined to do so. The reason is simple: Most commercial kibble has far too much carbohydrate, as carbs are cheap. Here’s how to estimate the soluble carbohydrate content of a pet food, using a hypothetical example. Here’s what the nutrition analysis shows: Protein: 30% Fat: 18% Fiber: 5% Moisture9: 10% We also need to know the ash content, but it’s not required to be displayed. Most dog foods fall in the 6-9% range. In this example, we’ll assume ash is 7%.10 The total of the protein, fat, moisture, and ash is 65%. That means the balance of the food, 35%, must consist of various carbohydrates. Since fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate, it has no effect on blood glucose. We can subtract it from total
7. Ibid, 34 8. Ibid, 35 9. The moisture content for canned food must be stated on the label. Canned food can’t be more than 78% moisture, unless the label says something like “gravy,” in which case it can be slightly more. 10. Ash is displayed on cat food labels, but generally not on dog food. Contrary to claims on some websites, dietary ash is not waste left over from incinerating the food . It’s inorganic material, that is, minerals. In dog food, low ash isn’t necessarily better than high ash. Too much of a particular mineral can be harmful, but you can’t tell that from a “total ash” figure. Recent research shows that urinary tract problems in cats is probably due to magnesium in ash, not the ash content itself.
carbohydrate to get total soluble carbohydrate of 30%. As a rule, choose a food that is lower than 35% soluble carbohydrate, hopefully, far lower. Ultra-premium kibble is as low as 20%, and commercially-prepared raw formulas are even lower. Why do I care about soluble carbohydrates? Soluble carbohydrates determine the glycemic load in your pet’s metabolic system, and efficient metabolism is essential for healthy weight. Carbohydrates trigger the release of insulin in your pet’s body. Insulin is a hormone that determines how much blood sugar is converted to fat. Evolutionarily speaking, insulin exists to capture excess glucose in blood cells and store it (as glycogen) for future use. This was important in ancient times, when carbohydrates, such as honey, were scarce, and energy from the sugar needed to be saved for times when food was tough to find. However, neither humans nor animals can maintain a healthy weight if the diet they’re eating is constantly spiking insulin. A food with a high glycemic response (like rice or corn) will trigger relatively high levels of blood glucose and insulin in the bloodstream. A leading researcher in animal nutrition states, “Insulin saves blood sugar as body fat, and constant excess soluble carbohydrate activates insulin and can cause obesity. Over time, it leads to poor health, and thereby a shorter life span.”11 The glycemic index is a relative measure of how quickly specific carbohydrate sources elevate blood sugar whereas glycemic load is calculated by multiplying the glycemic index rating by the percentage of carbohydrate in a particular food. Glycemic load is a better measure of the actual impact of specific carbs on the body than is a particular food’s glycemic index. For example, fruits can have a relatively high glycemic index rating yet be low in glycemic load, since the actual carb content in fresh fruit is low; that means a modest amount of sugar is entering the
11. Patton, 21. There is no shortage of scientific literature on this point, including work by Foster-Powell, Friedman, Jenkins, Kane, Kealy et al, Morton, and more.
bloodstream at a steady rate, which will not trigger an unhealthy insulin response. The problem with grains, and with many pet foods that contain large amounts of grain, is that grains have a high glycemic load. This is true for corn, wheat, rice, potatoes and sweet potatoes. Over the past decade, many pet food manufacturers have used tubers in place of corn or rice, and their packaging screamed, “Grain Free!” when in fact, the food was only marginally better than those with grain. These days, peas and lentils are replacing potatoes and rice in many pet foods, partly as a marketing tool (“Potato Free!”), and partly because the glycemic response of cooked peas is lower than that of starchy tubers. Premium pet foods contain few or no grains, and relatively high amounts of fruits and vegetables, both for their fiber content, and to control the glycemic load. Remember, “grain free” isn’t the same as “carb free.” Both dogs and cats need carbohydrates, although not nearly as much as is found in most commercial foods. Some research has indicated that cats don’t suffer adverse health effects with total soluble carbs up to 35%, and dogs can tolerate up to 60%. In practice however, cat food is generally much lower than 35%, and dog food varies considerably. Most dogs don’t need food consisting of more than 20% carbohydrate.12
12. Hand, Thatcher, Remillard, and Roudebush, Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. (Topeka: Mark Morris Institute, 2000), p 38-42. Note: This was published by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the manufacturer of Science Diet. Research conducted by others has reached different conclusions.
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northwest pet magazine | Obesity in Companion Animals How do I help my pet reach and maintain a healthy weight? Effective weight loss occurs only from your dog or cat burning more energy than they take in, which means watching calories. Awareness of fiber content and glycemic load doesn’t matter if your pet consumes too many calories or doesn’t get enough exercise. Besides watching carbs, here are some other ideas to help you manage your pet’s weight. • Quantity: A healthy 50 lb. adult dog needs about 1400 calories each day, about two to three cups of high-quality kibble. Remember, manufacturer’s feeding guidelines are just guidelines. Adjust the quantity you feed your pet as her fitness dictates. Do not, ever, feed your pet more just because they look hungry or want more. Dogs are scavengers and cats are hunters, so they are always looking for more. Most pets can convince us they are caught in a famine and we are their only salvation. If they give you that look, don’t reward it by handing out food; instead, distract them by taking them for a walk or giving them a toy. Of course, you can always ignore them, which is often the most difficult thing to do, but in the long run, the most effective. • Quality: The following statement is from a recent research study examining the causes of pet obesity: “The price of the pet food does have a notable effect, i.e., obese dogs are more likely to have been fed inexpensive rather than more expensive foods.”13 Generally speaking, premium foods contain better quality protein, fat, and carb sources and are more calorie dense than inexpensive ones, which means you’ll feed less at each meal. Therefore, inexpensive foods—many “grocery store” brands—can actually become very expensive in the long run. • Emotion: Older dogs tend to gain unnecessary weight, in part because of biology, but also because of our emotions. One of our Labs always struggles with his weight, which in part is due to the fact that his ten-year old metabolism isn’t what it once was. However, he has a sweet old-dog face with beseeching eyes, and when he looks at us, well, that’s not a good thing for his weight control program. • Training: Start when they’re young. Use training treats appropriate for the dog’s size. For small dogs, like Chihuahuas,
13. Alexander J. German, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Small Animal Hospital, Liverpool, UK. The Growing Problem of Obesity in Dogs and Cats. The Journal of Nutrition, July 2006, 1940s-1946s. Don Cutler is a freelance writer in Spokane. He and his wife, Cyndi, own the Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile.
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lentil-size is about right; for Labradors, peanut-size. Remember, over time, training treats can add pounds (ounces in Chihuahuas). Restrict treat intake to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake, since treats are not usually nutritionally balanced. At first, reward every positive behavior with a treat. Once the desired behavior is consistent, you can transition to intermittent reinforcement—that is, not rewarding every desired response. This is not only a good training tactic, but it helps cut down on calorie intake. If your pet is motivated by kibble, use that in place of treats. It’ll save calories and money. • Exercise: Little things help, like using a feeding toy such as a "Bob-a-Lot.” They make the dog eat more slowly, and it tires them out. Of course, most dogs love walks or trips to the dog park. They have not evolved to remain in a kennel or basement all day. If you are gone for an extended period during the day, consider hiring a dog walker to help out. Cats love interactive play too so use toys that trigger their prey instinct and make them stalk and pounce. • Water: Make sure they have access to plenty of water. It’s not only good for all their physiological processes, but it temporarily fills them up, particularly if you add water to their food. What about raw or unprocessed food—will it help? Empirical evidence indicates yes, but there is limited research in the scientific literature to measure one way or the other. In our retail store, we rarely, if ever, have seen an obese pet that has been fed a raw diet for an extended time period. However, it’s just not practical or affordable for many people, since it’s timeconsuming and relatively expensive. We feed our four dogs a combination of high-quality, low carb kibble; along with canned, dehydrated, and raw. Our best results have come with our 13-year-old Spaniel, Rosie, who roams the fields consuming countless mice. (Mice are approximately 75% water, 20% protein, 4% fat, and 1% carbohydrate.) We feed her less kibble than we would if she was more of a gatherer than a hunter, and she’s a perfect weight. Note that mouse fondue would, depending on the sauce, contain far more carbs. Next month: Curing bad breath in dogs that eat mice.
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Pet Spotlight | northwest pet magazine
PET SPOTLIGHT
The Goat
by Emily Olson
ORIGIN: The domestic goat is a subspecies of goat domesticated from the wild goat of southwest Asia andEastern Europe. Most common pet breeds of goat are the Pygmy Goat, the Fainting Goat and the Nigerian Dwarf Goat. SIZE: Each recognized breed of goats has specific weight ranges, which vary from over 300 lbs for bucks of larger breeds such as the Boer, to 45 lbs for smaller goat does. LIFESPAN: Life expectancy for goats is between 15 and 18 years. TEMPERAMENT: Goats are extremely curious and intelligent. They are easily trained to pull carts and walk on leads. Goats have an intensely inquisitive and intelligent nature; they will explore anything new or unfamiliar in their surroundings. NUTRITION: Goats are reputed to be willing to eat almost anything, including tin cans and cardboard boxes. While goats will not actually eat inedible material, they are browsing animals, notgrazers like cattle and sheep, and (coupled with
their natural curiosity) will chew on and taste just about anything resembling plant matter to decide whether it is good to eat, including cardboard and paper labels from tin cans. Aside from sampling many things, goats are quite particular in what they actually consume, preferring to browse on the tips of woody shrubs and trees, as well as the occasional broad-leaved plant. HOUSING: Goats are known for escaping their pens. Goats will test fences, either intentionally or simply because they are handy to climb on. If any of the fencing can be spread, pushed over or down, or otherwise be overcome, the goats will escape. Due to their high intelligence, once they have discovered a weakness in the fence, they will exploit it repeatedly. Goats are very coordinated and can climb and hold their balance in the most precarious places. FUN FACT: Female goats are referred to as "does" or "nannies", intact males as "bucks" or "billies", and their offspring are "kids". Castrated males are "wethers". www.northwestpetmagazine.com 23
THE RUSSIAN BLUE compiled by Emily Olson
QUICK STATS Life Span: 10-15 years Availability: Fairly Common Color: Silver-Blue Coat: Short Shed: Little Intelligence: High Vocal: Little
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Breed Profile | northwest pet magazine
B P Origin: Little is known about the origin of the Russian Blue, however, stories and legends abound. Many believe the Russian Blue is a natural breed originating from the Archangel Isles in northern Russia. Legend has these beautiful animals trapped for their plush double coats which are sometimes compared to the coat of a beaver or seal. Originally known as the Archangel Cat or Foreign Blue, it is believed that they were brought by sailors from the Archangel Isles to England and Northern Europe in the 1860s. Rumor also has the Russian Blue as a descendant of the Royal Cat of the Russian Czars and as a favored pet of Queen Victoria. First shown in 1875 at the Crystal Palace in England as the Archangel Cat, the original Russian Blue competed in a class for all blue cats. It was not until 1912 that the Russian Blue was given a class of its own. In the 1960s the Russian Blue began to gain popularity and has become a favorite both at cat shows and at home.
Physical characteristics: The Russian Blue is a gentle, affectionate cat easily distinguished from other breeds. One of the most outstanding features of the Russian Blue is a short, dense coat of an even, bright blue color with each hair dipped in silver. This silver tipping gives the Russian a silvery sheen and lustrous appearance that can best be appreciated in natural light. Russian Blues come in only one color, blue, and one coat length, short. The density of the coat causes it to stand out from the body and allows patterns to be traced in the coat which remain until you smooth them away. In lovely contrast to the blue coat, the Russian Blue has large, rounded, wide-set eyes that are a vivid green. The head is sometimes described as cobra-like which aptly describes the broad, medium wedge and flat profiles. The large, pointed ears are wide at the base and set rakishly toward the side of the head. The body of the Russian Blue is fine-boned, long, and firmly muscled. The clean lines and graceful carriage of the Russian Blue give it a regal appearance all its own. While the Russian Blue may at first glance look like any other grey cat, a more careful look will show them to have a special appearance that is all their own. They have been said to look as if they are smiling. But beyond appearances, the real pleasure
of the Russian Blue is its unique personality which sets it apart from other cats and makes it an interesting, entertaining and affectionate companion to its owners and friends.
Behavorial Characteristics: The Russian Blue is known for being a very intelligent, curious, and tranquil animal. Those attracted by the physical beauty of the Russian Blue find the disposition of these unassuming cats equally appealing. Russian Blues are quiet, clean cats who are playful and loving companions. Despite their shy nature, Russians are devoted and quite affectionate toward their loved ones. They are very intelligent and have been reported to open doors and teach their owners to fetch. Sensitive to the mood of the house, Russians will ‘clown' to quiet a crying baby or sit patting your face to chase away the blues. They get along well with children and other pets. A Russian Blue is a good choice for the modern home because their undemanding nature fits perfectly into today's busy schedules. They will entertain themselves if left alone for the day and be a contented companion upon your return.
Allergies: Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Russian Blue may be better tolerated by individuals with mild to moderate allergies. There is speculation that the Russian Blue produces less glycoprotein, one source of cat allergies. The thicker coat may also trap more of the allergens closer to the cat's skin.
Growth and Maturity: Russian Blues have an average life expectancy of around 10–15 years, and have few health problems as they tend to have little to no genetic problems and are not prone to illness. They are a moderate-sized cat with an average weight of 8-15 pounds when full grown. Males will typically be larger than females. Their gestation period is approximately 65 days.
Grooming: The Russian requires a minimum of grooming with periodic nail clipping and a coat that can be kept looking good by frequent petting and an occasional combing. Many Russians seem to enjoy being combed or brushed as it allows them additional time with their owners. www.northwestpetmagazine.com 25
sweet treats...
Coconut Oil The benefits of coconut oil:
Olive Oil
Skin Conditions • Clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis,and itchy skin • Reduces allergic reactions and improves skin health • Makes coats become sleek and glossy, and deodorizes doggy odor • Prevents and treats yeast and fungal infections, including candida • Disinfects cuts and promotes wound healing • Applied topically, promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, dry skin and hair, bites and stings Digestion
The benefit of olive oil: Olive oil is a powerful source of vegetable fats and while it may be not too effective in terms of providing your dog with essential omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil is often used by dog owners as a food additive to improve a dog's coat and can decrease shedding. Adding olive oil alone won’t improve your dog’s diet. If there are general flaws in your pet’s nutrition, they won’t be fixed by plain olive oil addition. So get in touch with a veterinarian and find out the best diet for your dog, depending on its’ size, breed and age. 26 northwest pet magazine
• Improves digestion and nutrient absorption • Aids healing of digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel syndrome and colitis • Reduces or eliminates bad breath in dogs • Aids in elimination of hairballs and coughing Immune System, Metabolic function, Bone Health • Contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease • Regulates and balance insulin and promotes normal thyroid function • Helps prevent or control diabetes • Helps reduce weight, increases energy • Aids in arthritis or ligament problems
recipes Apple Cinnamon Biscuits Dog Recipe
Chicken Biscuits Dog Recipe
Frozen Pops Cat Recipe
Ingredients 1 cup natural applesauce(or chopped apple) 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon parsley 1 cup cold water 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) 5 cup flour ( I prefer whole wheat flour) 1/2 cup powdered milk (or cream of wheat) 2 large eggs
Ingredients 1 lb chicken giblets ½ cup of the broth reserved from boiling the chicken giblets 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoon coconut oil (melted) 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup regular flour 1 cup cornmeal
Ingredients 1 can of unseasoned sardines (packed in water) 1 TBSP ground krill (or your favorite freeze-dried treats) 1/4 tsp powdered seaweed 1/4 tsp extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup water
Directions Refrigerate dough for 1.5 hours or overnight. Shape biscuits and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
Directions In a large saucepan, bring 1 quart of water to a boil and cook chicken giblets. In a blender, combine the cooked giblets, Âź cup of stock, olive oil and eggs . Blend until the ingredients are mixed but still a little chunky. Pour mixture into a large mixing bowl and add in the last three flours. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto greased cookie sheets and bake at 450 degrees F for 20 minutes. Keep the biscuits in the freezer and take out as needed. They can be stored for up to three days in the refrigerator.
Directions Put all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Spoon into a small ice cube tray (I found small trays at my local dollar store). Once the treats are frozen, remove them from the tray and store in an air-tight container in the freezer.
www.northwestpetmagazine.com 27
"Izzy"
"Oliver"
"Tucker"
"Tweedle D"
"Otto" "Galder"
"Rango" "Riley" "Jackson"
"Mudge & Murphy"
"Ozlo"
28 northwest pet magazine
"Zoe"
"Rocko"
Look! I’m Famous... "Riley"
Check out this month’s famous local friends! To submit your pet photos for consideration in the August issue, visit us online at www.NorthwestPetMagazine.com
"Nenne & Colette"
"JJ"
"Chad" Chad is this month’s winners and will receive a free year subscription from:
pet northwest
"Angus"
M AG A Z I NE
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pet northwest
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Directory | northwest pet magazine Containment Systems Invisible Fence of Spokane 413 W Hastings Rd Spokane, WA (509) 466-1424 invisiblefenceofspokane.com Invisible Fence of Northern Idaho 610 W Hubbard, Suite 114 Coeur d’Alene, ID (208) 773-6710 northernidaho.invisiblefence.com
Cat Boarding Spokane Cat Clinic 2704 W Northwest Blvd Spokane, WA (509) 326-2287 spokanecatclinic.com
Distributors Watson Company Distributor All Natural Spray on Nutrients For a retail location visit www.watsonco.net, click on Pet Corner".
Dog Day Care/Boarding Alpha Dogs LLC 130 S Sherman Spokane, WA (509) 624-1166 alphadogsllc.com Camp K9 2179 Seltice Way Post Falls, ID (208) 773-3203 campk9postfalls.com Coeur d’Alene Pet Resort 125 E Hazel Ave Coeur d’Alene, ID (208) 667-4606 cdapetresort.com Deer Park Animal Medical Center 31207 N Short Rd Deer Park, WA 99006 (509) 276-6016 deerparkanimalvet.com Northwest Pet Resort 1717 Northwest Blvd Coeur d’Alene, ID (208) 292-4394 northwestpetresort.com Paradise Pet Resort 11420 E Jackson Spokane Valley, WA (509) 290-6024 paradisepetresort.org
End of Life Care All Pets Cremation Services 4195 3rd Ave. Post Falls, ID (509) 922-1285 or (208) 704-1426 allpetscremationservices.com
Grooming
Health Services
Pet Supplies
Bark’R Boutique-The Cat’s Meow 15701 E Sprague Ave, Suite E Spokane Valley, WA (509) 340-2410 barkerboutique.com
River City Animal Hospital 310 N Herborn Pl Post Falls, ID (208) 777-9178
Bark & Snip LLC 626 W Garland Spokane, WA (509) 443-4746 barknsnip.com
SouthCare Animal Medical Center 2915 E Palouse Hwy Spokane, WA 99223 (509) 448-4480 southcarevet.com
Sue Harpine Grooming Northwest Pet Resort 1717 Northwest Blvd Coeur d'Alene, ID (208) 292-4394
Veterinary Surgical Specialists, PS 21 E Mission Ave Spokane, WA 99202 (509) 324-0055 vssspokane.com
Health Services A-1 Animal Clinic 101 N Argonne Rd Ste F Spokane, WA (509) 927-7367 a-1animalcare.com Animal Pain Management 11901 N Division Spokane, WA 99218 (509) 468-0443 animalpainmanagement.com Deer Park Animal Medical Center 31207 N Short Rd Deer Park, WA 99006 (509) 276-6016 deerparkanimalvet.com Fairwood Animal Hospital 317 W Hastings Rd Spokane, WA 99218 (509) 467-0566
Health Services Kootenai Animal Hospital 1704 E Seltice Way Post Falls, ID (208) 773-6000 Lake City Spay & Neuter Clinic 902 Lincoln Way Coeur d’Alene, ID (208) 664-5629 lakecitypethospital.com Northwoods Veterinary Hospital 30425 N Meadow St Athol, ID (208) 683-2708 PetVet 510 S Sullivan Rd Spokane Valley, WA (509) 928-7387 Dr. Tracy Ridgeway 920 N Spokane St Post Falls, ID (208) 819-6472
Wandermere Animal Hospital 12519 N SR395, Suite 1 Spokane, WA 99218 (509) 464-1414 wandermereanimalhospital.com
Mobile Health Services Pet Mobile Michelle Ward, DVM (888) 696-6258 Serving Pend Oreille & Bonner County
Pet Sitting
Pet Vittles 919 N Argonne Spokane Valley, WA (509) 927-0675 petvittles.com Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile 2917 E Palouse Hwy Spokane, WA (509) 443-9663 prairiedogmercantile.com Yuppy Puppy 9423 N Newport HWY Spokane, WA (509) 467-8221 yuppypuppyspokane.com
Pet Training Canine Behavior Consulting Eric Hess CPDT~KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer 208-691-1720 ericsk9consulting.com Trails Inn Kennel - Dave Byer 2888 W Diagonal Rathdrum, ID (208) 687-7024
The Pet Tech Pet Sitting in Post Falls 208-620-0175 the pettech.com
Pet Supplies Dogtown Company 518 S Thor Spokane, WA (509) 534.4880 dogtownco.com Duncan’s 1302 N Government Way Coeur d’Alene, ID (208) 667-0618 Nature’s Pet Market 12208 N Division St, Suite B Spokane, WA (509) 464-3400 Northwest Seed & Pet, Inc. 2422 E Sprague Ave Spokane, WA (509) 534-0694 nwseed.com Northwest Seed & Pet, Inc. 7302 N Divison Spokane, WA (509) 484-7387 nwseed.com Pampurred Pet Boutique 920 N Spokane St, #4 Post Falls, ID (208) 777-3190 pampurredpet.net
www.northwestpetmagazine.com 31
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