The Whole Dog Journal TM

Volume 10 The Whole Dog Journal Number 8 A monthly guide to natural dog care and training

August 2007 $5.95

features Natural nourishment . . . page 3 3 Keeping It Raw These owners feed their dogs raw meat and fresh, raw bones – as well as a variety of supplements and supplemental foods. Here’s how they keep their dogs so healthy. 10 chew Chew? Train! Is your dog or puppy chewing you out of house and home? Don’t despair! This common canine behavior can be managed.

16 chill Out!

The best methods for cooling that over- Photo by Joel Hollenberg heated dog (and why it’s a good idea). Also, a review of some coats that are Chew on this . . . supposed to help cool canines. page 10

17 A Killer in the Water Why you shouldn’t allow your dog to drink or swim in water that is green or thick with algae. 21 the Word on Her Lipomas Fatty tumors are rarely problematic – but some holistic practitioners believe lipomas signal an underlying problem.

TM The Whole Dog Journal

Editor-IN-CHIEF – Nancy Kerns training Editor – Pat Miller Summertime News PUBLISHER – Timothy H. Cole circulation directoR – Lisa Evans

editorial office Heated up? Cool down! And read a good book. E-mail: [email protected] mail: PO Box 1349 oroville, CA 95965 By nancy kerns packages: 1655 Robinson Street oroville, CA 95965 oes your attention span get shorter warm, shallow water. On June 27, we received subscriPTION SERVICES when it’s hot? Mine does. I’ll keep an e-mailed account from a Michigan man Phone: (800) 829-9165 these notes short and sweet. whose dog died two days earlier as a result of internet: whole-dog-journal.com/cs u.s. mail: PO Box 420235 I’ve received some fascinating swimming in and drinking toxic pond water. Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235 responses from pet food company The man, with a lifetime of professional dog canada: box 7820 STN Main Dexecutives regarding the long-term fallout, ownership, had never known of such a danger, London, Ontario N5Y 5W1 positive and negative, of the pet food recalls and neither had we. We put an alert on the back issues, website inquiries early this year. I’ve received so many, in fact, WDJ website and sent out an e-mailed bul- Phone: (800) 424-7887 E-mail: [email protected] that I’m going to expand them into a longer letin to dog owners as soon as we confirmed internet: whole-dog-journal.com article and run it next month. I’d like you to the story. u.s. mail: PO Box 5656 be able to read, in their entirety, what some Which reminds me: If you haven’t signed Norwalk, CT 06856-5656 of the execs say their companies are doing to up for the website access to WDJ that comes reprints with your paid subscription, you should. For price quote, contact Mona Kornfeld at ensure that we don’t experience anything like (203) 857-3143 “the gluten recalls” again. Those who do will receive any “emergency” Minimum order 1,000 For years, we’ve pressed pet food compa- e-mail bulletins we publish, sometimes weeks single copy sales nies to disclose their ingredient sources and before we can get the information into the Lisa Evans, (203) 857-3100 manufacturing locations. Many people are print version of the magazine. starting to realize that this is information they Finally, a summer treat: If you are seek- whole dog journal don’t know about their own food supply – and ing an enjoyable and intelligent dog-related does not accept commercial advertising many have renewed their efforts to pressure book to help pass these long, hot days, look Congress to stop blocking laws that would no farther than Ted Kerasote’s Merle’s Door: require country-of-origin labeling (known as Lessons from a Freethinking Dog. Kerasote is t H e W h o l e d o g J o u r nal (ISSN #1097-5322) is published COOL) for meats and produce. an award-winning nature writer, and Merle is monthly by Belvoir Media Group, Such a labeling law was enacted as part the Lab-mix former stray who came to share LLC, 800 Connecticut Avenue, Nor- walk, CT 06854-1631. Robert Eng- of the 2002 Farm Bill, but it has been largely his rural Wyoming home. The duo had an lander, Chairman and CEO; Timothy enviable relationship, based on an uncom- H. Cole, Executive Vice President, blocked from taking effect. A July 2 article in Editorial Director; Philip L. Penny, the New York Times blames the meat lobby in mon degree of mutual respect instead of the Chief Operating Officer; Greg King, Executive Vice President, Marketing Director; Marvin Cweibel, general – and former Representative Henry dominant master/submissive pet paradigm, Senior Vice President, Marketing Operations; Ron Bonilla (R‑TX) specifically – for pushing with remarkable results. Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; Tom Canfield, Vice President, Circulation; Michael N. Pollet, Senior Vice through delays of the mandatory origin la- I don’t agree with all of Kerasote’s theories President, General Counsel. Periodicals postage beling. If you need motivation to act, here is on canine behavior paid at Norwalk, CT and at additional mailing offices. Copyright ©2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC. All rights Bonilla’s comment: “No one was prohibited or condone all of his reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly from putting labels on products. If consumers training practices, prohibited. Printed in U.S.A. Revenue Canada GST Account #128044658. Canada Publishing Agree- wanted this, they could have demanded it.” but I hugely en- ment Number #40016479. Let’s demand it! joyed his thoughtful The Whole Dog Journal makes every effort to Everyone who takes their dogs to swim account of a special provide information on dog health, care, and treat- in lakes or ponds should read CJ Puotinen’s dog’s life ment that is authoritative, reliable, and practical. It is not intended, however, to replace diagnosis warning (page 17) about toxic algae blooms in and gifts. or treatment from a veterinarian or other qualified dog professional. The Whole Dog Journal does not assume any legal responsibility. Readers should always consult qualified healthcare providers for Mission Statement: WDJ’s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on specific diagnosis and treatment. effective holistic healthcare methods and successful nonviolent training. The methods we discuss Subscriptions: $39 annually (12 issues). Bulk will endeavor to do no harm to dogs; we do not advocate perpetrating even minor transgressions rate subscriptions for organizations and educational institutions available upon request. in the name of “greater good.” We intend our articles to enable readers to immediately apply training and healthcare techniques to their own dogs with visible and enjoyable success. All topics Postmaster: Please send address changes to The Whole Dog Journal, PO Box 420234, Palm should contribute to improving the dog’s health and vitality, and deepening the canine/human Coast, FL 32142 bond. Above all, we wish to contribute information that will enable consumers to make kind, The Whole Dog Journal, PO Box 39, Norwich, healthy, and informed decisions about caring for their own dogs. ON, N0J 1PO

By Mary straus he idea of cooking for my dogs turns me pale. Not because I think there’s anything wrong with cooked diets, or because I’m worried about doing it right, but for one What you can do . . . simple reason: I hate to cook. ■ The key to a healthy diet is variety Had my only option for feeding my dogs a homemade diet been cooking their – don’t feed just meat and bones, food, I’m afraid they’d still be eating out of a bag. But the idea of a raw diet, once or too much of any one food. TI wrapped my mind around the concept of feeding bones, seemed, if not exactly simple, at least feasible, given my limited kitchen skills. I’ve been surprised to learn that there are many people like me: we don’t cook for ■ Organ meat, especially liver, is a our families or even ourselves, but we feed our dogs a homemade raw diet, and actually must for any homemade diet. enjoy preparing their meals. Feeding a raw diet is quite simple, especially once you have a system in place, but ■ If you or your dogs are not like anything else new, it can seem very complicated when first starting out. I hope these comfortable with whole bones, try sample diets will be helpful to newcomers considering feeding a raw diet, and that even cutting or grinding them, or buying those who have been doing it for awhile may learn some new tricks to make the process preground products. of finding, preparing, and storing food simpler. ■ Develop a system for storing and My dog’s diet healthy leftovers, enough to equal 4 oz preparing food, In 1998, I began feeding a raw diet to the total food (including egg/organs) to make feeding three dogs I had at the time. While getting a raw diet started took a lot of planning, the routine ■ A spoonful of yogurt or cottage cheese easier. I’ve worked out makes it simple for me (I use low-fat or nonfat varieties) to manage now. Piglet, my 15-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei, weighs 35 pounds, and ■ 3 to 4 oz veggies, alternating daily be- ■ B-50 vitamin complex is relatively inactive due to her age. She ate tween steamed veggies and pureed “veggie more when she was younger, and I gave her muffin” (described below) ■ Splash (1 tsp?) of organic apple cider more fat. Here’s what I feed her now: vinegar Dinner (5 ounces) Breakfast (4 ounces, plus dairy and ■ Mon/Wed/Fri: rotate among chicken ■ ⅛ tsp green blend (usually Berte’s vegetables) necks, chicken backs, and lamb breast Green Blend) (with skin and visible fat removed) ■ 1 large egg alternating daily with 1 to I do not package food in meal-sized 1½ oz liver or kidney ■ Sun/Tues/Thurs: rotate among different portions. Instead, I divide food up into ground products, ranging from raw meaty amounts that will last around one to three ■ Muscle meat, heart, green tripe, and/or bones only to complete diets meals, and freeze. I store most food in Ziploc-style freezer bags that I wash and ■ Saturday: canned fish, alternating be- reuse. Each time I feed a meal, I move tween jack mackerel and pink salmon, or anything that I will need for the same occasionally sardines meal in two days from the freezer to the fridge. When I run out of one food, I start Dietary supplements on the next, so meals are often a mixture ■ 2 high-potency fish oil gelcaps (I give of several different kinds of food. high doses due to her arthritis) “Veggie muffins” are prepared in large batches that last a month or more. ■ Antioxidants (Vetri-Science Cell I puree a mixture of various fruits (apple Advance 880, Thorne Veterinary Small and banana, sometimes others as well), Piglet is a healthy 15-year-old, 35- Animal Antioxidants, or Thorne Veterinary vegetables (lettuce, celery, cucumber, zuc- pound raw-fed Chinese Shar-Pei. Immugen) chini, dandelion greens, arugula, etc.), and to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | herbs (always ginger and garlic, usually Using a grinder In the evening, they each get 1 pound along with parsley or cilantro) in a food Laura Fulton, who lives in Diablo, Califor- of ground RMBs, such as chicken necks, processor, then spoon the mixture into a nia, grinds most of the food she feeds her backs, or wings; lamb breast; turkey necks; muffin tin and freeze (you can use ice cube two Weimaraners. She explains: or rabbit. Once a week they get canned trays for smaller servings, but Piglet loves salmon. veggies). Once frozen, I transfer the veggie I began feeding Violet, now 10 years For veggies, I rotate through a mixture muffins to freezer bags. old, a diet from Dr. Pitcairn’s book (see of celery, kale, beets, beet greens, romaine Steamed veggies are usually frozen Resources) after she had a horrible reaction lettuce, spinach, sweet potato, apple, car- broccoli or sometimes cauliflower or to vaccinations as a puppy. She did well on rots, broccoli, string beans, snap peas, bok winter squash. I save any leftover sauces, that diet, which included raw meat, cooked choy, collard greens, parsley, avocado, gravy, meat drippings, chicken carcass, grains and supplements, for five years. dandelion greens, and mustard greens. I etc., and add them to the water that I use When I got a new puppy, Dozer, I blend these with enough water to make a to steam the veggies, then pour the water wanted to start both dogs on a raw diet thick liquid in my blender and freeze them over the meal to make “breakfast soup” that included bones, but I was concerned in muffin tins, then transfer them to Ziploc (any bones are removed first). because Violet is a “gulper” – she prefers bags to stay in the freezer. They also get Eggs are soft-cooked using microwave to swallow her food whole, no matter whatever fruits I eat, such as bananas. egg cups. Pills are given dipped in a bit of the size or shape. After removing a pork If either dog seems hungry or has a cream cheese or peanut butter. bone lodged in her throat, I knew I could growly tummy in the evening, I will feed The ground mixtures I feed are primar- not continue to feed her whole bones. I a grain meal, such as oatmeal, before bed. I ily a source of bones that my dogs would decided grinding raw meaty bones would also use canned pumpkin and slippery elm not otherwise get, such as beef, pork, and be better then just feeding meat, as I liked as needed for upset stomachs. venison. the idea of them getting the natural balance Each dog gets the following supple- I helped to start a raw food co-op in of nutrients, including calcium, from the ments daily or as noted: my area that allows us to buy directly meat and bones. from vendors at lower prices and gives I tried several small, mediocre grinders ■ 400 IU vitamin E us access to foods not normally found before I got my American Eagle ¾ horse- in stores (though stores can often order power grinder. It grinds everything I need ■ 1 Tbsp wild salmon oil these products for you). I get all my raw to feed my dogs a varied diet. It weighs meaty bones from the co-op, along with 75 pounds, so it usually stays on my ■ 1,000 mg Ester C beef, lamb, and pork (ground, trim, heart, kitchen counter. cheeks, liver, and kidney). I have a small I do give my dogs bones to chew when I ■ B-complex vitamin 5-cubic foot upright freezer that allows me can supervise them. Dozer gets more whole to buy in bulk. RMBs, as he is a very thorough chewer. I ■ Liquid trace minerals (1 drop three Piglet’s teeth are too worn to chew raw believe that chewing on bones provides times a week) meaty bones (RMBs) properly, as she can’t good exercise and helps clean their teeth shear off pieces small enough to swallow, more than the ground bones do. ■ Probiotics (two or three times a so I cut her RMBs into small pieces using Violet (who weighs 76 pounds) and week) Joyce Chen scissors. I weigh all of her Dozer (84 pounds) each eat about 2 pounds food using a postal scale, as otherwise she of food daily, though I adjust the amounts ■ Alfalfa tablets or a teaspoonful of liquid gains weight. depending on how they look. chlorophyll (three times a week) I used to give Piglet beef rib bones In the morning, they each get 1 pound for recreational chewing, but she eventu- of ground meat, usually hearts or trim from ■ Wheat germ (just a sprinkle now and ally broke a couple of teeth, so now I use beef, pork, lamb, turkey, or ostrich, mixed then) chicken feet and bully sticks. Bully sticks, with ¼ cup of veggies three times a week. also called beef, steer, or macho sticks, or They also get whole, raw eggs without the ■ Zinc supplement: one capsule with 15 pizzles, are made from beef penises. Dogs shell two or three times a week, and I give mg zinc and 2 mg copper split between the love them, they last a long time, and they’re each dog 2 tablespoons of yogurt or kefir two dogs once a week readily available. after their breakfast. At the time I made the switch to feed- grains, veggies 0% - 20% ing a raw diet, my oldest dog was 13, and organ meat 5% - 10% had suffered from allergies all his life. He became completely allergy-free within Pyramid for a dairy 5% - 20% eggs 10% - 20% three months of starting the raw diet. A Home-Prepared, second dog prone to allergies improved, Raw Diet muscle meat but continued to have some problems. for Dogs 30% - 45% Piglet was also able to come off all arthritis medications for several years, though she raw, meaty bones is back on them now. All of my dogs have 30% - 50% loved raw food and never experienced any problems with it.

|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 I purchase my meat monthly in bulk items from the grocery store as well, such them). I add a tiny sprinkle of kelp powder through a dog food co-op. I also buy meats as canned mackerel. Eggs come from my to her evening meal. Now and then, I’ll add on sale at various grocery stores. I typi- friend’s organic chickens. fresh crushed garlic, herbs or bury some cally grind most of the meat when I get it Raw meaty bones are turkey, duck, veggies under her yogurt. and then put it into 2-pound plastic yogurt chicken, or pork necks; chicken backs; or Treats are most often dehydrated meats, containers that are easily frozen. pork ribs. She does not like large chunks such as turkey heart, London broil, or beef I use between 90 and 120 pounds of of food, so I cut them up with a meat liver, which I make myself in my L’Equip meat per month. I have a freezer in my cleaver, or I use my Estwing kindling axe dehydrator. I also mix an equal amount garage as well as an extra refrigerator that and a chopping block for pork neck bones. of beef liver and canned pumpkin in the comes in handy when I need to defrost food When chopping, I keep my unused hand food processor, then bake it, and serve in bulk, for repackaging. behind my back, and make sure there are that as treats. My dogs are very healthy – their coats no dogs around. Any sharp bone edges My new puppy has been fed Halshan’s shine and they smell good. Their teeth stay can be smashed with the flat backside of ground chicken and ground turkey (with clean, and typically the only time they go the axe. bone), and Honest Kitchen Embark (ap- to the vet is for regular check-ups. The main meats I use are beef, lamb, proved for puppies) by her breeder. I’ll and pork, cut into half-inch cubes, as well continue with similar foods, plus fresh Our comments: I have seen the Ameri- as turkey heart and gizzard, and canned raw goat milk. After a few days I’ll start can Eagle grinder in action, and it is jack mackerel. She gets bones in the eve- gradually adding my usual variety, includ- awesome. The more powerful, stainless ning meal only once or twice a week (she ing small amounts of veggies and fruits steel grinders are expensive, but they doesn’t really like them that much, unlike (apples, bananas). I’ll start her on chicken make the job of grinding much easier, prior dogs I’ve had); the rest of the time feet to see how she handles raw bones particularly if you have a lot of food to we use powdered eggshell calcium, about (whether she is a chewer or a gulper). If process. Try to find one with a reverse ¼ teaspoon per meal. She gets tiny snip- she can’t handle bone just yet, I’ll grind switch, as this one has, which also makes pets of raw beef liver or Organ Blend from it for her. I’ll give salmon oil, vitamin E a big difference. greentripe.com. (100 IU), and a B-complex vitamin every I grind mixes for the dogs that include couple of days. The right tools meat (beef heart, pork roasts, London broil, Shari Mann, of San Francisco, has fed her or leg of lamb) and organ meat (beef liver Comments: Having the right tools can dogs a raw diet since 1993. She has an ac- or kidney). This is especially convenient to make the job much easier. Shari’s grinder, tive Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Meg, who just feed on trips to our vacation cabin. dehydrator, hatchet, and Tilia FoodSaver turned five years old – and she just got a I chunk or grind meat when I get it, and simplify preparing and storing healthy Bull Terrier puppy. freeze in Ziploc containers. I buy whole meals and treats.

Meg weighs a lean 25 pounds. Lacto-fermented what? She eats 9 to 10 ounces of food WDJ’s longtime contributor CJ daily, divided into two very un- Puotinen, who lives in New York, equal portions: about 1 ounce for describes the diet she uses for breakfast, and 7 to 8 ounces for Chloe, her 3-year-old, 75-pound dinner, with the rest coming from Labrador Retriever: snacks and treats. Breakfast is home-ground beef, I feed Chloe pasture-fed organic pork, or lamb rolled into balls con- meat, poultry, and eggs from farms taining pills: 500 mg vitamin C, here in New York and New Jersey, and 100 to 200 IUs vitamin E. She with occasional raw goat milk loves to work for her food, so these cheese from the farmer’s market are fed as training rewards. or health food store and goat milk After her three- to five-mile kefir that I make at home. I also daily exercise, she gets a quarter- make lacto-fermented vegetables ounce cube of cheese or meat, or with finely shredded carrots, sweet maybe raw beef liver. potatoes, ginger, and other root For dinner, we work in variety. Shari Mann’s Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Meg, provides vegetables. Lactofermentation The one constant is a chicken foot chewing oversight for Mann’s new Bull Terrier puppy. predigests vegetables, increases with each evening meal, which she their vitamin content, and provides eats first. She gets at least two different beef livers and kidneys from the co-op, both probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and kinds of animal protein (meat, meat mixes, which I partially freeze for slicing ease. prebiotics (foods that feed beneficial raw meaty bones, eggs, or fish), and either I use my Tilia FoodSaver for the organs, bacteria). goat milk yogurt or green tripe. I add 1 since it preserves the food value longer. My first pet nutrition mentor was gram of salmon oil with each dinner. Meg gets no grains or veggies on a Juliette de Bairacli Levy, whose Complete I’m fortunate to be able to order most regular basis, as she doesn’t like them (I Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat food from the SFRaw co-op. I buy some fed veggies to prior dogs who enjoyed introduced her Natural Rearing philosophy. to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | I started following her guidelines 20 years an egg or cheese that day, it gets mixed wouldn’t eat kibble, canned, or any other ago with our cats and then with our first with the veggies. processed foods. She also had several bouts Lab, Samantha. The meat or poultry comes next, fed in of serious gastrointestinal problems, one Levy believes that meat fed in large her crate on a towel because of the mess it of which landed her in the pet hospital for pieces exercises stomach muscles and makes. She gets raw meaty bones at least several days. Within a month of switching helps prevent bloat and other digestive three or four days a week. If she gets meat to raw, she had gained weight, was more problems, so Chloe never gets ground without a bone attached, she’ll get an after- active, and she had no further digestive meat. Whenever we buy a side of beef, dinner bone to chew on. I use raw marrow disorders – ever! we have it cut to order with the maximum bones for that – once she cleans them out, I feed muscle meat for her morning amount of bone on the meat, whole or cut I fill them with raw goat cheese. meal, and raw meaty bones for dinner. I into large chunks, and wrapped in 1- to I put Willard Water concentrate in her don’t worry about balancing each day’s 2-pound packages. drinking water and often add a splash of meals, but believe in the concept of “bal- Chloe gets more chicken and beef than it to her dinner. Her other supplements are ance over time.” other meats because we have such good Standard Process Canine Whole Body Sup- A typical morning meal is one ounce local suppliers. She also gets lamb, goat, port powder and Seacure powder, both of of meat, usually beef stew meat or beef turkey, venison, or bison. Once in a while which help the vegetables taste better. heart, but I vary this with chicken or pork she gets wild-caught Pacific salmon, and Chloe gets between 1 and 1½ pounds of meat, chicken hearts, chicken or duck I do cook that to prevent salmon poison- meat and raw meaty bones per day, usually gizzards, and whatever else I can find at ing. Chloe’s recreational bones are usually fed in a single evening meal. Lately I’ve the Asian markets here. Every few days, beef, lamb, goat, or turkey. been giving her a cup of fresh goat kefir I add a small amount of cooked beef liver I try to provide raw meaty bones at least for breakfast, which I plan to continue as (she gets the runs with raw liver, even in every other day because if Chloe goes for she has become fond of kefir, and it’s so tiny amounts). several days without any, she will have a good for her. I generally feed a light eve- Her favorite evening meal is a 1- to 2- loose stool with mucus when bones are ning meal with eggs and/or raw dairy or ounce piece of pork neck bone. She loves reintroduced. Many people say that they kefir on Saturday, and then fast her (water these, and even if she can’t completely only) on Sunday. consume them, they give her lots of chew- Chloe was weaned on kibble, but ing pleasure. I used to use a meat cleaver to it didn’t take long to switch her to raw chop them up, but I found an Asian market food. Less than a week after we brought nearby where the bones actually come cut her home at eight weeks, she was eating up in the perfect size for her. I find that 100 percent raw and has ever since. She she can generally consume about ¼ to ½ sometimes gets grain-based treats from of the bone. Some nights, she gets chicken friends or vets or trainers, but most of her necks or chicken backs instead, and about training treats are freeze-dried liver, lamb once a week, she gets jack mackerel for lung, turkey hearts, or other low-carb or her RMB meal. Pumpkin is good about not no-carb fare. gulping, but I still split the chicken necks lengthwise, then split them again, and I Comments: I find it fascinating to see hold onto them while she eats them. I also CJ Puotinen and her Labrador, Chloe. how CJ integrates many of the things she mince up the chicken backs before I give has written about in her WDJ articles into them to her. can’t give their dogs raw bones because Chloe’s diet, including lacto-fermented A couple of days a week, Pumpkin is they get diarrhea. This is not unusual – it vegetables (“It’s All in How You Make fed pre-made raw medallions from Na- takes the digestive tract a while to adjust, It,” March 2001), coconut oil (“Crazy ture’s Variety, when other family members which is why it makes sense to start with About Coconut Oil,” October 2005), are caring for her. small amounts of bone, or to take the bone Seacure (“Securing Seacure,” April 2003), Finally, she gets table scraps, cottage away after a few minutes and give it back and Willard Water (“Willard Water,” cheese, yogurt, cheese, etc. – almost any- to the dog the next day for a few minutes June 2006). She also wrote more about thing I eat, she will eat, except for veggies more. Juliette de Bairacli Levy in “Grandmother and eggs. I’ve tried and tried to get her to Whenever we run out of raw bones and Nature,” July 2006 and about using eat those, but finally gave up. Sometimes then get a new supply, Chloe has loose pasture-fed meat in “Upgrading to Pasture she’ll eat bits of fruit (apple, melon, etc). stools for a day, and then they become Fed,” July 2003. And she loves vanilla ice cream! small, hard, and chalky, like plaster. In my For treats, I primarily use EVO kibble. experience, bone-fed dogs seldom have Even toy breeds eat bones I’ve even fed EVO at times when I didn’t anal sac problems. Randall Mackie, of San Francisco, has fed have anything thawed for her. Chloe’s dinner usually starts with 2 or 3 his 7-pound Yorkshire Terrier, Pumpkin, a The only supplements she gets right tablespoons of lacto-fermented veggies, 1 raw diet for eight years. He explains why now are fish oil and sometimes vitamin to 2 tablespoons coconut oil, a tablespoon and how: E, both of which I mix in with the cooked of shredded dried coconut, a teaspoon of beef liver she gets in the morning. cod liver oil, and a little fresh organ meat, I started feeding a raw diet when Pump- When I first started feeding raw meaty such as liver, if available. If she’s getting kin, who was a puppy at the time, just bones, Pumpkin didn’t quite know what

|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 ■ Chunked pork heart (cheaper than beef With chest freezers, it’s helpful to know heart, which one dog doesn’t like) approximately where everything is, so I made a wooden divider that splits the ■ Ground turkey, beef, venison, or buf- lower half of the freezer into thirds, allow- falo ing me to put 40-pound bulk cases on top. The divider also lets me stack and retrieve ■ Tripe, always mixed half and half with Bravo rolls more efficiently. When I put another protein food into the freezer, I alternate between muscle meat and RMBs, making it easier ■ Chicken hearts and gizzards, or turkey to get to what I want. I’m also careful to hearts shift older food to the top when I fill my Randall Mackie’s Yorkie, Pumpkin, pulls freezer up again. meat off a bone held by her owner. ■ Jack mackerel (canned) The first dog I switched to a raw diet was my 11-year-old male who was very to do with them, but she picked up on it Supplements: lame, but could not handle any pain medi- quickly. In the beginning, I held the bone to cations. After a few weeks on the raw diet, help her get started, and now that’s part of ■ 50/50 mixture of Berte’s Immune Blend he started putting weight on his bad leg, our routine. I’ll hold the bone for a while, and Berte’s Green Blend and was soon trotting around and retrieving then after a few minutes I’ll let her take it balls. He lived almost another year before away from me, and she’ll go and chew on ■ Salmon oil I lost him to cancer of the spleen. The vet it for a good long while. and I were totally amazed, and I was a I buy pork rib tips, chicken quarters, convert from that point on. Comments: Many people think that toy chicken necks, and pork heart in bulk from breeds cannot handle bones, but Pumpkin a restaurant food supplier that delivers near Comments: Feeding a raw diet to so would beg to differ! Small dogs seem to be my house. I purchase turkey backs from many large dogs can seem overwhelming, more susceptible to esophageal damage the local grocer. The rest of my products but once you have a system worked out, it from bones, so be sure your dog chews are from Bravo. goes quite smoothly. them up well, or help out by holding onto I split the food unevenly between my the bones (if your dog doesn’t object), cut- six dogs, adding muscle meat to RMB Weaning pups onto raw food ting them up into pieces too small to cause meals when needed to get the proper As a breeder, Moran explains how she choking, or grinding them. amount of food for each dog, or if stools feeds her Rottweiler pups: seem too dry. I weigh all my dogs’ food, Mass production for big dogs to help me get the amounts right, and mix The first solid food I feed puppies at Bridget Moran, of Pleasant Prairie, Wis- and match proteins at will. I have been about four weeks of age is a very soupy consin, is a Rottweiler breeder and Bravo! very lucky and have never had a choking mix of goat milk and ground turkey, gradu- retailer who feeds a whopping 12 pounds incident (a friend lost her dog, a full sister ally adding more turkey and less milk (all of food a day to her six dogs, ranging in age to one of mine, to a turkey neck). meals followed by nursing on the dam). from 2 to 11 years old, and weighing from I use Bravo! Blends, which contain After a few days, I add whole, skinless 67 to 115 pounds. She reveals her system meat, bone, organ meat, and veggies, chicken drumsticks and thighs, with the for feeding so many big dogs: a few times a week to supply the bulk meat scored. Chewing meat helps relieve of my organ meat, or I add a handful of teething pain and saves the dam’s nipples I feed raw meaty bones (RMBs) in the Bravo beef liver cubes to either meal. – most dams do not want to nurse during morning and muscle meat in the evening, Once every month or two, I feed the more this stage, but I have found this helps for a total of 6 pounds of food each meal: expensive exotic ground raw meaty bones tremendously (I’ve also found a raw diet from Bravo, such as elk, ostrich, or quail, increases the amount of milk the dam has Morning meals may be composed of: for variety. at this point). Here is my system. At an office supply At five weeks of age, I give the pup- ■ Pork rib tips store, I buy unscented garbage can liners pies a meal of ground raw meaty bones for around $10 for 10,000 bags. These bags (usually from Bravo!). The second meal of ■ Chicken quarters, or chicken necks with are not freezer-weight, but the food does the day is whole RMBs (skinless chicken), added chicken hearts or gizzards not stay in the freezer long. and the third meal is ground turkey and I split each case of food into bags goat milk. ■ Venison, lamb, or duck necks containing enough for a meal for each The puppies soon begin chewing the of my dogs, plus a little extra. If I have edge of the chicken bones. When this ■ Turkey necks, or turkey backs with time, I cube pork heart or beef heart, or starts, I introduce chicken backs (I still added turkey hearts grind muscle meat, and put about five give larger chicken pieces as well, as there pounds each into rectangular Glad or Zip- is not much meat on the backs). I like to ■ Chicken breast meat with bone loc containers (this shape works best for use chicken backs as they are too big for maximizing freezer space). the puppies to swallow whole, and they Evening meals: I have a 22-cubic-foot chest freezer. learn to hunker down and chew through the to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | backs until they have pieces they can swal- that if digestive problems develop due to ■ Chicken feet low. I found that if I started with chicken parasites, disease, or the stress of a new necks first, there was always one puppy home, you’ll know diet is not the cause. ■ Pork brains, spleen, and pancreas that would swallow the necks whole. I had a 5-week-old puppy who swallowed A “prey-model” diet ■ Whole small fishes, like smelt or sar- three chicken necks whole, then pitched a One style of raw feeding called “prey dines fit when I took him from the food bowl, model” advocates feeding a diet based on wanting even more! He was fine, but it’s whole prey and excluding anything else. ■ Intact heads or whole animals, when better that they learn to chew their food This is based on a desire to mimic the diet available first before swallowing it. of the wolf in the wild. Ginny Wilken, Once the puppies are doing well with of Alameda, California, describes the ■ Homemade soups from all varieties of their chicken backs, I add in another prey-model diet she has fed Tomo, her 11- bones protein. I use ground RMBs from Bravo!, year-old, 85-pound American Staffordshire starting with the beef blend. I continue to Terrier, since he was four years old: ■ My table scraps or “shares,” just meat, add one new food every few days. fish, and vegetables (only broccoli and I recommend to their new owners that Tomo had three surgeries for hip greens, and only with fat on it) puppies be fed three meals a day, as follows and knee problems when he was young, (the order does not matter): prompting me to seek options to help him. ■ Timberwolf salmon oil ■ Meal one: whole raw meaty bones I started with a Billinghurst-style raw diet, which soon morphed into a prey-model ■ Meal two: meat meal (no bones), eggs, approach. organs, cottage cheese and yogurt, along “Prey model” is a concept with wide with veggies, if desired latitude. Tomo is not fed a strict prey- model diet; I’ve tailored it to meet his ■ Meal three: ½ meat, ½ raw meaty bones individual needs. I think this diet is well (ground or whole) suited to folks with moderately good access to meat sources. This diet is half RMBs and half meat Tomo is a low-activity senior, an easy and other animal products. The emphasis is keeper with definite preferences. He enjoys on the “meat” in RMBs as well. If chicken food, but sees a meal as a social event, necks or backs are the RMB of the day, I and is always happier to eat if someone is recommend adding more meat to this meal watching or sharing. This is sometimes a to improve the meat to bone ratio. I also challenge, as he will turn down “difficult” suggest the same supplements I use for all meals at home alone that he will gladly Ginny Wilken’s handsome 11-year-old my dogs (see above). tackle in “public.” American Staffordshire Terrier, Tomo, With my Rottweiler puppies, I feed 5 Here are his diet items: waits politely for his raw meal. percent of their body weight at seven to eight weeks of age daily, divided into three ■ Pork neck bones (whole split necks), I buy food from butchers, Asian meals. I then monitor their condition at ribs, shoulder, and shanks markets, or wholesale from packers and least weekly, increasing each meal by one ranchers. All our food is from quality ounce when I see a puppy start to look thin. ■ Turkey parts, including unattached sources, and much of it is organic or natu- The timing will vary depending on each necks rally raised. puppy’s activity level and genetics. These days, Tomo can’t skip meals, as By 12 weeks of age, pups need their ■ Chicken and duck (whole or half) he needs to take a number of supplements food increased every one to two weeks, twice a day, including antioxidants for his and by six months, usually only monthly ■ Lamb necks (whole), heart, and kid- heart, anti-inflammatories for arthritis, and increases. By ten months, I am feeding 2 to ney thyroid medication. He gets pills in slices 3 percent of their estimated adult weight, of meat or handfuls of tripe or ground and no further increases are needed. ■ Goat (six-way cut) beef, usually when I am eating, to make a I find the body structure of my raw-fed treat out of it. puppies seems to be more solid. I believe ■ Meaty chunks of beef, lamb, pork, and Tomo is a very careful chewer, but large they are a little more muscled from putting venison pieces may come up and go down a few their front feet on the raw meaty bones and times to get chomped just right. He has pulling the meat off. Muscles work out ■ Raw eggs, free-range (home grown) never choked on food. I don’t fast him, but while eating! I do feed a bountiful day, followed by one ■ Organic or natural beef liver, heart, and or more lean days. He averages 1½ pounds Comments: This feeding approach can kidney of food a day, with a higher percentage of work for any puppy, but it may be best to bone than is common with a prey-model wait a week or two after bringing a new ■ Green tripe, cow gullets, and tracheas diet. This regulates his digestion, which puppy home before changing his diet, so (from greentripe.com) tends toward quick and loose.

|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 I saw lots of positive changes. First, he ate, without being picky! Then I noticed Resources Mentioned in This Article that fleas no longer bothered him. His skin and ear problems cleared up quite Stainless Steel Grinders a bit, though not entirely. His breath and American Eagle, ameagle.biz, (800) 836-5756. Also available at retailers such as Pierce coat improved, and his digestion became Equipment (pierceequipment.com, 877-354-1265) and North Coast Pets (northcoastpets. much more consistent. He became less com, 877- 231-7416) manic, and easier to train and handle. His hips seemed to bother him less. Eight years Cabela’s, cabelas.com, (800) 237-4444 later, I’m still very happy with his diet. L.E.M., lemproducts.com, (877) 536-7763

Comments: It’s important when fol- Sam Baere Meat Grinders, sillypugs.com, (925) 778-2340 lowing the prey-model style to feed a Other Tools wide variety of foods, as shown here, not Joyce Chen Scissors, joycechen.com. May be purchased from amazon.com and other just meat and bones, and not just one or retailers. two meat sources. Tomo’s diet also dem- onstrates how supplements can be used Tilia FoodSaver, foodsaver.com, (877) 777-8042 appropriately. L’Equip Dehydrator, lequip.com, (800) 816-6811 US or (877) 453-7847 Canada

Getting started Estwing Fireside Friend or Sportsman’s Axe, estwing.com, (815) 397-9558 All those who shared their diets with us have fed a raw diet for a long time, and Microwave Egg Boiler, sold by Fante’s Kitchen Wares Shop, fantes.com, (800) 443-2683 we’ve become quite relaxed about it. Be- Supplements lieve me, we all suffer anxiety attacks the Vetri-Science Cell Advance 880 Antioxidant Formula, vetriscience.com, 800-882-9993 first time we hand our dogs a raw meaty bone. It’s hard to overcome the warnings Thorne Veterinary Small Animal Antioxidants, Immugen, Basic Canine Nutrients, we’ve received all our lives about giving thorne.com, (208) 263-1337. Also available from wellvet.com, (303) 702-1986 bones (especially chicken bones) to dogs. Berte’s Immune Blend, Green Blend, B-Naturals, b-naturals.com, (866) 368-2728 Remember, though, that those warnings apply to cooked bones. Standard Process Canine Whole Body Support, standardprocess.com, (800) 848-5061 Most dogs handle raw bones without a problem, especially if they are careful Seacure, propernutrition.com, (800) 247-5656 chewers. However, if you have a dog who Timberwolf Salmon Oil, timberwolforganics.com, (407) 877-8779 tends to gulp his food, or if you just don’t feel comfortable feeding whole bones, Willard Water, Nutrition Coalition, Fargo, ND. (800) 447-4793 or (218) 236-9783; you can still feed ground or cut-up raw willardswater.com meaty bones, and can give recreational Commercial raw foods bones instead for chewing pleasure and Bravo!, bravorawdiet.com, (866) 922-9222 dental health. Most of us who feed a raw diet have Green Tripe and Organ Blend, greentripe.com, (831) 635-0724 seen a variety of health improvements in our dogs, including cleaner teeth, healthier The Honest Kitchen, thehonestkitchen.com, (858) 483 5995 coat and skin, less problem with fleas and EVO from Natura, naturapet.com, (800) 532-7261 allergies, better muscle tone, and increased vitality. As always, however, if your dog Nature’s Variety, naturesvariety.com, (888) 519-7387 has any problems, it’s a good idea to try changing what you feed. If you see an Halshan, halshan.com, (888) 766-9725 improvement after making a change, that Dr. Billinghurst’s BARF Diet, barfworld.com, (866) 282-2273 points to a nutritional problem, either due to excesses or deficiencies in the diet, or Books to an allergy to one or more ingredients. Give Your Dog a Bone, Grow Your Pup With Bones, and The BARF Diet, No matter what style of diet you feed, the by Dr. Ian Billinghurst cardinal rule is to always do what works The Complete Herbal Book for the Dog and Cat, by Juliette de Bairacli Levy for your dog. Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats, Mary Straus does research on canine by Richard Pitcairn, DVM health and nutrition topics as an avocation. See the author’s Web page at dogaware.com/dogfeeding.html for more information on home She is the owner of the DogAware.com feeding books, websites and email groups; supplements; commercial raw diets; and local website. She lives in the San Francisco Bay raw food co-ops and groups. Area with her 15-year-old dog, Piglet. to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | training Chew Chew? Train! How to properly channel your dog’s need to chew.

By pat miller uppies are notorious for their ability dogs, chewed to survive. His meals weren’t to chew on anything and everything. served to him as measured rations of kibble What you can do . . . If you’re at all dog-savvy you know in a stainless steel bowl. Long ago, as a ■ Manage your pup well until when you get a new puppy that pack member, he used his strong teeth and he’s through adolescence and despite your best efforts to manage jaws to bring down his prey. He chewed mature enough to handle house Pand supervise, you’re likely to lose at least through tough moose hide to consume the freedom, to avoid having him one valuable personal possession to the life-sustaining flesh beneath. He crushed learn inappropriate chew habits. razor-sharp implements known fondly as elk leg bones with powerful jaws and teeth puppy teeth. to slurp up the rich, tasty marrow inside. Puppies chew to explore their world He chewed to eat, to live. ■ Recognize your dog’s need to as well as to relieve the pain and irrita- Neither tens of thousand years of chew and provide him with age- tion of teething. What many dog owners domestication nor a recent switch to pro- and chew-style-appropriate chew don’t seem to realize is that while pup- cessed foods have extinguished the adult objects throughout his life. pies sooner or later get beyond the stage dog’s need and desire to chew. Many dogs where they feel compelled to put their continue a significant amount of vigor- ■ Examine chew toys teeth on everything they see, mature dogs ous adolescent chewing until the age of regularly and also need to chew to exercise their jaws, 18 to 24 months as those teeth continue remove any massage their gums, clean their teeth, and to mature, and then still chew, but with that have to relieve stress and boredom. It comes somewhat less intensity, as they age. become too as an unpleasant surprise to many owners Chewing is as basic a behavior to a worn or small that chewing doesn’t end at the age of six puppy as a human baby sucking on a paci- to be safe. months when all of the dog’s adult teeth fier. Humans, as they grow, transition to are grown in. sucking on thumbs, then lollipops, straws, The wolf, ancestor and cousin to our sports bottles, and perhaps cigarettes. Dogs, like us, can learn to transition to appropriate objects for mature oral attention, but they never completely outgrow the need to gnaw. Given the opportunity, mature dogs will chew for as long as they live and have teeth to chew with. Case in point: Katie, our 15-year-old Australian Kelpie who can barely hear, has difficulty walking, and whose vision is failing, still happily chews raw bones and chicken wings right alongside her younger packmates. Building good chew habits Puppies develop substrate preferences for elimination in the early months of their lives, and they similarly develop chew-object preferences. Hence the inadvisability of giving your old shoes or socks as chew toys. If you give your baby dog the run of the house and he learns to chew on Oriental Puppies should have a variety of chew items, of varying resistance, to help deal carpets, sofa cushions, and coffee table with their ever-changing baby teeth and gums. When their mouths are sore, they legs, you will likely end up with a dog who may seek out one type of chew, but then look for other items when feeling fine. chooses to exercise his jaws and teeth on

10|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 inappropriate objects for years to come. You’ll find yourself crating him frequently even as an adult dog, or worse, exiling him to a lonely life in the backyard, where he can chew only on lawn furniture, loose fence boards, and the edges of your deck and hot tub. Instead, focus your dog’s fangs on approved chew toys at an early age and manage him well to prevent access to your stuff. In this way, he’ll earn house privileges much sooner in life. By the end of his first year, you’ll probably be able to leave him alone safely while you go out to dinner or shopping – or even while you’re away at work. As long as he still snags the occasional shoe, knick-knack, or other off-limits possession for a mid-day gnaw, it’s too soon to give your dog unfettered freedom. When you’re home, he needs to always be under your direct supervision. You may need to keep him on a leash or a tether, or simply close the door of the room you’re in so he’s Puppies lose their “baby teeth” over a period of weeks, between three and six shut in with you and can’t wander into the months of age. While the baby teeth are shedding and the adult teeth are erupting, parlor to shred your grandmother’s antique the puppy’s gums are likely to be irritated – and he’ll urgently wish to chew. lace doily while your back is turned. If you’re otherwise too occupied to super- the use of these and other chew items for presence, by a dog who shows signs of vise, put him in his crate or exercise pen your dog. Regularly check the condition stress at the signs of his owner’s pend- to keep him out of trouble. of any chew toys you do give your dog, ing departure. Separation anxiety dogs At the same time, supply him with and discard them when they begin to show often don’t crate well either, which makes “legal” chew objects to keep his needle- signs of wear and tear. managing the destructive behavior even sharp puppy teeth appropriately occupied. One of the basic tenets of positive train- more challenging. If you think your dog’s Stuffed Kongs, Buster Cubes, and Busy ing is that it’s much easier to teach the dog chewing is related to separation anxiety or Buddies are just a few of the many inter- what to do rather than what not to do. If isolation distress, you’ll need to work with active toys available that can keep your you program your dog’s chew preferences a qualified, positive dog training profes- dog’s teeth and mind acceptably busy. If early in life by consistently directing his at- sional to modify the behaviors. you consistently supply him with desir- tention – and teeth – to appropriate objects able and acceptable chew objects, he’ll and preventing his access to inappropriate The trading post eventually develop a strong preference ones, you won’t have to constantly tell him You can reduce the risk of damage to for chewing on those same objects. He he’s chewing on the wrong things. occasional ill-gotten items by teaching will seek these items out when he feels the Interactive toys can help here too. A your pup to exchange toys for treats, us- need to gnaw, and ultimately your personal stuffed Kong suspended just out of your ing something he loves that he’s allowed possessions will be safe, even when your dog’s reach can keep him occupied and to have, such as a favorite chew toy or a back is turned. work off excess energy as he jumps and food-stuffed Kong. grabs at the tempting prize. Instead of giv- The key to this game is he learns that if Individually appropriate ing him his bowl of food in the morning, he gives something up, he gets something Because different dogs chew with different fill the Buster Cube with his kibbles and better in return and he gets the original levels of intensity, it is impossible to make make him work for his meal by pushing thing back as well. Two rewards for the definitive statements about which types cube around to make the food fall out. He price of one! Then, when he has a forbid- of chew products are appropriate for your won’t have the time, energy, or desire to den object, he’s more likely to bring it particular dog. The safety of chew objects shred your grandmother’s antique afghan if to you to trade than to drag his prize to such as rawhide, various bones, pig ears, he’s out “hunting” for his breakfast! his cave under the dining room table for and cow hooves is a hotly debated topic. Note: Some destructive chewing and a leisurely chew. The rare occasion that Rope tugs are wonderful chew toys for other related inappropriate behaviors are he doesn’t get “the thing” back won’t be some dogs, but others chew off and ingest a result of isolation distress or separation enough to overcome the programming the strings and risk serious gastrointestinal anxiety rather than “normal” chewing. you’ve done by playing the “trade” game complications, even death. Such chewing is often – but not exclusively with him frequently. Check with your own veterinarian and – directed toward door and window frames, In order for this to work, you have follow his/her recommendations regarding and occurs only outside of the owner’s to stop playing “chase the puppy” when to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 11 he grabs the sofa cushion or some other Product Review: Tuffies forbidden object. This is often an attention- getting behavior; he’s learned that grabbing Some dogs, like Lucy, our 3-year-old Cardigan Corgi, delight in destroying “your” toys and dashing off with them plush toys. Bonnie, on the other hand, is one of those dogs who cherishes her initiates a rousing play session. playthings. She would gently carry and nurture her stuffed “puppy” for years, Here’s what you do: until it disintegrated from natural wear and tear. To her everlasting dismay, we must restrict her access to stuffed toys to prevent Lucy from shredding them in 1. Offer him his well-stuffed Kong and mere seconds. say, “Take it!” Have him on a leash if you Until recently. Two months ago we discovered “Tuffies,” marketed as “the think he’ll run off with it. world’s tuffest soft dog toy.” They are soft enough to satisfy Bonnie’s needs, and tough enough to stand up to Lucy’s determined attentions. Readily found online 2. Give him a little while to get fully and in select pet supply outlets, Tuffies are rated on a “Tuff Scale” from 5 engaged in chewing, and then say “Give!” to 10, with 10 being the or “Trade!” in a cheerful tone of voice and toughest. They offer him a handful of irresistible treats, range in price such as small bits of chicken or cheese. from $9 for the #5 Tuff Log to 3. Hold the treats under his nose and let $27 for the #10 him sniff. It may take him several seconds Mega Tuffs. to think about it, but eventually he should The reason for the toys’ durability drop his Kong and start eating the treats. lies in their construction. They feature: Don’t let him gulp them! Hold the tidbits so he can only take them one by one. • Multiple layers of material: 600 Denier nylon, PVC, and finally one layer of soft fleece, rolled 4. When he drops the Kong, say, “Yes!” and sewn together four times in a one-inch cross pattern to prevent layer separation. The tougher 5. While he is still nibbling, reach down the toy, the more layers: the Tuff 10’s have with your other hand and pick up the toy. seven layers of material. 6. Let him nibble a bit longer, then offer • Protective webbing: Additional industrial-grade nylon webbing sewn around him the Kong again. the outside edge with three rows of stitching to cover and protect the first four rows of stitching. 7. Repeat the exercise several times. Then end the game by giving him back his • Squeaker safety pockets: Squeakers are sewn into nylon safety pockets beneath Kong and letting him chew to his heart’s the four other layers of material. content.

We purchased two Tuffies – a #8 Tug o’ War ($14) and a #9 ring ($15). They 8. Play this game at every opportunity, are serving their purpose well. Soft enough whenever he’s engaged in chewing on his to appeal to Bonnie, they are her first toys on his own, or whenever you feel like choice when she’s rooting through initiating the game, until he’ll give up his her toy box. Plus, they have chew object easily on your “give” cue. withstood Lucy’s concerted attempts to shred – to the Troubleshooting point she no longer even What if the game doesn’t always go as tries! No doubt there are smoothly as you might like? Here are some dogs out there who are of the challenges you may face: determined enough to destroy even these if left • Your dog may not be willing to drop alone with them long his toy in exchange for the treats in your enough; like any chew hand. Try dropping the treats on the floor toy, some monitoring is in a little Hansel-and-Gretel-trail. Lots recommended. We did of dogs are more willing to give up their hear reports that some of valued possession if the treats are within the Tuffie toys that have easy reach on the floor. Then, while he is small appendages, such as the following the trail to your hand that’s still Sea Creatures and the Dinosaurs, holding a reservoir of treats, pick up the are prone to losing limbs to deter- Kong with your other hand. mined chewers. • Your dog may lose interest in his toy

12|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 after he realizes you have yummy treats in so you don’t put yourself at risk for being and even chew at your foot to try to get your hand. Try using less valuable treats, or bitten because you have to take something the treat. Let him. This is an exercise in a more valuable chew toy. Or simply play away from him. patience for you as well as an exercise the game when he happens to be chewing in “Leave it!” for him. Be sure to wear on one of his toys. Leave it durable shoes for this exercise. Sandals You can also teach your dog to respond to may leave you with bloody toes, and patent • Your dog may be a resource guarder. If your cue to leave something alone before leather will be permanently scratched. he growls, snaps, or even stiffens and looks he sinks his sabers gum-deep into a trea- Your dog may give up easily when he angry when you try to trade with him, you sured possession. To teach “leave it,” have realizes he can’t get the treat, or he may be should STOP practicing this exercise and your dog on leash in front of you. Show very persistent. Either way, you’re just go- seek the help of a qualified and positive him a tasty treat, tell him “Leave it!”, and ing to wait for him to give up. The instant training professional to help you resolve let him see you place it under your shoe. he looks away from your foot, “mark” the the resource guarding challenge. (For Freeze-dried liver cubes work well for this; moment with the click of a clicker or word more on resource guarding, see “Thanks they are high-value for the dog, but firm such as “Yes!” and feed him a very tasty for Sharing,” September 2001.) enough that they aren’t easily squished treat. If he continues to look away from Meanwhile, supervise him very closely under your foot. your foot, keep clicking and treating at a to prevent his access to forbidden objects Your dog will probably dig, claw, high rate of reinforcement – lots of clicks

Choose Chews According to Chewing Style For a chew toy to be effective it must meet three criteria: Speculative, 1. It must be attractive to the dog. The dog must want to chew investigatory it, or it is useless. chewing?

2. It must be durable. If it lasts only 30 seconds it won’t help with a long-term chewing problem.

3. It must be safe. It must not contain toxins, or break up (or break down) into pieces that can cause the dog to choke or do internal damage.

It is important to look at individual dogs when deciding which chew objects are safe. Aggressive chewers can splinter objects and swallow large pieces that can choke a dog, cause life-threatening bowel obstructions, or tear the lining of the intestines. Delicate chewers can safely be given items that would be deadly for some dogs. A veterinarian friend gives her Greyhounds rawhide chips, which would not be safe for more aggressive chewers. Ag- gressive dogs and dogs who are left alone with a chew object are safest with a hard, rubber, hollow, Kong-type toy that can be filled with something tasty to hold the dog’s interest. Very large carrots can make ideal chew objects for many dogs. Over time, any chew toy softer than your dog’s teeth will become worn down. Any chew object harder than your dog’s teeth will cause wear to the teeth. It’s generally preferable to have wear to the toys than wear to the teeth. Safety requires good judgment. Many chew objects can eventually become small enough to be swallowed (or choked on) and should be disposed of before they reach a Boredom- or anxiety-based chewing? dangerous (swallowable) size.

to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 13 and treats. If he returns his attentions to companion. That energy has to go some- the treat under your foot, just wait for him where – and for some dogs, it goes right to to look away again. Do not repeat the cue. their jaws. The solution here is a renewed When he looks away again, click and treat commitment to provide adequate exercise, – again, at a high rate of reinforcement. with the addition, perhaps, of mental ex- When he can control his urge to maul ercise into your dog’s daily routine. (See your foot for at least five seconds, carefully “Mind Games,” October 2004, for a list of move your foot off the treat. If he tries to activities for low-mobility games.) grab it, simply cover it back up with your You may also have misjudged your foot. You don’t need to repeat the “Leave dog’s maturity, giving him a little too much it” cue. In a surprisingly short time, he’ll freedom a little too soon. When we went ignore the treat on the floor. Now pick it to Australia last October for two weeks, up, show it to him again, repeat the “Leave I left detailed instructions with our pet- it!” cue and try it under your foot again, sitter, including a caution that Bonnie, our still with a high rate of reinforcement. youngest pack member at 18 months and Remember to keep your cue cheerful; the only one still routinely crated in our you’re not trying to intimidate him away absence, should be given no more than from the forbidden object; you’re just a couple of hours of house-freedom at a giving him information. time, maximum. When he’s reliably ignoring the treat, There are many toys that are designed We returned home to discover that you can move a few inches away from it. to have food smeared or stuffed into particular instruction had somehow got- Don’t get too confident! The farther you their crevices, encouraging the dog to ten lost in the shuffle; the sitter had been move from the treat, the more likely he is take his time chewing. crating Bonnie only at night. As a result of to think it’s okay for him to have it. Take too much freedom and less exercise than it slow. Set him up to succeed, and in time walk to the refrigerator, take out a bag of normal, our little black Scottie/Corgi mix you’ll be able to tell him “Leave it” and his favorite treats, and calmly initiate the discovered the joys of nibbling on various leave the object unattended. trade game. You’ll be surprised by how household objects, including the corner of You can translate this exercise to real easy it is. the plastic dog food bin. life as soon as your dog understands to look Six-plus months of strict remedial away from the object when he hears the Adult chewing supervision and management later, we’re “Leave it!” cue. Set some tempting items On occasion, an adult dog who has been now, again, able to leave her uncrated for on the floor, put him on leash, and walk him trustworthy with his chewing habits may up to two hours at a stretch. If I leave the past the objects, just out of reach. The in- suddenly surprise you with an oral foray house for longer than that, she’s back in stant he looks at an object, say “Leave it!” into the forbidden. her crate. I probably could leave her for in a cheerful tone, and stand still. He may This may be a stress response to some- longer periods, but I’m a firm believer in stare at and strain toward the object. Just thing environmental happening in your erring on the side of caution. wait. When he gives up and looks away absence, such as a burglar trying to break Finally, a well-run positive training from the forbidden object, click and treat. into your home, loud equipment working class can assist in resolving behavior prob- Then continue toward the next object. in the street in front of your house, or lems, chewing and otherwise, by helping When he’ll do this reliably without the stray dogs romping through your yard. you and your dog learn to communicate leash tightening at all, you’re ready to try Sometimes even something like a com- more clearly with each other. The better it off leash. Then, as you supervise your pelling need to urinate or defecate can you understand how his mind works, and pup’s antics, if you see him coveting an stress a well-trained dog into inappropriate the better he understands what you ex- inappropriate object, just say, “Leave it!” chewing. pect of him, the stronger the relationship in that cheerful tone, and be ready to click If you can determine the nature of the between the two of you. In the end, it’s and treat when he turns back toward you. stressor and control or remove the cause, the strength of this relationship that will Once you’ve taught your dog the your dog should quickly revert to his carry you through the challenges of chew- “trade” and “leave it” games, the rest is prior good chewing behavior. He might ing and other dog caretaking adventures, up to you. Of course, you’ll continue to also need a refresher course in the crate, and allow you to experience the joys and supervise him closely to minimize his after a veterinary exam to rule out pos- rewards of sharing your life with a canine access to forbidden objects and redirect sible medical causes. (Anytime there’s a companion. his attention when you see him covet an significant behavior change in an adult inappropriate one. dog it’s important to rule out – or treat If, however, he does happen to find – any possible medical contributors to the Pat Miller, CPDT, is WDJ’s Training Editor. something he’s not supposed to have, odds undesirable behavior.) Miller lives in Hagerstown, Maryland, site are he’ll bring it to you to exchange for A return to inappropriate chewing of her Peaceable Paws training center. She something better. Next time you see your may be a result of inactivity and pent-up is also the author of The Power of Positive dog with Aunt Ida’s antique lace doily in energy. Perhaps the weather’s been bad or Dog Training and Positive Perspectives: his mouth, instead of going into “Omigod your workload extra heavy, curtailing your Love Your Dog, Train Your Dog. For more the puppy has the doily!” panic mode, normal exercise sessions with your canine information, see “Resources,” page 24.

14|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 You don’t have to dig for that lost issue! Back issues of Whole Dog Journal are available Order back issues 2) Log onto in one of whole-dog-journal.com/pub/ two backissues.html convenient ways: to purchase articles and immediately download them to your computer

1) Mail this order form, along with a check or money order, to: The Whole Dog Journal P.O. Box 5656 Norwalk, CT 06856-5656

 7/07 Home-Prepared Diets, Pt 4: Owners Share Cooked Diet Recipes  7/06 Meds for Chronic Anxiety • Don’t Do “Alpha Rolls” • Stop the Barking • Rescuing an Older Dog • Off-Leash Angst • Juliette de Bairacli Levy • Herbal Detoxification • Adrenal Gland

 6/07 Home-Prepared Diets, Pt 3: Cooked Diets • Health Handbooks  6/06 stress Signals • Interview with Dr. Susan Wynn • Arnica • Peace in a Multi-Species Household • New Cancer Treatments • Teach Your Dog to Look at You • Willard Water • The Pancreas • Recall Redux: More News on the Pet Food Recalls  5/06 safe Pain Relief • What to Do If Your Dog Is a Bully • Giardia  5/07 Pet Food Disaster • Home-Prepared Diets, Pt 2: Raw Diets with • Teaching Self-Control • The Canine Immune System Meaty Bones • Common Mistakes in Positive Training • Another Yeast Species Implicated in Skin Problems  4/06 commercial Raw, Frozen Diets • Active and Passive Submission • Treatment for Heartworm • Helping Shy Dogs • Canine Hospice

 4/07 Home-Prepared Diets, Pt 1 • Fearful, Anxious, and Phobic Dogs  3/06 Preventing Canine Cancer • A Dependable Stay • Shape Training • Lemon Balm • Toothbrushing • More Treatments for Injuries • Heartworm Prevention • Central Nervous System

 3/07 Wet Food Review • Treatments for Osteoarthritis  2/06 best Dry Foods • Target Training • Nonconventional Care • Pre-Activity Acupressure • Teaching Good Leash Manners for Canine Cancer • Electronic Training Collars • Home Treatments for Sports Injuries To find more past topics, see www.whole-dog-journal.com/search  2/07 Dry Dog Foods Review • Teach Your Dog to Potty on Cue • Canine Candida • Count on Calendula • The Dog’s Coat Name ______ 1/07 Gear of the Year • Why We Advocate Positive Training Only • Acupressure for Anxiety • Dog Food Factories • Target Training Address______• Keep Perspective of Your Dog’s Progress ______ 12/06 Positively Australia: How Training Differs Down Under • Diet and the Older Dog • Agility for Reactive Dogs City______• Pica and Coprophagia • Practice Management: You and Your Vet State______Zip______ 11/06 fix the Fetch • Shots Fired: Reducing Vaccination • How to Lead Your Pack • Hera’s Housemate • Pro Antioxidants

 10/06 car Safety for Dogs • Anal Glands • Puppies • Dog Gone Dung #______back issues @ $7.50 ea. $______• How to Teach Your Dog to Read

 9/06 stopping Urinary Incontinence • Hot Spots and Lick Granulomas • Acupressure for Health Maintenance • Pain & Pain Management Postage & handling $ 2.00

 8/06 Probiotics • Men vs. Women Dog Trainers • Fat Dogs Total amount enclosed $______• Accelerated Wound Healing • Post-Operative Acupressure to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 15 Management Chill Out! The best methods for cooling that hot dog (and why it’s a good idea).

By cj puotinen ot weather spells trouble for dogs. Because they can’t release heat by sweating the way humans do, heat and humidity can raise canine body temperatures to dangerous levels. HHeat stroke kills, and heat stress (a less severe condition) can take a serious toll on a dog’s health. Unfortunately, heat-related problems are among the most common summer canine ailments. Conscientious caregivers plan ahead and do everything they can to keep their dogs safe in the heat. Here are some strat- egies and products for helping hot dogs chill out. To reduce summer heat stress, let your dog become accustomed to climate changes naturally and gradually, the way animals adapt in the wild. Schedule long walks for the coolest time of the day but spend a few minutes outdoors during warmer hours, too. Unless your climate is Obese dogs, flat-faced dogs, and (especially!) obese, flat-faced dogs areat dangerously hot, your dog can be comfort- increased risk of heat stress and heat stroke. Exercise dogs in the cool of the able for short periods. evening, or close to dawn, and make sure they have adequate shade and water. Summer daytime temperatures are coolest at dawn and dusk. Just after sunrise to take your dog for a run or a long walk. To encourage a hot dog to drink on and just before sunset are the best times Humidity matters as much as temperature; hot days, resupply his cold water. Some in fact, a combination of high humidity and people fill a dog bowl or bucket and freeze moderate temperatures can stress a dog as it overnight. As it melts during the day, it What you can do . . . much as mid-day sun. Always watch for provides a steady supply of refreshing, ■ Never leave your dog in a car signs of stress. Dogs pant to release heat, so cold water (check to make sure it melts parked in the sun. if your dog pants more heavily than usual, quickly enough to provide as much water slow down, stop, find shade, offer water, as he might wish to drink). and rest for a while. Alternatively, or in addition, freeze or ■ Watch for symptoms of heat stress Ideal exercise locations are shaded simply chill water in the refrigerator in a and if they occur, give immediate parks or lawns near a pond, river, creek, plastic water bottle and add the melting or first aid and go to the nearest or pool. Beaches are usually cooler than chilled contents to your dog’s water peri- veterinary clinic. inland areas, and both lakes and oceans (as- odically throughout the day. Change your suming conditions are safe for swimming) dog’s water more often during hot weather ■ When temperatures climb, provide allow dogs to cool off whenever they like. and add ice cubes to your dog’s bowl. extra drinking and splashing water. Whether your dog is a wader or swimmer, Many hot dogs enjoy curling up with a let him rest in the shade after playing in nice cold ice pack. A frozen plastic water ■ Plan exercise water. At home, a plastic wading pool can bottle stays cool for hours. Dogs who use and outdoor be a perfect place to dip and chill. frozen water bottles as pillows cool down play when Whenever temperatures climb, provide quickly, since blood circulates close to the temperatures extra drinking water. Your dog’s panting surface at the neck and throat. are coolest. cools him by releasing body heat, but this For summer comfort, nothing beats the process also can dehydrate his body. shade of trees, so as you plan the day’s

16|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 Cool Your Dog in Safe Water; Algae “Blooms” Can Kill Water is wonderful, but not if it’s toxic. When conditions pro- 1980s, and reached Florida lakes in the 1990s. It is thought mote the growth or “bloom” of toxic blue-green algae in lakes to produce toxins continuously, not sporadically like North and ponds, animals can die. In the U.S. and Canada, blue-green America’s native blue-green algae. algae blooms have claimed the lives of deer, elk, livestock, In June 2007, a Michigan dog died as a result of swimming and dogs, soon after drinking algae-infected water. in (or drinking water from) a pond containing a blue-green There are hundreds of species of algae, but the family of algae bloom. blue-green algae called cyanobacteria can produce toxins The state of Minnesota warns its citizens about this hazard, that affect humans and animals. According to the Minnesota stating that the blue-green algae blooms are occasionally Pollution Control Agency (pca.state.mn.us/water/clmp- responsible for the deaths of livestock and dogs who drink toxicalgae.html), this type of algae occurs in many aquatic contaminated water. Although toxic blooms may occur in any environments year-round, but may thrive to a dangerous ice-free water, they usually develop in late summer and early degree during periods of sustained warm, sunny days in fall. (Michigan authorities were surprised by toxic blooms in shallow, nutrient rich bodies of water. In these conditions, that state’s ponds in mid-June of this year.) the blue-green algae suddenly “blooms” – that is, reproduces Algae blooms may turn the water cloudy with a green exponentially. The algae produce a powerful toxin – one of (like pea soup), yellow, or blue-green hue. The water may the most powerful natural poisons develop a “swampy” odor as the known. algae accumulate in large floating In September 2006, the Quebec mats and decompose. Wind-driven Gazette reported that scientists blooms often accumulate on down- blamed global warming for wind shorelines. the increase in Canada’s algae Algae blooms may be toxic, but problems. Blue-green algae not all of them are; it is impossible contaminated 43 Quebec lakes to predict which blooms are toxic and rivers in 2004 and 50 more and which are not. In addition, in 2005. Health inspectors closed blooms can be temporary, for the lakes and waterways to swimmers wind can completely dissipate a and boaters because in addition to toxic bloom in a few hours or over killing dogs, the algae causes skin the course of a day. irritations, headaches, nausea, and People and animals should other health problems in humans. avoid swimming in or drinking Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, water from ponds or lakes that and several other states have contain an algae bloom. Check reported algae problems. with park departments, state coop- In 2001, a new planktonic blue- erative extension offices, and local green alga, Cylindrospermopsis, news media regarding the algae was identified in reservoirs and Whenever possible, take your dog swimming status of nearby lakes and ponds lakes in Indiana. This organism in clean, clear, flowing water, rather than warm, before planning outings with your was described in India in the early shallow ponds or lakes. And avoid any water dog. And always carry enough 1900s, spread to Australia by the that is green or thick with algae. fresh water for both of you!

activities, look for parks, play areas, picnic to move. Shade covers help reduce heat frequent brushing to remove dead hair, tables, and hiking trails that are sheltered loads, and fans that circulate air have a especially the undercoat. Some long-haired from direct sunlight. At home, if your dog cooling effect. or heavy-coated dogs feel much more com- doesn’t have a dog door or easy access Study the forecast as you schedule play fortable with short summer cuts, keeping in in and out, be sure he has shade to rest in dates and outdoor events. When heat and mind that dogs whose coats are shaved or and ample water supplies. The sun’s angle humidity are high, save outdoor activities cut very short are at risk for sunburn. changes with the seasons, so be aware of for breaks in the weather or days with shifting shade patterns. Providing shade lower humidity. Heat stress risks is most important between 10 a.m. and As all WDJ readers know, it’s never Heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat 4 p.m. safe to leave a dog in a parked vehicle. The stroke or heat prostration are increasingly Ventilation and air circulation are inside of a car parked in the sun, even with severe levels of the same basic condition. crucial when dogs are confined to pens, its windows down, can increase by several Any dog can suffer from heat stress, but crates, and kennels. Solid walls interfere degrees per minute, quickly reaching 125oF dogs who are most susceptible include the with air circulation while chain link fenc- or even 150oF. very young and old; any dog with a his- ing, screens, or mesh fabric allow the air Keep your dog well groomed, with tory of heat stress; breeds with flat faces or to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 17 short noses; and dogs who are overweight, the dog’s age, physical condition, and the measurements often fell near a size change, physically inactive, have cardiovascular amount of time spent with an elevated we supplied all of his statistics when order- disease, or respiratory problems. Some temperature, complications can occur. ing, asking the seller to send his best size. prescription drugs may increase the risk. Two had to be returned for size replace- The symptoms of heat stress include Cool equipment ment, and one more should have been. profuse panting, salivation, an anxious There’s no shortage of special equipment Miller-Riley’s observations apply to expression, staring without seeing, fail- to help keep dogs cool. Pet supply catalogs Skyler’s experiences with the vests. Sever- ing to respond to commands, skin that is and websites sell everything from cooling al of the vests reviewed here were designed warm and dry, fever, rapid pulse, fatigue crate pads to water-retaining scarves, bat- for or are used by military, search and or exhaustion, muscular weakness, and tery operated or solar powered fans, mesh rescue, police, and working dogs. Results physical collapse. beds, solar shade sheets, special hats, and may vary for smaller or larger dogs, dogs The symptoms of heat stroke or heat cooling mats. of different breeds, engaged in different prostration can include a warm nose and Now cooling vests are becoming activities, or in other climates. foot pads, glazed eyes, heavy panting, popular. Made from different materials and rapid pulse, a dark red tongue, fever, diz- operating on different cooling principles, ■ Canine Cool Vest ziness, vomiting or diarrhea, immobility, these garments are designed to keep dogs 50 Degree Company fills its products and unconsciousness. Brain damage occurs from overheating. with a blend of nontoxic, noncarcinogenic when the body’s temperature reaches 106o Do they work? To help us find out, we crystalline alkanes – materials that can be to 107oF. A dog’s normal temperature is recruited Bridgeport, Connecticut, dog “charged” with a cool temperature quickly, 100.5o to 101.5oF trainer Deborah Lee Miller-Riley and her but release this coolness very slowly. Its If your dog experiences any of the Portuguese Water Dog, Skyler, to test some “Canine Cool Vest” is “charged” by a brief above symptoms, provide immediate first popular models. Miller-Riley competes soak in ice water or a few hours in the aid. Your rapid response may save your with her dogs in water sports and runs refrigerator, after which, the manufacturer dog’s life. Splash Camps and Splash Workshops claims, it maintains a stable 80oF tempera- Reduce your dog’s temperature by across the country (see k9watersports.com ture for four to five hours. The 20-degree moving her into shade and immersing for more information). difference between the vest and the dog’s her gradually into cool water, such as in Skyler is an 11-year-old male who body keeps the dog cool. The material a stream, pond, fountain, horse trough, weighs 61 pounds and had a 3-inch-thick solidifies when cool and becomes clear bath tub, or wading pool. Otherwise, wet wavy coat until we finished our tests, when and pliable when it warms up, making the dog thoroughly, pouring a continu- he got a short, cooling summer cut. it easy to determine when it needs to be ous stream of cool water over her body, Each vest was tested on a sunny, warm recharged. beginning with the head and extremities, day with some cloud cover, in temperatures 50 Degree makes a “Cool Pad” for ly- from a hose, watering can, bottle, or pan. ranging from 83 to 85o F, humidity near 45 ing on, as well as vests and other cooling If possible, apply ice packs to her head and percent, and very mild winds. The walks products for humans. neck. Apply wet towels to her abdomen, lasted 30 to 35 minutes for each vest tested, The Cool Vest comes in seven colors groin, legs, head, and neck. ending at a stream where Skyler cooled his and four sizes. Size is determined by neck/ If you can, take your dog’s temperature legs before returning by the same route. yoke, chest girth, and side body length and continue applying cool wet towels All of the vests come in different sizes, measurements. Skyler wore a woodland until it returns to normal. with size charts based on weight and mea- camo vest (green and black) in size large, As soon as possible, take your dog to a surements such as girth (chest at its widest which cost $120. Velcro tabs close the vest veterinary clinic. Even if she seems to have part), neck, back length, or length from around the dog’s belly and back. Two cold recovered, her body temperature could front leg to back leg. Skyler’s correct size, panels slip inside the vest and cover the increase again; heat stress always carries depending on the manufacturer, was me- lower rib cage. a risk of brain damage; and depending on dium, large, or extra large. Because his “This product was cut too long for

Resources Mentioned in This Article Canine Cool Vest Canine Cool Coat 50 Degree Company, West Melbourne, FL SmartPak, Plymouth, MA (321) 956-0050, 50degree.com (800) 326-0282, shopsmartpak.com sizes small to large, $90 to $140 sizes 10 to 36 (dog’s back length), $25

Hawaiian Cool Coat RPCM Cooling Vest Cocojor Hawaii, Honolulu, HI Glacier Tek, Inc., distributed by Helping Udders, Belle Plaine, KS (808) 394-2162, cocojorhawaii.com (620) 488-5448, helpingudders.com sizes XX small to XX large, $42 to $50 Chilly Dog, $130; Chilly Pup $99

Cool Vest by Radic Chillybuddy Gramercy Distribution, New York NY PT Bofabs, Rockville, MD (212) 505-0320, gramercydistribution.com (888) 762-8149, chillybuddy.com sizes extra small to large, $48 to $59 sizes petite to XX-large, $33

18|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 Skyler tested a cotton green floral vest best of all the vests we tried. The panel over Canine Cool Vest in size extra large, costing $42. Skyler’s back was still cool underneath at “This colorful coat had quilted sections the end of the walk, and his skin under the that contained the beads that absorb water,” vest was cool, while his head and rump, says Miller-Riley. “Absorb is just what which were not protected, were hot to the they did. Once soaked, the coat weighed touch. He began the walk with light pant- close to five pounds. Try as I might, I could ing and ended the same way. At the stream, not get the coat to stay on my dog. The he walked in to wet his feet.” Velcro patches on the end of the body strap were not large enough to remain closed; the ■ Canine Cool Coat

Photos by Deborah Lee Miller-Riley weight of the coat kept pulling the fastener Made with “Oasis fabric,” a soft, durable, apart, and the coat would slide off. breathable polyester mesh that reflects my slightly off-square male dog,” reports “We were not able to complete our test sunlight, the Canine Cool Coat is worn Miller-Riley. “The coat cut into his groin walk. This coat requires extra care (sun after being soaked in water and wrung out. and pressed on his penis, which seemed to drying) to prevent mold growth, and it still Its heat-reducing action is said to continue be uncomfortable for him when he lifted got moldy. It remained swollen for a week, even after the coat dries out. his leg. The panels, which were chilled in even in the sun, and was heavy, bulky, and The coat’s size is the dog’s back length the refrigerator overnight, remained solid a bother to maintain.” measured from top of shoulders to base throughout the walk. Skyler’s chest was of tail, with 14 sizes ranging from 10 to cold where it came in contact with the ■ Cool Vest by Radic 36 inches. Skyler wore size 22. All sizes pack. But he did not appear cool; in fact, The Cool Vest is made with a special cost $25. he panted during the entire walk. When we water-retaining fabric that helps cool the “This coat was very light, easy to use, reached the stream, he not only cooled his dog through simple evaporation. Place the and easy to pack,” says Miller-Riley. “But legs but went for a swim to cool off more. vest in cool running water, gently squeeze I think my dog was cooled more by the Despite being a water dog, he is not fond out the excess so it doesn’t drip, and then stream than by the coat. Once it dried, it of swimming unless he is really hot. place it over the dog’s head and fasten it didn’t make much sense to use it further. “I thought I would like this vest. The with Velcro behind the dog’s front legs. Ac- Just soaking my dog with water before and Velcro panels were easy to use, and I cording to its distributor, the vest’s cooling during our walk worked just as well as this thought the wrap-around design would action remains effective for up to two hours coat and I didn’t have to buy anything.” act as insulation to keep coolness next to and can be reactivated with additional wa- SmartPak also sells cage cooler fans, the dog. Instead, it appeared to make him ter. To prevent mold, hang dry after each a “cool cot” (portable crate with elevated warmer, even while it chilled the skin next use; to clean, hand wash in warm water floor for cooling air circulation), and solar to his ribs.” with mild detergent and hang dry. shade sheets. The vest comes in five sizes (extra ■ Hawaiian Cool Coat small to large) and two colors, orange or ■ RPCM Cooling Vest Fashion is the hallmark of Cocojor Hawaii, blue. Skyler wore a blue size large, which RPCM stands for Glacier Tek’s Renewable which makes tank tops, muu muus, cost $59. Phase Change Material, which is made sundresses, bandanas, sun caps, raincoats, Miller-Riley reports, “This design was from food-grade fats and oils. RPCM cool cooling vests, and other attire – all for dogs very light weight even after being soaked packs recharge in 20 minutes in ice water. – in a variety of beach-appropriate colors in cold water and refrigerated. The coat has Inserted into the Vest, they are said to and patterns. a liner that protects the dog from getting maintain a steady 59oF temperature for Cocojor Hawaii says its Hawaiian Cool wet, so it might work well for dogs waiting two to three hours, even in 100-degree Coat is filled with nontoxic crystals that to go into a show ring where wet coats are weather. Glacier Tek also offers a Chilly absorb and retain water to help keep dogs undesirable. Pad for dogs to lie on. cool. “Just soak the vest in cold water and “The vest was simple, easy to use, and According to its manufacturer, the let it sun dry,” say the product instructions. packed up nicely. It did need care after use vest was developed for firefighters and “It stays cool for three to seven days and to prevent mold growth, but it dried within adapted for military working dogs in Iraq. can be reactivated many times.” the day mold-free. This style fit my dog the The black nylon vest comes in two sizes,

Hawaiian Cool Vest Canine Cool Cool Coat by Radic Coat

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to change your mailing or e-mail address, renew your subscription, Chilly Dog ($130) and Chilly Pup ($99). cooler (72 degrees) when we tested this check payment status, or ask Skyler wore the larger size, which adjusts product, so we walked for an hour rather questions about your account: for chest girths of 28 to 46 inches. than our usual 30 minutes. Skyler stayed Miller-Riley reports, “We tested this comfortable throughout. Visit us at vest when the temperature was 82 degrees “This coat is easy to use, lightweight, whole-dog-journal.com/cs and the humidity 56 percent. The cool and it folds up and packs well. The shade packs cover the abdomen, and the vest is cloths I use for my tent and car are made Call (800) 829-9165 held in place with straps over the chest of the same kind of fabric, which really To change your address by mail, attach and back. There was no change in Skyler’s reflects heat, and the mesh circulates air your present mailing label to this form (or a panting from start to finish. He did not go well. A full strap goes around the belly, copy of this form), enter your new address for a swim, just got his feet wet. His skin anchored with belt loops, and Velcro strips below, and mail it to: stayed cool under the rib cage covered by allow further adjustment. the vest. “However, both the front and back The Whole Dog Journal “This product, which seems to be kept flipping up and always seemed to P.O. Box 420235 designed only for large dogs, is medium- need adjusting. Perhaps this would not be Palm Coast, FL 32142 weight and simple to use, but you have the case if we had ordered the correctly to cool or refrigerate the gel-like cells. I sized coat.” Name______didn’t like its large plastic snaps resting Company______on my dog’s spine, though he didn’t seem Conclusions Address______to care.” At the end of their research, Miller-Riley ______concluded, “All in all, Skyler seems to City______■ Chillybuddy be cooled best by jumping into a body A light-weight mesh jacket made of woven of water or having a gallon jug of water State______Zip______plastic with an aluminized finish (a fabric poured over him. I am not sure I would E-mail ______originally designed for greenhouse shade put my money down for any of these coats. cloths), this highly reflective vest is lined However, the Radic vest from Japan was To order or renew a subscription, enter your name and address above with breathable cotton mesh. affordable, easy to use, provided some and check the subscription term Chillybuddy comes in seven sizes, from cooling, and my dog didn’t have to get wet you prefer: petite to extra-extra large. Using Skyler’s for it to be effective. neck and girth measurements, we ordered “Most wild canines do not venture forth ❒ 2 years (24 issues) – $54 size medium, which cost $33. We should in the hottest part of the day. They seek ■ 1 year (12 issues) – $29 have used the third measurement that cool spots in the earth or under vegetation Chillybuddy uses to determine size; the until the sun goes down. It’s wonderful that In Canada, 1 year $39 CDN, 2 years $72 CDN. All other countries, 1 year length of the dog’s back. As you can see so many products are being developed to $47 US, 2 years $94 US. in the photo above, the size we ordered help working dogs in adverse conditions, was too short to cover Skyler’s back, and but where pets are concerned, keeping ❒ check enclosed ❒ AmEx we ran out of time to return this and order them cool involves a certain amount of ❒ MasterCard ❒ Visa the correct size. A company representative common sense. Why drag a dog out into belatedly suggested using the back length the heat unless it’s to go for a swim or a Card #______as the critical measurement, as the neck wade?” and girth straps are highly adjustable. Expiration ______According to Chillybuddy’s maker, the CJ Puotinen is author of The Encyclopedia Signature______vest can reduce a dog’s coat temperature of Natural Pet Care, Natural Remedies your renewal is almost 30 percent on a 90-degree day. for Dogs and Cats, and other books (see just a click away! Soaking it before use dampens the cotton “Resources,” page 24 for purchasing in- whole-dog-journal.com/cs lining, which holds water for evaporative formation). She lives in New York with her cooling. Miller-Riley says, “It was slightly husband, a Labrador, and a tabby cat.

20|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 health The Word on Her Lipomas Fatty tumors are rarely problematic – but some practitioners believe they signal an underlying problem.

By denise flaim

umps, bumps, fatty tumors – call them what you will, but nobody likes to see her dog develop lipomas, those persistent little foothills that can sprout up on older dogs – and sometimes,L not so-old ones. Often soft and squishy to the touch, benign fatty tumors are not a threat to your dog’s health. (The exception is infiltrative lipomas, which can invade muscle tissue, but these are relatively rare.) While lipomas can be unsightly, many vets opt not to remove them unless they are in a location where their growth impedes a dog’s mobility. But many holistic veterinarians see lipomas as far from innocuous. Instead, they stress, lipomas are symptoms of a bigger problem. This middle-aged Lab has at least one lipoma (behind his elbow, on the chest wall). Unless it grows until it impedes the free movement of his leg or the ability Holistic view of his chest to expand to breathe, veterinarians will likely decline to remove it. “For conventional veterinarians, lipomas are just something that happens, just like of one. Fed kibble and then a homemade cancer happens,” says Marty Goldstein, diet heavy in grains and carbs, Tembo had What you can do . . . DVM, of Smith Ridge Veterinary Center constant allergies – corn gave him hives, ■ Check your dog for swellings or in South Salem, New York, author of The and wheat summoned forth blistering yeast masses when you pet, massage, or Nature of Animal Healing: The Definitive infections on his feet and in his ears. bathe your dog. Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for “For the first seven years, the lipomas Your Dog and Cat. “What they don’t get popped up like mushrooms,” remembers his owner, Elizabeth Akers of Concord, ■ Note any lumps and bumps, is that lipomas are a result of what we’ve done to depress the metabolic functions California, who had about 20 lipomas and direct your veterinarian to and immune system of the animal.” surgically removed from Tembo’s rib cage, them at your dog’s annual health Dr. Goldstein believes that lipomas legs, and chest. Some of the growths were examination. (If they are growing are a sign of improper fat digestion and a small, others were tangerine-sized. “One quickly, schedule a prompt exam.) haywire metabolism, and that they often on his groin was growing faster than the result from the unnatural commercial diets speed of light.” ■ Have your vet surgically remove that have become the norm today. “We’ve Then, at age 7, Akers switched Tembo your dog’s lipomas only if they are laden dog food with 50 to 65 percent car- to a raw diet – and the lipomas responded making your dog uncomfortable. bohydrates, even though in nature wolves as if she had flipped an “off” switch. “By eat perhaps 1 to 3 percent grains.” the time he died at age 12, the only lipomas ■ Improve your While few (if any) conventional vet- he had were in four places where they had dog’s diet. erinary practitioners would agree with this been removed and had grown back again,” Consider a assessment (see “Conventional Medical she remembers. “He had no new ones.” low- or Opinion,” next page), consider the case Holistic veterinarians are quick to note no-carb plan. of Tembo, a Rhodesian Ridgeback who that diet changes are not miracle cures: As had his first lipoma before the tender age in Tembo’s case, they may slow or even to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 21 stop the growth of existing lipomas, or classically trained homeo- cause them to “organize,” or shrink. But pathic vet Michael Dym, expecting a wholesale disappearance of VMD, of Morristown, them is likely unrealistic. New Jersey. By contrast, Success is relative, Dr. Goldstein says. “lipoma patients have “If a lump is growing three inches every six very weak symptoms,” months,” and after you make modifications as the body struggles to in your dog’s diet and lifestyle, “it still externalize its internal gets bigger but it’s only growing one inch conflict in a kind of slow in that time frame, then you’re moving in boil. In this scenario, “the the right direction.” patient has been ill on Holistic medicine doesn’t see diseases a deeper level for some as unrelated entities that swoop in to dis- time – it’s just that they rupt health like so many flying monkeys don’t have adequate re- at Oz. Instead, disease – or any disrup- actions, and have a very This German Wirehaired Pointer also has a large lipoma tion of the body’s functioning, no matter weak development of on his right side behind his elbow; it makes lying on how seemingly mild, like lipomas – is a symptoms.” this side of his body uncomfortable. manifestation of a weakness with the body For that reason, lipo- itself. In other words, there’s a Wicked mas are not easy to treat, because making life force has been affected by vaccines or Witch of the West lurking in the backdrop changes on that deep and profound a level toxins such as pesticides. acting as dispatcher. Simply put, lipomas doesn’t happen overnight. are a sign that there are deeper issues be- “From a homeopathic perspective, any You’re outta here – not! hind the scenes. sort of lump or growth is generally thought Lipomas can be unsightly, and some own- Many systems of healing have a name to be an outcome of vaccinosis,” or the ers might be tempted to remove them for for the life energy that flows through the adverse effects of vaccination on the body, pure aesthetics. But because surgery only body and maintains good health. In home- Dr. Dym continues. “Animals that are ill treats the symptom of the problem, not opathy, for example, it is called the vital from prior vaccinations can have chronic its root, most holistic veterinarians avoid force. But no matter what you label it, warts, skin tags – and fatty tumors and it, except for lipomas that are so large or what’s clear to holistic vets is that lipomas lipomas.” awkwardly placed that they impede a dog’s are evidence of the fact that the vital force That’s not to say that you will be able quality of life. is weakened and perhaps blocked – and to draw a direct line from last month’s “The risk of removing the growth likely has been for some time. rabies vaccine to your dog’s new growths. surgically is that it leaves the uncured “One sign of vitality is the expression Instead, “we look at them as an outcome disease to manifest at a deeper level, in a of symptoms, because that’s the body’s at- of weakness in a patient who’s not in the different form,” Dr. Dym warns. And from tempt to bring itself into balance,” explains best health,” Dr. Dym says, because the a homeopathic perspective, “when you remove a growth, you stimulate the vital force to greater activity. You can’t cure an apple tree of growing apples by cutting off Conventional Medical Opinion its branches.” In fact, you might spur it to Lipomas happen. blossom even more profusely. And most That’s pretty much the conventional opinion about these benign swellings, lipomas tend to recur anyway. which often pop up on middle-aged and older dogs. While Dr. Goldstein agrees, he has “Lipomas are abnormal fat-cell growth,” says Lori Corriveau, DVM, a wellness had to remove lipomas that were in a clinician in the small-animal community practice at Purdue University’s veterinary compromising position, such as behind teaching hospital in West Lafayette, Indiana. “What starts any kind of growth or the nasal cavity, where they could obstruct cancer? We just don’t know.” breathing. Dr. Corriveau notes that the most important thing is to make sure that the growth “Lipomas have their own finite capsule is indeed a lipoma, as opposed to a malignant liposarcoma. Even though the latter – you just scoop them out,” he says. A are far less common, it’s still important to check by aspirating the growth, she technique he employs during such surger- says. (Once a lipoma has been confirmed, the worry ends there: Lipomas cannot ies is to roughen the tissue area around the “turn” cancerous.) lipoma, creating an inflammatory response. Though many holistic veterinarians are reluctant to surgically remove lipomas, “This creates scar tissue that prevents the Dr. Corriveau notes that those located in “areas of mobility” such as the armpit lipoma from growing back” – on that spot, or elbow might be removed when they are still small and manageable. Also, for at least. “cosmetic” reasons, some veterinarians opt to remove lipomas if the dog is already under general anesthesia for another reason, such as teeth cleaning. Individualistic treatment As for the suggestion that high-carbohydrate diets might predispose a dog The classic homeopathic remedy used to to lipomas, “There has been no literature at all to support that statement,” states treat tumors – and, while they are benign, Dr. Corriveau. lipomas are tumors – is Thuja, which is also often used for vaccine reactions. But

22|August 2007 Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC to subscribe, call (800) 829-9165 Dr. Dym cautions against such a paint-by- number approach: Because lipomas are a Lofty Aspirations symptom of a deep-seated imbalance in the body, he suggests a consultation with a How do you know if that swelling on your dog’s chest is a lipoma, as opposed to homeopath to find the proper constitutional something more sinister, like a cancerous tumor? remedy – one that takes into account your Pathologists have a mantra, Ferguson says: If it swells, stick it. dog’s own individuality – and treat the Aspiration – removing cells from the growth with a needle to determine dog over time. Taking the wrong remedy whether they are benign or not – is the tried-and-true method for diagnosing – even one that might seem to fit the picture lipomas. Veterinarians are divided, however, about whether aspiration is neces- – “might stimulate a reaction that could sary in every single case. highlight or activate” the very things you “The classic, soft fatty lipomas are easy to identify on physical exam,” says are trying to resolve, he warns. Dr. Dym, noting that he doesn’t usually aspirate those growths. But if the mass Traditional Chinese medicine has a dif- has a hardness to it, then there is a chance it can be a mast cell tumor, a decidedly ferent name for this life force that animates aggressive form of skin cancer. And in those cases, he may choose to aspirate. us all: chi. But that ancient modality also “The growths certainly can be something more serious, and I have been interprets lipomas as symptoms of a deeper surprised before to aspirate what I certainly predicted to be a lipoma and found imbalance. mast cells,” Dr. Ferguson says. “For most clinicians, aspiration is the only way “In Traditional Chinese veterinary to know with certainty.” medicine, lipomas are a type of ‘damp- But that doesn’t mean one you should automatically stick it to Rex’s every lump ness’ called ‘phlegm’ that has stagnated in and bump. As with most things in life – and medicine – there is a flip side. a particular area, usually an acupuncture “Aspiration can be, in skilled hands, a superb diagnostic technique,” Dr. channel such as the Gallbladder channel,” Ferguson says. But he notes that there are also many false negatives associated explains veterinarian Bruce Ferguson, with fine-needle aspiration biopsy due to sucking up surrounding cells. And, he DVM, MS, a practitioner and instructor in reminds dog owners, “Aspiration is also a type of tissue trauma, and traumatiz- traditional Chinese veterinary medicine ing some masses can perhaps induce them to undergo differentiation into worse based in Perth, Australia. “Issues of ‘damp’ things, or spread them accidentally.” are usually, in the case of lipomas, caused by improper diet leading to a damage to the gastrointestinal system,” which is gov- erned by the Spleen/Stomach meridian. For his part, Goldstein sometimes pre- biologically appropriate diet; good men- In traditional Chinese medicine, this scribes Chi- Ko/Curcuma, a Chinese-herb tal health, with a lifestyle that provides channel “is responsible for moving a type formula indicated for resolving masses, stimulating play, problem-solving, and of post-ingestive fluid around the body,” specifically lipomas. social interaction; and no exposure to Ferguson continues. When a dog is fed He also considers nutritional supple- unnecessary vaccinations or toxins such a grain-based diet high in refined carbo- ments such as L-carnitine and chromium as pesticides. And don’t forget exercise, hydrates – as opposed to a more natural, picolinate, which assist in fat metabolism, Goldstein adds. “The only way to burn fat meat-based diet – the channel gets clogged, as well as a product called Mega Lipo- is to get your body – and your dog’s – up and “gooey.” Tropic, which helps digest and burn fat. to its aerobic potential,” he says. In addition to dietary change, Dr. Fer- Ditto for digestives enzymes that contain In the end, then, the good news about guson says lipomas can be addressed with ox bile, a powerful fat emulsifier. lipomas is that they aren’t life-threatening. herbal formulas that tonify the spleen and But they are a signal that something is resolve phlegm and dampness; acupunc- Improve basic health askew in your dog’s body. ture to help restore the movement of chi No matter what modality you choose to “When I was in veterinary college, through the body, particularly the Spleen, deal with the underlying imbalances that lipomas were described as benign masses and reverse stagnation; and occasionally might cause your dog’s lipomas, all dogs that merely had a statistical rate of occur- gentle, non-traumatic massage such as will benefit from these commonsense rence and did not ‘mean anything,’ ” Dr. Tui Na. basics: good nutrition in the form of a Ferguson says. By contrast, traditional Chi- nese medicine teaches that “anything out of the ordinary has meaning, and usually indicates some type of imbalance.” The task of the practitioner – and the observant, committed owner – is to discover and correct it.

Denise Flaim is the companion-animal columnist at Newsday on Long Island, Homeopathic remedies, including one often used for lipomas, are available in New York. She owns four raw-fed Rhode- health food stores – but don’t buy and administer them without the guidance of sian Ridgebacks and is the author of The a veterinary homeopath. Your dog needs to be properly diagnosed, treated for the Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the totality of his symptoms as an individual, and evaluated on an ongoing basis. 21st Century. See “Resources,” page 24. to subscribe: www.whole-dog-journal.com Copyright © 2007, Belvoir Media Group, LLC THE WHOLE DOG JOURNAL | 23 what’s ahead Any Questions? In the final install- ment of our series on home-prepared diets, we’ll answer a number of common questions from owners who are new to whipping up the dog’s chow.

TM The Whole Dog Journal Go to the Top of Your Class How to get the most out of a dog or puppy Resources training class. TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION Pat Miller, CPDT, Peaceable Paws Dog and Puppy WDJ Training Editor Pat Miller is author of two Energy Healing Training, Hagerstown, MD. Train with modern, books: The Power of Positive Dog Training and What it is, who does dog-friendly positive methods. Group and private Positive Perspectives: Love Your Dog, Train Your training, Rally, behavior modification, workshops, Dog. Both books are available from DogWise, (800) it, where to go for in- intern and apprentice programs. (301) 582-9420; 776-2665 or dogwise.com formation, and what peaceablepaws.com you can do to heal The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and Natural your own dog. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) has Remedies for Dogs and Cats, by WDJ contributor references to member trainers in your area. Call CJ Puotinen, are available from DogWise, (800) (800) 738-3647 or see apdt.com. 776-2665 or dogwise.com. Puotinen is also author of What the Please note: APDT is dedicated to building better several books about human health, including Natural Recalls Did to trainers through education, promoting dog-friendly Relief from Aches and Pains, available from your the Pet Food methods, and encouraging their use. Membership favorite bookseller. Industry does not necessarily ensure all members employ Company executives similar training methods, nor does APDT set stan- Holistic veterinarians dards of skill or competence. American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association tell WDJ about some (AHVMA), 2214 Old Emmorton Road, Bel Air, changes that the books MD 21015. (410) 569-0795. Send a self-addressed, recalls prompted in The Holistic Dog Book: Canine Care for the 21st stamped envelope for a list of holistic veterinarians the industry – and in Century, by Denise Flaim, is available from Dog- in your area, or search ahvma.org their own companies. Wise, (800) 776-2665 or dogwise.com.

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