Feeding raw while saving money

By guest blogger Shell Huber  

You can stretch your raw feeding dollars by supplementing your pet's diet with the uncooked trimmings of your family's dinner. For example, when trimming beef, grizzle and fat can be mixed into whatever variety of Dr. B's you are feeding your pet. And the same is also true for chicken.  Parts that you might not normally eat, such as the gizzard pack, tail and back rib portions can be fed to your pet. Just remember, any bones should be uncooked. Vegetable trimmings can also be added, make sure that they are pet friendly - no onions, leeks, avocados or grapes. When you add vegetables, you are also adding fiber, which will result in more frequent stools. Here is a link to list of vegetables that are good for both dogs and cats: Veggies!
 
If you have an questions, thoughts or concerns, please email me at naturalrawpetfood@gmail.com
 
Think past the bag!
Go Raw!

Shell Huber attended Rutgers University majoring in Biology. After college he worked for, and owned several small start-up companies throughout the years; the most recent being Dr. B's Holistic Pet Products. He has been feeding his dogs a raw diet since the mid 80's, long before it even heard of in the United States. He has studied virtually all aspects of diet and health as it relates to dogs and cats. He also holds a U.S. Merchant Marine Captain's License and is an avid motorcycle enthusiast.

Dental Disease: From the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective

Pet Dental Month continues with this post from my colleague Dr. Vanessa K. Moore, DVM

Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the most ancient forms of medicine.  It continues to have a huge relevance in the way we practice medicine today.  The Five Element theory was based on observation of the cycles of nature and life in 16-221 BC.  It was later applied to the body and medical practice.   It is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.  Each element governs specific organs and systems within the body.

For example, the Water Element is directly related to dental health therefore when this element is weakened or imbalanced in the body dental disease is one of the manifestations.  The Water Element is also associated with older age, therefore other ailments such as osteoarthritis, kidney disease, bladder and urinary disease, hind end weakness and lameness, intervertebral disc disease, dental disease, and hearing or eyesight loss are often seen as symptoms of this imbalance.

In Veterinary Medicine we most commonly see kidney disease, dental disease, intervertebral disc disease and osteoarthritis and lameness either as single diseases, or often combined.  Conventional veterinarians see these illnesses as separate diseases but in fact they are all related and stem from the same deficiency within the Water Element.  Treating each of these diseases independently will result in some success but does not get to the root of the problem.  Traditional Chinese Medicine detects and works to correct the underlying deficiency to result in improvement in all associated ailments.

Dental health is extremely important and feeding a raw diet, brushing your pet's teeth, and routine dental cleanings by your veterinarian are tantamount to maintaining good oral health.  Because dental disease is often not an isolated problem, it is important to look at the animal as a whole and to determine where the imbalance is and how to correct it.  In addition using Traditional Chinese medicine to diagnose the deficiency or imbalance it is also used to correct it using acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and food therapy. It is an excellent way to extend your pet's life span and quality of life.

February is National Pet Dental Health Month!

Animal Dentistry: Keeping your pet healthy and kissable

Dental disease includes gingivitis, calculus/tartar, gum recession, root exposure and loose teeth.

The process starts out as plaque, the invisible or pale yellow gritty material that collects on the teeth. If it is not brushed away, it becomes mineralized and forms calculus/tartar. Calculus/tartar encourages and shelters bacteria which inflames the gums and can form small abscesses/pyorrhea.

The bacteria breaks down the gums and can weaken the jaw bone holding the teeth.  This provides a pathway into the bloodstream, causing serious health problems. For example, bacteria in the bloodstream can cause small abscesses to form on the heart valves, in the kidneys, and in the liver, causing disease of those organs.

Dental disease can ultimately be life-threatening and is totally preventable. Start your dog or cat or ferret off young with daily brushing, using enzyme toothpaste, such as CET®. If there is already some development of calculus, use a tooth gel that contains grapefruit seed extract such as Vetzlife®, that can dissolve away mild calculus plus remove bacteria, allowing the gums to heal.

If there is more than mild gingivitis and slight calculus on the teeth, it is necessary to have them cleaned and polished under anesthesia. Any procedure requiring anesthesia poses its risks and associated costs.

It's in the best interest of your pet and your wallet to brush daily to avoid the need for dentistry. A little prevention goes a long way.

February Specials: 

10% off all dental products

Toothbrushes, pastes, gels and sprays by Vetzlife, Virbac CET, Durafresh and Hope Science Vet make caring for your pet's oral health easy.

**A free gift bag full of dental products will be given to the first 25 clients who bring their pet in for dentistry during the month of February. Call today to schedule an appointment. While supplies last.**  

Pet Bird Safety

We often see birds in our practice who are in distress. It is important to remember that birds are small and sensitive animals. Our feathered friends need special care to ensure their safety. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Your kitchen is a hazardous place for your birds. Fumes from cooking and cookware can quickly overcome them, causing sickness or death.
• Do keep your birds in an area that is temperature stable, near a window but not in direct sunlight.
• Birds can be overstimulated easily: children, other pets, television can all cause stress.
• Limit interaction with cats and dogs. In addition to the dangers from rough play, their saliva is laden with foreign bacteria that can cause illness in birds. 
• Exercise is important and birds love to explore your home. Be sure to keep your windows and doors closed, ceiling fans turned off and heat sources (stove, tea kettles, space heaters) secured when they take flight.
• Certain foods are toxic to birds, the most common ones are: avocados, chocolate, garlic, onions, tobacco, dairy products and alcohol.
• Are your houseplants safe for birds? A great resource to determine if your house plants are safe for pets is the ASPCA's Plant List
• Products such as air fresheners, hair spray, scented candles and potpourri are common hazards. And of course, fumes from pesticides, paint, glue and automobiles should be avoided as well.
• Be sure to wash food and water cups daily.
• Do speak and sing to your bird softly!

A little awareness will ensure that your birds are healthy and happy for years to come.

To Board or Not To Board: that is the question

There are many things to consider when you are boarding your pet. The best way to decide on a facility is to ask for a tour to see the facility and to meet the staff. Some things to consider:

What will your pet's day look like? Will your pet be in a kennel or crate or a larger suite?

Will there be interaction with other pets? How many pets? What is the staff to pet ratio in such situations?

How often and when will your pet be walked? Where?

What is the policy regarding health records and vaccination requirements?

What happens if your pet is sick or injured?

Can you provide your own food for your pet?

What about supplements?

Will they administer medications?

What is the policy on bringing bedding and toys from home?

Boarding facilities fill quickly during the holidays; remember to reserve early. Be sure to leave your contact numbers with your boarding facility. Also, providing local emergency numbers is a good idea as well. Boarding can be a stressful time for your pet,  proper planning can put you both at ease.

If boarding you pet is not possible for health or expense; a pet sitter may be an option. Pet sitters can come to your home to feed, walk, play with your pet in the comfort of your own home. They can also administer medications as well. Often clients choose this option if the re are multiple pets who are in need of care. Custom arrangements can be made with your pet sitter as needed, some will even sleep at your home and house sit as well.

At Holistic Pet Care we have a variety of options to lessen the stress of your pet while you are away. Call or stop by to learn about herbs, flower essences and essential oils that can help.

~Dr. Gerald Buchoff

What you need to know about circovirus

Prior to 2012, circovirus was only seen in pigs and chickens.  Crossing over into dog populations, cases have been reported in California, Michigan and Ohio. There have been reports of sick animals and several deaths related to circovirus.

So far, cases have limited to boarding/kennel situations and is it contagious in nature. Symptoms to look for are lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea and bloody stool. These symptoms may be present in variety of diseases. Any pet exhibiting these symptoms should be evaluated by a vet immediately.

A strong immune system, supported by proper nutrition supplements, chiropractic adjustment and acupuncture, is your pet's best defense against illness. Dr. Gerald Buchoff and Dr. Vanessa Moore can create a protocol to help your pet stay healthy and live longer. 

My dog needs a job

“My dog needs a job” lamented the owner of an Emma, an 8 year old Shih Tzu. Emma had taken to obsessively gnawing at her leg, creating a persistent wound susceptible to frequent infection.  Proper nutritional support and homeopathic remedies healed the wound nicely, but Emma would soon find another spot to target.

Obsessive behavior in animals is a curious thing. Once all possible physical causes are ruled out, only the mental state of animal remains. Gus, the recently deceased Central Park Zoo polar bear, became world- famous for his obsessive swimming. Animal behaviorists, at a cost of $25,000, were brought in to help shift his behavior. A playroom stocked with rubber cans, traffic cones and coolers was set up in his enclosure.  Feeding times became more challenging – Gus was given his meals frozen in ice blocks or encased in rawhide. In the end all these changes were made to make Gus use his mind and body more. Little by little his obsessive behavior was reduced.

We can learn from Gus’ story and benefit from the knowledge learned from the animal behaviorists. Emma too needs to use her mind and her body to drain her of the restlessness energy that is driving her obsessive behavior. Exercise, games, and pet tricks can all help her channel the energy in a positive way. Emma’s owner is correct, Emma and all pets with obsessive behaviors “need a job”. Are you hiring?