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2019 Fitness Goals for Your Dog

January 12, 2019

This post is dedicated to Jack from Leash Your Fitness. Sadly, Jack left this world for the Rainbow bridge recently. He spent so many years with his mom Dawn bringing joy, better health, and inspiration to people and their dogs all over the nation. Jack, you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. 

 

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#flashbackfriday Jack and I reached great heights together ⛰ #mtelbert #hikingadventures

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As we have all gone about attempting to achieve our newest fitness and health goals for 2019, I bet some of us have already hit some road blocks and could use some grace and understanding as we continue to forge forward toward our inevitably audacious goal.

While it’s almost like clockwork to set fitness goals for ourselves at the beginning of the year, I wanted to ask everyone this year if they added fitness goals for their dog to the list of things they were hoping to move from occasional activities to daily healthy habits.

To spark the discussion, I thought I would outline a few ways that you can workout with your dog in this next month, to determine the right habits and schedule for you.

Hiking

A few years ago (3?!?!) we outlined 5 activities to try with your dog in the New Year and hiking was at the top of the list. I truly love hiking. I find it to be an activity that’s rigorous, outdoors, and reenergizing. Additionally, when we take Rooney with us he is usually reeeaalll tired afterwards and in my mind a tired dog = a happy dog.

If you are in the Bay Area, I outlined my top 4 favorite Bay Area hikes here.

Running

Running with your dog is an activity that is either natural to both of your or requires a lot of training and discipline. When I first started running with Roo it was really challenging. Rooney basically refuses to start running until he has pooped (which could be a solid half mile, or right away), then he definitely felt like the run was depriving him of smells, and lastly decided that anything above 2 miles was too far. After a few weeks of working with him to increase the distance, he didn’t seem to enjoy the longer runs. I honestly think he prefers walks instead.

Therefore, when I do take Roo for a walk I schedule my run either before or after, to ensure that he gets plenty of opportunity to sniff.

2019 Fitness Goals for Your Dog

Walking

It may seem too simple, but it’s one of those activities that is outdoors (meaning it’s great for your mood), and not too lofty of an exercise goal for many dogs and humans to try, even if just for a half a block every day to start with. I highly recommend starting small and setting yourself up for success by picking a time you can meet every day. As someone who has a flexible and ever-changing work schedule and commitments, the times I can walk Rooney are always changing, but I try to be somewhat consistent from week to week.

Tools for Success

Apps

These days there is an app for literally everything, but dog-walking apps can remind you that it’s time for your daily walk and can even help you raise money for your favorite rescue.

Bullet Journal

I am giving Bullet journaling a try this year. I am truly amazed by what the bullet journal community has created in terms of daily/monthly “spreads”, mixed in with beautiful and elaborate designs. Despite the fact that the activity itself might be a little daunting, they have some amazing habit tracker ideas that help you achieve discipline in your lifestyle, which is something I am working on.

My idea is to add health goals for Rooney, mostly maintaining weight and building muscle mass, in the new year to my habit tracker.

Photo Credit: https://wellella.com/bullet-journal/habit-tracker/

I would love to hear from you. Have any of you Bullet journaled before? Would you be interested in learning more?

Accountability Buddy

One of the most well-known ways to ensure that you reach your fitness goals in 2019 is to use an accountability partner/buddy who will make sure that you aren’t skipping out on your workouts and daily habits. Thankfully, with a dog, accountability is built right in. If you can make walking or running with your dog a consistent part of your daily routine, it’s unlikely your dog will let you forget.

We would love to hear in the comments below about your 2019 fitness goals for you and your dog? What tools are you using to  keep you accountable?

Main Photo: Photo by leonides ruvalcabar on Unsplash

Fighting Fleas and Ticks with Only Natural Pet

July 30, 2018

A few months ago, I wrote about our most recent experience with ticks. To summarize, it was the end of winter, and ticks were already showing up on our local hiking trails. I was sitting on the couch petting Rooney one evening and felt something by his ear. IT WAS A TICK. Ensue panic…

…This situation was particularly stressful because the beginning of 2018 was full of surprises (some scary and some wonderful), which led to me panicking because I had no idea when I last gave Rooney his flea and tick medication.

So We Called Our Vet

Because you can never be too careful with tick exposure, I immediately called Rooney’s vet and she recommended doing a blood panel in 4 weeks to see if Rooney was showing any signs of tick-borne diseases. I promised I would follow up on that original story, so I can put the update here: there was nothing of note in Rooney’s test. I’m so incredibly relieved.

Fighting Fleas and Ticks with Only Natural Pet

 

Enter, Only Natural Pet

While my greatest peace of mind comes from giving Rooney regular flea and tick medication, I was interested in learning more from Only Natural Pet when they contacted me about trying their EasyDefense Starter Kit, which includes the following:

  • EasyDefense Flea and Tick Spray
  • EasyDefense Flea and Tick Shampoo
  • EasyDefense All in One Remedy
  • EasyDefense Flea and Tick Wipes

What I like about these products is the immediacy of use and added layers of defense against fleas and ticks.

How Does EasyDefense Work?

Using the natural flea repelling botanical Geraniol (an extract of the geranium plant), these work in unison against biting insects. – Only Natural Pet

When Only Natural Pet approached me, I wanted to make sure that it was okay that I used the EasyDefense Starter Kit with the current flea and tick medications that I give Rooney. This is what they had to say:

“Only Natural Pet flea & tick products use the power of botanicals and bioenergy to protect pets from pests. These natural remedies should not interact with any flea & tick medications, however, if there is a significant concern, we recommend asking your vet about current prescriptions.”

I was really glad to learn that the EasyDefense Starter Kit can work in conjunction with other products, because I know in the areas where we hike, we need as many defenses as possible.

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

What I Like About EasyDefense Starter Kit

Rooney’s fur is so thick, because he has a double coat, so I love the idea of being able to bathe him with a flea and tick shampoo after hikes to make sure he isn’t harboring any hidden critters. Even though they shouldn’t survive with his other prevention, I don’t want any ticks sticking to Rooney….period.

I also love the wipes and the spray. The spray allows me to prepare for hikes by preventing exposure, and the wipes allow me to quickly address the flea or tick issue before we get back in the car, and right when we get home.

As always, please consult your veterinarian before trying new products for your pet.

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. How important is it to you to have added layers of defense when it comes to fleas and ticks? What other methods have you found effective?

Disclaimer: Rooney and I were provided with Only Natural Pet products so that we could share our opinion. However, My Kid Has Paws only shares information we believe will benefit our readers. 

3 Popular Supplements For Improving Your Dog’s Overall Health

June 5, 2018

Rooney is going to be 8 years old in July, and he is very much so middle-aged (Don’t tell him though).

Recently, I was thinking to myself, is it time to revisit Rooney’s supplements and start preparing for those unavoidable senior years? While there is plenty of information available regarding supplements for senior pets, what about the pets that aren’t quite seniors yet? Should they receive daily vitamins and supplements? If so, what kind?

So today, I would like to dive into this topic a bit and share with you the top 3 supplements recommended for dogs.

Topic Summary

Since I know that most of my readers are very busy pet parents, I wanted to include a brief summary of the conclusions outlined below:

  • Just because vitamins and supplements have grown in popularity among pet parents, doesn’t mean that you have to use them. I highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian before adding vitamins and supplements to your dog’s diet.
  • Dogs have necessary vitamins and minerals that they need to get from their diet. If you are feeding a homemade diet to your dog, please be sure to account for these necessary elements. Again, consult your veterinarian before adding/making changes to your pet’s diet.
  • Supplements have been known to improve; Joint Health, Gut (Digestive) Health, Cognitive Health, Coat & Skin Health, and Immunity.
  • Top 3 Recommended Supplements from my research
    • EFAs – Essential Fatty Acids
    • Glucosamine with Chondroitin Sulfate
    • Probiotics
  • The purchasing location and brand of a supplement matters. There are several questions outlined below by veterinarians that can help you determine if your supplement is safe and effective.
  • My thoughts on vitamins and supplements and my plan for Rooney

3 Popular Supplements For Improving Your Dog’s Overall Health

Popularity of Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements for dogs and cats have been a growing trend for over a decade. According to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2006; one third of US based dogs and cats were receiving a vitamin or supplements as part of their care. However, the increase in popularity is no indicator that you need to give your pet vitamins and supplements.

While vitamins are not supplements, they often come up in the same conversation, and I think in some ways are thought of as synonymous. However, vitamins are different from supplements and there are several vitamins (and minerals), that pet parents should make sure their dogs are getting from their diet.

Necessary Vitamins for Dogs

According to Rover and the National Academy of Sciences, your dog needs the following vitamins, which they should, and can get from their daily food if they are being fed a “complete and balanced” diet.

  • Vitamin K for activation of clotting factors, bone proteins, etc.
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) for carbohydrate metabolism and activation in neural tissue
  • Riboflavin,Vitamin B12, and niacin for enzyme functions
  • Vitamin B6 for glucose generation; red blood cell function; nervous system function; etc.
  • Folic acid for metabolism and protein synthesis
  • Pantothenic Acid for energy and their metabolism
  • Chlorine as a phospholipid membrane component

According to Dr. Gary Richter, award-winning vet and member of Rover’s Dog People Panel, all dogs require the vitamins listed above, and if your pet food is labeled as “complete and balanced” it should include all of these vitamins for your dog.

Necessary Minerals for Dogs

In addition to the list of vitamins above, the National Academy of Sciences stresses the importance of your dog receiving the 12 essential minerals in their diets as well! Those minerals include the following:

  • Calcium for formation of bones and teeth, blood coagulation, etc.
  • Phosphorus for pH balance, metabolism, skeletal structure, etc.
  • Magnesium for hormone function, mineral structure of bones and teeth, etc.
  • Sodium for pH balance, nerve impulse generation and transmission, etc.
  • Potassium for pH balance, enzymatic reactions, etc.
  • Chlorine for transfer of liquids across cell membranes and pH balance
  • Iron for blood components and energy metabolism
  • Copper for blood cell formation, connective tissue formation, etc.
  • Zinc for enzyme reactions, cell replication, metabolism, etc.
  • Manganese for enzyme and cognitive function, as well as bone development
  • Selenium for immunity
  • Iodine for thyroid hormone synthesis, growth and metabolism

I will note that several articles stressed the importance of vitamins and minerals for dogs who are being fed homemade diets. If you are currently feeding your dog a homemade diet, what vitamins and supplements are you giving them? I would love to hear your thoughts about brands and vitamin and mineral combinations in the comments below. 

How Can Supplements Improve a Dog’s Overall Health?

The use of supplements varies significantly from pet to pet and from supplement to supplement, so the benefits vary greatly as well. Here is a brief list of ways people can improve their pets health with vitamins and supplements:

  • Joint Health
  • Gut (Digestive) Health
  • Cognitive Health
  • Coat & Skin Health
  • Immunity

The Top 3 Supplements Recommended for Dogs

In this case what constitutes the “Top” supplements are those that repeatedly showed up in articles and other research.

EFAs – Essential Fatty Acids

There are two specific types of essential fatty acids that are brought up in the conversation of both human and canine cognitive health.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are known as essential fatty acids because our pets’ bodies cannot manufacture them — they must take them in along with their food, or as supplements. – Dr. Marty Becker

Firstly, its important to note that these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties which is how they play such a critical role in brain health, but they also can improve joint health as a result. These supplements have the added benefit of improving your pet’s immune system as well as their skin and coat health. Lastly, I will add that Omega-3s have shown support for improving kidney and heart health (VeterinaryMedicine.DVM360).

Glucosamine with Chondroitin Sulfate

In the early 2000s the evidence of the efficacy of these supplements was lacking, but Dr. Marty Becker recommends using these supplement in conjunction with EFAs in order for your pet to feel the full benefits.

The anti-inflammatory effects of these products may help pets with arthritis, while the ingredients (especially those derived from cartilage) provide the body with what it needs to help repair damaged cartilage in joints. – Dr. Marty Becker

I would love to provide you with a strong argument for Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate as a supplement for your dog, but that argument could go on for ages. The efficacy is well documented and supported by so many veterinarians. The argument against using these supplements would be based on brand. Meaning, there are some brands who are selling the fountain of youth for dogs, and not really giving much in return. Dr. Ernie Ward from Dogster recommends pet parents use supplements with the National Animal Supplement Council seal.

Probiotics

Probiotics significantly improve digestive health, which has an impact on a dog’s overall immunity and ability to fight disease (Dogster). How do they work? Probiotics create short-chain fatty acids which inhibit the activities of harmful bacteria in the digestive system (Whole Dog Journal).

Supplementing probiotics (and “prebiotics,” which is food the “good” bacteria eat) can help older pets with digestion, fighting off disease and even the effects of stress. But be sure to use probiotics designed for pets, not humans — ask your veterinarian for a recommendation. – Dr. Marty Becker

The Top 3 Supplements That Can Benefit Your Dog's Health

Photo by Jf Brou on Unsplash

Does it Matter Where You Buy Supplements?

Yes, yes, and YES!

In an article published by Veterinary Practice News in 2017, Michael Lane, DVM (Senior Resident, Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital) stated “a combination of a lack of quality control and predatory marketing practices have led to a saturation of the veterinary market with products that have outlandish claims of medical benefits based on no merit whatsoever”. Despite the overall efficacy of supplements, not all brands and products are created equal.

Unfortunately, lack of regulation and oversight means that determining the efficacy of a product falls on veterinarian’s shoulders. According to Dr. Lane, the following are questions pet parents can ask themselves to determine a supplement’s safety and ability to attain the desired effects (Veterinary Practice News).

  • What is the mechanism of action?
  • Is there peer-reviewed literature to support its use?
  • Have any safety studies been performed?
  • Have any efficacy studies been performed?
  • What are the potential benefits and detrimental side-effects?
  • Could this product interact/ interfere with any of the pet’s current medications?
  • Does the product in the bottle match the label?
  • Is there a seal on the label provided by a reputable oversight committee?
  • Has the product undergone independent analysis by a third party (outside the manufacturer)?
  • Has the product been shown to be free of potentially harmful bacteria, heavy metals, toxins (like arsenic) and contaminants?

A Corgi Parent’s Thoughts

So here are my thoughts on the topic of vitamins and supplements. Rooney is fed a complete and balanced diet, and I do not make him homemade meals, so I’m less concerned about adding the vitamins and minerals listed above. That being said, one of my biggest health concerns for Rooney has always been his joints. Corgis are prone to back problems, and can also struggle with hip issues, so I have always been a fan of Glucosamine with Chondroitin Sulfate supplements, although I have been admittedly inconsistent. However, I am on the hunt for a new brand, and will be bringing this up at Rooney’s annual exam.

My next biggest interest is adding EFA’s to Rooney’s diet. As I mentioned, Rooney is turning 8 this year and I want to be proactive in terms of both his joint health, cognitive health, and immunity as he gets closer to his senior years.

Why not add all 3 right away to Rooney’s diet? I’m not really looking to overdue it. I really want to provide him with a long-term and comprehensive health plan and strategy, and I think adding one supplement at a time could be very effective.

Now that we have discussed the topic…

…what do you think? If you are ready to make some changes to your pet’s diet and add supplements or vitamins, what will you add?

Before giving your pet vitamins or supplements, be sure to find answers to the following questions.

  • Does my pet need a vitamin or supplement? Or are they getting everything they need from their diet?
  • Have I checked with my veterinarian to ensure that my pet’s need for a supplement isn’t going to cover up an ailment or underlying condition that should be treated in conjunction with, or in addition to, the supplement?
  • Can this vitamin or supplement interfere with any medications my dog is currently taking?
  • Are the vitamins and supplements I am adding from a good source?
  • Are these vitamins and supplements formulated specifically for pets?

Apoquel is Rooney’s Best Friend

August 9, 2017

Disclaimer: What works for us may not work for you, but I did want to share our experience with Apoquel. I think it’s important to note that I am not a Veterinarian and, therefore, can’t recommend or prescribe Apoquel for any individual dog (Apoquel is not FDA approved to be used for cats). This post was created simply to provide our experience and give pet parents some additional information. Apoquel didn’t sponsor this post. Additionally, all thoughts and experiences are my own.

I don’t know if I have mentioned this already, but allergies in California this year have been fierce! Mostly due to all the rain we had (and needed) this past winter. The only bummer is that when our allergies are bad, so are our dogs allergies.

Therefore, Rooney has been one itchy dog this year. Most years his allergies will peak sometime in the Spring and again in the Fall, but this year Rooney has been constantly fighting allergies. Luckily, these days we have a medication that works well and fast, it’s called Apoquel.

Signs of Allergies

Before I start talking about Apoquel and its benefits, it’s important that you know the signs and symptoms associated with dog allergies. According to Apoquel’s guide, the signs and symptoms of canine allergies include:

  • Excessive Licking, Chewing, Biting or Scratching
  • Excessive Rolling, Rubbing, or Scooting
  • Foot Chewing (Rooney’s number 1 symptom)
  • Hair Loss
  • Ear Infections and Head Shaking
  • Red or Itchy Skin
  • Changes in the skin, including sores, darkened colors, or scabs

If your dog is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, its imperative that you learn what type of allergy your dog has (inhaled, flea, or food). In order to accurately determine what kind of allergies your dog is experiencing, and how you can best help your dog, you will need to work with your veterinarian.

Rooney has inhaled (or environmental) allergies. Apoquel helps control his itching and secondary symptoms associated with his allergies.

Apoquel, A History

Shortly after Apoquel debuted on the market, it went on backorder due to high demand, and according to Veterinary Practice News, “undisclosed production problems”. Before Apoquel was available on the market, and during it’s shortage, there are few other medications available that are somewhat cost effective, and don’t include steroids. While steroids are used to treat severe allergies in the short term, they are tough on the body’s kidney and liver, therefore, I want to avoid giving Rooney steroids as much as possible. We had tried quite a few medications, since Rooney’s allergies arrive every year, and cannot be left untreated or he will develop hotspots. However, once Apoquel was back on the market, we talked to Rooney’s vet and began using it to tame his allergies once again.

What exactly is Apoquel?

APOQUEL is used for the control of itch associated with allergic skin disease and for control of atopic skin disease in dogs at least 1 year of age. APOQUEL significantly reduces itching, and also decreases the associated inflammation, redness or swelling of the skin.

How Does Apoquel work?

Unlike other treatments, APOQUEL targets a key itch signal in the nervous system and has minimal negative impact on the immune system. APOQUEL also allows your veterinarian to continue to diagnose the underlying cause of itch while providing your dog with relief.

Why I Like Apoquel

As Needed. Rooney gets Apoquel once a day as needed to relieve itching due to allergies. I like this type of dosage because Rooney doesn’t need the medication 365 days a year. However, he will need allergy medication several times throughout the year to keep his allergies in control.

Works Fast. Apoquel can start to relieve your pet from itching in 4 hours. I know when I give Rooney his Apoquel he quickly goes from being very itchy to only slightly itchy within a few hours.

Apoquel is mostly cost effective for our budget. It’s not the cheapest allergy medication available, but it is so effective. And because you can give it to your pet on an as needed basis, it helps you save as compared to some other medications.

Work With Your Veterinarian

Do you think that your dog could benefit from a medication like Apoquel? If so, you should discuss this possibility with your veterinarian if your dog is over 1 year of age. Please keep in mind that like all medications, Apoquel can have side effects. I highly recommend doing your research and consulting a veterinarian before starting your pet on any medication.

Would you like us to bring back Medical Mondays (even though it’s Wednesday — I’m trying lol)? I think these posts have provided pet parents with important information over the years. Therefore, I would like to add them back to the blogging rotation (and post more frequently again – sorry friends!). What do you think?

Is Your Pet Improving Your Mental Health?

May 1, 2017

Many Americans are aware that the concern regarding mental health and stability among adults is increasing.

Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S.—43.8 million, or 18.5%—experiences mental illness in a given year” – National Alliance on Mental Health 

The term “mental illness” refers to conditionals such as bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia (Newsweek).

While research regarding mental illness grows, so does the research surrounding pets and their positive affect on our mental health. Therefore, today, I would like to discuss some of the ways our pets improve our mental health.

Nurturing – It’s Important

According to the American Institute of Stress (AIS), the ability to care for living things is necessary for human health even though it has become increasingly under appreciated. Nurturing and caring for another being is associated with beneficial improvements in mental and physical health. Why is this important? Because the inability to care for other beings and social isolation can cause a person to be more likely to be diagnosed with depression and illness. Therefore, having a pet in your life provides you with the nurturing opportunities you need to decrease your risk of being diagnosed with depression or other mental illnesses.

It is important to note that the ability to care for something includes pets, but is not limited to cats and dogs.

The pet-health link has been well established for relationships with dogs, cats, birds, mammals, reptiles, aquarium fish and horses. A prominent researcher in this field also suggests that similar benefits may extend to individuals who care for their gardens, farmers actively tending their crops, 4-H children with pet animals, as well as bird watchers and wild bird feeders.” – AIS

Is Your Pet Improving Your Mental Health?

Improving Physical Health

While this discussion is primarily focused on mental health, there are very strong links between mental health and physical health. So whenever pets are improving our physical health, they are also improving our mental health.

People with any chronic physical disease tend to feel more psychological distress than do healthy people. Poor physical health brings an increased risk of depression, as do the social and relationship problems that are very common among chronically ill patients. – PsychCentral

So, how exactly are pets improving our physical health? 

There are so many ways that pets improve our physical health. Here are a few examples:

  • Pets can lower blood pressure and decrease your heart rate in stressful situations due to the comfort their presence provide by being in the room. (The Review)
  • Studies showed an improvement in “Activities of Daily Living” in elderly individuals. The people were better able to perform physical tasks and reported feeling more positive about different aspects of their lives (VCU).
  • Pets reduce a person’s risk of getting heart disease.

Owning pets is associated with reducing your risk of heart disease, and there are a variety of reasons that may be at work that influence this relationship. – American Heart Association

  • People who walk their dogs are more likely to have the daily required amount of exercise.
  • Some research has shown that there is a possibility that pet owners can have lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Social Interaction versus Isolation

Pets provide us with social support in a variety of ways. Not only do they improve our ability to connect with people in the same room, but they also encourage us to be more social and leave the house. Additionally, their ability to improve our heart health and physical health, also fights depression.

For example, the combination of heart disease and depression can cause twice the reduction in social interaction than either condition alone. – PsychCentral

So Much More

As research regarding the Human-Animal bond grows, the evidence suggests that pets help us in more ways than originally considered. According to the National Center for Health Research, people with pets are healthier in a variety of ways.

Some research studies have found that people who have a pet have healthier hearts, stay home sick less often, make fewer visits to the doctor, get more exercise, and are less depressed. Pets may also have a significant impact on allergies, asthma, social support, and social interactions with other people. – National Center for Health Research

In conclusion, your pet(s) is (are) improving your mental health in the following ways:

1) Providing you with a being to care for which decreases your chances of being diagnosed with mental illness or depression.

2) Improving your physical health, which directly affects your overall mental health.

3) Improving social interaction and decreasing social isolation which also decreases your chances of becoming depressed.

4) Being there. The evidence suggests that the benefits of pets in our lives is cumulative. They have a positive effect on us that overall improves our physical and mental health.

Did you know that pets improve mental health?

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