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How Buying Pet Food is Like Buying a Pair of Shoes

January 26, 2016

This post was originally published on 8/13/15 but was updated on 1/26/16 to include additional information. 

The second people find out that I am a former a veterinary technician, I start to receive questions about their pet’s health.

I never mind having these conversations. Heck, these conversations are the whole reason I write this blog in the first place.

That being said, the question that is always the hardest for me to answer is;

“What kind of food should I feed my pet?”. To me its the same as asking, “What kind of shoes should I buy?”.

Well, there are millions to choose from, and your have different needs, categories, brands, etc.

Trying to provide an answer and getting it right is very difficult.

As a matter of fact, I have known many veterinarians, and they all have different preferences and opinions on food. I bet you couldn’t get a room full of veterinarians to agree on a single food to fit your pet’s health and nutritional needs. This is why I think buying dog food is like buying a pair of shoes. Let me explain further:

1) It’s all based on the individual.

I don’t wear the same shoes as my friends or family members. Partially because I like to wear heels (I’m only 5’2” so I need some help in the height department), but also because my individual shoe needs and preferences are different than those around me. Just like buying shoes, the right food for your pet is 100% based on the individual needs of that pet. To attest to this, take a look at some multi-pet houses and you will see that even dogs in the same house get different food sometimes, simply because they have different needs.

2) There are so many different categories.

Shoes have lots of different categories.

Heels, Pumps, Wedges, Flats, Sandals, Sneakers, Boots, and the list goes on…

Similarly, there are many different categories, and schools of thought, regarding preferred pet food.

Large established brands, prescription food, grain-free, high protein, raw, and the list goes on…

In a recent interview with Petcurean’s Senior Nutritionist, Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, Ph.D., RD, we discussed some of the recent trends in the pet food industry. For example, I asked Dr. Adolphe to discuss what types of pets can benefit from a grain-free diet. She stated that while many pets can be on a diet that includes grains, if your pet exhibits the following symptoms:

  1. Paw licking
  2. Vomiting
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Itchy skin

…they may benefit from a grain-free diet. Dr. Adolphe went on to emphasize that grains are not bad for pets. However, if your pet exhibits adverse symptoms, then it might be time to consider an alternative diet.

Finding out what category best fits your pet requires research and conversations with your veterinarian.

How Buying Pet Food Is Like Buying a Pair of Shoes

3) There are different brands within each pet food category that are associated with quality.

When I buy shoes, the brand matters.

Why? Because I have had my feet torn apart by cheap flats, sandals and heels all too many times to not put some money and effort into finding the right shoe from the right brand.

The same can be said for pet food. Once you find the right category of food that works best for your pet. What brand do you buy? Similar to shoes, you get what you pay for.

Premium pet food is often more expensive because its better quality. If your pet has sensitivities, it will be worth the extra money to provide them with a high-quality food.

What if there are several types of premium brands? How do I choose which food is best in that situation?

I highly recommend researching all potential pet food brands. Specifically, look for protocols within the company that help to protect your pet. Ask yourself the following questions;

  1. Does the company take additional steps to ensure quality?
  2. What regulatory organizations are affiliated with the brand?
  3. What protocols are in place at the facilities to avoid contamination and recalls?
  4. Does the company hold themselves to particular standards?
  5. Where do they source their ingredients?

I feed Rooney Petcurean NOW Fresh Grain Free Adult Dog Food. Before switching to this food, I did some research. I know that Petcurean sources their ingredients from local farmers, and they have Dr. Adolphe there to research and maintain products. Additionally, Petcurean is a family owned business that focuses on quality over quantity, they are independently owned, so investors and shareholders don’t get a say in how the food is made, and they hold themselves to very strict standards.

While seeking out the best pet food is challenging, it will be worth it when you see your very happy and healthy dog living a full life!

So there is my analogy; Buying Pet Food is Like Buying a Pair of Shoes. Do you agree with me?

For Carol’s Mom perspective on how to determine the best food for your dog, please visit her at Fidose of Reality. 

medicine versus mom

FULL DISCLOSURE: My name is Rachel Sheppard, and I am addicted to buying shoes. I am also a Petcurean Blogger Advocate. I have been compensated in exchange for providing my opinion. However, My Kid Has Paws only discusses products I truly believe in. In fact, I feed Petcurean to Rooney every day. 

Hiking Essentials for a Day on the Hill With Your Dog #MKHPJanuaryChallenge

January 25, 2016

I don’t know about you, but I love hiking. There is nothing more fulfilling for me than taking a nice long hike with Rooney and breathing in all the fresh air!

I try to hike with Rooney as often as possible. The inclines help improve his muscle confirmation, which helps improve our running. Additionally, the new smells are always something to look forward to for Roo. To ensure that we are fully prepared for our hike, I always bring a backpack with the following hiking essentials:

Hiking Essentials for a Day on the Hill With Your Dog

Hiking Essentials:

  1. Water: Whenever you take your dog on a long adventure, and the water sources are unknown, it is always a good idea to bring water along with you. I think this is particularly important when hiking because you never know how long the hike will take you, or how tiring the trip will be. The more water you have available, the better for both of you. For a 1 hour hike, I usually bring 1 large water bottle for me, 1 full water bottle for Rooney, and 1 backup. During warmer seasons I bring 2 backup water bottles. I highly recommend the Gulpy water bottle for dogs or the Popware for Pets Collapsable Travel Water Dish, which is available at Chewy.com. For myself, I really like any water bottle that contains a straw. Whenever I drink out of water bottles with straws, I drink 2-3 times the amount of water I would otherwise, which helps to keep me hydrated.
  2. Treats/Snacks: Treats are always a nice way to distract your dog if they become too interested in the wildlife, or start to sniff something unknown (yesterday, they helped me get the attention of a lost dog on the trail- see Instagram post below). Additionally, if your hike turns into a longer adventure than you planned, it might be nice to take a 30-45 minute break and let your dog eat a little bit. Most importantly, it is always good to have food on you in case there is a real emergency. We like to take Petcurean’s Grain & Gluten Free Duck Jerky Treats & Snack Bar.
  3. Poop Bags: I always have poop bags with me. Rooney will poop 2-3 times minimum on every outing. In addition to poop bags, I also carry The Fifth Paw which is a poop bag holder and the best thing ever (in my opinion)!
  4. First-Aid Kit: Once again, you NEVER know what’s gonna happen when you go on a hike. It’s always a good idea to carry a Pet First Aid Kit with you. If you don’t want to buy one, and you would like to make your own, please refer to this post: DIY Pet First-Aid Kit.
  5. Paw Protection: If you are up against the elements, you definitely want to pack boots to protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement or snow. Additionally, when the terrain becomes rocky or full of gravel, these boots can come in handy. Regarding Corgi legs; I can’t seem to find a boot that will fit on Rooney’s legs properly, and I would be open to suggestions from Corgi parents.
  6. Layers: Once again, even though the plan is to make it in/out of your hike in 2-3 hours, you never know what mother nature has in store for you. Always bring an extra layer for both you and your dog. I just ordered a thicker jacket for Rooney from PrideBites (which I can’t wait to show you). However, in the meantime, I take Rooney’s Gold Paw Fleece and his water proof rain jacket with me in my backpack.
  7. ID: If anything were to happen to you or your dog it is critical that you both have identification on you. Make sure that you carry your own ID/driver’s license and that your pet has a current ID tag, microchip, or both! If you or your pet have any special medical conditions, make sure to have that information on the ID as well. (You won’t believe this, but I wrote this part of the blog post yesterday before our hike, and, sure enough, my cousin and I found a dog on the trail and were able to get her home safely thanks to her microchip – see Instagram post below).
  8. Sun protection: Even when the weather doesn’t seem sunny, it is always good to wear sun protection. I wear a tinted moisturizer every day that has SPF 30 in it. However, don’t forget that if your dog has a thin or white coat, they are more likely to be sunburned and could benefit from sun protection as well.

Hiking Essentials for a Day on the Hill With Your Dog

Gulpy | Popware for Pets Collapsable Travel Water Dish | Camelbak Water Bottle | Pet First Aid Kit (similar) | Northface Backpack (similar) | PrideBites Jacket | Gold Paw Fleece | Rain Coat (similar) | Earth Rated Poop Bags | The Fifth Paw

Do you like to hike? What are your hiking essentials?

If you are taking the January Challenge, how is your challenge going? Are you meeting your goals?

On a side note: Yesterday my cousin and I went hiking with our dogs, and we ended up finding this sweet girl on the trail. The good news is that we were able to reunite her with her parents within a few hours. A prime example of how microchips get pets home quickly and safely.

Disclaimer: I am a Petcurean Blogger Advocate. I have been compensated in exchange for providing my opinion. However, My Kid Has Paws only discusses products I truly believe in. In fact, I feed Petcurean to Rooney every day. Additionally, My Kid Has Paws is a member of the Chewy.com Blogger Program. Each month we receive a product from Chewy.com in exchange for our honest review. However, My Kid Has Paws, only shares products that we love and enjoy

5 Activities to Try With Your Dog This Year #MKHPJanuaryChallenge

January 21, 2016

I have always been good about getting exercise and staying in shape. However, I have had my moments where a week or two go by, and I can’t say I have done much in the way of burning calories. When these lulls occur, it’s usually because I am bored. Bored with whatever exercise I have been doing lately (the only thing I never get bored of is volleyball, which I need other people to play). I bet that you too have encountered this type of boredom.

5 Activities to Try With Your Dog This Year #MKHPJanuaryChallenge

Since this month’s challenge is to exercise with your pet, I thought I would share a few additional activities to keep you and your dog from getting bored!

Many of these activities require some warmer weather. However, this list can be added to the mix throughout all of 2016! #MKHPJanuaryChallenge

5 Activities to Try With Your Dog This Year

  1. Hiking: If you haven’t taken your dog on a hike yet, you are missing out! Rooney loves hiking and so do I. The great thing about hiking is that you get all the fresh air and challenge you need, but without the hustle and bustle of running. This is an activity that you can do with the whole family! (see above for our recent hiking encounter with some local cattle)
  2. Paddleboarding: If your dog likes swimming than Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP may be the activity for you. The best part is, all you need is a body of water! SUP is an activity that is on my wish list! I have gone paddleboarding on my own before, but I really want to see if Rooney would be willing to balance with me on the paddle board. If you are going to try this activity with your dog, I strongly urge you to make sure they have a life vest. Even dogs who can swim for long distances can get tired too far from shore.
  3. Surfing: Another activity I want to try with Rooney! Of course, I live near the ocean, so I technically have an unfair advantage. However, keep this activity in mind if you are thinking about taking any vacations with the family this summer. Perhaps you are headed to the beaches of California; what a perfect time to take your dog with you to share in the oceanic experience! If you are going to try this activity with your dog, I strongly urge you to make sure they have a life vest. Even dogs who can swim for long distances can get tired too far from shore.
  4. Running: If you dog doesn’t like water, then running might be a great endurance activity for you to try together. Rooney and I usually mix running in with our longer walks. I am trying to work him up to a maximum endurance (for me about 3-4 miles), but I think the smells are too good for Rooney to pass up in a hurry, which I understand. Keep in mind that if you are a runner, you need to work your dog up to a distance. Start with very small and intermediate distances and work your way up over time. My good friend Dawn from Leash Your Fitness was kind enough to put together a running schedule for Rooney and I when I first started to train Rooney to run with me. She customized it for us based on our baseline exercise levels, Rooney’s current shape, and his ability to tolerate heat. You too should consider these factors before creating a training schedule.
  5. Bicycling: I completed my undergrad is a little town called Davis, California. When I say that Davis is a bicycle town, I am not making an understatement of any kind. Most people in Davis have a bike, and there are thousands of cyclists on the streets and campus every day. Since the town is so bike and dog-friendly, many people ride their bikes with their dogs by their side. When it comes to bicycling alongside your dog, it is imperative that your dog is in good shape and that you have the proper equipment to keep you and your dog safe. For more information, please read What You Need to Know About Biking With Your Dog.

UC_Davis_3

Photo Courtesy of bikeleague.org

If any of the above activities sound like fun, then you definitely need to follow the following blogs for more information about hiking and exercising with your dog:

You Did What With Your Weiner

Leash Your Fitness

Slim Doggy

I read posts regularly from these sites, and I am continually inspired to get out and exercise with Rooney! So tell me, how are your exercise challenges going so far?

Helpful Guest Posts:

10 Beautiful and Pet-Friendly Fall Hiking Trails in the U.S.

The Importance of a Cancer Screen for Your Dog

January 18, 2016

Recently, I was contacted by a reader named Gabrielle, who is determined to press upon pet parents the importance of early cancer detection. Gabrielle reached out to me via my Facebook page and shared with me that she just lost her dog Zoey to cancer. Zoey was diagnosed with a tumor on her spleen. Unfortunately, it is very common for these tumors to grow unbeknownst to the pet parent, and often the detection is too late. Gabrielle reached out to me hoping that I would write a blog post about early cancer detection and cancer screening. So in honor of Zoey, here is my take on cancer screening:

Cancer is one of those things we just don’t want to think about. I’m almost positive that cancer has affected everyone reading this blog post in one way or another. It’s terrible, and sadly, cancer only seems to be increasing in the lives of our friends and family members.

My family has a strong history of cancer. As a result, I seek frequent preventative testing to ensure early detection should I have to fight such a terrible disease. While many of us know our genetic history, or have an opportunity to know if our family is likely to have cancer, for our pets it’s unusual for pet parents to know their exact genetic history.

This is where breed information and cancer screening can help.

Breed Information:

As a pet parent, it is important to know what diseases are common for your dog’s breed. Why? So you can keep an eye out for symptoms, and possibly cure the disease with the appropriate treatments. For example, if you have a Boxer, it is important to know that Boxers are at an increased risk for cancers such as lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors (Vetstreet). Therefore, as a Boxer parent, you would want to keep an eye out for changes in their usual behavior, appetite, and bowel movements, in addition to checking them regularly for unusual bumps and swollen lymph nodes. Any of these signs or symptoms would then be treated immediately.

If you are unsure of your dog’s risks, ask your veterinarian.

I realize that not all pet parents have breed information. More often than not, we guess at the breeds of our mixed dogs. In these cases, there are two things that you can do:

  1. Ask your veterinarian what breed they think your dog is. Industry professionals see an incredible number of dogs every year. Therefore, it is easy for us to spot certain characteristics of breeds to help you better determine your dog’s breed.
  2. Canine HealthCheck: Rooney and I tried Canine HealthCheck this past summer. This at home DNA test screens your dog for a number of inherited diseases and genetic mutations. This type of genetic testing can provide you with very valuable information about your dog’s health. For example, while I know that Corgis, in general, are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy, I now know that Rooney actually carries the gene for this disease. Meaning, my knowledge of symptoms is crucial for early detection and the quality of Rooney’s life.

The Importance of a Cancer Screen for Your Dog

Cancer Screen: 

Whether or not you know you dog’s breed, it is worth your time and effort to invest in a cancer screen. What do I mean when I say cancer screen? Specifically, I am referring to a number of basic tests that your veterinarian can run on an annual or bi-annual basis for your dog. Depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations this may include the following tests:

Abdominal/Thoracic X-ray

Ultrasound

Bloodwork

Urinalysis

How often should you do the cancer screens?

This all depends on your dog’s age, breed risks, and size.

Age: While young dogs typically see their veterinarian once a year for their annual exam (these are very important), when your dog becomes a senior it is worth it to increase your veterinary visits to bi-annual exams.

Breed Risks: As mentioned previously, some breeds are at much higher risks for cancer than others. So your veterinarian may recommend more frequent screenings for individual dogs.

Size: The size of your dog can determine when they are classified as a senior. For example, giant breeds tend to be considered seniors around 6.5-7.5 years old. While large breeds may be considered seniors at 8-10 years old, and small breeds at 9-11 years old, or even later. It all depends on the average life span of the breed. Therefore, if you have a household with one giant breed dog and one medium size dog, you are going to need to adjust their healthcare accordingly.

Why wouldn’t my veterinarian recommend this to me in the first place?

Due to backlash throughout the years regarding client’s financial hardship, veterinarians may not suggest preventative tests, but rather only suggest the tests that are absolutely necessary in order to save you money.

If you want to begin cancer screens for your dog, you need to open those lines of communication with your veterinarian and make the request.

What is my plan?

Rooney has yet to have an ultrasound, but I do have baseline chest x-ray on file for him, and I do request annual bloodwork just in case. When he turns 8 (he is 5.5-years-old now), I will conduct a cancer screen, and will do so every year moving forward. When Rooney’s veterinarian recommends we increase to bi-annual screens, I will abide.

What has been your past experience with preventative testing? In Zoey’s memory, are you willing to have a cancer screen for your dog?

Veterinary Homeopathy: Does it really work?

December 15, 2015

What exactly is veterinary homeopathy? Well, it’s a type of veterinary medicine that stimulates the immune system and provides natural resistance to disease.

According to the FreeDictionary, Veterinary Homeopathy is defined as “A system for treating disease based on the administration of minute doses of a drug that in massive amounts produces symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the disease itself.”

Homeopathic remedies are diluted to produce different strengths and benefits. Specifically, the goal is to restore balance in the body by removing the energies that are blocking the body’s pathways and causing illness (Gerwitz). Veterinary homeopathy is often used to treat chronic diseases in pets. For example, according to the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, the following chronic diseases have been treated using homeopathic medicine and have produced successful results:

Skin Allergies, Ear Infections, Thyroid Disease, Epilepsy, Asthma, Diabetes, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

However, homeopathy isn’t widely accepted in the veterinary community (MercolaPets). Some veterinarians feel that it is a complete waste of time while others become interested and pursue veterinary homeopathy fully. Because veterinary homeopathy isn’t mainstream, I have very little experience with the topic. Regarding the general concept of Eastern Medicine, I have been exposed to acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and the concept of energies. However, homeopathy never made it to the clinics or hospitals where I worked. My lack of personal experience doesn’t mean I am opposed or closed off to the idea. However, below are a few things to consider if you want to pursue homeopathic treatment options.

  1. Is Your Homeopathic Veterinarian Fully Invested?: If you are thinking about pursuing veterinary homeopathy as a treatment alternative, I highly recommend consulting with a veterinarian who has a strong background and belief in veterinary homeopathy. Because the concept is complex and based on the natural healing abilities of the body, I believe it’s important that any homeopathic veterinarian fully buys into the concept.
  2. Get Second Opinions: Because this style of treatment is new and controversial, feel free to get other opinions. While medicine and textbooks can provide us with tons of information, experience can provide us with other valuable lessons. For example, the question, “can veterinary homeopathy help my dog’s arthritis?”, is not specific enough. How old is your pet? Where is the arthritis? How long have they had it? Canine and feline anatomy are too complex to say that there is a one-size-fits-all solution to every ailment. Every veterinarian may approach your pet’s illness differently so feel free to ask lots of questions and benefit from each veterinarian’s personal experience.
  3. Don’t Branch Off On Your Own: While I am all for an empowered pet parent, I don’t think it’s wise to decide to treat your pet on your own. Despite my experience in the field, I wouldn’t do that, so I don’t encourage others to either. Veterinarians are highly educated and knowledgeable. If you haven’t found a veterinarian you can trust, I suggest looking for a new one. It is imperative that you trust your veterinarian enough not to branch out on your own when it comes to treatment. If you really want to pursue veterinary homeopathy and your current veterinarian doesn’t have the credentials, ask them for a referral to a homeopathic vet. Also, be sure that the lines of communication are open between your primary veterinarian and your homeopathic veterinarian to ensure your pet’s medical record is up to date at both practices.
  4. Keep Researching: Homeopathy is an evolving topic. As time goes on, there will be more research and more information. If this is something you want to pursue for your pets eventually, but today is not the day, keep researching! However, be wary of where you get your information. I highly recommend reading from peer-reviewed journals.

 

9 Things to Look for in a New Veterinarian

 

Homeopathy does provide some benefits versus other medicines. For example, the treatment is considered noninvasive, and each treatment is individualized (Gerwitz). If you are truly interested in consulting with a homeopathic veterinarian, I highly recommend you watch this video interview with Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Richard Pitcairn to learn more:

My answer to the question, “Will this work for my pet?” is “it depends”. However, if your pet suffers from a chronic disease or condition and you feel that this is the next step to take for your pet, please read Carol from Fidose of Reality’s Mom Perspective to learn what you should do as a pet parent.

medicine versus mom

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