A sparkly, white mug is more then just an addition to your dog’s adorable smile, it can save his life! Periodontal disease is one seriously important issue in canine care. Healthy teeth and gums are vital to longevity and, more importantly, a content companion.That darn dry kibble that has been marketed to pet owners with glossy ad campaigns, the allure of a ‘complete’ diet and veterinary endorsement is a direct cause of tarter build up. That tarter becomes the plaque and bacteria that creates a plethora of diseases and puts pups on the fast track to being a geriatric.Carbohydrates are the basis of commercially prepared pet foods (look at the ingredients on your dog’s food label. If the first 2-3 ingredients aren’t meat or fish - its time to change!!) While being broken down by the enzymes, these carbs form sugar, increasing tarter build up and creating an unnatural alkaline state inside Fido’s body.

In turn, tarter leads to gum inflammation and bacteria. If you aren’t ready to reach for the toothbrush yet, know that this bacteria can then seep throughout the body wreaking havoc on pretty much everything.Ick!

So, what are we to do? Start with a healthy diet!! (I sound like a broken record - I know.) Dogs are meant to eat meat and bones. You can read all about this in previous posts, the Poop Chronicles - The Great Raw Debate and Yummy Raw Meat. In spite of thousands of years of domestication, that finicky, fluffy white Maltese has virtually the same digestive track as a wild wolf. I am totally not making that up. Their intestines and teeth are geared to eat raw food and doing this keeps them healthy.

Whatever food you are feeding your pet, the long term ramifications are going to end up expressing themselves in his mouth and your vet bills, so do your research!

Moving on. Chewing on bones and tendons exercises the jaw, scrapes plaque and decreases tarter. In addition, I know I have said this, but chewing alleviates boredom and anxiety. Yay for bones! Make sure your dog has plenty and that they are all natural, digestible and won’t splinter.

Don’t wait for your annual vet visit to schedule a time to anaesthetise your dog for a complete dental cleaning. Why put your friend through such trauma? Besides the unnecessary risks of anesthesia (which are even greater if your dog is one of the 40% of obese dogs in the country), a regular dental hygiene routine is a fun way to bond with your pal, get sweet smelling kisses and keep him healthy.

I brush Louis’ teeth with this super cool three sided brush, made by Triple Pet, that really gets at his teeth and gums easily. We have been doing this for a while and he is pretty laid back about the whole process. For those of you with older dogs, don’t let the training that it takes to brush your dog’s teeth deter you! You can teach an old dog new tricks. Use praise and positive reinforcement!

Louis prefers a nice, meaty flavored enzymatic toothpaste. Enzymatic, you say, what is that? Simply put, the enzymes are antibacterial catalysts that work with doggie saliva, boosting the saliva’s ability to ward off tarter, plaque and other ickies.

Just imagine how you would feel if you completely neglected your own oral hygiene. Besides unhealthy, you’d be quite the unpopular, stinky person. Let’s change the world’s perception of dog breath! Your dog’s teeth are your responsibility. Feed them according to what their digestive tracks are made to cope with, give them bones to chew and brush often!

Louis says a heartfelt ‘thank you’ on behalf of dogs everywhere to those pet owners who are doing the dental hygiene thing.

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Like most things in life, prevention is the best cure.Louis’ first trip to the vet, back when we lived in Chicago, included a lengthy warning by our doctor about maintaining an appropriate weight to avoid unessecary health problems.

By feeding a high quality, protein based food in appropriate portions, rather then a commercial pet food packed with carbohydrates, fillers and sugars; by substituting sugary treats made with chemicals treats that are protein based, you really can prevent your pet from suffering from a lifetime of unhappiness.As I have written in the past, when we choose to add a new member to the family, especially one who cannot speak up for himself, it is our responsibility to provide him with care, exercise, mental and physical stimulation and set him up for a healthy lifestyle.

It is our responsibility to research the best pet foods and find an option that fits your lifestyle, budget and pleases your dog’s palette. So many quality foods are out there, if you only take the time to look. If we work to prevent the need to start utilizing weight loss drugs on our pets, we can focus on the joy of a healthy, long term companion.

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The 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show continues its storied tradition this February 11 and 12th, bringing with it the hope for dogs from around the world of securing the elusive Best In Show title.

Established in 1877, The Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to purebred dogs. The prestigious judges are from the American Kennel Club, whose breed standards are followed to determine winners. Each breed recognized by the AKC (and many breeds who aren’t) have their own clubs. These clubs determine the ‘breed standard’ which is basically a detailed description of what an ideal example of the breed would exhibit. Conscientious and ethical breeders work to match the standard as closely as possible, contributing to the breed as a whole.

As of 1884, the AKC began requiring that all canine competitors be registered with the AKC in order to compete at Westminster. Therefore, only AKC recognized breeds may compete. As new breeds are accepted by the AKC, they may be included for competition at Westminster. This year, there are four new breeds who have been admitted to the AKC and are, for the first time, invited to participate at Westminster. These breeds are:

PLOTT - HOUND GROUP

A hunting hound of striking color that traditionally brings big game to bay or tree, the Plott is intelligent, alert and confident. Noted for stamina, endurance, agility, determination and aggressiveness when hunting, the powerful, well muscled, yet streamlined Plott combines courage with athletic ability. The Plott easily traverses various terrains with agility and speed. Loyal and eager to please, the Plott is an aggressive, bold, and fearless hunter (from the Plott Standard).

TIBETAN MASTIFF - WORKING

GROUP

The Tibetan Mastiff is considered by many to be the stock from which most modern large working breeds have developed. Generations of working as a guardian of women and children, has produced a temperament of fearlessness, tempered with patience, loyalty - and extreme stubbornness. The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful dog, with a broad and impressive head, with a typical expression of watchfulness (from the American Tibetan Mastiff Association).

BEAUCERON - HERDING GROUP

The Beauceron is an old and distinct French breed of herding dog, bred and selected for their aptitude to herd and guard large flocks of sheep as well as for their structure and endurance. The ideal Beauceron is a well balanced, solid dog of good height and well muscled without heaviness or coarseness. A formidable dog, intelligent, easily trained, faithful, gentle and obedient, he demands respect wherever he goes (from the Beauceron Standard).

SWEDISH VALLHUND - HERDING GROUP

The Swedish Vallhund is a very old Spitz-type breed known since the time of the Vikings. Small, powerful, fearless, and sturdily-built, the Swedish Vallhund has been kept for centuries as a farm dog and used for herding cattle. The double coat and the characteristic “harness markings” are essential features of this breed. Tail may be natural or docked (from the Swedish Vallhund Standard).(above info via westminsterkennelclub.org)As of 1992, the American Kennel Club starting limiting participants by requiring that each dog had already earned a Best in Breed title.

I look forward to reporting on how this year goes! I am rooting for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

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Just like the issues overweight people must confront, pooches lugging around excess pounds means that almost every single organ in the body has to work overtime. The risks of our best friend being overweight are dire and every owner should be aware of them - especially since we are the ones in charge of their food intake and exercises!

Some common consequences of pet obesity include diabetes, increased wear and tear on joints, bones and muscles, resulting in serious damage, injury, arthritis and hip dysplasia, increased blood pressure and hypertension, leading to congestive heart failure, decreased liver function, digestive problems, decreased immune function, skin, coat and hair problems and an overall increased risk of cancer and overall shortening of lifespan with decreased quality of life.

This is what we pet owners are doing to our pets. By loving them with food, we are in effect, killing them. Saying ‘no’ when your pal is begging for the treats you used to regularly include in his diet is not cruel. It is lifesaving. In addition, there are plenty of pure protein, freeze dried plain meat options sold as treats that are satisfying and will not add on the pounds.

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Pfizer, which won approval for its drug Slentrol, says it will be available by prescription this spring. According to an article in USA Today, the company estimates that 40% of American dogs, or 17 million canines, are obese or overweight.

Same as with people, too much junk food and a sedentary lifestyle are exacerbating the obesity rate for our pals. Slentrol will only be available by prescription. Ideally, it will be used in only the most extreme cases in order for the pet to lose enough weight to comfortably participate in an exercise regimen, that, together with a diet of low fat/ high protein food, could help the dog regain quality of life.

According to Slentrol’s website, side effects include vomiting, especially during the first month of treatment and when the dose is increased, some dogs may seem tired, have diarrhea, or lose their appetite completely. Other side effects can include increases in your dog’s liver enzymes. These changes can only be found through blood testing. Yikes.Pfizer Animal Health has created a tool to asses if dogs are overweight or obese. The Body Assessment Rating for Canines BARC is meant to determine if Slentrol is a good solution for your dog.

Pfizer is also planning on drumming up business by sponsoring free screenings at veterinarians across the USA in the first annual Canine Weight Check this February.

I have to wonder if vets will push natural weight loss through exercise and diet before prescribing the drug. Despite the risks of side effects, this is likely to be viewed as a quick fix and a cure all by owners. Slentrol’s website and dosing directions include portion control and exercise as a part of treatment, however, unless this issue is addressed before our vets whip out the prescription pad, people will likely rely on the drug rather then lifestyle choices to fix the problem.

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After switching Louis to a raw diet and relieving the digestion problems that had been plaguing him since we became family, I was handed a copy of Australian veterinary surgeon Dr. Ian Billighurst’s book, The BARF Diet, Feeding Dogs and Cats Using Evolutionary Principles. This book is considered by many the primer for raw feeding and it covers a broad range of subjects, including the scientific principles upon which the diet is based, the health benefits, supplements and making the switch.

Reading the book gives a lot of solid information for raw skeptics and makes certain to address the haters out there. Raw feeding is one of the most controversial topics today in terms of pet care. I was told by my last veterinarian that I was going to kill my dog and I was a terrible parent. Ouch!

OK, so before I up on my high horse about the quality of care Louis receives, let me attempt to simply address what it about raw that makes this such a sore subject. For today, I am going to focus on just three key points.

Detractors argue that us BARF-ers are putting our pals at risk for parasites bacteria such as Salmonella, e. coli and others and that the feeders are also at risk since we are handling the meat. Food-borne pathogens are the central point of the anti-raw argument.

The anti-raw movement also suggests that it is a fad with unsubstantiated health benefits. I found one website claiming that BARFers “will not tolerate ANY opinion other than their own and are extremely hostile toward anything that challenges their belief system.” Again, OUCH!

Another major risk BARF-ers are taking on are the bones, which might splinter, causing major internal damage in a pet.

OK, so there are risks. I don’t deny it. My feeling regarding the issue of bacteria is that BARF-ers need to use common sense, extreme hygiene and stainless dishes.

Beyond that, we need to consider that the animals we are feeding regularly eat crap off the street and some, even straight out of kitty litter boxes, without much disturbance. A healthy dog is pretty resistant to bacteria. Resistant - not immune. It is extremely important to follow stringent hygiene practice while raw feeding.

Its also important not to let your dog French kiss anyone right after a good raw meal. Brush his teeth, give him a bone, just remember that he just consumed raw meat and use common sense.

It is also important to remember that all food has its risks. I know I am not the only one who has plunked down a lot of cash for a high end meal only to end up sick to my stomach from some bacteria. Food poisoning happens in spite of everyone’s best intentions.

I know that this is a risk I am taking as a BARF-er. I take this risk because I know that my other options, kibble and a home prepared diet aren’t without their own risks (I am reminded of the recent pet food recalls and the fact that e. coli has been found present all over the world in human foods).

Regarding the claim that the health benefits are unsubstantiated, I have to say, my dog is finally healthy. After months of diarrhea and vet bills, it was the raw feeding finally helped my Louis digest happily. His coat is shinier then ever, his teeth clean, his stools solid, his temperament calm. He is clean and smells great. I am not the only one who has experienced this miracle. My fellow BARFing advocates would not be howling the praises of this diet all over the internet with such intensity were there no benefits at all. Those who experience the power raw feeding has feel compelled to share the health their pet’s experience.

Regarding our hostility toward non-BARFers, I know I don’t feel this way and my local community of BARFers are a pretty relaxed group of individuals. Everyone needs to do what is best for them and their dog. We all subscribe to different belief systems and are entitled to our beliefs and opinions. Let’s all work toward finding the best way to promote health in our pets and not alienate each other over what we are feeding.

As far as avoiding bones that splinter - YES! Hello, common sense! Some people have tossed raw bones to their pets that resulted in death or injury from splintering. Most BARF-ers I know use ground bone supplement to avoid this.

Non-BARFers have also encountered this horrible occurrence when they decide to give a raw or cooked bone straight off an animal to their pet.

This is the tip of the iceberg as far as the raw debate goes. I don’t think that the anti-raw movement is wrong. They bring up valid points that should be considered by anyone who might embark on a BARF diet. I just don’t think BARFing is wrong either. I endorse it, its how I feed my dog.

Louis is my heart - I work every day to make his existence as pleasurable and easy as possible. BARFing has helped him and many other dogs. I encourage all pet owners to make their own decisions and do their own research, and if nothing else, considering how evolutionary principles might play into a healthy diet for our pets is an interesting notion for animal lovers.

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I recently met a woman concerned about her adult Bijon Frise’s weight. We discussed the food brand she was using and the amount of exercise the pooch gets. She is feeding a high quality food and providing the dog with regular exercise. We continue to talk and she revealed that she throws some cheese on the dog’s breakfast and some chicken on top of her dinner.

She also gives many fatty treats whenever she leaves the house and shares her every meal with her dog. She told me she feels guilty if she doesn’t provide her dog with all the tidbits that make her tail wag. I suggest cutting out the extras - especially the cheese and possibly a grain free diet which would might help in a way similar to the Atkins diet. Toward the end of our conversation it was clear she didn’t want to change her dog’s diet or stop including extra treats. She just feels to guilty to stop.

Unfortunately, this is all too common. Overeating in dogs comes from feeding our dogs poor quality processed foods, feeding them large amounts of food, including fatty extras in their diet and feeding Fido out of guilt.

Our dogs learn all to quickly how to train us to give them any food that crosses the path of their sensitive noses. Food does not make up for a lack of attention. Any owner who cannot resist the allure of their dogs pleading gaze is contributing to their pet’s obesity and contributing to shortening Fluffy’s life.

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Mordecai Siegal

You can’t choose your family - except for your dog!!! Animal Planet has a really cute dog breed selector where you can enter in all of the attributes that are important to you as a pet owner and it will list a number of breeds that match your criteria.It is important to choose the right dog that going to be the best fit for your family and lifestyle in order to maximize the full potential of the human-canine bond.

I took the test and was found I have a compatibility of 99% with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Phew, Louis lucked out on that one!

Take the quiz by clicking here and post a comment to let us know what your results are!

This doesn’t always mean a purebred is the only way to find a great companion for your family! On Petfinder, you can look at local dogs up for adoption, see what each pets dominant breeds are and research those to get an idea of what to expect. In addition, many of the dogs available on Petfinder have been living in loving foster homes and the caretakers will be able to tell you a lot about the dog’s personality and needs.

Happy searching!

Mordecai Siegal, quoted above, is the award-winning author of twenty-five books about dogs and other animals. He is president of the Dog Writers Association of America and is often consulted as an expert in the pet industry. You can visit his website by clicking here.

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According to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Human Nutrition, the U.S. obesity rate increased from 13 percent to 32 percent between the 1960s and 2004 and this trend is continuing to grow. Now, its not just our human community at risk - a recent report from the National Academy of Science shows that one in four pets is overweight or obese.

The scale isn’t the best way to determine if your pup is plump as dogs since all dogs, from the teeniest Chihuahua to the largest Mastiff vary so much in bone mass, structure and general appearance.Each dog is unique and needs to be individually evaluated. Responsible owners should be working with their veterinarian to determine the ideal weight for their pet. In response to the overwhelming statistics that show American pets are as overweight as their owners, Pfizer has announced the forthcoming release of a new weight loss drug designed for dogs.

Like us, our companions are generally eating more high fat, processed foods then they need and not getting enough exercise. According to William Pollak D.V.M., “Recent studies have shown processed foods to be a factor in increasing the numbers of pets suffering from…obesity…”Yet another reason to investigate the benefits of a holistic approach to feeding and - by the way - what happened to a good old fashioned romp with the dog?

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Before I was spending my days learning all I can about everything canine, I spent over two years in the auction business - working with fine art, antiques and rare and valuable items. So, I had to share when I was alerted to an upcoming auction at Bonham’s and Butterfields, scheduled to include a number of items once worn by the pugs of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

According to Bloomberg.com:Edward VIII took the title of Duke of Windsor after abdicating as England’s king to marry Wallis Simpson, a U.S. divorcee. They had four pugs, fed from silver bowls, according to Bonhams. The canine-themed sale on Feb. 12 falls on the second day of the 132nd Westminster Kennel Club dog show at Madison Square Garden in New York.In fact, the entire sale is canine themed, called The Dog Sale and is filled with all kinds of trinkets to satisfy the most discerning taste in canine collectibles.

The sale includes 274 lots ranging from 19th century daguerreotypes, canine themed porcelain and Limoges, collars from the 18th century, paintings, canine themed trinkets and items from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s pugs.

Pictured, Lot 126, A Group lot of three woolen Pug coats made for the dogs owned by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Estimate: $1,500 - 2,500, £740 - 1,200, Provenance: lot 1848 Sotheby’s Duke and Duchess of Windsor Sale, February 1998.

To view the complete catalogue, to place a bid or get more information, visit Bonham’s online at www.bonhams.com.

Contact the Specialist:Email: Maggie BrownTel: +1 212 644 9089

Happy Bidding!

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