Dogs: No pet should stay outside indefinitely. For dogs that spend time outside, provide plenty of water and a shelter
where they can get out of the wind.

As we prepare our cars for the cooler weather, be very careful to not leave any antifreeze accessible to the dog. It is both very tasty and very toxic to dogs and cats.

It’s getting darker earlier, so don’t forget to wear something reflective when taking Ramses for a walk.

Since autumn is the time when many people make home repairs and preparations for winter, it’s a good time to go over your dog’s equipment. Check their leashes, collars, and harnesses for wear and tear, replacing anything worn or broken. Check all fences and runs for loose spots or holes, before Wrigley gets out in really bad weather.

Fleas and ticks can be very active in the fall months, as they look for hosts to get them through the winter. Be sure to keep up your spot treatment, check for ticks after long walks, and wash bedding and vacuum pet areas frequently to stop them from wintering inside your house. See our complete series Understanding Pest Insects and Treating and Preventing Pests for more information.

One of the biggest changes for your dog, and a big challenge for you, is their new winter coat, as this is a time for them to shed their summer coat and grow a thicker one. There are a few things to do to help keep it under control and stop all the hair all over your house. Frequent brushing, especially with a de-grooming brush such as the FURminator, helps remove the loose hair before it falls out. Add fiber to their food, and digestive enzymes – the enzymes break them down any hair they swallow and the fiber helps push it out. For more info, check out our Preventing hairball care sheet here. Many of our customers will schedule a visit to their favorite groomer to have their dog’s coat blown out and cleaned up in preparation for the season.

The new season can be harsh on their skin and coats; Salmon oil, like Grizzly Salmon Oil is your best friend, as it helps sooth dry, irritated skin, and those Omega-3 fatty acids make their new coat beautiful.

Dogs are not the only animal friend sharing our lives. Here are some tips for the rest of our friends:

Cats: Outdoor cats will often climb into the motors of cars to stay warm. If cats tend to roam your neighborhood, bang on the hood or honk the horn before starting your car.

Don’t forget they’re shedding their summer coats, too, so add some fiber and digestive enzymes to their diet, and give the frequent brushing to help them shed their hair easily and to help prevent hairballs. They can also benefit from some salmon oil in their food. For more info, check out our Preventing hairball care sheet here.

Cats also face the same problems, especially with fleas. Be sure to use the appropriate treatment for you cat, as dog medications can be quite toxic to our feline friends. See our complete series Understanding Pest Insects and Treating and Preventing Pests for more information.

Bettas: While your little betta buddy has been doing great all summer, you may start to notice him slowing down and getting lazy. Adding a small, shatter proof heater to his bowl will help keep him warm and active – they are tropical fish and are healthier with the heat.

Small animals: If you keep your rabbit in a hutch outside, be ready to being them into a sheltered space, like a garage, when the weather turns bitterly cold. Provide plenty of hay and bedding for them to burrow into to stay warm. If you have a rabbit or guinea pig, be eco friendly by using their soiled bedding as mulch and compost. Wood bedding such as shredded aspen can be used as mulch, protecting plant’s roots. Paper bedding can be used as mulch or composted; rototilling it into the ground next year gives you great soil. You can soak soiled bedding in water overnight, strain, and then use to give plants their fall feedingof fertilizer, as it is loaded with nitrates and ammonia. It’s great for indoor plants, too.

Hedgehogs originated from the deserts and steppes of Africa, and tend to want to slow down during winter months. Unless they are properly fattened and prepared for hibernation, it can be dangerous for them to try to hibernate. Counter this by adding a reptile heat lamp to their cage.

Reptiles: This time of year many reptiles may slow down, eat very little, and sleep all the time. Reptiles can respond to the decrease in the amount and intensity of light by brumating, a form of hibernation. Like hedgehogs, unless they are prepared for it and fattened up, brumating can be dangerous, as they’re expending energy even as they are dormant, so unless you’re an experienced hobbyist, prevent them from doing this by increasing the wattage of all their heat bulbs. Make sure that they have been eating well and defecating normally.

Birds and parrots: For most birds fall is the second big molt of year, where new feathers grow and push out old ones. This is the time of year we hear how surprised Polly’s parents were when she flew right off their shoulders! Bring them in for a wing (and nail) trim before you get a surprise, too. Help reduce the irritation the pin feathers cause by misting your bird. It’s especially important to be sure their cage is out of any cold drafts.

The decrease in sunlight at this time of the year can be a downer for us, but imagine what it’s like for your tropical bird! Adding on a UV bulb in a dome can help regulate your bird’s mood and feeding schedule. It can help alleviate depression and regulate their mood, so if Nacho is not playing with her toys, consider bringing the sun inside. Placing the light on a simple timer is an easy way to make sure your bird gets plenty of those needed rays.

With a few special considerations, you and all your pets can safely enjoy what some feel is the
best time of the year.

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This post, Getting our pets ready for the colder months, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on October 3, 2018. Tweet This Post!

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Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is when the heart muscle becomes enlarged, making it harder to pump blood properly. Symptoms of DCM include decreased energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, and episodes of collapse. Certain dog breeds – especially large ones like Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Saint Bernards – are known to be genetically predisposed to it, but what makes this more worrisome is that it is being seen in breeds not typically known for it.

No specific brand was mentioned in the warning from the FDA. The diets being fed frequently listed potatoes or multiple legumes – peas, lentils, and other pulses – early in the ingredient list, indicating they are main ingredients. It is not known how these ingredients are linked to these cases of DCM. Legumes and potatoes are considered a better starch to have in dog food over the alternatives of wheat, soy, corn, and rice. Low glycemic foods are fundamental in daily carnivore diets.

This warning stems from reports of DCM in 8 dogs, all breeds not known for this heart condition. In four of the atypical DMC cases, the dog’s blood work showed low whole blood levels of Taurine. In four other cases, the dogs had normal blood levels of Taurine.  It is too early, and there is too little information, to know much of a role it played in these dog’s health.

What is taurine?

Taurine is an amino acid important for the metabolism of fats and is necessary for heart health. It is found naturally in raw meats and organs. It has no tolerance for heat, and is absent in cooked foods unless added back in after the cooking process. Since taurine is not normally considered an essential nutrient for dogs, it is rarely listed on the nutrition panels (although a few of the brands we carry do add it as a supplement.) Early reports indicate that the dogs ate these foods consistently for time periods ranging from months to years.

Is there anything for you to worry about?

We do not think so. Millions of dogs are fed grain free diets with no ill effects. We actually see excellent results with grain free foods, as they lower obesity, prevent diabetes, reduce allergies, and improve skin conditions.

We, as a store, do not defend any one diet. We realize that each customer and each dog is unique and has different nutritional needs. We feel one of the best ways to ensure your pet is getting proper nutrition is with rotational feeding. New recipes, even different companies, each time help cover any gaps that there might be in your pet’s diet. Using a variety of canned, dry, and raw frozen gives your dog the most rounded diet possible. And while the American Veterinary Medical Association may not like raw diets, many holistic vets do, and we feel it is one of the most natural things to feed your dog (and this warning just confirms for us the health benefits of raw diets.) For another take on raw and grain free diets, check out holistic vet Dr Karen Becker’s video on How to Choose a Good Dog Food.

This is just preliminary information, and there is a lot more research that needs to be done before any conclusive link between grain free diets and heart disease can be confirmed.  The FDA continues to work with veterinary cardiologists and nutritionists to better understand this issue. They often issue warnings like this out of an abundance of caution. If you have any concerns about your dog, their diet, or their overall health, please contact your veterinarian. The FDA does encourage anyone to report cases of DCM to the Safety Reporting Portal.

Wilmette Pet has always tried to be educated on the best diets available. Pet nutrition is still an ongoing learning process, and we’ll be here to bring you the latest news and information.

Sources:

https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm613305.htm

http://www.petbusiness.com/The-Truth-About-the-FDAs-Grain-Free-Dog-Food-Warning/

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This post, Making sense of the FDA warning on grain-free foods, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on July 25, 2018. Tweet This Post!

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This post, Top pet tips for surviving summer, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on June 8, 2017. Tweet This Post!

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Our top solutions:

Thundershirt – Similar to swaddling a baby, the Thundershirt exerts a gentle, constant pressure to help calm and relax your dog. It is vet recommended, drug free, and easy to use. Read more here.

Cannagurt – From Steve’s Real Food comes Cannagurt. It starts off with raw goat milk yoghurt – with the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics – and adds high-quality hemp oil. CBD is the medicinal, non-psychoactive cannabis plant that seems to help relieve anxiety and stress. Check out their page here for more details.

Herbsmith Calm Shen – This calming blend of Chinese herbs help maintain relaxation and relieve stress by bringing the body back into natural balance. Calm Shen is not an immediate solution, as it needs to time become effective, so start using it when the weather begins to warm up and use the whole time they may be exposed to thunder. See the ingredients and the theory behind Chinese medicine here.

Sentry Calming collars – Sentry calming collar contains pheromones, natural scentless chemical messengers, mimics of ones mother dogs produce that calm their puppies. They are clinically proven effective to reduce stress, have a pleasant lavender and chamomile scent, and last for 30 days.

Some tips that can help:

1. Helping your dog handle thunderstorms begins well before any storm comes. There are some things you can do to help prepare them for it – starting to calm them as the thunder booms is not going to be nearly as effective. 

Start them as young as possible. Practice getting your dog to settle on command; use a special inside leash and teach them to lie calmly at your feet. Praise and treat them when they are calm. When they learn the routine, it helps them know what to do when the storm comes up. Getting them used to their crate helps give them a sense of security later when they need it.

Some desensitize their pets to thunderstorms by playing CDs of thunderstorm recordings and getting them used to it. Do it during quiet times (like the winter) and slowly increase the volume over time while rewarding their calm behavior. It does only address one of the aspects of storms that can bother dogs, but it can still help reduce their stress.

2. Communicate in a way that our dogs understand. Dogs take their cues on how to act from the most important person in their life: YOU. We all have this natural reaction when our dogs are nervous or afraid to speak to them in a soft, high pitch voice. To other people that sounds comforting and reassuring. To a dog, though, you now sound nervous and afraid, so they become more anxious. One dog trainer we’ve worked in the past recommends, especially for her female clients, to drop their voice an octave or two, and to speak very calmly and matter-of-fact. Now, since you sound calm and collected, your dog can relax some, too. 

This technique even works when scared and nervous dogs come in to the store. Nervous dogs often change their demeanor and body language when a deeper, less nervous sounding voice is used.

3. Distraction. Plain and simple, keep their minds and bodies engaged to help distract them from the sounds. Offer to play with them with their favorite toy or game, petting, and offering their favorite treats – as long as they stay calm. A Kong, stuffed with healthy treats, can keep them busily chewing instead of worrying (see some recipes here). Playing louder music or white 

noise can compete with the sound of the thunderstorm and help them ignore it.

4. Safe place. This can be a crate, the basement, or another room where they feel safe. Allow them to choose the space, and don’t keep them confined, as that can increase their stress. Watch were they like to go and try to make it dark, cozy, and shielded from the light and the noise of the storm. A locked room can also prevent a panicking animal from bolting outside should the door unexpectedly opened. 

5. Last resort, seek professional help. There are many different dog training methods out there, and some of them, like Tellington TTouch, may be of help to reduce tension and stress. A trip to the vet may be in order; although many prefer to stay drug free, some dogs may need to use medication to help ease the stress of thunderstorms. It can, with some other changes in environment, make all the difference and reduce everyone’s stress.

Not one thing works for every dog, and usually a combination of things are needed.  The inevitable storms that come with the warmer weather do not need to be a source of fear and anxiety for our four-legged family members. 

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This post, Surviving thunderstorms and other loud noises, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on June 8, 2017. Tweet This Post!

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The biggest culprit of burn marks is the ammonia (NH3) in your dog’s urine, which breaks down into its two components, nitrogen and hydrogen. While nitrogen is actually utilized as a fertilizer by plants, when it is too concentrated in one area it stops the grass from absorbing water and nutrients. (You’ll often notice burn marks surrounded by lush grass; this is because on the edges the nitrogen is being diluted and then used as fertilizer.) The problem gets worse if you’re already using a high nitrogen fertilizer on your lawn.

The extra hydrogen ions released also change the pH of the soil, damaging the grass. Metallic salts and other compounds in the urine will also affect your lawn’s ability to take up nutrients properly.

Contrary to popular thought, female dogs don’t have a different kind of pee, or a more acidic one, that makes burn marks worse. It’s just that males often lift their legs to mark high on something in multiple locations, where females crouch on the ground. This means more urine is concentrated in an area, making the yellow marks worse.

But don’t stress, we have the solutions!

Dog Rocks – When these first came in, we were highly skeptical, as were many of our customers. And these are one of the most effective and popular solutions we carry! These naturally mined rocks from Australia help reduce the compounds in dog urine that ruin your lawn. Simply place in their water source for it to go to work. Get more details and instructions on how to use here. Note: if your dog is on a high protein diet, they are producing more ammonia than normal, and the Dog Rocks may not be enough. For best results, combine with one of the following products.

NaturVet Grass Saver – This is a great tasting supplement that helps protect your lawn. This contains natural amino acid that can change the acidity of your dog’s urine, helping to spare your lawn. See their page here.

Earth’s Balance G-Whiz Lawn Saver – This water additive contains amino acids to help your dog utilize process proteins, reducing ammonia and the pH of their urine. It also helps reduce bad breath, body, and fecal odors.

Earth’s Balance Dogonit Lawn Rejuvinator – Used on the lawn, this helps heal spots already burned by dog urine (so it’s GREAT to use when it’s not your dog’s spots). It also safely and naturally helps correct toxic soil conditions caused by synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, so pet owners can look forward to a healthier and better looking lawn.

A few tips to help:

Water the area your dog goes pee in. A simple rinse of 15 – 30 seconds after they pee will help dilute the ammonia and prevent the grass from being damaged. Carrying some water in a water bottle will help protect other’s lawns when you’re going for a walk.

Train your pet to only eliminate in an area with trees or rocks, a simple solution that many people don’t consider.

With the right tools, your lawn will stay green and gorgeous all summer long!

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This post, Saving your lawn, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on May 19, 2016. Tweet This Post!

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The trees are greening out and we’re all shaking off those winter blues. And we’re also noticing the results of letting the dogs go in the back yard all winter: nasty, yellow burn spots. Lawn burn results from the pH and high nitrogen in your dog’s urine. Severe spots may need to be dug up and replanted. The best way to avoid all that work is to prevent them in the first place! Out top products are:

GrassSaver Tablets – GrassSaver is a healthy, tasty food supplement for dogs to help prevent yellow burn marks on your lawn. This unique formula contains a synergistic combination of B-Complex vitamins and amino acids. You can read more on their website here.

They’re back!

Dog Rocks – These 100% natural Australian product filter out impurities such as tin, ammonia, and nitrates. These impurities are usually passed out through urine, and when grass comes in contact with these elements it results in those nasty burn marks. Find out more here.

With very little work, you can make sure your lawn stays lush and green all year long!

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This post, Keeping your lawn green, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on May 16, 2013. Tweet This Post!

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So many of us start of the new year with one resolution: to lose weight. We know how unhealthy excessive weight is, and yet never consider what it does to our pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that about 40% of all dogs and 50% of all cats are overweight – that’s 28 million dogs and 40 million cats! Fluffy may look fat and happy, but obese pets have more health problems, from  cardiac and respiratory issues, and major problems with their joints, to diabetes. So this year, why not make a resolution to help your cat or dog slim down?

What is a healthy weight for your pet?

Various breeds have different normal weights, and it can depend on gender, too. It can be especially hard when we have so many dogs whose exact breed we don’t know. In addition to discussing your pet’s weight with your vet, you can also use these general guidelines to help determine is your dog is overweight.

1. Running your hands along your dog’s ribcage, you should be able to palpate the ribs covered by a thin layer of fat. Inability to feel the ribs is a sign of an overweight dog.
2. Looking at your dog from the side, you should be able to see the upward tuck of the abdomen. An overweight dog will have very little or no tuck.
3. Viewing your dog from above, there should be a moderate narrowing at the waist just past the ribcage. A straight or bulging line from the ribcage to the hips indicates an overweight dog.

It’s similar for cats:

Look down at your cat. You should be able to see a waist when you look down on it from the top, or when you run your hands from its ribs to its hips. Run your hand along its abdomen from its ribs to its pelvis and it should be indented. If you put your hands on the side of its chest, you should be able to feel its ribs without a thick layer of fat over them.

It’s a good goal, but how do we do it?

1. Begin by knowing: For one week, record everything you give your dog or cat: measure dry and canned food, all treats, even table scraps. This can help show you where/when you tend to over-indulge your pet, and ways to cut down. Want to go a step further? Figure out the calories you’re feeding. Add the calories from the dry and/or canned food (found on the packaging) to the calories of the treats. Discuss with your vet you particular pet’s caloric needs, and make the appropriate adjustments.

2. Make adjustments. Not every dog eats the same amount of food. More active dogs, or dogs that spend time outside in the cooler months, need more calories than a more sedate, indoor dog. Older dogs need fewer calories than healthy adult dogs, and puppies generally need more.

3. Limit treats: Often overlooked when considering your pet’s diet, treats can make a big impact on their weight. Those small bites can add up quickly! Ideally, treats should be less than 10% of your dog or cat’s total daily calorie intake. A few tips:

1. 1. Break up your treats into the smallest piece you can. Dogs will jump through a hoop for the whole bag of treats and they’ll jump through a hoop for the smallest crumb. They still feel special, and you make the treat last a lot longer.
   2. Use treats effectively. By only offering them only for good behavior and training, you reduce their caloric intake and reinforce positive behaviors.
   3. Feed pure, freeze dried meat treats. They are high in protein and have no carbs, ideal for your cat or dog.
   4. Go with a high protein, low carbohydrate food. Dogs and cats are carnivores, meaning they evolved to use protein and fat for energy. Simple carbohydrates break down to sugars in the digestive system, and sugar converts to fat. Decreasing carbohydrates reduces excess sugar, limiting fat production (and decreasing a most important source of food for cancer cells). Come by and talk with any of our staff about our choice of high protein, low carb foods such as EVO, Fromm grain free, Orijen, and California Natural grain free.

Feeding canned food? There are some great choices for weight loss in canned food. EVO canned cat and dog food is perfect for weight loss as it                                   is 95% meat.

Raw frozen food is gaining in popularity, since it is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and is closest to their natural diet in the wild.

5.  Feed twice a day. Many people leave their pet’s food down all day; it’s easier, but some animals will continuously eat, past the point of satiety. Keeping the meals restricted to two meals not only restricts calorie intake, but gives them the chance to burn some off in between feedings.

6.Use a slow feeder. The brain releases “satiety” hormones that make you feel full about 20 minutes after beginning to eat. Use a Kong Wobbler or the Funkitty Egg-Cersizer instead of a feeding bowl. You place their entire meal in the toy, and, as they play with it, the kibble slowly drops out, a piece or two at a time. In addition to slowing down their feeding, which makes them feel more full with less food, it also gives them exercise, which burns more calories. A slow feeder also helps reduce indigestion and gas.

7. Fiber is weight loss’s best friend. Fiber helps with weight loss by helping one feel full. Fruitables Pumpkin SuperBlend Weight Loss supplement contains high level of fiber from pumpkin, oatmeal, and inulin. Replace up to 30% of their food with this tasty food to help them lose up to 2% per week.8. EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE! It’s always the answer for losing weight. Including the dog on a short jog not only helps them lose weight, it’ll help keep you on your own health goals. Make a point to set aside some playtime with your dog or cat.  Playing with your dog can burn 115 calories an hour, better than 75 calories sitting on the couch. Playing with your pet is also a great way to de-stress and relax!

Reducing your dog or act’s weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. It’ll reduce wear on joints, reduce breathing problems, decreases the strain on their heart, and reduce the chances for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It’ll also keep your best friend around a lot longer.

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This post, Your pet’s New Year’s resolution to lose weight, originally appeared on Wilmette Pet Center on January 6, 2012. Tweet This Post!

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