Is Human Medicine Safe for Pets?

Some of you may have read my review of the Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Pack with a twinge of concern. In it, I mention several types of human over-the-counter medication as being part of Maestro's medicine cabinet.

Some human medications are safe for pets. Before putting together your pet's medicine cabinet, there are two concerns: the medicine itself and the dosage.

First, it is important to be aware of which types of medication is safe for pet consumption. Veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly has a really good list of 10 OTC medication that are safe for pets. Walker Valley Vet includes dosage recommendations on their list.

Conversely, the ASPCA has published a list of the Top 10 Human Medications that are Poisonous to Pets. Keep in mind that what is safe for a dog isn't necessarily safe for a cat.

My dog's travel first aid kit contains the following:

• Benadryl for hay fever and other allergies

• Gas-X for gas and bloat prevention (Maestro prefers it over Pepto-Bismol)

• activated charcoal in case of poisoning or really bad stomach upset

• a small spray bottle containing Vetericyn Universal Wound & Infection HydroGel Spray

• Little Noses Nasal Spray

• a styptic pencil

• eye and tear stain swabs

• ear swabs

• dosage syringe

At home, he has his own bottle of hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel and Self Adhering Flexible Bandage. The latter has come in handy because Maestro pulled a muscle during his walk yesterday.

Fresh Dog Food as a Convenient Alternative to Homemade Dog Food

Learn about some of the high quality dog food available on the market for pet owners who want to buy dog food with the benefits of a home-cooked meal.

According to Dr. Mukund Parthasarathy in the May 25, 2010

PetfoodIndustry.com

article “

What’s in store for pet retail

”, pet products that “provide health benefits to pets will be a driving force behind pet food sales.” Whether prompted by dog allergies, food intolerance, canine illness or an increasing concern for pet health, dog owners are exploring these products with gusto. A growing area in the market is fresh pet food.

Fresh dog food is a convenient alternative for busy pet owners who want to buy dog food that provides the benefits of a home-cooked meal in convenient ready-made packages. There are two types of fresh dog food on the market: frozen and refrigerated. Both kinds use fresh whole foods (organic, preservative-free), are lightly cooked and include dog supplements, such as dog vitamins and minerals. The following is an overview of three kinds of this type of holistic dog food.

Frozen Hamburger Meat Muffins for Dogs at Pleased Pets

Pleased Pets Meats in Black Diamond, Alberta prepares fresh dog food that is gently-cooked and frozen. At this time, Pleased Pets’ Meat Muffins are available at various locations throughout Alberta, including Airdrie, Black Diamond, Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer.

The company uses human-grade ingredients, including meats that are hormone-free and antibiotic-free, fresh vegetables and highly-digestible grains. They are free of additives, wheat, corn and soy. Dog food supplements are added to the Meat Muffins.

Meat Muffins are available in two sizes: regular muffins and mini muffins. Pleased Pets offers three types of Meat Muffins: Chicken, Beef and Elk. To prepare, simply cook in the microwave for approximately 40 seconds (individual microwave cooking times vary).

Refrigerated Dog Food in North America

Farm Fresh Pet Foods in Carstairs, Alberta offers both cooked dog food as well as raw dog food. The company currently distributes their products in Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba. The company uses fresh, high-quality ingredients, including meat, berries, vegetables and grains. Their food is rich in vitamins and minerals. The company offers a Beef and Oatmeal pre-cooked dog food that comes in 1 pound portions in airtight tubes.

Freshpet in Secaucus, NJ, teamed up with Tyson Foods in 2009 to produce and distribute fresh refrigerated pet food throughout Canada and the US. Like the aforementioned dog food manufacturers, Freshpet offers freshly prepared meals for both dogs and cats that are gently cooked to allow for maximum nutrient absorption.

Freshpet offers three brands of fresh pet food:

• Freshpet Select: made with fresh meat, fresh vegetables and brown rice,

• Freshpet Vital: fresh meat, berries and grain-free and

• Deli Fresh: fresh meat, vegetables and rice with three serving formats.

The company offers a wide variety of prepared meals for pets, from Salmon and Ocean Whitefish to Chicken Vegetable & Rice. Pet owners can either buy pet food in the Slice & Serve format (1, 2, 6 lb. tubes), the bite-sized meatballs or the prepared meals in convenient containers.

For the Slice & Serve tubes, simply slice the recommended portion for the dog’s size, cut into bite-sized chunks and serve. For the other two formats, scoop out the recommended serving portion and serve. Note that some dogs may prefer to eat their meal at room temperature.

Unused portions should be refrigerated until ready to serve. Alternatively, pet owners can divide the fresh food into single servings and freeze for future use. Food should be completely thawed out before serving.

The fresh pet food market is still relatively new. New products will become available as the market continues to grow. Pet owners can learn more about fresh pet food products available in their area at their local pet specialty store. Alternatively, dog owners can click on the "Store Locator" or "Where to Buy" button on these suppliers' websites.

Variety is the Key to Optimal Dog Health When Feeding Homemade Dog Food

No single homemade dog food recipe will meet all of a dog’s nutritional requirements. In "Introduction to Homemade Diets for Dogs" in Whole Dog Journal (April 2007), Mary Straus advises dog owners to strive for nutritional balance over time.

The cut and type of meat, grains and vegetables should be varied to make certain that their dog's nutritional needs are met. Even when feeding a dog any of these ready-made dog food products, dog owners should endeavor to read the ingredients label carefully and serve a variety of ingredients for optimal pet health.

For some dog owners, the raw food diet and the home-prepared diet may be too time-intensive for their busy schedules. Fresh pet food, whether frozen or refrigerated, present a viable option for those who wish to give their dogs the benefits of home-prepared whole foods in a convenient ready-made package.

Related Reading:

Premium, Natural, Holistic, & Organic Pet Foods

What You Should Know Before You Cook for Your Dog

Homemade Hamburger Recipe for Dogs

Grain Free Hamburge for Dogs Recipe

Originally published on Suite101.com on October 31, 2010. Updated March 23, 2013.

Grain Free Hamburger Recipe for Dogs

A flavorful meal for dogs made with whole foods, this homemade dog food recipe can be prepared quickly and easily.

Whether your dog has food allergies or sensitivities or you are searching for better food for dogs, this is a viable alternative to expensive premium dog food. Maestro’s Grain Free Burgers is an easy dog food recipe to make. Serving portions and ingredients can be varied to give your dog a balanced diet, thereby ensuring your pet’s health.

Ingredients for Maestro’s Grain Free Burgers

The following whole foods form the foundation for this delicious dog food recipe. This can be easily customized to suit your dog’s preferences and nutritional needs, while providing balance through variety.

• 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of ground meat (e.g., veal, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, organ meat)

• 1 – 128 ml jar (4.5 oz.) of organic baby food vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots)

• 1 – 128 ml jar (4.5 oz.) of organic baby food vegetables (sweet potatoes)

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil

• ¼ tsp. rosemary

• ¼ tsp. basil

• 5 shakes of black pepper

• ground/crushed eggshells or bonemeal

Tips on Portion Control When Preparing Homemade Dog Food

Portion sizes should be calculated prior to making Maestro’s Grain Free Burgers. Raw4Dogs has an online calculator to determine portion sizes. The website also has recommended calculation adjustments for puppies, underweight and overweight dogs. The calcium requirements for a dog varies depending upon its weight.

According to David Bastin, Jennifer Ashton and Dr. Grant Nixon, D.V.M., authors of Better Food for Dogs (Toronto: Robert Rose, Inc. 2002), a 5 lb. dog requires a minimum of 274 mg of calcium daily and a 10 lb.dog needs 536 mg of calcium, while a 50 lb. dog requires at least 2,689 mg. The book, which contains numerous dog food recipes, also contains a comprehensive nutritional guide detailing the nutritional requirements of a dog from 5 lbs. up to 150.

First, calculate the amount of calcium required per meal. Better Food for Dogs does list recommended amounts per meal. Next, calculate the number of meal portions that the recipe will yield. This figure will give you the amount of calcium needed for this recipe.

Alternatively, you can add the calcium supplement just prior to feeding. Thoroughly mix the per meal amount with the dog food. Some recipes in Better Food for Dogs suggest adding a pinch of calcium supplement into the food. The balance of the daily required calcium would have to be administered another way (e.g.dog calcium pills, raw bones, milk, yogurt).

Preparing and Cooking Maestro’s Grain Free Burgers

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.

2. Thoroughly mix together all ingredients.

3. Using a measuring scoop, spoon out a portion equivalent to one meal and shape it into a meatball or hamburger patty. Place on a plate for now.

4. Repeat step #3 until all the ingredients are used up.

Lightly cook the burgers by searing them. You can use either a broiler or a pan-sear them at a high temperature until the outside is brown. According to Dr. Per Schonbeck in his Pet-Nutrition-Advice article, “How is Your Dog Food Damaged by Its Processing,” “lightly broiled meats and steamed vegetables retain most of their nutrients.”

Serving and Storing Maestro’s Grain Free Burgers

As this is a protein-rich dog food recipe, various sides of carbohydrates can be added to balance your dog's meal. According to Bastin, Ashton and Nixon, dogs require 40% protein, 45% carbohydrates and 15% supplemental fat. Examples of fruits and vegetables you can include are chopped carrots, apples and bananas.

For grains, you can add brown rice, cooked oatmeal or cooked pasta. Smaller dogs may need their burgers broken down into bite-sized chunks.

Freeze the remaining burgers for future use. Simply microwave a serving for 45 seconds – 1 minute to defrost and warm up the doggy burgers.

Dogs on a home-prepared diet should take dog supplements such as digestive enzymes, glucosamine for dogs or brewer’s yeast to obtain optimal pet health. They should also take multi-vitamins. However, as many dog vitamins on the market are geared towards dogs on commercial dog food diet, check to make sure the vitamins are sufficient for your dog’s needs.

Vary the Ingredients to Achieve Nutritional Balance Over Time

No single homemade dog food recipe will meet all of a dog’s nutritional requirements. According to Mary Straus in her April 2007 Whole Dog Journal article, "Introduction to Homemade Diets for Dogs", dog owners should strive for nutritional balance over time. Vary the vegetables used as well as type and cut of meat in this hamburger recipe for dogs. However, be sure not to include any foods that are harmful to dogs.

If you are just starting your dog on a home-prepared diet, read "What You Should Know Before You Cook for Your Dog". Explore other dog food recipes and dog food alternatives. You should also consult with a veterinarian to determine your dog’s specific nutritional requirements.

Yes, He Really Plays the Bongos

Maestro Plays the Bongos

When I first contacted Maestro's breeder, Nancy Kiss of Calliente Lakelands, she asked me several questions. They are standard questions reputable breeders ask to determine whether or not you are a good fit for the breed.

When Nancy heard that I'm a musician, she said, "I have the perfect dog for you. He sings to the radio."

Now, I've only heard Maestro sing to the radio once or twice. He does sing along to scales, chords and arpeggios. He'll sing along with anyone who can carry a tune.

However, if you stumble one too many times, he leaves. Practicing, as he well knows, does not equal performing.

Maestro taken a huge shining to percussion instruments. Namely, the bongos, tambourines, shakers and rain stick:

Here another photo from Maestro's bongos practice during Group Class Week:

DSC_0089.jpg

Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Pack - Product Review

One of the first things that I read when I researched Maestro's breed is that these dogs like to be right in the thick of the action. That is certainly the case with him.

When he's not working with me, my Lakeland Terrier is raring to go on an adventure. As soon as he sees me loading up his dog pack, he gets very impatient.

Product Features of the Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Pack

The Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Pack consists of three parts: the harness and two saddle bags. The harness can be used separately as an ordinary walking harness (it has a thick D-ring for the leash). It has three adjustable padded straps: the neck strap, one that straps around the chest and the third straps under the belly.

There is reflective piping on the edges and mesh webbing on the underside of the harness and padding. The handle on the top can be used to carry the pack when you want to give your dog a break.

The two saddle bags have several compartments. There is a poop bag port on one dog pack and gear loops on the other.

The interior of the saddle bags are sectioned off, with pockets large enough to hold a small water bottle. There is even a ring inside to hook your keys.

Each saddle bag has a loop on the backside, to thread the chest and belly straps through. This secures the bags and prevents them from flapping wildly.

Like the harness, the saddle bags have mesh padded lining. The Ultimate Trail Dog Pack is made of 20D rip stop nylon and 210D PU nylon lining. One last feature: the zipper pulls glow in the dark.

This dog pack comes in three sizes: Small (30-55 lbs, girth 16-24"), Medium (55-80 lbs, girth 25-34") and Large (80+ lbs, girth 35-44"). It currently comes in two color combinations: red/black and black/grey.

Using the Ultimate Trail Dog Back

Maestro and I use this dog backpack on trips of all sizes, from weekend trips to visit family and friends, as well as day trips around the province.. I like how Maestro can carry his own gear and "dog stuff".

A common question we get from strangers is, "What kind of stuff does he carry?" His saddle bags carry all his trip essentials, such as: poop bags, pet wipes, a microfiber towel, a t-shirt (or windbreaker or raincoat), snacks, food, vitamins, Benadryl, Gas-X, activated charcoal, wound and infection gel, a styptic pencil, bug repellant, toothbrush, toothpaste, paw wax and his water bowl.

I have read that a dog can safely carry up anywhere between 10 to 25% of its weight. This figure depends upon the dog's size, breed, age and physical fitness.

Maestro is a middle-aged dog. He can't wear the pack as long as he used to. That's when that handle on top comes in handy. I either clip the entire pack from the handle or clip the saddle bags straps onto my backpack and we carry on.

Apparently, you can also use it to pick up your dog. I've tried it just once, lifting Maestro approximately two inches off the ground. Although the handle is sturdy enough, I can't imagine that he feels comfortable being carried around like that.

Sometimes, I'll place the dog pack on Maestro when we are at home and we have visitors. Cesar Millan, AKA "The Dog Whisperer", recommends that wearing a dog pack is one way to calm a hyper dog.

Pros and Cons of the Ultimate Trail Dog Pack

Maestro and I have tried several backpacks. The last one he used was an old Outward Hound dog backpack. He overheated very quickly. The buckles were rough on the edges, so I cut myself on them a few times. Plus, it just wasn't pretty.

On the other hand, the Ultimate Trail Dog Pack is aesthetically pleasing. The mesh lining allows airflow, so Maestro doesn't overheat as quickly. The pockets (I love pockets) are well thought out. Things stay fairly organized inside. The saddle bags sit nicely on his body. Have I mentioned how sturdy and slick the design is already?

It was also the only dog pack on the market that had the belly strap properly positioned. All of the other ones we tried must have been designed for longer dogs, as the belly strap went right one his penis.

We get plenty of compliments on the backpack and inquiries of where to purchase it. We bought ours at Pet Planet. Pet Valu has been known to carry it occasionally. Amazon carries it as well. the CE Ultimate Trail Dog Pack is in the Top 25 for Dog Backpacks.

I do have one complaint regarding the straps. All of the straps are too long. At least, with the chest and belly strap, I can cut them down and secure the edges. Unfortunately, I can't do that with the neck strap. This means the dog backpack jostles more than it should.

Alternative Dog Packs

At a price range of $50 - $57 USD, the Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Pack is the most expensive of the bunch. The most popular dog packs on the market are significantly cheaper (all prices are in USD): Kyjen Outward Hound Backpack ($27.17 - 35.23), Kurgo 00028 Wander Pack Dog Backpack ($27.50), Dog Backpack/Harness Deluxe 2 in 1 Large Red ($17.88), ABO Gear Aussie Naturals Dog Backpack ($36.34) and Guardian Gear Polyester Dog Back Pack, Medium, Green ($30.94).

However, with its thoughtful design, craftsmanship, fit and coolness factor, the Ultimate Trail Dog Pack was the best dog pack for us out of when I purchased it nearly two years ago.