PetCorps Professional Pet Care Pawdcast

Today's episode is all about a topic that pet guardians often find to be alarming and disgusting at the same time. If you have a male dog and you've noticed an unusual discharge coming from his penis, then this short episode is for you. We explain exactly what that discharge is and whether you need to worry about it.

Listen Notes

In this episode, Dr. Alex Avery answers pet guardians frequently asked questions about dog waste. If you've ever wondered if dog waste really is harmful for the environment...or maybe you are curious as to whether you and your kids could become infected because of dog waste...this episode is for you.

Find out...

- Why mowing over dog waste is meaningless
- Why dog waste doesn't make a suitable fertilizer
- What the real health risks of dog waste are
- How to properly dispose of dog waste
- Whether composting dog waste is an effective means of disposing of waste and if it is actually safe

Our Pet's Health is all about providing a healthier, happier life for you and your pets. Dr. Alex Avery is a veterinarian with over 12 years of general practice experience. To learn more about Our Pet's Health visit https://ourpetshealth.com.

On this episode, my wife Jeannie Smith puts me in the hot seat and interviews me about PetCorps Professional Pet Care and how we are improving life for people and pets.

Links and videos mentioned in this video-

Get business startup ideas by visiting entrepreneur.com

Listen to inspiring stories of entrepreneurs on EO Fire with John Lee Dumas - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/entrepreneurs-on-fire-with-john-lee-dumas/id564001633?mt=2

Check out Pat Flynn’s YouTube channel for tips on starting your own podcast - https://m.youtube.com/user/SmartPassiveIncome

The Dirty Truth About Dog Poop No One Ever Told You https://youtu.be/f0f6f4npqMM

Why do Dogs Eat Their Own Poop: and How to Stop It https://youtu.be/B59gLIaenZc

International Directory of Pooper Scoopers https://pooper-scooper.com

Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists https://apaws.org

In this episode, author Eileen Anderson joins me in a discussion about her book, Remember Me? Loving and Caring for a Dog With Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.

What is CCD? What are the symptoms? How is it treated? Find the answers to these questions and more in this episode of the PetCorps Professional Pet Care Show.

Here are some links for various references on today's show:

BUY A COPY OF EILEEN'S BOOK- https://amzn.to/2Di3eMf

Link to Quality of Life Scale by Pawspice- https://pawspice.com/quality-of-life-scale.html

Visit Eileen's Webpage- https://dogdementia.com

On today's episode, Lisa Bentley, a dog behavior trainer, joins me in a discussion about managing anxiety in dogs.

Lisa emphasizes in this episode that the source of our dog's anxiety is us, the humans. In order to minimize anxiety, we must learn to understand our dog's language.

Dogs need leadership. The best leadership comes from a balanced and confident pack leader. When we fail as humans to provide the leadership dogs need, dogs will rise to the occasion and usually that results in anxious behavior.

To contact Lisa, message her on Facebook.

In this episode, Dr. Jean Dodds from The Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust joins me to talk about the research they are doing to redefine rabies immunity.

Make a donation to the Rabies Challenge Fund Charitable Trust by visiting https://rabieschallengefund.org

Invisible fences are a popular way of containing your pets. Are they safe? Are they effective? And how exactly do they work?

According to PETA, invisible fences are not safe. Electric shock can be painful and may stimulate aggression in your dog.

According to Pet Playgrounds, invisible fences are only about 70% effective. While they do keep your pets contained inside the fence perimeter, they don't provide safety from wild or stray animals or the unscrupulous dog-napper that wanders onto your property.

The fences work by administering a shock to the dog through a special collar placed around the dog's neck. Before the dog gets a shock, though, an audio signal that only the dog can here serves as a warning to a dog who comes close to the fence boundary.

Join the conversation

Have you ever used an electric underground fence? If so, what are your thought? Are they safe? Share your story by emailing us at [email protected].

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, or TCVM, is one of the oldest forms of medicine on the planet. Dr. Josie Beug, a holistic veterinarian, explains the theory behind the ancient practice and how it is used to treat medical issues in modern animals.

Discover your dog's constitutional type with Dr. Josie's online quiz. Take the quiz at https://5elementquiz.dog

Download a free PDF to make your dog a happier and healthier dog today. https://happyhealthydog.today

Thinking about switching to a raw food diet? Get your copy of A Novice's Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs by Kimberly Gauthier.

Before you vaccinate your pets again, request a titer from Protect the Pets. https://protectthepets.com

PetHub is helping lost pets get home faster with their unique digital ID tags. Get yours today

Tonya Christiansen is a certified pet food nutrition specialist and she joins us on this episode of the pawdcast to help bring clarity to the subject of feeding our pets.

What should we be feeding our pets?

Tonya recommends a fresh raw food diet. One of the main reasons she recommends raw is because of the moisture it provides for your pets. "Dogs and cats need about 80% moisture in their diets," according to Tonya. "Kibble diets do not provide adequate moisture and the only time our pets drink from their water bowls is when they are thirsty."

Why are synthetic vitamins bad for dogs and cats?

Synthetic vitamins are not always as bioavailable as natural vitamins.

What can be done to optimize a kibble-based diet?

"If you can't afford a raw food diet...the important thing is to do the best you can." Tonya said the simplest thing to do is add moisture to kibble in the form of bone broth or goats milk. It helps the body remove toxins.

Sustainably sourced krill oil is a healthy option for Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Add fresh foods whenever possible. Organic spinach, organic kale, and organic broccoli are great fresh food options to add. Tonya recommends putting these in the food processor.

Can you talk about what all of the information on the side of the food bags mean?

When looking at ingredients, make sure that meat is a large component of the food. However, even if a meat is listed first, it can be deceptive. Remember, that ingredients are listed in order of their weight from greatest to least. So even though meat might be listed first, it doesn't necessarily make up as much of the food as you would expect after all of the moisture from the meat is removed to make the kibble.

Ingredient splitting is another way to mislead consumers about what is in the food. Tonya points out that peas could be split into three individual ingredients in order to make it look like there is less of a particular ingredient in a food.

The salt divide is another area pet owners should be aware of. At the point in the ingredients list where salt appears, anything listed after salt comprises less than 1% of the ingredients.

Tonya points out that foods that highlight fresh fruits and vegetables in their labeling might actually contain less than 1% of the recipe.

There's so many choices when it comes to kibble. How many of these different stages are necessary?

Most of the stages are not necessary. It's usually marketing.

Puppies do not necessarily need "puppy food." In fact, an "all stages" food supplemented with omega-3s and omega-6s would be beneficial to puppies.

"Weight control" food isn't always a good idea. If you're concerned about your dog's weight, then feed them less. They need fewer calories and more exercise. A weight control diet isn't always the best answer.

"There is no one perfect food for all dogs," said Tonya. "That's why supplementation is beneficial."

How important is a balanced diet?

"A balanced diet is important," Tonya said. "There are a lot of resources that can help you feed a balanced diet."

Rotation is very important with either kibble or raw diets. "We eat different meals each day and we don't get all of our vitamins and minerals in one meal or one day," Tonya explained. "We might get everything we need in the course of a week. And it's the same way with our dogs."

"Don't let perfection stand in the way of progress."

Why is chicken and rice so bad?

Chicken and rice might be a good choice when overcoming an upset stomach and for a few days at most. The reason it is often recommended is because it is bland and easy to digest. But it isn't anywhere close to being a balanced diet.

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What tips do you have for transitioning from a kibble to raw food diet?

Start out by feeding raw snacks.

"Let poop be thy guide," Tonya said with a chuckle. "If the stool is too runny, take a step back. And if it's firm, keep moving forward."

As you increase your raw portions, decrease your kibble portions until you replace one meal with a complete raw meal.

Fermented raw goats milk helps with transitioning because it adds digestive enzymes and probiotics.

What are the best treats to give and the ones pet owners should avoid?

Avoid bright red treats that look like steaks or bacon strips because these usually are made of high fructose corn syrup and red number 4. These treats are usually all sugar. That's why dogs love them.

The best treats are meat treats. Freeze dried minnows are a great option for cats. But any single ingredient meat treats are great.

What advice do you have to help pet owners to manage their pet's weight?

"Food is love," Tonya said while referencing the Italian mother figure who loves her family by feeding them.

Everyone in the family has to be on the same page if weight control is your primary goal.

"The more obese they are, the shorter their lives are and we don't want that."

Cut back on food or feed multiple small meals throughout the day. And more exercise.

How often and how much should pets be fed?

How often is a personal preference. Twice a day is optimal to avoid a sour stomach or vomiting overnight.

Puppies may require three times a day.

Free feeding isn't ideal because it doesn't give a true picture about your dog's eating habits. When an animal isn't feeling well, the first thing you should notice is a change in appetite. So focus on feeding your pets meals at specific times during the day so it will be easier to notice a change in appetite right away.

To determine how much to feed, observe the feeding guideline on the food label. Feed for the weight your dog should be not the weight that he currently is. It's all trial and error.

When feeding raw, feed 2-3% of your dog's ideal body weight.

How can people get in touch with you to learn more?

If you have questions about raw feeding, you can reach Tonya by email at [email protected].

She's also online at Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Email us at [email protected] to let us know what you thought of this show.

It’s summertime and that means families and pets are enjoying more time outside. As fun as summer can be, it’s also important to be aware of the dangers of summer. In this episode, Beckie Mossor, RVT and Lacie Davis, Shelter Manager join me to talk about summer safety and disaster preparedness.

What suggestions do you have to help pet owners protect their pets this summer?

Exposure to the heat can result in people and pets getting overheated. “One of the biggest mistakes I think a lot of pet owners make is shaving their dog’s coat,” Beckie said.

PRO TIP: Research your dog’s breed before cutting their coat to ensure they don’t need it to stay temperature regulated.

Be aware of the temperature of surfaces dogs are walking on. This includes sidewalks and parking lots. The surface can become very hot and could result in burns on the pads of your dog’s feet.

Be aware that pets can lose water while panting (make sure pets have access to water so they don’t get dehydrated!!)

Be aware of the climate conditions before subjecting your pets to strenuous play or other activities.

What sort of heat injuries are pets susceptible to?

Pets are susceptible to sunburn, especially areas where pets have exposed pink skin.

PRO TIP: Use pet safe sunscreen for dogs.

Hyperthermia is another concern in warm climates. Hyperthermia is above normal body temperature. It is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

Normal body temperature for dogs is about 102° F. Veterinary professionals begin treating for hyperthermia at body temperatures between 104° F to 106° F. Immediate veterinary care is necessary because internal organs begin to shut down at these temperatures.

PRO TIP: If you think your dog is overheating, cool them off quickly and seek veterinary care.

Pour cool, lukewarm, room temperature water (not cold water) over your dog, place them in front of a fan or air conditioner and transport them to the vet immediately.

How soon should a pet owner seek veterinary care for a heat injury?

Seek veterinary care right away but take a couple of minutes to provide first aid.

For burns on the pads of the feet from sidewalks or parking lots, cool them off first.

PRO TIP: Do not apply condiments to burns! Only use cool water to cool off burned tissue.

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How does the ASPCA respond to natural disasters?

When disaster strikes, the ASPCA has memoranda of understanding with local governments to respond. ASPCA assistance can be having a subject matter expert in their local emergency response center, to having ground support working on flood water rescues, wildfire response, setting up field shelters or assisting the local shelters.

What steps should pet owners take to prepare for a natural disaster?

Ensure pets are microchipped. Make sure the information is registered and up to date whenever you move.

Make arrangements with a friend or family member to take care of your pet during a disaster.

PRO TIP: Make disaster preparedness and evacuation plans well ahead of time.

Put together a disaster preparedness kit. It should include:

• Food
• Water
• Medicine
• Photos
• Medical Records
• Emergency contact information

The ASPCA has a resource to help.

ASPCA Mobile App

How often are pets displaced from their families during an emergency?

During Hurricane Katrina, 10,000 pets were evacuated but only half of them were successfully reunited with their families. This is what makes microchips so important and keeping microchip information up to date.

What, if anything, can be done to prevent displacement?

Be prepared. If you live in an area that is prone to disaster, be proactive about your plan. Know what to do when you evacuate and know what the plan of action is for your pets also. Don’t let your pets be an afterthought. Plan ahead.