PetCorps Professional Pet Care Pawdcast

Norma Cooper is the co-founder of Forever Homes for Paws, a non-profit rescue organization dedicated to helping shelter pets find a forever home.

What is Forever Homes for Paws?

Forever for Homes for Paws is a rescue that started three years ago in Radcliff, KY. They help shelters and other rescues in the area. Their mission is to place animals that have been lost or abandoned.

How successful have you been?

Over 1,000 dogs adopted in three years.

What are some reasons pet owners surrender their pets?

• Bad decision when selecting a pet
• A bad lifestyle fit
• Not enough time to care for a pet
• The death of a pet’s owner

What does it mean to have a lifestyle mismatch?

Sometimes it is as simple as living in an apartment and getting a cute puppy that turns out to be a large breed dog unsuitable for apartment living. Other times, it could be a result of working long hours and not having the necessary time to care for a pet. It isn’t necessarily the result of a bad choice at the outset…changing lifestyles might result in an untenable situation for both the people and pets involved.

How do we combat the mindset that pets are mere property?

First, laws need to be changed to change how animals are regarded.

----- ADVERTISEMENT 1 -----

Losing a pet can be a heartbreaking experience.

When it comes to finding your pet, every minute counts.

We’ve all heard those stories of families who have been reunited with their pets after many months or years of searching.

But what if you could get your pet home faster?

PetHub is helping lost pets get home faster with their uniquely designed Digital ID tags.

Equipped with smartphone-scannable QR codes, these tags make it possible for anyone with a smartphone to reunite you with your lost pet within hours of going missing.

Get your Digital ID tags from PetHub today.

https://www.pethub.com/affiliate/135287/

----- ADVERTISEMENT 2 -----

Is it time to vaccinate your pets again?

Before you make an appointment to vaccinate your pets, request a titer from Protect the Pets.

A titer is a simple blood test that measures your pet’s antibody levels. A titer can tell you if your dog or cat is immune to diseases such as rabies.

As long as they’re immune, there’s no reason to re-vaccinate.

Visit protectthepets.com for more information.

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Why is it important to choose the right type of pet?

Who is the animal intended for? Does the intended recipient know what is necessary to care for a particular animal? Why do you want a pet?

The care requirements will be different depending on the animal. Some animals require less time and maintenance than others.

Why is it important to be cautious about where a pet comes from?

There are reputable breeders and there are some that want to pass themselves off as reputable when they are not. Breeders that are more interested in profit will spend more time focused on production rather than providing care. Some of these types of breeders could be classified as a puppy mill.

Puppy mills are horrific. They do not provide the necessary care and often, the environment is dirty and swarming with disease.

Shelters may have purebred dogs, or close to purebred because pet owners have surrendered them or the animal was lost or abandoned. Shelters can also be a great source for service animals. Shelter animals may have a stigma associated with them.

What suggestions do you have to help prospective owners with their research?

Consult books as well as the internet. Talk to breeders and talk to shelter volunteers. Ask questions and go to the experts.

How can people get involved with Forever Homes for Paws?

Fosters are always needed. A foster is a home that takes in an animal for a temporary time until a forever home can be found. Volunteers are also needed to help around the shelter to play with animals, clean the yards, and to mop the facility. Stop by the shelter to fill out an application to be considered for fostering.

For more information on Forever Homes for Paws, visit their Facebook page.

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Lorien Clemens is the Vice President of Marketing at PetHub, a company dedicated to helping lost pets get home faster. They have increased the return to owner rate to approximately 96% within 24 hours thanks to their Digital ID tags and premium services.

What is PetHub?

PetHub is a powerful, centralized platform for responsible pet owners to store their pet’s information.

PetHub, at its core, offers a free online profile that includes information about their pet’s identification, as well as dietary, behavioral, and medical needs.

July is “Lost Pet Prevention Month.” How and why did this educational event get started?

July, historically, is a busy time of the year for animal shelters and lost pets. Pets typically go missing due to high anxiety (from fireworks to thunderstorms) so the idea of Lost Pet Prevention Month was born out of that. During July, PetHub will be featuring content that helps pet owners work on managing their pets’ anxiety so they don’t get lost in the first place.

What kind of identification is best for getting a lost pet home quickly?

The Four-Legged Stool of Pet Identification

1. External Identification
2. Internal Identification
3. Licensing
4. Permanent Identification

What are the biggest misconceptions about microchips that you’ve encountered?

• Microchips are not full proof.
• Microchips can migrate.
• Microchips might not be registered, or if they are might have inaccurate information attached to them.
• Microchips can only be scanned by a shelter or veterinarian.

PetHub works with pet licensing and registration. Why is pet licensing so important?

• Helps animal control get pets home quickly
• Some municipalities offer a “free ride home” for licensed pets
• Pet owners might be surprised to pay a fine while recovering an unlicensed pet
• Licensing helps fund local animal care services

What are the biggest mistakes a pet parent makes with their pet’s identification?

• Relying on only one form of id (a tag, a microchip, a tattoo, a license)
• Relying on antiquated identification with only one phone number

----- ADVERTISEMENT 1 -----

Is it time to vaccinate your pets again?

Before you make an appointment to vaccinate your pets, request a titer from Protect the Pets.

A titer is a simple blood test that measures your pet’s antibody levels. A titer can tell you if your dog or cat is immune to diseases such as rabies.

As long as they’re immune, there’s no reason to re-vaccinate.

Visit protectthepets.com for more information.

----- ADVERTISEMENT 2 -----

Losing a pet can be a heartbreaking experience.

When it comes to finding your pet, every minute counts.

We’ve all heard those stories of families who have been reunited with their pets after many months or years of searching.

But what if you could get your pet home faster?

PetHub is helping lost pets get home faster with their uniquely designed Digital ID tags.

Equipped with smartphone-scannable QR codes, these tags make it possible for anyone with a smartphone to reunite you with your lost pet within hours of going missing.

Get your Digital ID tags from PetHub today.

https://www.pethub.com/affiliate/135287/

----- ADVERTISEMENT 3 -----

Too many dogs end up in shelters and it isn’t their fault.

Well-meaning owners surrender dogs for different reasons...

…the dogs don’t fit their lifestyle or they just can’t get them to behave.

If you’re struggling to communicate with your dog... if your dog is having trouble understanding you... if you want a happier relationship with your dog, then you need a dog trainer.

Playful Paws in Radcliff, Kentucky is your one-stop shop for all of your pet training needs.

They offer lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced pet owners, as well as refresher training.

Learn how to be the best pack leader for your dog and get the dog of your dreams.

Call 270-351-9290 for more information.

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What are some things pet parents can do to prevent their pets from getting lost in the first place?

Three Ways to Prevent Pet Loss

1. “Houdini”-proofing your house
2. Training
3. Restraints

PetHub focuses on pet prevention education. What does that mean?

It’s fairly easy to go into “panic mode” when a pet goes missing. That’s why it is so important to plan ahead. Preparedness cuts down on the anxiety.

• Create a lost pet tool kit (For tips see lostpetprevention.com)
• Create a free pet profile on PetHub
• Create a lost pet poster

Is there anything different a cat owner should do to find a lost cat?

For both dogs and cats, it is imperative to begin looking immediately.

The biggest difference between dogs and cats is that dogs have a proclivity to roam while cats stay close to home.

Another thing you can do is to leave a door slightly open with some of their favorite food and an item of clothing you’ve worn recently to entice them to come back inside.

For more information on PetHub, visit pethub.com and lostpetprevention.com

Episode 4 Show Notes

Dr. John Robb is the veterinarian behind Protect the Pets, an organization whose mission is protecting pets from unnecessary vaccination. According to Dr. Robb, “The purpose of vaccination is to produce immunity. Once those antibodies have been established, then they would neutralize the virus if it came into that pet or a human being.” Dr. Robb continued, “We can measure those antibodies with a simple blood test called a titer. Once you have established immunity by checking a titer and finding those circulating antibodies, to give another vaccine doesn’t make the pet any more immune…But vaccines, of course, can have adverse events so you’re putting the pet at risk for no reason. That’s over-vaccination.”

This episode is brought to you by PetCorps’ Dog Waste Removal Service. Get 12% off with Promo Code RADIO when you request a quote from https://petcorps.net/pooper-scooper.html. Offer is good for the Louisville and Elizabethtown, Kentucky area.

If you live outside our service area, find a scooper from one of these national directories:

http://apaws.org

http://pooper-scooper.com

What is over-vaccination?

Simply stated, over-vaccination is giving pets additional vaccines after they have already established immunity. It is also giving a smaller animal more vaccine than is necessary to establish immunity.

What are some problems over-vaccination can cause in pets?

Some pets may experience the following problems when over-vaccinated:

• Serum sickness
• Cancer at the injection site
• Hemolytic anemia
• Swelling in the brain
• Behavior changes
• Seizures
• Dementia
• Anaphylaxis leading to death

Why do you think vaccine reactions are down-played in traditional veterinary practice?

“It’s down-played for a variety of reasons,” Dr. Robb said. “It started out where they didn’t really know all of the adverse effects of vaccines.” While anaphylaxis is an easily observed effect of vaccination, some effects might be delayed over a couple of hours, days, or even weeks.

In addition to not knowing all of the adverse effects, Dr. Robb suspects that the high-profit potential of vaccines is another reason that traditional veterinary practice doesn’t talk about vaccine reactions.

“It’s denial,” Dr. Robb said. “Because money is being made.”

Are there other veterinarians that are joining with you to protect the pets?

“I believe that we are all accountable one day for the lies that we tell,” Dr. Robb said. He said his fight is a spiritual fight. “I have to do the right thing. And the right thing is to be right with God.”

“I don’t think I have met any [other veterinarians] who have the faith that I do,” Dr. Robb said. “I have vets who believe in what we’re doing…but they won’t say it in a public forum where they could get in trouble.”

----- ADVERTISEMENT 1 -----

Too many dogs end up in shelters and it isn’t their fault.

Well-meaning owners surrender dogs for different reasons...

…the dogs don’t fit their lifestyle or they just can’t get them to behave.

If you’re struggling to communicate with your dog... if your dog is having trouble understanding you... if you want a happier relationship with your dog, then you need a dog trainer.

Playful Paws in Radcliff, Kentucky is your one stop shop for all of your pet training needs.

They offer lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced pet owners, as well as refresher training.

Learn how  to be the best pack leader for your dog and get the dog of your dreams.

Call 270-351-9290 for more information.

----- ADVERTISEMENT 2 -----

Is it time to vaccinate your pets again?

Before you make an appointment to vaccinate your pets, request a titer from Protect the Pets.

A titer is a simple blood test that measures your pet’s antibody levels. A titer can tell you if your dog or cat is immune to diseases such as rabies.

As long as they’re immune, there’s no reason to re-vaccinate.

Visit protectthepets.com for more information.

----- ADVERTISEMENT 3 -----

Have you been thinking about switching your dogs to an all-natural fresh raw food diet?

If you’re ready to make the switch, but you’re just not sure how to get started, A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding For Dogs by Kimberly Gauthier is a book that will help you transition your pooch.

Discover how raw food diets combat an array of health and behavioral issues and get encouraged by the transformation of Kimberly’s dogs.

If you’re ready to take your dog’s health to the next level, get your copy of A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding For Dogs.

https://amzn.to/2H3xzMO

-----

Is there something that can be done to minimize the risk of a vaccine reaction?

“There’s really not,” Dr. Robb said. “What I mean by that is: certainly, if you have a four-pound dog, lowering the volume and giving an appropriate dose will minimize the risk.”

Administering steroids and benadryl before or after vaccination is pointless. The vaccine is intended to produce a response. Steroids and benadryl stop the immune system from producing a response.

Dr. Robb explained, “It’s like if I were to pump up a tire in a car and stick a nail in it to let the air out.”

Pets that have a vaccine reaction, react because they are over-dosed. Lower the volume and don’t over-dose them.

What is a titer?

Titer stands for titration. Titration is another word for dilution. After a blood sample is spun down in a serum separator tube, the red and white blood cells go to the bottom and the serum goes to the top. The blood serum contains the antibodies. If you take a sample of the serum and mix it with rabies virus, if there antibodies against rabies, the antibodies will immediately neutralize the virus. If you dilute the serum sample in half, and mix the rabies virus with the 1:2 diluted serum sample, the antibodies will again neutralize the virus. This is done again and again at a 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, and so on, until the serum no longer neutralizes the virus.

“The higher the titer the more antibodies,” Dr. Robb said, “but if we can measure any antibodies at all, that’s enough to neutralize the virus.”

“What’s the lowest measurable antibody level for rabies? 0.1 IU/mL.”

How often should a titer be drawn?

“The current study that Dr. Shultz is doing,” Dr. Robb said, “the Rabies Challenge Fund…He’s made it clear to me that…it’s up to 5 to 6 years minimum, that a titer will hold.”

Dr. Robb explained that when he first draws a titer, he makes it good for 3 years. After that, he recommends a yearly titer. “If the titer is very high,” he added, “you probably don’t need to check as often.”

How can pet owners order a titer if their vet doesn’t supply it?

Visit protectthepets.com and fill out the form to request a titer. The cost is $50.

To learn more about Dr. Robb, connect with him on his Facebook page.

Jacey Debiak is a professional dog trainer with the Playful Paws in Radcliff, KY. She has been training dogs for over 15 years.

This episode is brought to you by PetCorps’ Dog Waste Removal Service. Get 12% off with Promo Code RADIO when you request a quote from https://petcorps.net/pooper-scooper.html. Offer is good for the Louisville and Elizabethtown, Kentucky area. If you live outside our service area, find a scooper from one of these national directories:

http://apaws.org

http://pooper-scooper.com

Is dog training necessary? Why?

“Dog training is absolutely necessary,” Jacey said. Dog training isn’t necessarily about teaching your dog obedience or how to perform fancy tricks…it’s more about communicating with your dog in a way that you understand your dog and your dog understands you.

Describe a typical day on the job.

Jacey said there is no typical day on the job. While she might have a plan for how she would like the day to go, the dogs could be having an off day, the owners could be having an off day, or even the trainer can have an off day. It’s important to be prepared for anything and to know how to work around any obstacles that might pop up.

----- ADVERTISEMENT 1 -----

Too many dogs end up in shelters and it isn’t their fault.

Well-meaning owners surrender dogs for different reasons...

…the dogs don’t fit their lifestyle or they just can’t get them to behave.

If you’re struggling to communicate with your dog... if your dog is having trouble understanding you... if you want a happier relationship with your dog, then you need a dog trainer.

Playful Paws in Radcliff, Kentucky is your one stop shop for all of your pet training needs.

They offer lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced pet owners, as well as refresher training.

Learn how  to be the best pack leader for your dog and get the dog of your dreams.

Call 270-351-9290 for more information.

----- ADVERTISEMENT 2 -----

Have you been thinking about switching your dogs to an all-natural fresh raw food diet?

If you’re ready to make the switch, but you’re just not sure how to get started, A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding For Dogs by Kimberly Gauthier is a book that will help you transition your pooch.

Discover how raw food diets combat an array of health and behavioral issues and get encouraged by the transformation of Kimberly’s dogs.

If you’re ready to take your dog’s health to the next level, get your copy of A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding For Dogs.

https://amzn.to/2H3xzMO

-----

What is the best method for training dogs?

While there are many schools of thought about dog training, Jacey said the best training method lies somewhere between two extremes. Strict training on one end of the spectrum deals with corrections and positive training on the other end deals with rewards. Jacey describes herself as being a trainer in the middle where she teaches the positive mindset but also teaches how to place corrections when appropriate.

How much does dog training cost?

The investment will vary by location. At Playful Paws, they offer group lessons that include 4 sessions for $99 total. Playful Paws also offers private lessons at $45 per session and they also have in-kennel training that starts at $600 for two weeks.

When is the best time to start training a dog?

Jacey recommends starting when your puppy is 12 weeks old and after they have received their full series of puppy shots. But if you have an older dog, don’t worry. Jacey said you can teach an old dog new tricks but she warns that it takes time. An older dog must overcome old behaviors that have become set in habits. But with patience and understanding, old dogs can be trained well into their teenage years.

What suggestions do you have for someone who might not be able to afford training?

Jacey said it isn’t uncommon for a determined pet owner to walk in and offer to pay for dog training by volunteering their time. For example, some pet owners will offer to come in and clean kennels. Jacey is thrilled to work with people like this because she knows that they will be a good investment of her time. People who are willing to put in extra effort like cleaning kennels are usually more successful at following through with their training.

She also recommends that pet owners do research. While YouTube is a great resource, she cautions not to use a “ton of YouTube videos” because there are so many ways to train a dog. She said it would be better for you to go to a dog park and interview pet owners who have well-behaved dogs. She also recommends reading books about dog training and dog behavior.

What are the first things to teach a puppy?

Always start with a positive mindset. Instead of reprimanding a dog for picking up a sock, try saying, “Good boy!” Instead of running from you, the dog will see the praise as an invitation to bring the sock toward you, which will reinforce the behavior you want to instill. It’s also a good idea to teach the puppy how to go potty while on a leash.

Get more information about Playful Paws by visiting playfulpawsky.com

Got a question for the show?

Email us at [email protected]

Terry Suchernick is a professional cat groomer with the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City and the Northland Animal Wellness Society. She has over three decades of experience grooming cats.

This episode is brought to you by PetCorps’ Dog Waste Removal Service. Get 12% off with Promo Code RADIO when you request a quote from https://petcorps.net/pooper-scooper.html. Offer is good for the Louisville and Elizabethtown, Kentucky area. If you live outside our service area, find a scooper from one of these national directories:

http://apaws.org

http://pooper-scooper.com

Is cat grooming necessary? Why?

While cats are usually self-sufficient and often groom themselves, cat grooming is necessary because it helps get rid of matted hair on long-hair cats and it helps avoid overgrown nails.

Describe a typical day on the job.

“With cat grooming, there is no ‘typical’ day on the job,” Terry said. Every day comes with new sets of challenges. Some cats love to be groomed and are very cooperative when being handled. Other cats can scare easily which can make it more difficult.

How do you modify your routine to accommodate a flustered feline?

Terry said that when dealing with flustered cats, it is important that the groomer slows down the process and is patient with the cat. The groomer must be very attuned to the cat's state of mind to provide the proper care without causing injury to the cat or the groomer.

Are there ways to restrain a cat to make it easier to groom?

While there are humane ways to restrain a cat, the available methods of restraint often restrict what groomers can do. For example, there are cat bags where a groomer can place the body of the cat in the bag and zip it closed. This method restricts much of the movement of the cat. It keeps claws in a safe place. It also helps the cat feel more secure. Unfortunately, if the body of the cat requires grooming (that is, clipping or trimming), the bag becomes more of an obstacle than an aid.

Likewise, there are cat masks, which cover the eyes and wrap around the back of the cat’s head. By blinding a cat, they are less likely to panic; however, if any grooming must take place on the head, the mask is in the way.

Terry said the usual form of restraint if there is any, is to use a towel.

What has surprised you about being a cat groomer?

Terry said one of the most surprising things about being a cat groomer is developing friendships with the owners. Often, people in animal care are in that field because they enjoy working with animals more than working with people. But in working with animals, the byproduct is working with people. And if you take care of someone’s animal in a way that pleases them, it is very natural to form a bond with the pet owners.

What is Paws for the Cause?

Paws for the Cause is an assistance program for pet owners who are unable to pay for veterinary care. It helps provide financial resources for veterinary emergencies. Learn More

----- ADVERTISEMENT -----

Have you been thinking about switching your dogs to an all-natural fresh raw food diet?

If you’re ready to make the switch, but you’re just not sure how to get started, A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding For Dogs by Kimberly Gauthier is a book that will help you transition your pooch.

Discover how raw food diets combat an array of health and behavioral issues and get encouraged by the transformation of Kimberly’s dogs.

If you’re ready to take your dog’s health to the next level, get your copy of A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding For Dogs.

https://amzn.to/2H3xzMO

-----

On average, how much does cat grooming cost?

While prices may vary by location, cat grooming is very affordable. Terry’s rates range from $35 to $50.

How often does cat grooming need to be done?

It depends upon the breed of the cat, but on average, once every three months is recommended; while some cats may need grooming more frequently than that. Some cats may not need any grooming.

The breeds that require grooming include:

• Persians
• Maine Coons
• Norwegian Forest Cats
• Long-haired cats
• Dense-coated short-hair cats with thick undercoats

Benefits of regular cat grooming include:

• Groomers can alert owners to changes in skin and coat
• Groomers can alert owners to bad breath
• Groomers can point out lumps and bumps that may need to be checked by a vet
• Well-groomed cats are usually happier and healthier cats

Cat grooming includes:

• Nail trimmings
• Ear cleanings
• Mouth examinations
• Tear duct cleanings
• Sanitary clipping
• Brushing
• Dematting
• Haircuts

Are there different ways to style a cat’s fur?

There are different ways to style a cat. The most popular style is the lion clip but there are also other styles like the fox clip and dinosaur clip.

How difficult is it to find a cat groomer today?

Cat grooming is in high demand. You can find cat groomers in your local yellow pages, Google, or by checking the Professional Cat Groomers Association of America.

What advice do you have for cat owners to help manage their cats at home?

Terry recommends regular brushing with a slicker brush and a greyhound comb. The most important consideration is to be patient and take your time. The earlier you introduce grooming to your cat, the more acclimated they will be to the process.

Cats love to be groomed. They don’t like being wet but they love to be groomed because grooming is a bonding experience for them.

How is cat grooming different from dog grooming and how is it the same?

Cat grooming is the same as dog grooming in that the groomer is looking for the same problems (skin and coat conditions) on both animals. The goal of both dog and cat grooming is to make the animals look good and to improve their health and well-being.

They are different in that dogs are driven to please humans while cats are more interested in pleasing themselves. Because cats can scare much easier than dogs, it is very important to be patient and to take a little more time in the process.

Connect with Terry on Facebook

Visit her website for more information

Email her at [email protected]

Is it safe to feed my dog a raw food diet?

With Special Guest Kimberly Gauthier from keepthetailwagging.com

One of your pet's most basic needs is food. With so many choices, what is the best way to feed your dogs?

In recent years, holistic and integrative veterinarians have encouraged the use of a "species appropriate diet."

Dogs fed a kibble diet are experiencing cancer, allergies, joint issues, and behavioral problems.

How long have you been feeding raw and what made you switch from kibble to raw?

In 2013, Kimberly Gauthier switched her dogs to a raw food diet when her dog Rodrigo was experiencing chronic allergies, ear infections, skin rashes, itchy paws, digestive issues, joint issues, and behavioral issues. This all happened within the first three years of his life, and he was constantly going back to the vet for treatment.

Soon after that, she heard about the raw food diet. She did some research and when Rodrigo developed another rash, she made the switch thinking she didn't have anything to lose if she tried.

She started feeding Darwin's Natural (https://www.darwinspet.com/) and began to see a major difference in Rodrigo's health within two weeks.

What reservations did you have when starting out?

"The only thing I was concerned about was the cost," Kimberly said.

Premade raw is more expensive than homemade raw

Is it possible to feed raw on a budget?

"I made some sacrifices," Kimberly said.  She changed her buying habits in order to shift her financial resources towards caring for the dogs.

Raw food co-ops can help save money.

In Washington and Oregon, Kimberly works with WAzzuOR (http://www.wazzuor.com/)

Co-ops can get the best deals from pet food and meat distributors and local farms. The best price is achieved by buying in bulk. This is the main advantage of being a member of a raw food co-op.

What are your dogs like today, after feeding raw for 5 years?

Rodrigo and Sydney are 8 years old.

Rodrigo's prognosis five years ago was to have a leg amputation and a short lifespan. Today, he is active and happy as he races across their five-acre property. His behavior is better and he is more receptive to training.

Sydney had a partial cruciate tear a few years ago, as a result, she has some joint issues. While she is overweight due to her health issues, she is getting healthier and her partial cruciate tear has healed.

Scout and Zoey started eating raw when they were six weeks old. Both have been exceptionally healthy.

----- ADVERTISEMENT -----

Have you been thinking about switching your dogs to an all-natural fresh raw food diet?

If you’re ready to make the switch, but you’re just not sure how to get started, A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding For Dogs by Kimberly Gauthier is a book that will help you transition your pooch.

Discover how raw food diets combat an array of health and behavioral issues and get encouraged by the transformation of Kimberly’s dogs.

If you’re ready to take your dog’s health to the next level, get your copy of A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding For Dogs.

https://amzn.to/2H3xzMO

-----

Strategies for Starting Out

1. Start feeding fresh food.
2. Make your own treats.
3. Add supplements in the form of whole foods. Raw sardines are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Duck feet and chicken feet are an excellent source of glucosamine and chondroitin. Oysters provide zinc, selenium, manganese, and magnesium. Eggs are an excellent source of protein. She also uses raw goat's milk.

Recommended Supplements that Kimberly Uses

Kimberly recommends In Clover Optagest for daily digestive care and immune support. (https://amzn.to/2He7ny4)

Kimberly also recommends FullBucket Daily Dog Probiotic Powder (https://amzn.to/2H929b7)

What is the best strategy for transitioning from kibble to raw?

You can go cold turkey. With Scout and Zoey, when they were picked up they were eating Purina in the morning and by the time they arrived at their new home, they were immediately eating raw.

Rodrigo and Sydney were slowly transitioned. They ate kibble in the morning and raw in the evening until the kibble was gone. Then they were fed 100% raw.

The easiest way to transition is by feeding premade raw. This is raw food prepared commercially. It can be more expensive, but it saves a lot of time and adds a layer of convenience.

You can do DIY raw, which is less expensive but will require a bigger time commitment. If going this route, start with a "fast day" or "light meal day." 

Start with something easy and small, like a chicken wing or duck wing for a small dog. Or try chicken quarters for a larger dog.

Do that for a week. Then add another piece of meat. And then repeat the process again, adding a new piece of meat each week.

Go slowly to acclimate the dog's digestive system to the new food. Going too fast could cause diarrhea and GI upset, which might make you rethink going raw.

If diarrhea does happen, go back a step and stay there a little bit longer.

What about a balanced diet?

While a balanced diet is important, it isn't necessary to get hung up on balancing the diet from the beginning. The important thing is to simply get started and balance the diet over time.

Why should pet owners be cautious of a kibble diet?

The major problem with kibble is the ingredients. The ingredients are questionably sourced and are not ideal for the dog's nutritional needs. The extrusion process cooks out all of the natural nutrients. Manufacturers add back in synthetic vitamins and minerals which are not easily metabolized by the dogs.

Regarding kibble, Kimberly said, "This is really bad for dogs. It's especially bad for cats. I honestly, though, I think it's criminal to actually sell kibble to cats."

What about people who can't switch to raw?

Start by making batches of bone broth and add it to your dog's kibble. To add moisture and nutrients to the kibble. It will make the meal a whole lot healthier. Consider adding vegetables too.

Get Kimberly's bone broth recipe at keepthetailwagging.com/bonebroth

Kibble vs. Raw Comparison Chart

https://petcorps.net/show/episode1.pdf