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May, 2020 Newsletter

Sharing information on nutrition and holistic health for your dog

What's New ...

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Welcome to May! I hope you are holding up well. 

 

Has anybody tried a DIY hair cut on their dog yet? How are the nail trims going? Or, maybe I shouldn't ask ... 

 

I'm really looking forward to this month. I'm not a gardener (yet), but I am attempting my own container style vegetable garden this year. The containers and soil have been purchased (who knew dirt was so expensive!), and now I'm deciding what to grow. I think I should stick with easy to grow things like kale, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, and some herbs. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I have a small garden, but very high hopes! 

 

I am headed back to the virtual classroom this month to begin work on my Canine Diet Formulation, Cert. I'm excited about this mentored program and expect to have the course completed later this fall.

 

I know many dogs suffer from seasonal allergies, so be sure to check out the "News to Share" section at the end of this newsletter.

 

Finally, I want to wish Happy Mother's Day to all the dog moms! 

The Latest Article: My Approach to Canine Wellness

What I'm Reading ... 

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Fresh Food Facts ...

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Fabulous fresh food facts about zucchini:

 

  • low glycemic 

  • low calorie (one medium zucchini contains only 19 calories!)

  • high in potassium

  • good source of vitamin A, and B vitamins

  • high in moisture

  • high fibre: soluble fibre feeds the beneficial bacteria living in your dog's gut

  • rich in the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health

 

How to add zucchini to your dog's bowl ...

 

  • finely grate raw zucchini before feeding to your dog

  • start with a small amount to test tolerance and increase slowly

  • this article, Vegetables For Dogs: Amounts and Advice, has practical tips for both kibble and raw fed dogs

 

Finely grated raw zucchini is one of my favourite veggies to add to my dog's bowl!

For your viewing enjoyment ...

I love this video of the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team at Crufts!

News to Share

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Does your dog suffer from seasonal allergies?

 

If your dog has seasonal allergies, I would like to introduce you to quercetin.

 

  • quercetin is considered safe for dogs and people

  • quercetin is a flavonoid that occurs naturally in foods such as berries, apples, broccoli, and others. It's available in supplement form for therapeutic use

  • quercetin has been shown to balance and modulate the immune system, and may improve symptoms associated with seasonal allergies

  • quercetin is known as 'Nature's Benadryl'

  • while not as fast acting as pharmaceutical 'allergy medications', most holistic and integrative veterinarians consider natural treatments, such as quercetin, a safer option where indicated

  • a 'ramp up' period of several weeks is required before seeing improvements in symptoms

  • periodic breaks from quercetin are recommended

  • may be contraindicated for dogs with kidney disease and may not be a fit for every dog

 

 

Dogs with seasonal allergies benefit from having their paws rinsed with water after coming in from outdoors to remove pollen and other allergens.

 

Pet parents need to be aware of the potential for adverse side effects associated with Apoquel. 

 

This article, by integrative veterinarian, Dr. Judy Morgan, is a must read for every pet parent whose dog has allergies, and is prescribed Apoquel. 

 

I encourage you to always do your own research when making decisions about treatment, medications, or supplements for your dogs.

An informed choice is the best choice!

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Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets

 

Many holistic and integrative animal health practitioners use 'medicinal' mushrooms for immune support and in the treatment of a wide range of health issues in dogs. Interestingly, it is customary in many cultures to offer healing mushroom broth to human patients while in hospital.

 

This month I'm excited to read Dr. Ihor Basko's, DVM, CVA, 41 page article on Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets.  Dr. Basko is a leading authority on medicinal mushrooms and holistic animal health.

 

If you'd like to read a bit more about medicinal mushrooms and your dog, this is a free article from Dr. Basko's website.

 

 

Please note: Always be sure that any mushrooms you give your dog are not poisonous and never let your dog eat mushrooms unless you are 100% sure they are safe for dogs.

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