Nutrition
Below is a video of me preparing a meal for my beloved furry client Buddy. This is my preferred approach to feeding most dogs. Read below for why I recommend this to all my clients.
​Kibble recommendation:
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For optimal nutrition and flavor without unnecessary additives, I highly recommend Wild Earth kibble. It boasts clean ingredients, a complete nutritional profile, and is allergen-free, making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Plus, it's plant-based, contributing to your pet's overall health. Personally introduced by a satisfied client, this brand has consistently delivered positive results for both my family and clients, especially those with discerning palates. Ensure your furry friend receives quality nutrition by avoiding brands associated with recalls or lawsuits, often prevalent among larger pet food brands.
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Do veggies instead of wet food:
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While many turn to wet food to entice picky eaters or add hydration, it often contains undesirable components, such as artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors, as well as excessive sodium and fillers. Instead, consider incorporating steamed vegetables, pumpkin puree, and water into your pet's meals:
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Steamed Vegetables: Packed with essential nutrients and natural fiber, they help with digestion and weight management. Most vegetables are safe for dogs, but it's crucial to be aware of exceptions; such as these.
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Pumpkin Puree: Rich in vitamins and fiber. It's great for their digestive health, and beneficial for both constipation and diarrhea.
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Water: Essential for hydration and flavor infusion, water complements your pet's meal without the drawbacks of wet food.
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By adding vegetables and pumpkin puree to your dog's meals, you enhance their nutrition, support digestive health, and manage their weight effectively.
SUCCESS STORIES​
Buddy
Switching his diet to include Wild Earth kibble, vegetables, and pumpkin puree, instantly appealed to his picky palate. Since then, he's shed 20 lb, his stool has normalized, and his fatty tumors have visibly reduced! Both his vet and dad Howard are delighted to witness Buddy's improved health and vitality. It's incredibly rewarding to see such positive changes in Buddy's life.
Sacha
When I first met Sacha, she was overweight and lacked enthusiasm for her meals. Following the same dietary adjustments as Buddy (mentioned above), Sacha shed the excess weight, and now eagerly anticipates mealtimes. Both her mom and vet are thrilled with Sacha's progress and newfound excitement for her food.
Why you should never give rawhide to your dog:
Rawhide chews are a byproduct of the leather industry, and are often treated with chemicals like bleach or hydrogen peroxide to whiten and preserve them. Some may even be shaped using adhesives, adding to their potential risks. Rawhide doesn’t break down easily in a dog’s digestive system, which can lead to choking or life-threatening blockages. Please choose safer alternatives like natural chew toys, such as this one.​
Gear
LEASHES & HARNESSES
​In a nutshell, here's what I recommend (details below):
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Don't use a retractable leash, they're not safe, especially for large dogs.​
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Attach the leash to a properly fitted harness. Collars can cause injuries.
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Use a martingale mechanism for a gentler and more secure fit.
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Use an auto-locking carabiner to attach the leash for added safety.
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Choose a leash made of BioThane instead of leather; it's softer and waterproof.
While retractable leashes might be popular, they're not the safest (click here to find out why).
Given the safety hazards associated with retractable leashes, I advocate for non-retractable leashes due to their reliability and safety. My favorite is a hands-free leash made of biothane (a soft and waterproof rubber-like material) with 6 feet of extendable length. This option offers sufficient freedom for dogs during walks, allows me to walk hands free with well trained dogs, it makes poop pickup hassle-free, and the biothane helps prevent leash burns on my hands. I had one custom-made from this Etsy shop.
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To use a harness or not to use a harness?: A dog's throat is one of its most vulnerable body parts. A harness is always the safer and more comfortable option. Harnesses distribute the force of pulling more evenly across the dog's body, reducing the risk of neck injury or choking that can occur with traditional collars, especially if the dog pulls or lunges. Additionally, harnesses provide better control over your dog, especially for those prone to pulling or with respiratory issues. This quick guide explains all the reasons to use a harness. Make sure that it fits your dog's body properly, see image below for a quick guide:
​Harnesses & car travel:
The safest way for dogs to travel in a car is by using a restraint system specifically designed for pets. Ideally you want a properly strapped-in crate, carrier, or harness; the goal is to prevent accidents, even on short trips. Since most dog parents don't use a crate or carrier, I strongly advise using a CPS-approved harness for their safety, since most harnesses don't provide adequate protection during a crash. The Center for Pet safety (CPS), a reputable safety science nonprofit, has independently crash-tested hundreds of harnesses. Click here to see the short list of harnesses that have passed the CPS crash tests.
PAW PROTECTION
Dogs' paw pads are sensitive and can easily suffer burns, blisters, and cuts, on hot surfaces during the summer. Dogs often hide their discomfort, so protecting their paws is crucial to prevent painful burns, blisters, and cuts. To protect your dog's paws in the summer, you can:
WASTE BAGS
Dogs go through thousands of plastic bags throughout their lifetime. That's a lot of plastic waste! To reduce our environmental impact, compostable bags are a must. Click here to buy the ones I recommend.
ENRICHMENT TOYS
Enrichment toys, like treat-dispensing toys, are essential for dogs as they stimulate their minds and provide mental stimulation. They help reduce boredom, anxiety, stress, and destructive behavior; for a mentally healthy and happy dog. Regular use of enrichment toys also contributes to improved cognitive function, especially in senior dogs, helping them stay sharp as they age. Below are some of my favorite ones:
Homemade Snuffle Knot: I love making this version of a snuffle mat. I call it a snuffle knot. All you need is an old towel or thin blanket. Lay it flat, scatter some kibble or treat pieces on it, then roll the towel like a long burrito, then tie the burrito once into a loose knot. Put a treat in the middle of the knot to entice your pup to start the “foraging” process, they’ll love it once they figure it out! You can also buy a more intricate one like this one.
Outward Hound: I love this treat dispensing toy because it keeps dogs engaged for a while, perfect for dogs who eat their treats too fast. It's made of a non-toxic, durable rubber-like material. You can buy it here.
Chew King: I like this treat dispensing toy because it's similar to a Kong, but the shape makes it more bouncy. It comes in different sizes. You can buy it here.
Licking Mat: You can put pumpkin puree or wet food on this silicone licking mat, freeze it, and then stick it to the fridge or the floor (it has suction cups in the back). This is a fun way to make your furry kids eat their snack more slowly. You can buy it here.
TRAINING
There are many trainers out there who have good tips to share. However, my two favorite trainers are Stephanie from Method K9, and Victoria Stillwell from It's Me or the Dog. They both have very helpful content to watch and learn from. Below is their information:
Stephanie specializes in training fearful, anxious, reactive, and aggressive dogs. She has a thorough, yet easy to understand way of explaining her methods.
Books
​"The Secret Lives of Dogs: The Real Reasons Behind 52 Mysterious Canine Behaviors" by Jana Murphy.
If you're like me, you like decoding and understanding every single dog behavior. This is a fun little book with straightforward explanations of different behaviors as well as some training tips. Since they can't communicate with words, it's important for us to at least try to learn their language.
Click here to buy this book.
​"Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well"
by Dr. Renee Alsarraf.
Meet Dr. Alsarraf, a compassionate NJ-based veterinary oncologist and cancer survivor. She shares some of the lessons she learned from her brave cancer patients and their families. I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Alsarraf and hearing her inspiring journey firsthand. When I asked her for her top advice for potential dog parents, she emphasized the importance of thorough research!
Click here to buy her book.
