ANNUAL 2023 WHY YOUR
DOG’S NAME
IS SO IMPORTANT
5
TOP
WAYS YOUR DOG HELPS YOU
DE-STRESS
CONSERVATION CANINES: HOW THEY HELP
C anada’s wildlif e
NEW RESEARCH
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU FEED YOUR DOG?
Royal
Dogs 10 MONARCHS THROUGHOUT HISTORY WHO CHERISHED THEIR CANINES
+ 190 breeds at
3
a glance
Reasons DOGS LOOK LIKE THEIR PEOPLE
4 STEPS TO
TRAINING LEASHREACTIVE DOGS
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ANNUAL 2023
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CONTENTS ANNUAL 2023
65 Lifestyle
Health
40 H ow sounds can stress or
16 D oes your dog pant excessively?
calm your dog
Your dog can be stressed by sounds you may not even be aware of. Find out how to create a more soothing soundscape for him.
42
Pet services galore!
From mobile groomers to animal photographers, there are all kinds of pet service providers and professionals out there!
54 Why buying Canadian makes good sense
Supporting domestic companies creates jobs, and ensures workers are getting fair wages. And there are more reasons why pet parents might want to shop Canadian.
40
All dogs pant, especially when it’s hot out, but excessive panting could be a danger sign. Here’s what you need to know.
46 G ood breeder vs. backyard breeder — what’s the difference?
Breeding healthy, well-adjusted puppies requires research, lots of attention to detail, and passion. Here's what to look for.
ways to prevent dental 62 5disease in dogs
There are many things you can do at home to prevent dental disease from developing and progressing, and help keep your dog healthy, happy and comfortable.
70 E xercise tips to keep your senior dog’s brain and body fit
From improving memory and cognition to strengthening muscles, regular exercise enhances the well-being of your senior dog. .79 I s your dog getting enough exercise? A recent survey found many dogs aren't. Check out these other interesting stats.
147 8 questions for a breeder
Before buying your new pup, ask these questions.
53 4
CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2023
Departments 8 Editorial
149 Spotlight
80 Breed Directory —
The Groups, Purebreds, Rare Breeds
148 Dog Speak
159 Marketplace 162 Word
Scramble
hat's in a 36 W name?
How your dog’s name might affect how people think.
22
53 H ow the bond you
share with your dog can influence his sleep patterns Find out why the bond you share may affect how she naps.
Nutrition
56 C onservation canines —
10 H ow often should you feed your dog?
In many dogs, “intermittent fasting” offers health benefits, from maintaining lean body mass to reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions and other age-related diseases.
pantry items that are 20 10 poisonous to your dog Household pantries and cupboards are full of potential toxins. Find out which ones can harm your dog.
30 F ood sensitivities vs. food allergies
Learn the best treatment approaches to food allergies and sensitivities, and how to prevent these issues in your dog.
60 C ould your dog’s bowl make him sick?
30
No matter how clean they look, your dog’s bowls may harbour bacteria that can make him sick. Follow these steps to minimize risk.
Dog-human Interest 14 Top 5 ways your dog helps you de-stress Good news — our dogs can help significantly lower our stress levels. Check out the top five ways they do it.
19 3 reasons dogs look like their people
Do you look just like your dog? Here are a few reasons why this comical phenomenon occurs.
22 1 0 royals who dearly loved their dogs
For millennia, monarchs around the world have enjoyed the companionship of canines. Let’s take a look at 10 of them.
dogs doing their bit to help Canada’s wildlife
Check out the clever canines across Canada who are helping preserve our natural environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
Training & Behaviour 34 T each your dog to accept tooth brushing in 6 easy steps
Regular tooth brushing is an important part of your dog’s dental care regimen. Find out how to get her to accept and even enjoy the procedure.
48 T he right way to teach your dog to swim Teaching a dog to swim is easier than you think. When summer returns, these four steps will help transform your pooch into a true water baby.
50 4 steps to training leash reactive dogs Leash reactivity can make your dog difficult to walk. Help bring the fun back to your jaunts by making the world a friendlier place for him.
65 Y our hands-on guide for going to the dog park
This guide offers all you need to know to ensure a positive experience at the dog park.
76 K eeping dogs and toddlers safe
When dogs and toddlers spend time together, use these training tips to make safety a top priority.
Social Media Tips, contests and more! CanadianDogs
News, events, and tips! @CdnDogs
Tips, pet photos, and more! canadiandogsannual
Crafts, laughs, and more! canadiandogs
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5
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU
feed
BY KATIE KANGAS, DVM, CVA, CVCP
YOUR DOG?
In many dogs (though not all), “intermittent fasting” can offer a variety of health benefits, from maintaining lean body mass, to reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions and other age-related diseases.
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CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2023
There’s a lot of talk about how often you
intermittent eating schedules that depend
should feed your dog and, with the latest
on their ability to find and catch prey or to
buzz about the benefits of intermittent
successfully scavenge for food.
fasting for humans, many wonder if this practice is safe and healthy for dogs too.
EVOLUTIONARY FACTORS
In his book, Ruined by Excess, Perfected by Lack, Dr. Richard Patton, animal nutritionist and researcher, shares that canines and other carnivorous animals “have exquisitely perfected the ability to survive
Intermittent fasting, also termed
with the intermittent lack of
therapeutic fasting, follows a pattern
food. And in fact, they are
that includes alternating cycles of eating
poorly adapted to deal
and fasting. In truth, it’s how dogs are
with constant excess,
evolutionarily designed to eat. Wolves and
particularly with
other wild canines do not have continual
calories from starches
access to food and are naturally faced with
and sugars.”
WHAT THE STUDIES SAY Even beyond the necessary basics for surviving in the wild, cumulative research has shown significant health benefits arising from intermittent fasting — or said in another way, intermittent eating. A study by Mark Mattson, PhD, a neuroscience professor at the John Hopkins School of Medicine, indicates that fasting and reducing daily calorie intake can be beneficial for your dog’s neurologic health. Dr. Mattson has published extensively on the topics of brain function and healthy aging. His studies with both animals and humans demonstrate that fasting can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing neurogenerative diseases such Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Dr. Mattson also reported increased lifespans in dogs that took part in fasting studies.
Scientists at the University of Arizona published a recent study titled “Once-daily feeding is
DOWNTIME FROM DIGESTION
associated with better cognitive function and health in companion
When the body is not busy working
dogs” in Results from the Dog Aging
on digestion (i.e. the breakdown and
Project. This research team analyzed
absorption of food particles), enzymes are
data from over 24,000 dogs, looking
freed up to focus more on detoxification,
for links between feeding frequency
as well as reducing inflammation and
and health outcomes. Their findings
repairing tissues. During this downtime
suggested that feeding dogs just
from digestion, the liver is also more
one meal a day reduces the risk of
efficient at processing waste products
numerous health problems and
and eliminating toxic load. Numerous
age-related diseases, including cognitive decline, dental disease, GI tract
reparative mechanisms are allowed to work better, and this helps the body regenerate.
(gastrointestinal) issues, liver disease,
Furthermore, periods of fasting effectively
pancreatic disorders,
trigger the body to metabolize its fat
urinary problems,
stores for energy. Not only is this helpful
kidney disease, and
to remaining lean, but losing fat means
cancer.
releasing toxins too. Indeed, adipose tissue (fat) is the primary storage site for toxins in the body.
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11
UNDERSTANDING KETONES Like humans, all dogs have the ability to utilize either glucose or stored fat for energy. When stored fat is used, the body naturally produces molecules of energy called ketones (these can also be provided by medium chain triglycerides — MCT oils). However, if glucose is available, the body will readily use it as its first choice for fuel. This means that if your dog is continually eating throughout the day, glucose is almost always available and his body will not have an opportunity to burn fat. Another important aspect of this scenario is that each time glucose is made available through the breakdown of carbohydratecontaining foods, insulin is required to deliver that glucose into the cells of the body. This is not so desirable, as insulin is known to be a pro-inflammatory hormone, which means that frequent releases of insulin equate to higher levels of inflammation in the body. We now recognize that inflammation is associated with chronic diseases as well as
degeneration in the body and advanced aging changes. By understanding this, you can see that both what you feed and how often you feed your dog can directly influence numerous health conditions, affect aging, and perhaps even longevity.
A WORD OF CAUTION Generally, fasting is only safe for adult healthy dogs. Despite its potential benefits, there are many situations and health conditions for which fasting could be harmful and is not advised. Puppies, for example, require consistent meals and calories because they are growing. This also holds true for pregnant and lactating females. Senior dogs and very small toy breeds should avoid fasting as well. And finally, although fasting may be beneficial for some dogs with certain health conditions, there are many illnesses or circumstances in which withholding meals would be inappropriate or harmful. So please be sure to consult with your veterinarian before considering a time-restricted eating plan (see sidebar), to make sure it is safe and appropriate for your dog. Veterinarian Dr. Katie Kangas graduated from the University of Wisconsin Veterinary College in 1993. She achieved her CVA certification at the Chi Institute in 2008, followed by additional training in Advanced Acupuncture, Food Therapy, Herbal Medicine and Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation. Dr. Kangas owns Integrative Veterinary Care in San Diego, California. Her special interests include nutrition/food medicine, dental health and pain management.
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CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2023
Time-restricted feeding methods Three intermittent fasting or timerestricted feeding methods are commonly used for dogs:
1
Feed once a day, which allows for a 24-hour fast between each meal.
2
Feed two meals per day, but include them both within an eight-hour total time frame, which allows for a 16-hour fast each day. E.g. 8 am and 4 pm
3
Feed normally five or six days a week, then skip one meal one or two days per week.
It is important to note that not every dog will thrive with this meal plan. In my experience, small breed dogs have a higher tendency for gastric reflux symptoms or bile vomiting when their stomachs are empty for long periods. This does not appear to be as much of an issue with large breed dogs, but can certainly occur in any size or breed of canine. For some dogs, this issue may be corrected or improved with digestive enzymes or other digestive supplements. In these cases, incremental periods of fasting may be tolerated by slowly and gradually adjusting for more extended time periods between meals.
BY TONYA WILHELM
Teach your dog to ACCEPT TOOTH BRUSHING Regular tooth brushing is an important part of your dog’s dental care regimen. Find out how to get her to accept and even enjoy the procedure.
IN 6 EASY STEPS — whatever her age
Dental disease is common in dogs, but there are many ways to help prevent it, from feeding the correct diet and special dental treats, to water additives and oral sprays. In addition, though, it’s a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Here’s how to train your pooch to accept and even enjoy tooth brushing in six simple steps!
For puppies Slow and steady always wins the race for puppies, since the biggest challenge is to help her stay still and keep her from getting too “bitey”. Start with these steps and always go at your youngster’s pace and comfort level.
STEP
CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2023
STEP
4
5
Transition from your finger to your brushing tool of choice. Depending on your puppy’s mouth structure, you might use a baby toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, a glove with nubs, or even a gauze pad. Don’t forget to clean the toothbrush after each brushing. 34
STEP
3
6
STEP
If you started with coconut oil to help encourage her taste enjoyment, switch to a half coconut oil/half pet toothpaste mix and start to wean off the coconut oil.
2
STEP
Now, instead of just having your pup lick the dab off, slide your finger into her mouth as she’s licking and massage one side of her gums for just a second or two. Repeat on the other side. Continue this process daily. Once you are easily sliding your finger along her gums, continue to Step 4.
1
STEP
Start when your puppy is somewhat relaxed, not when she’s ready to have a “zoomie” session.
Place a dab of pet toothpaste or coconut oil on your finger (always use toothpaste especially formulated for dogs — never human toothpaste). Allow her to sniff and lick your finger. Repeat twice. Do this once a day for a few days. Move to the second step once your puppy is eagerly anticipating this first step.
Once your puppy is accepting a little gum massage, start to pay attention to massaging each tooth.
For adult dogs Before training your adult dog, take him for a dental exam at the veterinarian’s office, where they will check for, and deal with, any decaying or chipped teeth or severely inflamed gums. While following the six steps below, pay attention to your dog’s emotions and behaviour. Again, the goal is to go at his comfort level so he is happy at each step.
STEP
STEP
2 3
6
STEP
4 5
STEP
Start to massage his teeth and gums during your brushing sessions, using one dab for each side of the mouth. Continue this process once a day until your dog is happily and easily having his teeth massaged with your finger.
Now it’s time to move to your toothbrush of choice. It will depend on your dog’s current dental and oral situation, and the structure of his mouth. If he is missing teeth, your veterinarian may recommend using gauze. You can also buy toothbrushes specifically designed for pets, or a finger glove with nubs.
Ideally, sit on the floor with your dog. Engage with him, showing him that he has a tasty treat coming up. Dab it on your finger, while saying things like: “Are you ready for this tasty snack?” Bring your hand and the yummy mixture down to his level, but not extended to him. You want him to approach you. Allow him to sniff your hand and lick. Repeat this step with two dabs. If your dog doesn’t show interest in the mix, try something else next time. Do this every day for as many days as needed. Don’t move to the next step until your dog is anticipating the process, coming to lick off the dab and looking for more.
STEP
Once he’s completely happy with Step 2, gently slip your finger inside his mouth for one second and then back out. Do this once during each dab-licking session. Once he shows no concern about your finger sliding along his gums, move to the next step.
1
STEP
Find something sticky and tasty that your dog loves, like canned pet food, coconut oil, or pureed meat.
Gradually transition from a food dab to pet toothpaste. Start with half-and-half of each and slowly decrease the food until you’re only using pet toothpaste.
Tonya Wilhelm is a dog training and cat care specialist who promotes positive ways to prevent and manage behaviour issues. One of the top ten dog trainers in the US, she has helped thousands build happy relationships with their dogs using humane, positive methods. She wrote Proactive Puppy Care; offers dog training classes; provides training and behavior services; and does workshops at pet expos (raisingyourpetsnaturally.com).
TIP
Whatever the age of your dog, be gentle when brushing his teeth. For optimum success, you don’t want to cause him any discomfort.
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