Does Your Pet Have a Food Allergy? A Diet Trial May Tell

Posted on February 17, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Food reactions can cause year-round skin, ear and gastrointestinal problems in dogs and cats. The reaction may involve the immune system, as in a food allergy, where the body reacts to a protein in the diet. Or it can be a food intolerance, which doesn’t involve the immune system, and is generally a reaction to other dietary components such as carbohydrates, preservatives, dyes or flavorings.

Although pets are more likely to be allergic to environmental elements such as pollen or mold spores, those types of allergies are often more seasonal in nature. (To complicate matters, some pets can have food allergies and environmental allergies.) While there are ways to test for environmental allergies, there is not an accurate blood, saliva or skin test to determine if your pet has a food allergy.

If you think your pet has a food allergy, first work with your veterinarian to rule out other causes of their symptoms such as parasites, infections, metabolic diseases, and other potential health concerns. An elimination-challenge diet trial may be recommended. This can take 12 weeks or more, so it requires a lot of dedication and patience. If the signs disappear during the diet trial, then return when the pet is fed the original food, a diagnosis of food allergy is likely.

Signs of a food allergy

Dogs with a food allergy may scratch or chew at their face, ears, feet, groin and/or anal areas. They may develop red, irritated skin, secondary skin infections and ear infections. A smaller percentage of dogs may have gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, gas, loud intestinal rumbling and frequent defecation.

Cats with food allergies often scratch at their face, neck and ears or they may overgroom, resulting in bald patches on their bodies. Some may have gastrointestinal signs, as well.

Because signs of food allergy can be similar to other causes of itching and digestive upset, it’s always a good idea to check in with your veterinarian before starting a food trial.

The elimination diet

The idea behind an elimination diet is to eliminate the ingredient in your pet’s food that’s causing a problem and see if the signs resolve. The diet is strict, in that your pet can only eat this diet and drink water for eight to 12 weeks, and possibly longer. That means no human food for kitty or doggy either!

Of course, it’s not as simple as just changing brands of food; a special diet is required.

One option is to feed a novel protein diet, which contains a protein the pet hasn’t been exposed to before. Novel protein diets often contain proteins such as rabbit, venison, duck or bison. There are numerous commercial novel protein diets available.

A veterinary nutritionist can also help you create a home-cooked novel protein option that might contain tilapia, salmon, rabbit, duck, pork or pinto beans. The protein is often mixed with a single carbohydrate, such as quinoa, sweet potato, oats or barley. A veterinary nutritionist can help make sure the diet is nutritionally complete and balanced for your pet.

The other option is to feed your pet a hydrolyzed protein diet, in which the protein is broken down into pieces too small for the immune system to recognize.

Your veterinarian can help you choose the best diet option if a food trial is indicated for your dog.

Remember, whenever you change your pet’s diet, do it gradually over the course of at least five to seven days to help prevent gastrointestinal upset. Each day, mix in a little less of the current diet with more of the new diet until the pet is only eating the new food.

The no-no list

During the diet trial, it’s important not to feed your pet anything other than the special diet. Treats or medications may contain allergy-inducing ingredients, so the diet trial may fail if these are not avoided.

That means no rawhides, bones, pig ears or chew toys made with animal products. No cheese, peanut butter, lunch meat or treats for hiding medications. No toothpaste or supplements. No fruits or vegetables unless your veterinarian says they’re OK. And dogs should not be allowed to snack in the litter box or pick up goodies at the dog park.

If your pet must take medications, ask your veterinarian if there is a hypoallergenic form, or if parasite prevention can be transitioned from oral to topical.

Watch for signs to improve

Your pet should be on the elimination diet for at least eight to 12 weeks. Once on the diet, gastrointestinal signs usually resolve in two to three weeks. Pets often show a reduction in scratching, licking, and chewing in four weeks, but it may take 12 weeks or more.

If signs improve, your veterinarian will let you know when to begin the “challenge” portion of the diet trial. In this phase, you will gradually transition your pet to the original diet over the course of five to seven days. If signs return, typically within days or up to two weeks, a diagnosis of food allergy is likely.

Prognosis

If the signs only partially improve, or there’s no improvement, there may be other allergies at play and further diagnostics may be needed. If your pet’s signs completely resolve on the elimination diet, then you have your answer. While there’s no cure for food allergies, feeding your pet an appropriate diet will help keep them more comfortable. Unfortunately, some pets may eventually develop additional food allergies, so future diet trials may be necessary.

Why Don’t Cats See Their Vets as Often as Dogs Do?

Posted on February 10, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

When it comes to regular veterinary checkups, cats are left holding the short end of the wand toy. While 74.2 percent of dog owners in 2024 said they made at least one veterinary trip per year, only 57.3 percent of cat owners did the same, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association Pet Ownership and Demographic survey.

What’s keeping cats away?

Once considered solely indoor/outdoor mouse deterrents, cats have now become pampered members of the family. Yet some owners still see their cats as independent animals that need little or no veterinary care.

Also, for many owners it’s easy to miss signs of illness or pain in cats. That’s because cats are adept at hiding these signs, a lesson learned from their wild feline ancestors who hid illness to prevent themselves from becoming prey.

Some cats will question why they need a checkup and will do anything to avoid the cat carrier and car ride to the veterinarian. So owners may decide the stress and the struggle isn’t worth it.

Finally, now that many vaccines are only given every three years, owners may assume there’s no need to bring their cats in for regular exams, especially if they’re indoor-only cats. The trouble is, even indoor cats can suffer from dental disease, obesity, urinary tract issues, parasites and other problems.

Cats age faster than humans

At one year of age, a cat is the equivalent of a 15-year-old teenager and matures to about a 24-year-old-human at 2 years. After that, every year tacks on about four years of “human aging” for cats, so an 8-year-old cat is essentially the same as a middle-aged, 48-year-old human.

Since there can be significant health changes over the course of four human years, cats should have a veterinary checkup once a year or more, depending on the cat, according to feline preventive care guidelines established by the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Prevention is better than treatment

Most cats don’t show overt signs of pain or illness until the problem is advanced. But with regular preventive care and early intervention, common feline health problems such as kidney disease, osteoarthritis, hyperthyroidism and even cancer can be detected earlier, when they are often more treatable and less expensive.

To help make regular checkups easier, look for a cat-friendly practice.  These veterinary practices must meet certain criteria, all designed to make the visits less stressful on cats and their owners. They even provide you with tips on how to get your kitty to the clinic without a fuss, and once you arrive, they’ll use gentle handling techniques to help put your cat at ease.

With regular, preventive veterinary care, more cats can live longer, happier and more pain-free lives. Which means they’ll have more time to prove why they’re superior to their canine counterparts, or that, as the saying goes, “cats rule and dogs drool.”

RELATED POST: Acute vs. Chronic Pain: When Your Pet Needs Help

Can My Dog Eat Grapes?

Posted on February 3, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat grapes? Never!’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our new series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Read on!

A grape or two might seem like a harmless snack for your dog. After all, it’s just fruit, and mostly water at that. But what happens if your dog eats grapes? Unlike other fruits like cranberries or blueberries, grapes can be toxic to dogs, potentially leading to acute kidney failure and even death. Grape and raisin poisoning are real dangers for dogs.

This applies to all types of grapes, whether they’re red, green, seeded or seedless, organic or grown conventionally. But fresh grapes aren’t the only problem. Grapes that have been dried — otherwise known as raisins, sultanas (light brown, seedless raisins) and Zante currents — can be problematic as well.

The same goes for foods in your pantry that contain raisins, including cookies, bars and breads, granola mix, trail mix and raisin bran cereal. It’s not clear if grape jelly, grape juice or wine could be hazardous, but why take the risk?

What makes even a few grapes toxic?

Until recently, no one knew why, exactly, dogs and grapes shouldn’t mix. But veterinarians at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center discovered that tartaric acid (the ingredient cream of tartar is made from) might be the culprit. The amount of tartaric acid in grapes can vary depending on the type of grape, the degree of ripeness and the growing conditions.

In addition to varying levels within the grapes, dogs can have individual responses to the fruit, making it frustratingly difficult to determine how many will be a problem. Dogs have had a toxic reaction after eating as little as 0.32 ounces of grapes and 0.05 ounces of raisins per pound of body weight. It’s not a food you want your dog eating!

If your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, call your veterinarian or the closest veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

Symptoms when dogs eat grapes

It doesn’t take long for signs of toxicity to appear. Within hours of eating grapes or raisins, dogs may vomit and refuse to eat. If your dog surfed your countertop without your knowledge, you may find the telltale signs of grapes in the vomit. The dog may also have diarrhea, show signs of abdominal pain, drooling, dehydration and lethargy. They may drink and urinate more than normal, or in more advanced cases, they may produce little or no urine.

Seek veterinary help immediately

Since kidney damage can happen quickly, it’s best to call your veterinarian as soon as possible. While there’s no specific test to determine if your dog is experiencing grape toxicity, it’s generally diagnosed based on the history of grape consumption or grapes found in the vomit.

When your dog eats grapes or raisins within the last hour or two and hasn’t vomited yet, the doctor will probably recommend that vomiting be induced to get the toxins out of the stomach. Once that’s accomplished, your dog may be given activated charcoal by mouth, which may help prevent further absorption of toxins into your dog’s system.

In cases of grape or raisin toxicity, some dogs may need aggressive therapy, including hospitalization and intravenous fluids. The veterinarian may recommend blood work and urinalyses to monitor kidney function. Dogs may also benefit from stomach protectants, medications to control vomiting and nutritional support.

While ingestion of grapes should always be avoided in dogs, other fruits can be healthy and safe snacks for your pooch. Consider offering apple slices (remove the seeds), cantaloupe, blueberries, strawberries or bananas instead.

Can One Grape Kill a Dog?

Can one grape kill a dog? Yes, one grape can be extremely harmful. Grape toxicity is a real threat no matter how many grapes a dog eats. When dogs eat grapes, grape poisoning is always a possibility. Grapes or raisins, quite simply, are toxic to dogs, whether it’s one grape, green grapes, seedless grapes, red grapes, etc. If you suspect that grape poisoning has occurred and you cannot seek immediate treatment, you can call  Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for immediate advice. Your dog’s health, and kidney failure specifically, is always a concern when your dog ate a grape.

To learn more about why grapes are bad for dogs, check out this article.

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘Can my dog eat grapes? Never!’.

Great Pyrenees: Fearless Guardians of Sheep on High

Posted on January 27, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Named for the mountains that form the border between France and Spain, Great Pyrenees were bred to work beside shepherds and their flocks. They didn’t actually drive the sheep (other herding dogs were responsible for that); instead, they served as guard dogs, protecting the flock from wolves, bears and sheep rustlers.

The massive white dogs typically strode ahead of the flock to inspect the area for predators, then created a safe perimeter around the flock. Given that these dogs can reach 100 pounds or more and 32 inches in height, they created an intimidating presence — unless, of course, their thick, white coats blended with the flock or the snowy surroundings, enabling them to take intruders by surprise.

Guardians of the flock eventually became protectors of castles, with Great Pyrenees serving as guard dogs at the Chateau of Lourdes during the 15th century. Once they were named the Royal Dog of France in the court of King Louis XIV, every noble family wanted one.

Although the first pair of Great Pyrenees was brought to America in 1824 by General Marquis de Lafayette, as a gift to his friend, J.S. Skinner, author of “The Dog and the Sportsman,” the breed wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1933.

Today, Great Pyrenees still guard livestock, but many are family companions. Given their background, they can be good rescue dogs in mountainous terrain, but similar to Newfoundlands, they can also serve as gentle therapy dogs. They’re excellent guard dogs, even if they live in the suburbs.

Fun facts about Great Pyrenees

  • During World War II, Great Pyrenees carried artillery over the mountains between France and Spain.
  • Barry Gibb of Bee Gees fame is said to have owned a Great Pyrenees named Barnaby.
  • In the United Kingdom and most of Europe, they’re known as the Pyrenean mountain dog. In France, they’re called le chien de montagne des Pyrénées, le chien des Pyrénées or simply “patou” which comes from the word “pastre,” meaning shepherd or shepherd’s dog.
  • While many mountain herding dogs are considered molossoid, meaning they retain the heavier bone structure and short muzzles of mastiffs, Great Pyrenees are lupomolossoid, meaning that they tend to have longer muzzles and thinner bodies, more like European grey wolves.
  • Fossils of Great Pyrenees dating from the Bronze Age (1800 to 1000 B.C.) have been unearthed in the area, but they are thought to have originated in Asia Minor some 11,000 years ago.
  • In 1662, Basque fishermen brought Great Pyrenees to Newfoundland, where the dogs were crossed with the black curly coated retriever, creating the black and white Landseer Newfoundland.
  • After centuries of guarding sheep well into the night, Great Pyrenees today can be somewhat nocturnal, barking to alert owners if a creature stirs in the wee hours of the morning.

Does Cold Weather Affect Your Dog’s Arthritic Joints?

Posted on January 20, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Some people with osteoarthritis (OA) claim they can predict the onset of cold weather through their joints. “Blizzard’s coming, I can feel it in my knee,” your grandfather may quip. If cold weather makes human joints feel stiff and achy, there’s a pretty good chance it can have the same effect on your dog.

While human research is inconclusive on why this might happen, there are several theories. In osteoarthritic joints, the cartilage covering the surface of the bones is damaged or worn away, exposing sensitive nerves underneath. It’s possible that changes in barometric pressure may further irritate the nerves, causing additional pain.

The synovial fluid inside the joint is typically a little thicker than water. Cold weather may increase the viscosity of the fluid, making the joint feel stiffer. It’s also possible that lower temperatures can make the muscles supporting the joint less flexible. And certainly, people may stay indoors more in the winter, so a pet with arthritis may not get the regular walks and exercise he or she needs to maintain mobility. So, what’s a dog owner to do?

Keep your arthritic dog comfortable in the winter

Here are some simple things you can do to help your dog:

  • Watch the weight — If your dog is carrying a few extra pounds, that weight is putting extra stress on the joints. Keeping your dog lean can help reduce pain.
  • Provide regular, low-impact exercise — Walking is important to control weight and “motion is lotion,” meaning it helps keep muscles, ligaments, and joints in good working order.
  • Ask your veterinarian about pain relief — Some dogs benefit from medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which make it easier for them to keep moving.
  • Cozy up the bedding — Add an extra blanket to the dog bed for added warmth and to help cushion achy bones. Avoid electric blankets, or at least make sure there’s a towel between the blanket and your pet, to avoid burning tender skin.
  • Add a layer of insulation — Short-haired dogs may benefit from a warm sweater, even when indoors.
  • Look into physical therapy — Dogs with advanced arthritis may benefit from therapies such as warm, underwater treadmills. Many therapists can also provide massage and range of motion exercises.
  • Use warm and cool compresses — Before exercise, you can apply warm compresses to joints to loosen up tight muscles (again, never place hot compresses directly on the skin). After exercise, icing the affected joint(s) can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Cover slippery floors with non-skid rugs — Giving your dog traction can help prevent painful falls, especially if your dog comes in from outdoors with snow on his or her paws.
  • Provide carpeted ramps — These can make it easier for dogs to get into and out of cars, or to climb and descend stairs.

If you have any questions about how you can help your arthritic dog get the most out of the winter months, your veterinarian can help.

Pain in Pets: A Guide by Taste of the Wild

Posted on January 13, 2022 - 9:31 pm by
Taste of the Wild

A pet in pain can be more emotionally painful for pet owners than we ever truly realize. Cats and dogs can’t tell us where it hurts, and that’s even if they want to tell us at all. Due to natural instincts, many pets actually work to hide the fact that they might be in pain. How can you help your pet if you don’t even know if they’re in need?

There’s also the nature of the pain to worry about. A sprained paw is a lot different than creaky, arthritic joints. Your pet generally isn’t going to be able to tell you how it happened or, perhaps more importantly, how long it’s been happening. While some aspects of pet pain might remain a mystery, this Taste of the Wild Guide to Pain in Pets can help a pet parent understand what you need to know and then take the steps needed to help your pet in pain.

Signs of Pain in Pets

A close-up of a dog lying on a blanket.

Our pets have an uncanny way of sensing when something’s wrong with us. But can we say the same for ourselves as pet parents? Do we intuitively know when something’s amiss with our dogs or cats? If they were in pain, would we know it? Our pets don’t make it easy, that’s for sure. But if you’re slightly educated about pet pain —for instance, if you know that sudden lethargy or loss of appetite might be signs of pain— you can start helping your pet immediately.

Acute vs. Chronic Pain in Pets

A black and tan dog lying on the floor with a tired expression.

Most pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain tends to come on suddenly or lasts for a short time, dissipating once inflammation resolves and healing occurs. An ankle twist, a tail slammed in a door: These types of pain tend to start feeling better with elevation and reduced swelling. But chronic pain is more complicated and generally lasts longer, sometimes even for the pet’s lifetime. Arthritis is an example of chronic pain: it can’t be cured and tends to progress over time.

But how do you tell the difference between acute and chronic when your pet is in pain? And what are the signs of pain?

READ MORE ABOUT ACUTE AND CHRONIC PAIN IN PETS

The Do’s and Don’ts of Pet Pain Relief

A dog lying on a dog bed with its foot wrapped in an orange medical bandage.

Once you see signs of pain in your pet and then determine the nature of said pain, you can start treating it (or having it treated by your veterinarian). But, as with all things, there is a right way and a wrong way to help ease a pet’s pain. And the wrong way can exacerbate the problem, sometimes with disastrous results. For example, there’s a relatively common belief that some over-the-counter pain medications meant for people can be applied to pets. Aspirin is relatively harmless for people, so the same goes for pets, right?

Unfortunately, that kind of well-meaning thinking has led to potentially serious health problems for both cats and dogs. Here are some things to do and somethings to definitely not do when dealing with pet pain relief and pain management.

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR PET IS IN PAIN

It’s hard having a pet in pain. There are no blanket answers, and your pet often won’t be helpful in diagnosing or treating the problem. But with a little guidance, you can make a painful situation better for your pet. And maybe even make your pet pain free.

Should I Be Worried About My Vomiting Pet?

Posted on January 13, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Stomach issues are the top reason cats are brought to the veterinarian, according to a Healthy Paws analysis of more than 870,000 pet insurance claims from June 1, 2020, to June 1, 2021. For dogs, stomach issues came in third, behind skin problems and pain.

While we know a vomiting pet generally prefers to expel stomach contents on expensive carpets or on your bed in the middle of the night, we don’t always realize what’s causing the problem. So how do you know when it’s something serious?

Causes of vomiting

A broad range of things can cause your pet to vomit, from something as simple as an abrupt change in food or motion sickness from a car ride to more serious causes, such as toxin ingestion, infections like parvovirus or a gastrointestinal foreign body.

Check your house or yard for anything your pet might have accidentally gotten into: medications, mushrooms, the garbage can, super glue and any toys or objects that may have been partially or completely swallowed. Sometimes you may find clues in the vomit, such as potentially toxic house plants that may have been ingested. If you think your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t, call your veterinarian or contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Mild vomiting

If your pet vomits once or twice and stops, you can remove their food and limit their water for 6 to 8 hours to give the digestive tract a chance to calm down. If they continue to vomit or if they become lethargic, contact your veterinarian.

Although not necessarily recommended, dogs can go for a day or two without eating. However, food shouldn’t be withheld from cats for more than about 12 hours. Cats can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, and it can be difficult to entice them to eat again. But a few hours without food is typically not a problem.

During this time, you don’t want your pet to become dehydrated. The easiest way to check their hydration is to run your finger over their gums (do not attempt this if your pet is not fond of having their mouth handled). In a hydrated pet, there should be enough saliva so that your finger slides easily. Dehydrated pets will have dry, sticky gums. You can also try to gently pull up the skin at the nape of your pet’s neck. In a hydrated pet, the skin should snap back into place quickly. If your pet is dehydrated, the tent of skin will take longer to return to its original shape.

You can allow your pet to lick ice cubes, so they ingest a small amount of water at a time. Lapping up large amounts of water quickly may cause your pet to vomit. If you’re concerned, contact your veterinarian.

If your pet hasn’t vomited for 6 to 8 hours, you can begin to offer small amounts of water. As a rule of thumb, you can provide 1 teaspoon of water per pound of body weight every 2 to 3 hours.

Once your pet drinks water without vomiting, you can feed them small, frequent meals, using a bland diet such as boiled hamburger or chicken and rice or food made for sensitive stomachs. If your pet refuses to eat or begins to vomit again, call your veterinarian.

Severe vomiting

Some pets will continue to vomit, even when there’s nothing left in their stomachs, and they just wretch up bile. Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to take your dog or cat to the veterinarian. Even if your pet vomits on a regular basis, such as once or twice a week, it’s worth investigating to see if there’s an underlying disease process causing it.

Depending on your pet’s history, signs and physical exam, the veterinarian may order blood work, X-rays and/or other diagnostic tests. Treatment will vary, depending on the cause, but may include surgery in the case of a gastrointestinal obstruction, fluids to correct dehydration, medications to reduce vomiting or other treatments. Hopefully, your pet (and your expensive carpet) will be back to normal in no time.

RELATED POST: Cancer Signs: What to Watch for in Pets

Dogs at Work: Samoyeds Kept the Cold and Wolves at Bay

Posted on December 30, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

According to legend, the phrase “three dog night” describes a night so frigid that early hunter-gatherer people needed three dogs to sleep with them to stave off the cold.

Although where the phrase originated is unclear, it could very easily have originated with the semi-nomadic Samoyed people of Siberia and their namesake Samoyed dogs. In a region where the temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lower, those thick-coated dogs snuggled in to keep plenty of families toasty warm at night.

Subsisting on hunting and fishing, the Samoyed people depended on their strong dogs to herd reindeer, hunt for bear, fight off wolves, haul sledges and even tow fishing boats. The dogs’ exemplary work ethic, in freezing temperatures, attracted the attention of Arctic and Antarctic explorers.

Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen took a team of Samoyeds on his 1893 expedition to the North Pole. The breed was also tapped to lead explorers such as Amundsen and Shackleton to the South Pole. The conditions were extremely harsh, and some dogs didn’t make it home.

In 1906, a dog named Moustan of Argenteau became the first Samoyed registered to the American Kennel Club. The dog came from St. Petersburg, Russia, and was originally owned by Grand Duke Nicholas, a brother of the Czar. Today, Samoyeds compete in obedience and agility events and can still be found herding sheep and cattle.

An interior graphic detailing seven fun facts about Samoyeds.

Movies to Watch with Your Dog This Holiday Season

Posted on December 23, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
A couple sitting on the couch holding a television remote with a dog sitting between them.

Only so much eggnog and sugar cookies can be consumed before your family eventually plops on the couch, ready to snuggle in for a traditional evening of movies. But since your dog is truly a part of your family, why not let them pick the flick this time? Here are a few dog-themed holiday movies to watch that might just keep your pooch on the edge of their seat.

A Dog Named Christmas

In this Hallmark Hall of Fame feel-good movie, a young man with a learning disability shows just how powerful the unconditional love for animals can be. When the local animal shelter launches a campaign to promote dog adoption for the holidays, the boy puts his all into convincing the people of his Midwestern town to participate. At the same time, one dog in particular captures his heart.

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

What kid doesn’t dream of a puppy under the tree with a red satin bow around its neck? So it goes for Linus’s little brother, Rerun. In this Peanuts’ classic, Rerun sets his sights on bringing Snoopy’s less civilized brother Spike into the family.

The Search for Santa Paws

In this heartwarming fantasy/adventure film, Santa’s head elf brings a stuffed dog to life, which Santa names Paws, and the jolly guy vows to be his best friend for life. When the pair travel to New York, Santa is hit by a cab and loses his memory. Paws teams up with a young orphan named Quinn, her friend, and a group of magical talking dogs to help save Santa and show the real meaning of the holiday.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Who doesn’t love Max, the loyal dog of the “mean one” in this holiday classic? In the live-action version, Max is actually played by six different shelter dogs who all found homes after the movie. What a happy ending!

Lady and the Tramp

While you may not instantly think of Lady and the Tramp as a holiday movie, it starts with Lady, a cocker spaniel, arriving as a Christmas gift and ends with Tramp, a stray mutt… Well, we don’t want to give away the ending, but it ends at Christmas!

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure

Beethoven, the lovable St. Bernard, returns to help save Christmas in this sequel. After Santa’s sleigh crashes and his magic toy bag goes missing, Beethoven comes to the rescue just in time. And Beethoven speaks for the first time in this movie!

What’s your favorite movie to watch while you’re cuddled up on the couch with your canine companion?

When the Temperature Plummets, Should You Feed Your Pet More?

Posted on December 16, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With winter comes crisper temperatures, waning daylight hours and more time padding around your house in wool socks. It’s a time when we crave comfort foods bubbling with cheese, as if a primordial instinct compels us to add another layer of insulation before we hibernate for the season.

But what about your pet — do his or her nutritional needs change with the season?

Cold-weather pet food

Like people, pets may tend to eat a little less in the summer and slightly more in the winter. But any abrupt change in appetite — eating a lot more or a lot less — or any noticeable changes in weight could be the sign of an underlying health problem. In these cases, check in with your veterinarian.

Still, unless your dog is training for the Iditarod or sleeps outside, it probably spends most of the winter in the comfort of your climate-controlled home. Same goes for your cat. In these cases, there’s usually no need to increase your pet’s food intake in the winter.

When to feed less

If you live in the northern part of the United States, there’s a good chance your dog walks may be shorter (or nonexistent), compared to summer. If your pet is getting less exercise this winter but eating the same amount of food as the summer, he or she is likely to put on some extra pounds. To avoid this, talk to your veterinarian about safe ways to trim food intake.

When to feed the same amount

Even when the thermometer takes a nosedive, your pet still needs daily physical and mental stimulation.  Certain breeds and puppies, especially, need to work off excess energy. And regular exercise can help prevent behavior problems from developing out of sheer boredom. With consistent exercise, you can continue to feed your pet the same amount of food all year ‘round.

Exercising your pet, even in the winter, can help pry you off the couch, too. Consider making the most of winter by taking your dog snowshoeing or skijoring in the snow. Or explore warm, indoor activities like playtime at doggie day care. You can even set up an obstacle course in your living room. Your cat could also benefit from games of laser tag and interactive food puzzles.

When to feed more

Pets that live outdoors or spend considerable amounts of time in harsh weather will burn more calories to maintain their body temperature. These pets will need more food than they eat in the summer, a place to escape from the weather and a source of fresh water that isn’t frozen.

If your dog engages in high-energy activities in the winter, such as all-day hunting trials, with prolonged exposure to icy temperatures, they will also require additional food. As a rule of thumb, for every 10-degree drop from normal temperatures, a dog will need about 7% more calories. In either case, your veterinarian can help you determine your pet’s caloric needs.

Keeping your pet “just right”

No matter what the season, dogs and cats should be fed to maintain a healthy body condition score. That means they should have an hourglass waist when viewed from above, a tuck in the tummy when seen from the side, and ribs that can be easily felt, but aren’t visible.

Other winter comforts

If your pet spends any time outdoors in icy temperatures, consider a coat to help keep them warm and dry, especially if they have short, thin hair. For pets with longer hair, remove any hair mats, which can pull painfully against the skin, preventing the coat from providing proper insulation by allowing cold air to pass close to the skin.

Trim the hair between the footpads to prevent ice balls from accumulating there. If your dog is tolerant, consider booties, which can also prevent exposure to salt and sidewalk deicers. Any questions? Your veterinarian is the best source for tips on keeping your pet healthy this winter.