HALLOWEEN SPECIAL - Healthy and Nutritious Pumpkin Treat Recipes for DOGS

by Pilar Bueno

The Way to Your Dog’s Healthy Heart 

is Through Its Stomach

We think of our beloved dogs as friends, sidekicks, guardians and often the most important relationship we have. They give, give and give and we try to keep them happy and healthy.

As dog owners all our lives and now working as professional dog sitters for dozens of dogs of all shapes and sizes, we’ve come to the obvious conclusion that, like with human foods, we’ve all been fed a lie about the pet food industry. The more we’ve researched its practices and oversights the more outraged we’ve become. 

Most processed dog food is full of chemicals, preservatives, E numbers, fillers and meat by-products and God knows what else. And let's not even talk about pet treats, such as "rawhide" one of the most popular and dangerous chews sticks ever! 

The regulations for pet foods is alarmingly very poor and in some cases none existent. Have you ever met a dog food taster? Or read a survey of dogs discussing the food industry? Is it any wonder our babies are becoming sick? They have no voice and the industry is getting away with suffering and murder.......for profit.

In an effort to try to help and advise all dog owners and to ease the dietary suffering of so many beloved pets, we are working on the new book "Dog's Dinner", soon to be published under our sister company VIDDA Publishing 

It is time for us to take control of our own pet's health and nutrition. With so much information available on the internet, and some guidance from us, you will find that it is easier now than ever to make informed decisions and to prepare safe and nutritious dog treats and meals at home. 

So why not start now? If you are wondering what to do with all that Halloween pumpkin, why don't you knock together a few healthy treats for your dog? Pumpkin is full of minerals and vitamins as well as being very low in calories. You can read about the benefits of Pumpkins for your dog in one of our previous blog posts. 

Below are a couple of recipes to get you started. If you prepare these recipes in bulk, you can save cash and have peace of mind knowing that your best friend is healthy, happy and well-fed.

Happy Halloween!

Pilar and John 

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Smell the VICTORY for all Pet owners - Sainsbury's to stop selling fireworks

IMPORTANT BREAKING NEWS

Sainsbury's has become the first major supermarket to stop selling fireworks at its 2,300 stores across the UK.

The company said it made the decision following a regular yearly review of all its products.

Last year, a petition to ban the public sale of fireworks to protect animals, children and people with a phobia attracted more than 300,000 signatures.

Pet-owners welcomed Sainsbury's decision with many tweeting that other supermarkets should follow suit.

A spokeswoman for Sainsbury's declined to detail why the supermarket will no longer sell fireworks, stating that it was commercially sensitive.

Tesco and Asda said they would continue to sell fireworks.

Catherine Shuttleworth, chief executive and founder of Savvy Marketing, also said that selling fireworks was "a really expensive way of doing retail in supermarkets".

She said: "When you go and buy your fireworks, obviously they are not on a shelf anywhere in the store. They tend to be in a glass cabinet that's locked up and a member of staff has to go and unlock that cabinet every single time you want to buy fireworks."

She also said the customer's age has to be checked because it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18. In addition, the supermarket cannot send back any unsold products to the distributor, "and they are quite dangerous to keep in the back of shops, which are busy places".

A petition last year calling for a ban, which gained 307,897 signatures, said that fireworks "injure thousands of people every year" and "cause damage to buildings, vehicles, [and] emergency vehicles".

In response, the government said it "takes the issue of safety of fireworks very seriously. The legislation is in place to control their sale, use and misuse. We have no plans to change legislation".

But not all is lost as the RSPCA is currently running a campaign to help change regulations to protect animal welfare and make fireworks less frightening to animals. You can make a difference by signing the Change.org petition and share it on social media.

One healthcare professional said on Twitter: "Just came here to say a huge thank you and praise to Sainsbury's for the decision to not sell fireworks this year. It is not just the animals who suffer but anyone who is unwell or has a condition like autism."

Scottish National Party MP Alison Thewliss tweeted: "Really pleased to see Sainsbury's have taken the responsible decision to stop selling fireworks. I hope other retailers follow suit."

A recent consultation in Scotland over the sale of fireworks to the public found that there was support for tougher controls on the selling and use of the products.

Of the 16,000 people who responded, 94% wanted tighter controls on the sale of fireworks and 87% supported an outright ban on the sale of fireworks.

"When the day comes, and it will, when humanity truly converses with animals, humanity will hang its head in shame" 

J.Hodges

Dogs and Halloween: Sound Advice for Keeping your Pets Safe and Calm during Fireworks

by Pilar Bueno

It is nearly that time of the year when the night skies filled with colourful displays, loud bangs and explosions as we get ready to celebrate events such as Diwali, Halloween, Bonfire Night, and of course Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

We have been enjoying fireworks for centuries. Originally believed to have been invented by the Chinese in the 11th century, the then small firecrackers ("fire pills", as they were referred to) were apparently used to scare off evil spirits. Nowadays, the popularity and affordability of fireworks have increased so exponentially that they have become a sign to mark special events all around the world.

As much as we humans may enjoy and delight with the beautiful light displays that pepper our skies, there is no doubt that our faithful pets and wildlife have a different opinion of this cacophony of sound and flashing lights.

Animals simply don't share our fondness for these explosives and react in the only way they know when confronted with a perceived harmful attack or threat to their survival: fight-or-flight. The stress generated as a result of this event can cause not just psychological but physical damage to domesticated animals and wildlife as they try to flee from danger. 

Thousand of panicked birds roosting in large communal flocks during the winter months take to the skies at night crashing into trees, power lines, houses and each other. And the lucky ones that manage to survive the stampede, may end up being poisoned by the pyrotechnics' toxic fumes.

Closer to home, our dogs (and cats), struggle to cope with the perceived attacks to their safe haven and respond either by "attack barking", trying to run away or cowering in a pitiful shacking mess. That is no surprise as dog hearing is far more sensitive than humans, as they are able to hear sound four times farther away than we can and up to three times higher frequency too. Your cat's hearing is even better!
Having said all of the above, some lucky pooches are only concerned that their nap time is being interrupted and couldn't care less about the light show.

Strategies for Coping With the Fireworks Season

• Exercise your dogs before dusk before most of the fireworks commence. If you can, take them on an extra-long and energetic walk with plenty of stimulation so that they are tired and more relaxed.
• Ensure all your pets are indoors. Comfort them to make them feel safe and secure.
• Build a den where they can take refuge. If you have one, cover your dog’s crate or place a blanket over a small table where they can hide. Cats, on the other hand, feel safe up high or in cosy spaces like a cardboard box. Place a comfy bed for them with blankets to burrow in and make sure that they always have access to this safe haven.
• Don’t leave them on their own. Your pet will definitely feel safer if you are around. If you must go out, make sure that someone they know stays with them.
• Play with them and keep them entertained and distracted. The Facebook Group Beyond The Bowl - Canine Enrichment share some great ideas
• Shut windows, doors (and cat flaps) and draw curtains to minimise the noise/light disturbance. Put the lights on in some rooms and leave others in darkness so that your pet can choose where it feels safest.
• Play calming music or turn the tv sound to loud to muffle the outside noise but not too loud that will scare your dog.
• Put your dogs on a lead if they need to go out to the toilet, even if it is in your garden,  in case they hear a firework and bolt.
• Thundershirt: This is a very popular all-natural, drug-free solution to dealing with your pet’s anxiety and fear of loud noises. The shirt applies gentle constant pressure on specific pressure points that create a sensation similar to swaddling a baby. It is available for dogs and cats, starting at around £30 and available in different sizes and designs.
• Put on a snug-fitting t-shirt on your dog. A more affordable version of the Thundershirt that will work along the same lines.
• Be prepared in the event that your pet escapes. Ensure that they are wearing a tag with your contact details and/or that they are microchipped so that you can be promptly reunited with them. 
• Natural Remedies:  CBD (Cannabidiol) Oil, a non-psychoactive substance obtained from hemp, is well known for its therapeutic properties and it has recently gained more popularity for use with our pets for treating a variety of ailments such as seizures, lessening pain and calming anxiety, to name a few. Make sure you purchase from a reputable company. We personally use Chakanna CBD oil who has a special range for Pets.

Help For Cases of Fireworks Phobia or Conditioning

Sound Therapy 4 Pets is a wonderful and FREE sound-based treatment programme to help your dog deal with distressing noises. You can download the programme and the full set of instructions from the Dog Trust Website

Clinical Animal Behaviourists. For those cases that need special attention. Details where you can find suitably qualified personnel can be found at the RSPCA.

Be Safe - Be Thoughtful - Be Kind

Help Make Fireworks Less Frightening to Animals

No sound Fireworks 

If you are a big pyrotechnics enthusiast, why not buy “No Sound Fireworks”? You get the thrill of deploying the firework and enjoy the colourfull light show without the loud bangs.

Klasek is the European pyrotechnics company that manufactures them. You will find their UK stocklist here. Prices start around £30 for 25 shots.

Join the RSPCA Fireworks campaign to help change regulations to protect animal welfare.
The campaign does NOT call for a total ban on fireworks but aims to minimise distress to animals by, for instance, restricting the sale of fireworks for private use with a maximum noise level of 90 decibels. To put this into context, currently, the allowed level of 120 decibels is the equivalent of a jet aircraft taking off! 

Please sign the Change.org petition and don’t forget to share it on social media.

Halloween Can Be Fun For Dogs Too!

Dressing Up:

There are some hilarious and cute costumes available for your pets. Obviously, don't force them to wear one if that is going to distress them but otherwise let them enjoy the fun. 

Tasty and Nutritious Treats

With all that pumpkin around, why not treat your dog to some delicious and nutritious food. Read our previous blog post about the benefits of cooked Pumpkin for dogs. Also, watch out for our next HALLOWEEN SPECIAL for a tasty selection of Pumpkin Treat Recipes for Dogs. If you don't want to miss it, make sure you go to the top of the article and on the right-hand side of the page you will see the option to "Subscribe".

Do NOT feed RAW Pumpkin flesh or seeds, only cooked or canned

From all of us here at Dogs at Home House Sitting, we wish you a very Spooky and Fun Halloween. 
Be safe and be responsible always remembering to clean up all firework residue such as bits of paper, spent casings, used matches and ash. The debris can be toxic and harmful to animals that may ingest them. 

Thanks

Pilar and John

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Fido's raw meat pet food may be loaded with harmful bacteria: study

October 16, 2019 by Marlowe Hood

Three-quarters of raw meat pet food samples purchased and tested in Switzerland exceeded recommended limits of bacteria known to cause gastrointestinal infections

Increasingly popular raw meat meals for dogs and cats may be full of multi-drug resistant bacteria, posing a serious risk to animals and humans, scientists reported Wednesday.

Three-quarters of samples purchased and tested in Switzerland exceeded recommended limits of bacteria known to cause gastrointestinal infections, and more than half had bugs impervious to drugs designed to kill them, they reported in Royal Society Open Science.

"It is really worrying that we found EBSL-producing bacteria in over 60 per cent of samples," said first author Magdalena Nuesch-Inderbinen, a researcher at the University of Zurich, referring to an enzyme that renders some antibiotics ineffective.

"They include several types of E. coli which can cause infections in humans and animals."

Sales of raw pet food—sometimes called "biologically appropriate raw food", or BARF—have soared in recent years, especially for dogs. Paleo-like diets are said to boost canine vitality and immunity, even if there is scant research to back up such claims.

Indeed, veterinary medical associations in the United States and Canada have raised concerns about raw meat pet food, with reports showing it to be a source of Salmonella and infectious yersiniosis in dogs.

And that, Nuesch-Inderbinen told AFP, is a problem for humans.

"Raw meat-based diets may be contaminated with bacteria that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, including those categorised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as critically important for human medicine," she wrote by email.

Pet lover beware
"There is growing evidence that these pathogens pose a risk of infectious disease to humans not only during handling of feed but also through the contamination of household surfaces and through close contact to the dogs and their faeces."

There are an estimated 140 million dogs and cats in the European Union, and at least as many in North America.

More generally, antibiotic resistance has become a major health crisis across the globe.

More generally, antibiotic resistance has become a major health crisis across the globe.
"The situation with multi-drug resistant bacteria has spiralled out of control in recent years," said co-author Roger Stephan, a professor at the University of Zurich's Institue for Food Safety and Hygiene.

The indiscriminate and sometimes inappropriate use of antibiotics has allowed surviving bugs to mutate into superbugs that outpace the development of new medicines.

Because of the overuse of antibiotics in livestock production, animals raised for consumption have become a major reservoir for antimicrobial resistance.

"Like conventional pet food, most raw meat-based diets are based on the by-products of animals slaughtered for human consumption," the study notes.

To find out exactly how contaminated raw pet foods really are, the researchers tested 51 samples from different suppliers in Switzerland, purchased in stores and on the Internet.

"We advise all dog and cat owners who want to feed their pets a 'BARF' diet to handle the food carefully and maintain strict hygiene standards," said Nuesch-Inderbinen.

"Pet owners should be aware of the risk that their pet may be carrying multi-drug resistant bacteria and can spread them."

More information: Raw meat-based diets for companion animals: a potential source of transmission of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae,
Royal Society Open Science, rsos.royalsocietypublishing.or … 0.1098/rsos.191170

Journal information: Royal Society Open Science

© 2019 AFP

Pet Heath - Prevention is Better than Cure : Household cleaners can damage pets!

If your pets are developing skin allergies or breathing problems it might be something to do with the chemicals you are using in and around your home. I could write a whole book about this subject as most of the same problems obviously can be also linked to human conditions. The difference is we humans can express ourselves and more importantly CHOOSE what chemicals are in our environment, our pets have to rely on our choices and understanding of this cause and effect. If it can affect our health then undoubtedly it will affect your pet's health.

Anyway, here's a very informative video from the amazing Planet Paws to get some foundational info that will hopefully save your family and your pets from suffering and medical expenses.
Any question please feel free to contact us.

 Dr. Karen Becker — with Karen Becker and Rodney Habib in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Planet Paws

If you're planning a long holiday, or just a weekend away from home but you hate the idea of leaving your pets in costly and stressful kennels, we can help and your dogs will love it.

Drop us an email or call us for a chat.

Please feel free to share this post with your friends, it would be much appreciated

Thanks, John & Pilar

Canberra set to recognise animals as 'sentient beings' that are able to feel and perceive in Australian first

By Elise Scott, Tahlia Roy and Niki Burnside

Pet owners who keep their dogs locked up and do not allow them to exercise for longer than one day could face a fine of up to $4,000 under sweeping changes that enshrine animal feelings into ACT law.

Key points:

• New laws include harsher fines for mistreatment
• Fines will apply for injuring an animal and not reporting it — including hitting a kangaroo
• Under the new laws people can legally break into cars to protect animals

Under the bill, confinement is judged on the dog's size, age and physical condition.

And anyone found confining a dog for longer than 24 hours would have to provide two hours of exercise or pay the fine.

But provisions do exist within the legislation for reasonable restraints, such as chicken coops, bird cages and cat containment areas.

Under the proposed laws the ACT would become the first jurisdiction in the country to recognise animals as "sentient beings" — the idea that animals are able to feel and perceive the world.

The concept recognises that "animals have intrinsic value and deserve to be treated with compassion" and "people have a duty to care for the physical and mental welfare of animals".

"The science tells us that animals are sentient," ACT City Services Minister Chris Steel said.

"I know with my dog he gets very excited when we're about to go on a run.

"I think most dog owners, most cat owners know their animals do feel emotion."

The animal welfare amendments, to be introduced into the ACT Legislative Assembly this week, would establish a suite of additional offences, including hitting or kicking an animal, abandonment, and confinement in a car that is likely to cause the animal injury, stress or death.

A person would be allowed to legally break into a car to protect an animal from serious injury or death if they acted honestly and there were no other reasonable options like calling the police.

Having an animal in a moving vehicle without proper restraint would also be punishable by up to one year in prison or a $16,000 fine or both.

New protections for guide dogs, assistance animals

The new laws would also create specific offences for failing to provide appropriate food, shelter, water, hygienic living, grooming and medical treatment to an animal.

For example, an owner could be prosecuted if their pet suffered an eye infection due to hair growing into its eyes, was impaired due to unclipped nails or had irritated skin due to fleas.

The bill also doubles penalties for cruelty to an animal to up to two years' imprisonment or a $32,000 fine or both and increases punishments for aggravated cruelty to three years behind bars or a fine of $48,000 or both.

Fines would also apply for injuring animals and not reporting it — such as a car hitting an animal, including kangaroos.

What to do when you see a dog in a hot car

Is breaking into a car the best option to rescue a dog on a hot day?

For the first time in the ACT, guide dogs and other assistance animals would also need to be accredited and listed on a register.

It would become an offence to prevent a person with an assistance animal entering a public place, remove an assistance animal or impose a charge for the animal — with a fine of up to $8,000 for an individual or $40,500 for a business.

And anyone caught pretending that an animal was an assistance animal would face a fine of up to $3,200.

Animal sentience could have broader implications

The ACT adheres to the national code of practice in culling animals, including in kangaroo culling, which is supported by the RSPCA.

Veterinarian Dr David Rizkalla, from the Gables Veterinary Group, said the recognition of sentience was a good place to start enforcing animal rights.

"It's more about protecting animals from people who can harm them, than giving animals better opportunities," he said.

But he said it was important to clearly define which animals were recognised as sentient.

"It could get in the way of the economy," he said.

"I think it has to be quite clear if you introduce that sort of thing to large animals, like cows.

"Farmers spend money on the animal if it gets them more money, it's a profit thing, it's not sentimental value, it's an economic value."

animal-welfare, animals, human-interest, law-crime-and-justice, states-and-territories, Canberra-2600, act

Dogs, Poop Bags and Their Environmental Impact

How To Reduce Your Carbon "Pawprint" and Help The Planet

by Pilar Bueno

There has been a huge awakening about the damage plastic pollution is doing to our planet and particularly to our oceans were 8 millions tons of plastic end up every year, joining the 100 million already swimming in its depth slowing and painfully killing our wildlife. David Attenborough and the Blue Planet II series has woken up hundreds of thousands of people to the urgent need to change and encouraged them to sign up to the Plastic Action campaign.

So, as more of us have started cutting back on single-use plastics and continue looking at ways to reduce our overall waste to landfill, the question of dealing with your dog's faeces comes to mind. 

As a responsible dog owner and dog sitter, I wouldn’t dream of not collecting dog poop from the street or public spaces and it does bug me when I see irresponsible people allowing their dogs to soil the streets. It is a matter of sanitary cleanliness and common courtesy. But what about when you are in the great outdoors?

Those of you that know us, are aware that John and I spend a lot of our free time outdoors photographing the wildlife and walking our extended family of dogs we look after. There is nothing like being in nature to disconnect from the daily stresses, recharge batteries and relax.

More and more recently our joy of being outdoors is being tainted by the continuous sightings of bagged up dog poop littering the undergrowth, bushes and hanging from tree branches as some kind of sick and smelly Christmas ornament. 

I guess people have been encouraged into bagging up their dog faeces, and whilst I commend their diligence, surely common sense would dictate that, if you have picked it up, you should dispose of it correctly in a bin.  And in the absence of a bin in your local woodlands, park of your favourite trail, please let nature take its course. Dog poop is organic matter and whether you like to think about it or not, all kinds of organisms such as bacteria, fungi, moulds, as well as beetles and pretty butterflies, to name a few, feed on this "doggy goodness". 

Lunchtime for the Comma - Polygonum Butterfly and friends 

The problem starts when you wrap it in toxic plastics and leave it around. The faeces will not end up breaking down, feeding other creatures and eventually enriching the soil. Instead, we end up with more petroleum-derived plastics clogging up our planet taking several hundred years to decompose. 

A supermarket shopping bag buried in the undergrowth FULL of Dog Poop Bags

So here is a 'crazy' thought: Pick up a stick (plenty of those in nature), flick the offending turd out of the path and into the bushes, kick a bit of soil over any remaining waste and let the rest of us enjoy a beautiful walk in nature.

What are the Alternatives to Conventional Plastic Bags?

If you are lucky (in this case) to live in the USA, you can call the services of a professional to come to your house and pick up your dog poop! I am not kidding you,  Doodycalls is the company. But, if like me, you live in the UK, you have no choice but to deal with your beloved pet excretions. Whether you are at home or out for walkies with your pooch, I  think you will be surprised with the greener alternatives available.

Biodegradable / Compostable Bags

The earth-friendly option that takes anything between three to six months to decompose fully. 

Beware, however, that due to unregulated guidelines and misleading packaging, not all “green” poop bags are as environmentally friendly as they claim to be (see press article by the Federal Trade Commission). 

Many of this so-called eco-friendly bags are made of the same petrochemicals as conventional synthetic plastic bags with added toxic chemicals to accelerate the breakdown of plastic. 

Look out therefore for poop bags that are made from corn-starch or other plant-based material, such as the ones sold by Earth Rated, MyAlphaPet, PupRepublic or TSP Premium Poop Bags. These later ones are actually "OK Compost Home certified", meaning that their bags disintegrate outside industrial composting facilities. Please note however that it is not advisable to compost dog poop at home as dog waste contain parasites and pathogens that would be harmful to your plants.

Flushable Dog Poop Bags

Made from a water-soluble alternative to normal plastic (Polyvinyl Alcohol - PVA), these bags are designed to be flushed down the toilet along with your dog waste. The bags start to break down as soon as they are immersed in water and bag and waste ends up being processed at your local sewage plant. 

You won't be adding waste to landfills and can say goodbye to smelly bins.

Flush Puppies are one of the leading brands and their bags are also certified compostable.

Cardboard Dog Poop Scooper

Scoopeasy has a genius design that consists of a funnel made of cardboard (recycled and compostable, in fact) that comes flat with an attached scooper. It's as simple as using the scooper to push the "goodies" inside the quickly assembled funnel. You then fold the funnel close and carry it by the handles to the nearest bin. Have a look at this video to see it in action (don't worry, no real poop is used in this advert).

Reusable and Washable Bags

The ultimate environmentally friendly and zero waste option in the market but certainly not one for the faint hearted! 

This one requires you to pay close attention to your dog because as soon as you see him squatting, you have to place the flat-out bag under your dog to collect the faeces. You clinch the bag and carry it to the nearest toilet to dispose of the waste. Rinse and dry the bag until next time. Curious? Check out Poof

Dog Waste Disposal

DoggyBog has designed this innovative system that fits quickly in just 30 minutes into your house's existing outdoor soil pipe. You simply pick up the poop (or bag it in a flushable poop bag if away from home), throw the waste down the pipe and flush it away. Their starter kit retails are £54.

Flushable Dog Loo

We discovered one of this In-Ground Dog Waste Disposal Units at one of our regular client’s home in North London. They are essentially a container with drain holes that you sink into the ground. At certain intervals, you add water and if necessary a non-toxic active liquid to help break down the waste. It is a sealed container so it is discreet, smell and insect free. Good Boy and PowerLoo are two very different product examples.

If you have found this article interesting and somewhat amusing, please feel free to like and share with other dog and "tree-hugging" lovers and don't forget to let us know if you have discovered other ingenious ways to deal with this unpleasant task.

But enough poop talk. Owning a caring for a dog is one of the most rewarding things you could ever experience. Even though we don't share a common verbal language something magical happens when your soul meets with the warm, trusting nature and intelligence of a dog. All they ask for is kindness, compassion and a regular meal. In return they will be with you through the trials of life, your best friend, always loyal and always has your back when the road gets rough.

So let me finish this blog entry by sharing with you a dog story extracted from the book "Dog Tales: 60 True Doggy Stories of Loyalty, Heroism and Devotion" written by John Hodges and published by our sister company VIDDA Publishing: "Would you like to see the woodpeckers?"

Dog Tales is Available in Kindle, Paperback and Audio

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