Author: Pawjourr

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6 Home Remedies for Fleas on Cats

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Jennifer Lesser. Refer to the original article here.

Fleas can be a natural (and unpleasant) part of life with a pet. Fortunately, between over-the-counter sprays, powders, and flea collars, there are endless solutions to help eradicate a flea problem in your home. However, while commercial flea medications and treatments can certainly help tame a flea problem in your cat, there are also an array of do-it-yourself approaches that cat owners can take to banish the bugs without the use of chemicals or potential side effects to your cat or other members of your family. If you’ve already had a consultation with your veterinarian regarding your feline flea problem, here are some at-home remedies you can try that may help get rid of your cat’s flea problem for good.

Before trying any of these at-home remedies on your cat, consult your veterinarian, who will know best which route you should take.

Cedar Chips

It’s a known fact that fleas hate the smell of cedar chips—and there’s a chance your cat may not be too fond of it, either. However, you can try spreading cedar chips around your cat’s bedding or outdoors in your garden. You can also apply cedar oil spray on your cat’s fur, as it is a safe, non-toxic essential oil, or put a few drops on a banana peel or even your cat’s collar to help keep the bugs at bay.

Lemons

One of the most effective natural flea killers is citric acid, which makes lemon juice a widely-recognized home remedy for treating fleas. You can spray your cat’s coat with a solution made by boiling a cut lemon or two (let the lemons steep for a few hours) and then draining the liquid before transferring it to a spray bottle. Work the solution gently into your car’s fur—just be sure to avoid his or her eyes, and monitor your pet for redness or other signs of irritation—and repeat the treatment as often as needed until the fleas are gone entirely.

If your cat hates water—as most cats do—you can also try using a comb dipped into the solution and brushing the fleas out. If you’re concerned about any leftover fleas and flea eggs, add a cup of lemon juice to your laundry while washing your pet’s bedding to help exterminate any remaining bugs.

Spices

One of the easiest things you can do for a flea-infested cat is to spice up their life with natural ingredients you might find in your kitchen. Because of a natural compound known as carvacrol, oregano oil can be very effective at removing fleas; start by mixing one teaspoon of oregano oil with three teaspoons of olive oil and apply small amounts of the solution to areas where fleas tend to congregate, like your cat’s ears, stomach, tail, and neck. Fleas also don’t particularly care for rosemary; try grinding the leaves into a powder and sprinkling it in the areas where your cat tends to hang out in your home.

If your cat won’t allow you to apply topical treatments to his or her fur, you can try mixing a small amount (less than a teaspoon) of cumin into your cat’s food. The spice will make your cat’s skin become very unappetizing to fleas.

If you don’t have any of these spices on hand, a little bit of table salt can also do the trick, as it helps dehydrate and kill the fleas on your cat. Better yet, it works to kill fleas and flea eggs that may be lurking in your carpet (just sprinkle it on), or when mixed with water, it can be used to treat hard surfaces.

Warning

These spices are a safe alternative to garlic powder, which can be toxic to cats in large doses.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Another grocery store product that fleas don’t particularly enjoy is apple cider vinegar. While it’s not effective at killing the bugs, apple cider vinegar can cause fleas to jump from your cat’s body so that you can better tackle the issue, making it a great first attack in your personal war against fleas. Try mixing the apple cider vinegar with water in a 2:1 ratio and spraying it onto your cat’s coat. Fleas can be a stubborn bunch, so you may have to undergo a few home treatments of applying the vinegar to your cat’s fur in order to become completely flea-free.

You’ll also want to be sure to vacuum all floors and upholstery (and immediately dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag), wash all bedding in hot water, and consider removing pet food bowls, bird feeders, garbage cans and any other sources of food from your yard so as to not attract wildlife who can re-infect your pet.

Dish Soap

Believe it or not, even the most gentle formulations of dish soap have proven to be very effective at exterminating fleas. The dish soap breaks down the flea’s exoskeleton and kills them within minutes, even after it’s been diluted in water. Simply wet your cat’s coat—a spray bottle will do the trick— and gently lather the dish soap into his or her fur (focusing on areas that fleas tend to hide) before rinsing.

To use dish soap to trap and kill fleas that have made your home their permanent residence, you can try filling a shallow dish with warm, soapy water and placing it close to a source of light. They’ll be drawn towards the light and drown in the liquid.

Lavender and Chamomile

A gentle way to soothe your pet’s skin—and maybe even help him or her take a little cat nap—lavender is actually a powerful, fast-acting agent against fleas. In fact, some studies have shown that formulas containing diluted lavender were just as effective at killing fleas as commercial chemical sprays. To put lavender to good use in your home, let fresh lavender steep in water overnight before straining the liquid and spraying it onto your cat’s coat (no need to rinse).

Another compound that’s known for soothing the skin, loose chamomile tea can also be used to attack fleas on your feline friend. Simply steep the tea and, after it’s fully cooled, apply the liquid to your cat’s coat. You can repeat both treatments daily for as long as needed.

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Community Stories

7 Signs That Your Cat Is in Pain

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Tabitha Kucera RVT, CCBC, KPA-CTP. Refer to the original article here.

It can be difficult to tell if your cat is in pain for many reasons. Cat owners may often miss the subtle signs of pain in their cats or do not notice until their cats are showing more obvious signs, such as loss of appetite and lethargy. In some cases, cats only show more obvious symptoms after being ill for an extended period of time or if they are very ill. By the time you actually notice something is wrong with your cat, it might have been going on for longer than you think.

Although no one likes to think about their pets living with pain, it is important to be able to notice telltale signs of pain in cats, so that you can take the necessary steps to provide comfort and prevent medical issues from worsening.

It Can Be Difficult to Tell If a Cat Is in Pain

Cats are experts at hiding illness. This is in part because cats are both prey and predator animals, and in the wild, not showing pain can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Showing signs of pain makes them more vulnerable to attacks.

It can also be difficult for your veterinarian to notice signs of pain because of cats hiding their pain due to fear and stress, which is common during veterinary visits. Your cat may also go into fight or flight mode, which can cause a decrease in pain perception.

Signs of Pain

When cats are dealing with pain, similar to humans, it can affect their behavior. In fact, cats often show behavioral changes prior to physical symptoms.

It is important for you to know your cat’s normal temperament and behavior. This includes your cat’s normal attitude, energy level, gait, appetite, sleep patterns, thirst, and other physical and behavior patterns. Just the slightest change could be a sign that your cat is sick or in pain. Since your cat cannot tell you it’s in pain, your veterinarian relies on you to determine if there are any abnormal behavior patterns that may be pain-related. If your cat is just not acting like itself, this can be a sign that they are experiencing pain.

Note: Changes in your cats’ daily habits should not always be contributed to aging. Age is not a disease, but as your cat ages, they are more likely to be suffering from pain.

Grooming Changes

You may notice that your cat is not grooming itself or if it does groom itself, it only focuses on its face and the front of its body. Cats are meticulous cleaners, so be aware of your cat’s grooming habits have changed or you notice that its coat is unkempt.

Behavioral Changes

Your cat may be more withdrawn and even start hiding. Our cats are bonded to us and like to be engaged and present where we are. When your cat is suddenly not greeting you at the door, not sleeping with you, and other engaging behaviors that are normal, this may be a sign that something’s wrong.

Less Activity and Low Energy

You may notice that your cat has less energy or decreased stamina to engage in previously enjoyable activities, such as playing with toys or chasing that red dot. Your cat may be reluctant to jump, walk up and down stairs, have difficulty getting up from laying down, exhibit restlessness, and have difficulty finding a comfortable place to rest. You may also notice changes in sleeping patterns—the cat may sleep more or less and may sleep in unusual positions and places.

Litter Box Changes

Cats commonly will miss the litter boxes due to the pain associated with going in and out of the litter box, as well as difficulty squatting. Holding the squatting position can be very difficult for a cat with sore hips or knees. Other medical issues can cause cats to not use the litter box due to pain and urgency associated with them.

Increased Irritability

Cats in pain can also uncharacteristically have episodes of aggression. A cat may begin to growl or hiss when people or other pets in the household approach it, may not be comfortable with being held and may resent being brushed or combed. They may bite or scratch, too, especially when a person touches or moves the painful area or if the cat anticipates you doing it.

Changes in Appetite and Water Intake

Cats who are experiencing pain may lose interest in eating and drinking. If you notice any changes in your cat’s eating and drinking habits, be sure to alert your veterinarian. This can be a sign of pain and various other serious medical issues.

Posture

A cat in a lot of pain will appear as if it’s trying to curl up into a ball or will sit hunched over in a guarded, crouched position with its back curved higher than normal, its head lowered, and front paws often folded under it. You may notice that once it lays down, the cat keeps its legs tucked up underneath itself instead of stretching out on its side. It may avoid or have difficulty engaging in scratching behaviors.

What to Do If You Suspect Your Cat Is in Pain

Do not give pain medications designed for humans or dogs to cats. Cats process drugs very differently from other species. Common pain medications used in humans can cause death in cats. Always seek veterinary care and consult your veterinarian for an appropriate pain therapy plan. Consult your veterinarian and address potential pain rather than letting your cat suffer in silence. Our cat companions rely on us to speak for them, so monitor your cats closely and alert the veterinarian to any concerns.

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Community Stories

Enrichment Ideas for Your Cat

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Tabitha Kucera RVT, CCBC, KPA-CTP. Refer to the original article here.

Cats are amazing, intelligent creatures. Their lifestyle reflects the predatory skills and behaviors needed to hunt food in the wild. A cat’s day includes the need to rest, stalk, chase, pounce, kill, play, eat, and groom among other things. When we don’t provide them opportunities to do these things, they get bored. Boredom can lead to a variety of problems such as destructive behaviors, aggression, anxiety, and more. We all want our cats to be living their best lives! 

What Is Enrichment?

Cats must have opportunities to express their natural behaviors. An enriched environment should provide various types of scratching surfaces, outlets for predatory and prey behavior, safe places, and should respect all five of your cat’s senses which provides an environment in which an animal has variety, choice, and control over their daily activities. 

Benefits of Enrichment?

  • Provides needed mental and physical stimulation 
  • Decreases stress and boredom
  • Decreases unwanted behaviors
  • Improves overall quality of life

How Do You Provide Enrichment for Your Cat?

Food Based Enrichment

Food puzzles help to slow down eating, prevent boredom and obesity, and allow cats to eat more instinctively by allowing them to forage and “hunt” for their food. There are various food dispensing toys for cats that you can purchase, and you can even make your own. Start with an easy puzzle and work up to more difficult puzzles based on your individual cat’s preference. 

  • Lunch paper bag/paper bag: put catnip, catnip covered toy mice, or treats inside. They can explore, pounce, and kill (destroy the bag) It’s a great hiding space and a fun toy all at the same time.
  • Paper towel roll puzzle toys: cut paper towel roll in half, fold in ends and cut a few small to large holes, place in treats. As cats begin to use these more, cut smaller holes to make it more fun for the cats!
  • Water bottles puzzle toys: Take empty water bottles, remove wrapper, cut a few small to large holes, can leave lid on or off for increasing difficulty for the puzzle toys

Sensory Enrichment

Scent signals are an important part of cat communication and exploration. Cats exposed to new odors are more active and exploratory. Catnip, silvervine, cat grasses, safe houseplants, toys with owner’s scent, and pheromones such as Feliway all help encourage exploration and play. Placing a small amount of a scent in paper ball toys, boxes, bags, etc. can provide sensory enrichment.

  • Visual: A few examples of visual enrichment include interactive cat toys, birdfeeders, cat videos on YouTube, blowing bubbles, and pinwheels. Remember, when playing these videos or letting your kitty watch birds only do so for short periods of time to avoid your cat from becoming frustrated. 
two cats watching squirrel out the window
  Tabitha Kucera
  • Auditory: This can include reading a story to cats, playing bird and nature sounds, and playing music made specifically for cats. (Through a cat’s ear, iCalmCat).
  • Taste: Offer a variety of different flavored and textured treats
  • Touch: Many animals respond positively to things like petting and brushing. Along with the touch comes social interaction, which ensures that these social animals receive the attention they need. Make sure to identify the kind of touch the cat appreciates.

A great example of sensory enrichment that hits all their senses is placing delicious treats in a ball pit for your cats to forage around for.

two cats in a ball pit searching for treats
 Tabitha Kucera 

Environmental Enrichment

Provide a variety of horizontal and vertical perches and hiding places. Cats will enjoy things like window perches, cat trees, and cat-friendly shelving. Incorporating safe hiding areas is also crucial and allows the cats to get away if needed. Hiding places can be cardboard boxes, tunnels, and paper bags. Cats also need to scratch, so provide various types of scratching surfaces. Scratching posts should be steady and a minimum of three feet to allow them to fully extend their body when scratching. 

Social Interactions 

All companion animals, including cats, benefit from positive, consistent interactions with their humans. Cats will experience less stress when allowed to choose whether or not to interact with you, rather than having interactions forced upon them. If the cat appears relaxed and wants to interact, it’s best to focus petting around the head and cheeks. When your cat moves away, don’t force further contact by following your cat or picking them up. Brushing and petting your cats before bed is a good example of how to provide them with positive, consistent, and predictable social interactions. 

Outdoor Time

You can give your cat some safe time outdoors by building an outdoor enclosure (often called a catio) and/or walking your cat. Cats can be harness trained or can enjoy walks in a cat stroller. 

Train Your Cat

Another form of enrichment can be clicker training your cat. Cats are intelligent and clicker training is a great way to mentally stimulate your cat and teach them new tricks!

There are many benefits to clicker training your cat, it boosts your cat’s confidence, encourages creativity and initiative, and helps strengthen the bond between you and your cat. 

There is a common misconception that cats cannot be trained and if they can be trained, it is a lot more difficult than dogs. Both of those statements are false. When owners feel that their cats cannot be trained, they also believe cats behavioral problems cannot be resolved. This can often result in fatal consequences for cats; including euthanasia and relinquishment. 

Cats can be taught everything including foundation behaviors (targeting, attention), positive husbandry behaviors (nail trims, brushing, and handling), and fun tricks (roll over, high five). Training can also be very effective in stopping and replacing unwanted behaviors.

cat fist bump
 Tabitha Kucera 

In addition to the recommendations mentioned above, remember to always provide your cats with variety and choice and see what they like best. Lastly, the types of enrichment you can offer your cat is only limited by your imagination so have fun with it! 

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Community Stories

Tips on dog grooming from a professional groomer

During the Circuit Breaker period, many pawrents had to result to emergency DIY grooming to ensure that their pets were in pristine condition.

In order to provide our wonderful fur parents with some guidance, we had a chat with Andrea, co-owner of Shaggy Wagon. She shared some valuable tips on how to do DIY grooming, along with some things to take note of before you start out!

Tell us a little bit more about yourself and Shaggy Wagon!

Well I’m a crazy dog lady & have so much love to give to the animals! I was a makeup artist for 15years plus working in the office for my family and one day my (now) husband Rei saw how much I love animals and ask me, what does Singapore don’t have for pets.

I said a physical mobile grooming vehicle like in the states. Where we bring the grooming to your door step. So that’s how shaggy wagon was born.

But unfortunately due to the restrictions Singapore have, the wagon has to go on hold for now. However, we have Shaggy Hangout to provide all the pets in Singapore with our love!

Personally, I believe in the organic way of creating a comfortable environment for the pets before, during & after a grooming session.

What attracted you to the dog grooming business?

I grew up with dogs all my life, their well being has always been my priority. I have send my dogs for grooming and always thought there should be a way I can let the dogs hangout and enjoy themselves before their turn to be groomed and after, Instead of a cage system, but I would say cage systems is done to prevent accidents among the dogs which is not wrong too. Every groomer have their ways, but I’m sure they always mean well.

For Shaggy, we would want the fur kids to have fun before their groom. More importantly the team and groomer to interact with them before we start. So the pets do feel more at ease and don’t feel stressed out.
We will take note of the dogs health issues or past injuries on their record card, and work around what is more comfortable for the fur kid.

For first time pet owners, what are some important things to note when choosing a groomer (for both big and small dogs)?

Hmm, there is no difference for a big or small dog to a groomer.
More importantly, you can check with the groomers if they have groomed the breed that you have, to ensure they understand what your dog needs the best. Another important point is to always let the groomers know of any health or behaviour issues of the dog, so you can find a groomer that can provide the right way to handle and care for your pet.

What are the differences between grooming smaller dogs and bigger dogs?

Actually there is no difference, both still need the same amount of patience and care. The only difference is the time frame required for grooming due to their sizes, or if the dogs needs more time due to health or behaviour.

How did Circuit Breaker affect the way you ran your business?

Yea, we couldn’t operate due to lockdown, it was beyond our control. But it was for the best for the people! When lockdown was over it was our job to help all the dogs who were lacking a proper grooming and pampering session.

What are some common mistakes first time pet owners should avoid when trying to groom their pets at home?

Nail trimming is definitely a common error. Don’t cut their nails too deep of the quick. On many instances, when the trim is so deep they actually do remember the pain, and it affects their future grooming experiences. Expressing anal glands without knowledge – expressing anal glands without knowing the right way, may hurt or rupture your pets anal gland.

Brushing your pets fur is also another one – always brush your pets if the breed needs daily brushing, and be sure to brush them in layers. If the fur becomes matted, it can cause irritate their skin and even cause more serious skin issues.

Just picture a rubber band on your finger tied up, which cuts off circulation. Pets will get the same feeling. When matts are released the blood will start to circulate again, which could lead to the itching of skin, inflammation, or even hematoma’s the ears.

What are some things pet owners ought to know when grooming their pet at home for the first time?

Make sure to always visit your friendly groomers for tips before you perform DIY grooming! Also, having monthly visits to the groomer will eventually help your pet become accustomed to strangers and aid their social skills.

What do you love the most about your job?

What I love? I love it all, their company, grooming them, getting to know them, talking to them like kids, learning along the way what can be improved for each individual dog personality.

Because they they are not just a dog, they are like my kids.
_____

THE WOOF AGENCY would like to thank Andrea & Shaggy Wagon for sharing these insights for all pawrents!

Enjoyed this article? Let us know what else you’d like to read about in the comments below!

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Community Stories

Dealing With a Shedding Dog

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Jenna Stregowski, RVT. Refer to the original article here.

Dog shedding can be frustrating for all of us, no matter how much we love our dogs. The mess of dog hair can be enough to drive dog owners nuts. All dogs shed to some degree, with the exception of completely hairless dogs. Certain breeds (so-called hypoallergenic dogs) shed very little, while others (namely heavily double-coated breeds) shed large amounts.

Year-Round Shedding

All animals with hair shed on a regular basis. This is part of the natural life cycle of hair shafts within the follicles. All hair shafts go through phases of growth and shedding. The phases affect the rate of hair growth and will vary by breed, age, hormones, environment and overall health of the dog. These factors also contribute to the length and texture of the hair, though genetics is the predominant factor.

Dogs with continuously growing hair, like Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers, have hair shafts with longer life spans and shed very little. On the other hand, dogs like Labradors and Huskies have a shorter hair shaft lifespan and more abundant undercoats, resulting in greater shedding.

Shedding Season

In general, most dogs will shed extra during spring and fall. Most dogs are double-coated; they have undercoats and top coats. The top coat is what you see and feel on the outside. The undercoat is made up of secondary hairs that grow around the primary hairs and tend to be shorter and softer. Seasonal shedding occurs as a result of temperature change. This process is sometimes called “blowing coat.” When the weather warms, dogs shed their old winter undercoats to make way for a lighter summer coat. Then, when it begins to get cool again, dogs shed their lighter undercoats and grow thicker, warmer coats for winter.

Not all coat types are affected the same way by temperature changes. For example, dogs like Bichons and Shih Tzus have less undercoat, so they shed less when seasons change. The old coat must still be removed by grooming the dogs. However, dogs like Newfoundlands and Malamutes have heavy, thick undercoats that make shedding much more obvious. Basic brushing is important for both coat types.

Other Reasons for Shedding

Your dog’s health can affect the shedding rate, so it is important to take note of unexplained excessive shedding. Skin problems, endocrine diseases, nutritional or vitamin deficiencies, and other metabolic disorders can cause hair loss or change the rate of hair growth. It is important to contact your veterinarian if the rate of shedding seems unusual for your dog. Keep your dog healthy with routine vet visits and proper nutrition. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any signs of illness.

Get Control Over Shedding

There’s no way to completely stop shedding. It’s a healthy and natural process that is necessary for dogs. Shaving your dog down is not a good idea, as it can interfere with your dog’s natural self-cooling and self-warming mechanism. In the long run, it will not make shedding occur any less. In rare cases, the hair in shaved areas will grow back abnormally or not at all. The key to preventing excessive shedding is to keep up with it.

Routine grooming is absolutely essential for all dogs. Brushing or combing your dog helps to remove dead hairs before they can fall on your carpet, bedding, and upholstery. It will also prevent those dead hairs from forming mats on your dog’s coat that can eventually harm the skin. Brushing also distributes the natural, healthy oils produced by the skin throughout the hair coat. Using the right grooming tools can make a great difference. For heavy shedders, a special shedding tool like the FURminator can work wonders. For some coat types, the dead hairs don’t shed as much, but they cause the dog’s coat to appear ragged and can eventually become matted. Some owners prefer to take these dogs to a professional groomer periodically for coat care. For some coat types, hand-stripping is a technique that is often preferred over trimming the dog’s hair.

Grooming a dog
 Maya/E+/Getty Images

Managing the Aftermath of Shedding in Your Home

Shedding makes a mess, no doubt about it. As a dog owner, you have probably come to terms with the fact that regular house cleaning is the norm, especially during shedding season. The key is to remove hair before it has a chance to embed itself into your carpet and upholstery. Keeping a pet hair tape roller around for touch-ups throughout the day is an excellent idea. For deeper cleaning of upholstery and small areas, consider using a handheld vacuum designed to pick up pet hair, like the Dyson DC31 Animal. When it comes to cleaning carpets, Panasonic’s Pet-Friendly JetSpin Cyclone does the job well. For non-carpeted floors, some excellent options include the Swiffer, the Fur-Be-Gone Broom, and similar style products.

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Community Stories

Food Allergies in Dogs

Welsh Corgi lying on floor with bowl full of dog food

Article originally published on SitStay. Refer to the original article here. Article written by Dr Erica Irish.

Two of my four dogs suffer from severe allergies from both food and environment, so I am familiar with how frustrating it is to deal with this issue.

The good news is that there are many more foods and treats to choose from than what was available 15 years ago when Sophie was first diagnosed.

What are Food Allergies for Dogs?

According to VCA, food allergies are the most common form of allergies for dogs. When a dog suffers from allergies, the immune system reacts to foreign substances in the body that does not usually cause a reaction in other dogs.

When your dog’s body identifies a foreign substance, it reacts by creating antibodies to take care of the issue. The result of your dog consuming food they are allergic to can manifest in various uncomfortable ways such as skin irritation, GI upset, ear infections, and more.

Symptoms of a Food Allergy

There are numerous symptoms that you may notice in your dog. Food allergies often manifest in skin issues, though GI issues can occur too but usually only 20% of the time.

Not all dogs react the same way, but many have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Anaphylactic Shock 
  • Rubbing their face
  • Itchy rear-end
  • Discoloration of hair on legs from licking
  • Swelling of the lips, face, or ears
  • Itchy Irritated Skin
  • Inflamed skin
  • Rashes
  • Itchy Ears
  • Itchy Runny Eyes
  • Hair Loss
  • Excessive Drooling
  • Flatulence
  • Excessive Licking
  • GI Upset such as Vomiting and Diarrhea
  • Stomach Pains
  • Sneezing

In addition to the primary symptoms, food allergies that go untreated may result in other health issues, such as:

  • Hot Spots
  • Yeast Infections
  • Chronic Ear Infections
  • Chronic Anal Gland Issues
  • Skin Infections
  • Skin sores
  • Irritable Bowel Disease

Common Foods that Dogs are Allergic to

Though dogs can be allergic to any food, some foods are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than others:

  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Lamb
  • Pork
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Eggs
  • Gluten
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • Oats

Many dogs that suffer from food allergies are often allergic to more than one thing.

Does Your Dog Have a Food Allergy

If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help diagnose if your dog has allergies, but you may be referred to a dermatologist for more specific care in more severe cases.

Often when dog owners bring their dogs into the vet due to suspected allergies, they will notice signs of their dog being excessively itchy, causing them to scratch their ears or chew on their front legs.

If your vet believes that it is a food allergy, they will request you put your dog on a strict elimination diet to rid your dog’s body of the allergens currently causing inflammation. Most vets will recommend your dog stay on a restricted diet for 8-12 weeks.

If your dog’s symptoms resolve, you will know that food is the cause of your dog’s discomfort.

Pet insurance can also help cover the costs of allergy testing and shots if prescribed by your veterinarian.

Dog Breeds Most Likely to Have Food Allergies

Like many health conditions, food allergies can be hereditary, and some breeds tend to be more prone to have food allergies than others. However, food allergies can affect any dog, regardless of breed.

Based on the Merck Veterinary Manual, breeds most likely to have issues with food allergies are:

  • Golden Retriever
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Chinese Shar-Pei
  • Boston Terriers
  • Lhasa Apsos
  • Wirehaired Fox Terriers
  • Dalmatians
  • Boxers
  • Scottish Terriers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Westies

Food Allergy vs. Food Sensitivity

Though in this article, we use the term “food allergy,” many of the dogs with this diagnosis often have a food sensitivity or intolerance rather than an actual allergy. The two issues have similar symptoms and are treated the same.

True food allergies cause an immune system response, whereas food sensitivity does not. Also, unlike allergies, food sensitivities occur over time and come on gradually. The most significant difference between an allergy and intolerance is that allergic reactions are usually more severe and can be life-threatening.

Treating Dog Food Allergies

After determining your dog has food allergies, you will want to change their diet to a hypoallergenic food; this means more than just swapping brands. Your vet will often recommend different options, including protein and carbohydrate choices, as well as brands that specialize in this. 

You must read the full ingredient list; if a label states turkey and rice, it does not mean that it will not contain other ingredients such as beef, chicken, wheat, etc. 

Additionally, your vet may also suggest putting them on a prescription diet. Prescription diets are formulated to reduce the allergen levels in the food to the point that your dog will not react yet still receive the proper nutrition. 

The benefit of a prescription diet is it has grains and proteins that your dog needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, prescription diets can be costly. 

In more severe food allergy issues, they may recommend prescription medications such as

Cyclosporine, Apoquel, or Cytopoint.

Living with a Dog who has Food Allergies

Being a dog parent of two dogs with allergies, I understand the frustrations of this issue. Sophie and Calvin are allergic to all grains, chicken, beef, and soy. Thankfully, there are numerous unique protein options available:

  • Venison
  • Alligator
  • Kangaroo
  • Elk
  • Rabbit

However, after the food elimination trial, you can attempt to add some foods back into your dog’s diet to see which allergens impact your pup. When testing different foods, be sure only to try one at a time, and allow for 8-12 weeks between tests.  

It is vital that you keep your pup on a strict diet to avoid adverse reactions, which means that even the treats you feed your dog must also be hypoallergenic. Even the smallest amount of foods your dog is allergic to can have significant consequences and cause your food trial to reset.

Though food allergies are a pain to deal with, they are manageable. Plus, once you determine the foods that impact your dog, it is quite a bit easier to navigate the pet food aisles. And, when you know what your dog is allergic to, you will be surprised at how many choices are truly out there and how much their health improves.

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Community Stories

Meet my Best Friend, Babu the Parrot

I was around 10 when I first met the love of my life. He was this round fluff ball, commonly known as a Quaker Parrot / Monk Parakeet. It’s been 13 years and not one day goes by without me telling him how cute he is.

Some people say you don’t know what true love is till you have a child. To me, Babu, my little green fluff ball, will always be the first living being that has taught me what true love means. 

He’s always been my “favourite brother” much to my human brother’s chagrin. If I could describe to you the ways he has been a source of happiness and been my emotional support over the years, you’d say he deserves the title too. 

In 2019, I was away from home for one semester for University. I’d call my family in the mornings just so that I could see him using his beak to gnaw the front camera on my mum’s phone. 

When Babu was younger, on some mornings, he would climb up the sides of my bed sheet and softly bite my fingers to wake me up. There was so much of his mischief that I enabled which my grandmother would always nag me for. But he was my baby and as noted, my favourite sibling, so he could practically get away with anything. 

Babu turns almost 13 this year. He is much older and he’s gotten very frail. But man, he still brings me so much joy and it makes me tear up when I think about the ways he has changed my life by just being in it. 

Early last year when we all had to stay home during the Circuit Breaker, away from any kind of physical socialisation, he was my constant reminder that there are still beautiful things in this world and that love has the power to motivate you beyond what you think you can do.

I worked from home for almost half the year and it was not easy. Seeing no one but your computer screen, feeling trapped in a room and losing track of time is not something pleasant. I’ve definitely gotten better at this work-at-home thing but there were times that I felt burnt out or even just broke down because of the many changes that were happening around me – around us.

He’d come to my working space and sit behind my laptop and preen himself or just be a cute little ball of sunshine. Occasionally, he’d peek from behind the computer and oh god, the way he melts my heart, the way he makes me forget all my uncertainties and for that moment remind me that I have the cutest little parrot in the whole world. 

How is it that someone so tiny, someone who can barely speak (yes, not all parrots speak ?), someone who poops in any place he wishes bring you so much joy which you can’t even describe? I’m in a Facebook group with thousands of other Quaker Parronts, I follow so many Quaker Parrot accounts and Birb memes on Instagram. I’m that corny.

All because of a green chicken. I don’t say it as often as I should but having Babu has been my greatest blessing and being his parront will always be one of my proudest moments in my life. I’m sure everyone who owns a pet would agree with me. 

I don’t say it as often as I should but having Babu has been my greatest blessing and being his parront will always be one of my proudest moments in my life. The joy that he has brought me can’t be measured in any form. I’m sure everyone who owns a pet would agree with me. 

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Community Stories

Stories from the Community: All about Spitzes!

Japanese Spitzes are one of the most popular dog breeds for owners in Singapore, with more and more people starting to adopt/purchase them.

To shed some light on what it’s like living with a Spitz, Pawjourr had a chat with the hoomans of Orithespitz, legendthespitz and hweeventures to learn about their experiences!

In this first article, we’ll be discussing some essential items you need when caring for a Spitz, the journey through puppyhood, and some common myths about these loveable furballs!

Introduce Yourselves!

Orithespitz (O): Ori is an extremely energetic dog who is in constant need for affection, love, and cuddles from his hoomans! At any given time, one part of his body must be touching us, and he seeks comfort in us whenever he gets frightened. Despite these, his biggest joy in life probably comes from food and he would drop anything to be given a snack of any kind.

Legendthespitz (L): Legend is pretty much a hyperactive kiddo and he has grown to be more affectionate towards us ever since CB started! Oh yes, Legend is a greedy boy too, forever eyeing on our food tho he just had his dinner! I’d say he is mischievous, greedy and cuddly.

Hweeventures (H): Hwee is a chill pill who thinks she’s the boss of the house. She’s an absolute joke and loves juding her humans (especially when you don’t feed her). She’s an absolute softie and loves cuddles. You’re only allowed to love her and only her. On a daily basis, she makes us laugh with her silly antics. So I guess to sum it up, she’s a bossy, drama, derpy princess who loves being loved!

Q: What were some of your must-have products when you first brought your dogs home?

L: Potty training aid! It took Legend a few hours to do his business on the pee tray. Be prepared that the training aid will stink up the apartment! Also, we would give Legend positive reinforcement when he peed/poop-ed on the pee tray.

On top of that, Pet Stain & Odour Remover as well, it was a life saver when it came to potty messes! it helps to eliminate stains and odours on the floor and keeps them from marking the same spots! Absorb Plus AntiBacterial Pet Wipes are also definitely a must have! We’ve been using it since the day we brought Legend home.

Brushes are also very important to have. As Spitzes are double-coated, they shed like mad at least twice a year. We brushed his fur once every 2-3 days to remove the loose and dead hair.

H: When we first brought her home, we didn’t have any items for her and we panicked! We picked up the necessaries such as pee pads, bowls for water/food and other toiletries. We also got her a toy so she had some company as she’d probably need a friend too!

However, most of the essentials we bought didn’t last 3 months, as we ended up buying her better quality necessities and accessories. Some of our great essentials now include our no rinse paw cleanser, absorb plus pet wipes and sturdy collars and leashes.

ALSO! Remember to puppy-proof the house, as Hwee used to love rummaging through the trash and tearing the tissue paper inside. She also spent her initial days stealing bread that we left around the house!

O: We honestly weren’t sure what were essential items to buy when we first got Ori, as we were just too excited to get a puppy! We ended up getting a lot of hand-me-downs from a friend, which consisted of an old collar and leash, an old cage, some old odour and stain remover and the few things that the pet store told us to purchase (de-wormer, ear cleaner).

Q: What was it like during the first few days of having a Spitz?

H: When she first came home, she didn’t need much introduction because she immediately jumped on our sofa and made herself comfy! We did however need to familiarise her with where to pee in the house and she was pretty confused, so we had many incidents of us cleaning up the wooden floors!

During the adjustment period, we felt it was important to let her make her own decisions about where she wanted to eat her dinner, sleep and other things. Granted boundaries were important, but we felt like getting her comfortable was more important for us because we wanted her to feel at home.

O: There was only myself and my husband to be introduced to, and he quickly adjusted to us. He bounded onto our laps whenever we came home. Instead of him adjusting to us, it was us trying to adjust our daily schedules so that we could rush home as early as possible to be with our bundle of joy. I remember skipping lunch just to rush home!

L: Legend was really nervous on his first day home, which is normal because of the new environment and unfamiliar faces. Legend and my mom clicked right away, and she started showing him around the house. we let him run around to familiarise himself before putting him in the crate. I believe it is important to leave your puppy in the crate to set boundaries.

Q: Is the daily routine of a Spitz any different from other dog breeds?

O: I would think that Spitzes are very playful with mostly great energy levels, so they do require some mental and physical stimulation ever day. I enjoy doing simple training + IQ toys, as well as long walks to keep him going!

H: I think because Spitzes are highly social, they prefer to interact with their humans all the time! So, I believe that’s a bit different. Spitzes need to cuddle and show their humans love in some ways, as compared to some dogs who are fully okay if you leave them alone!

Other than that, I think the daily routine is quite similar, just that you probably need to vacuum the house a little bit more!

L: Spitzes generally possess high energy levels and thus daily walks or any interactive activities would be good for them!

For Legend’s case, he loves zoomies and running around freely with no restrictions. We’ll usually bring him to an open field for him to do free runs! And yes, DO vacuum the floor daily!

Q: What are some common myths about Spitzes that you think should be addressed?

O: The biggest myth is that they shed twice a year. In reality, they shed ALL the time! We end up vacuuming the entire house only to find a floating fur ball just five minutes later, and we ended up investing in a robot vacuum that specialises in animal fur!

H: I have 2 myths!

Myth 1: Some people say spitzes are home bodies and don’t need to be walked regularly.

In reality, I think it’s so important for dogs to go on regular walks! They should be exposed to and comfortable with the environment around them, as it’ll help to build their confidence and the difference is really apparent!

As a bonus, your dog also has the chance to meet other dogs and socialise, which is good for them. Hwee had a hard time doing that because she wasn’t properly social at a young age, so it took a bit of time to correct that.

Myth 2: Japanese Spitzes are made for the cold.

NOPE! In reality, they actually prefer milder temperatures, but I think that differs from dog to dog as well. Hwee prefers sleeping in our bed under the blanket! We usually leave the air-con on at night, so it might be a sign that she prefers slightly cooler temperatures. I do know of dogs who prefer sleeping on the floor though.

L: I agree with Ori’s hooman, they shed every SINGLE day! But I do notice that heavy shedding occurs once every 3-4 months.

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THE WOOF AGENCY would like to thank Orithespitz, legendthespitz and hweeventures for sharing about their experiences!

In the coming weeks, Pawjourr will also be sharing about some dieting and health tips when it comes to caring for Japanese Spitzes. Stay tuned for those articles!

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Brand Highlights Community Stories

Chukus Kitchen presents: Balanced Diets for pups!

THE WOOF AGENCY had the privilege of chatting with Chukus Kitchen, a company whose mission is to bring transparency and awareness in industry by engaging with board certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate our recipes.

Read along to learn about their tips and tricks when it comes to providing your pups with a well-balanced diet, along with some common misconceptions by fellow pawrents about pet diets in general.

Balanced Diets (Nutrition, Health & Wellness)

This should be an easy topic – we’ve all heard how nutritious carrots and sweet potatoes are when it comes to nutrition. Mixing these ingredients with a main meat protein would surely result in a hearty and healthy meal for our dogs, shouldn’t it?

Well, wrong! But wait, we forgot to mention the importance of supplementing a piece of bone or egg shell powder for that indispensable source of calcium… perfect! Sorry, wrong again!

Unfortunately, there isn’t a magical 50:25:25 (meat:vegetable:grain) ratio that will make a meal nutritionally balanced, it’s not that simple. With today’s blog, our goal is to build more awareness on what a “nutritionally balanced” diet for pets means and lightly cover its implications.

Nutritionally Balanced for Dogs

Dogs have very particular needs when it comes to nutrition, and when pet food formulators and veterinary nutritionists talk about dog nutrition they are in fact referring to very specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Do note that I strictly mentioned veterinary nutritionists (not pet food specialists) and pet food formulators, as both of them are qualified experts with a Master’s degree or PhD in nutrition, trained to understand the nutritional requirements of animals.

Implications Today

One of the concerning realities in our industry is that it is far too easy to start a business in selling food for pets that haven’t been formulated or reviewed by experts with proper credentials. Just as with humans, nutritional deficiencies over a prolonged period can be the cause of observable issues on the skin, haircoat, mood, energy levels and eventually even compromise our pet’s immune system.

Take Home Message

Ensuring dogs eat nutritionally balanced food is paramount and doing so will reduce the number of visits to the vet. Our industry can always benefit more from transparency and building awareness.

As with humans, our dogs follow the timeless phrase – “We Are What We Eat”.

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THE WOOF AGENCY would like to thank Chukus Kitchen for their contribution and insights towards providing our pawrents with dieting knowledge!

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Community Stories

Meet Oscar: The internet-famous Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Have you ever had a dream where your pet turned out to be famous? Well for Oscar, he lives that dream everyday. However, it’s not the glamorous walk in the dog park that we all think it is.

Read on to learn about Oscar’s rise to internet fame, and some tips and tricks from his hooman on how to juggle caring for your pet along with other commitments.

Q: How did Oscar’s life as a pet influencer begin?

To be frank, it actually started without us knowing! If we have to say, the answer probably is linked to his Facebook page where we usually interact with his fans from the United States where they also realised that they can follow Oscar on his Instagram account.

For locals, we are honoured and lucky to be spotted by the Youth.SG team and that started our local interviews with the media (AsiaOne, TODAY and SPH Newspaper for primary school on Pet Influencer).

Q: During Circuit Breaker, how was his life as a pet influencer affected?

Surprisingly, his followers’ counts went up and more people leaving comments and private messaging him during the Circuit Breaker and lockdowns from other countries. I guess it’s probably because people are spending more time at home and hence, having additional time to access the social media.

Q: What other commitments do you have in addition to managing Oscar’s influencer lifestyle? (i.e. full-time job, etc)

I have a full time job in the F&B industry. On top of that, I also manage all the social media platforms for Oscar and also our online ‘pushcart’ on Oscar’s website where he sells his own merchandise, designed exclusively by us.

Q: How do you juggle between caring for Oscar and managing these commitments?   

I would never be able to cope by myself despite him being the goodest boy at home. My family members play a big part in caring for him and ensuring that he receives the attention from everyone in the household. Raising and having a pet should never be a stress to yourself!

Other than getting help from my family, I spend all of my time with him at home or going for a long walk with him daily.

Q: During Circuit Breaker, was there anything you needed to do differently in order to care for Oscar?

Nope! Sometimes when I work from home, he enjoys my accompany but would stare at me for the longest time probably thinking why am I home most of the day. Haha! We still do whatever we need to do, but ensure additional safety measures are carried out.

Q: Of all the photos you’ve taken of Oscar on social media, what are some of your favourites and why?

He has way too many photos from my favourites but if I have to choose, it definitely has to be this few! I love action shots and I can never shoot that on my own. Do not be surprised but it’s really hard to control a dog and a camera at the same time!

Those photos are one of the few rare moments where I get additional help. I also love his big bright eyes! It brings out the happy and cheerful character in him.

Check out Oscar’s Instagram page and website to keep up with his life!

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