Links to independent resources from all over the web!
Information and Education
Your pet isn't feeling well? has itchy smelly ears? itchy skin? allergies? to foods? How do you know? Is what your feeding your pet making them sick? How do you choose what to feed?
We are not experts but know how to search out expert advice - we've shared it because we know that one size does not fit all.
Dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM and pets
DCM and your pets - updates 2021
The grain vs. grain free debate continues. The FDA has walked back some earlier 'conclusions' and has finally agreed to complete thorough research before determining causation of increased DCM.
Don't take our word for it...review the facts below through links to the FDA updated reports and Q & A documents.
The FDA’s Preliminary Conclusions
To quote the FDA:
"Most of the diets associated with the reports of non-hereditary DCM have legume seed ingredients, also called “pulses” (e.g., peas, lentils, etc.), high in their ingredient lists (although soy is a legume, we did not see a signal associated with this ingredient). These include both “grain-free” and grain-containing formulations. Legumes, including pulse ingredients, have been used in pet foods for many years, with no evidence to indicate they are inherently dangerous, but analysis of data reported to CVM indicates that pulse ingredients are used in many “grain-free” diets in greater proportion than in most grain-containing formulas. FDA has asked pet food manufacturers to provide diet formulations so we can further understand the proportions of ingredients in commercially-available diets and possible relationships with non-hereditary DCM.
FDA has received reports of non-hereditary DCM associated with both grain-free and grain-containing diets. Most of the diets associated with reports of non-hereditary DCM have non-soy legumes and pulses (e.g., peas, lentils, etc.) high in their ingredient lists. CVM’s data show that pulse ingredients are likely used in many “grain-free” diets in greater proportion than in most grain-containing formulas."
What I don't understand is how there are so many more pet deaths in a similar time attributed to ingested flea and tick medications but there is no 'war' on them. (FDA reports below.)
From the FDA's Q& A linked below...
"Is this an issue with only grain-free diets or diets containing legumes or pulses?
No. FDA has received reports of non-hereditary DCM associated with both grain-free and grain-containing diets."
Yet veterinarians continue to tell clients to not feed grain free, unnecessarily scaring and confusing pet parents.
Click on the first link below for the rest of this article.
- FDA - FDA’s Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs - 07/29/21
- New clues to diet-associated DCM in dogs - Tony McReynolds - 8/10/2021
- FDA - Interdisciplinary Scientific Cooperation Research 11/03/2020
- FDA - Questions & Answers: FDA’s Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs 11/03/2020
- Journal of Animal Science - DCM study article explaining that there is no correlation between grain free and DCM
- Veterinary Practise News (VPN)-
- VPN quote "Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs is largely an inherited disease and not the result of a grain-free or legume-rich diet."
- DCM study: no link to grain-free pet food, no closure - From PetFood Industry.com
- DCM Research Partners Background Information on the company that completed the independent study - BSM Research Partners
- Dr. Justin Shmalberg - independent veterinary opinion/research - an interesting read.
- Skeptvet - A compilation of various articles and resources on DCM
Your Pets' Health and What you are Feeding
Flea and Tick Prevention
Flea and Tick Prevention
Flea and Tick Prevention
Lyme disease, flea infestation, side effects from repellents. Which is the lesser of evils? The following articles pose some independent research on various types of preventatives. We do offer some natural solutions. The decision is yours.
- NRDC - Non Toxic Ways to Protect your Pet
- NRDC - Flea and Tick Product Directory of usual deterrents and review
- NRDC - Poison on Pets II
- Rescue Dogs 101 - Flea and Tick Medications
- Dogster.com - Is Your Flea Control Hurting Your Dog
- Dogs Naturally - Dangers of Flea and Tick
- CBC Marketplace - Cat and dog flea treatments can be toxic to pets, humans
- Pet Poison Helpline
- FDA Reports - Adverse Affects of Ingested Flea/Tick Meds - Nexgard -Bravecto - Credelio and Simparica
DCM - history
Flea and Tick Prevention
Flea and Tick Prevention
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Canines. History, updates, facts. Additional information below - scroll down.
- FDA Complaints received
- FDA Report - July 12, 2018
- FDA Report - February 19, 2019
- FDA Report - June 27, 2019
- FDA Report - June 27, 2019 Q & A
- Tufts Veterinary College - It's Not just Grain Free
- Tufts Veterinary College - Risk of Heart Disease DCM...
- More info below...DCM and Your Pets 2020
Grain Free or Not?
Flea and Tick Prevention
Commercial Pet Food Ingredients
There is some debate concerning whether or not to feed grain free. Review the following for some detailed information prior to making your decision.
- Journal of Animal Science - Pulse Ingredients are not automatically bad
- Topdogtips - Why to Avoid Grain Free
- Pet MD - Grain Free for Your Dog
- Canine Journal - Is Grain Free Dog Food Safe
- Dog's Best Life - Grain Free Diets
- Consumer Affairs - Grain Free Dog Foods
- Tufts University - It's not Just Grain Free
- TruthAboutPet Food - Pet Feed vs. Pet Food
Commercial Pet Food Ingredients
Commercial Pet Food Ingredients
Commercial Pet Food Ingredients
Ingredients in commercial foods are not always what they seem. Pet Food marketing includes half truths and simple misinformation.
- Veterinary Practice News - Popular Pet Food Myths
- Truth About Pet Food - Marketing Untruths
- Ohio State Veterinary School - Myths and Misconceptions
- Poisoned Pets - How to Find out What's Really in Your Pets' Food
- Powdered Cellulose - Healthy Pawsibilities
- Powdered Cellulose - All About Dog Food
- Powdered Cellulose - Truth About Pet Food
- Powdered Cellulose - Healthy Pets
Essential Oils and Your Pets
Commercial Pet Food Ingredients
Essential Oils and Your Pets
There are so many products on the market touting so many varied claims. Ensure that the oils you use on or near your pets are safe for them.
- Dr. Axe - Essential Oils and Pets
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association - Cats and EOs
Prescription Diets
Commercial Pet Food Ingredients
Essential Oils and Your Pets
What's with prescription diets? Why are some called "prescription" and some "veterinarian line"? Why do they cost so much?
- Prescription Diets - Hero's Pets
- Prescription Diets - Dog Food Guide
- Prescription Diets - Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
- Prescription Diets - The Cheerful Vet
- Prescription Diets - Local 12
- Prescription Diets - Truth About Pet Food
Food - So How do We Choose?
Independent Pet Food Review Sites
Independent Pet Food Review Sites
How to Choose an Appropriate Food?
- Decoding Pet Food Report - Cornucopia Institute
- Tufts Veterinary College - Questions' you Should Be Asking About Your Pets' Food
- Ohio State U Vet Med Centre - How to Choose a Diet
- TruthaboutPet Food - Human Grade vs. Feed Grade
- WSAVA Cat Owners' Guide to Nutritional Information on the Internet
- WSAVA - Dog Owners' Guide to Nutritional Info
- WSAVA - Tips for Selecting Healthy Pet Food
- Consumer Affairs - Selecting Dog Foods
Independent Pet Food Review Sites
Independent Pet Food Review Sites
Independent Pet Food Review Sites
Your final feeding decision depends on your knowledge, level of comfort, consultation with experts and your own dog. Here is some food for thought.
- Consumer Affairs - Dog Food Reviews
- Here Pup - Pet Food Reviews by breed and brand
- Dog Food Advisor - Pet Food Reviews
- Canada Pet Connection - 20 Top Canadian Foods
Cat Food Reviews
Independent Pet Food Review Sites
Rotational Diets - Yay or Nay?
There are not as many cat food advisory sites but I've located a couple for you.
- Consumer Affairs - Cat Food Reviews
- Cat Food DataBase Independent Reviews - Reviews
- Best Cat Advisor - Things you Should Know When Selecting Cat Food
- Feline Living - Food Selector Guide
- Cat Water to prevent crystals and UTIs? Clinically proven results from the University of Montreal's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - information.
Rotational Diets - Yay or Nay?
Rotational Diets - Yay or Nay?
Rotational Diets - Yay or Nay?
Allergies? Feeding Homemade?
Rotational Diets - Yay or Nay?
Allergies? Feeding Homemade?
Fact and fiction from veterinarians.
- Tufts - Cummings School of Veterinary - Home made Diets - Cats
- Deciphering Fact from Fiction
- Dogs with Food Allergies - Pets Web MD
CBD Oil and Your Pets
Rotational Diets - Yay or Nay?
Allergies? Feeding Homemade?
There are currently no Veterinary Association approved CBD Oil products on the market. Research is being conducted as it is anticipated that there may be health and pain relief benefits for dogs as well as people. We will post information as we find it.
- Canadian Association of Cannabinoid Medicine - FAQ
- Dr. Axe - CBD Oil for Pets
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association - Cautions - Fact Sheet
- American Kennel Club - CBD Oil for Pets
- Preventive Vet - What To Know if You Want to Give Your Dog CBD
- College of Veterinarians of Ontario - Cannabis and CBD Oil for Dogs
- Today's Veterinary Nurse - CBD Oil for Dogs and Cats - What's New
Coronavirus and Our Pets
Coronavirus - Articles from Experts
We are living through the first ever pandemic in our lifetimes that has had the effect of closing so much that we take for granted. But what about our pets? Can they get this? We have searched and found some information for you.
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association - Updates
- OVC - UofG Studies Covid and Pets
- VCA Canada - April update
- Centre for Disease Controls - April Update
- Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the American Kennel Club
- Shelley Rankin, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
- CBC News
- OSPCA - Update
- New York Post - How to Care for pets during COVID-19