Author: Advyon Summerville

As a dog reaches 7 years old, they are now in the senior years of dog life. These years mean changes in metabolism, muscle tone, joints, eye sight and hearing, as well as the skin and coat. Many of you are familiar with some of these issues. I would like to explain how nutrition and supplements can help prevent these issues in the senior years.

How can diet help?

I recommend feeding your senior dog a grain free diet that is lower in protein, higher in fiber and has less Kcals per cup. Grain free means less grain to wick away moisture from the digestive tract, kidneys and less empty calories. There are some that target the senior dog, but using common sense and reading labels can be just as good. All grain free foods are not the same. Many claim to be grain free yet are full of starch which turns into sugar just as grain can to feed yeast on the skin. It also becomes an empty calorie since protein from anything other than meat is not a soluble protein for a dog.

The senior dog needs less protein because they do not have the same muscle building ability that they had. This means the kidneys will work harder to filter the protein not used by the body. Keeping your protein under 32% will keep things more in balance for seniors. Higher fiber plays an important role in keeping the bowels consistent and keeping down over production of the anal glands. For the senior dog that is less active, rather in “retirement”, a food with protein levels of 25% or so should be a perfect match. Keeping the Kcal per cup down, helps keep excessive weight off of the senior, less active dog.

Adding glucosamine and chondroitin to your dog’s diet will help ensure the mobility of the joints. I recommend feeding this from puppy to senior. It helps play an important part in the building and strength of the joint as well as maintaining the over used joints. Senior dog foods do not have an adequate amount nor are they absorbed well. You will see a much better success rate using a high-quality supplement that is well absorbed and not relying on a baked into the kibble supplement to do the job. We recommend a natural, granulated supplement verses a pill or capsule form also. This allows the supplement to be absorbed immediately and not wasted. Anything synthetically altered does not absorb well.

Omega 3, 6, and 9 are important for the joints, eyes, skin and coat. Organic Coconut Oil or pure liquid salmon oil are two of the best sources for this. It helps to put back in to the skin what the outdoors, and indoor heaters can take out. Dry skin allows bacteria to invade the skin causing infection. Dry coat becomes brittle and sparse. Both lead to an itchy dog. There are no products that can completely repair dry skin and coat from the outside. This has to be done from the inside out. Using non detergent shampoo and a silk protein conditioner can help maintain the healthy skin and coat that the omegas have made.

Well balanced nutrition that targets the senior’s issues can prolong the senior years. Starting your dog on a granulated joint supplement as a puppy can build healthier joints. Adding a granulated joint supplement to the senior dog’s diet can help maintain healthy joints and alleviated pain from those already feeling the golden years.

Stop by for free nutritional counseling and let us show you some natural alternatives that can help your senior dogs live happy and healthy in their golden years!

It has been reported that 90% of chronic diseases are caused by an unhealthy intestinal system.

Has your pet recently been on antibiotics? Does your pet have digestion problems, diarrhea, skin problems, food intolerances, or other chronic health problems? There is a connection between imbalance in the intestines and the following: Arthritis, Candida/yeasty ears and skin, runny eyes, food allergies, skin issues, low immune system, excessive gas, loose stool and over active intestinal tract.

Many things can destroy the intestinal bacterial balance in a pet’s gut. Overuse of antibiotics destroys good bacteria as well as bad. Also, stress, poor diet, pollutants, environmental changes, and prescription drugs can deplete beneficial bacteria.

Other killers of good bacteria include chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and soil sterilizers in agriculture which damage the soil ecosystem and the natural flow of bacteria found in the food chain. These chemicals, as well as chemicals in the water supply, reduce the good bacteria in the gut. This allows harmful bacteria to multiply and produce large amounts of toxins and carcinogenic agents. These toxins inhibit the normal function of the digestive system and increase the demands placed on the liver and kidneys and digestion problems.

Supplement with a high quality pet probiotic to restore his/her healthy gut, and chances are you will improve your pet’s over-all health.

Pets with large amounts of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of unhealthy organisms. So, if pets are to maintain a healthy body, they need large quantities of friendly bacteria.

Probiotic Max by Nature’s Farmacy is effective in helping the canine body rid itself of invading pathogens, calm the digestive tract, and help sooth an overactive immune system. Built to support the dog’s body during hard work, stress, illness, growth, compromised immune systems, old age difficulties, pregnancy, and more. We suggest this both as a daily supplement and a “fix” to many problems areas for dogs.

As we near our 10-year mark in this store front, I wanted to take the time to let our clients know that we still stand for what we stood for 10 years ago.

Our mission at All Is Well in Summerville SC, is to inform pet owners of the benefits of holistic pet care. Holistic pet care is attention to the overall health of your pet in mind, body and spirit. Pet food, pet grooming supplies, lifestyle, and emotional well-being all play a part in your pet’s complete health and wellness.

The staff at All Is Well has over 30 years of experience in the pet industry. As certified pet nutritionists, we can help you make informed decisions regarding your pet’s dietary needs. We offer free skin and coat evaluations to help determine the best nutritional products for your pet. We’re here to help educate you on pet products that will enhance the lives of both you and your pet.

Unlike other pet stores that carry natural products, we carry only human grade, corn and wheat free, no dye, nothing artificial products from trusted companies with extremely high standards of quality control. We research each company to ensure what we recommend for your pet is the best, truly natural product using human grade ingredients. So many franchises are claiming to be “natural” pet stores. Some even use it in their name. As an independent, mom and pop pet store with over 30 years’ experience in the pet industry, we pride ourselves on standing up for what we believe in and only carrying products from trusted likeminded companies.

Our promise to you is to continue to help pets with their nutritional needs, help solve allergy issues and work hand in hand with your veterinarian to ensure we meet your dog’s medical needs naturally.

Customer service is the backbone of our business because our clients are family to us!

We all know summer. The outdoor activities are endless! We carry a water bottle, wear shorts and light weight clothes; Accompanied by sandals or tennis shoes to protect our feet from the warm ground. We usually grab a leash and take our furry friends along for the fun day of family activities.

What do our four legged friends need?

I am sure we all remember a water bowl and extra bottle of water for our pets. If not, it is easy to stop by a store and grab one. There is more…. What about the proper safety accommodations for our pets needs during a summer walk?

Let’s go over a few important things to bring along and why.

First and foremost, water! Bring a gallon and preferably a cooler to keep it cool. I don’t like to drink hot water, do you? A bowl or your hand work for them to drink from. Of course there are many cute carry along, water bottles for dogs that work well also.

A cooling collar, or hand towels are important if your dog over heats. Wetting them with the cool water from your cooler, placing them on their neck and back will help cool them down quickly.

How do you avoid your furry friend getting over heated?

Take frequent breaks in the shade, offer water and have them lay down to rest. This will help bring their body temperature back down more into the normal range. If you have ice cubes with you, let them snack on a few. I have a back pack cooler that is great for summer walks.

How do you know if your pet is getting overheated?

Signs of stress from the heat include simple signs such as trying to find shade, preferring sitting or lying down, restlessness, excessive panting, drooling or even throwing up. These symptoms need immediate attention. Seek air conditioning if close by or a shaded area. Offer cool water, cooling collar or wet towel on neck and back, and keep them still to help lower body temperature. If you have a larger towel or cooling mat, wet it with cool water and have them lay on that as well. These steps, if taken quickly, will prevent Heat Stoke. Watch for confusion, excessive drooling, red, blue or purple gums, or seizures. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, seek veterinarian care immediately.

What about shoes?

I am not a fan of boots or shoes for dogs unless you properly educate yourself with the pros and cons. The pros are obvious…. Dogs’ feet are not on hot pavement. Cons…. Paws sweat and this causes blisters due to friction, as well as yeast due to moist heat. Wearing the boots while walking on pavement is fine if you take breaks, remove the shoes so that the paw can breathe. Remember, dogs sweat through their pads.

Best lines of defense?

Your best line of defense is conditioning. Start walking during the cooler months. Short walks on mixed terrains such as dirt, grass and pavement. This helps toughen the pads slowly. You can also use a paw wax. I recommend applying the paw wax after your walk so it conditions and softens more thoroughly. Applying before the walk is almost useless due to friction and the chance of it heating up on warm surfaces.

How Hot is Too Hot?

When considering a summer walk, the outdoor air temperatures are your guide. At 85 degrees for several hours, the pavement is too hot. It can be up to 135 degrees on the pavement. The simple test is to place your hand or barefoot on the pavement for 10 seconds or so. If you walked barefoot at this temperature would you be comfortable? Would your feet blister or become red and irritated?

How to manage summer fun and safety for our Fur Kids?

Short walks that include dirt, grass and some pavement can be managed during summer heat. Keep in mind walking in the early morning or late afternoon is best for both you and your pet. No shirts or clothes… they hold in heat on their already fur covered body. Cooling collars, such as those made by BayDog are wonderful. You can submerge them in your cooler before your walk. Place them in a zip lock bag and carry along until you are taking a break to cool down. No snacks……yep, don’t feed them while taking longer walks or those in the heat. Once their body temperature goes up, so will the snacks. The last thing you need is for your pup to throw up all the water in their already over heated body.

Closing arguments?

I have only positive things to say about time spent with your dog if proper safety precautions are taken. There is nothing your dog loves more than to please you and spend time making you happy. They will literally walk on fire for you. Please don’t allow that to happen on your fun summer walks. Be the dog parent that your dog deserves by following the advice in this blog to ensure everyone stays happy and healthy!

Annette Clark

Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer

What is the immune system and how is my pet’s immune system different from my own?

The body of your dog or cat is filled with a natural defense called the immune system. They get sick or have allergy issues when the immune system is compromised as do we as humans. There really is no difference in theory.
A strong immune system protects dogs and cats from everything from allergens to cancer cells. Veterinarians believe that a weak immune system plays a key role in causing disease. Antibiotics fight infection, but they don’t affect whatever weakens the immune system in the first place. Therefore you must find the cause of what is affecting the body’s defenses. Repeated antibiotics or steroids weaken the immune system, which in turn causes the dog or cat to be more susceptible to other allergens.

How can we strengthen the immune system?

Diet, stress and exercise play the biggest roles in determining whether pets get sick or stay healthy.

Let’s look deeper into the cause…….

Many pets eat subpar commercial foods which are loaded with artificial dyes, preservatives, and additives. Canines and big cats in the wild only eat natural foods consisting of mainly meat protein, and stomach content (berries, greens etc.) of their prey. This is what their systems are designed for. Domesticated pets in our lives eat most commercially prepared foods that contain corn, wheat and chemicals that their bodies simply aren’t meant to handle. These ingredients can trigger an immune response that can make pets sick. Their digestive track has evolved to digest certain kinds of foods. Certain ingredients that have been added by manufacturers put a strain on the body. It is especially hard on the kidneys and liver because these organs cleanse the body of impurities.

Protein that does not come from a true meat source, is not usable protein for a dog or cat. Many commercial pet foods use corn, wheat, pea protein, rice, or potato for their major source of protein. It is cheaper for them, meaning more profit. It is not a digestible protein therefore, the protein percentage listed on the label is not what your dog or cat is really getting even though meat is listed first on the label. The FDA does not regulate the label in this way. Just because the first ingredient is the highest percentage, does not mean it equals the protein listed on the label. I like to use this example to explain: If the first ingredient is a meat source and is 10% of what is in there, the next three ingredients can be grains or carbohydrates each at 9.8, 9.5 and 9 % thus making your protein consist of an indigestible source. It also sets your dog or cat up for chances of itching, yeast, skin and ear infections from the amount of carbs that their body must find a way to deal with. It also works the organs harder while digesting things not meant to be digested by your pet.
The immune system is designed to attack foreign invaders such as those found in these foods. If the immune system sees them as threats, it will create a defense and release histamines. They can trigger itching, infection, vomiting or diarrhea. The immune system is designed to defend your pet against allergens, bacteria, viruses, toxins and parasites that can invade their body. Long term imbalances of the immune system can lead to things like allergies, diabetes, cancer, kidney problems, tumors, neurological conditions, respiratory illness, skin infections and more.

What are antibodies?

The most important part of immunity are antibodies. Antibodies are germ-fighting proteins. The only time your pet can make enough antibodies is when she is healthy and eating a food her body can digest without ingredients that weaken the immune system.
Holistic minded veterinarians believe that diets consisting of highly processed foods of questionable nutritional quality, are one of the main reasons pets get sick. Holistic care always includes changes in diet, regardless of other treatments your vet may recommend. Sometimes the only change needed is a protein source.

What ingredients should you avoid in your pets’ diet?

Dogs and cats alike should not be eating corn or wheat, dye or artificial flavors. Corn and wheat are equal to cardboard for your pet. It fills them up with no nutritional value. Worse yet, it causes a flare up in the immune system as it tries to digest it.

Meat by products, usually chicken, are the “by the chicken products” such as feet, feathers and beak. Little or no real meat and no digestible protein for your pet.

Excessive grains in dog food also means little digestible protein.

Cats must be grain free. Grain of any kind for a cat compromises their urinary system by absorbing the moisture needed to digest it.

Dogs can eat either good grain, low grain, reputable food company food or grain free of the same quality. The FDA has completed its study on grain free dog foods and has concluded that there is no link to DCM heart issues. This study was prompted by companies such as Purina and Hills Science Diet as they tried to compete with better brands of pet food.

All pet food is not created equally. You want to do your research and find a holistic mom and pop type pet supply store that can help. Quality of ingredients, the percentages of carbs, and the right source of digestible ingredients are key. You never want to see the dye, or artificial flavors. These are immediate hits to the immune system as it fights to figure out what to do with it.

Will this cost me more?

The answer is no. The bag will cost a bit more, the amount you feed is less. The vet bills will be much less, and the over all health, including coat, and energy will be far better. I have never, in 18 years of doing nutritional counseling, met someone that said I wish I had not made the change to better food for my pet.

Working with a certified pet nutritionist who can help you through a complete diet work up and process of elimination is the most effective way to narrow down your pet’s nutritional needs. Proper nutrition will build a strong immune system and ensure the best quality of life for your pet. As always, you can reach out to us for a private consultation for your pet.

Annette Clark

Certified Pet Nutritionist, Pet Allergy Specialist, Master Groomer