The UK'S Only West Highland White Terrier Magazine
ISSUE 26, VOL 1
October 2022
ISSN 2634-4130
KEEP YOUR WESTIE CALM ON
BONFIRE NIGHT!
STOP YOUR PUPPY BITING with these top
10 Tips
Raw Food Focus
The healthy options for your Westie
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF
PUMPKIN
HALLOWEEN FUN FOR YOU & YOUR
Does your Westie have dry, red and itchy skin? The Dermoscent ATOP 7 skin range harnesses the power of natural active ingredients to help manage your pet’s skin. Available as a shampoo and easy-to-apply mousse and spray. n
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Soothes & hydrates your pet’s skin
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Reduces itch
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Improves the skin barrier function
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Recommended by vets
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EDITOR’S NOTE
IT’S SPOOKY SEASON! It’s hard to believe we’re in autumn and will shortly be heading into the winter months, isn’t it? I absolutely love autumn as when we’re lucky it’s the perfect weather in which to walk our Westie – clear blue skies, a bit of sun, and me and Buffy wrapped up warm. Or perhaps that’s my romantic idea of it! Either way, with Halloween just around the corner we want to remind everyone of the health benefits of feeding pumpkin to our besties especially those that are constipated or suffering with a bit of diarrhoea! In the spirit of all things spooky, we’ve also got lots of fun accessories to share with you from fun dog toys to scary props to use at home if you’re planning on taking part in Halloween.
Kim Latham Editor
On a more serious note, we delve into the things you need to know about pancreatitis, what causes it and what you need to look out for in terms of symptoms. This issue we’ve also created a raw food focus that looks at the benefits of raw feeding. As part of this section we catch up with David Kemp, the CEO of Ethically Raised, a raw food company, who explains why his brand is taking the industry by storm when it comes to being the best of the best. If you have a puppy that’s biting you definitely need to read Jess Barber’s behaviour column on how to prevent it with her top 10 tips. She explains that the first step to stopping this behaviour is understanding why your puppy is doing it to begin with. Enjoy the magazine…and have a fun Howl-o-ween! Buffy, Chief Cuddles Officer Photo credit: Image supplied by Kim Latham
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Publisher Westies & Besties Ltd Fidlas Road, Cardiff, CF14 5LZ Editor Kim Latham Tel: +44 7496 310169 Email: Info@westiesandbesties.com Commercial Director Alex Griffin Tel: +44 7496 310173 Email: alex@westiesandbesties.com Front Cover Image Image supplied by shutterstock_1165361236 Design Jayden Ali Printing WPG Group Westies & Besties Magazine is published by Westies & Besties Ltd (the Publisher) and printed on behalf of the publisher by WPG Group. Westies & Besties Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Westies & Besties Magazine and the Westies & Besties Masthead/logo is trademarked and are marks of Westies & Besties Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Westies & Besties Magazine are not necessarily those of the Publisher or those of its contributors. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, the Publishers cannot/ will not be held accountable for the accuracy of the information here therein, or any consequences arising from it. The Publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited articles or manuscripts in the case of all product reviews. Judgements have been made in the context of the product tested. (All photographs have been supplied unless otherwise mentioned.) Advertisers in this publication must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Advertising Standards Authority. Westies & Besties Ltd is not responsible or liable for a company or individual’s advert. Readers are advised to see a fully qualified veterinarian before attempting to try any of the suggestions made by a contributor.
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26 6 KEEP CALM
How to keep your Westie safe and relaxed in the run-up to Bonfire Night
10 THE ACADEMY
Dr. Vince McNally launches his Academy in a bid to share vital knowledge with pet owners
14 WESTIE ART
The lady selling painted pumpkins to raise money for a Westie charity in Canada
16 DESTRUCTIVE
PATTERNS Stop your Westie puppy from biting with our top 10 tips
22 NAUSUA, BLOAT OR DIGESTION ISSUES? This little ingredient has huge health benefits for Westies suffering with upset stomachs
24 CONSTIPATION &
DIARRHEA The health benefits of pumpkin are numerous as our top 5 list reveals
26 THE PAIN OF
PANCREATITIS What you’re feeding your Westie plays a major role in a disease that is increasing in the UK
38 RAW FOOD FOCUS
The benefits of feeding raw food to your Westie
40 WHAT’S NEW?
Raw food industry accreditations - what do they mean?
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42 THE REAL DEAL
David Kemp of Ethically Raised on why his raw food brand is above and beyond the rest
46 COMMUNITY
A good Westie day out in Oz
48 HALLOWEEN FUN
Toys and decorations for the spooky season
50 BIRTHDAY TREATS
Cookie the Westie has a great day out to celebrate
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NEWS
KEEP YOUR
WESTIE CALM SAFE AND
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Westies & Besties - October 2022
NEWS
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_472437682
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NEWS
5
to Keep Your Bestie Stress Free on
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_241126504
1. Get ready now. If you haven’t done so already, you may want to start ordering your calming sprays, calming jackets and plug-in soothers now so that you’re ahead of the curve when the 5th of November comes around. We all know that fireworks tend to go off earlier and earlier each year.
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2. Keep your Westie indoors. Missing a couple of walks won’t kill your bestie but being frightened and stressed outside among all the commotion could! Create a safe and cosy space for your dog to relax in and spray a natural calming lotion on their bedding/ safe area to help ease the tension.
Westies & Besties - October 2022
3. Call your Vet. If your Westie has a serious medical condition, it might be worth having a chat with your Vet if you’re concerned that stress and fright might worsen the illness. Your Vet will give your pup a check-up and advise on the best course of action before November comes along.
NEWS
4. GET MOVING.
5. CALM YOURSELF!
When the festivities are underway your Westie’s adrenaline will be in full flow so you may want to get up earlier than normal and take your canine friend for an extensive walk (if he’s fit and healthy!) in order to let him get rid of some of the built-up energy before the fireworks begin. This will help your dog relax.
Your Westie picks up on your emotions so there’s no point preparing all the above if you’re the one that’s stressed! Close the curtains, turn the television up (or listen to Classic FM which plays relaxing music for dogs!) and settle in for the night. If you don’t take too much notice of the noise then there’s a chance that your dog won’t either.
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Q&A
AN ACADEMY FOR
WESTIE
Owners
Courses include the basics of what every dog owner should know about their canine friends
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Westies & Besties - October 2022
Q&A
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_745380691
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Q&A
Knowledge is Power Dr Vince MacNally reveals details on his brand-new academy for pet owners
Tell us about your new Academy. Vince the Vet Academy is an online learning platform, designed to teach pet parents how to take charge of their dogs and cats health. What gave you the idea of launching an Academy for pet owners and are all courses for pet owners? It’s been on my mind for quite some time, as the great majority of pet parents who contact us for advice with various health issues, are unsure why their dog has a problem in the first place, and what can be done to best help, using a natural approach where possible. This is largely due to the time constraints most veterinary surgeons face, which often prevents a full discussion taking place, regarding the nature of the condition present, tests that may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis, therapeutic options – along with the pros and cons of each - and the goal of treatment. And all of this information is necessary for a pet parent to make a fully informed decision, about what is best for them and their dog. Take an itchy skin, for example. Is this due to a parasitic or microbial infection, contact with irritants, an internal disorder affecting the dermis, a dietary sensitivity or exposure to environmental allergens? What tests should be carried out to differentiate between the different possibilities, so the most appropriate course of action can be taken? Are drugs necessary, or can dietary changes, natural supplements and remedies provide an effective alternative? 12
If drugs are needed, which are the safest ones to use to begin with, and how can potential side-effects be kept to a minimum? What can a pet parent do to identify factors which trigger or aggravate itching and inflammation of the skin? Knowing the answers to these questions, gives pet parents an understanding of why their dog is itching, and what steps they can take to ease irritation, improve quality of life, and reduce or eliminate the need for medication, where possible. The same applies to other conditions, such as recurrent digestive disturbances, musculoskeletal problems, and anxiety related issues, for example. The academy is being set up, so that pet parents have direct access to the knowledge required to take charge of specific areas of health (the subject of individual courses), and also to know what to expect from their Vet, and why. What is the ultimate goal of the Academy? To provide an educational platform, which enables pet parents (and at a later date animal health care professionals) to gain the knowledge, understanding and confidence, to be able to support optimum well-being, as effectively as possible.
of access, right up to lifetime use, which includes all updates and additional benefits. ‘Helping My Itchy Dog’ is the first topic scheduled for release on November 1st. Will more subjects be added to the Academy as it grows? Yes, there will. Initially there will be a focus on the most common conditions affecting pets. After this, subjects such as ‘blood tests explained’, ‘Side effects of commonly used drugs’ will be added. How important is it from a Vet’s perspective that Westie owners have some fundamental canine health knowledge of their own? Knowledge truly is power. The more a pet parent knows about how the body works, what happens when things go wrong, and what can be done to restore health, as effectively and naturally as possible, the healthier and happier their Westie can be. For more information visit: www.vincethevetacademy.co.uk
What is the cost of the online courses and what can Westie owners expect from them? Can pet owners mix and match courses? Courses begin at £24. There will be a sliding scale for longer periods Westies & Besties - October 2022
Image supplied by Vince the Vet
Q&A PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1015486324
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COMMUNITY
Have a
Westie
Howl-o-ween! 14
Westies & Besties - October 2022
COMMUNITY
image supplied by Carolyn Taylor
These fabulous Westie foam pumpkins were painted by Carolyn Taylor.
Carolyn, who lives in Canada, donated them to the annual Westies in Need fundraiser which took place in Toronto last month and all the proceeds from the sales went directly to the charity.
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behaviour
10 Tips to Stop your Puppy The key is to know why your Westie is doing it BY JESS BARBER
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behaviour PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1441729703
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behaviour
Understand why your
puppy is
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he first step to effectively managing your puppy’s biting is to understand why they’re doing it! Generally, there are four main causes of biting: Exploration – puppies use their mouth to investigate and learn about the environment. Teething – biting down on things with varied textures is soothing for puppies that are teething. Play – puppies use their mouths to play with littermates and will often extend this kind of play to people. Frustration/ overstimulation/overtiredness – Puppies can sometimes bite when feeling frustrated (e.g., being held when they don’t want to be), or when they’re overaroused or overtired and are struggling to control their behaviour. Knowing why your puppy is biting can help you decide the best course of action to begin to change their behaviour using the following tips.
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Don’t try to handle a worked-up puppy
Overarousal is often a trigger for puppy biting! Try to avoid handling an overexcited or overstimulated puppy – you’re likely to get bitten if you do! Keep activities such as handling and grooming for times when the puppy is calmer, and they’ll be less likely to use their teeth!
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Puppy teeth on skin makes all the fun stop
If you’re interacting with your puppy and they begin to mouth/bite you, all the fun should stop. If you’re playing, immediately drop the toy and disengage from the activity. Turn or walk away and ignore your puppy for a few moments. This helps give the puppy the message that using their teeth on people makes everything get boring very quickly!
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behaviour
Once your puppy consistently looks to you on hearing this cue, you can use it to interrupt undesired behaviours. If puppy bites, make your sound/say your word to interrupt them. When they stop biting, immediately ask them for something you can reward (e.g. sit, paw, eye contact) and reward them for this alternative behaviour. Gradually begin to introduce this cue in more distracting environments. If your puppy stops responding when hearing the cue, ‘recharge it’ by going back to step 1 (indoors, make the sound/say the cue and immediately feed) for some more practice.
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Time out
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Positive interrupter
Positive interrupter cues work by indicating to your puppy that they should stop what they’re doing as there is a chance to earn a reward coming up and can be a helpful way to stop undesired behaviours. Once your puppy has stopped, you can then redirect them to do something you can reward instead. A positive interrupter can be any word or sound, however it should not be loud enough or shouted such that it might frighten the puppy. Often a strange sound works well to grab the pup’s attention! To train a positive interrupter, grab a handful of treats and your puppy. Make the sound or give the word you’ve chosen (e.g ‘Enough’, ‘Treat’, ‘All done’ etc) and immediately feed them a piece of yummy food. Repeat this 5-10 times. Next, when your puppy isn’t already looking at you but isn’t doing something too exciting, make the sound. When your puppy looks at you, reward them with a piece of food. Repeat this many times in short training sessions.
If you try the positive interrupter and your pup doesn’t stop biting, or you try to walk away or ignore them and they continue to bite as you do so, it’s time for a time out. It is sometimes just too difficult to calm down when there are people around, so a time out in a quiet room by themselves can provide an opportunity for their arousal levels to fall. Without saying much, move the puppy into another space. Try not to use the space they sleep in for this purpose – pop them into another room instead. Wait 1-2 minutes and then let them out again. Try not to immediately re-engage in play as this will raise the puppy’s arousal levels once again, but calmly interact with them as normal. If they go back to biting once again, repeat the time out, leaving them for slightly longer to ensure they’ve had long enough to become calm.
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Appropriate chew toys
Teething can be a big contributor to biting in puppies. Biting down naturally helps to ease the teething pain they’re feeling and satisfies a need to chew. By providing plenty of appropriate chew toys of varying materials and textures, you can reduce the chance of your puppy turning their teeth on you, or your possessions, in an effort to soothe their sore gums. As well as providing plenty of things for your puppy to chew on, temporarily removing access to particularly tempting items (such as chair or table legs) can help to manage destructive biting.
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Ensure enough rest
behaviour
Puppies need a LOT of rest, even if they seem like they are full of energy. Most puppies need to sleep between 18-20 hours per day and an overtired puppy is far more likely to become a biter. When overtired, puppies often feel quite out of sorts and generally have much less control over their behaviour – zooming round the house, forgetting everything they’ve previously learnt, and biting/nipping are all signs of a puppy that needs a rest. Ensuring your puppy gets enough rest is key to helping keep shark-mode at bay. Crate training and/ or structured rest times during the day can help keep energy levels topped up and is particularly important for puppies who always seem to be on the go. Keeping the environment as calm and peaceful as possible will also encourage your puppy to switch off and get some rest, making the overtired biting less likely to rear its ugly head.
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Mental stimulation
When trying to occupy a puppy, it can be tempting to always opt to play to try to wear them out. While this can be effective, play can also raise your puppy’s arousal levels. An overaroused puppy is far more likely to start biting than one who is calm. Replacing some playtime with some mental stimulation activities can help encourage a more relaxed puppy. Sniffing and licking are naturally calming behaviours for dogs, so offering them food enrichment toys such as licki-mats or snuffle mats or creating a treasure hunt of food is a great way to engage your puppy without working them up into a frenzy. Similarly, practicing some reward-based training focusing on calm behaviours (e.g. lead walking or a calm settle) can give your puppy a brain workout and allow them to feel more relaxed, rather than overaroused but overtired!
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Don’t punish your puppy
Avoid punishing your puppy for biting by using aversive measures such as shouting or hitting them. In most cases, the puppy simply learns that their new owner is someone to be frightened of, associating the punishment with you rather than something they did. This can lead to numerous problems down the line and it’s far more important to build a bond of trust with your puppy so they grow up knowing that they can rely on you to keep them safe.
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It is much easier to teach a dog to do an alternative behaviour than teaching them not to do a given behaviour. Giving plenty of suitable chew toys, mental stimulation, and adequate rest, as well as praising and rewarding calm behaviours is a much more effective way to reduce puppy biting.
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Avoid accidentally reinforcing biting
Finally, avoid accidentally reinforcing biting behaviour. Tugging back on clothing, immediately putting a toy into puppy’s mouth or making a big fuss when they bite are all ways that
Westies & Besties - October 2022
behaviour
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1433330663
we may inadvertently be rewarding our puppy for biting. If they learn that grabbing onto your clothing results in a great game of tug, biting your hand means you throw a toy for them or nipping your foot makes you notice that they’re there, it can result in the behaviour becoming stronger over time. Instead, if your puppy grabs a piece of clothing, show them a piece of food to get them to release it, saying ‘drop’ as you do so. Make sure to ask your puppy for a behaviour you can reward (e.g. sit) before throwing that toy for them after they nibble your hand, and try to withdraw attention following biting – make everything very boring –
and give lots of attention and rewards for calm, non-biting behaviour.
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Consistency is key
By following the tips above, your puppy will stop their biting, but the best way to accelerate the process is to be consistent. Consistently provide alternative chewing outlets, withdraw attention when your puppy begins biting and reward calm, alternative behaviours and puppy biting will become a distant memory!
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Nutrition
Nausea, Bloat, or Digestive Issues? Adding a touch of ginger to your Westie’s meals or treats can help settle the stomach BY SUE MAKEPEACE
G
inger is a very powerful root; the healing properties are amazing, which is why it has been used for centuries in Arabic and Asian medicine. It is also a delicious spice used in cooking for us humans (who doesn’t love a curry or a slice of ginger cake?) It also helps with digestion and can settle the gut. Ginger quite often springs to mind when a Westie suffering with a digestive upset or a dog that is nauseous. Ginger has so much more to offer our dogs, it is used in tummy settler recipes for dogs that are suffering with upset stomachs. Ginger contains gingerol and shogaol, these are phenophytochemicals and make the spice receptors in the tongue spring into action, to increase the speed of digestion. Ginger can also be antiinflammatory and helps reduce any inflammation in the digestive tract when the dog is feeling nauseous. If your Westie shows any symptoms of feeling nauseous, then ginger is a good option to help settle the stomach. • • • •
Drooling Lip licking or smacking Off their food Excessive panting
If your Westie doesn’t travel well in a car, and suffers with travel
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sickness then offer ginger around 30 minutes before setting off, this should help the dog’s stomach to settle and the journey should be less stressful. Ginger has also shown to be effective in the early signs of bloat, mainly because it moves the food quicker through the stomach. If your dog shows any of the following signs - large bloated stomach, can’t settle and very uncomfortable, whining in pain, vomiting, faster heart rate, signs of pain in the abdomen, then an immediate Vet visit is essential. There are several changes you can make to try and keep your Westie safe from suffering from bloat. Feed a fresh well-balanced raw diet. Offer bones like necks, wings, ribs etc Feed smaller meals 3-4 times a day (if your dog has digestive issues). Feed the dog on a plate or a platter not in a raised bowl. If you have a stinky Westie that can clear a room in seconds, then ginger can help. A little bit of wind is quite normal, but if it builds up it can be really unpleasant and uncomfortable for the Westie, in which case a Vet visit is essential. As ginger has antiinflammatory properties, adding a little to your
Westie’s food may help with arthritic pain. There are so many ways that ginger can be offered to your Westie. In powdered form, which is a good option and easy to buy, you can feed 1/8th tsp per 5kg dog. Fresh ginger can be used to make tea, good for dogs and great for humans too. You can of course buy ginger tea bags. Peel the fresh ginger (use a tsp, very useful tip from Jamie Oliver and it works), grate the yellow flesh and steep for a few minutes in water. Give 1/4 cup to your Westie up to three times a day. Another way to give your dog ginger is to add it to homemade treats, or even grate some into goats yoghurt or pumpkin and freeze, maybe add a few blueberries etc, these can be given frozen as a treat, get inventive. One thing you must be aware of is ginger can thin the blood, so if your dog is going for surgery, is pregnant, has a heart condition or diabetes, or is on long term medication giving ginger is not a good idea. It may also reduce blood pressure and blood sugars. It’s best to have a chat to your Vet to ensure it’s okay to feed to your Westie.
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Sue Makepeace is the founder of the Westie Advice Group on Facebook and is also a certified raw dog food nutrition specialist.
Nutrition PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1910721289
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Nutrition
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Benefits of As well as being tasty, this superfood is filled with vitamins which will support your Westie’s health and wellbeing
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Westies & Besties - October 2022
Nutrition
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his autumnal/winter squash contains vitamins A, C and E and is brilliant to have on standby at any time of year. It’s packed with minerals such as Iron and Potassium and due to its fibre, it helps dogs suffering with constipation and diarrhea. Canned pumpkin is probably the best to give to your Westie as you don’t need to do anything to it except feed it. You won’t need an entire tin of pumpkin in one sitting so why not freeze it and give it to your bestie as a defrosted little treat when he needs a little help with his stomach? (Don’t give your dog Pumpkin Pie filling as this is full of totally different ingredients!) If you’re feeling adventurous you can always bake (until soft) your left-over pumpkin that you’ve carved out of the shell,
remove the seeds, and cut into small pieces for your Westie. You don’t want to give your Westie too much pumpkin, however, as too much fibre isn’t good…so start off by giving small quantities and always consult your Vet before doing so. If your pal has been diagnosed with kidney problems, then it’s best to give canned pumpkin a miss as it can be high in Phosphorous and Potassium. Pumpkin contains an antioxidant called betacarotene. This helps boost the immune system and is said to also help maintain the health of a dog’s eyes. What’s more, pumpkin is a natural dewormer and also improves urinary tract function so all in all, pumpkin is an allrounder when it comes to helping your dog’s health.
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_782128447
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FEATURE
Pancreatitis What You Really
Need to Know Supplied by Bella & Duke in conjunction with Dr Brendan Clarke
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FEATURE PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1361660519
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FEATURE
Pancreatitis Pancreatitis in dogs is a growing problem in the UK. In this comprehensive guide, we help you to understand exactly what it is, what causes pancreatitis, and we walk you through how to help your Westie manage its pancreatitis.
What is pancreatitis in dogs? Pancreatitis in dogs is a common condition. The role of the pancreas is to produce enzymes that assist with the digestion of food, as well as the production of hormones such as insulin. Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas and there are two types of this condition: acute and chronic.
Acute vs chronic pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis in dogs is short-term with a quick onset. It can be very painful with significant digestive upset, causing vomiting and diarrhoea, which can even result in dehydration and collapse in dogs. Chronic pancreatitis in dogs is where they have previously
had acute episodes that have caused damage to the pancreas. This means that ongoing flareups and long-term issues are displayed, including an inability to digest foods properly and ultimately, a chronic inflammation within that area of the gut. Pancreatitis can affect any breed of dog; however it is seen to be present in certain types of breeds more commonly than others. Westies, Jack russells, and some of the toy breeds such as bichon frise and poodles often fall into this category. However, it is unclear whether this is because these breeds experience inflammation and therefore are predisposed to certain conditions. For example, Westies are predisposed to skin problems and general immune-mediated conditions, which could result in inflammation throughout the body, including the pancreas.
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1711941643
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It is important to be aware that any breed of dog can develop pancreatitis and if
FEATURE Tony and his Westie the CEO of Bella & Duke
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FEATURE
any of the symptoms are present, dogs should be examined by a professional so it can be managed. Pancreatitis in older dogs Pancreatitis is more common in middle-age to older dogs, however it can also occur in younger dogs. Whatever the age of a dog, if they display signs of pancreatitis, it is vital to seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. Pancreatitis in overweight dogs It is believed that overweight dogs may be more prone to pancreatitis in some cases, however it can also occur in dogs that are of a healthy weight. The link between obesity and pancreatitis in dogs could be because overweight dogs may have been fed diets that are more likely to cause inflammation, therefore provoking the onset of pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs The following symptoms of pancreatitis will help you to identify if you need to speak to your Vet. Bowel habits One of the easiest and most revealing symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs is a change in bowel habits. A common symptom is larger stools, or more of an oily appearance in the stool because of the lack of fat digestion. If a dog has diarrhoea, it is also worth investigating whether it is pancreatitis in dogs, or there is a different cause, as it needs to be dealt with.
Other symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include: Change in appetite Weight loss Abdominal pain or discomfort Nausea or dehydration
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Image supplied by Bella & Duke
What causes pancreatitis in dogs? One single cause has not been isolated for pancreatitis in dogs. We do know that if a dog experiences concurrent inflammation elsewhere, within the small intestine, bile ducts and liver, they can get pancreatitis included in that condition called triaditis. This is inflammation in the small intestine, liver, and pancreas, which ultimately leads us to believe that anything that can include inflammation in the
Westies & Besties - October 2022
intestinal tract could lead to pancreatitis becoming a problem. Previously, it was thought that it was caused by excess fat or excess oxidised fats. We now know it is more complex than this and it is more of a jigsaw of factors. It’s not always the consumption of fats that pump fats into the bloodstream. We know that some of the cereals and starches that are then processed by the liver are actually the ones that produce the triglycerides which can aggravate the pancreas.
Dr Emily Stein shared that the number one cause of pancreatic cancer in humans is a specific bacteria called porphyromonas gingivalis. It is believed that if this bacterium is in your dog’s mouth as they have tooth decay or inflamed gums, these bacteria can travel down the airways, through the bloodstream and to the pancreas, contributing to inflammation. Every time they eat, if they have gingivitis, it is transmitted straight into the bloodstream. We also know that almost all grains cause inflammation in humans because they release something called zonulin, which creates leaky gut. Applying this knowledge to dogs, grains could increase the likelihood of inflammation, as leaky gut causes the fragments around the bacteria to go into the bloodstream.
the abdomen of a dog and the dog will often tense up, or even yelp out with very little pressure. This is a common sign of pancreatitis. Blood tests Blood tests can be run to look at whether there is an increase of pancreas enzymes
Questions that a Vet might ask you about pancreatitis include: What are the symptoms? This will help to diagnose and rule out any other conditions, for example, whether they have been vomiting or if there has been any loss of blood. What is your dog’s history? A Vet will need to understand your dog’s history, to gain a deeper understanding of any contributing factors, as well as finding out whether they could have been suffering from pancreatitis for a long time. Are there any foods your dog does not respond well to? Vets will want to know about any intolerances or
circulating in the bloodstream to indicate pancreatitis. Vets will ask questions as well as carrying out physical examinations in order to understand the dog’s health and differentiate from other potential conditions that could be causing the symptoms.
FEATURE
Digestive enzymes that are produced in the pancreas are supposed to travel into the dog’s gut to digest food. Instead, they become trapped in the pancreas and start to dissolve, digest, or inflame the pancreas itself. The digestion of its own organ then causes the inflammation. It becomes a vicious cycle of more digestion, more inflammation, and more activation of those enzymes, which goes in a circle and turns into a very painful condition.
allergies, to understand whether food could be a contributing factor to inflammation, discomfort, or pancreatitis. What has your dog eaten recently? There may be unknown intolerances or allergies that are causing pancreatitis, so a Vet will often want to know which foods your dog has recently consumed. This can be an effective method of identifying any unfamiliar foods and seeing if these could be the cause of recent symptoms. How to manage pancreatitis in dogs When a dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, there are various ways that you can help to manage it.
Things that can contribute to pancreatitis include: • Sensitivities to certain foods • Inflammation in the body (skin flare-ups, ear issues, dermatitis, gingivitis etc. which can signal an issue that needs dealing with) How will a vet diagnose pancreatitis? There are various methods that a vet may use to diagnose pancreatitis in dogs. Examination Pancreatitis is incredibly painful, so a Vet will place their hands on
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What to avoid Avoid fats in the acute phase In the acute phase, avoid high fat content in food, as this stimulates the pancreas to create more enzymes which could be activated and cause more pain within the pancreas. This means feeding a healthy, balanced diet and low-fat dog treats for pancreatitis are great ways to manage health concerns. Large meals Instead of feeding large meals, opt for smaller portions. Breaking the same amount of food into smaller meals throughout the day can help to reduce the symptoms of pancreatitis and help to improve digestion. Avoid foods that aggravate pancreatitis Nutrition plays a key role in managing pancreatitis in dogs. Therefore, you should make sure you feed a good dog food for pancreatitis, ensuring it is nutrient-dense and does not contain ingredients like grains that are likely to cause further inflammation. Avoid anything causing further health issues Overall health is also important when managing pancreatitis, so food for dogs with pancreatitis should be easily digestible and should not risk any further health problems.
What to start doing There are some additions to a dog’s diet that can be helpful to combat and cope with pancreatitis, whether it is acute or chronic. As with anything, if you are unsure or have any concerns, you should always check with your Vet before trying something new. Support the gut In the acute phase, feeding some bone broth with the fat skimmed off can help to support gut health and bacteria, reducing inflammation and getting flare-ups back under control. This works to allow the dog to take in nutrients without triggering the enzymes in the short-term. Consider supplements Supplements such as probiotics can help to support healthy digestion and a healthy gut. Feed a suitable diet The best food for dogs with pancreatitis is one that is nutritious and easily digestible, helping to keep inflammation away while supporting dogs’ health. Knowing what to feed a dog with pancreatitis and how to manage their health issues is incredibly important, helping them to be comfortable and live the longest and healthiest lives possible. We answer some of the most popular questions about pancreatitis in dogs.
Supplements such as probiotics can help to support healthy digestion and a healthy gut. 32
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FEATURE Image supplied by Bella & Duke
What is the best dog food for pancreatitis? Knowing what to feed a dog with pancreatitis is important, as you can help to support their wellbeing and stabilise gut bacteria. A common question asked about the diet for dogs with pancreatitis is ‘should dogs with pancreatitis eat boiled chicken and rice?’ While this food has previously been classed as a ‘light’ diet, we also know that highly processed diets are not great for dogs. While rice may give a short-term fix in dogs’ glucose, large amounts of starch and rice have the potential to cause inflammation,
further aggravating the condition in the longer term. This means that an ideal dog pancreatitis diet is one that is speciesappropriate, helping to support the reduction of inflammation while maintaining health. Therefore, a good food for dogs with pancreatitis revolves around higher fats and protein levels within the diet, more animal-originated sourcing of nutrients and a small amount of vegetable material to mimic the nutrients and vitamins that they could get from those prey animals.
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Can I give my Westie healthy treats? Particularly in the acute phase of pancreatitis, it is important to reduce the fat intake in your Westie’s diet. What do Vets prescribe for pancreatitis? Common treatment for pancreatitis involves supportive care. This includes fluid therapy, nutritional management and anti-nausea medications or appetite stimulants. What can trigger pancreatitis? There are a range of theories linked to the causes of pancreatitis in dogs. It is believed that dogs consuming
unsuitable diets, for example, one full of cereals and starches, can result in the production of triglycerides which aggravate the pancreas. Food sensitivities and inflammation in the body are both factors that can contribute to pancreatitis in dogs. How long do dogs live after being diagnosed with pancreatitis? The prognosis and survival rate of dogs with pancreatitis is good, providing it is not severe and that it is controlled as much as possible. However, in cases of severe pancreatitis, the likelihood of fatality within 30 days is higher. It is very difficult to predict the lifespan of a dog
Image supplied by Bella & Duke
For more information visit: www.bellandduke.com
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with pancreatitis, as it depends on many factors including the causes, contributing factors and potential ways to improve the dog’s health. How do I know if my dog food is good for pancreatitis? The key to knowing the best diet for dogs with pancreatitis is to be aware of the ingredients. You should be able to find out everything that is included in a dog’s meals, and this can be used to check whether it is likely to support a healthy gut and digestion or cause further inflammation in dogs with pancreatitis. To find a dog food suitable for pancreatitis, you can speak to your vet, or talk to a nutritionist.
FEATURE Image supplied by Bella & Duke www.westiesandbestiesmagazine.com
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FEATURE
RAW FOOD Top Vet tips for starting your Westie on raw food
The raw food books you need to read
The new raw food manufacturing accreditation
Where does your Westie’s raw food come from?
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_1307392216
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5
Top Tips for Starting your Westie on
Raw Food BY DR NICK THOMPSON
E
veryone I have ever spoken to has been terrified when making the journey from kibble or canned food to raw. Don’t worry; you’re not alone!
Here are five essential tips to help you on your way to a happier, healthier pet.
Support Find a support network online, locally, or from someone who has been feeding raw for a while. Having some personal contact with one or two people is better than having the opinion from twenty in a Facebook forum.
Dr Conor Brady’s book – Feeding Dogs – The Science Behind the Dry vs Raw Debate? Very comprehensive and scientific. It may be a little too technical for novice raw feeders, but Conor Brady is the man for you if you want detail. Lovely writing style.
Ensure your raw food supplier is happy to help, either your local raw store or the manufacturer of the frozen raw food you’ve bought. If they won’t, don’t use them. Find someone who will supply and support you.
Honey’s Natural Feeding Handbook for Dogs by Jonathan Self. An excellent small, easy-to-read book outlining why raw feeding makes sense.
Read There are some fantastic books out there to help you transition. Here’s a list of resources we like:
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Real Food for Dogs and Cats: A Practical Guide to Feeding Your Pet a Balanced, Natural Diet by Clare Middle Another small, easy-to-read, matter-of-fact guide to raw feeding, including many good tips for cats.
Westies & Besties - October 2022
FEATURE
PHOTO CREDIT: shutterstock_2080846954
Hygiene Read articles/blogs on the safety of handling raw meat. RawSAFE has excellent information. Use the same hygiene rules for human raw meat preparation; wash hands after handling meat. Wash surfaces and utensils in hot soapy water. Easy! Be Guided by Your Pet If you feed something and your pet doesn’t like it, don’t push them to eat. Put the food down for ten minutes, take up again, cover it in cling film, and try again in two hours. If they’re still not interested, try another flavour. Transitioning dogs is pretty straightforward - usually. You can go for the cold-turkey
approach or take four days - adding a ¼ meal of raw each day until complete transition on the last day. Veterinary Support Most Vets don’t know much about raw feeding and are consequently suspicious of it. Try to find a Vet or Veterinary practice locally that will support you. Ask your friends who feed raw, who they use, and the Vet’s response when they have a raw conversation. Go to the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society website Find A Vet Page to find your nearest raw feeding Vet:
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WHAT IS
RAWSAFE AND WHY SHOULD
WESTIE OWNERS TAKE NOTE OF IT?
There’s a new accreditation in town for PET FOOD manufacturers
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This summer has seen the first of many raw pet food manufacturers be independently audited and those that are successful receive a prestigious accreditation for their manufacturing standards of excellence. The accreditation has been developed by a team from The Raw Feeding Veterinary Society and has strong legal protection and careful processes to ensure it has real value to those manufacturers who choose to invest in gaining it and, more importantly, gives Veterinary surgeons and consumers’ confidence in the safety of top quality raw foods. RawSAFE has appointed the largest meat hygiene inspection company in Europe to independently audit manufacturing processes against a detailed set of objective assessment criteria. These match with those in human food manufacturing, with adjustments to accommodate food items which aren’t commonly used in human foods (such as organ meats and tripe). As well as a planned audit, each manufacturer agrees that the auditor will make an unannounced visit to them during the year. The accreditation can only be obtained via the audit, there is no other way to gain it such as paid membership or someone endorsing a company.
FEATURE
UK raw dog food supplier, Paleo Ridge was one of the first brands to receive the RawSAFE certification after undergoing a thorough audit of its manufacturing processes.
Tyler Daly, CEO of Paleo Ridge, said, “We are very proud that Paleo Ridge is officially RawSAFE certified. Our focus is always on the health and wellbeing of dogs and the accreditation is testament to the high quality of our food and manufacturing processes. Manufacturing standards can differ greatly from business to business, it’s very important that there is now a standard which oversees and regulates the manufacture of safe, healthy pet food that consumers can buy with confidence and that Vets can stand behind. “At Paleo Ridge, we pride ourselves on implementing an industry leading, best
practice approach. We go above and beyond in sourcing, welfare, nutritional testing, and manufacturing. The new certificate will reassure customers that our products meet the highest possible standards, improving the reach and reputation of the Paleo Ridge brand as we seek to help dogs nationwide live happy and healthy lives.” At the time of writing, 23 companies have applied to be audited. So, what does this mean for Westie owners? It means that beloved Westies will have a large range of products to choose from which are made with the very best of manufacturing processes.
The new certificate will reassure customers that our products meet the highest possible standards, improving the reach and reputation of the Paleo Ridge brand as we seek to help dogs nationwide live happy and healthy lives For more information visit: www.rawsafe.com
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FEATURE
RAISING THE BAR David Kemp, CEO of Ethically Raised talks
raw dog food, regenerative farming, and industry welfare standards COMPILED BY KIM LATHAM
When was Ethically Raised established and what inspired you to launch your own raw food for dogs? We officially launched in June 2021 but had been developing the brand since 2020. We own a doggy daycare based in the rolling Chiltern Hills and we have been feeding and selling raw dog food since 2015. I have two real passions; one for raw dog food and the other for regenerative agriculture and I wanted to marry the two together. Explain the difference between your raw food products and others on the market. We are different from other brands for several key reasons. We can proudly say we are the most ethical dog food company in the UK. We can say that because we are the only dog food brand to 42
be certified by A Greener World which has the highest Animal Welfare Standards in the world and these standards are audited on an annual basis for both us and all our farmers to make sure welfare standards are being met with spot inspections too. The second reason is that we are certified by Pasture for Life which has the highest grass-fed standards in the UK. We also inspect our farms ourselves to make sure they are implementing regenerative farming practices such as High Impact Mob Grazing with long recovery periods, silvopasture, minimising soil disturbance and adding biodiversity with rotations, herbal lays, and hedgerows. We also buy whole dairy cows as part of our raw food recipe so when we say we use premium ingredients we mean it (there is no trim
Westies & Besties - October 2022
FEATURE
Image supplied by Ethically Raised of Natural Treats
being used here). Because we buy straight from the farmer that means we can guarantee our ingredient provenance and full traceability. We are the first and only pet food company to label each one of our products with the name of the farm where the animal was raised. Our recipes have been lab tested to meet / exceed FEDIAF guidelines and we publish the results unlike most. We also use paper bags for our raw food instead of plastic tubs meaning your product can be easily stacked in the freezer and because it’s thin it is ultra-fast at defrosting compared to its counterparts. Do you plan to offer more range in the future, for example, a range for dogs with kidney disease or pancreatitis? We plan to increase our range to include Chicken,
Turkey, Goose and Fish. We also have on board our nutritionist, Junior Hudson, who will definitely be working on recipes from puppies to ailments. Tell us about some of your business goals. Our goal is to feed as many dogs as we can with the best raw dog food on the market and to bring more farmers on to a regenerative-based system to help save the planet and its soils and to restore carbon within them. Some dog owners are wary of feeding raw food. Explain what you think are the benefits of feeding raw food to a Westie owner. There are plenty of benefits to feeding raw and I am sure you have seen information from Dr Nick Thompson or the RFVS (Raw Feeding
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FEATURE
Veterinary Society) saying they have better poos or a shiny coat, but this is just the tip of the iceberg as studies are showing better health and longevity. Such studies have seen switching from an Ultra-Processed diet on to a fresh food one can significantly reduce inflammatory markers (GlycA) associated with Allergies, IBD, Type 2 Diabetes, Certain Cancers, Cardiovascular Disease, Fatty Liver Disease and All-Cause Mortality. This study was published in The Royal Society under the headline Age, Breed, Sex and Diet influence serum metabolite profiles of 2000 pet dogs published in February 2022.
and tested to maintain good health. The reason why they are so important is because without them your dog could be missing vital nutrients in their diet that could lead to problems later down the road for you and your dog. If you take a normal packet of kibble for example you will see nutritional supplements or as we call it in the industry a chemical premix of synthetic vitamins and minerals to help your dog achieve the guidelines. In the raw food industry, we do that with fruit, vegetables, seeds, and seaweeds. If you are worried about this, ask your manufacturer to publish their results or speak to a nutritionist.
How important are raw food certificates such as FEDIAF to dog owners? Why should they consider not purchasing food from a company that does not have such certificates? FEDIAF is a set of feeding guidelines used to help the pet industry formulate foods. These are the only guidelines we have in the UK and are tried
Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers? If you truly want to support British Farmers that are following regenerative practices and rebuilding our top soils then please consider supporting Ethically Raised so we can continue to buy the best for the best.
Image supplied by Ethically Raised of Natural Treats
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Westies & Besties - October 2022
Raw dog food at's better for em and e planet ey love explo ng.
20% off your first order with our exclusive code BEST22 Ethically Raised is the only raw dog food made from the highest quality meat sourced from Pasture for Life and A Greener World certified farms. Great for your dog and great for the planet. That’s the Ethically Raised standard.
Ultra Low carbon
Biologically appropriate
Beyond sustainable
Beyond organic
ethicallyraised.co.uk
Nutritionally balanced
A WESTIE WALKABOUT IN
COMMUNITY
AUSTRALIA ALL IMAGES SUPPLIED BY JASON WALTERS
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Westies & Besties - October 2022
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COMMUNITY
THE WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER CLUB OF VICTORIA ORGANISED THE EVENT
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ACCESSORIES
Enjoy the season with some fun accessories for you and your bestie Autumnal Floral Pumpkin Ring As we head into Autumn why not celebrate this beautiful season with a Floral Pumpkin Ring decoration for your front door - brought to you by The Range for £17.99. www.therange.co.uk
Image supplied by The Range
Image supplied by Homesense
Halloween Dog Toy Get your bestie involved in the October festival of spooks with this fun Halloween dog toy by Homesense. A little devil for your little devil! £4.99 www.homesense.com
Image supplied by Hotel Chocolat
Halloween Characters This fun selection of spooky characters by The Range will have your guests gasping with delight during the month of Halloween. £6.99 www.therange.co.uk
Wingston the Bat Tuck into some tasty delights this Halloween. Wingston the Bat (dark chocolate) is brought to you by Hotel Chocolat and costs £8. www.hotelchocolat.com Image supplied by The Range
Pumpkin Dog Toy Treat your bestie to a toy pumpkin (£7.99) and let him be part of the fun this October. www.homesense.com Image supplied by Homesense
Image supplied by TK Maxx
Haunted House Snow Globe This Haunted House Water Globe from TK Maxx is a wonderful decoration to have on display that you can keep year after year. £9.99 www.tkmaxx.com
Image supplied by Lights4Fun
Pumpkin Table Settings These beautiful dining place settings of glass and felt pumpkins will look spooktacular on any dining table as we head in the autumn months. www.lights4fun.co.uk 48
Westies & Besties - October 2022
ACCESSORIES
Black & White Bowl This £9.99 Halloween bowl from Homesense is perfect if you’re planning on making some putrid punch for your guests. www.homesense.com Image supplied by Homesense
Haunted House Biscuit Tin Treat your guests to some spooky-themed biscuits. From pumpkins to witches and black cats, there’s a little piece of deliciousness for everyone. £38 www.biscuiteers.com
Image supplied by Lights4fun
Light Up Inflatable Witch’s Cauldron Surprise your neighbourhood with this fantastic inflatable witch’s cauldron which lights up! It costs £39.99 and it’s from Lights4fun. www.lights4fun.co.uk
Autumn Cushion Cover This autumn-themed embroidered Halloween cushion from George at ASDA will have you feeling cosy and relaxed as the winter months move in. £9 www.asda.com Image supplied by Biscuiteers Image supplied by George
A Stake in the Right Direction Welcome visitors to your home with this large Halloween stake by Wilko. £5. www.wilko.com
Image supplied by The Range
Image supplied by Wilko
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Candle Stick Holder Light up the darkness with this Halloween candle stick holder by The Range and let the shadows play with the minds of your guests’ imaginations. £34.99 www.therange.co.uk
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COMMUNITY
COOKIE
THIS WESTIE, OWNER OF LISA FORD, RECENTLY ENJOYED A BIRTHDAY WEEKEND AT A DOGGY SOFT PLAY CENTRE IN MANCHESTER All images supplied by Lisa Ford.
C
ookie has just turned one and to celebrate this he had celebrations spread over a very long weekend. On the Thursday, he went to Doggy Soft Play in Manchester (Bark & Bounce) with his friend Rory, the yellow lab, they played in the ball pits, bounced on the bouncy castle (this was Cookie’s favourite part of soft play – he kept going back to play on the bouncy castle, there were also slides and soft play climbing frames, they had lots of fun chasing each other around all the obstacles. They both had the time of their lives and once settled in the car for the journey home, they were both flat out fast asleep, you wouldn’t have even known they were there, not a sound all the way home.
As Cookie arrives onto the field, he will just stop stationary and have a look around to see where his friends are. When he sees his friends, he will then make a bee line over to them, we have no chance of getting him back once he spots his friends, he runs like a Whippet. He runs and runs and runs till he can’t run any more, to the point he must be carried back home. Once back, he goes straight to his water bowl then back on the sofa for a sleep. Even though he is asleep, he still manages to know if a dog is walking past the window as he jumps up quickly and stands on the edge of the sofa like a meerkat watching what is going on outside.
Cookie’s birthday celebrations ended on the Sunday when he had his birthday party, this was his actual birthday. The house On the Friday, Cookie visited his was decorated in doggy birthday favourite doggy café in Nantwich bunting, balloons, lots of presents, ‘Charlies & Co’. He had his usual doggy birthday cake, doggy cuddles and attention from the pawsecco, treats, puppachinos and staff, and he had his puppachino doggy party bags for all his doggy which he absolutely loves, it’s gone friends who came to his party. In in seconds. We then went to the the garden, he had his doggy agility chippy down the road to get Cookie set out as well as his paddling a sausage, he loves his chip shop pool, balls, and lots of toys, he sausage, but it must be cut up into had the time of his life. Come small chunks otherwise he Sunday night, Cookie was won’t touch it. absolutely exhausted, but he needed to get On Saturday, he a good night’s sleep visited his Nana’s You can find as the following house (my Mum), out more about Cookie the morning he was she lives near a due at doggy day Westie on Instagram: huge field which care which means Cookie absolutely @cookie_the_westie_of_insta more running and loves as he can just playing with all of his run around with all friends. his doggy friends.
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Westies & Besties - October 2022
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