How Your Dog Can Make Your Life Easier

We are an old-fashioned company creating healthy lives by bringing people & pets together through great nutrition. I believe by feeding the best foods, and not breaking the bank you and your pet can make a great life together-happy & healthy. More info @furryfriendsinc.com

Spa Day at Furry Friends Inc.

Watch our video on just how much fun you can have at the Furry Friends Inc. DIY Dog Wash-oh yeh, called the Beach Club! Put on your flip-flops and join the fun. More info at furryfriendsinc.com

Is Your Pet Surviving or Thriving on His Pet food?

Do you go to the big box pet store or local grocery store and see the stunning marketing and the beautiful packaging only to be scared by the ingredient panel on the back of the bag? Today, so much money is spent on marketing to YOU that your pet may suffer from toxic ingredients found in the bag.

Top Chefs don't necessarily make great pet foods. Reading the ingredients and understanding some of these mysterious labels is imperative to your pets' health. If you see ingredients like corn (hard to digest), high fructose corn syrup, propylene glycol, (a derivative of anti-freeze), unidentifiable ingredients (meat meal-what meat??) 
Don't be fooled by some grain free products either. Grain free does not mean carbohydrate free. If switching to a grain free food and the 2nd ingredient is potatoes what have you really done to help your pet?
Another really absurd recommendation I often hear is that you should keep your pet on the same food all of it's life. When you got your new puppy did the breeder say "feed this food and nothing else" that's about as absurd as you eating oatmeal and nothing else the rest of your life. Nutritional diversity is imperative to good health. Good health=quality life. Don't let your pet become addicted to unhealthy ingredients as it can be difficult to change your dogs over to nourishing foods.
Thinking about treats? Try single protein sourced treats like dehydrated salmon, venison, chicken, lamb or turkey. Your dogs don't need sugars, toxic chemical preservatives and food coloring. They need real food and real treats. I can't say enough about USA products, SOURCED and packaged.
If you need help with your pet's diet, please send me an em or give us a call @ Furry Friends Inc. We're talking about your best friend here and you make all the decisions. Please make good ones!
em-info@furryfriendsinc.com or ph 719-495-7387 or stop by to see us in Colorado Springs at 3586 C Hartsel Dr. 80920.

Dog Food Nutrition in the News

Lily and I had great fun at Fox21 News discussing pet food nutrition. It was sort of funny because it was Lily's dinnertime and boy was she getting excited. Enjoy the video. If you have any questions on nutrition, feel free to em us info@furryfriendsinc.com and check out our website www.furryfriendsinc.com
How to pick out pet food              Watch us on Fox News Now! Click here

Dog Nutrition on the News

We were recently interviewed by Fox21 News. Watch to see the story here

Additional news story will air on June 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm to learn about different varieties of pet food nutrition.

Dog Nutrition-Ingredients That Matter

Debbie explains Ingredients and what to look for in dog food. Should your dog be eating grain-free? Which 2 dogs should absolutely have grain free food? Listen to hear some great tools when picking out your pet's food.  More info visit our  Pet Store in Colorado Springs

Is Your Dog Really Listening To You?

I think sometimes dogs have selective hearing...like when you say "want a biscuit" vs."do you want a bath?"
Dogs can know up to 136 words and they really do listen. In fact, they rely on their super hearing skills much more than we mere humans. But, their ears can be telltale signs to their health,too. Have you ever touched the ear of your dog and they swing their head away? Or, is your dog shaking his head alot? These can be signs of a painful ear infection. Look inside the ear to see if you smell something foul or see any waxy discharge.
Often times, the food your dog is eating may be the problem and too many ear infections can lead to hearing loss. If it is the food there are some commom culprits like wheat, corn or soy in the food. Other issues might be brewer's yeast, eggs or even chicken. The answer is to figure it out and get your dog healthy asap.
Monthly cleaning of the ear with a product like Halo 9 Ear Wash can help. Antibiotics have a place however, sometimes with ear infections the medicine can only mask the real issue. If you think your dog has had too many ear infections, (or even one) let's talk holistic health with cleanings and great food first. Come in and talk to us! Call us at 719-495-7387

Give A Dog A Bed

This morning as I walked around the house I realized I have 8 beds and three crates for our six dogs to relax in, on and enjoy. When I think about their beds it's important they have a safe place to retreat. Most of our dogs are rescues and some like the cave idea (crate) while others like to be completely enveloped in the plushest bed ever. You should see Curly the miniature poodle, legs sticking straight up in the air enjoying his soft cuddly bed. Dogs seem to like texture and plush beds can do just that. Lucy, our Llhasa loves the bed with the electric heater (just for dogs) all year round. She is the senior in the family and she can snooze ever so deeply with some added warmth to her joints.
My point is give your dog a comfortable, safe bed and remember to never use a bed as a scolding place. Try and buy the best bed you can to last a long, long time (one of our beds is 15 years old) and make sure you can remove the cover to freshen it up in the wash. Your dog will LOVE you for it!

Pet Insurance-Yes or No?

CNBC recently asked the question "Is pet insurance worth it?" Being the owner of 6 dogs, I have a bit of experience in this arena, too. Just like CNBC has reported sometimes it's worth it and sometimes not. When I went out researching pet insurance I found that there was a lot of fine print to be read. One of the most important I found was breed specific. Take for instance, my schnauzer, Bella. Just because Bella is a schnauzer she is genetically predisposed to get some sort of kidney disease (often kidney stones). Since the insurance companies really don't like paying out claims they disallow that with a schnauzer. So, make sure to read the fine print. If your dogs breed is subject to a particular disease make sure your pet insurance covers that particular disease. Next, I think it's great to have insurance on puppies and kittens. The premiums are generally not a lot and you decide the deductible. Most insurances do not cover well checks (but require them annually) and they do not cover teeth cleanings or vaccines. I have used pet insurance for a few of my dogs on torn ACL's and it was great when the procedure was $1300 and I came up with $200 (my deductible) and another 20%. That was well worth the price of the premium. As our pets age, just like us, the insurance premiums go up, so, you need to consider if the premium is worth the investment. Just consider the financial risk or expense that may incur as costs can add up quickly.visit us on www.furryfriendsinc.com

Stop Dog Shedding With Mud

If you don't think mud can stop your dog from shedding you would be wrong! SuperZoo in Vegas this year, the largest pet trade show, had a great surprise for us as we shopped all the latest and greatest in the pet industry. We stumbled upon mud....and not just any mud, Mediterranean Mud. You know the kind of mud you might find at the finest of spas for yourself. Well, this mud was unique in that it had special properties to stop the shedding on your dog. Watch this video and see how much hair Nash, the lab, lost during his walk in shower mud bath. His owner will tell you Nash has seen some "spectacular" results stopping the shedding. Easy to apply and the dog will love you for it. Stop in and see us at 3586 C Hartsel in the Woodmen Shopping Center, Furry Friends Inc and get the Mediterranean Mud upgrade...you and the vacuum will be glad you did. Phone 719-495-7387

What's Up With Coconuts and Canines?

You've heard the benefits of coconuts for humans? Well, that transfers to your dogs health, too! That's great news when you look at what advocates of coconut oil are saying. Here's some of the benefits although there have been no clinical trials. Check out this list:
*Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions
*Improves choesterol levels and helps fight heart disease
*Improves digestion
*Get rid of disorders like Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and colitis
*Powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease
*Helps arthritis
*Treats yeast and fungal infections
*Prevents viral infections
*Normal thyroid function
*Reduces allergic reactions
Coconut oil today can easily be found at your local health food store and not only can be ingested but, also applied topically. Dogs love the taste so incorporating it into their diet may be easier than you think. Go slow at first as not to create diarrhea. 1/2 tsp per small dog and 1 tsp per large dog daily. The optimum dose is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. Although, each dog can vary for what is ideal for that dog.
Internet forums suggest that overweight dogs can become lean, coats are super shiny and arthritic dogs walk much better with it. Contact dermatitis, hot spots, and other allergic reactions can be soothed by topically applying coconut oil or adding it to their food. You can even use it to improve your dog's breath! The dogs generally love the taste so make sure if put on topically that it is allowed to dry before they lick it all off.
Don't forget about buying fresh coconuts which can keep your dog busy for hours. Check out the internet on how to open and remove the coconut water (which your dog can also drink). Split the coconut in half or in several pieces and let your dog chew away.
So, take your coconut daily and include your dog in this healthy routine!

Senior Dogs Have Special Needs

I've had so many dogs in my life and as I watch them age I wanted to share with you all the things that make their senior dogs life so much more enjoyable. It starts with the little things, like a heated pad made especially for dogs to keep those old joints warm and agile as they age. We also pay special attention to their teeth so none of that terrible bacteria goes to the rest of their bodies. I make sure to give all of my dogs The Missing Link everyday to help with their immune system and their fiber content. I'm sure to give an easier diet when I see they are having a hard time digesting. You know, we used to eat whatever we want well not so much as we get older too. So, as my dogs age I incorporate some raw and canned food into their diets for easy digestion.
 One of my dogs Lucy is hard to wake up after sleeping and becomes startled easily if we approach from behind.  Hearing loss or deafness may be a reason for this. There isn't a lot that can be done for age-related hearing loss, but a vet exam should be done first to rule out other medical problems, such as an infection, growth, or foreign body in the ear.
                                    
*If your dog does experience hearing loss, take care to protect him/her from hazards, such as cars and kids that s/he may not hear (or see). Dogs do learn and adapt well using hand signals to come, stay, sit, and so on. It is a good idea to "cross train" your dog early in life to recognize basic hand signals. C

• 
  Cody had Cloudy or "bluish" eyes - As they age, dog's eyes often show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging. Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as cataracts. Cataracts are white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts. Make sure to provide a safe place for your furry friend and don't move the furniture around once you have provided a safe path for your pet to go to and from.

When it comes to jumping, I try and make things easier by providing ramps and stairs depending on the size of the dog. We want to protect their hips and knees and make sure we get some good exercise with some steady walking. I also make sure to give Answers Raw Goat's Milk it's like giving the best probiotic ever. The dogs love the taste and it makes for a great morning treat because it's real food. Talking about food, don't forget the fresh veggies that will help with their immune systems too.
So, think of all the things you may have changed in your life to give you a long and healthy life...let's do the same for our furry friends. They'll kiss you for it!

What's Up With All The Recalls?

A record number of pet food recalls has happened in the past year. Contrary, to thinking that the pet food manufacturers are not working harder to prevent positive test for Salmonella and other bacteria in their products, just the opposite is true. Just about every food manufacturer now has a "test and hold" program in place. No product gets released for resale until it comes back with a negative test for Salmonella. So, why do the recalls keep happening?
Turns out the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act  which became a law in January, 2011 is to "ensure the US food supply is safe by shifting the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it."  Hence, the FDA is testing more foods. The more you look the more you find.
In March 2013, an FDA directive explains why we've had so many pet food, treats, and pet nutritional supplements recalls lately. FDA agents were instructed to collect and analyze 300 samples for Salmonella in the pet food industry. They specifically were looking at pet items that are fed in the homes and were directly handled or ingested by humans. So, from March through September 2013 the FDA did their job.
Salmonella has been with us humans and our furry friends for thousands of years. As long as a pet food manufacturer uses good ingredients and good practices we'll survive minor contamination. Just remember to wash the raw chicken off your kitchen counter while preparing your families dinner.

FDA Update on Jerky Treats Making Our Pets Sick

If you have a dog or cat that became ill after eating jerky pet treats, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would like to hear from you or your veterinarian.

The agency has repeatedly issued alerts to consumers about reports it has received concerning jerky pet treat-related illnesses involving 3,600 dogs and 10 cats in the U.S. since 2007. Approximately 580 of those pets have died.

To date, FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has conducted more than 1,200 tests, visited jerky pet treat manufacturers in China and collaborated with colleagues in academia, industry, state labs and foreign governments. Yet the exact cause of the illnesses remains elusive.

To gather even more information, FDA is reaching out to licensed veterinarians and pet owners across the country. "This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we've encountered," says CVM Director Bernadette Dunham, DVM, Ph.D. "Our beloved four-legged companions deserve our best effort, and we are giving it."

Meanwhile, a consumer fact sheet will accompany the letter to veterinarians so they can alert consumers to the problem and remind them that treats are not essential to a balanced diet. The fact sheet also explains to consumers how they can help FDA's investigation by reporting potential jerky pet treat-related illnesses online or by calling the FDA Consumer Complaint Coordinator for their state.

What to Look Out For

Within hours of eating treats sold as jerky tenders or strips made of chicken, duck, sweet potatoes and/or dried fruit, some pets have exhibited decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood or mucus), increased water consumption, and/or increased urination.

Severe cases have involved kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and a rare kidney disorder. About 60 percent of cases involved gastrointestinal illness, and about 30 percent involved kidney and urinary systems.

The remaining cases reported various symptoms, such as collapse, convulsions or skin issues.

Most of the jerky treats implicated have been made in China. Manufacturers of pet foods are not required by U.S. law to state the country of origin for each ingredient in their products.

A number of jerky pet treat products were removed from the market in January 2013 after a New York State lab reported finding evidence of up to six drugs in certain jerky pet treats made in China. While the levels of these drugs were very low and it's unlikely that they caused the illnesses, FDA noted a decrease in reports of jerky-suspected illnesses after the products were removed from the market. FDA believes that the number of reports may have declined simply because fewer jerky treats were available.

What FDA Is Doing

More than 1,200 jerky pet treat samples have been tested since 2011 from antibiotics to metals, pesticides and Salmonella. 

Inspections of the facilities in China that manufacture jerky products associated with some of the highest numbers of pet illness reports did not identify the cause of illness. However, they did identify additional paths of investigation, such as the supply chain of some ingredients in the treats. Although FDA inspectors have found no evidence identifying the cause of the spate of illnesses, they did find that one firm used falsified receiving documents for glycerin, a jerky ingredient. Chinese authorities informed FDA that they had seized products at the firm and suspended its exports.

To identify the root cause of this problem, FDA is meeting regularly with regulators in China to share findings. The agency also plans to host Chinese scientists at its veterinary research facility to increase scientific cooperation.

FDA has also reached out to U.S. pet food firms seeking further collaboration on scientific issues and data sharing, and has contracted with diagnostic labs.

"Our fervent hope as animal lovers," says Dunham, "is that we will soon find the cause of—and put a stop to—these illnesses."

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Oct. 22, 2013

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If Your Dog Is Walking Slower It May Be More Than Old Age

Thanks to some great nutrition available to our dogs our canine friends are living longer these days. My Moms' dog (on Pet 's Healthy Choice food) just passed away at age 17.  The passing of time also can bring on inflammatory diseases like arthritis. This can make it difficult to get up, walk without hurting and have playtime. Most dogs will take those long walks with you and that afternoon be unable to move off the floor, or in the case of my dogs' off the couch.

Today, there are so many great supplements to help. I really like adding glucosamine to my dogs' diet. There are several ways to do that. Some people choose regular people glucosamine for their dogs. I prefer a more flavorful way with a product that includes even more benefits. The right glucosamine dosage for dogs depends on various factors.  The main factor is the dog’s weight.  Generally speaking, a dog that weighs under 10 lbs. should only take 300 mg of glucosamine daily; dogs that weigh from 11-29 lbs. should have twice this much.  Dogs that weigh from 30-59 lbs. should have 1200 mg of glucosamine daily, and dogs that weigh from 60-120 lbs. should have a dosage of 1800 mg. My product of choice is  The Missing Link it is a sprinkle and you use one teaspoon per 25 lbs of dog. The other benefits include omegas for joint and heart health and a beautiful coat. It also has flaxseed for the immune system along with the glucosamine. I have used The Missing Link for over ten years now and it works wonderfully.
Most of our clients who use it come back with some amazing stories about how their dogs are moving so much better. Recently, one dog was having such trouble getting up the stairs they tried the sprinkle now they are so thankful they discovered this product. With Winter soon approaching, it's time for you to consider adding this to your furry friends diet for a comfortable aging process. Recent science tells us not to wait until symptoms appear but, to include it after age two years old as a preventative for our pets.The Missing Link a great product to keep out furry friends happy and healthy! Call, email or stop by our store for more information.

Hairballs! Yuck!

Cats get hairballs. They just do. Ok, so what to do about them? First, make sure you're feeding a high quality kibble, canned or raw diet. Fiber is the key to less frequent hairballs. In the wild, cats took care to add fiber with yes, feathers and fur while eating their prey.  Today, if your feline is indoors and not out hunting make sure to add fiber to the diet if you are having frequent hairball issues. Read the cat food label to look at the fiber content within the guaranteed analysis. 8% is a good number. If you are wanting to add more fiber to the diet you can accomplish that with pumpkin (canned with no sugar, please) or veggies. Although, most cats are not into veggies (kinda like the kids). Cats are carnivores and as meat eaters that is what excites them. If all else fails, there are natural supplements on the market today to help. NutraVet makes a hairball gel that works. If you have any questions, just let us know we're here to help! Furry Friends Inc.

Rotational Diets

The pet food nutrition experts are talking a lot about rotational diets for dogs. This means you want to change up the diet as often as you like   If you ate the same food everyday you might become bored and you would most likely not get all the nutrients the body requires for optimum health. Changing up your dogs diet means changing the protein source or keeping on the same kibble and adding some high quality canned food or raw food to their diet.  This allows your dog to get excited every time you feed him.

Try and stay with more common protein sources like chicken, lamb, pork and beef. A dog can get an allergy to anything at anytime. Chances of getting an allergy is when you are feeding that same diet all the time. Mixing it up is a good thing. If at all possible, try to stay within one manufacturer food sources. The basic ingredients are typically the same and there is less of a food transition concern. If your dog has a sensitive stomach try some canned pumpkin during the switch  or use the Fruitables product called Switch. Don't try the more unique protein sources like duck, rabbit or kangaroo. If your dog has already been exposed to these protein sources the allergy may extend to all of those and you will be out of luck if and when an allergy strikes. Remember, the common signs of an allergy include hot spots, ear infections and licking paws. If you see any of these symptoms, it's time to change the diet as there may be a food sensitivity.Check out the new interactive feeder

What's New At the Zoo?

I just got back from Super Zoo in Vegas where we walked four football fields of new vendor products looking for just the "right stuff."  I also attended some great educational seminars by leading industry speakers. I went to seminars on weight control for pets, skin and coat issues, and nutritional reviews by leading scientists and veterinarians. In the coming blogs, I will be sharing this info with you. Today, let me share with you what was new at the Zoo! First, let me tell you about the awarded best products. There is a new feeding "bowl" that doesn't look like a bowl at all. It is made of a hard material that sits up like grass. The pet food is poured into the bowl and it truly slows the pet down while eating. There is a video showing a dog eating in a few minutes with an old style bowl and now the new bowl takes the pet about twenty minutes to complete a meal. Now, that is an effective product.
The next product that won first place is called ifetch. Ifetch is a ceramic container with two holes.  The first hole is on the top for putting balls into and the second hole spits the ball out to throw the ball for your dog. How about that?  It plugs in or uses batteries. It is in its infancy stages right now and going to manufacturing. It was a lot of fun and your dog can actually learn to play ball on his own. Of course,it's no fun to play by yourself. Moral of that story, get out and play with your pet.

Allergies or Yeast?

Seasonal Allergies? Or Yeast Infection?

Allergies can get pretty expensive with testing, changes in foods, supplements and the list goes on. But, is it really an allergy? Does it appear in the spring and then go away in the fall? You might want to consider yeast being the culprit. Check out the symptoms of a yeast infection: chewing or licking the feet, scratching the ears, or head shaking, cyclic manifestations of symptoms, hair loss (especially on the tail and upper back), Speckles, like black dots on the underbelly, a foul smell and/or greasy hair, baldness and black skin when associated with hair loss. All of these symptoms point to yeast, and when it happens the local immune system doesn't function properly and yeast starts to bloom and invade the body. Veterinarians often miss these early signs of yeast infection. We often recommend a product called DerMagic Skin Hot Spot Salve. It is an all natural product that heals and absolutely makes your pet a happy camper again. So, before you spend all that money and think your pet has allergies try a natural way. Check out DerMagic here

I've Tried EVERYTHING And My Dog Is Still Fat!

I hear that comment on a daily basis. Every dog is unique and every dog can benefit by a custom diet. Just like us people, we don't all respond to the same thing when it comes to losing weight. So, experiment...try a lower calorie kibble, or switch to a raw diet or both. Most importantly, check out the REAL number of calories your furry friend should be eating every day. Feeding a couple of times a day helps the blood sugar stay at an even level which helps a dog feel satisfied and content. This also helps with a dog that has a food anxiety. Rule of thumb, feed twice daily. 
Now, let's talk about that raw diet. I'm not talking about going to the store cooking chicken and adding rice. This can really backfire on you because your dog is not getting the right nutrients. We want a complete and balanced diet that has all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs daily. Check out Nature Variety's line up which we carry at the store and online. Check out a good raw diet here If you have any questions, let me know. We're here to help.