Hi! So sorry this is a long overdue update, I've been settling in for school (only a little over a month left?! no way!)
Because Leo is not the biggest fan of sugary foods (phew) his teeth is usually not forming cavities. However, when I do give him sticky foods such as a little bit of cooked rice, or yams, I do make sure he gets some healthy gums afterwards.
He loves the flavour of healthy gums and, I have realized applying it on my fingers first then wiping that on his gums is a much better way of administering this product. Also please watch out, if you do drop if on your white shirt, wash it immediately.
Here's more information on Healthy Gums:
Periodontal health is something every dog owner needs to be aware of once a canine reaches age 2 to 3. Multiple factors determine oral health status and these will become more critical as your pet ages. In particular, consider the type of diet your pet eats (including treats) and anything else your pet chews.
Early and advanced stages of gingivitis are both reversible.
I do really like this product and would recommend it.
So as Autumn is in full swing, dogs like Leo who don't have a lot of winter fur and is used to Mexican weather is starting to want to stay indoors more often. I try to get him out of the house but he just shivers at our front door. That's okay!! We just jacket him then he feels a little better.
I'm still putting Agile Joints into his food every morning, for joint health and arthritis prevention. When he is out and playing, he seems as energetic as ever. I still try to run stairs once a week and he still beats me everytime!
I do recommend this awesome product, especially for middle to senior aged dogs like Leo.
Leo's taking a small break before going out for more exercising!
So sorry for the late update, I'm actually overseas for school and traveling this summer. But reports from my family members who are taking care of Leo says he is doing super well and his fur is as soft as ever. He is also energetic and soooo happy to just hangout and do lots of outdoor activities!
Agile joints is a fantastic supplement that is natural. Not to mention he enjoys the taste of it! I just asked my family to put 3 drops on his food in the morning and he eats it happily. Although he is senior, he can still climb stairs with more agility than me even! With this supplement, I hope to climb stairs with him for many many years to come.
Please click here for more information, this is one of my favorite companies for Pet products and not only do they have great customer service, but they also truly care about pets!
The woman who either baked them / works for the company is inCREDIBLY friendly and approachable. I had such a good time talking to her. She also loved Leo. This is 100% salmon skin. which is the only ingredient, which I like. Leo ADORES this (as you can see in the video)
They look and smell really phenomenal. Crispy goodness.
Some background information - Leo was very recently adopted (a about month ago) and we know that he has not had any vaccines done in the past 5 years. It's always important to see a vet, not just when emergency happens but also for wellness checks.
We have a family friend who is a fantastic vet so of course we went to her Capitol Hill Animal Hospital which was a really positive experience.
The annual exam and vaccines took about 30 minutes and she answered many of my questions and concerns.
TIPS FOR GOING TO THE VET
If it's your first time with your adopted/rescue pet, IF you do have any documents, bring a copy of them so they can put it on file. If not, then it's okay.
Have a list of questions either written down or in your mind
Have the pet on leash since there is a high chance there are other animals and dogs at the vet.
Let the dog pee before hand.
Book your appointment in advance
DOGGO GOT -
Lyme Vaccination (needs a booster shot in a month) - We got this for him because I found a tick in my front yard. Also ticks love shrubby areas which we frequent.
Leptospirosis (Found in Raccoon and Skunk Urine). Although my doggo does actively avoid waters, he also steps in puddles with full confidence. And I do want to take him swimming sometime. However, I read afterwards that Lepto is only effective for 30% of dogs, so this is one I need to research more.
IN ADDITION,
Our Chi likes to scoot on the carpet. And this is usually a sign that his anal glands are filed up.
So we got his anal glands expressed (they were pretty big.)
We are going to add more fiber into his diet. Metamucil and pumpkin was recommended.
LEO is an active senior dog that is around 4kg and I fed 1/3 of a cup of this food a day + snacks such as veggies and a spoon of yougurt. He walks average an hour a day.
4.75/5 Leo gives it a 100% amazing delicious wow gimme more.
You know, sometimes I make mistakes. I read ingredients and percentages so diligently I forget to look at the label on the front. Definitely saw that this had fish meal and a significant amount of protein got too excited.
So I got a sample bag. Leo adores this food. The small kibble size is fairly easy for him to gobble up, I noticed that the kibble itself is quite shiny (It is high in fat and protein to promote the growth of a puppy). And of course, there are many arguments on the internet about if a senior dog needs as much protein (I personally believe so). All in all, this, on top of many other factors, Leo gained a tiny bit of weight. (half a pound) But generally speaking, he maintained his weight and honestly, everything is pretty good and I would recommend this food. One thing I'd like to add is that due to it being quite oily, one should add a little more fibre into their puppy's diet such as Steamed pumpkin and Yams.
A personal preference thing is that his breath smells quite fishy since it's got trout in it. One way to counter this, is with a minty gum supplement called Healthy Gums which I will do a complete separate post about soon. I've tried the home remedy of Cilantro but it didn't make much of a difference. Fish is one of the best proteins and other minerals for canine health.
He digests this food well and his poos are looking good on this puppy food.
I love this brand because it's Canadian and their ingredients are quite good. On active online communities, it has always been held in high regard.
Let me know what kind of main dish you feed your Fido in a comment below!
Hello, it's me! Leo! The little dog that everyone adores! I guess it wouldn't exactly be a blog about my life if I didn't tell you some of my favorite foods!!
RICE
When I first arrived in my new home, I found my first obsession, rice! It's soooo yummy!! and smells so appetizing!
Rice Pros: surprising rich in nutrients, yummy, easy to digest
Rice cons: Lots of sugar so it's bad for teeth.
ALTERNATIVES: brown rice, just cook it longer than white rice
OATMEAL
What is it with breakfast foods? Why so good?
Oatmeal Pros: Good for regulating bowel movements, easy to digest, especially good for older dogs
Oatmeal cons: If you are using steel cut oats like I am, try to cook then leave in a slow cooker overnight.
BROCCOLI STEMS
Oh my god!!! SOOO crunchy!! and great amount of antioxidants!!
Pros: nutrient rich, good fiber
Cons: too much of this may cause Hypothyroidism (similar to raw cabbage), Do not feed too much broccoli florets (the flower part) because it has traces of something poisonous for dogs.
CUCUMBER
you may be beginning to see a pattern here... I really like crunchy green vegetables. hehe!
PROS: good for cooling off after a hot day, good source of Vitamin K
CONS: NEED. TO. PEE!!!!!
EGGS (FREE RANGE)
Sooooo yummy. Just leave me with the leftovers in the shell and I'll be sooo happy!
Pros: Protein, many other important nutrients, keeps fur very shiny!
Cons: Some say high in cholesterol, give it once every week or every two weeks.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Tumeric powder (a lil mix with raw egg) anti inflammatory,
Small amounts of Tomato (too much can cause heart problems)
Small amounts of shrimp and fish
Ground flaxseed (fiber & good digestion)
Coconut oil on Rye crackers (SO. YUM.)
Carrots (very finely chopped and sometimes cooked with coconut oil)
Watermelon rinds
In order to be on the safe side, please try a small amount first, just in case your dog is allergic to any of these items! No dogs are born the same (unless they are twins I guess..) Also it's very important to try one food at a time, for the digestion to be optimum.
More to come! Please follow this blog to see my future posts!
