Raw Feeding (Sometimes referred to as the BARF diet)
At Klancraig we believe in feeding our dogs a raw diet (sometimes referred to as a BARF diet – bones and raw food or biologically appropriate raw food) that is a species appropriate diet; in other words we feed our dogs as close to how they would have fed in the wild as possible.
The earliest remains that have been found of domesticated dog date back to around 12,000 to 14,000 years ago, although DNA tests have suggested that dogs may have been domesticated for far longer, perhaps even as far back as 100,000 years. During this time they would have been expected to hunt and fend for themselves, whilst also enjoying any scraps left by their human companions. As time progressed domesticated dogs would have depended more and more on the diet provided for them which would have undoubtedly consisted of leftover animal carcasses and ‘table’ scraps. The concept of a ‘complete’, balanced kibble diet is a relatively new one considering that even our Grandparents will confirm that their dogs were fed on whatever fresh, raw bones and scraps that the local butcher was able to provide together with the kitchen and table leftovers (raw and cooked). Given the timescales involved how can anyone truly believe that in a few short generations, dogs have suddenly evolved from thriving on a diet which had served them well for thousands of years to one which has only been developed some fifty or so years ago?
Ironically, why at a time when people are being encouraged to return to basic nutritional values including a return to fresh fruit and vegetables, wholesome dairy products and free range meats and are warned to steer clear of convenience foods which are full of additives, colourants and preservatives is the pet food industry trying to convince us that ‘complete’ pet foods are good for our pets?
When I was a child our dogs were never ill and they lived to a ripe old age. They never had worms or fleas. They didn’t have bad breath or skin problems or regular bouts of diarrhoea. Now as an adult and a professional dog groomer I frequently come across dogs who are old before their time, dogs which have that ‘particular’ smell because they have a skin condition and/or sore ears and feet, customers whose dogs seem prone to fleas and ticks and are horrified when you have to tell them that their dog was infested, dogs who at a very early age are on a prescription diet from the vet since they suffer from upset tummies at the drop of a hat and dogs whose teeth are thick with tartar and whose breath smells rank.
Along with skin problems, digestive disorders and obesity, periodontal disease is one of main problems encountered by veterinarians. Unfortunately owners often trivialise the problem by thinking that it is just a case of discoloured teeth and bad breath when in fact what they fail to consider is that the build up of calculus on the teeth creates bacteria which is ingested by the dog and which then goes on to cause other problems which can be wide spread throughout the body.
A dog fed on a variety of raw meaty bones, raw minces, fresh offal, eggs, fish, fruit and vegetables can often avoid many of these complications. In particular feeding raw meaty bones is beneficial since it is this which helps to prevent the build-up of tartar and keeps teeth and gums healthy. The idea is not to feed a balanced diet with each meal but by feeding a wide variety of different meats, combined with the offal, eggs, fish, fruit and vegetables a balanced diet is achieved over a period of time.
How we feed our dogs
Our dogs have been fed a raw diet since 2002. Their diet consists of raw chicken carcasses or backs, turkey necks, pork shoulder ribs or breast of lamb (the aforementioned are what we refer to as ‘raw meaty bones’), raw minced meat (lamb, beef, tripe, rabbit, turkey and heart), fresh offal (liver and kidney), fish, eggs, fruit and vegetables (the latter being liquidised or partially cooked to aid digestion). Some ‘raw feeders’ prefer not to feed fruit and vegetables since they do not think them necessary to a dog's diet. Our dogs however love fruit and vegetables and will line up to wait for a treat when we are preparing vegetables and fruit for our own meals. We view feeding our dogs fruit and vegetables as an opportunity to feed them additional vitamins and minerals.
Vaccinations
The subject of vaccinations for dogs is a contentious one and there is a growing debate concerning the safe use and effectiveness of vaccines for dogs. Please refer to the ‘vaccine section’ of the Canine Health Concern site which discusses this subject extensively.
At Klancraig our dogs are ‘minimally vaccinated’ that is to say they receive puppy shots only and no annual boosters since it is our belief that a dog fed a species appropriate diet combined with the minimal use of vaccines and other chemical pesticides (flea and worm treatments) has an immune system which is strong enough to fight most diseases and we will continue with this practice until such a time as a proven, safe and effective protocol for vaccinating dogs is forthcoming.
An alternative to conventional vaccination is the homeopathic nosode. See Natural Animal Health for a list of vets that offer alternative therapy.
See also www.thedapperdog.com/vacc1.html - which is a two part article (Part I; Efficacy and Part II; Safety) written by Dr Will Falconer DVM who is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, and the National Center for Homeopathy. He writes articles for national pet magazines in the States and medical journals, gives public lectures to animal owners, and shares homeopathic case reports with conventional and holistic veterinarians. He enjoys a full-time classical homeopathic practice in Austin, Texas.
To neuter or not to neuter, that is the question?
At Klancraig we make the decision to neuter or spey our dogs and bitches on an individual basis, although on the whole we lean towards them being left entire. There are arguments for and against this decision (as outlined in the link below) and we are happy to discuss this with you in greater detail. However, there are significant concerns over neutering both sexes before puberty, indeed before 14 months of age but if pets are to be kept entire for life, owners are reminded of the need to be vigilant and so avoid accidental matings.
See also www.caninesports.com an article entitled Early Spay – Neuter Considerations written by Chris Zink DVM, PhD, DACVP covering orthopaedic, cancer, behavioural and other considerations. His conclusion is that dogs and bitches be speyed or neutered after 14 months of age.
Alternative treatments and natural remedies
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| The dogs at Klancraig are registered with a veterinary practice which offers conventional, homeopathic and alternative treatments and remedies. We always prefer to use alternative treatments first and foremost but acknowledge that sometimes there is a need to use conventional medicine. Below are some of the alternative treatments and remedies which we have tried with success: |
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McTimoney-Corley Animal Spinal Therapy.
Animal Chiropractic was introduced by John McTimoney in the early nineteen seventies and the techniques used were further developed by Hugh Corley in the late seventies and by Shelagh James-Hudson in the mid nineteen eighties. The technique originally known as Animal Chiropractic became known as Animal Physical Therapy and is now known as McTimoney-Corley Animal Spinal Therapy.
The treatment involves identifying any muscle tension or misalignments in the spinal area which may indicate nerve impingement and checking the range of movement in the joints then applying adjustments (in the form of gentle, precise rapid movements) to relieve any problems. This will release the surrounding muscle and correct any subluxations which will relieve any nerve impingement and associated muscle spasm or tension as well as alleviating pain.
After treatment the nerves will work to their full potential allowing the body to heal itself.
It is a non-invasive holistic treatment which does not require the use of drugs or anaesthetic and most animals find it relaxing - often to the point of becoming drowsy. It can be beneficial to any animal with a spine from horses, dogs and cats to farm animals.
Some symptoms of possible back pain:
- Lameness
- Uneven distribution of weight on its limbs
- Stiffness
- Refusing jumps
- Difficulty negotiating stairs
- Difficulty jumping into a car
- Difficulty getting up
- Reluctance to exercise or play
- Shortened stride
- Muscle atrophy
- Sensitivity to touch along the back
- Any general deterioration in performance, behaviour or temperament
(Text courtesy of Anna Fox)
Our Animal Spinal Therapist (chiropractic) is Anna Fox Dip.MCAM(OCEPT), MAMCST of ‘Back in Touch’ - telephone Telford 01952 248961 or 07793061235 or email anna@miraje.freeserve.co.uk. Alternatively, for a more local Therapist go to www.mctimoney-corley.com
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Canine Hydrotherapy |
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Several years ago Penny set up a Canine Hydrotherapy pool (the first in Shropshire) with Yvonne Avard, a close family friend. At the time, canine hydrotherapy was a relatively new idea although for many years hydrotherapy for horses had been very popular and long before that as far back as ancient times, people were enjoying hydrotherapy as a means of achieving relaxation and pain relief. As a result of this venture the first Canine Hydrotherapy Pool was opened in Holland see www.aquadog.nl which is owned by our good friends Ankie Somers and Marja Barten.
A non-weight bearing form of exercise, usually in warm water, hydrotherapy encourages joint movement and cardiovascular activity. Although in the early days canine hydrotherapy was met by many vets and pet insurance companies with some scepticism it is now a recognised form of treatment which is often prescribed by vets and covered on numerous policies.
Whilst Penny has moved on to pastures new, we continue to regularly swim our dogs at Yvonne’s hydrotherapy pool both because they enjoy it and because we recognise that it is beneficial to them.
For further details contact Yvonne Avard at Clippers and Dippers Limited on Telford 01952 272124 or see www.doghydrotherapy.co.uk For a directory of pools nationally see www.k9hydrotherapy.co.uk
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