Category: Pets

Dogs are natural denning creatures, and donut beds are great for dogs to feel cozy and secure while sleeping. A dog donut bed has a circular shape specifically designed to accommodate a dog’s natural inclinations to nest and burrow.

Donut dog beds are especially great for:

• dogs who have anxiety
• dogs who feel cold
• brachycephalic dog breeds (snub-nosed breeds)
• senior dogs
• dogs with mobility or joint issues

Calming dog donut beds provide a safe place for dogs who tend to sleep curled up — a dog’s “fetal position.” Its circular shape and raised sides surround your dog and can help him feel protected. This works well for dogs suffering from anxiety and nervousness. Its pocket also acts as a noise reduction, blocking out noises that might otherwise stress your dog out.

Got a dog that’s cold? Most donut beds will be made of faux fur designed to mimic fur coats. This is extra helpful for dogs who love to snuggle up against furry things. It’s also beneficial to dogs who live in colder climates or experience harsh winters by providing extra warmth. Dogs may have fur coats, but they still get cold like the rest of us. The donut shape provides a pocket perfect for dogs who like to burrow under blankets.

These beds are great for brachycephalic dog breeds because the raised rim is not only snuggly but supports the head and neck of your dog. It encourages snub-nosed dogs to stretch their necks and lift their head for better breathing.

Orthopedic donut dog beds are good for senior dogs or dogs with mobility or joint issues. The padding is denser providing better support, and the bolsters will have a little extra padding for comfort. Dr. TJ Bowe of North Colony Animal Clinic in Texas, says orthopedic beds can be great for dogs with arthritis.

No matter the size of your pup, you can find a small, extra small, medium, large or giant donut dog bed perfect for him. The donut bed you choose needs to be made of pet-safe materials with easy-to-clean or removable covers. Look for one with a water-resistant bottom to avoid soaking up any accidents. Shopping for a dog donut bed? Here are some examples:

1. The Original Calming Donut Dog Bed by Best Friends by Sheri
2. L.A. Dog Company Ali Donut
3. Raine Puff Companion-Pedic Luxury Dog Bed
4. L.L. Bean Plush Cuddler Dog Bed
5. La-Z-Boy Buddy Lounger Bolster Dog Bed

There are lots of events to bark about this October, including a couple opportunities to raise money for pets while getting your – and your pup’s – steps in. Show us how you and your #dogsterdogs are enjoying your October fall days by tagging us in your photos on social media.

Don’t see your dog event on the list? Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com and we will include your dog event.

Month-long October 2022 Dog Holidays

Adopt a Dog month

Animal Safety & Protection month

Weekly October 2022 Dog Holidays

October 1-7, 2022: Walk Your Dog week

October 2-8, 2022: Animal Welfare week

October 16-22, 2022: Veterinary Technician week

Daily October 2022 Dog Holidays

October 1, 2022: Fire Pup day
October 1, 2022: Black Dog day
October 4, 2022: World Animal day
October 12, 2022: Pet Obesity Awareness day
October 15, 2022: Fetch day
October 21, 2022: Pets for Veterans day
October 30, 2022: Treat Your Pet day

October 2022 Dog Events

October 12, 2022: ASPCA Annual Humane Awards Luncheon recognizes animal heroes who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts, as well as people who have shown a great commitment to animal welfare. For more info, visit ASPCA.org

October 15-16, 2022: AKC Meet the Breeds, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH. For more information, visit akc.org

October 21-23, 2022: Pet Health Expo LA is one of the pet industry’s largest pet health and wellness shows. Held at the Grand Exhibit Hall at Magic Box, Los Angeles, CA. A virtual show will be held at pethealthexpo.com

October 22, 2022: National Strut Your Mutt Day is a Best Friends Animal Society national fundraiser walk that brings communities together to fight pet homelessness. Fundraising ends Oct. 31. Check for your city’s in-person schedule network at bestfriends.org

October 22, 2022: American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life of San Diego. Held at 8810 Judicial Dr., San Diego, CA. This non-competitive fundraiser benefits the American Cancer Society. For more information, click here.

October 28-30, 2022: Heart of Texas Dog Show. This all-dog breeds show is held at Bell County Expo Center, Belton, TX. For more information, click here.

Want to see what dog holidays are coming up in 2022? Check out Dogster’s dog holiday list.

When your dog shakes her head, is it a sign her ears need to be cleaned or could there be a bigger problem? Cleaning your dog’s ears at home can be a simple process with the right tools. But knowing how to clean dog ears at home, how often to clean your dog’s ears and when to call your vet are factors to consider.

How often should I clean my dog’s ears?

As with all-things health related when it comes to our pets, talking to your veterinarian is an important first step in understanding your dog’s specific needs. However, signs to look for that your dog’s ears need cleaning are:

• visible discharge
• odor
• visible dirt or wax

You should inspect your dog’s ears weekly to see if they need cleaning by your or your veterinarian or if there is any sign of infection.

Note that over-cleaning can potentially cause further irritation to your dog’s ears, but in general, dogs who are prone to ear infections or dog breeds, such as droopy-eared Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds may need more frequent cleaning to prevent debris build up in their ears, while other dog breeds don’t need their ears cleaned as often.

“There are some dog breeds with excessive ear canal hair that can prevent products from reaching the deeper parts of the ear canal, such as Poodles and Oodles,” says Dr. Jill Aschehoug, Associate Veterinarian with VCA Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic in California. “In those circumstances a veterinary visit may be in order for a proper ear cleaning.”

What to use to clean dog ears

If you have the go-ahead for a home ear cleaning, make sure you have the right tools.

“Never use home-mixed or over-the-counter remedies unless directly recommended by your veterinarian,” says Dr. Aschehoug. Also avoid household products like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or household soaps.

Also, never use a Q-tip, which can puncture your dog’s ear drum, cause trauma to the ear canal or push debris further into your dog’s ear.

What you will use to clean your dog’s ears depends on the type of dog you have (straight ear, floppy ear, long ear) and the type of cleaning he needs. For most dogs, you just need to trim the ear hair if it covers the ear area and use a dog ear wipe or swab to gently clear the outer ear, not going into the ear canal so you don’t hurt the ear drum. There are easy over-the counter products available online or in pet stores that your veterinarian may recommend. Here are a few:

$13.99. Pet MD Ear Wipes

$11.99. Earthbath Ear Wipes

$19.95. Jax & Cali Ear Swabs

If your dog’s ears need a more thorough cleaning because of wax build-up, itching, irritation, smell or bacteria, discuss with your veterinarian if you need to take your dog in because it’s due to an infection or if it is OK to clean the ears at home with a dog ear-care solution. There are great dog ear-cleaning solutions available from your veterinarian or online or at a pet store that your veterinarian may recommend, like Vetericyn Plus antimicrobial ear rinse.

If using a dog ear-care solution at home, do it at a time when your dog is calm, and you have the time to work slowly. This process can be messy so do it in the bathroom or outside. Proceed with these steps.

Step 1: When your dog is sitting calmly, gently hold up the ear flap. You’ll need access to the ear, so trim the excess hair around the ear and gently wipe it away, making sure it doesn’t go into the ear.

Step 2: Put dog-ear-care solution into the ear following the package instructions or your veterinarian’s instructions. Massage the ear canal to break down the wax and debris, giving about 30 seconds of gentle pressure in a circular motion.

Step 3: Let go of the ear and let your dog shake her head to remove any leftover fluid and gunk.

Step 4: Wipe away any remaining liquid or debris.

Step 5: Offer a treat for being a good pup, then repeat on the second ear.

If you clean your dog’s ears and things seem worse, stop and call your veterinarian.

When not to clean your dog’s ears

Never clean a dog’s ears when the following signs of infection are present:

• Redness or swelling in the ear canal
• A foul odor
• Discharge that is dark brown, a yellowish green or bloody
• Obvious pain or discomfort when you touch the ears
• A scratch or cut near the ears, especially if it’s inflamed

If your dog starts repeatedly shaking her head without signs of infection, contact a veterinarian immediately as she could have a foxtail or other foreign body in her ear canal, which could worsen or lead to a ruptured ear drum with a home cleaning.

Keeping your dog’s ears clean and free of build-up can keep them healthy and happy and allow you to keep an eye on any changes that may be cause for concern.

Pet transportation services help with scheduling concierge services for animals, including veterinary visits, pet relocation and cross-country travel via car or airplane. Whether you are seeking a local destination or figuring out how to transport a dog across the country, this guide to navigating pet transportation services will help you choose the right agenda for your best bud.

How to find the best pet transportation services

There are numerous services nationwide assisting with both ground and air transport services for dogs (and their families). Reliable pet transport services communicate consistently with clients and offer estimated quotes before the trip and personalized trip contracts. For these businesses, it is their passion to help animals be transported safely. When searching for a pet transportation company, ensure the company:

• is a USDA Licensed Pet Transporter
• has insurance
• has air-conditioning
• comfortable seating
• gives the dog walks
• includes pee stops
• provides water and treats
• has clear communication about how much their pet transportation services cost
• walks you through the logistics of handling pet crates
• is up to date on what documents and travel requirements are necessary for your trip
• handles most of the trip logistics for you

How to transport a dog locally or across country

Companies offer different levels of transportation, including door-to-door service where the company picks the dog up at your doorstep and delivers your dog directly to his destination. Other companies offer a personal human companion for your dog for the duration of the trip.

Happy Tails Travel, Inc., based in Arizona, offers services for both traveling locally and pet relocation. The company specializes in transporting dogs on a plane and will communicate with the airline on your behalf to figure out logistics for your trip. It also offers international travel and pet relocation help for military members. There are special services for pet parents who can stay with their pets during transitions, explains Dr. Elaine Mathis, project manager for Happy Tails.

JoAnna Levenglick, founder of Pet Cab NYC, a New York based pet transportation service, places “caring service” high on her list. “It is so important to be on time, know dogs by name, plan directions ahead, offer clean cars, positive service and never say no to any pet,” says JoAnna.

Pet Cab NYC offers daily services to veterinarian appointments and pet hospitals, pick-ups and drop offs to the airport and trips outside the state. Inside its service cars, pets are given dog beds, seatbelts, crates upon request as well as water and treats. The drivers are trained to handle pets dealing with a medical emergency or general anxiety traveling in a car.

Pet transportation services cost

Pet transportation services either offer specialized trip pricing, depending on what services are used, or have a set fee.

At Nationwide Pet Transport, LLC, pet parents can choose between a private ride or a shared ride in a Mercedes full-sized van. This company has a flat rate, which includes fuel, tolls and administration costs. The fee takes into consideration dog breed, weight, and crate size and is paid in full prior to pick up, says owner Traci Shafer.

Important questions to ask to find the best pet transportation service:

• What are your pet health requirements (vaccination records/health certificates)?
• Do you have dog breed or weight restrictions?
• Are the drivers trained to interact with dogs?
• How much will pet transportation cost based on my specific trip?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Are you USDA certified?
• Ask about PATA Registration (Pet and Animal Transport Association)
• What are your policies about GPS tracking and sending videos of my pet
• Do you send flight tracking information and notify me of my dog’s location during ground/air transport?
• Can I have references?

Pet transportation company red flags and scams

Be aware of these potential red flags and scams:

Red flags:

•  Fake photos/reviews online
• Non-traceable payment options (money order/gift cards)
• Services that outsource jobs to individuals or other companies (uncertain driver info)

Scams:

• Companies trying to sell animals online
• Working with multiple companies for dog transport
• Extremely cheap pricing
• 24-hour driving services (safety)

How to transport a dog on a plane internationally

For international travel, seek out a reputable company that specializes in international pet transport. This is crucial for helping your dog from departure to destination, through flight tracking, crate travel, customs clearance, health requirements/quarantine, hotel information and more. A company like Airpets International offers specific departing and arriving services, which include a grooming for the dogs before they take off and a pet nanny to accompany the dogs on their trip.

When choosing a company for international pet transport, ask how the company handle a layover, unexpected delay or canceled connecting flights.

Here are a few of the best pet transportation services:

Pet transport services (local and national) offer a variety of unique amenities for your dog and remain committed to placing your pet’s comfort above all else. For all trips, you will always want to communicate with your transport agent, ensure all travel details/paperwork and double check your plan.

Being able to rely on loyal pet transport services is beneficial for people of all ages and makes even the smallest trip fun for our beloved friends!

Debbie DeSantis, BAH, CPDT-KA

Debbie DeSantis, CPDT-KA, is an award-winning dog trainer and behavior specialist. In addition to working with shelter dogs, she shows her nationally-ranked obedience and rally dogs in competitions. Besides spending time with her five canine companions, she enjoys cooking.

You know the saying … a dog is a man’s (and woman’s!) best friend. So, it’s no surprise that pet parents not only love their furry friends at home, but they also enjoy taking them on vacation —especially trips that involve romps on dog-friendly beaches.

Are you looking for a dog-friendly beach to visit? From California to Florida, from the Redwood Forest to Gulf Stream waters, Dogster found these popular dog-friendly shorelines the entire family can enjoy.

Dog-friendly beaches in California

Carmel Beach

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

One of the things that dog owners love to hear is “off-leash” and this Central California beach with breathtaking views is just that. However, there are a few rules: Your pup must answer to voice cues and the leash must go back on when walking along the scenic pathway. Dog waste bags are available at the top of every stair access to the beach. Even the town is pet-friendly with an area to warm-shower your pup after the romp through the sand. Many businesses provide doggie treats and water as you shop, while some restaurants will seat your dog with you.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

San Diego, California

This sunny SoCal dog beach is considered one of the first official leash-free beaches in the country. Ocean Beach Town Council’s Dog Beach Committee, created in 1972, continues to ensure that any and every dog breed is free to run and play off leash with the surfers and beach goers, having fun in the sun together. One way the committee does this is making sure members are always maintaining and improving Dog Beach so its legacy is forever protected.

Dog-friendly beaches in Florida

Causeway Islands Park, Bowman’s Beach and Gulfside Beach (aka Algiers Beach)

Sanibel Island, Florida

Located off the Gulf of Mexico, these dog-friendly beaches provide a place for the entire family to stay together — your fur-kid, too. The three beaches offer different amenities for you and your dog to enjoy, such as hiking trails, surrounding greenery and shell hunting. Rules include dogs being kept on a leashes that are no more than 8-feet and cleaning up after your dog. In town, there are many dog-friendly restaurants and accommodations to choose from. For a change of scenery, the island features several activities, including nature walks on three different trails in the nearby J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and pet-friendly fishing charters.

Fort De Soto Park (Paw Playground)

St. Petersburg, Florida

Fort De Soto is an island located at the entrance to Tampa Bay on Florida’s west coast. A park that once was used by the U.S. military is now a go-to for pet parents wanting to take their dog for a swim and play on the sand. The playground and beach offer separated fenced areas for large and small dogs and a redesigned beach area for both leashed and unleashed dogs. It’s common to see pups swimming in the Gulf of Mexico waters with their human parents and playing on more than 700 feet of shoreline. When done, it’s off to the pet cooling stations complete with dog-level water fountains and showers.

Dog beaches in New England

Block Island Beaches

Narragansett, Rhode Island

All beaches on Block Island welcome leashed dogs year-round, as opposed to only during the off-season, which runs from Oct. 1 to March 31. Starting with the ferry ride from the mainland, dogs are welcome in this quaint New England community. Pups can walk 25 miles of trails and when done, the whole family can head over to one of several restaurants that are pet-friendly, too. And of course, when the waves of the Atlantic come calling, dogs are welcome to romp and play on the sand and in the ocean.

Dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey

Wildwood Dog Park and Beach

Wild Wood, New Jersey

Open from dawn to dusk, this popular dog-friendly beach goes the extra mile in making pups and their owners know they are welcome. First, the added “dog” to its official name is a clue. Second, beachgoers are greeted with a 25-foot-tall fire hydrant adorned with dog paws and bones. Finally, the beach park provides clean up bags and fresh water for your dog. On the dog park side of the beach, unleashed pups can run and play to their hearts’ content.

Longport Dog Beach

Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

Although some online blogs claim that this is one of the few beaches in New Jersey where leashes are not required, the Longport police department website promotes it as a beach where leashed dogs are welcome off-season. Doggie parents are asked to bring their own water and waste bag as the beach doesn’t provide trash service.

Dog-friendly beaches North Carolina

Caswell Beach and Oak Island

New Brunswick Islands, North Carolina

Why visit just one dog-friendly beach when you have six to choose from? The New Brunswick Islands are located on the northeast corner of the state and provide several beaches that cater to dogs and their owners. While pup moms and dads relax in the sun, their furry kids can run to their hearts’ content on the sand and in the warm Atlantic Ocean. The islands also offer lots of dog-friendly bed and breakfast inns, hotels and vacation homes. Dog rules vary by beach, particularly during the popular summer months. But, after Labor Day to May 1, beach regulations relax with some dog beaches offering off-leash hours. Check the website for updates.

Oak Island Park

Oak Island, North Carolina

Leashed pups are allowed year-round on this beautiful, pet-friendly shoreline that stretches for miles. Unleashed pups are permitted Oct. 16 through March 15, or year round at the nearby dog park, in this vacation favorite and there are even several motels and hotels that welcome your fur-kid with open arms. People are required to bring their own waste bags and pick up after their pup.

Dog-friendly beaches in South Carolina

Sullivan’s Island

Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina

This beach is one of several on the island that welcome dogs and their owners, as long as everyone is following the beach’s rules. Off-leash dogs are welcome from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. From 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. all dogs must be on a leash. The downside is canines are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a dog permit is required.

Edisto Beach

Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Found on the eastern coastline of the state, Edisto Beach is known for being a beach that gets overlooked by the general public, but only because it’s an hour outside of the more popular beach areas. It is only during the “summer months” — May 1 to Oct. 31 — that a leash is required. The rest of the year, dogs can be off leash as long as they respond to voice cues from their pet parents.

The owner of two pups — Mocha, a Weimaraner, and Kaika, a Terrier mix — Lisa Weyer says she loves to spend time with her dogs at both Heceta Beach and Seal Beach along Oregon’s coast. Lisa said although neither beach offers any dog-friendly amenities, there’s easy parking and miles of coastline, which keeps her pups busy and happy.

Beach days with your dog can be fun as long as you follow basic safety guidelines on both the water and the sand. Rules change throughout the year, so before visiting one of these dog-friendly beaches, check the city’s websites for updates to local regulations.

Don’t forget these beach-going accessories on your next dog beach outing

1. Wunderball fetch toy
2. My Dog Nose It sunscreen
3. Paw Print Tote

Queen Elizabeth was rarely spotted without one of her royal Corgis by her side. Some sources say she relied on the Pembroke Welsh Corgis to make her feel more at ease in public and social situations, especially political meetings. Other sources report that the 30 Corgis that she cared for throughout her lifetime were descendants from a Corgi named Susan that Queen Elizabeth received for her 18^th birthday. Queen Elizabeth is also credited for breeding the first Dorgi, a Corgi-Dachshund cross.

What we can all agree on: The Queen’s Corgis have impacted the public’s view of the dog breed, driving their popularity over the decades, and their connection to English monarchy.

From herders to royal Corgis

Pembroke Welsh Corgis were bred to be herders, to move cattle. They are fearless, independent thinkers — an intelligent dog breed that picks up on skills and tricks easily.

“They are feisty little dogs,” says Linda Thompson, with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America. Linda, who cares for four Corgis of her own, has watched the Pembroke Welsh Corgi rise in popularity since she started working for the Corgi club three decades ago. Then, the Corgi ranked in the 100s in AKC popularity, she says. In 2021, the Corgi was listed as number 11.

Linda attributes this popularity spike to their size. The Corgi weighs up to 30 pounds, which is acceptable for most apartment dog weight restrictions. Corgis can also thrive doing agility sports and herding on farms. “They are such a versatile breed,” Linda says.

Corgis are loyal and were the Queen’s true companions, Linda explains. One member of the PWCCA has family who lives in England and told Linda that they often saw the Queen walking around in the fields with her dogs.

“She was hands-on,” says the Queen’s former dog trainer Dr. Roger Mugford in an interview with CNN. The Queen would often drive her Corgi pack — on her own without security or staff — on the highway between Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, he recalls.

She took them for walks and even picked up their poop, he adds.

However, when it comes to the Corgi’s heavy shedding, Linda says, she assumes that’s one area the queen did accept help to handle the hair cleanup.

Royal Corgis on the big screen

Corgis have been included in many shows and movies that feature royal life in England.

TV shows and movies that have featured royal Corgis include:

• The King’s Speech (2010)

• The Queen’s Corgi (2019)

Who will care for the Queen’s Corgis?

Multiple news outlets have reported that the queen’s Corgis, named Muick and Sandy, will live with the Duke and Duchess of York, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. The Duke and Duchess are divorced but both live on the Windsor Estate and bonded with the Queen over their shared love of dogs.

Dr. Mugford says that the entire royal family are dog lovers, including Princess Ann, Prince Andrew, who has Terriers, and Prince William, who has a Labrador Retriever. Dr. Mugford is confident the Queen’s Corgis will be in good hands.

On Sept. 24, Linda will join other Pembroke Welsh Corgi lovers at the 2022 PSWCCA National Specialty in Wilmington, Ohio, where they plan to honor the Queen and her Corgis.

Taurine is a sulfur-based amino acid that is one of the building blocks of protein, which is critical to your dog’s cardiovascular system, brain, eyes and immune system. Wondering if your dog needs a special dog food with taurine? Dr. Richard Hill, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, recommends a standard diet for all healthy dogs. Most don’t need a special diet, unless recommended by a veterinarian. He says the important thing for dog owners to know is that your pet’s diet must be complete and balanced.

Sources of taurine

Like with humans, the main source of taurine for dogs is in their regular complete and balanced diet. Dr. Hill says a complete diet is one that contains all the essential nutrients to maintain a normal body weight or growth. This includes amino acids methionine and cysteine that automatically generate taurine. Taurine is not required in dog diets because pups can get it by getting enough methionine and cysteine in their food. The American Association of Feed Control Officials and National Research Council have a minimum recommendation for methionine and cysteine in dog food.

Your dog also gets taurine from the meat protein in his diet, and from eggs and seafood in his food.

So how do you know if your pet’s food is complete and balanced? It’s usually clearly marked on pet food packaging. Dr. Hill also urges dog owners to not pick food with the lowest protein content (unless your dog requires very few calories recommended by your veterinarian). Your best bet is to feed a diet that keeps your canine lean and healthy.

You can also get the amino acid taurine in a nutritional supplement specifically made for dogs. These come in powders, liquids or tablets. However, this should only be done under the recommendation of your veterinarian as you don’t want to oversupplement your dog. Your veterinarian will give you the exact dose your dog should take and recommend the best supplement brand.

Breeds that need taurine in dog food

Dr. Julie Steller, a faculty member at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, says some dog breeds may have more taurine-deficiency issues than others, but that research may be inconclusive. She says Golden Retrievers are overrepresented with DCM cases and are a dog breed known to have problems metabolizing taurine. Other dog breeds that have DCM issues include:

While these bigger dogs have had more issues with DCM, Dr. Steller says overall any canine is susceptible to the condition.

The history of taurine in dog food

Dr. Steller says for about 20 years prior to World War II, dog food was primarily meat based and in cans. When metal was needed for war, companies reverted to dry food, which was still primarily meat based. In the 1950s a machine called the extruder was introduced to pet food manufacturing, which made a nice crunchy kibble that required more starches. That began the trend of including less meat and more carbohydrates. Dr. Steller believes that was much to the detriment of the health of cats and dogs at the time. But now pet companies have reversed that trend and are adding more meat into their products and including essential nutrients, which ultimately gives standard pet food more sources of taurine.

Is grain-free food with taurine necessary?

Dr. Hill says no and urges dog owners to be cautious when giving pets grain-free food. Grain-free diets are primarily made up of lentils, peas, legume seeds and potatoes, which are not good sources of taurine for dogs. Natural sources of taurine are animal meats like beef, turkey, eggs or fish.

Taurine in dog food research

Dr. Hill believes most pet foods sold in the United States are fine to feed your pets. He does think larger manufacturers tend to have more extensive research teams, which include veterinarians who are helping determine what ingredients and supplements are best for a dog’s body. Some companies don’t have the same research resources and may have more issues, but the veterinary nutritionist says mistakes can happen to any pet food maker.

The veterinary professor is also wary of false advertising and the use of cute names to lure pet parents to certain products. He believes if you see an advertisement that inflates or demonizes ingredients, that is a clear red flag.

Dr. Steller advises that her patients eat a standard diet of regular dry kibble or canned wet food. She doesn’t believe in fad diets, such as grain-free or raw, and says too much is unknown to feed them anything else. That said, she believes exceptions exist, and some animals do need a special diet, such as dogs with allergies.

Changing your animal’s food should always be done in consultation with your veterinarian, who will have her own thoughts about taurine and grain-free diets in regard to your specific dog’s nutritional needs. If you have concerns or need help with your dog’s diet, try consulting a board certified veterinary nutritionist, who specializes in nutritional management. They have the designation ACVN (American College of Veterinary Nutrition) after their name and a list of them can be found here. Also, when looking for a food for your dog, check to make sure that the dog food company works directly with veterinary nutritionists and does its own nutritional studies.  

Be an advocate: know where taurine in dog food is coming from

The DCM scare affected sales of grain-free dog food in the United States. As a result, many grain-free only companies started manufacturing standard dog food, which means there is more variety than ever. However, if you are worried that your dog is not getting enough taurine in his diet, know that veterinarians can easily test a dog’s taurine levels to make sure a pet is not deficient.

Overall, Dr. Hill and Dr. Steller both believe positives can come out of any negative situation. There are now more resources and experts looking into the safety of pet food in the industry. Sometimes working out what went wrong can lead to changes that not only make the pet food industry safer, but the human food industry as well.

The bottom line is while researchers are still investigating if grain-free diets are the cause of DCM, most veterinarians agree that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Know what your animal is eating. Be an advocate for their health. With so many options, take the time to educate yourself so you can ensure your pet lives a long, happy life.