The unexplained powers of animals

Over ten years ago I found a documentary at the Edmonton Public Library (in Alberta, Canada) which blew my mind. It showed different ground-breaking studies about human and non human animals relationships. Unfortunately it isn't available anymore and I haven't been able to find it on You Tube either. In any case, thanks to that documentary I found out about Rupert Sheldrake's work and since then he has become one of my heroes.

Rupert Sheldrake is an out-of-the-box rigorous scientist who is not afraid of addressing subjects that the conventional scientific academic sphere seems to consider inappropriate or controversial, to the point that his presentation The Science Delusion was banned from TED TALKS so you won't be able to watch it through TED TALKS channel but you can read Sheldrake's book The Science Delusion, or watch other videos, I am leaving some links at the end of this article. If you appreciate thought-provoking material, don’t miss this one. (1)

So what was the documentary about?

The documentary talked about the unexplained powers of animals such as dogs who know when their humans are coming home way before they arrive, even when they are coming at very unpredictable hours, not in a recognizable vehicle.

Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home, And Other Unexplained Powers of Animals is the name of one of Sheldrake's books first published in 1999 by Hutchinson in the United Kingdom.

Cover of the copy I have

The book goes in much more depth than the documentary and tells about Sheldrake's research studies on three types of perception: telepathy, the sense of direction, and premonition, and involves different species, not only dogs.

His research showed that all these supposedly paranormal experiences are actually quite normal as he received hundreds of testimonials.

In fact, as I was reading many of the different stories, I found myself saying, yes! That happened to me with Catalina! Our cat who went missing for two months and a half and showed up when my husband came back from a long trip, or Ernesto a beloved dog who escaped twice from a shelter to get back where his mother was (a 10 km distance approx) distance he had done only once by car.

If you have ever had a deep bond with a companion non-human or human-animal you might find some of your own experiences validated as well. He also explains how to keep logs for records in order to conduct your own research.

Precisely, this is one of the commonalities found in many of these psychic experiences: the depth of the human-non-human animal bond, it works also between humans.

So the point is that we humans also have these paranormal capabilities, many of us have just forgotten them, and our animal companions can be our teachers and help us to remember them. The studies also found that these capabilities are stronger in some individuals than others, just as different senses are more developed in some individuals than others.

The studies were conducted in different ways eliminating other possible explanations, such as using the sense of smell, or other possible clues. Data from different countries such as the United Kingdom, USA and Germany, was collected.

At the time that the book was written, Sheldrake concluded that these capabilities seemed to be present in mammals mainly. However, I recently found an amazing story by a Japanese diver Hiroyuki Arakawa who has been friends for over 30 years with a wild fish that he called Yoriko. Hiroyuki has spent the last forty years of his life collecting clams and crabs professionally. This very unique friendship started one day when Hiroyuki met Yoriko very exhausted, almost dying from a serious injury. The diver fed her with crabs for several days until she recovered. They have been friends since then. Hiroyuki tells that he doesn't know how, but they understand each other. He is the only human that she allows to kiss her. (2)

So seeing this, I wouldn't dare to exclude other species such as birds, fish, reptiles even insects as capable of bonding deeply with humans. It probably has to do with our own perception and willingness to bond with non-mammal individuals of other species and of course the chances in our environments for these encounters to happen.

I don’t know how but we understand each other -Hiroyuki Arakawa

Perhaps one of the most important contributions of Sheldrake's work is the concept of morphic fields. He explains how we are energetically connected, especially with beings that are important to us, and how that connection still remains unaffected by distance and time. It is truly fascinating that someone can offer a scientific explanation for something that has been in people's knowledge all along:

Love doesn't know of time and distance, or Love doesn't know boundaries

One of the most moving stories I found in the book, is one in which the family knew about the death of their son, a soldier in a war overseas, because of their dog's behavior at home. There are several cases in which animals seemed to know when someone they had a deep bond with, died, even though they are not physically around to see it.

Over the last few years, Sheldrake has conducted very interesting research about animals and death. He has found many cases in which animals show a sudden improvement and come to say goodbye before they die. Therefore, this would show that they are aware of what is happening and that it is important for them, that moment of connection before dying. Just as it has been observed in humans. This opens up the subject of Spiritual experiences in non-human animals.

The great news is that Sheldrake's work is available through his books and he also has a YouTube channel where you can find out more about his work. His website: https://www.sheldrake.org.

(1) Exposing Scientific Dogmas-Banned Ted Talk- Rupert Sheldrake by After Skool

https://youtu.be/sF03FN37i5w

(2) Aquatic Affection: How a Scuba Diver Found a Good Friend Under the Sea by Great Big Story

https://youtu.be/pfwdm5W2lWs

Telepathy in Dogs Experiments Rupert Sheldrake BBC Our of this World Segment 1996

https://youtu.be/YkamC09-cL4

This is the second article of a monthly publication in which I will talk about resources on animal-related topics. If you missed the number one

My dog is alfa...is it true?

you can find it in our blog. These resources have been precious and helpful in my personal and professional experience. Feel free to check other articles.

I hope you enjoy them!

Until the next New Moon!

Many blessings

Silvia Soto

My dog is Alpha… Is it true?

I am opening a series of monthly publications in which I will talk about resources on animal-related topics. These resources have been extremely valuable and helpful in my own personal and professional experience and I hope that the more people find them, the more animals will enjoy better relationships with their beloved human families.

Who could benefit from this article?

• Anyone who loves dogs and learning about them and animals in general.

• Families in which different members have different opinions on how problematic behaviors of a dog should be addressed.

• Professionals who work with dogs (trainers/educators/veterinarians etc.)

• Dog trainers who have based their work on the concept that dogs, like wolves, build their relationships following a hierarchical structure.

I have found the book Dominance in Dogs, Fact or Fiction, an easy read, based not only on common sense but very well-documented scientific research. Its author Barry Eaton is a recognized dog trainer who lives in the United Kingdom. He has worked extensively with herding dogs and in particular training deaf dogs. He is also the author of the book Hear, hear! A Guide to Training a Deaf Dog. He is a member of COAPE Association of Behaviorists and Trainers.

Why you should read this book?

Because knowing this information will help you:

• to understand your dog and prevent you from making wrong assumptions.

• to make wiser choices if you need to ask for professional help. There are different approaches on addressing problematic behaviors and some of these popular approaches are based on myths.

• to help your clients better if you are a professional.

• to save you time, money and the most important, unnecessary suffering to your dog and yourself.

This book was first published in 2008. However, I am still amazed at how many professionals haven't updated their work to this day and are still promoting the idea that dogs will try to impose their 'leadership' unless their humans make very clear who is the boss.

Does it sound familiar to you?

I think almost every human who lives with a dog has seen tv shows in which this model of relationship has been encouraged. It certainly was what I first found when searching for material for learning about dogs, behavior, and training. In my own experience of working with dogs, I can truly appreciate the power that tv shows have in promoting a belief, reaching every home, and how little we tend to question the validity of the delivered content.
Most of my clients have met a trainer who would ask them to apply pack rules such as

• Always eat before feeding your dog

• Do not allow the dog on the furniture (bed, chair, sofa)

• Don't let the dog lay at the top of the stairs

• Don't let the dog lay in a hallway or in doorways

• Never let your dog through a doorway first

The list is much longer, I am just including a few of the most common ones. You can find more in the book with an explanation of why each of these rules don't work. Even if you don't have the interest to go much further beyond this article, knowing the following information will help.

The first research on wolf pack behavior was done with wolves in captivity and they would not necessarily be part of the original pack in the wild but wolves put together. This research was the one that concluded that wolves impose or earn their authority by aggression and establish some sort of pecking order.

This is the research that has been the foundation of the alpha leader concept. On top of this, it has been assumed that dogs would behave the same way because wolves are their ancestors. And also assume, that the root of every problematic behavior in dogs comes from their nature to seek leadership not only within their species but also in their interaction with humans, so addressing that, and letting the dog know that the human is the boss, would solve the problematic behavior.

BUT

What happened when the study on wolves' social interactions was done observing wild packs?

The conclusions were very different from the study with captive wolves. What the scientists discovered was that the packs of wolves were family units, with one breeding couple, and a younger and older litter. No fighting for the alpha role, and a very cohesive and cooperative coexistence. When the youngsters are mature, they leave the pack to find a partner and start their own families.

Then studies on groups of stray dogs showed substantial differences between them and the packs of wolves which Barry Eaton describes very well in his book. Still, no alpha leader structure was observed in either of them.

So, why after all these years is the myth of the alpha dog still prevalent?

Perhaps, because we humans are projecting our own perceptions of social hierarchy and power issues onto our dogs. Honestly, this has not much to do with the way dogs relate but with how humans do it. Unfortunately, this misunderstanding has played an important part in perpetuating aversive training techniques (using punishment and unpleasant stimuli, for behavior modification). After all, a few decades ago physical punishment of children was accepted and applied at school and at home as something necessary for a correct education. Many of us grew up believing in disciplining and not questioning our authority figures. So, it makes sense to me that this could explain why letting go of the old model of relationship with dogs is taking longer than what we would expect, even after having all the research and knowledge showing that this is not the way to go.

The good news is that there are more effective ways of addressing problematic behaviors which are not fear-based but gentle, such as positive reinforcement and Trust-Technique. These methods are enjoyable for the human and the dog and support the development of a happier relationship.

Prevention also has a place and we can prevent problematic behaviors, for instance :

• making wise choices when choosing the dog we'll bring to our home, paying attention to the breed characteristics, their needs, and how compatible those needs are with our own habits and style of life. This also applies to mixed-breed dogs. It is not uncommon; the case of the dog chosen by his/her look, or the breeds that become trendy but not much research on the needs for physical activity, mental stimulation, favorable climate conditions, etc are brought to the table when making the decision to bring the dog home.

• Socialization at an early age will also contribute to more harmonious interactions with other dogs, and other species including cats and humans.

Educating ourselves on these subjects plays a very important part on overcoming critical situations in less damaging / more constructive ways. The better we understand each other the better chances we have to enjoy a good relationship, the rewards for making the effort are enormous...and we'll still make a few mistakes, but what counts is the willingness to learn from them and the love we share day by day, feeling at peace with ourselves for doing our best to be the best dog parents we can be.

Getting dog and cat food smart

I have recently come across a few cases of people who started feeding a raw diet to their dogs, went to the vet, the vet discouraged them from choosing a raw diet and convinced them to go for what is commonly known as a prescription diet which is kibble formulated by one of the biggest manufacturers of pet food. So I thought, it is time to again recommend watching the documentary Pet Fooled which was released in 2016. I understand it has been available through Netflix and you can certainly find it online.

Why should somebody bother searching for this documentary?

Besides being an in-depth exposé of the inner workings of the commercial pet food industry, the majority of which is owned by only a few multi-conglomerate companies, it contains essential information which every dog and cat guardian should be aware of, when the time comes to choose how to feed the furry members of the family.

With the help of Dr. Barbara Royal and Dr. Karen Becker the filmmaker Kohl Harrington brings light on the history of pet food manufacturing and the reasons behind the high popularity of dry food formulas. During World War II the metal used for making cans was needed for making munitions (meat was also rationed). For these reasons the dog food market suffered a big transformation from cans to dry food which could be stored in bags. Cereals started playing a much more important part in the diet of dogs and cats. Clearly these changes had nothing to do with dog evolution or nutritional concerns but with economy and human convenience.

Up until World War II the Pet Food Industry was mainly focused on canned food production.

One of the reasons which people offer for not considering the primordial diet as a valid option, which is what the wild canine or feline ancestor would eat, is that dogs have evolved and now have other requirements. Dr. Karen Becker explains that in 1993 the International Society of Zoological Nomenclature redefined lupus canis familiaris as simply canis lupus. This organization defines in which category animals fit into and why. They concluded that dogs are genetically identical to wolves. They share 99,9% of their DNA. Scientists agreed that genotype, the DNA, is still the same.

Wolves and dogs share 99,9% of their DNA

So why they look so different?

What has changed over the last centuries is the phenotype, the jacket to explain metaphorically.

Just as we have people with different skin color, eye color, hair color, curls etc. And yet we are still all human beings and our nutritional requirements are still the same.

Packaging and labeling is a whole chapter well addressed in the film and worth learning about.

The jargon utilized to describe what is in those bags attractively designed for animal lovers is a code in itself, sometimes a bit cryptic. To give you a small example, any package which says 'WITH' chicken for instance, only has to contain 3% chicken even though the bag usually will show the picture of a whole fresh chicken.

The film also tells the origin of what we know as prescription formulas, created in 1948 by the veterinarian Mark Morris partnering with Burton Hills, and their history throughout the years.

It is an eye-opening journey which takes us through the process of sourcing of the ingredients in rendering plants and manufacturing of kibble.

MYTH

An international, well known and expensive brand means that it must be good quality food.

There have been marketing campaigns that have suggested unproven doubts about the safety of a raw food diet.

But perhaps just as important a topic is

how are we and our animals protected as consumers?

The documentary uncovers the significant issues that the “Pet Food Industry” has. Perhaps it would be more fair to say the problems that we have as consumers, as the Pet Food Industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and very well protected legally.

The case of melamine poisoning which occurred in 2007 is revisited and explained. Melamine is utilized as a fertilizer and has commercial and industrial uses and should have never been used in food for anyone at any level. This was the biggest recall in history and thousands of dogs and cats died in the United States and Canada as a consequence. The case went to court, the responsibility of Menu Foods Company was proved. What do the regulations say? What were the consequences for the company?

But the case of poisoning by the presence of melamine in dog and cat food has not been the only one that caused many deaths. The Jerky chicken treats were another food with very devastating consequences and it took much longer to resolve. Several of the families affected are interviewed, also a lawyer, and Susan Thixton, founding partner of the organization 'Truth about Pet Food' offer their testimonies and knowledge. Susan Thixton sheds light on the use of preservatives and the ones you should avoid especially such as the carcinogenic ethoxiquin which caused the death of her dog and set her on the journey of educating people and bringing light on this matter.

Dr. Karen Becker and Dr. Barbara Royal offer some clues of how to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs and cats safely, and how they came to these conclusions different than what they were taught at university when they were students in the veterinary medicine program.

Summarizing

If you believe that the government agencies are regulating in your dog and cat's best interest and looking after the quality of their food available in the market, I have bad news, it is important that you understand that this is not the case so then you can take the necessary precautions.

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Dancing with coyotes

As I start this article, I can't help but wish we could go back in time and do things in such a way that there would be no need to even consider the possibility of trapping and killing the coyotes from Stanley Park in Vancouver, or anywhere else for that matter.

Coyote and leg hold trap Fur Bearers Defenders

In case you haven't heard about it, forty five people reported being attacked by coyotes in Stanley Park over the last nine months, some of them having to be hospitalized.

Now, this is not usual coyote behavior. Coyotes are usually timid and they will naturally avoid contact with humans unless they are encouraged to do so, with food. Then they will not only lose their healthy self-preserving fear of humans but could show even bold and demanding behavior. So it is a no-brainer why coyotes in the park would become such a problem.

Coyotes have been living in urban environments since the beginning, and even before, as cities have been created in their natural environment. So, this is why it is fair to say that we have invaded their habitat and not the other way around. In many many decades attacks on people by coyotes have been very rare, although we can not say that it has been the same the other way around. Coyotes live in mostly natural areas and urban parks across North America. Cities keep growing and invading natural ecosystems and it is vital that we learn how to coexist with what the Native Americans called the First People, as our subsistence is all interconnected.

Coyotes eat small mammals, fruits and insects. So culling or 'eliminating' them not only is ineffective but carries consequences,certainly not beneficial to humans. They are cleaners, and keep rodent populations under control which has an impact on all the species coexisting in that environment.

The singer Bryan Adams made a public statement through social media (Twitter) to say, “Culling of coyotes in Stanley Park? Consider the knock on effect by removing a species from its natural habitat. Look what happened when they wiped out the wolves in Yellowstone. They had to re-wild them back to balance the ecosystem.”

And as science has shown once culled, it may not take long to re-populate available areas. So in this case as Lesley Fox, from the Fur Bearers organization has explained, it is estimated that in about one year people in Stanley Park or anywhere else in a similar situation, could be facing the exact same problem unless we address the cause.

So 'exterminating them' fortunately is not only not possible in this context in the long term but it would creates much bigger problems than solutions. At this point of our history insisting on considering wild-animals as vermin is not only irresponsible but it shows that we humans have a tough time accepting and learning from our own mistakes looking at the chaos and cascade effects that eliminating one species from their ecosystems has caused once and again all around the planet.

In order to have different results

we need to do things differently

What could have been done differently in Stanley Park to prevent this problem?

• Enforcing regulations which prohibit feeding wild-life.

• Setting signs to let people know and remind those regulations and also how to report if sighting someone feeding wild-life.

• Setting closed garbage containers so animals can't eat garbage.

• Reminding people to use the designated trails for not disturbing dens so wild-animals can stay away from people.

• Using aversion techniques to encourage coyotes to stay away from people, when the first signs of habituation are detected.

MYTH

IF YOU FEED COYOTES THEY WON'T EAT YOUR CAT or DOG

Different cities have programs, so you can find out if there is a program dedicated to urban wildlife in your city and contact them if you have observed a potentially dangerous situation with a coyote or other wild animal. Poison should never be the answer, not only for humane reasons, (a dead by poison is extremely painful) but also environmentally, poison is a contaminant that will affect more than the targeted individual or species, and the risk includes domestic animals.

In Edmonton there is the Urban Coyote Project which depends on the University of Alberta. This project has been working with a group of volunteers in different neighborhoods of the city where coyotes have been seen. They have successfully applied a simple aversion technique for encouraging coyotes to stay away from humans. This technique consists in throwing weighted tennis balls towards the coyote (not at the coyote). You can find out more in their website. At the end of this article you will find different links with educational material.

Other aversion methods

Noisemakers: pots and pans, shaking a can with stones or anything you have handy to make noise, including your own voice.

Projectiles thrown towards (not at) the coyote such as weighted tennis balls, sticks, clumps of dirt.

During warm weather you can use water, water balloons.

Summarizing

It is vital that we humans learn to co-exist with wildlife not only for the preservation of those species but for our own preservation. Understanding our interconnection and interdependence is the key to restore and also to stop the destructive behavior towards Nature. Each of us can play an active and very important role in our day to day lives with seemingly small acts.

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If you would like to learn more about coyotes the Bay Nature Institute is screening online the documentary Don't feed the coyotes, on Tuesday 21st of September 2021, you can register through this link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bay-nature-talks-screening-of-dont-feed-the-coyotes-tickets-170042063389

About this documentary:

After a century of extirpation, coyotes returned to the green spaces of San Francisco in the early 2000s. Twenty years later, a thriving population of Canis latrans resides in the city’s parks and forests. The upcoming documentary don’t feed the coyotes observes several years in the intertwined lives of these urban animals. It centers around a three-year-old coyote, fondly named Scout, and her territorial challenger, the scientifically dubbed 15F. Chronicling their lives through two starkly different researchers observing them, it's about humans, the natural world, and the lines we've drawn between the two. And of course, not feeding the coyotes.

Following the screening of the film, Bay Nature will host a Q&A with filmmaker Nick Stone Schearer alongside Bay Area self-taught naturalist, Janet Kessler, and wildlife ecologist with Presidio Trust, Jonathan Young.

Organizations in Canada

In Edmonton, Alberta

In British Columbia

In Ontario

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This Summer I read “The Puma Years”

Last Monday, the 30th of August was International Puma Day. This celebration has been created to bring attention to the importance of the conservation of this species, whose habitat stretches from Alaska to Patagonia.

The Puma Years, A Memoir, is a non-fiction book, as its name announces, written by Laura Coleman. This book was published this year and is the first by the author. She is also the founder of ONCA, a Brighton (UK) based arts charity that bridges social and environmental justice issues with creativity, and she lives by the sea on the Isle of Eigg in Scotland with a dog called Nelo.

In this book, Laura Coleman tells how a trip to Bolivia after quitting her job in the UK in her twenties, changed her life.

The story starts with her arrival to the Wild-life Sanctuary Ambue-Ari, dedicated to rescuing and looking after wild animals, victims of the pet trade black market.

The circumstances and challenges that she faced, were so ridiculously extreme that it's impossible not to laugh. Humor is one of the great qualities of the way Laura shares her story which allows us to go through the intensity of the experience in a vivid and enjoyable way. She found the perfect tension to keep us hooked from beginning to end in an emotional roller coaster going from her own inner transformation to the transformation of the jungle and the sanctuary, in a very sensitive and intimate way.

Above all this it is an amazing love story. The unlikely love story between a puma called Wayra, (which means wind or born of the wind, in Quechua), and a young woman, who knew nothing about pumas nor what she was capable of.

If you love animals you will love this book, if you love adventure, you will love this book. If you would rather stay at home but you always wanted to know what it would be like to go far away and experience something seriously profound, you will love this book.

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I invite you to meet Laura Coleman in this interview by Jessica Janson from the Mountain Lion Foundation made last 16th of August. Enjoy it!

Feeling anxious?

Companion animals suffering from anxiety have become a more and more common issue just as it has become more common for humans. As we share our everyday lives in such an intimate way, we shouldn't look at these as different and unrelated phenomena.

However, there are several factors to take into consideration when taking a close look at each individual experience, keeping in mind that the spectrum of anxiety covers a very broad range.

If we want to find real solutions, the ideal will always be addressing the cause instead suppressing a symptom, understanding that the symptom is there only to tell us that something isn't going well and needs some attention and help.

We shouldn't take the signs of anxiety in our companion animals lightly as anxiety can have not only a significant impact in their behavior but also in their physical health. Some of the effects of anxiety on the body are:

• increased blood pressure

• breathing problems

• upset stomach

• muscle aches

• weakened immune system

• skin problems

• gastrointestinal disorders

But, what can anxiety look like? Most of these behaviors will also apply not only to dogs but cats and other species

• Withdrawal, hiding

• Tense body posture and expression

• Reduced activity

• Whining, crying, excessive barking, excessive vocalizations

• Constant pacing

• Destructive tendencies

• Excessive licking, biting of self, panting

• Jumpy, easily scared

• Overprotective actions (growling in dogs, defensive behavior)

• Passive or active escape behaviors

• Resistance, stubbornness, freezing response

• Not taking treats

• Lack of bladder control

• Diarrhea and digestive upset

So when addressing the problem, let's take as an example a dog barking excessively. It will be important to understand why is he feeling this way. Is he bored? Is he scared? In cases like this, some guardians and vets choose sedation and some have gone to the extreme of cutting the dog's vocal cords. Needless to say this doesn't address the anxiety resulting from boredom or fear but only stops the inconvenient noise for the human. I am mentioning this only as an example of what suppression of a symptom may look like.

If you are reading this article, chances are that you wouldn't go for this kind of solution, but it is true that sometimes facing challenging circumstances which may involve conflict with neighbors, landlords, being desperate and under pressure or even threat of being fined, people will look at different ways of suppression of the symptom as a quick fix and as a better option than getting rid of the dog, not knowing that there are more humane options available although they may require a bit more effort from the human in charge.

When looking at anxiety symptoms in animals (not only cats and dogs but also rabbits, birds, and other species) these are key factors that we need to take into consideration:

• Physical exercise and stimulation

  Every dog needs physical exercise and stimulation in order to balance physical and emotional needs. Some dog breeds, originally created for working, have a high demand for physical activity and need even more exercise. In this group we can include sheep dogs, some hunting dogs, and nordic breeds. Some of these breeds have become popular choices as companions which translates to a much more sedentary lifestyle. When making the decision of bringing a dog in to your home it's very important to consider whether the kind of dog that appeals to you is compatible with your lifestyle. Do you like spending time outdoors? Are you athletic? Are you willing to make changes in your routine in order to offer a fulfilling life to your new furry family member? If you are not keen on much outdoor time or for different reasons you do not have the time to provide the exercise your dog needs, are you ready to budget for hiring a reliable dog walker?

MYTH: small dog don't need to be taken for walks

Many small dog breeds need to exercise and require just as much stimulation as larger high energy breeds. Jack Russells, Schnauzers (Terriers in general) for instance, are extremely active and curious. Chances are that they will suffer anxiety if they are expected to spend extended periods of time, quietly on a couch or a lap or even worse, in a crate.

Regarding cats, they also need exercise and stimulation specially when they are not allowed to go outdoors. If you always keep your cat indoors, be sure to take care of enriching his/her environment.

• Traumatic experiences

Experiences of abandonment (being re-homed several times), being neglected, or abused, can also be an important factor in suffering anxiety. These influences could be in the profile of a rescue dog. Although usually rescue organizations do their best to find the perfect match for a happily ever after adoption, we still need to consider if we are ready to offer the unconditional love, patience and needed compassion (please, notice the difference between compassion and pity) in order to offer to our new family member a safe space to heal emotionally, understanding that each individual is different and the speed of progress is impossible to predict.

• Diet

As I mentioned in a previous article about the importance of raw meaty bones for dogs and cats. Bones can make a big difference in their health and quality of life, being stimulating at the same time as soothing. If you haven't read the article you can find it clicking on the following button

Diet has an effect on behavior. It is well accepted that food additives can play a part in hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder in young children. Since many cats and dogs consume still higher levels of the same additives, similar effects can be expected. According to Dr Tom Lonsdale's experience when he started to change animals to a natural diet, an unexpected effect came when guardians reported that animals who previously showed agitated and aggressive behavior, had become contented.

Corn (maize) is the principal ingredient in many processed foods. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is in short supply in corn protein and the vitamin niacin is largely unavailable. Tryptophan is a precursor of the important brain chemical serotonin and in humans, these deficiencies cause a disease known as pellagra, the signs of which include dementia. In 1983 Professor David Kronfeld speculated that peculiar pet behavior may be attributable to the high corn levels in processed food. (1) He also reported that one large pet food company was testing diets for their behavior impact.

Dr. Lonsdale also mentions, from the '80s, several cases of aggressive Golden Retrievers inflicting serious wounds on their owners and making dramatic behavior improvements when their diets were changed.

Of course, this leaves us with the question of how many animals euthanized for aggressive behavior could have been saved if their nutritional needs would have been properly addressed.

• Pain or illness

Animals tend to hide their pain. If you notice changes in the behavior of your animal friend and suddenly she is more grumpy consider the possibility a physical problem. A visit to the vet to assess it would be a good place to start.

• Unfamiliar situations

The ideal when facing a new situation and the most gentle approach is to do it gradually. This includes socialization. Basically the best way to avoid anxiety and fear is not forcing or imposing a situation. I definitely advocate for a non-dominant approach, and I ask you to listen to your companion animal as he will let you know whether he is ready or not to take the next step, and it will make a big difference for him if you take into account what he is telling you.

Always, introduce in advance and gradually whatever you are planning to use and do with them. Also explaining to them what is going to happen, believe it or not, can make a difference. Even though it may sound weird to many people, in my own personal experience it has given me good results and it has worked well for others.

• Times of crisis

The way lock-down has affected numerous families, and the changes that have brought, such as losses of jobs, involuntary change in routines, lack of socialization, uncertainty about many things we have always taken for granted, also includes our animal companions as any stressful situation within a family, will also affect them. They are very sensitive and can perceive when something is not going well which can make them feel unsafe. There are great resources to help people to build resilience and cope with adverse circumstances. So please if this is your case, reach out for help. this will not only benefit you but your animals.

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Summarizing

When animals show signs of anxiety there are a number of things we need to take into consideration such as the individual temperament plus the characteristics of the breed, history, diet, general health, and we'll also need to look at our own personal situation which could give us important clues. I hope what I have offered in this article will help you and your beloved friend if you are going through this and also to prevent anxiety and unnecessary stress.

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Anxiety is a big subject and there is more to share about it, I'll do it in future articles.

The Trust-Technique is a great resource to support animals and their humans to overcome trauma and accept new situations.

If you would like to know more about it go to

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References

Raw Meaty Bones Promote Health, by Dr Tom Lonsdale

Bones Matter- part 2

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BONE?

In Bones matter part I explained why raw meaty bones (RMBs) should be included as an important part of dogs and cats diet and I also offered some tips for feeding them safely. If you haven't read it yet you can find it here:

In part two, I will explain how to select the right bones, and also address more specifically cats, kittens puppies and some special considerations to keep in mind when feeding RMBs.

Which is the best bone?

Following nature's way, the best way to meet the carnivore needs is to offer some variety. No carnivore in nature would eat exclusively ribs or necks. Also different bones will require teeth, jaws etc to work differently and therefore will represent more stimulation.

A common way to classify bones when talking about diet is in

Consumable and Non Consumable or Recreational

Consumable are the bones that are usually fully eaten.

They are softer and contain more cartilage tissue. Examples of these kind of bones are chicken, duck, turkey necks, feet and wings. They are a great source of glucosamine and chondroitin which supports the joints.

Depending on the size of the dog they will be a good choice also for keeping the teeth clean. Small dogs and cats usually do well with chicken necks, larger dogs will benefit more from larger bones such as turkey necks. For individuals who suffer sensitivity to chicken, pancreatitis or inflammatory bowel disease you should choose a different option because they are high in fat. So chicken necks can be a suitable source of energy for sport or very active dogs but not for an obese dog. Antlers are a good alternative for those that should stay away from necks for some of the reasons I have mentioned.

Non Consumables or Recreational bones are the bones that can be only partially eaten.

We can include in this group: ribs, elk and beef necks, marrow bones. Once again, choose accordingly to the size of the eater's mouth and feed preferably defrosted although RMBs can be fed frozen. For dogs suffering pancreatitis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease, if you are feeding marrow bones, remove most of the the marrow with a spoon.

It is also important that you know what “kind of chewer” your dog is . Is he very enthusiastic or does he have a soft mouth? If he is a very enthusiastic chewer, it is safer to feed bones with more meat and defrosted. Bones with more meat are also preferable in general because they are more enjoyable, they require more work, which is what cleans the teeth and they are safer. If the dog is a too enthusiastic chewer you may directly avoid recreational bones and offer him consumable bones under supervision holding one extreme of the bone so he can work on it instead of gulping it. Over time he might get more relaxed around bones and you might be able to introduce recreational bones.

It is also important to take into consideration that dogs with calcium and other minerals deficiencies have weaker teeth therefore harder bones should be avoided to start with in order to prevent teeth fractures.

Bones for puppies and kittens At what age can dogs and cats start eating RMBs?

• After the third week and six weeks of age, the best way to feed bones for puppies and kittens is minced with meat, similar to the predigested substance that their mothers would give them, after regurgitating it.

• Between the six and the eight weeks of age they can start chewing RMBs. Chicken necks and feet are usually a good option. Cornish hen and quail are also good options for cats and small dogs. Always keep in mind the sizes and choose accordingly. Initially the bones might be just a toy and this is perfect. If these bones are incorporated as environmental enrichment at early stages, they'll accept them as part of their diet gradually and naturally. Their jaws will get trained as well. A way to help them to start with is to smash the consumable RMBs, so part of the work is done and it's easier for them. This can also be specially helpful for adult cats who are not used to eating them. One of the many advantages of feeding bones as they grow up is that dogs especially won't get overexcited when getting a bone, they will certainly be used to them and more relaxed than dogs that rarely get a bone and therefore will require more supervision and caution.

There is scientific proof that cats and dogs tend to show preference for foods that have been fed to them early in their lives or even foods that their mothers were fed while pregnant. This is a reason why some commercial brands of kibble are very generous with breeders and rescue organizations. As in many cases it means that the animal will be on that food for life. But, does the fact that a cat and/or dog show preference for a certain food means that this is in their best nutritional interest? Most of the times the answer is NO, just as it happens with humans and junk food. So it is worth the patience and the effort to help them to develop a taste for healthier options.

• Between four and six months of age kittens and puppies have their permanent teeth and it's the stage at which they grow the most. At this stage of their development, they'll need more nutritional support therefore plenty of RMBs.

Seniors dogs and cats

RMBs can significantly contribute to keep a healthy mouth and add years to your dog and cat's lives. As long as they keep their teeth they'll be able to enjoy them. If you have an elder dog or cat who are missing some of their teeth, they may not be able to chew RMBs. In these cases they can eat bones minced with meat, just as we would do for them at a very early age, not for cleaning their teeth but for the nutritional value that bones can still offer. Keep in mind that they can play a key role to support their joints and mobility.

Summarizing

RMBs are an essential part of a carnivore diet. They can certainly add years to the lives of our companions, contributing significantly to their health and happiness. We only need to bring some details into consideration according to their age, anatomy, character and individual needs.

Huge Thanks to Tail Blazers Gateway for its commitment to dogs and cats' health care and for supporting this blog!

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References

Raw Meaty Bones Promote Health by Dr. Tom Longsdale

Feeding dogs by Dr. Conor Brady

Raw bones for your dog, by Dr. Jodie Gruensen

A guide of chicken necks for dogs,by Dr. Jo de Klerk

Chunks and Bones For Your Cat’s Teeth, by Dr. Guillermo Diaz

Raw Food for Cats, What About Eating Bones? by Dr. Guillermo Diaz

Bones Matter

A close look at bones- part 1

Working at a health food store for dogs and cats, this is an everyday subject of conversation with caring guardians. Therefore, I have decided to dedicate the first article of our blog to what I consider should be acknowledged as a carnivore right, just in the same way as there are animal and human rights.

Why are bones so important to your dog and your cat?

Although in this article I will be focusing on dogs mainly, much of this information applies to cats as well. I will be talking in more detail about them in Bones Matter part 2.

• Raw Meaty Bones have vital nutritional value

  Raw meaty bones (RMBs) are not only the primary source of calcium for carnivores but also other important minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, iron, selenium, copper, and magnesium (more on magnesium later). They are a high-quality source of nutrients because they are in the proper ratios and they are also highly bioavailable, which means they can be well digested and absorbed; something that doesn't happen with processed foods which contain artificial vitamin and mineral mixes.

• Raw Meaty Bones can be great dental cleaners

  So, if we feed our dogs and cats raw commercial foods, which usually though not always, contain ground bone, do we still need to feed raw meaty bones?

  The answer is: YES! Studies have shown that by just 3 years of age 80% of dogs have some form of periodontal disease.

  Studies have also shown that biting, tearing, and crunching whole meat pieces takes care of teeth cleansing in carnivores, including dogs.

  Chewing bones is an excellent way to remove plaque buildup through abrasion, helping to keep healthy gums. It's the way Nature has been doing it effectively for a very long time and it's safer than using artificial products which usually contain problem ingredients such as salt and sugar.

• Raw Meaty Bones can contribute to keeping healthy anal glands

  RMBs can have a scrubbing effect on the dog's digestive tract, encouraging healthy fecal motions and also making stools more solid which stimulates anal glands.

• Raw Meaty Bones can play an important role in a balanced behavior

  The action of chewing bones is soothing because chewing bones boosts endorphins which relieve stress and fear. As I mentioned earlier, bones are a source of Magnesium, which plays a very important part in stress management. So, if your dog shows some signs of anxiety and is not chewing bones regularly, besides addressing possible reasons which could be triggering that state, feeding raw meaty bones could be very helpful.

  Nowadays CBD oil has become a popular aid for anxiety, not to mention the frequent use of allopathic medication for anxiety management for dogs. The range in the spectrum of anxiety is wide, but addressing the diet and feeding raw meaty bones is always a good place to start. If this does not completely solve the problem, it will certainly enhance and support other actions that can be taken to support our dogs, when addressing anxiety issues.

  After all, this is exactly what a holistic approach entails: addressing a situation from a physical perspective as well as mentally and emotionally; going to the cause of the problem for understanding and solving it, instead of suppressing it.

  But getting back to bones, if raw meaty bones are so great for dogs,

  why do so many dog guardians not feed bones to their carnivore companions?

  These are some of the most popular concerns I have come across:

• fear of the dog eating bone and being unable to digest it,

• fear of bacteria contamination,

• fear of choking,

• concerns about the dog making an indoor mess,(when the dog can’t chew the bone outdoors),

• fear of making the dog more aggressive

Here, some answers to safely feed raw meaty bones:

• What if my dog swallows a piece of bone?

  Carnivore species are capable of digesting bone. Their digestive system is perfectly designed for it. They are much better equipped to digest bone than corn, which paradoxically is an ingredient often included in dog food by some well-known commercial brands.

  However, we still need to keep some important details in mind when feeding bones.

  Do not feed cooked bones: raw bones are safer than cooked bones (boiled, smoked, baked, microwave, barbecue leftovers). Cooked bones become brittle, they are more difficult to digest, and are more likely to cause obstructions or lacerations.

  Pick up the old bones from your yard: over time and exposure to the elements, old bones also become brittle, so it's safer to pick them up from your yard.

  Always supervise dogs with bones.

• What about bacteria contamination?

  While wild felines aren't scavengers but hunters, most wild canines are scavengers as well as hunters. This could explain why most dogs are so much easier to please than cats when it's time for a meal. This is also a strong indicator that canines can tolerate higher levels of bacteria if healthy. Their digestive system can certainly tolerate bacteria at much higher levels than any human being could, for instance. However, immune-compromised dogs are more sensitive and this should be taken into consideration as well.

  In any case, the way to prevent bacteria poisoning is freezing the raw bones for two weeks before feeding. This also applies to raw meat in general.

• Prevent choking by choosing the right bones: the size matters

  As a general rule, you can take the correspondence between the size of the dog and the size of the bone. If you give a chicken neck to a Golden Retriever, there will be hardly any chewing, therefore not much teeth cleaning. He still will benefit from its nutritional value though. The ideal is to choose larger bones for larger dogs, smaller bones for smaller dogs. You also need to take into consideration what kind of chewer your dog is. Does he take his time? Or he tends to gulp it? More about this topic on Bones Matter part 2.

• Feeding Raw Meaty Bones indoors

  Understanding the importance of feeding raw meaty bones for physical and mental health of your carnivore companion may help you to make the decision and necessary arrangements so your dog and cat can enjoy their bones once, twice, or even three times a week.

  If you don't have an outdoor space or winter is too hard for your dog to chew his bone outdoors, you can teach him to chew it indoors, on a mat, or wherever you consider a convenient space. There are some rubber mats specially for this in some pet stores. It'll take a bit of your time and kind patience but probably sooner than you think, he'll be able to adapt. Bones are so precious to them that they'll be willing to cooperate!

• Myth: Bones make dogs more aggressive

  Once in a while, we'll come across a dog that will protectively guard his bone, not liking anyone coming close to it. This kind of response is called resource guarding aggression. It's not only limited to bones but to objects that the dog appreciates very much. It could be a toy or a place or even her favorite human. The good news is that if your dog shows this kind of behavior, you can work with her to change it to a more gentle, peaceful response. You should be able to safely remove the bone or whatever is her favorite object. If you have this problem and would like some help the Trust Technique can do wonders. It'll take some of your time and dedication but definitely worth it for more than one good reason. For more information, go to

Summarizing

Chewing raw meaty bones can make your dog and cat happier and healthier. It can make your life much easier not having to brush your furry companion's teeth regularly. Their breath will smell just fine, and there wouldn't be a need for stressful, unpleasant and expensive procedures.

Huge Thanks to Tail Blazers Gateway for its commitment to dogs and cats' health care and for supporting this blog!

Join our Facebook page and don’t miss our educational campaigns!

Welcome to Divine Mongrel

Thank you for stopping by the first blog post of Divine Mongrel!

In case you are wondering what to expect from this blog I thought it would be a good idea to start with an explanation.
As my work is about holistic animal care, I will be offering a holistic approach to these posts as well.

How does this translate into an experience?

You will find articles about nutrition, information on health care using natural and eco-friendly products, complementary therapies, reflections on my journey with animals, and other animal matters.

Even though a big part of my work focuses on dogs, I do work with other species including wildlife.

You can expect reviews of books, movies, and documentaries related to animals.

As the purpose of art is to nourish us spiritually there will be art as well in different formats and other content addressing spiritual subjects related to animals and nature.

I hope you enjoy it!

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Silvia Soto