Pre & Post Joint Surgery Tips

I was recently asked this question via email. Hopefully some of my other blog readers dealing with a dog preparing, undergoing, or rehabing from surgery can benefit from some of these helpful tips.

Question: "My Brittany is getting ready to have hip relocation surgery. Do you have any diet recommendations for joint healing?"

Having your faithful hunting companion and best bud go "under the knife" is a stressful situation for both of you!

Response: If your Brit is in good overall health going into the surgery I recommend the dog staying on the same diet. I believe stress from a food change close to surgery could put undue strain on your dogs immune system, which needs to be at full strength to devote to the overall healing process. Even if your current dog food does contain some Glucosamine/Chondroitin. I would add at minimum 750mg per 50lbs of dog per day of a liquid Gluc/MSM/Chon supplement. Nutri Vet makes a great product and the dog gets the most bang for your buck! Liquid supplements are the best bet because dogs digest and metabolize liquids much more completely than pill form supplements. Liquid can be poured over his regular food making it very easy to administer. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of this formula will help dramatically in the healing process and help to lubricate/condition the ligaments and tendons post surgery as well as slow down degenerative issues that will certainly arise in the future.

The biggest post op concern is proper rehabilitation. Take it extremely slow. Even when you think(and the dog acts like) he or she is totally healed they probably are not. Dogs have a way of masking still nagging injuries. It is during this time they are most likely to injure another joint because they are favoring the injury or possibly re-aggravating the surgically repaired joint. The next biggest post op concern is the dog putting on weight following surgery due to inactivity. Be VERY watchful of food ration/portion size and limit treats to those very low in calories. I recommend high protein/low cal treats like pure dried meats(chicken, duck, buffalo) that are packed with nutrients to help in muscle/tendon/ligament development.

Water based physical therapy is low impact and increases the chances of the joint healing correctly. Seek out a clinic that offers it!

I hope these suggestions help. As always, listen to what your vet has to say and follow their advice close. They will have the hands-on experience of seeing exactly what is best for your dog. But always be open to second opinions. Just like human surgery...this is serious business!
Best of luck out there. -Mark

Canine Hypothermia

Temperatures are continuing to plummet across the upper Midwest. Old Man Winter is once again rearing his ugly head as snow storms continue to batter us from what seems like every direction. Here in southern Wisconsin there are still 15 days before the bird hunting season closes for yet another fateful year. As hunters, we expose our dogs to the bitterest of natural elements as fall turns to winter. During this time of year overeager owners can expectantly place gun dogs in harms way.  Canine hypothermia must remain a constant concern to ensure your faithful four legged hunting partner runs astray from it's deathly grip. 

Hypothermia is the lowering of the dog's core temperature and occurs when a dog's temperature falls abnormally low. The extent of the injuries varies with the body temperature and duration of hypothermia. Hypothermia can be fatal. Mild hypothermia causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, but if the time and severity of heat loss continues, heart rate and blood pressure decline and cardiac arrhythmia's or cardiac arrest can occur. Severe hypothermia leads to respiratory problems, lethargy, lack of coordination, paralysis, and possibly even death.

The first acute symptom of hypothermia is shivering(OK, that's pretty obvious that he or she is cold!)When a dog shivers, there is an increase in muscle activity, which increases heat production. At the same time, his blood circulation shifts away from his legs and feet to his internal organs. Other symptoms include slow and shallow breathing, weakness, and listlessness. If your dog is excessively "shaking his coat off" this is also an early sign of hypothermia. If your dog's normal rhythm of hunting starts to involves these abnormal stoppages "to shake it off" this is the earliest telltale sign that the cold is starting to get to them!  It is time to start moving back to the truck quickly.



Frigid Days Make Your Canine Athlete Work Even Harder

 It is also important to realize during the cold months a dogs metabolism increases. As I posted last year in "Cold Dog, New Tricks" The general rule of thumb is for every 10 degree drop in average outside temperature increase your dog's food rations up 6%. Keeping your dog well feed with a high protein/high fat diet during the winter hunting season can provide additional support for warding off adverse effects of the cold. Bitter cold also brings dryness to the atmosphere where a dogs breathe gets zapped and moisture is evaporated by zero humidity conditions quickly. With every breathe brings a loss of water to your dog. Much more than even that hot humid day chasing quail for you southern hunters. Getting a hard charging gun dog to drink in the stone cold winter is usually tough to do. Even though he is not begging for it, it certainly doesn't mean he doesn't need it! To get a dog that won't drink to come to water, grab him gently by the muzzle and spray just a few squirt of water down his throat. I don't mean cold water either but nice warm water from a bottle that has been kept tucked in your vest nearest your own heat source. This is when the training in the off season to accept a water bottle comes in handy! Keep in mind, a working dog will need at minimum 1-2 ounces of water every 20 minutes to stay properly hydrated. Keeping your dog hydrated is not the only thing that should concern you. It is also very helpful to carry some treats in your vest pocket as well. A dog eating a small ration of treats(make then small, soft, and easily eaten) during a cold hunt will help their body produce internal heat from digestion. Keeping them watered and munching on a treat every 20 minutes or so will help ward of the dreaded early signs of hypothermia. If you let your dog succumb to hypothermia you have nobody to blame but yourself.  There is NO bird in this world worth injuring your dog over! If you do notice these early signs get your dog into a heated vehicle as quickly as possible and back to a warm house as soon as possible. If the dog is showing signs of advanced hypothermia(lethargy, stumbling, excessive/uncontrollable shaking) go to the nearest emergency vet!

I hope these tips help this winter season. Canine hypothermia is not to be taken lightly. Imagine if you are getting chilly following your dog in pursuit of frosty pheasants or grouse...you can assume your four legged hunting buddy is feeling the effects of the cold as well.

Best of luck out there. -Mark

Gun Dog Holiday Gifts

'Tis the season! The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, hope's of St. Nick soon will be there...

With the holiday season now upon us, shopping lists should include some gear, treats, and toys for your faithful four legged hunting buddy. Here are few great gifts that have been personally "tested" by us and highly recommend this holiday season!


Top 5 Picks This Holiday Season...

Avery: Sporting Dog Bed. This one is a must if you are looking for a new dog nest for your best bud to snuggle down in this winter. Sporting a durable, waterproof outershell it is perfect for your muddy retriever or filthy flusher! Available at Gander Mountain store or website. Great Value at only $39.99!

Zukes: Various Soft Treats. All made with quality natural ingredients right here in the USA. Any of their wide selection of assorted soft, tasty treats will make your gun dog one happy(and healthy) elf! Available at PETCO stores or website.

Lion Country: Leather Feel Collar. Super durable and comes in wide variety of bright, blazing colors and a wide selection of sizes. Plus, at $5.95, it the best value for such a high quality, long lasting collar. Available only at Lion Country store or website

Dogswell: Dried meat treats. A wide variety of meats to choose from all packed with protein and healthy nutrients. Each of them is a delectable edible plus added supplements. Guaranteed to make your dog wag has tail and chomp 'em down at the same time getting a nice healthy serving of wellness improving morsels! Available at PETCO store or website.

Mud River: Insulated Kennel Cover. Keep your gun dog warm to and from the hunting grounds. This cover is simply the best made and most functional on the market today and fits most brands of plastic kennels. Available at Gander Mountain store or online.

I wish you all a Happy Holiday and New Year! May your 2011 be filled with Happy, Healthy and Hard Hunting Gun Dogs!

Best of luck out there. -Mark

Nutritional "Dog Smoothie" Supplements

Every once in awhile a company comes along who; breaks the mold, raises the bar, thinks outside the box, etc...or any of the other hundreds of cliches to elaborately describe innovative ideas. This particular company has done just such...


They call themselves Ubuntu.

Ubuntu has created one of the coolest, most unique, and functional line of dog treats on the market today. They offer a natural ingredient dog treat "smoothie" fortified with supplements each formulated specifically for either Hip and Joint care, Digestive care, or Skin and Coat care. Each vitamin/nutrient supplement smoothies comes in a four pack of single serving 3.5oz. cups. Basically, they are a Banana/Peanut Butter flavored treats that closely resembles a kid's Jello pudding cup but for dogs. In addition to a tasty treat, Ubuntu "SMART PUP" line is PACKED with high levels of canine nutritional fortification.

We will let information from their website fill in the rest of the science:

SMART PUP Skin & Coat is specially formulated to keep dogs looking and feeling their absolute best. This treat provides the essential Omega-3 fatty acids dogs need for healthier skin and shinier coats. We use salmon and cold water fish oils formulated to provide over 300% more absorbable Omega-3 than leading dry treats. Many dry treats use botanical sources of Omega-3, like flaxseed oil to boost their claims, but dogs can’t metabolize flaxseed nearly as well. SMART PUP Skin & Coat smoothie treats are a great tasting way to deliver meaningful benefits to your dog everyday.

SMART PUP Digestive Health makes everything that dogs eat better for them. The combination of probiotic cultures and prebiotic fiber in our delicious, all-natural treats stimulate the good bacteria in your pup’s intestinal tract. This, in turn, promotes better digestion and nutrient absorption, alleviates intestinal upset and helps strengthen your dog’s immune system. Plus, a touch of ginger helps stimulate appetite in older dogs. SMART PUP Digestive Health smoothie treats are a great tasting way to deliver real benefits to your dog everyday.

SMART PUP Hip & Joint is more than just a delicious, all-natural treat for your dog. Through our exclusive formulation, each treat provides your dog with 600mg of liquid glucosamine to promote optimal joint health. SMART PUP Hip & Joint smoothie treats are a great tasting and effective way to deliver meaningful joint relief to your dog everyday. The Power of Liquid Glucosamine – Studies show that only 10-20% of vitamins and minerals in dry form are actually absorbed by a dog’s body, compared to nearly 100% when in liquid form.



My 4 year old pointer, Dewey has fallen in love with them! The first time I brought a sample home to try he literally did a back flip in my kitchen when I tore the cover off.  He licked the cup clean in under a minute. To know he was getting 600mg of highly digestible Glucosamine in each serving of something he thought was a treat made me one very satisfied dog owner. Over the past two months I have used the Hip and Joint cups as part of Dewey's post hunt recovery and prehunt prep. I have noticed an overall improvement in his recovery time and an increase in his stamina in the field. Although Dewey does not suffer from chronic joint pain,  Glucosamine is a powerful anti-inflammatory nutrient that helps aid in the nourishment of dogs muscles, joints, tendons, and cartilage. Although I have only tested the Hip and Joint smoothies, it is highly probable that their other products are equally effective. Ubuntu Smart Dog Treats are available at your local PETCO store now! The best part is they are very affordable. I urge you all to give your dog a shot at them! You will not be let down and neither will your four legged hunting companion!

Best of luck out there. -Mark

The Tailgate Check

Now that we are headlong into bird hunting season it is time to revisit one of the most critical aspects following any hunt with your four legged partner. The Tailgate Check.

Returning to your truck after a long day afield, time has come to load up your dog or dogs and head for home. A warm fire and hot meal await you both but don't be in a hurry as this is the perfect time and place to give your dog(s) the "once over". Positioning him or her on your trucks tailgate or back hatch gives you a higher vantage point to inspect your dog closely at eye level.

Start at the head and work your way back....

• Check entire dog's skin and coat with your bare hands to detect any foreign objects such as burrs, thorns, or other such debris stuck in/or on your dog.
• Remove any foreign objects completely using sterile tweezers. Medicate area liberally with antiseptic solution to clean the area using a sterile cotton pad.

Check your dog's eyes:

• Pull the skin around the eye socket back and around to see if any debris has found it's way around these sensitive areas. Keep in mind, dog's have a secondary eyelid. This is a common area for debris to find a place to hide. Look closely and inspect with great care. A small flash light can come in handy. Use a sterile canine eye wash to flush out any dust or marsh gunk.

• Treat any eye debris with concern. Sterile plastic tweezers are the best for removing such objects. If you can not reach it, do NOT push it. See your emergency vet immediately. Debris in the eye can work it's way down into cranial cavity quickly. Don't help it by struggling.

Check paws and pads. Look for cracked nail, cut pads, and thorns lodged in webbing:

• If cracked nails are found apply, styptic powder immediately. If severe, see vet asap. For cracked pads, apply k9 foot cream or suave immediately. Bandage with 3M nonstick tape if needed.

Check the ears flaps for cuts and ear canal for debris:

• If cuts are present around the ear flap apply styptic powder immediately. If debris is found in ear canal try to remove if possible. If not see your emergency vet for further help.

Tips for further post hunt home care:

If you hunt marshes or drainage canals around farm field run off(you know...the places those ditch chickens a.k.a.... pheasants like to hangout around), make sure to bath your dog with warm water and a good antibacterial shampoo after returning home. We use and HIGHLY recommend Perfect Coat Anitbacterial Deodorizing Shampoo. Fertilizer and livestock waste that runs off into nearby water holding sources can cause reactions to sensitive skin dogs(and even those tough as nails!) Contaminated field water can cause infections in open wounds or even the smallest scratch so be concerned about the post hunt bath if you frequent these areas...both for you and your dog! Even better, keep a pack of canine antibacterial wipes in your truck. During the tailgate check give your dog the once over before the marsh muck dries! This should not replace the shower and antibacterial shampoo when you get home.

Keep your canine field first aid kit well stocked. All the essentials should be thought of and available quickly. See our post http://northupland.blogspot.com/2010/05/field-first-aid-kit-essentials.html for more information.

The Tailgate Check is important as it allows you to identify any issues in a timely manner. If your travel to and from your hunting grounds are far and time consuming, this is the best place to help your dog ease an injury or painful issue quickly and efficiently.

I truly hope each of you is enjoying a great hunting season. I know Dewey and I are. The unseasonably warmer conditions here in Wisconsin is rare...but we are enjoying it while it lasts!

Best of luck out there. -Mark

Identifying Internal Parasitic Worms

As owners of hunting dogs we knowingly put our faithful four legged partners in harm’s way. Whether it’s a boggy marsh or thorny field, the very environment we hunt exposes our dogs to a myriad of potential parasitic problems. It is up to us as conscious owners to become highly educated to identify symptoms and fulfill the proper treatment to ensure our dogs are the healthiest they can be. There is never a substitute for the years of training from a skilled veterinarian. If you suspect any of the following, I recommend seeing your vet as soon as possible. Yes, there a tons of great over-the-counter products produced to subdue parasitic worms but without a vet’s sign off, a self diagnosis can do more harm than good to your dog.

Roundworms: are the most common internal parasite found in dogs. They are general long and resemble spaghetti. They are often coughed up or seen in the stool. However, a positive diagnosis will require a stool examination by a vet. Dogs acquire roundworms through contact with soil containing roundworm eggs or by ingesting fecal matter from other dog with roundworms.

Tapeworms: live in the dog’s small intestine. There are generally two types of tapeworm that can infect a dog, and fleas carry the most common type. Hunting dogs who eat wildlife infested with tapeworms or fleas can also infect themselves. Tapeworms are made up of segments that resemble grains of rice that can grow to over 30 inches long! It is usually possible to see segments in stool. Again, a positive diagnosis will require a stool exam by a vet.

Hookworms: are common in warm, humid climates, but exist all over North America. They are transmitted through chance skin penetration by the immature larvae or through ingestion of contaminated feces. The worms latch onto the intestinal wall using rows of “teeth”. Their bodies are less than an inch long with a bend or “hook” in the front. Hookworms are difficult to see in your dogs stool but if you do suspect them, take a sample into your vet immediately.

Whipworms: are the hardest to detect at times because the number of eggs shed are low and they are shed in waves. Adult whipworms look like pieces of thread with one end enlarged. They develop when a dog swallows whipworm eggs passed from an infected dog. Direct symptoms may include diarrhea, anemia, and dehydration. Once again, if you suspect ANY type of intestinal worm infestation it is best to take a fecal sample into your vet immediately.

Heartworms: are deadly to dogs but can be easily prevented. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes and is more common in warm, humid areas. Heartworms resemble spaghetti and live in the pulmonary arteries of the heart. Only a vet can diagnose heartworm correctly and administer a monthly or daily medication to eradicate them. Dogs should be tested annually or at minimum every two years. All dogs must be on a monthly heartworm preventative such as Heartguard or Sentinel. These are vet prescription only drugs.

General Symptoms of Parasitic Worms:
Bloating, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dull Coat, Decreased Energy.




Early season or warm climate hunts add to the probability of encountering parasitic issues.



Ringworm: is NOT AN INTERNAL PARASITIC WORM. I wanted to add it here just to clarify this myth. It is fungal skin infection that lives in hair follicles, causing the hair to break off. It is most common to see the disease on the head, ears, tail and front paws. The disease looks like a circle on the dog's skin with raised edges. It looks like the hair has been removed in a circle or patch with a pale spot at the center. Common ringworm in dogs symptoms include crusty skin, scaling and some redness. Odd shapes usually mean that multiple lesions joined together. Take your dog into the vet immediately as ringworm can be very discomforting (itchy) for your dog and can be passed to you and other humans upon direct contact.

Even if your dog does not show any of these symptoms I recommend having their stool examined by a vet at least twice a year. I general have my dogs checked as part of their “prehunting “ season check up and then again shortly following the season when they go in for their “posthunting” follow up wellness exam. When taking a fecal sample it is imperative NOT to allow your dogs stool to touch the ground. Contaminated soil could come into contact with your dog’s actual healthy feces and result in a false positive test. An inside out sterile baggy, quick timing, and a cooperative dog are needed to make this happen! As you have read, it is imperative to keep your dog away from eating or just being around decaying dog feces . It is critical to clean up your yard daily from fecal matter and dispose of it properly. Keep a watchful eye on your dog if he visits public places such as dog parks or even, worse high traffic bird hunting spot parking lots! Most gun dogs realize they are “about to start working” when you unload them and they see your gun and gear. They will inherently look for a close place for them to “lighten their own load” before they begin to work!

As always please do not hesitate to ask questions or comment on this post. My direct email is northupland@yahoo.com or drop a message in the comment box below. The days are clicking by and some of you are already headlong into your bird hunting season. For those like me and my pointer Dewey, we are counting the hours here in Wisconsin until October 16th at high noon!

Best of luck out there. –Mark

Recharge & Recover

For bird hunters and our canine comrades it is only weeks from opening day here in Wisconsin. We wait impatiently in eager anticipation. The last of our conditioning workouts and preseason field scouting trips are now wrapping up. Gear and guns have been checked and double checked. Our dog(s) are fit and ready to rumble. Forgotten in all our preparation is putting a plan in place to properly recover and recharge your gun dog after the hunt. Just like all athletes, hard charging dogs require additional nutrients to properly recover there bodies after long periods of physical exertion.

 RETRIEVE Health® is a new company specializing in sporting dog nutritional supplements. They offer a full line of quality products focused specifically on canine physical recovery before and after the hunt and are now offered at your local Gander Mountain store(click Gander link on right to order now)

According to their website, "What makes RETRIEVE Health® special from the rest of the animal health industry is that we take a unique, holistic approach to canine health. We believe with proper lifelong nutrition, exercise, and preventive care your dog has a chance to live up to the age of 20. We address the needs of each life stage. It starts as a puppy by supplying the needed vitamins and minerals often missing in processed dog food, continues with simple natural nutrition, exercise and recovery tips and ends with old dogs and our ability to naturally control pain and give this special animal a high quality of life. From this point on we are asking you to look at your dog as the world-class athlete he or she naturally are and treat them accordingly. Would a world-class athlete be asked to run 2 miles and after the event be given a bowl of water and then placed in a small cage where he or she could not stand up? Would we wait until the end of the day to give this person nutrients? Of course not, then why do we do this to the canine athlete?"

I am a firm proponent of properly hydrating your dog both before,during, and after the hunt. RETRIEVE Health® offers a rehydrate type powder form water additive. According to their website,  "RETRIEVE Hydration is fortified with electrolytes, speeding up the absorption of fluids and vital nutrients while effectively rehydrating tissues. Fluids are generally the most overlooked nutrient in a dog’s diet. Lack of adequate fluids and electrolyte consumption can cause kidney failure in dogs which can lead to long term damage or even death. RETRIEVE Hydration contains macro nutrients vital for full body repair. Essential amino acids and oxygen enhancers help maintain the highest metabolic efficiency.  

Another RETRIEVE Health® product that I highly recommend is their TRI-NUTRITION treat bars. According to their website, "TRI-NUTRITION ENERGY bars are a perfect balance of premium whey protein isolates, complex carbohydrates, and monounsaturated fats providing both immediate and timed released energy for working dogs. A precise blend of pharmaceutical grade vitamins and minerals including glucosamine and oxygen enhancers insures not only peak performance during activities but quick recovery after activities. Simply nothing like it, simply world class."

TRI-NUTRITION bars are all made with quality ingredients! Plus, No CORN, WHEAT, SOY, or GLUTEN! These are truly power bars for your hard working gun dog to munch on. I recommend feeding them before and after the hunt.

Take a look at their ingredient listing and I am sure you will agree these are high quality, holistic treats formulated specifically for working dogs...Organic Agave Syrup, Whey Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolates, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Hydrolysate), Organic Peanut Butter, Peanuts, Whey Protein Crisps (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Tapioca Starch, Calcium Carbonate), Glucosamine HCI, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Guar Gum, Golden Root Extract. Vitamineral Blend: Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamine E Succinate, Ferrous Fumarate, Niacin, Beta-carotene, Zinc Oxide, Copper Gluconate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Carbonate, Pyridoxin HCI, Thiamine HCI, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Biotin, I-Glutathione, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenate, Sodium Molybdate, Chromium Chloride....Wow! That is one power packed energy bar for your trusty gun dog!

Although RETRIEVE Health® is a relatively new company,  I am now a huge fan. I think they actually get it! By exposing more sporting dog owners to the benefits of a true, holistic, premium nutritional approach to our dogs health it will not only benefit them more in the field but their overall quality of life. I urge each of you to try their products on your dogs this hunting season. I suspect you will notice a performance difference

A Sleeping Dog Doesn’t Lie

After a tough day of retrieving ducks through a mucky marsh or charging the thorny upland country on pheasant patrol, there is only two things on your gun dog’s mind. Eat and then sleep; and nothing comes between their post hunt priorities! Shortly after chomping down a bowl of high octane food your faithful four legged hunting companion is looking for a soft bed to call home and drift off to dream about other day of hunting birds. -Which to both owner and dog will hopefully be tomorrow morning!

Avery Outdoors, a long time manufacturer of quality hunting supplies, has recently answered a call that up until now has gone unreturned. They are now offering a high quality dog bed made specifically for gun dog’s and their owners.

Just like us hunting humans, your canine bird finder deserves a quality night’s sleep. A comfortable bed and a quiet sanctuary is all they ask. It is up to you to provide the later while Avery has your dog covered on the initial request. Gander Mountain, our countries leader in outdoor recreational products, now offers Avery’s Sporting Dog Bed at an unbeatable price. For just $39.99 your best gun dog can sleep in the lap of canine luxury. The best part is this premium constructed dog bed is that it's totally waterproof, quick drying, and stain resistant. Avery has developed what they call their "Duramax" cover material that is tough, rugged, yet soft and comfy. Better yet it is 30"x40" inches so any large breed dog can stretch out and catch some comfortable zzzz's.   Rest assured, your trusty Labrador can come straight in from the blind, eat his dinner, and plop right down without any clean up concerns. When time allows(between hunts of course) you can pull the cover off and hose it down, hang it on the line to dry and it will be clean, dry, and ready for your dog to crash on long before you fire the last blast of the late afternoon hunt. Plus, this bed features a very cool silhouetted artwork design that will  accent any hunting lodge or man cave!

Your best four legged hunting partner deserves a nice, warm, comfortable place to rest his eyes between hunts. Just like humans, a dogs body must have time to recover and the more comfortable his sleeping surrounding...the more recharged they are for another day afield. Avery Outdoors has provided such a bed. If you end up puchasing one, I bet your gun dog will love you for it and I guarantee you’ll love how much he or she returns the favor in the field or marsh! To order this bed please click on the Gander logo on right menu bar.

Best of Luck Out There. -Mark

True Performance

As gun dog owners I believe we all strive for the same collective results. A dog that works hard and covers a lot of ground. A dog that is well trained and highly motivated. A dog that is fit and physical. A dog that truly loves to hunt for us and share the thrill. At the end of the day when the last feather floats to the ground, our gun dogs are truly our most faithful and trusted companions. But what are we doing to return their hard work, devotion and commitment? Better yet, what are we doing to make our good dogs great?

Like all living organisms, it starts and ends with nutrition. Food is the fuel that steams our dogs engine and stokes the fire within. Without quality food your dog will never reach his or her full potential in the marsh, woods, or field. These days more and more manufacturers are focusing on producing high quality dog foods. Unfortunately, there are still those owners who believe dog food found at a grocery store is just as good. This simple is not the case. Canines specifically produced and trained to hunt are animal athletes. With any athlete, the quality of their diet dictates their overall performance on the field of play. Over the past year many of my blog posts have hopefully shed some light of the positive and negatives effect of both proper and improper nutrition. Fall is upon us and most hunting seasons across this country are only days away from opening. Unfortunately, for a dog to fully adjust to a food change it can take 4-6 weeks to see any results in the field. But it is never to late to switch from an inexpensive "grocery store" brand to a premium food. If this is your first visit to my blog I urge you to read past posts titled,  Pocket Guide For Dog Food Consumers, The Holistic Gun Dog, and Performance Dog Foods for a more in depth look.

But you may ask, what makes a dog food low or high quality? Great question but one you can answer for yourself very quickly by following these helpful red and green flags. Here is my blue collar round up on things to watch for...

Red flags for low quality dog foods contain:

• ANY Grain source as #1 ingredient
• High amounts corn, soy, and/or wheat grain sources in ingredients overall/any combination
• Grain Gluten in ANY form(low grade protein source)
• Unspecified mystery "Meat" ingredients such as Meat Meal, Meat By-product, etc
• Synthetic preservetives such as, BHT(Butylated Hydroxyanisole), BHA(Butylated Hydroxytoluene), Propylene Glycol, Ethoxyquin
• Food coloring agents aka; color #whatever 

Green flags for high quality dog foods contain:

• Whole meat or whole meat meal proteins such as chicken, duck, beef, bison, fish, lamb, etc as the first ingredient
• Low overall grain ingredient content and gluten free
• At least 2 meat type proteins in top 5 ingredients(including meat protein meals which are a very high source of quality protein)
• Natural preserved with mixed tocopherols(vitamin E)
• Powerful antioxidents such as blueberries, cranberries, etc
• Contain Prebiotics and/or Probiotics aka; Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium



Nothing better than seeing a well fueled, hard charging dog having fun hunting birds!

  The above mentioned red or green flags are a great way to quickly establish whether or not a dog food is grocery or premium. But be advised, some manufactures who are considered "premium" producers slip red flags into there formula's to cut costs. Do NOT be fooled. Do your due diligence and read the label in it's entirety. Do not be fooled by the disclaimer on every bag of food in this country: Approved by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages. The AAFCO has in most nutritionists opinion regulate and allow a very low level(base minimum) of acceptance on what they consider a food "formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the the minimum nutrients in dog food". In other words, all dog food for sale in America must reach these low standards before they can even be allowed to bring the product to market. Yep, even Ol' Roy met AAFCO approval so that is not saying much!

I hope this brief round up helps you make a more educated decision when shopping for your gun dogs next bag of food. There are some really wonderful manufacturers out there doing the right thing for our dogs. I don't guarantee many things but I will guarantee this; switching your dog to a high quality diet will vastly improve their performance in the field and in the home. Don't be scared away from the higher prices. If the health and wellbeing of your fourlegged hunting partner is important to you, price should not be the first concern.

Best of luck out there. -Mark



What is Gluten?

Gluten. It's one of those mysterious food ingredients some manufacturers use but very few folks can completely explain. In short, if you see gluten on an ingredients list it is an immediate red flag of a formula containing a low absorption protein. Worse yet, gluten(in any form) could negatively effect the long term health of your four legged hunting companion.  

The blue collar definition of gluten is basically the elastic part of  wheat, corn, or other types of grain that feels thick and starchy. Through a series of processing, grain is "spun out" to seperate the gluten from other grain matter. Many dogs(as well as humans) are sensitive to the resulting gluten. Because of it's gummy texture, gluten can be difficult to digest for most dogs. Gluten is commonly used as a binder or thickener for of human consumables. Just like humans, some canines can also suffer from celiac disease as direct relation from ingesting gluten containing food. For those effected by gluten in any form it can be toxic thus creating a negative and harmful reaction within the digestive tract.

According to the website http://www.celiacs.com/ in an article by Jefferson Adams noting veterinarian John B. Symes who suggests, "Gluten and other proteins that are added to dog  foods are causing many of the same diseases that they cause in their human counterparts. In human celiacs and gluten-sensitive individuals, gluten can induce both chronic and acute kidney failure. This form of kidney failure is typically called an IgA nephropathy, in which antibodies and immune complexes formed against gluten are deposited in the kidneys, which leads to damage and ultimately failure. Again, this can be chronic leading to persistent blood (microscopic) and protein in the urine or it can be acute." Dr. Symes claims that it is a startling but well-established fact that the lectins of gluten (wheat, barley, rye) dairy products (e.g. casein, lactalbumin) soy, and corn are all capable of inducing serious health issues in those humans who are sensitive to them. He takes this belief even further and states that such foods are actually not healthy for anyone—neither pets nor humans and they just happen to be more harmful to some individuals than others. According to him anyone who consumes or feeds these foods to their pets on a daily basis will encounter resulting health problems—it is only of matter of time.Dr. Symes believes that the onset of a lectin-related disorder—whether it be rheumatoid arthritis, type-one diabetes, lupus, etc.—is usually preceded by another event such as viral or bacterial infection. Vaccines can act as triggers as well. The result of such secondary events is a sudden influx and attachment of these inflammatory proteins to various cells in the body, ushering in what we often refer to as autoimmune disorders. That term implies an immune system that has gone haywire, attacking the body for no reason. According to him, our immune systems, along with those of our pets, never make that kind of mistake. These conditions happen for certain reasons, and these food proteins are often the cause.All one needs to do, according to Dr. Symes, is to study celiac disease to see how all of this works and appreciate the health implications that accompany this extremely common condition. That a similar condition does occur in dogs has become painfully obvious during the past seven years that he has been studying the issue. Dr. Symes states: "The Irish Setter is a breed known to suffer from gluten intolerance, but it is clear that gluten is affecting many other breeds of dogs. And why wouldn't it? It is affecting humans and we have had millennia to adapt to eating wheat. Our pets have only been eating wheat-based pet foods for about 20 years now. The fact is that wheat gluten can and does cause and/or contribute to these conditions. Thus, according to Dr. Symes, gluten should never end up in pet foods. To illustrate his theory Dr. Symes points out that the average American dog lives 12 years, when their wild counterparts, eating a natural diet, can live to be nearly thirty and to forty years respectively. For the cause, we need look no further than what we put in their bowls. Why? The answer, at least in part, is that highly processed foods cannot possibly contain all of the essential nutrients found in fresh meats, fruits and vegetables."

A Pointer holds point. A Lab flushes. Perfect! These two canine athletes run on a gluten free, super premium diet daily!

Furthermore, Corn gluten is a concentrated source of low grade protein that can be substituted for costlier animal protein. In many bargain dry dog foods, corn gluten meal provides a large proportion or the total protein in the food rather than a highly digestible(and more expensive) forms of protein such as meat. If corn gluten is high up on the list of ingredients, chances are it negatively effects the actual advertised protein percentage. This is caused by corn glutens inherent "low biological value" i.e. -digestion and metabolizing this ingredient for dogs results in a lower "intake" or absorption of the actual protein content. Keep in mind, all dog food manufacturers are NOT required to post what the biological value or digestion rate percent of any ingredient really is!

I urge each of you to take a close look at your dog's bag of food and pay closer attention to those ingredients you read but might not understand. That's what I am here for -to help gun dog owners just like you understand the importance of a healthy canine diet. My cost is totally free so please take advantage. If you have a question please drop me a line at northupland@yahoo.com or post a comment below. I will personally respond to every inquiry.

Best of luck out there. -Mark

Turn Game Meat Into Chew Treats

Are you shocked by the prices for dried, meat chew treats at your local pet or feed store? Have exorbitant prices caused you to bypass these 100% natural, no preservative, protein packed snacks for your trusty four legged hunting companion? Do recall scares from dog treats made in China scare the begeezes out of you? Do you still have a freezer full of game such as venison, duck, pheasant, quail, etc from last season? If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions I have the perfect remedy. It will save on your wallet and better yet, your dog will love you even more for making him or her some seriously tasty morsels right in your very own kitchen!


Open Country 500watt Food Dehydrator



The more research I did, the more confident I became that I could actually make homemade dried treats for my dog. I purchased an Open Country 500watt dehydrator machine from Gander Mountain for $149.99. Even at such a low price this particular dehydrator received rave reviews from customers who were more than satisfied with their purchase. I must admit, I am no gourmet chef and far from making any earth shattering culinary delights. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could easily make some pretty darn good chew treats. A wagging tail, a puddle of drool, and a lip smacking good time from my dog was proof positive that my first attempt was a success. Come to find out I can now make something that even my human friends say is tasty! Drying meat is very hands off and not very labor intensive. I cut and load the meat before bedtime. Let the dehydrator run all night and then(depending on the batch) it is usually ready by mid morning. The base and trays are dishwasher safe so clean up is hassle free! Drying meat is not rocket science but does involve some trail and error.

Lessons I have learned along the way:

• Choose lean meats or trim away all excess fat/cartilage. Fat can go rancid quickly.
• Cut all pieces the same size. 1/4" width by 4-6" long is perfect.
• Place meat in freezer for an hour before cutting. This makes slicing much easier.
• Check your drying process every few hours.
• Different types meats and environmental factors can vary the drying time. Keep a log book of successful batches for future reference
• If using oily meats, pat drying pieces with paper towel every two hours to remove excess.
• To make VERY chewy jerky(for dogs) cut the meat with the grain.
• To make LESS chewy jerky(for humans) cut across/against the grain.
• Allow the jerky to cool and air dry for 2-3 more hours before packaging
• If drying wild game or poultry, FIRST cook in oven for 30 minutes at minimum 160 degrees to kill possible salmonella or other bacteria.
• Always prepare and dry meats in a clean, sterile environment.

The process of drying meat is a fun and economical way to produce healthy treats for both you and your dog. Meat is not your only option as sweet potatoes are just one of the hundreds of fruits and vegetables that can dried to make healthy, natural treats that your faithful gun dog can enjoy. The best part of dried foods is they are easy to make and even easier to pack for extended hunting trips. Owning a dehydrator has now emptied my freezer and saved a ton of game meat from prolonged freezer burn. In turn, I have already saved hundreds of dollars on dog chews and Dewey could not be happier! Better yet, I can honestly say that all of my homemade dog treats are "tested on humans" first! Have fun experimenting with your own dehydrator. I just wish I had taken the time to try this years ago!
Please feel free to comment on this post below or drop me an email directly at northupland@yahoo.com. I will personally respond to all your questions or comments. Thank you for reading.
Best of luck out there. -Mark

Paw & Pad Protection

As the saying goes, "where birds live, a bird dog's nose will surely follow." And follow they will into some of the nastiest environments this country can provide. Each geographic location poses it's own unique set of variables. Gulf coast marshes are littered with sharp cat n' nine tails and razor blade grass. The upper midwest has forest floors covered in both frigid snow and prickly pine cones. The harshness of a west Texas hunt are omnipresent where everything bites, scratches, stabs, poisons, or cuts(some all at the same time). A day spent hunting chukar on the walls of Hell's Canyon, Idaho will leave you and your dog bloody, sore, and dead tired. As hunters we outfit ourselves with serious leather footwear and chaps to help stymie the cacti, thorns, and other such nasty items we will trample upon during the course of a hunt. But what about our four pawed hunting companion? He doesn't have the luxury of flipping through a Cabela's catalog and mail ordering a new pair of his own hunting boots. It is up to us to furnish them with the best possible solution to their paw protecting problem. There is nothing that can shorten a great hunt then your dog injuring a pad. Even the smallest cut can be painful and stop the hardest headed pointer right in his tracks. Hopefully the following tips and products recommendations will help.

• Workouts in the off season should be in similar cover conditions that you will likely hunt. This will keep his or her pads conditioned and toughened up. Hanging out in the backyard's clean cut grass and tossing the ball around just doesn't cut.


• Give your dog enough Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids in his or her daily diet. These nutrients help the pads stay moisturized(to prevent cracking) as well as help grown new layers of skin to keep them healthy.


• Long walks on pavement and/or sidewalks. This acts is like a fine sandpaper. Over time it helps to toughen the pads up as well as naturally grinding down the toenails.
  

There are hundreds of products on the market to help a dog traverse severe conditions. Manufacturers have gone to great lengths to make "dog booties". My biggest concern is boots may cause dogs to run in an awkward gait. I believe it is possible that they can injure their joints through long term repetition of such unnatural gait changes. In addition, a velcro or strap attached boot could cause a dog to become entangled when hunting thick cover. In a panic this could cause further injury as the dog tries to escape. I believe the only exception to wearing dog booties is if the dog was introduced to them at an early age and/or it is imperative that they wear them to protect against unavoidable and harmful ground cover such as nettles or cacti. Rest assured, for generations there has been other way to help protect a working dogs paws. These two great products have been around for years and for good reason. They have stood up to the very best test...time!

Mushers Secret is not a well known product but it should be! According to their website "Musher's Secret is a dense, barrier wax that forms a breathable bond with your dog's paws. Developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, it provides tenacious protection even in the most extreme conditions. Made from a blend of several food-grade waxes, then refined according to our our own special formulations, Musher's Secret is the safe, non-toxic way to protect your dog's paws. The semi-permeable shield is absorbed into the paws, allowing perspiration escape through the toes. Musher's Secret is NOT just for the winter! It protects from hot pavement and sand as well as any irritants your pet may walk through. Click on the image for more information or to place an order


Another great product and one I use regularly on my pointer is Nutri-Vet's Sport Pad Guard. It even comes with a 100% guarantee! How many dog products you know of can stand behind that sort of claim? According to their website Sport Pad Guard is "A safe, non-toxic wax that safeguards paws from the effects of gravel, asphalt, sand, hot pavement, ice, snow, salt and chemically treated roads and uneven hard surfaces. Helps heal cracked pads and abrasions. Provides protection for dogs of all ages" Just like all Nutri-Vet products it is made with high quality, natural ingredients such as Mineral Oil, Beeswax, Paraffin Wax, Silica, Orange Essential Oil. Click on the image for more information or to place and order.

Adding a wax barrier to your dog's pads is an asset to his or her ability to hunt in extreme hot or cold conditions. Vision your dog's paws are like a "built in" pair of athletic running shoes. The only problem is they can't replace them if they fail. On a side note to pad protection, keep your dog's nails trimmed tight as possible. In addition to pad cuts, a torn nail can put your gun dog on the injured reserve for weeks. Best to keep the nails as short as possible to avoid tears or breaks. I advise each of you(if not already) to invest in, and use these products. They will keep your four legged partner happy, healthy, and hunting hard!

Best of luck out there. -Mark

What is Probiotics?

To most gun dog owners "probiotics" might sound like a word straight out of a science fiction movie. It could even be a term used at a congressional hearing regarding performance enhancing drugs in professional sports. I can easily understand how probiotics could be a word to describe a mixture of robotics and steroids. Fortunately, that is not the case. In this post I hope to shed some light on exactly what is 100% natural, probiotics and how it can directly benefit our trusty hunting companions.

In actuality, probiotics are "good bacteria" that aid in digesting food and absorbing nutrients more completely. If you have ever seen an Activia Yogurt commercial staring Jamie Lee Curtis? This is exactly the same but for dogs. When your four legged friends large intestine is colonized by a healthy amount of probiotic bacteria, there isn't any room left to be occupied by harmful bacteria. Probiotics act as a natural protective barrier which keeps such harmful pathogens such as Salmonella and E-coli from proliferating. Probiotics for dogs also helps to bolster the canine immune system by increasing antibody levels. Another "buzz word" and not to confused with probiotics is prebotics. Think of prebiotics as health food for existing intestinal probiotic bacteria. Probitotic bacteria will feed on prebiotics and become even stronger. For more complete information on prebiotics visit my post written last year, What is Prebiotics?

Dogs both young and old benefit from daily supplements of probiotics. It keeps them healthy, happy, and hunting hard!

OK, so lets get down to the blue collar explanation of probiotics. Working gun dogs are exposed to all sorts of harmful bacteria in the field. Whether it be retrieving a bloody pheasant or muck covered mallard our best friends are exposed to a myriad of nasty microcritters. Without doubt, a gun dog needs to be supplied every available weapon to fight off possible illness after being exposed to these circumstances day in a day out. An increase of probiotics adds a first line defense by increasing the strength of the dog immune system. This occurs because the good bacteria helps the intestine stay health and absorb more of the nutrients in your dogs daily diet. Conversely, it helps your dogs internal engine burn cleaner and more efficient -i.e they are supplied the ability to digest their food more completely. Secondly, probiotic cultures wage a nonstop war against harmful gastrointestinal bacteria that can proliferate quickly if not held in check. Has your dog ever suffered through an awful bout of diarrhea or has been diagnosed with a chronic sensitive stomach? That is where probiotic cultures can come storming into play like a superhero in time of need. They are your dogs intestinal and immunity police!

Supplemental probiotics can be given to your dog in various forms. The two strains of direct fed micro organisms that can currently be used in dog food are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium. These days there are a number of reputable food producers that add probiotics into their dry kibble formula's. Dog foods such as Blue Buffalo, Castor & Pollux(both of their NutriMix and Organix brands), and Wellness have all been at the forefront of the probiotic food ingredient movement. In addition, there is a wide variety of over the counter powder supplements that can be sprinkled in powder form on top of your dogs existing food. Check out Fastrack by Conklin for super premium probiotic supplements.

If you have any further questions regarding probiotics or nutritional issues please do not hesitiate to contact me. I can be reached directly at northupland@yahoo.com or post a comment below. I will personally respond to each and every question. Thank you for reading.

Best of luck out there. -Mark

It's Like Gatorade for Gun Dogs

A few weeks ago I briefly touched upon a product called REHYDRATE in my Summer Sun & Hot Dogs post. The outpouring of questions and interest from you, my readers, was simply amazing. I thank each of you for taking the time to email me your questions. Today's post will elaborate in greater detail about this wonderful product in hopes of answering all of your inquiries. The advent of a liquid electrolyte supplement made specifically for our gun dogs is truly monumental. It's like Michael Jordan juice for our canine hunting partners!

According to their website "REHYDRATE was developed in conjunction with a doctor of veterinary medicine who specializes in animal nutrition at a leading university in the United States. REHYDRATE is designed to give canines a more effective hydration system than drinking plain water. The effervescent tablet that dissolves in water is formulated to replenish any lost electrolytes (i.e. sodium, chloride, potassium, etc.) due to aerobic activity.
Also included are Vitamin C and other antioxidant minerals geared to promote general wellness. Each tablet is also flavored to enhance the palatability to promote optimum hydration and water intake. During prolonged exercise, humans that do not hydrate will experience increased heart rate, increased core body temperature and a reduced sweat rate. This is caused by dehydration and the body attempts to retain all available fluid without any additional way to cool down.
Dogs on the other hand do NOT sweat as profusely as humans do; they rely on their tongue and the pads on their feet to regulate and dispel heat. In this regard, regulation of fluid levels becomes more important to control heart rate and core body temperature. By helping to maintain normal heart and temperature conditions, the animal is less likely to suffer from the fatigue associated with exercise."

The nutritional effects of REHYDRATE is well documented by vigorous testing and professional testimonials. But I ask, what separates REHYDRATE from a good old bowl of fresh water for our gun dogs?

"Water has no flavor so it is difficult for most active dogs to consume enough to stay well hydrated. Our research has shown that dogs will consume more of a flavored drink than that of just plain water. In addition, water contains no electrolytes and therefore cannot help to replace electrolytes such as sodium, chloride and potassium. Veterinarians use fluid replacement frequently to treat dogs that suffer electrolyte loss through diarrhea and vomiting. They create an "isotonic" solution that will mimic the ion levels found in the blood stream (285 mOsmol/kg of water) and essentially rebalance the system by imbuing the plasma with any lost ions. Rehydrate can be used therapeutically at a two-tablet dose to provide the best hydration for animals that have pronounced fluid losses."

I believe the most undervalued aspect of our gun dog's health and performance is proper hydration before, during, and after the hunt. To jettison back to my past, I was once a NCAA Division 1 college hockey player. I understand the importance of staying in top shape and providing my body the ability to recover quickly from tough workouts and hard fought games. The advent of an electrolyte water supplement for our four legged hunting partners nutritional intake is not to be overlooked as just marketing hype. This is the real deal. I urge all gun dog owners to visit the REHYDRATE website to learn more. Clicking on the logo link(left) will take you directly to a cool video type presentation and home site. It is worth the few minutes of your time to check out!

I hope this has helped answer your questions and concerns. I feel very strongly about the positive impact of this product and hopefully you see the value in providing your gun dog with adequate hydration. As we train and condition during the summer months it is critical to resupply your dog with adequate electrolytes. Please don't forget the winter months zap your dogs ability to retain hydration and supplements such as Rehydrate become even more essential.

Best of luck out there. -Mark

Gun Dogs Report to Training Camp

Like Pavlov's bell, the last week in July triggers football fans to salivate at the mouth. Hometown teams are yet again arriving at their respective training camps to gear up for another hard fought season. Rabid fans speculate that this is "the year" their team brings home the Super Bowl. Turn on the radio dial or flip the t.v. remote and sports talk show hosts are full of outlandish predictions believing wholeheartedly in their own swami like mysticism. Just like football players getting in game shape, all serious gun dogs and their owners must now check in for preseason conditioning drills. The summertime vacation is officially over. It won't be long before opening day and our four legged hunting partners must be ready to run the playbook from front to back! For most serious bird hunters it is about 10-12 weeks before before kickoff of the 2010 waterfowl and/or upland season. It is up to us as canine masters to stick to a routine schedule of physical fitness. Here a few things to keep in mind during the 2010 Gun Dog Training Camp...

• Make a tight schedule and stick to it! Not only will the increased physical activity help your dog become fit, it just might help you shed a couple unwanted pounds in the process. Remember, for every mile you walk a field this season, your dog will likely cover three times that if not more!


• Start transitioning your dog to a higher Protein/Fat percentage food. Remember 30/20% is about the average mix for a steadily working gun dog.


• In addition to scheduled daily workouts, mix it up a bit for your dog's personal enjoyment. Visit different training fields, run stadium stairs, strap on the roller blades, take a bike ride together, etc...whatever you come up with to variate the routine while still maximizing your dog's fitness regiment.


• Take it easy on the treats. Scale back the grain based "Scooby Snacks" and move to high protein sourced rewards such as dehydrated duck or chicken strips.


• Workout at daybreak or sunset. Your dog will most likely be hunting as the sun rises or sets. The time is now to get both your time clocks set and dialed in for maximum activity. These are the bewitching hours where animals are most active, including birds and your trusty bird dog. To further mention, dawn and dusk are the coolest part of the day in both temperature and experience!


• Take your dog for a preseason vet visit for a complete physical. Get him or her checked out thoroughly and ready rock n' roll come opening day! Blood tests, stool samples, and wellness check should be included during this visit. Just like pro athletes, it is always a good idea to get a clean bill of health before the season starts.


• Train and condition in fields with heavy cover. Get your dogs paw pads and under carriage toughened up now. Early season bird cover is not much different than summer field conditions. Briar's, thorns, nettles, etc are all present so get out there and mix it up in the rough stuff!


• If you have not already, train your dog to drink from a sport squirt bottle or hydration pack hose nozzle. It will help them rehydrate quickly and much easier to administer in the field.


• Get your dog on LIVE birds before the season opens. Even if it at a local preserve or just a few hobbled pigeons shot out on the back forty, this is critical piece of training camp. Live bird drills should always be a live fire! Leave the popper shells for field trailers! Pack the heat and drop those birds that your dog proudly found on his own.

Off-seasoning conditioning leads to in-season productivity! Feed them right and prepare them accordingly.

And finally...more for the sanity of the master than gun dog! Get all the honey do's out of the way NOW! Fix the deck, paint the bathroom, repair the fence or whatever it is. Bird hunting season is short and it is ALWAYS a good idea to have as much sweat equity built up as possible!

I hope all of you have a great 2010 Gun Dog Training Camp and more importantly looking forward to a productive season. God knows I am!

Best of luck out there. -Mark

Preventative Measures for Hip & Joint Health

Seeing an aging gun dog suffer through the pains of aching joints or hip dysplasia simply rips my heart to shreds. It's like watching an iconic, superstar ball player way past his prime attempting to eek out one last season in the big leagues. Their statistics have long dropped off but they continue on. They play in earnest for one last season in the spotlight but in the recesses of their mind realize the time to shine has come and gone.

There is no magic bullet, no wonder drug, and no snake oil science that can alter the course of deteriorating joints. Over time, cartilage that holds and lubricates the skeleton together are in a constant state of deterioration. However, there are a number of nutritional supplements we can supply to both ourselves and our dogs to help slow the negative process. For the sake of this post we are going to focus solely on what we can do to help or four legged friends knees and hips stay healthier longer!

When the topic of canine joint care arises it is always quickly followed by two words; Glucosamine and Chondroitin(G & C). According to the well respected website http://www.vetinfo.com/ "Glucosamine and chondroitin are normally found in the cartilage of living animals. In healthy animals, the body synthesizes glucosamine to keep the joints healthy. As your dog ages, his body's ability to create glucosamine diminishes, and osteoarthritis occurs. A glucosamine supplement for dogs can help your elderly dog's body maintain joint health. Glucosamine for dogs can help reduce your dog's pain and restore his freedom of movement. Unlike pain medications, glucosamine has few side effects, none of which are very severe. As a natural dog food supplement, glucosamine can soothe the symptoms of arthritis and hip dysplasia in dogs. Glucosamine supplements work to restore and regenerate your dog's damaged joints. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Glucosamine for dogs can be used as a preventative measure in elderly dogs who are at high risk for arthritis. Glucosamine supplements for dogs can help treat the symptoms of dogs already suffering from arthritis. Within two weeks to thirty days, you should notice that your dog has become more lively and active. Some owners report a full recovery from symptoms of arthritis and hip dysplasia. You'll want to adjust your dog's daily dosage according to his weight and the severity of his symptoms. You'll want to administer about 750 mg of glucosamine per fifty pounds of body weight at a minimum; you can raise this dosage as necessary if your dog's symptoms are more severe. Look for a product made with glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine HCL. Avoid products made with 2KCL and NaCL. Liquid glucosamine is the easiest to administer. It can be difficult to encourage dogs to swallow pills; if they are mixed with food, they may become stuck in the teeth and lost. A liquid can be poured directly over food. Liquid glucosamine tastes good to most dogs. Vets recommend doubling the dosage of glucosamine during the first one or two weeks for maximum regenerative benefit."

In addition to vet prescriptions, pet retailers carry a wide variety of over the counter tablets, liquids, or powder forms of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Obviously, the vet prescribed supplements are normally much stronger doses. Also, many premium brands of dog food have now added both G & C into their large breed dry food formulas. In fact, there are also a few companies that are offering tasty dog treats with high levels of both nutrients. One company in particular, Dogswell, offers a full line of treats called "Happy Hips". Although treats do not contain the daily levels adequate to match prescription or over the counter dedicated G & C supplements, they are a convenient way to maintain some form of additional G & C into your dog's daily diet. My pointer Dewey, is a HUGE fan of Dogwell's "Happy Hips Veggie Life treats. These are dried apples wrapped in chicken! Honestly, I ate one and thought they were very tasty! They are 100% natural and are made solely of Chicken Breast, Apple, Vitamin E Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, and Chondrotin Sulfate. Dogswell also makes their Happy Hip line in protein only dried duck or chicken strip treats. Click on the image to check out their website for more information and Dogswell's other great G & C based treats.

If you are the owner of any breed of working dog I strongly recommend adding some form of G & C to their diet immediately. Although it can't "turn back the clock" it can help slow the process down and/or help add comfort to your aging dog who is showing signs of chronic joint pain or hip dysplasia. It would also be a great idea to have your dog x-rayed by a knowledgeable vet to help head of an possible future issues!

As always, I urge any questions or comments about this post. Feel free to email me personally at northupland@yahoo.com or drop a comment in the below box.

Best of luck out there. -Mark

Pocket Guide for Dog Food Consumers

These days more and more gun dog owners are asking questions about proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and other dog food nutrients. It is reassuring to know people want straight answers and are serious about supplying their hunting partners with the best nutrition possible. It is a confusing retail world out there with hundreds of dog foods to choose from. It is also long overdue that I put together a sort of "cliff's notes" or pocket guide to better help the dog food consumer. I invite you to comment on this post at the end or email with your direct questions to northupland@yahoo.com I thank you all for taking the time to care about your dog's nutrition!

Proteins are the basic building blocks of life. Protein intake ensures cells, tissues, organs, enzymes, hormones and antibodies are digested for growth, maintenance, reproduction, repair and energy. Meat proteins such as chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, bison, venison, duck, and fish have complete amino acid profiles. That simple means they contain all of the amino acids your dog needs. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and are divided into essential and non-essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are ones that cannot be manufactured by the body in sufficient quantities and must be supplied in the working dogs diet. Examples of essential amino acids are carnitine, arginine and lysine. Non-essential amino acids are ones that your dog can produce naturally in sufficient quantities. Protein levels for working gun dogs should be right around 30% give or take the amount of activity. That percentage can be found right on the bag in the guaranteed analysis. But buyer beware! An advertised  30% protein rating can be misleading. Some manufacturers use vegetable based protein gluten, a.k.a. "corn gluten" to boost the protein rating.  Because of vegetable gluten's composition it leads to an inherent lack of digestibility. Most of the "advertised" protein content will be eaten and excreted by your dog with very little nutritional protein absorption ever taking place.  

Fats are the most concentrated form of food energy for dogs. Fats provide your gun dog with more than twice the energy of proteins or carbohydrates! Fats are essential in the structure of cells and are needed for the production of some hormones. They are also required for absorption and utilization of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, and E. The correct balance of fats can be found in top rated healthy dog food. Importantly, fats supply fatty acids which dogs need for a multitude of reasons—from helping to provide healthier skin and coat to reducing inflammation in joints. Dogs can produce some of the fatty acids they need, but not all of them so these "essential" fatty acids must be supplied by their diet. Essential fatty acids are divided into two groups—Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Ingredients like chicken fat and sunflower oil are great sources of Omega-6 fatty acids while flax seed, herring oil and salmon oil are key sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Fats should range around 20% and like Protein, can be found right on the guaranteed analysis portion normally located on the back or side of the bag. Again, like protein, this can be a higher or lower percentage given your dogs needs. It all depends on what you feel your dog must intake given their active level. The base range for a highly active sporting breed is around a 30% Protein/20% Fat mix diet so use that as your base line in judgement.

Carbohydrates are another source of energy for dogs. Unlike human marathon runners who scarf down plates of pasta before a big race, dogs rely on carb's as only a minor source of "boost" energy. Think of your dogs gas tank burning like this; fat first, protein second(unused protein gets stored as fat so the cycle continues). Carb's role in a dog's metabolism is to covert it to Glucose and pack a quick, immediate energy source that is very rapidly burned off. Whole grains such as, brown rice, barley and oats, are all low-fat sources of highly-digestible complex carbohydrates. Whole grains are also a rich source of dietary fiber which is crucial for healthy intestinal function. Whole grains are also helpful with the common problems of constipation in dogs, which can be caused by a diet that is lacking in fiber. Notice how we did not mention whole corn, wheat or soy? These are all low grade grains and contribute as only a minor source of glucose conversion.

At 8 weeks old, Dempsey, was started on a super premium diet. He will be a future bird hunting athlete for many years to come!

Vitamin A helps promote healthy bones, teeth, coat, skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Vitamin A is important to the immune system and has been known to help ward off or fight respiratory infections

Vitamin B12 is necessary for proper growth and used to treat some types of nerve damage and pernicious anemia. B12 is also helpful in the recovery process our canine athletes endure during times of hunting or sporting related exercise.

Vitamin C is the world's most potent antioxidant immune booster. It is known to help prevent bacterial, viral and degenerative diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, auto immune disease and cancer. Vitamin C is water soluble and can lose potency when exposed to high temperatures. A favorite dog treats is baby carrots. I highly suggest trying them as a low cost/ great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Potassium, and Calcium for your own dog(s). I would further suggest buying the organic/no preservative version as they are free of pesticides.

Vitamin D promotes skin, bone, connective tissue and heart health. It is necessary for the proper absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. Just like your mother always said...drink your milk for strong bones...a strong supply of the Big "D" is an essential for your working gun dog.

Vitamin E is another valuable antioxidant that helps improve circulation and cardiac output.

Mixed Tocopherols are a natural preservative made from Vitamin E and found in all premium foods. Tocopherols are a good thing to see on an ingredient list. Watch out for harmful synthetic preservatives such as BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, or propylene glycol that provide no nutritional value and have been associated with possible toxic side effects. FYI, synthetic preservative are used by low grade dog food companies because they are cheap!

Ingredients to look for...
There are not many dog food companies who add true Probiotics(healthy bacteria cultures to aid in digestion) Think of it like Actevia yogurt for dogs(you know the Jaime Lee Curtis commercials!) There are a few companies out there that add Probiotic cultures so when researching look for ingredients like Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bacillus Subtilis, Bifidobacterium Thermophilum, Bifidobacterium Longum and Enterococcus Faecium. Each of these are active dehydrated cultures added after processing. They are activated on ingesting the food and help to maintain normal bacteria balance in the lower intestine. They aid in digestion and reduce the occurrence of diarrhea, contributing to colon and rectum health. The dog food companies who add active bacteria cultures for healthy digestion are the companies who truly separate themselves from the pack. Rest assured, their first concern is your dogs health, not their profit margin!

Many manufactures now add Prebiotics. Prebiotics are, in layman's terms, health food to help boost naturally preexisting Probiotic cultures already active in your dog's digestive system. Natural prebiotics are complex carbohydrates added to the ingredients of the food during the manufacturing process. The food is then eaten by your dog releasing the prebiotics or their technical term Fructo Oligo Sacharides(FOS). Finding a food with either(pre or probiotics) is a step in the right direction to a healthy dog! Please note, both Probiotic and Prebiotic ingredients are very low in actual volume so on the foods ingredient they are normally found towards the bottom.

It would be also helpful to look for foods that include high levels of potent Antioxidants such as cranberries and blueberries. Why? Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. The canine’s body’ immune system cells purposefully create them to neutralize and help ward off viruses and bacteria. Environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals. Normally, the canine body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur over time to your dog's health and well being.

When shopping for a new dog food keep these helpful hints in mind...

• The top 10 ingredients usually comprise 80% or more of a dry pet food’s entire formula and give you a great perspective of its ingredient quality.
• All pet foods must list the ingredients present in their food, in order of weight. But understand, moisture content can lessen the volume in the ingredients. FYI. Ingredients are listed as "before cooking" weights and high moisture proteins can "shrink" greatly during the kibble cooking process.
• Whole meat protein based "meals"(previously ground dehydrated meat before cooking) are 300% more potent as a protein source than a pure meat source!
• Super premium pet foods have whole chicken, duck, venison, bison, lamb, turkey, beef, fish or other known quality meat protein sources in whole form or meal form as the first ingredient and a combination of at least 2-3 meat protein sources in the top 5 ingredients.
• "Animal By-Product" is by ingredient classification: "Animal by-products are ground, rendered, and cleaned slaughtered meat carcass parts such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, bones, heads, and intestines (and a small amount of feathers in the case of chicken) It is also known that the quality of animal by-products is very inconsistent between batches(sometimes more beaks and feats than quality organ meat etc). If you do choose a food that contains any "by-products" at minimum make sure they are a "named" protein. Aka, "Chicken" by-product etc. A compnay that just says "meat" by-product is probably hiding something even more disgusting than I would like to think about!
• If you pick up a bag of dog food and the A#1 very first ingredient is a grain source the red flags and sirens should go off in your head! I advise dropping the bag where your stand and moving on quickly!
• Some pet food brands list their ingredients in several different ways so that the ones of lower quality appear farther down the ingredient list. For example, a product list could contain chicken, ground corn, corn gluten, ground wheat and corn bran. And, if you were to group all of the corn ingredients as one, they would probably far out-weigh the amount of chicken in that food. This is a manufacturer's trick and a nonregulated loop hole when listing ingedient evidence!

Starting your new puppy out with a super premium food will not only prove it's worth to his or her energy in the field but in the overall health of their lives. It is never to late to switch your dog, regardless of age, to a food with premium ingredients. Remember, as humans we have the luxury of choosing our own diets. Your trusty four legged athlete does not! Feeding them right will prolong your time in the field as well as their life as your best friend.

Best of luck out there. -Mark