Dirty Water

The core of a gun dog's health and wellness rests solely on the backs of the owner supplying the following; quality nutrients and quality conditioning. The most overlooked (and most important) supplied nutrient is also the most commonly found on earth: Water, aka Aqua, aka H20.  Just like Adam Sandler's character said in the movie The Waterboy, "that is some high quality H2O".  His statement rings paramount to the overall health and well being of both man and dog alike. The simple fact is high quality H2O makes an enormous impact on your dog(s) performance and overall health.

One of the main causes of  dog diarrhea come from the deteriorating condition of Americas water supply. Carol Browner, chief of the U.S. EPA states, "The way we guarantee safe drinking water is broken and needs to be fixed." Not only are humans affected by this problem but animals as well. Just like humans, fluid intake is crucial to your dogs health. If they do not have enough fluids while dog symptoms diarrhea are occurring, they will dehydrate. It is critical that you refresh their water supply (with high quality H20 of course!) every time they drink all of it from their bowl. Don't forget to clean it everyday. Throw stale or old water if they don't touch it for a day. And always supply a source of clean, highly filtered water.

According to John Askelon, an authority on U.S. Drinking Water Quality, recently said: If we ask the question...Are there any main causes of cancer? We think that food or exposure to industrial waste are the culprits. But Americans must understand that the condition of their drinking water has deteriorated in the past decade. Recent findings reveal that there are more than two thousand toxic chemicals in the tap water that are now the main causes of cancer.

While we enjoy the convenience of progress, humans have developed 80,000 various kinds of synthetic chemicals for home and industrial purposes. Most of it are dumped into soil, sewage, lakes, rivers and landfills and this has come to a tremendous consequence extreme cases of degenerative disease have sprouted everywhere. Before pesticides and herbicides were invented, Americans had a 1 in 50 chance of having cancer. Today, 1 in 3 citizens in the U.S. will get cancer in their lifetime, including 1 in every 2 males. This type of figure is also directly quantified to the influx of canine(dog) cancer in this country over the past decade.

All the water on this planet is re-used over and over by the hydrological cycle of nature. Therefore, there is no new water. As more chemicals are used, so does the toxicity of drinking water. So we are left with the same kind of water that gets worse every year. Most of the contaminants that can be found in our water supply is the result of improper use of solvents, lawn chemicals, gasoline, cleaning products, oil and compounds which we dump into our sewage system. In return, nature brings it back to us as rain and the water seeps in to our underground water sources.

Water treatment facilities in cities cannot totally eradicate the toxins since they consist only of sand bed filtration system. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, -Drinking water plants are old and out of date, and water supplies are increasingly threatened and contaminated by chemicals and microorganisms. In the past many diseases cannot be linked to any probable cause. Today it can now be linked to toxins in our water supply and they are the main causes of cancer.

The U.S. Council On Environmental Quality states, -While levels of these carcinogens (SOCs) in drinking water are low, it is precisely these low levels that carcinogen specialists believe to be responsible for the majority of human cancers in the U.S. In 1998, tap water tests were conducted in 29 cities and they discovered two or more pesticides in the drinking water. The Environmental Working Group report stated that, -millions of Americans are routinely exposed to one or more pesticides in a single glass of tap water.- In Indiana, 9 pesticides were found in a glass to drinking water.

The fact is, animals are prone to many illnesses when exposed to highly toxic chemicals because their bodies cannot detoxify the harmful compounds. A recent tap water test also revealed that 45,000 human infants had drank baby formula mixed with tap water containing weed killers and 9 other chemicals in every bottle. In one of the reports of the Science Advisory to the EPA, it stated, -when two or more of these contaminants combine in our water, the potency may be increased by as much as 1000 times! So, are there other main causes of cancer.  Now you know the answer. What are you going to do about it to protect your family..and your trusty hunting partner?

There are numerous quality water filtration systems available today. They range from $15 to $35,000! The best thing I can suggest is finding one that best suits your budget. Any filter at any budget will be an improvement over using straight tap water.  In my opinion one of the best overall values for dog owners is the PUR Waters Systems "at home" pitcher filter.  According to their website PUR filters can attest to the following:

Does PUR Remove chlorination by-products or chlorine (taste and odor) in Drinking Water?
Chlorine is a type of disinfectant, not a contaminant, that’s added to drinking water to control microbes. In addition to the off-putting taste and odor that can be caused by chlorine, chlorination by-products, such as total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), can form in the water. TTHMs can cause anemia in infants, young children, and fetuses of pregnant women.  PUR faucet filters reduce 98% of TTHMs, which can have harmful effects on the body. PUR water filters also remove the taste and odor of chlorine. PUR faucet mounts are certified to reduce up to 10x more drinking water contaminants from your water than the leading filtration brand's pitcher-leaving you with great-tasting drinking water. Chlorine is a disinfectant, most commonly used to kill microbes in the water supply. If excess amounts are used, or if high concentrations of chlorine are in your pipes and plumbing, it can cause bad taste and odor in your drinking water.  Total Trihalomethanes are chlorination by-products that can emerge in chlorinated water. This type of water contaminant can cause anemia in infants, young children and fetuses, nervous system effects and even cancer. Can we assume dogs as well? I think it safe to say..yes.


PUR and Heavy Metals in Water
Heavy metals such as lead and mercury can get into your water from the pipes and plumbing coming into your home. The health effects of excessive exposure to these heavy metals can be serious, especially for young children and babies. It can cause delays in physical and mental development. Also, adults may potentially be impacted by heavy metals with kidney problems and high blood pressure when exposed to levels above the EPA maximum contaminant level for extended periods of time. The EPA estimates that 20% of human exposure to lead happens with their drinking water. Which is why it’s so important to us, at PUR, to create products that provide you and your family the clean water they deserve. PUR faucet filters reduce many heavy metals that may be found in drinking water. In addition, PUR® faucet filters reduces up to 10x more drinking water contaminants than the leading filtration brand's pitcher. Lead can come from corrosion of plumbing and pipes going into your home. It also can get into the water supply through erosion of natural deposits. Exposure to lead has been linked to delays in physical or mental development in children. In adults, lead exposure may potentially cause kidney problems and high blood pressure when exposed to levels above the EPA maximum contaminant for level for extended periods of time. Mercury is a liquid metal that gets into the water from sources including natural deposits, refinery and factory discharge and landfill runoff. Exposure to excessive amounts of mercury may potentially cause kidney damage when exposed to levels above the EPA maximum contaminant for level for extended periods of time.

PUR and Microbial Cysts
Both giardia and cryptosporidium are microbial cysts—and they are tough to disinfect. What makes them tough is the way they operate. These microbes grow a cyst wall around themselves for protection in unfavorable conditions. When giardia and cryptosporidium reach more favorable environments like your stomach, their cyst walls break down and the microbes inside them release to potentially cause gastrointestinal illness like diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. Cryptosporidium is a microbial cyst that is commonly found in lakes and rivers that can cause gastrointestinal illness. It enters the water through animal and human fecal matter.  According to the EPA, cryptosporidium is resistant to disinfection. The microbial cyst, Giardia, is a one-celled parasite that infects humans and animals in the cyst stage of their life cycle. It enters the water through animal and human fecal matter.


 According to their website
At PUR, we believe that everyone deserves clean water. Which is why PUR faucet filters reduce 99% of microbial cysts like giardia and cryptosporidium; while the leading filtration brand's pitcher doesn’t. It’s also why PUR reduces up to 10x more drinking water contaminants than the leading filtration brand's pitcher—leaving you and your family with clean drinking water.

I have been using the following PUR 5 cup water pitcher for the past 6 months(picutred on left). For my intial $15 investment plus $10 for replacement filters every 2 months I have been more than satisfied with the results. In fact, my dog, Dewey seems to drink more and often which is a good thing. I keep it in the refrigerator door and use it refill Dewey's house, outside bowls, and squirt bottles that we use in the field.

To be honest I have no idea if having my dog drinking purified water will help prolong his life or improve his performance. There is no scientific research to support this theory that many believe as fact. BUT, I have seen a noticeable difference since changing a few moths ago. I believe that if toxins in tap water are effecting the health and wellness of humans through quantitative studies I can safely assume that our dogs are suffering as well. Whether it be the short or long terms negative effects from consuming contaminated drinking water, my best bud and faithful hunting companion deserves the same as me. I don't drink from the tap. Neither will he.

Best of Luck Out There, -Mark

Liam & Theo: Rest In Peace

Today we take a break from gun dog nutrition and fitness talk for matters of greater importance. In remembrance of these two war hero's, please read on...

This past February, I came across an article about a soldier and his dog. They both died fighting in Afghanistan. Their story has remained close with me since. Not a day ends that I do not think about them. Maybe because the soldier was a young man, just like me. His spaniel was highly trained but not to hunt wild game. Their passion together was to seek out enemy bombs in defense of a greater, more worldly good. Their deaths have become a shuttering reminder to me that life, whether man or dog, is fleeting away each day. We can never turn back the clock and we only have the present moment to make things worthwhile. Liam and Theo's time here ended much to soon but their accomplishments together will remain part of  history for generations to come. Here are a few excepts and pictures of Liam and Theo.  I thank them for all that they are; a boy and his dog who both died together doing what they loved; but not more than each other.

Lance Corporal Tasker deployed to Afghanistan on 8 September 2010 as part of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. Having trained as an Arms and Explosives Search dog handler, he was attached to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards on 19 February 2011.  On 1 March 2011, Lance Corporal Tasker was taking part in a patrol with his dog, Theo, when they were engaged by small arms fire, during which Lance Corporal Tasker was struck and died from the injuries he sustained. Sadly, on returning to Camp Bastion, Theo suffered a seizure and died. Lance Corporal Tasker was born on 11 December 1984 in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. He joined the Army in 2001 and was originally a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. His passion though was always dogs which led to his transfer to the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) in 2007.


A trainer who had a natural empathy with dogs, he was a rising star within the Dog Training Group. In 2010 he was posted to 104 Military Working Dog Squadron, St George's Barracks, North Luffenham, Rutland, part of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. From the onset of his operational tour in Afghanistan, he provided strong search and clearance capability for units across Helmand province. In a short period of time he had significant success locating improvised explosive devices, weapons and bomb-making equipment. His success undoubtedly saved many lives. Lance Corporal Tasker was an outgoing, jovial and friendly character. He was extremely popular within his squadron. His easy-going, confident approach belied a consummate professional. He always strived to be the best, and within the squadron he was one of the best. He will be sorely missed by all in the squadron. He can never be replaced and will always be remembered. He was a fun, friendly, talkative character who always wanted the best from his dog, his troops, and himself. He leaves behind his mother Jane Duffy, his father Ian Tasker, his brother Ian, his two sisters Laura and Nicola, and his girlfriend Leah.

Those that knew them best had this to stay...

Lt. Col. David Thorpe, Commanding Officer, 1st Military Working Dog Regiment:


"It is a challenge to put into words what Lance Corporal Liam Tasker meant to those he worked with. To his friends he was a mate who could put a smile on your face; he was that man who you wanted around and who you wanted to spend time with. To the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment he was a strong, reliable soldier and an expert 'Dog Man'. He genuinely loved the dogs he worked with and was always able to get the best out of them. He was one of the highly qualified dog trainers in Afghanistan and had spent time at our training establishment making sure that the new soldiers coming out of training had the best possible skills and experience imparted into them. Epitomising the hardworking, determined and ambitious nature of our very best soldiers, he wanted to go to Afghanistan. He wanted to ply his trade in the harshest of environments, to be outside of his comfort zone, and he wanted to be successful. He was. The work he did in his five months in Afghanistan saved countless lives, of that I have no doubt. He flew the Royal Army Veterinary Corps' flag high; he led from the front and made us proud. Lance Corporal Tasker wanted to go far in the Army and he had all of the attributes needed to be a career soldier, with capacity to spare. His ability to command whilst maintaining his sense of humour had already marked him out as one to watch. His loss has hurt every single one of us today. He will be missed. He will not be forgotten."

Major Caroline Emmett, Officer Commanding 104 Military Working Dog Squadron:


"Lance Corporal Liam Tasker was a larger than life character who was a joy to be around. His enthusiasm was infectious and I always enjoyed our frequent talks together. He and his dog Theo were made for each other. Lance Corporal Tasker was one of the best people I have ever known. Kind, with a good heart, he always put others before himself. His professional excellence and positive attitude to life is something that I and others looked up to. Lance Corporal Tasker was an Arms Explosive Search dog handler and trainer of the highest calibre. He and his dog had more operational finds than any individual team has had in Afghanistan to date and he saved many lives as a result of this. He was so proud of his achievements and I was so proud of him. Lance Corporal Tasker was one of the best people I have ever known. Kind, with a good heart, he always put others before himself."

According to the Jill Lawless, artcile published by the Associated Press:

Liam and Theo were a team, fast friends doing a dangerous job — searching out roadside bombs laid by insurgents in Afghanistan. The jovial British soldier and his irrepressible dog worked and played together for months, and died on the same day. On Thursday they came home, flown back to Britain in a somber repatriation ceremony for the soldier remembered for his empathy with animals and the companion he loved.

Lance Cpl. Liam Tasker, a dog handler with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in a firefight with insurgents in Helmand Province on March 1 as he searched for explosives with Theo, a bomb-sniffing springer spaniel mix. The dog suffered a fatal seizure hours later at a British army base, likely brought about by stress. Military officials won't go so far as to say Theo died of a broken heart — but that may not be far from the truth.

"I think we often underestimate the grieving process in dogs," said Elaine Pendlebury, a senior veterinarian with animal charity PDSA. "Some dogs react very severely to their partner's loss." She said it was not uncommon for pets to respond to an owner's death by refusing food and becoming sick — and the bond between working dogs and their handlers is especially close. "The bonding that I have seen between soldiers or police and their dogs is fantastic. When you see them working together, it's really one unit.""I love my job and working together with Theo," Tasker said in a profile of the pair released by the Ministry of Defense before his death. "He has a great character and never tires. He can't wait to get out and do his job and will stop at nothing."

The soldier and the 22-month-old dog had been in Afghanistan for almost six months, uncovering roadside bombs and weapons in a dangerous daily routine. Theo became a bit of a military celebrity after the defense ministry released photos and video of him and Tasker to highlight the lifesaving work of military dogs. The footage, now deeply poignant, shows Theo energetic, ears cocked, tail wagging  alongside Tasker searching a compound for explosives. In it, Theo is seen feverishly circling the dusty area, his nose pressed to the ground. At one point he stops, tail wagging furiously, and begins digging the rocky earth before turning eagerly toward Tasker, who calls out "good boy!" and lets out a chortle of delight before tossing him a treat.

The Ministry of Defense said then that Theo had been so successful finding 14 hidden bombs and weapons caches, a record for a team in Afghanistan that the dog's tour of duty had been extended by a month. Tasker was the 358th British soldier to die in Afghanistan since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion. Theo was the sixth British military dog killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001. There are calls for Theo to receive the Dickin medal, which since 1943 has recognized wartime bravery by animals.

Thank you Liam and Theo for your ultimate sacrifice and a job well done. May you both rest easy; together in peace.

Best of Luck Out There. -Mark

Digestibility of Performance Dog Foods

Today's dog food world can be compared to the American wild west of a begone era. There are very few laws and even fewer law enforcing regulators. Fact is, even federal agencies charged with providing product assurance do not require pet food manufacturer's to list how high or low the quality of their ingredients are on their labels. This makes it difficult to compare products of differing brands. However, many high quality food manufacturers are more than welcome to run independent "digestibility studies" to verify the quality of their ingredients and food formula's. Make note: if a company does not run these type of studies or is apprehensive about making these quantitative digestibility numbers public information...please rise now and raise the red flag of concern.

Here is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. There is an inverse relationship between a food's digestibility and the resulting fecal volume.

• Factoid: The HIGHER the digestibility of a dog food, the LOWER the fecal volume.

A dog(and any other living organism) can digest and utilize more nutrients in a higher digestible food therefore less stool is eliminated. I think this is simple science everybody can easily understand. To research the digestibility of your own dog's food normally requires a call to the manufacturer to get their foods combined protein digestibility percentage(although not required to be put on bags some high quality, reputable manufacturers display this information readily on their website)

There is a basic mathematical formula to determine the overall digestibility of the protein source. Take the crude protein percentage(found on bag) multiplied by the digestibility percentage(found by calling manufacturer) equals the true digestibility of the protein source. For example if the crude protein is 30% and protein digestibility is 84.6% multiply: 30 x 0.8460 = 25.38%. There you have it! A very quick and efficient method to discover how truly digestible the protein portion of your dog's food really is.


If you're feeding multiple gun dogs it is a good idea to know how digestible the food really is. It will save you a ton of money in the long run! The more they absorb during digestion, the less you need to feed!


Individual protein sources contain different levels of amino acids and each protein is different in its ability to be broken down into these amino acids. Hence, not all proteins are created equal as some are better than others. The ability of a protein to be used by the dog and its amount of usable amino acids is summarized as protein quality  or Biological Value, BV for short. Egg has the highest BV and sets the benchmark standard for which other proteins are judged at a 100 score. Fish meal are close behind with a value of 92. Beef is around 78 and soybean meal is 67. Meat and bone meal and wheat are around 50 and corn is 45.  These are just a few examples of the individual digestibility of common ingredients.

The bottom line is certain proteins are hard for dogs to digest therefore they pass them without absorbing the needed nutrients in a timely manner. The result can hit your wallet or pocket book as well. The lower the digestibility of the food the MORE your have to feed to fulfill your dogs needs. The higher of course, the less! Hopefully by using the basic formula posted above and doing your own research and due diligence the conscience gun dog owner can get to the "meat" of the food he or she is shelling out hard earned cash for every month. Sorry, Pun completely intended.

Best of Luck Out There. -Mark