DCM - These 3 letters have been a huge source of stress for pet owners everywhere. DCM stands for : Dilated cardiomyopathy. (the heart's ability to pump blood is lessened because its main pumping chamber, the left ventricle, is enlarged and weakened) Why is this such a cause of stress?? Everyone is concerned that the food they are feeding their pets will kill them. This has been especially stressful for those who felt that they were spending more money on a higher quality of kibble, for the benefit of their dog. Any "Information" released about the DCM issue, has been nothing but misinformation, fear mongering vets and the lack of answers; since 2018, as this is an ongoing investigation. 

On June 27th, 2019, the FDA released their third status report related to their ongoing investigation. The newest report states that a total of 524 reports of DCM (515 in dogs, 9 in cats), most of which were submitted after the initial public alert was released in July 2018. The report also identifies pet food brands that have been most frequently named in DCM cases reported to the FDA. However, the FDA has not yet confirmed whether or how these case reports are linked to diet.

One of the purposes of these updates is to bring this issue to consumers’ attention so that any new information can be reported and collected by the FDA. The FDA continues to encourage pet owners and veterinary professionals to report cases of DCM in dogs and cats that are suspected to be linked to diet.

Many believe that the cause of DCM is, that there is no grain in the diet, as grain free, exotic meats and "boutique" diets are being targeted. This is not accurate. It is believed that the cause of DCM is not the lack of grains, or addition of exotic meats, but the legumes, peas and lentils that they need to use in order to create a grain free kibble. (If grains are not included in the recipe, they still need a binding agents to create the formed kibble pieces) Theses legumes, peas and lentils are possibly blocking the absorption of nutrition (Taurine), but even this they are unsure about because, some dogs with DCM on grain-free diets showed normal blood taurine levels. DCM is also reported to occur in dogs eating diets that are not grain-free. Millions of healthy dogs around the world eat grain-free diets their entire lives; this is the first time that grain-free diets have been implicated as a potential cause of heart disease. Complicating the matter further is that genetics may also play a role in the development of DCM. So, what is going on? To dive deeper into this issue, we must look at what is currently known about the relationship between diet and the development of heart disease in dogs.      

At this time, it is not clear what it is about these diets that may be connected to DCM in dogs. There are multiple possible causes of DCM. Taurine deficiency is well-documented as a potential cause of DCM, but it is not the only cause of DCM. Nutritional makeup of the main ingredients or how dogs process them, main ingredient sourcing, processing, amount used, or other factors could be involved.

Taurine is a unique amino acid. Most amino acids are used to make protein, but taurine is a free amino acid in the body. Though the exact function of taurine is not entirely understood, it is known to be involved in heart health. In dogs and cats, taurine also plays an important role in activating bile acids in the liver, enabling them to break down fats. Cats must get taurine from their diet, but dogs can make taurine using two other amino acids, methionine and cysteine. Therefore, taurine is not considered necessary in dogs’ diets if enough methionine and cysteine are present. Although the methionine content in pulses is lower compared to animal-based proteins, this can easily be accounted for by using ingredients rich in this amino acid or using supplementation.

This is not the first time that diet has been linked to heart disease in dogs. In the early 2000’s, before grain-free diets became mainstream, lamb and rice diets were identified as being correlated with low taurine and heart disease in dogs.  It was suggested that the lamb meal in these diets did not provide enough methionine and cysteine. However, it could not be confirmed that lamb meal was a direct cause of heart disease in dogs. Instead, it was realized that the diet as a whole must be considered to make sure it provides all the nutrients dogs need. This causes one to ask, “why are peas, lentils, and grain-free diets being blamed for causing heart disease in dogs, when we know that ingredients themselves are not the issue?” The challenge is that pointing a finger at ingredients without more in-depth information causes panic and uncertainty for pet parents without providing any fact-based answers or solutions.

The FDA has NOT yet determined the nature of the possible connection between these foods and canine DCM, so we do not have definitive information indicating that the food needs to be removed from the market. Based on the data collected and analyzed thus far, the agency believes that the potential association between diet and DCM in dogs is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors. 

The FDA stated on July 12, 2018, February 19, 2019 and June 27, 2019 that the agency does not advise any dietary changes based solely on the information gathered. Grain-free diets can have many tangible benefits over grain-based foods in general and should not be categorized as a potential concern or problem.

The underlying cause of DCM isn't known, though it is thought to have a genetic component. Many of the signs of heart disease in dogs match those of a canine that is hot, such as panting and looking tired. The FDA's findings also coincide with the summer's rising temperatures.

There have been a greater proportion of males than females, consistent with what is seen in genetic forms. The significance of this is unknown, but it may be that some cases are genetic in origin or a combination of diet and genetic tendencies.Large and giant breeds, such as Great Danes, Doberman pinschers or Irish wolfhounds, are typically more frequently at risk. But in the FDA's report, smaller breeds, such as Shih Tzu, Jack Russell terrier and pug, were also among those with more than one reported case of DCM.

On July 2, 2019 the FDA released a list of 16 foods that they "SUSPECT" cause DCM, majority of them are grain free.  There are just 16 on the FDA list, although there are other brands that are suspect, but not listed. There are actually about 50 brands that are suspect, but they did not release the full list. That would include Hills, Science Diet & Purina Pro Plan. Of the dog-food brands on the FDA's list, 91 per cent of the products were labelled grain-free (did not contain corn, soy, wheat, rice, barley or other grains), while 93 per cent contained peas, lentils (including chickpeas and beans), or potatoes (including sweet potatoes).

The brands identified include: 

• Acana.
• Zignature. 
• Taste of the Wild.
• 4Health.
• Earthborn Holistic.
• Blue Buffalo. 
• Nature's Domain. 
• Fromm. 
• Merrick. 
• California Natural. 
• Natural Balance. 
• Orijen.
• Nature's Variety. 
• NutriSource. 
• Nutro.
• Rachael Ray Nutrish. 

The products are sold online and many are available in stores in Canada. 

But this is only 16 of the approximate 50 that are being investigated, including the veterinary brands.

This list caused great panic and confusion. Owners feeding some of the highest quality kibble were now possibly "killing" there dogs!  Vets were jumping on the band wagon, sharing the misinformation, as it appeared that their foods were not on the list. Many took this as an opportunity to sell their own brand of food, although the FDA stated that this is NOT necessary. This caused more panic and confusion with pet owners. They could not understand how their vets could recommend a food that was on the list, why there were only 16 brands, out of 50, but why were the others not included, and why was the whole list not as public. (Many did some additional research and exposed the vet lines on the list.)

This lead to more misinformation being spread, panicking pet parents, vets admitting that they do not have any nutritional training, and demanding that clients "CHOOSE THEIR OWN FOOD!" when they could not answer questions about why they recommend one food on the list, but not others. This resulted in backlash from the pet food advocates &  those who had done research on the topic already.

In a FAQ posted to its website, Champion Pet foods (Acana & Origen)  said that the FDA "provides no causative scientific link between DCM and our products, ingredients or grain-free diets as a whole." 

"We think it is misleading for the FDA to post the names of brands, while at the same time fully stating that they have no scientific evidence linking diet to DCM," Champion also said.

Dr. Sarah Dodd, a veterinarian and researcher at the University of Guelph, claims "You could put anything in a bag and call it dog food, as long as your manufacturing and contact details are on the bag," 

So Why are they warning people about particular brands when they are not sure of the cause of DCM? FDA claims it has an obligation, under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to disclose the names of brands that are reported related to any specific health concern that the FDA is researching. The FDA’s announcement provides no causative scientific link between DCM and ingredients or grain-free diets as a whole and it is unfortunate that the release of incomplete information is causing confusion among Pet Lovers about the food they purchase for their pets and the diets they follow.

Those who know me and have been in my shop, are aware that I support a raw natural diet for dogs. Many of you have heard me complain about the pet industry, especially when it comes to diet and kibble manufacturers. I absolutely hate Nestle's business morals, and will not stand behind their products (Human or Animal) as I do not trust that they care about any life, just money. This is why you will not find their products in my store. It is also why we have dropped some products, as other companies get bought out by them. Nestle has repetitively proven that profit is their goal, even if people or animals lives are compromised. I unfortunately find this a lot in the industry. It upsets me greatly. I have had vets apologize to me because I called them out for contributing to the mass hysteria this "information", admitting that they are adding to the problem by giving answers, when there are none at this time.

The information that is really being missed by many, is that the FDA claims that there is no need to switch your dogs food, if it is on the list, as they have not determined the cause of DCM. If your dog gets DCM to let them know. In other words, this list is what is being investigated, there is not a proof that these foods are causing problems. There are many other factors possible. It is suggested that you do not switch your dog to a grain inclusive food, especially if your dog does have grain sensitivities. It is also suggested that you rotate proteins and possibly brands. In terms of protein, the type is just as important as the amount in the diet. Taurine is naturally found in animal-based proteins. Therefore, diets that contain an adequate level of high-quality animal protein should provide sufficient levels of taurine. However, lower quality animal-based proteins (i.e. those that provide low levels of one or more essential amino acid) may not provide adequate methionine and cysteine for dogs to produce enough taurine. Knowing this, it’s critical to consider ingredients’ protein quality when formulating foods for both dogs and cats. Pet foods are also often supplemented with single amino acids, particularly methionine, lysine, and taurine, to ensure they contain sufficient amounts.

Overall, it is important to remember that “correlation does not equal causation”. Not all grain-free diets are nutritionally equal, and it is likely misguided to point fingers at single ingredients or the “grain-free” aspect of diets as the cause of heart disease in dogs. The evidence shows that the issue is much more complex than suggested by the FDA statement, and that protein quality and quantity, processing techniques, fibre content and other characteristics of a diet can all contribute to taurine status. While FDA researchers work to uncover science-based facts and compile a comprehensive report, we recommend contacting your veterinarian with any concerns about your pet’s health.

As the FDA is also targeting, exotic meats and boutique diets, one of the best things that has come from all this, is that they are now doing more research on raw diets. I am hoping that once these studies are done, that they will prove to everyone, all the benefits of a raw diet. These are studies that should have been done when kibble was first introduced. I expect that the FDA will NOT release any of their findings, until that investigation or research is complete. Very much unlike what they have done just recently with kibble.

All this being said, please do not panic that your dog's food will kill them. Of 70,000,000 dogs in the USA, there are 50,000 that have DCM. For 515 of them, it is POSSIBLY due to taurine deficiency or diet. Feed what you feel is best for your dog. Consider rotating proteins. Possibly brands. Pay attention to your dog. If they seem ill, or not like themselves, please go see a vet. If your dog is diagnosed with DCM, be sure to ask your vet to have your information included in the study. This is why the FDA released the information and it could save others.  I will try to update info about the investigation & research, but when there is conclusive evidences towards the link between food & DCM. Until then, I do not wish for people to panic over misinformation or become more confused about this issue. If you have any questions, please feel free to come into the shop for a visit. If you want to try a raw natural diet for your dog & avoid kibble all together, We can definitely help with that. ;)

FDA Pet Food Regulations
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-food-feeds/pet-food

References:
 https://www.petcurean.com/blog/diet-and-dilated-cardiomyopathy-dcm-in-dogs/
1. CVM Updates – FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease. July 12, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018, from https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/newsevents/cvmupdates/ucm613305.htm
2. Backus, R. C., et al., Taurine deficiency in Newfoundlands fed commercially available complete and balanced diets. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2003. 223(8): 1130-1136.
3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. 2006. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press.
4. Boye, J., Zare, F., and A. Pletch. Pulse proteins: Processing, characterization, functional properties and applications in food and feed. Food Res. Int., 2010. 43(2): 414-431.
5. Torres, C. L., et al., Taurine status in normal dogs fed a commercial diet associated with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 2003. 87(9-10): 359-372.
6. Thompson, A. Ingredients: Where Pet Food Starts. Top. Companion Anim. Med. 2008. 23(3): 127-132.
7. Tran, Q. D., Hendricks, W .H., and A.F.B van der Pol. Effects of extrusion processing on nutrients in dry pet food. J. Sci. Food Agric. 2008. 88(9): 1487-1493.
8. Stratton-Phelps, M., et al., Dietary Rice Bran Decreases Plasma and Whole-Blood Taurine in Cats. J. Nutr. 2002. 132(6): 1745-1747.
9. Adin, D., et al., Echocardiographic phenotype of canine dilated cardiomyopathy differs based on diet type. Vet. Card. 2019. 21: 1-9.
10. Kaplan, J.L., et al., Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets. PLOS ONE, 2018. 13(12): e0209112.
11. Freeman, L. M., et al., Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know? J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2018. 253(11): 1390-1394
12. CVM Updates – FDA Provides Update on Investigation into Potential Connection Between Certain Diets and Cases of Canine Heart Disease. February 19, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019, from https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/ucm630993.htm
13. CVM Updates – FDA Provides Third Status Report on Investigation into Potential Connection Between Certain Diets and Cases of Canine Heart Disease. June 27, 2019. Retrieved June 27, 2019, from https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-provides-third-status-report-investigation-potential-connection-between-certain-diets-and-cases
 https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/dog-food-dcm-fda-1.5199186
 https://www.championpetfoods.com/faqs/dcmfaqs/

We would like to thank the community for their support through this difficult time. If anyone is able to provide any information, it would be greatly appreciated! 

It is very beneficial for us to be located right next door to a vet. If we need to work on a nasty animal, sedation can easily be arranged. If we ever had an accident, there is help right there. We get along well with the vet and try to work in harmony with them.
The only thing that is not enjoyable, are the sick dogs. They, themselves are lovely, but what they are carrying is the problem. 

Because, We are neighbours to the vet, we share the same grass, the same walk ways and the same clients. Before a patient visits the Vet to diagnose what is going on with their dog, they let them pee on the grass, and walk by my door, spreading their illness all over the outdoors of the building; surfaces other dogs will come into contact with. Sometimes they miss the sign in the window to avoid shopping with a sick dog, and come wandering in. 

This unfortunately takes away my disinfection control. Although, We do our due diligence, and disinfect all surfaces, including cages, tubs, equipment and the floors and walls, a dog can pick up a virus and bring it into my shop. Owners assume it is caused by something we did (or did not) do here, without considering that sick pets use this plaza too. 

Just like visiting a hospital or dr. office, you can pick up something you did not go in with. 

This information may come as a shock to the public, and may even upset some in the industry that I am writing about this, but people should be aware that there are very little regulations that are necessary to follow in the Pet Service Industry. The only regulations fall under by laws and regulations set in place by municipalities, ALL pet owners have to obey. This includes, groomers, daycares, boarding facilities, walkers, rescues, humane societies and breeders. (Veterinary Services do have their own board, to regulate their members and services that are provided by clinics.) One can have a single pet dog, for 10 years, and say they have 10 years experience, or purchase a set of clippers and call themselves a groomer. Even groomers trained by a professional, can not call themselves certified or licensed, as there is no such thing. There are master groomers, who are highly educated and experienced, they have a master groomer instructor certification. There are some groups that allow those in the industry to pay a fee, to become a certified member, but this does not guarantee that these members are properly trained, or are a certified groomer/handler/kennel hand. (There is NO certification for this) They have simply paid their membership fee to that group. The CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) also has a membership for breeders, but they do not inspect or follow up on these breeders. Once the membership is purchased, they are a CKC member, and can breed and treat the dogs however they choose, as long as no one complains, and have documentation to prove their complaints. There are steps being taken to start some regulation in the industry, but many do not wish for this to happen, as it will ruin their business, as they are not qualified or are operating out of an improper facility. These business should not be operating, as they do not have the proper training necessary or are operating illegally. **Besides having little to no experience working with any other dogs, than their pet, their insurance is different from that of a groomer/daycare or breeder or pet insurance. Business must operate with additional insurance, that have broader coverage than homeowners insurance. When pets are involved, there are additional insurances necessary, to cover the animals from possible injury or illness while in your care. Breeders or pet insurance covers the individual animal for injury or disease. If something is to happen to your fur baby while visiting these business, they will NOT be covered by the care giver's home insurance. It will be necessary to sue the business, or home owner providing illegal care, to receive any sort of compensation, if they do not handle the situation.

Please be cautious when using these services for your fur baby.  Be sure that the business is legal, is permitted in its location and carries the proper insurance. That those taking care of your fur baby have actual training, not just experience with their own pets. Ask questions and see how knowledgeable they actually are. Many home business operate illegally. There are some,where the people are trained and educated, but choose to run the business from home to lessen expenses, but are in a location that does not permit it. They are either not permitted by the city or town, because the by laws do not allow a business to operate there, or they do not obey the animal control laws. Any dog facility that operates in a home, must not have more dogs present at once, than any house hold is permitted. A dog boarding facility needs to be on a particular sized lot, and in a particular zone, to ensure there is a sound barrier for the neighbours. Many are ignorant to these regulations and business requirements, as they don't even realize they exist. Far too often it is after an incident takes place that a business owner becomes aware. This is too late when dealing with someones loved one. Those who do not have the training and experience are putting you dog in danger, without realizing it. They maybe good people who love your dog, but in all reality, they love your money more. If they truly loved your dog and were professional, they would ensure that your dog is safe, follow all laws, and have some actual training. Those who think they have experience, often miss many dangerous possibilities, because they do not have the education or any experience other than with their own pets. PLEASE make sure that your pet care professional is just that, A PROFESSIONAL. Not just someone who likes animals, but someone who has gotten education and training, has spent some time in the industry, and has taken all precautions to ensure that your dog is not just cared for, but cared for safely, in the proper environment, by someone who has knowledge & experience. Not by a newbie to the industry or by someone who thinks they know what they are doing because they owned a dog. 

Before I became the desk jockey at Temple of the Dog, I was Tattooing. This industry too, is unregulated. With my artistic background, it would have been very easy for me to order equipment online, and try to learn on my own. I chose to be professionally trained so that I could do it properly and not scar someone for life or make them ill. Although there is more regulation in Tattooing, as Health Canada is involved, they are not concerned with the work you produce, but your knowledge in sterilization and health. There are many things that can go wrong if a tattooist is not properly trained. Even with proper training, there are many unpredictable things that could happen due to how the client handles the procedure. This is the same when handling dogs. 

Besides, both Mike and I, being raised in the dog show, farming and rescue world, we insisted on being properly trained by professionals, follow all regulations, are properly insured and have first aid training. We felt that although we had extensive experience with dogs, we wanted to be sure we knew everything possible. If it was legal to operate out of our home, why would we go to the expense of operating a shop? We would have lower expenses, be able to write a lot of our home off, and make improvements to our home with business loans. Operating a proper business in a commercial location, allows us to follow regulations and ensure that your pet is safe and properly cared for. To be professionals in the industry. We would not want to leave our dog with someone claiming to be experienced and knowledgeable, when in fact, they are not. We don't expect that you to do that either.

​** edited October 24, 2017

Hi!
Welcome to my blog. I will generally write about dogs, but today I am writing about being a small business owner and some of the tools I have used to create awareness for our business. Most of the tools mentioned are available free or have a subscription service. I personally have been using free services to find out which methods of advertising work, which programs are easy to learn and which ones save money. 

I have used Weebly to create this web site. I have only used the free version of this web page builder, but am very satisfied with the results. It is a pretty user friendly program. There are some things that you can only use if you pay the subscription fees and you pay to remove the weekly from the site address, and have a real domain name, but these things can come in the future as the business grows. This website allows people to collect a lot of information about my business, or contact us directly with an online form. 

We also have a Facebook page. This allows people to connect directly to us. We can post things of interest or humour. Because it is so easy to make a post, we are able to instantly inform people of snow storm closings, store sales, easily connecting with our customers. We are also able to join community forums and advertise that way, for free. 

There are also many apps available for Facebook to enhance your business exposure and management. I have used some the free draw and newsletter apps. Unfortunately, with Facebook trying to get more of the advertising budget, they have limited what some of these apps can do. For example, you are no longer allowed to have contests to generate likes, Facebook may remove your page if you do so.  The day of "like my page to enter contest" is done, but there are those who can help solve this problem.

Today I am experimenting with Boostlikes. (https://boostlikes.com) This is an app that boosts your page for a smaller fee than Facebook does. It will also boost status updates, reviews, follows, shares, and page likes. They expose you page to others in order to create new traffic to your page. They state that, if some of the likes received by this method, stop liking your item, Boostlikes guarantees that they will be replaced. So if you pay to boost your page, status, website etc and have 250 people like it, 250 people will. If these people decide not to like your page, a new person will like your page. This method is more beneficial to the business owner than boosting with Facebook. They explain more on their blog... 8 reasons boost post with Facebook is not very effective. http://boostlikes.com/blog/2016/01/8-reasons-boost-post-facebook-isnt-effective

In my opinion, the best way to advertise your business for little cost, is word of mouth, or Facebook. So far... I will report back of the effectiveness of boostlikes and how it has effected traffic to my site and Facebook page. 

**Boostlikes did nothing to help promote my business.**