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Expert Insight: Dr. Marty Becker and Winter Pet Wellness Tips

Amy Tokic
by Amy Tokic
Published:  January 31st, 2017
“America’s Veterinarian” is an author, expert TV guest, and secret chicken-breast fondler (see below for that explanation). Dr. Marty Becker shares dog health tips to keep in mind over the winter.


Dr. Marty Becker is a household name in the pet industry. Not only does he know what he’s talking about when it comes to pet health, but he’s also one of the most down-to-earth, up-for-anything kind of guy you’ll meet.


I was fortunate enough to meet the famous vet at a pet industry trade show. He was promoting a pet TV network, and a mutual PR friend set up a meeting. I have no recollection of anything he said about the network – what I do remember… and still talk about… is our mutual fondness for fondling chicken breasts.


I know it sounds weird, because, really, it is weird. Let me just reassure you that it had everything to do with an awesome chicken harness and a photo-opt that was too good to pass up (please see below).

But talking about pet health is what Dr. Marty Becker does best (A close second are his skills at feeling up a chicken). And I jumped at the opportunity to talk to him about keeping your dog healthy during the winter.


Winter can be a tough time on dogs and humans, especially when it comes to diet and keeping a healthy body weight. Here’s what the good doctor has to say about winter wellness and keeping positive over these dreary months:


Q: During the colder months, what should owners do to promote a healthy and active lifestyle with their dog?


A: There’s no “bikini season” for dogs; they need to be in great shape year-round. And so do we – despite the temptation to pack on the pounds and hibernate until spring. Fortunately, having a dog is a great asset in trying to keep fit ourselves. After all, we might resist our own conscience telling us to get out of bed and exercise, but it’s a lot harder to resist those puppy dog eyes begging for a walk in the winter wonderland outdoors. Try these tips to keep yourself and your dog healthy all winter long:


  • Review Your Pet’s Diet


Whether your pet is at a healthy weight or needs to lose a few pounds, pet owners should take a look at the food their dog is currently eating and consider a healthy weight management formula or a veterinary weight-loss diet.


To help your dog maintain or lose weight, be sure to also:


  • Completely cut out table scraps from your pet’s diet.
  • Make sure treats comprise no more than 10% of your pet’s daily caloric intake.
  • Work with your veterinarian to make a comprehensive, customized plan for your pet. Because when it comes to your dog’s size, one size definitely doesn’t fit all!


  • Get Creative Indoors and Outdoors


I live in Northern Idaho, so there are plenty of days when getting out with the dogs feels more like a chore than a joy. One of my biggest motivators? Just what mischief they’ll get into with all that pent-up energy! We all need to get acclimated once temperatures drop, but after that, and with the proper gear for dogs who need it, outdoor walks and playtime should continue year-round. In fact, winter play can be even more fun! Try building an agility course or maze in the snow in your yard. If the weather really is too terrible, try finding an indoor gym for dogs. Puzzle feeders, balls and tuggers are also a great option for keeping your dog busy on a long, cold winter day.


Q: I’ve noticed that my dog tends to lick his paws a lot more in the winter? Why would he do this and what can I do to help him?


A: Your dog might be licking his paws for a number of reasons. One is boredom – another reason to get out and hit the trails in all but the worst weather! The other is the paws are irritated from snow, ice, and products used to melt ice. Dogs’ skin, much like a human’s, will dry out and become itchy or cracked from winter weather. Antifreeze and rock salt can also cause dryness and irritation to a dog’s paws, and can be toxic if ingested.


Therefore, it’s worth considering a pet-friendly moisturizer to soothe your dog’s paws. After applying it to her paws, keep him busy with a puzzle feeder or treat so he won’t lick it off.


You can also try preventing dryness, cracked paws or irritation by putting your dog in booties or by cleaning off the pads of his feet every time he comes inside. And be sure to use only paw-safe ice-melting products on your own property.


Q: Should I be adding any extra supplements to my dog’s diet in the winter? If so which ones and why?


Even when a dog’s diet may be nutritionally complete and balanced, some supplements can provide a benefit to dogs with certain health issues. If your dog has special nutritional needs, your veterinarian can help you decide what supplement plan may be right for you.


However, if your dog is eating a nutritionally balanced diet regardless of what season it is, excess supplements could mean wasted vitamins, or worse, vitamin toxicity. Understanding your dog’s unique dietary needs will help you make the best decisions regarding his food and need for supplements. Talk to your veterinarian to see if supplements might be needed for your dog.


Q: How can a dog help lift your spirits in these dreary months, especially if you suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder)?


There is nothing like a pooch to take the “sad” out of SAD! Many studies and research have found that general petting and interacting with your pet can create a surge in hormones such as endorphins, oxytocin, prolactin and serotine, the hormones that make us feel positive and happy. That’s why the more you engage with your pet, the better you feel!


Get moving! According to a survey conducted by Purina in 2016, nearly two in three (65%) dog owners believe having a pet makes them more motivated to exercise, compared to only 18% of non-dog owners. Whether it’s going for a quick walk, playing with your dog’s favorite ball or building an obstacle course indoors for your dog, the activity will make both of you feel great and motivated even on the chilliest of days.


Go on a new adventure. It’s easy to get stuck in a winter-time rut, or succumb to the urge to hibernate. Don’t do it! Even on days when the weather seems dull outdoors, finding new scenery and new locations are mentally stimulating for both you and your pet. It can also help your dog learn to adapt in new situations. Shop in a local dog-friendly store, or meet other dog lovers for an indoor play date.

WOW
Amy Tokic
Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Does it sound like your pet’s sawing wood whenever they take a nap? We hear you. It just so happens that dogs can snore like humans do, and some do it quite often and quite loudly. But what causes snoring in dogs, and is it normal? And is there a way to limit, reduce, or altogether eliminate it? Here are all the deets on dog snoring you need to know.Is Dog Snoring Normal?First off, yes, dog snoring can be completely normal. Just like humans, dogs can snore for various reasons. In most cases, it is not something you should worry about. Still, it can be somewhat distracting, and you might want to know what causes it. A number of factors can contribute to this issue – here are the most common ones.Brachycephalic Breeds:Dogs with short noses and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to snoring. This conformation can lead to narrower air passages, making it harder for air to flow smoothly during breathing. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus.Weight:Overweight, chubby dogs may snore more frequently because excess weight can put pressure on their airways. Combined with excess fat on their neck, and the sleeping position, their snoring can be quite loud, especially during sleep. Age:Believe it or not, age can cause snoring as well! Older dogs may snore more frequently and loudly as they age, just like some humans. Age can affect the muscles and tissues in a dog's throat. Older dogs may experience a relaxation of these tissues, contributing to snoring. Don't hold it against your senior furry friend, they can't help it!Sleeping Environment:Ultimately, the environment in which a dog sleeps can influence snoring. For example, if the room is too dry, it may irritate the nasal passages, or if it's too warm, dogs may breathe with their mouths open, contributing to snoring. Try to find an ideal environment for them, or consider using an air humidifier to moisturize dry air.

Ghosts of Dead Pets May Help Owners Deal With Grief, Study Finds

Descriptions of paranormal encounters with the ghosts of deceased loved ones can be found in many human cultures. According to a YouGov survey, two in five Americans believe ghosts are real, while one in five report they’ve actually seen a ghost. In most cases, these paranormal experiences involve a deceased family member. But what about paranormal encounters with deceased pets? After all, most American paw parents consider their cats and dogs members of the family.Jennifer Golbeck, a computer science professor at the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, recently conducted the very first systemic study of the supernatural experiences of grieving pet owners. The results of the study were published in the journal Anthrozoos.Golbeck ran the study using social media, posting a question on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter): “If you have lost a dog, have you had an experience like seeing their ghost, receiving a sign, did they communicate with you?” Then, she developed a coding system to categorize the answers.Golbeck received 544 responses, which she organized into two large categories - physical experiences (hearing, seeing, and touching the ghost of the dog) and interpreted experiences (receiving visits from the deceased dog in dreams, seeing signs in nature, and attributing feelings and phenomena to the spirit of the dog). A total of 315 owners experienced sensory encounters involving their dogs' ghost. The owners felt their dog’s touch, heard ghostly sounds, and saw their deceased pet. The most common sensory experience (37% of cases) involved hearing the dog, like a bark or the sound of nails clicking on the floor. Almost half (44.4%) of the physical experiences happened at night, and 45 owners reported that they’ve felt their dog lying in the bed next to them. According to Golbeck, 264 owners experienced interpreted interactions with the ghost of their dog. These included dreams in which the dog appeared, ghostly activities, such as objects moving, and signs in nature, which owners interpreted as messages from the deceased pet. Golbeck also asked the owners to describe their feelings about their supernatural experiences. The majority of respondents (74.6%) reported positive feelings, such as a sense of comfort, protection, reassurance, and even a gift. Only in a few cases (9%) owners reported feelings that fell into the mixed/sad category, including bittersweet, spooky, and heartbroken. The remaining pet owners (16%) viewed the paranormal encounters as messages from the deceased pet. According to Golbeck, these findings are significant because “psychology largely categorizes externalized continuing bonds - particularly seeing ghosts - as negative and even maladaptive.”On the other hand, the majority of pet parents participating in this study considered their supernatural experiences comforting rather than distressing. “This suggests there is something different going on in the grieving process for dog guardians that makes supernatural encounters operate differently than they do in more typical human mourning,” Golbeck wrote in the study.The study’s author also noted that there are only a few socially accepted rituals around pet animal deaths and no recognized mourning period. Often, pet owners' grief is downplayed, which creates an experience of disenfranchised grief where the owner is denied the grieving process. Golbeck also added that ghosts typically have a bad reputation, and are considered scary or a sign of guilt. However, she argues that seeing the ghosts of dead pets can be psychologically healthy, as they are displays of continuing bonds. “A seemingly magical visit from a ghost of a beloved lost dog offers a feeling of the mystical, the special, and a signifier of the importance of the relationship,” said Golbeck. “Such experiences would reasonably be seen as validating and comforting in the face of the invalidation of disenfranchised grief.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Vegan Dogs and Cats? Maybe!

Pet food manufacturers have amped up the quality of the vegan options to meet industry standards for protein.

Lost Service Dog Survived 2 Months Alone in the Colorado Mountains

It’s every dog parent’s nightmare. 14-month-old service dog in training Nova Riley slipped out of her harness and bolted out of a Safeway parking lot in a panic. After several sightings by the community as they searched tirelessly alongside owner Robynne Simons-Sealy, Nova continued to run in fear from anyone who attempted to catch her. After two long months of worrying and searching, Simons-Sealy was reunited with her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. Nova was discovered injured in the woods of Meyers Ranch Park by two hikers on November 19th. The hikers recognized that she was injured, frightened, and needed help. They tried to carry her out to safely, but due to her high anxiety (understandable, given the situation), she bit one of her rescuers. Refusing to leave the poor dog behind, they decided to bring in help. One hiker stayed with Nova to keep her calm and assure her they weren’t giving up on her. The other hiker descended the trail to ask the park rangers for help and guide them, along with Animal Control Officer Kylie Rupe, three miles back to her position. “When we first got up there, I had brought treats and food up with me, knowing she would probably be very food-motivated at that point,” explained Rupe. “I used food to make friends, and she was very friendly but skittish.” With the help of both the rangers and animal control, Nova was carried to safety on a tarp. One of the rangers had recognized Nova from a lost dog poster, allowing her to be reunited with her worried and ever-grateful owner.

Dave Bautista Teams Up With the ASPCA for Giving Tuesday

With an estimated 3.1 million dogs entering U.S. animal shelters every year, the need for funding and support is evident. For many, this is a call to action to find ways to make a difference – including for Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Bautista. Starting today, November 28th, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is launching a new fundraising and awareness campaign with 54 Bautista and his four rescue pit bulls in the spotlight. The campaign was created as part of Giving Tuesday, a global response to the corporate focus of Black Friday (as well as Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday). Rather than highlighting sales and taking advantage of deals through your favorite stores and brands, Giving Tuesday encourages Americans to take a moment and consider how they can make a difference in the lives of others – including, of course, animals in shelters and rescue organizations. Bautista’s involvement in the campaign is motivated by his experiences with animal rescue and its impact on his life. “My home is where my dogs are because there is just such a sense of love,” Bautista stated. “I feel like wherever they are, there’s this sense of normalcy, which is hard for me to attain these days.” He went on to explain, “My first rescue dogs were Ollie and Maggie, and I’ve had them for about five years. I adopted them, and after becoming so connected with them, I started to be more aware of how many dogs are just waiting for someone to give them good, loving homes. You get so much in return when you adopt a pet, and I’m going to preach adoption for the rest of my life.”

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