Donehogawa Utonagan

31/08/2024

30/08/2024

She brought a leaf in exchange for my barbecue skewers. As I tended to the sizzling grill, I noticed her standing there—a small, scruffy dog with eyes that held a world of stories. Her fur was matted, and her ribs peeked through, evidence of a life filled with struggle. Yet, despite it all, she had a certain grace about her.

I watched as she observed the bustling crowd around my food cart. People came and went, their hurried footsteps echoing on the pavement. Some stopped to buy my skewers, others simply glanced and moved on. But she stayed, her gaze unwavering.

It was then that I realized she wasn't just hungry for food; she hungered for connection. She studied each customer—their expressions, their interactions, their kindness or lack thereof. And in that moment, I saw her vulnerability. She wasn't just a stray dog; she was a survivor, a silent observer of human behavior.

I decided to offer her a skewer. She hesitated at first, as if unsure whether to trust this unexpected act of kindness. But when she took the meat from my hand, her eyes softened. It was more than a leaf; it was a bridge between two worlds—the world of humans and the world of animals.

From that day on, she became a regular visitor. She'd bring me leaves, twigs, even a flower once. Each offering was her way of saying, 'Thank you.' And in return, I'd give her a skewer, our silent pact unspoken but understood.

As the seasons changed, so did our bond. She'd curl up near my cart, seeking warmth on chilly evenings. Sometimes, she'd nudge my hand, reminding me that she was there. And I'd stroke her head, feeling the rough texture of her fur, knowing that our connection transcended words.

People passing by would smile at our unlikely friendship. Some even snapped photos, capturing the essence of compassion in that simple exchange. But they didn't know the whole story—the nights when she'd disappear, returning with scars from street fights, or the moments when she'd look at me with eyes that held both gratitude and longing.

One day, she didn't show up. I waited, hoping she'd return, but she never did. Perhaps she found a forever home, or maybe she moved on to another corner of the city. Either way, I like to believe that our shared moments made a difference—for her and for me.

So, if you ever pass by my skewer cart and see a leaf tucked among the sizzling meat, know that it's not just a leaf. It's a memory, a lesson, a reminder that even in the simplest gestures, there's a connection waiting to be forged 🌿🐾

30/08/2024

Mark, my dog walker is taking some clients and their dog up to a holiday cottage in the lake district. So today I thought I'd see how much I actually could do at a push. Tahnina and Hala really good and I'm a bit sore but went for it and took Xenon. Very obviously didn't let him offlead, had two collars on him with a double ended lead and we went a walk. Gave him as good a brush as I could, he was OK, bit of leaping about, but we got back in one piece. I'm ready for bed😴 but coalman not appeared as yet. We all know the minute I get in the shower they'll appear as if by magic. Not very good piccies of Xenon, but he's not going offlead unless in a secure area😅

29/08/2024

Hala out on her first walk with me for 2 months, quite enjoyed herself and good as gold

27/08/2024

Mabel’s 3 week update. Mum and pups are all doing really well 🐾
The pups started their weaning food earlier this week and have taken to it really well 😋
They’re all coming out of their shells more and more each week 💞
We’re still looking for homes for some of these beautiful pups so please do get in touch if you are interested 🩷❤️🧡💚🩶💜💙🩵🤎

25/08/2024

2 months today I broke my hip.
On the road back now and this last week have been taking Tahnina for a game of ball and general, very slow, walk round. Hala and Xenon still in the very capable hands of Mark, the dog walker.
Next one will be Hala, as she's a good girl.
Xenon is, what can I say, oh yes I'm leaving the best till last maybe😱

25/08/2024

"This is addressed to those who don't want to rent apartments to people with dogs and also to those who won't rent houses to them:

I can't take my dog to the beach for a walk because it bothers you on your vacation. You also won't let me rent a house if I have a dog, and I can't bring my dog on public transport either.
However, I can take my dog through the rubble to find you after an earthquake, into the forest after you got lost in the mountains without a map or GPS, under the snow because you went off-piste despite the prohibition, into the water because you swam despite the red flag, and anywhere else you might need because, in the end, it's just a dog... but it will find you.

Dedicated to all those who don't love dogs."

---

22/08/2024

DOES APOQUEL AGGRAVATE CANCERS? THE WEBSITE SAYS SO...
Did you enjoy last night's RPM on tick adherence, times to bite and time to transmission of various infections?! I certainly did, particularly the stuff on chemical spot-ons.

My God, the level of side effects (more likely than not, that statement alone...) and the fact that those side effects are never, ever discussed with the pet owners in clinic is truly worrying.

Dr Victoria was great. Soon, it's hoped, we'll get her back to talk about Apoquel, based on something she casually said in Patreon (the extra 15-20mins we do for folk that donate to the show).

Here's the low down - our T cells are a vital component of our immune system. They attack pathogens and constantly scrutinize and destroy tumour cells.

Very handy, we're all agreed.

Apoquel, for inflamed dogs, works by reducing their T-cell response.

And it does work to relieve itch, no doubt. The problem we this side of the fence (folk with questions) have is that, aside product safety, what is the CAUSE of that itch. As conventional vets never seem to realise it's usually kibble / gut / gut flora / yeast related, the worry is that this powerful drug becomes a FIRST response as opposed to a last.

Because there are obviously side effects to immune suppression.

By decreasing your pets system's ability to neutralise cancer, many vets, specifically dermatologists, are concerned by the increasing levels of cancers they have observed in animals on the drug, that Apoquel (and drugs like it) may be fuelling this cancer growth (just may not necessarily INITIATE it).

Side effects listed on the product insert include "vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, anorexia, dermal masses (unspecified), decreased leukocytes, decreased globulins, and increased cholesterol and lipase. Low numbers of dogs in the studies developed demodicosis, NEOPLASIA, pneumonia, bloody diarrhoea, skin and ear infections, UTIs, and histiocytomas".

In fact, the Apoquel website states

"Apoquel may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse."

So what do you know about Apoquel and its cousin, Cytopoint, the cruxes of the atopic response by the conventional veterinary sector?

About as much as me I bet. So we'll be scheduling a show on them soon. As ever, any dirt you have, you know where to find me. In the meantime, I went looking for some. Every single vet website that discusses the drug mentions the fact there is a study showing it DOES NOT cause cancer.

This study was produced by Zoetis, the charming multi-billion manufacturer of said medication.

So rest assured!!

That's Zoetis, with 1.4/5 stars on TrustPilot.

That's Zoetis, manufacturers of other drugs like Librela which are currently under investigation for (potentially) causing more harm than good, fuelled by a 2024 article in the Wall Street Journal article titled “What Killed Their Pets? Owners Blame Meds, but Vets Aren’t Sure". The article states "Health regulators in the U.S. and Europe have received thousands of reports of side effects and are currently conducting reviews".

That's Zoetis, currently under investigation by EU antitrust regulators as it (may have) blocked the market launch of a rival pain medicine for dogs, a move that could result in a hefty fine for the U.S. pet products maker.

Sure why wouldn't you trust a little study they produce that supports their main cash cow.

The fact that study is enough for the entire veterinary profession to turn off their radars and keep on recommending this drug, sort of tells you where we are.

21/08/2024

🎉 BANDIT WILL BE GOING HOME 🎉

We now have official confirmation that the destruction order previously placed on Bandit has been lifted.

His owner's partner has been given leave to apply for exemption, this means Bandit will come home as an exempt Pit Bull type dog.

Huge thanks to all our supporters who donated to our fundraisers to make this possible, without your generosity dogs like Bandit would not be alive.

Thanks to Helen Howell Dog Behaviour Expert for assessing Bandit and visiting the home where he will now live, her thorough and detailed reports clearly explained to the courts Bandit will not present a danger to the public.

As always Four Legs Law - part of Cohen Cramer Solicitors prepared a thorough case with a compelling argument for Bandits return.

Thank you all for making this possible ❤️

21/08/2024

So

All of these go against 'community standards'

Is there any sanity in these arbitary decisions made by bots 😵‍💫

21/08/2024

No, you shouldn’t expect to pick your own puppy. There is nothing you will learn in an hour with a puppy that your breeder hasn’t learned in the last 8 weeks. Your emotions are not more accurate than your breeder’s expertise.

19/08/2024

DON'T MISS THIS WEEK'S CANINE NUTRITION ACADEMY - ALL ABOUT DOG TREATS!

We look forward to seeing you for the next instalment of Lisa's Canine Nutrition Academy on Tuesday the 20th of August at 1:30pm (BST)

This week Lisa will discuss treats, how to spot the decent ones, how to avoid the awful ones and how making your own isn't as hard as you may think!

Of course, there will be time for your questions.

If you would love to be a part of a great canine community, whether you are completely new to raw or a seasoned raw feeder, there is something for everyone here.

Watch live or catch up on every clinic and academy at any time, all of Conor's courses for FREE and so much more - link to join in comments.

See you there!

19/08/2024

Are you coming to Edition Dog Live?

Come and say hi to us on stand 78 - we'll be stocked up with Canident, Propythium and lots of books... Conor will be there to sign a copy for you too!!

The man himself will be talking and be there to answer your questions!

We hope to see lots of you there this Sunday!

15/08/2024

DIY Vitamin/Mineral Greens Powder Recipe🥬: An easy way to add antioxidants and nutrients to your pet’s bowl.

Using kale, chard, spinach, dandelion greens, watercress or any greens of your choice, you can make your own super greens powder that is good for you, your pet…and your wallet.💳 Our DIY super greens powder is a great way to use up extra greens and sneak more diversity of vegetables into your pet’s diet.🐾

📕 The Forever Dog LIFE DIY Greens Powder Recipe:
· 4-1/2 cups of greens of your choice, organic if possible

·Lay greens flat on a baking sheet and cook for 6-8 hours at your oven’s lowest setting, or at 125℉ in a dehydrator. Dehydrate dry greens until completely dry and crispy. Blend or grind until they reach a powder consistency. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

·Use 1/2 tsp for every 10 pounds of body weight.

🥄Add to your pet's meals or dust over a lick mat that’s been smeared with cottage cheese🧀, mashed sardines🐟 or one of the many topper recipes found in our new book The Forever Dog LIFE, like our Fiber Smoothie for a**l gland and digestive health, our omega-rich Smart Spread for gut and brain health and much more! 📣 Now 50% OFF at Amazon, Target and Walmart!

15/08/2024

In our new book, The Forever Dog LIFE, we lay out the pro’s and con’s of different types of bowls. Here’s a glimpse of what you need to know:

Plastic🥣: Chemicals in plastic absorb through the skin and inhibit the synthesis of melanin, which can cause Plastic Dish Nasal Dermatitis that leaves your pet’s nose & lips, pink and irritated.

Ceramic:🫖 Hartpury scientists found the most harmful bacterial species (salmonella, E.coli and MRSA) were most frequently found in ceramic bowls because of people continuing to use them after fine cracks in the glaze become visible.

Stainless steel🥄: cheaper quality bowls have been involved in recalls due to heavy metal contamination. Be sure to buy high-quality bowls (18/8 or 304 steel) from a trusted source.

Glass🥛: Durable, kitchen-friendly glass bowls made from 100% borosilicate glass (Pyrex) make great food and water bowls on the floor.

🧼No matter which type of bowl you use, the best thing you can do to protect you and your dog’s health is to wash your bowl after every meal with hot water and soap. In addition, at least once a week, run your bowls through the hot cycle in your dishwasher. You can also coat the bowl with hydrogen peroxide, wait five minutes, then wipe with a clean sponge and rinse.

👉 Comment BOWLS and we’ll message you the link to our online shop where you can now buy 304 double-walled stainless steel or borosilicate glass Forever Dog food or water bowls for your dog or cat!

14/08/2024

Have you all forgotten about what happened 4 years ago?!

I haven't.

Check this graph out. It's a heat map of sorts, ranking the results of all the available studies for all the treatments used to treat that virus, ranked.

What this tells us is that if you were a betting man you'd place your money on the top ones because according to the studies - and while we all know the rotten companies that produce patentable drugs manipulate their results (95% effective) - the ones with the most positive evidence are most likely to work and the ones at the bottom, with the least convincing evidence, are not.

So, at the top there are monoclonal antibodies.

Just to remind you, with a few solid studies in place supporting their use and safety, in 2022 the US FDA revoked the emergency use authorisation for this effective treatment.

[Bear in mind, if another drug existed that worked then the new, unapproved jibby jabbies made by the FDA's chief benefactors would not get their emergency use authorisation and thus would not be permitted to market.]

The FDA’s press release supporting said move stated the treatment is “highly unlikely to be active against the Omicron variants” and expressed concerns about its adverse effects.

They cited zero studies to support this stance and now everyone agrees that was a major mistake, that they would have helped a LOT of people, saved a LOT of lives, and so far without the safety concerns that the world is now experiencing with other treatments.

But I just want to draw your attention to the drug on the second line (you know, the drug that had won the noble prize for treating a variety of parasites, from Malaria to the Nile virus, in humans and after 4bil doses proved itself to be incredibly safe in the process...that's right, the one the FDA called a "horse dewormer... come on y'all" and forbid American GP's from recommending...and virtually all of them went along with it).

Turns out that very, very, very safe, very proven anti-parasitic, anti-viral was of course at least worth a shot.

In fact, two systematic reviews, where they gather all the available evidence on something, compile them and decide if it was effective or not, the very highest value studies we can produce, support the use of Ivermectin.

The Cochrane Institute was less sure on Ivermectin at the time, sadly, but then the research on Ivermectin was not of great quality at the time. The solution would have been a few, simple, relatively cheap and quick, well-conducted (used early as a preventative, as India did, not when people had the disease like US researchers were strangely keen to focus on...) randomised controlled trials conducted by the CDC. They would have sorted out the matter for us in a few months (they gave lots of money to Oxford University, you know, the guys that produced the models that told us 4% of us were going to die, but sadly they never got a single study done...)

Regardless, in a move that is equal parts sinister and unscientific, with all we now know today, I'm just after reading in the Washington Post that the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has revoked the certifications of two doctors for supporting the use of Ivermectin.

That is sending a message - tow the line or be expelled to the wilderness. These (very correct) doctors have families and mortgages, so the idea of losing your license is suitably terrifying, and thus effective.

This approach is used in the veterinary sector too - recommend herbs BEFORE pharma meds, you will lose your license. Recommend homeopathy BEFORE pharma meds, you will lose your license. Now, if you recommend off label humans drugs, such as incredibly effective paraceatamol for pain relief, you will lose your license.

How long before - recommend fresh food over kibble, you will lose your license?! Not long, if the RCVS, the vet governing body in the UK, has anything to do with it.

Look at all the other things on that list - diet, quercetin (a form of natural antihistamine that reduces inflammation), curcumin, exercise, sunlight, VITAMIN D, zinc, hydroxychloroquine, Vitamin C - ALL OF THEM explicitly NOT recommended by the FDA - all sit above the FDA very-recommended (and patented by their financial backers) Paxlovid (an antiviral), which sits in 18th place, a drug that has plenty of evidence of side effects (remember when we were allowed to talk about side-effects?! Not anymore. Bloody antivaxxers. Or the far right or Elon Musk or whoever we're supposed to be blaming now).

You guys think it's over but it's not. It's still going on. All the shenanigans that went on are still happening. In fact, if anything our lack of response (and the trillions of dollars we gave them) will only encourage them.

Our studies are still produced by Big Pharma. Our regulators and media are still cash-owned by Big Pharma and silent as a result. Like our vets, our GPs have proven themselves completely unable to decipher fact from fiction, they are but leaves on a stream of crap information.

Facebook will kill the reach of this post and my page for sharing this sort of content, but screw them too, you have to hear it.

14/08/2024

14/08/2024

CAN YOU FEED ADRENAL FOR ADDISONS? THRYOID FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM?
As most this side of the fence - folk that know food is more than just protein and fat, vitamins and minerals - already know, organ meats are nutritional powerhouses in dogs.

My book Feeding Dogs highlights that predators go for the organs first. That's no accident.

We all love liver. A pillar of the raw community, it can store all sorts of vitamins and minerals, like vitamins A, C, B6 and B12 (in fact, a 100g portion of liver, if you can eat it, contains 2,917% of your daily needs of B12!) as well as being a great source of heme iron and copper. In fact, it's REALLY high in copper (again, 100g contains 1,578% of your copper needs!). So high that too much liver can give you the squits (the cobalamin / B12 doesn't as it seems to be non-toxic to the body, you top up your reserves then wee out the rest). You can't mess around with too much Vitamin A either, mind.

What folk don't realise is that liver, as it stores glycogen, it's also the main source of "carbs" in a prey animal. In fact, a 100g serving of liver can contain as much fat as it does carbs (5g of each). Surprising, eh?!

But all the organs pack their own goodies. Hearts need a lot of taurine to keep going. Kibble fuels the DCM crisis in dry-fed pets as it's so low in meat (where taurine comes from, ta**us being the Latin for "bull"). Got a Cavalier King Charles and are worried about their propensity for the disease but for some reason will only feed him kibble? Best you supplement him with heart meat, it's packed full of taurine and co enzyme Q10, both vital now, but also a whole heap of other useful bits, no doubt.

Around 20% of the weight of brains is omega 3, DHA specifically. If you were rearing pups on dry food (for some reason) then know that numerous studies show it's woefully deficient in omega 3 and supplementing Mum and pups with just a little DHA early on greatly improves their brain function later in life (and reduced aggression in another study of german shepherds...imagine how much of bad behaviour is because of crap food?!).

Want to supplement with DHA? Feed lamb brains (or fish heads).

Eyes the same - the eyes of prey animals contain lutein and zeaxanthin, essentially the only source of these goodies outside the plant kingdom. Eating those will surely benefit the eyes of the predator.

In the book I cited a (touch horrible) 1920s study of de-pancreatised dogs. They were studying the effects of this new compound insulin on artificially diabetic dogs. They split them into two groups and fed them both meat with sugar (back in the day when dogs were fed meat....). One group got insulin injected (from pork pancreas) and the other group were fed pancreas with their meal. It turned out the dogs getting the pancreas liver much longer. The reason was they weren't just getting insulin from the pancreas but also glucagon (stops your sugar going too low), digestive enzymes and no doubt a plethora of other bits and pieces we're yet to discover.

But did they tell us about that second group of dogs?!

Hell no!! We got insulin to sell!!

Turns out, unsurprisingly, it's the same with the other hormone producing organs. Yep, spurred on by the great insulin discovery, mad scientists began feeding all sorts of organs to animals in need (that is, in artificial need, as they usually induced it by removing the organ first).

Check out the findings of this cool study on adrenal insufficiency I just found (one of the reasons I'm going to update the book early 2025, so many cool little studies have popped up in the last 5 years):

"Since the classic work of Addison on adrenal deficiency in patients, the adrenal gland has occupied a position of great importance and fascination.

A study of its chemical nature and physiologic function has followed the usual course of studies on the other ductless glands.

The first step was the proof that the gland is essential for life. This has been known for many years.

The second step was the proof that within the gland some substances are present which can be separated and used in substitution therapy.

The work of Hartman (study 1) and of Swingle and Pfiffner (study 2) conclusively established the fact that the life of adrenalectomized rats, cats and dogs can be maintained with an extract of the gland."

WHAAAAAT?! Addison dogs can be helped by feeding them the gland that's malfunctioning?!!

Yes, I literally just said that.

Well, using an extract of the gland (that is they put it in a blender to break open all the cells so that they release all the hormones etc, mix with some solution, spin it in a centrifuge, remove the solid bit and bobs your uncle).

But that extraction process in no way improves on the recipe, it doesn't enhance the hormone content. If the exfract is given via mouth in pill form, there there is precious little difference in that extract and the whole gland, considering the animal would digest most of the whole gland in time. The process is used to increase standardisation, so you know exactly the doses you're giving etc. Handy for making meds, essentially.

On the plus side though, such studies resulted in them eventually isolating and better understanding adrenal hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and aldosterone, all of which are now available and sold back to you as "hormone replacement therapy".

And for sure such drugs are a godsend for the patient...
..but I wonder can you reduce the drug need by simply feeding the gland to the patient?

Because we know you can help hypothyroid dogs by feeding them thyroid...

WHAAAAAATTT?!

It's true. We all remember that crappy treat manufacturer-made meat treats for dogs on beef thyroid. That's a LOT of thyroid. Way, way too much. The dogs that ate it died from overdosing on the hormones that would save the life of a patient unable to make them.

Studies very much back that up too. Check out this doozy of a review I stumbled across from 2015, entitled "Historical and Current Perspective in the Use of Thyroid Extracts for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism". It states (capitals added by me for effect, and pay particular attention to their conclusion....):

"A rich history of physician intervention in thyroid dysfunction was identified dating back more than 2 millennia. Although not precisely documented, thyroid ingestion from animal sources had been used for centuries but was finally scientifically described and documented in Europe over 130 years ago. Since the reports by Bettencourt and Murray, there has been CONTINUOUS DOCUMENTATION OF OUTCOMES, refinement of hormone preparation production, and updating of recommendations for the most effective and safe use of these hormones for relieving the symptoms of hypothyroidism. As the thyroid extract preparations contain both levothyroxine (LT4) and liothyronine (LT3), current guidelines do not endorse their use as controlled studies do not clearly document enhanced objective outcomes compared with LT4 monotherapy."

In other words, feeding whole thyroid very much works but as a study is yet to show it's BETTER than the meds they developed, it's BEST to stay with the meds.

Shocker!!!!

I think I'd prefer the gland. Maybe, if on HRT, you and your vet could slowly increase the dose of the whole gland and see what it does to the blood levels of x and y. Maybe you can get the drug need down?

I for one would rather the compounds passed through my gut membrane in an orderly fashion than bypassing this awesome system and injecting it into my veins with all sort of other crap.

It enrages me stuff like this is out there. Such simple solutions that we never, ever hear about.

Where am I going to get stuff like thyroid etc? I have found a source of these harder to find beef organs. Link in comments below. I contacted them (uses New Zealand grass-fed cattle ) and got us a small discount. Subscribe and get another 10%. Check out those reviews of people taking thyroid etc, very encouraging.

Dose of thyroid? No idea. They say 15-30mg for humans so I would go by body weight from there. As above, check in with your vet and keep an eye on those blood readings.

13/08/2024

Join Rawpetmedics Tuesday Live 7pm BST as we discuss problem paws from interdigital cysts to hard cracked soles. We will cover our go to options and nutritional tips.

12/08/2024

Thank you The Soul Apprentice

12/08/2024

Especially grammar teachers!

12/08/2024

😂🤣

11/08/2024

😡 I get really angry about this!! Because it’s so deliberately misinterpreted to confuse and unfairly influence owners!! 😡
Force! What is force?? Why is the term “force free” used by some trainers and not others?

Well I force my kids every day, twice a day to clean their teeth! Parents of young children I know you hear me!! 😆😆
Every single day for the last 12 years I make them clean their teeth because
1) They don’t want to
2) I know better & I don’t want them to have crap teeth when they’re older!
Simple as that!
So it’s mandatory that they clean their teeth!
So when I say I make them - how much force do I use?
Well I don’t scruff them by their neck, I don’t physically hold them, I don’t shove the toothbrush into their mouth (although it is tempting 😆😆😆) I don’t use any physical force or anything painful or even anything slightly uncomfortable…. So how do I force them to do it?
I tell them to do it and I don’t stop telling them to do it until they have done it!
That is force!!! I sometimes block the doorway of the bathroom with my weary body to ensure they stay near the sink to clean their teeth - I sometimes cry 😆😆 and often raise my voice!!! But I know it’s the best thing for them!
I know if I let them make their own choices they wouldn’t make good decisions! They wouldn’t EVER clean their teeth, plus they would eat chocolate for breakfast every day and stay up till 3am and be complete as****es!!
So there!
❌Force doesn’t necessarily mean painful
❌Force doesn’t necessarily mean fearful
❌Force doesn’t necessarily mean cruel
❌Force isn’t a bad word
❌Force free isn’t necessarily all rainbows and butterflies because they use emotive words!
✅Force is necessary for order, progression, health, safety, wellbeing and kindness to other beings who would make poor choices without it!

(NB - before you come at me I am absolutely against the use of any physical, painful, unnecessary pressure or fear being used in dog training)