From A Dog's Eye View

About From A Dog's Eye View

A space to embrace your dog and understand their behavior. Bi-weekly episodes exploring all things positive reinforcement training + effectively communicating with your dog. Because dogs are simple, when their owners have the right information. canineconcierge.substack.com (https://canineconcierge.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Susan Coleman

Category

education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jul 2024

Latest episode

5 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

33 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Aug 2026

   A Guide to Making the Best Food Choices for Your Dog and Cat - Part 2

   Nutrition is defined as the process of consuming, absorbing, and using nutrients from food that is necessary for growth, development, and maintenance of life. In my July 15, 2026 podcast, I provided information about what must be included in the meals we provide for our pets in order for them to survive. I like to go a step further and add food that is nutritionally more beneficial to their diet so they can not only survive but thrive and live a happy and healthy life. Of course, hereditary and environmental factors can influence the expression of diseases. However, I believe healthy nutrition can stunt and even suppress the onset of these diseases. In part one, I focused on the four main components humans, dogs and cats need to sustain life: protein, carbs, fat, water, vitamins and minerals. If the quality or quantity of any one of these components is substandard, health issues can arise. In this episode, I will explain how this leads to an inflammatory response, which leads to an imbalance in your immune system. I will also guide you through a process you can follow in order to make the best food choices for your dogs and cats. Over 15 years ago, I had several appointments with Dr. Debbie Decker, a holistic vet in Westlake, Ohio, to give me professional advice on what to feed my cats. As I mentioned in part one, it was because of my cats that I started to look into finding out if it was the food that was making them vomit so often. I also started to follow a nationally renown holistic vet, Dr. Karen Becker. She has a website with frequent articles about animals - focusing especially on cats and dogs. She wrote a book which I recommend, “ REAL FOOD For Healthy Dogs & Cats”. It fine-tunes the amounts of protein, organ meat and supplements needed to prepare a balanced homemade diet for your cat or dog. I chose to embark on the journey of making my own cat food with the help of Dr. Debbie Decker because of all of the symptoms they were experiencing. Making your own food isn’t something you can just guess and make up as you go. Your pets have certain nutritional requirements that must be met or else metabolic issues can arise that can turn disastrous. Dogs have different requirements than cats. It is important to work with a vet who can best advise you on what and how much to feed your pet. I have simply outlined what has worked for my cats and dog, but your cat or dog may have specific health issues that require additional food groups and supplements. I remember making the switch from processed dry food, or kibble, to homemade food for my cats. I felt overwhelmed to the point where I almost gave up. I knew if I gave up, I would most likely have to deal with all the puke again! That was a big motivator for me to continue the transition. Another driving force to make the switch was learning that I can control the quality of meat I purchase that will be fed to my pets. When you purchase any kibble, unless it is labeled as “human grade”, the meat used is generally sourced from animals or animal parts that have been deemed unsuitable for human consumption under USDA regulations. A disclaimer reminder - I am not a veterinarian or a nutritionist. The information below is a result of my research and experience transitioning my cats and dogs to a more balanced, species appropriate diet. Let’s begin! In part one, I ended the episode describing the importance of healthy fatty acids. I mentioned that in order to preserve the integrity of the fats, proper storage is critical. Oxidation occurs when food substances are exposed to oxygen. For example, bananas oxidize as they ripen. When you cut into a banana, the end exposed to the air will turn brown. It actually has a different taste to it. Oxidation in pet foods causes: * the quality of nutrients to degrade * the foods with fatty acids to become rancid - can produce a distinct foul smell * the development of molds and mycotoxins - dogs can pick up on the scent of molds that we cannot see or smell and may refuse their food * insect infestations which can cause allergic reactions Mixed tocopherols are added by pet food manufacturers to slow down the oxidation process. They are a natural form of Vitamin E. Natural tocopherols are safe and beneficial to your pet. Whereas chemical preservatives like BHA and BHT are artificial. You will see tocopherols, BHA and BHT as an ingredient on the bag or box of food for your pet. As I stated before, I prefer to provide food that doesn’t have either one of these preservatives. Solutions to avoiding oxidation in pet food * Store food in its original bag off the floor and inside an airtight container * Store food for only 2-3 weeks * Store the remainder in freezer bags in your freezer * Look for a “Best Before” date on the unopened bag * Don’t force your pet to eat the food if he or she refuses, especially if you have left the food uncovered overnight * Maintain a consistent feeding schedule with your dog or cat. If they don’t eat all the food in one sitting, cover and refrigerate it. Avoid leaving out a dish of unfinished kibble Foods Never to Feed Your Pet * Onions - can cause anemia * Raisins and grapes - can lead to kidney failure * Macadamia nuts - toxic to pets * Chocolate, especially dark chocolate - contains caffeine and theobromine which can cause heart issues. This warrants a call or more likely an emergency visit to the vet if ingested. * Brewer’s yeast - can be allergenic * Fish high in mercury and raw fish - be aware of bones that can pose a choking hazard. Fried and/or seasoned fish is not healthy. The quantity of any one of these ingredients and the weight of your pet are really the key factors in these foods to avoid. If you have a medium to large sized dog, a few onions, grapes, raisins, or a milk chocolate candy bar are no reason to panic and rush your pet to the vet. Reasons Not to Give Your Dog Peanut Butter * Contains aflatoxins - naturally occurring mycotoxins, produced by the fungus Aspergillus, which causes cancer. * Contains harmful fats - hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (trans-fatty acids ) which cause inflammation. This is explained in more detail in the next few slides. * Contains sugar - make sure NO xylitol is present * Peanuts are a legume* *Legumes are plants with a pod, i.e. dry beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, lupine and soybeans. They contain phytates and lectins which carnivores cannot break down due to a lack of the enzyme phytase. Phytates bind with minerals like zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium and leech them out of a pet’s body. Just as in the foods to avoid above, it’s the dosage and size of your pet that matters. I used to give my Corgi peanut butter on a daily basis until I figured out that it caused him to vomit. Now, I just recommend almond butter to be on the safe side. A healthy alternative to peanut butter is almond butter. Almonds are a great source of Omega 3’s and a healthy fat. Almond butter is high in fat which can trigger stomach upsets or pancreatitis if given in large amounts. It can be a healthy way to help an underweight dog gain weight when fed in moderation. Controversial Additives in Pet Food and Treats * BHA/BHT - an antioxidant added to oils and fats to prevent oxidation. BHA has been classified as a possible carcinogen by several major health organizations. More research is needed to confirm this. * Carrageenan - derived from specific seaweeds that may cause and induce inflammation. * Natural Flavors - could be anything derived from plants, animals or mined sources. Always creating suspicion. However, they have to be deemed safe in order to be added to pet food. * TBHQ - a fat preservative to increase shelf life. Used as a stabilizer for explosive compounds and to make varnishes, lacquers, and resins. * Propylene Glycol - added to preserve moisture content. The FDA has banned it in cat food but not dog food yet. * Propyl Gallate - a preservative which may be able to mimic the negative effects of the female hormone, estrogen. More research is necessary. * Ethoxyquin - a chemical preservative with limited allowable uses in pet food and animal feed as an antioxidant to prevent fats and fish meal from going rancid. ** MSG is listed on the slide but I have never seen it as an ingredient in dog food or treats. Inflammation Inflammation is a body’s natural way to respond to infections, injuries, or ingested food and fluids. If left unchecked, it can cause long term health issues. There is acute inflammation, which is a short term injury, like a sprained ankle, that can heal back to its original state in a reasonable time. There is also chronic inflammation, which causes constant, longterm symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, joint stiffness, digestive issues, and skin rashes. Factors contributing to chronic inflammation: * Incorrect choices of food for a particular species * Poor digestion - constipation, diarrhea, bloating * Environmental toxins - skin rashes, cancer * Stress - overactive “fight or flight” response, adrenaline and cortisol dumps * Imbalance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats - fatigue, joint discomfort, slow healing, dry skin * Antibiotics and Steroids - affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut Examples of Inflammatory Foods for Cats and Dogs * Added and refined sugars - sweets, fruit juice, soda, table sugar * Legumes - chickpeas, lentils, navy beans, peas, peanuts, edamame * Starches - potatoes, rice, oats, corn, and wheat. Excludes sweet potatoes since they are a root vegetable * Grains - rice, corn, wheat, oats. Gluten free grains are an exception - quinoa, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, sorghum * Toxins in tap water - PFAS (chemicals in non-stick pans), lead, arsenic, nitrates, flouride is controversial * GMO foods (Genetically Modified Foods) - soybeans, sugar beets, corn, canola. Alternatives: organic foods, wild caught vs farm raised seafood * CAFO Meats ( Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation) - grain-fed beef, factory-raised chicken, and pork * Food additives - refer to list above Another reminder that the dosage of each one of these inflammatory foods for pets and the size of the pet must be taken into account. Immune System and Gut Health All living beings have an immune or defense system which varies amongst species. Our gut health is comprised of the stomach, small and large intestines. It is a complex system of good and bad bacteria. It regulates digestion, produces and metabolizes vitamins, and protects the body from infection. When the immune system is working properly and fighting off infections and foreign invaders, the result is a body functioning like a well oiled machine. We all have both good and bad bacteria in our gut, but the good is supposed to ward off the onset of the proliferation of bad bacteria. Even with an optimal balance of good and bad bacteria, we will have an immunological response to diseases that we contract from our environment. Our bodies will fight that disease until the body heals and is restored to health. It’s when our bodies are constantly in a deficit of good bacteria that we may experience digestive issues, illnesses and a degradation of our overall health. Causes of a Compromised Immune System * Nutrition - an unbalanced diet in protein, fat, and carbohydrates * Environment - toxins in the household, pesticides, cigarette smoke, plastics * Emotional - fight or flight response * Antibiotics, steroids, vaccinations, and other pharmaceuticals Solutions for Maintaining a Healthy Immune System * Transition to a more balanced, species appropriate diet of either fresh or raw food * Introduce a high quality probiotic - a wide variety of different strains of bacteria * Reduce environmental exposure to toxins - stay off of chemically treated lawns * Reduce stress - a lot easier said than done Benefits of a Balanced Diet * Healthier cells - ability to fight off disease * Healthier brains * Stronger hearts * Keeps extra weight off - quantity of food I feed my cat vs canned food * Reduced chance of common health issues * Reduced expression of genes that promote inflammation * Lower risk of cancer What to Look For When Choosing a Good Quality Kibble and Treats When looking for the best, most affordable food for your dog or cat, consult www.dogfoodadvisor.com. (https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com) This website was founded by a dentist, Dr. Mike Sagman, in 2008 after he lost his dog to the effects of poor quality commercial dog food. He retired in 2023 but sold his information and website to Wag! They have reviewed over 5,000 brands of dog food and rated them based on a 5 star system. They will highlight controversial ingredients and advise of any recalls on a particular brand in Canada and the United States. When reading the ingredients of any dog or cat food, always look at the first five ingredients. They make up the largest portion of the food and are present in the greatest amounts. If there is “ chicken/turkey/lamb meal” as a top ingredient, this means that the meat has been rendered to the point where it is like a powder. The moisture and fat have been removed from the process. Treats are just as important as the kibble. Look for single ingredient treats like dehydrated salmon, chicken or beef. Stay away from hard treats that are made with wheat. There are gluten free hard treats. Small shaped bones are easy to handle for training purposes but they may have no nutritional value. They also may contain mystery meat: “Meat and Bone Meal”. Whenever you see this as an ingredient in treats or dog/cat food, stay away from it. You don’t know what kind of meat it is. Please keep in mind: No Dairy, No Corn, No Soy, No Legumes, and No Wheat. Rice is a common ingredient and is frequently listed among the first five ingredients in many dog foods. Rice is a starch and a complex carbohydrate. This means that when our bodies process it, it turns into sugar. It can provide energy when broken down by the body. However, yeast consumes the sugar and if the sucrose is consumed in great amounts, it can cause yeast infections. I covered this briefly in part one when I listed symptoms caused by certain foods. The excess yeast can cause itchy skin, yeasty ear infections, and Frito smelling paws. Some people think that brown rice is healthier for dogs than white rice. In my opinion, no matter what the color, rice is still a carbohydrate. As I mentioned before, dog and cat food are already high in carbohydrates. When rice is listed among the first five ingredients, it further increases the carbohydrate content of the food. I add peas and rice as ingredients to the five listed above to avoid when selecting a dog or cat food. How I Finally Settled on a Diet for Ebi When I brought Ebi home, I knew she was going to be over 100 lbs. That’s where I drew the line. I wasn’t going to cook and prepare 5-6 cups of food twice a day for her. I first tried to give Ebi Bil-Jac dog food. That’s what the breeder fed her Mom while she was pregnant. I had such great luck with it with Hank, my Corgi, that I gave it a shot with Ebi. To my surprise, I noticed that Ebi’s poop wasn’t as firm as it should be. It wasn’t mushy - it just wasn’t able to be picked up without leaving a schmear of it on the grass. I made sure she was tested for any parasites just in case that was causing her poop not to be firm. The tests were negative for parasites, so I figured it was something in the food. The proof is in the poop!💩 I then switched to a different kibble. I liked that food because it has ancient gluten free grains in it. However, Ebi started having digestive issues. She was spitting up bile and sometimes the whole food that never got digested. That was too reminiscent of Hank’s symptoms, so I consulted Dr. Debbie Decker, a local holistic vet, for advice. She suggested The Honest Kitchen and that is what Ebi has been on for the past 6 years. I change up the protein for variety. Her diet is below. She has been very healthy (knock on wood) for 8 years and we hope to get many more years out of her! I owe part of that to her breeder and the other part to her diet. Transitioning to New or Raw Food A very important thing to remember when changing foods is to take at least 7-10 days to slowly transition from the old to the new food. As you slowly introduce a little of the new food, subtract that same little amount from the old. Do this for two days. If no stomach issues arise, increase a little more of the new and take away the same amount of the old. Continue this over a period of a week to 10 days until there is no longer any old food in your dog or cat’s meal. “Start Low, Go Slow” - Dr. Karen Becker, DVM Follow this same transition regimen if switching to raw food. However, there are guidelines to follow depending on the age and health of the cat or dog. It is strongly advised to seek the guidance of an integrative or holistic vet with experience in introducing raw food. Older pets have difficulty changing from a processed diet to a raw diet. Their digestive systems are used to digesting the processed diet. Cats are that much more challenging. It took me a lot of patience and time when I transitioned all of my cats over to a raw and cooked, prepared diet. I almost gave up. It took many days just to add a teaspoon of raw egg to their meat! Cats actually prefer cooked eggs as opposed to raw eggs. Once you have successfully transitioned to the new food, you can change up the protein source to provide some variety to your pet’s food. For example, if you are feeding a kibble that has chicken and sweet potatoes, switch to another protein like beef and rice, as long as your dog doesn’t have any sensitivities to different proteins. If you stay in the same line of food, there should be no need to transition to the new protein source. The Formula to Calculate How Many Calories to Give Your Cat or Dog: Vets will frequently recommend gently cooked meats, mostly chicken, and rice after bouts of diarrhea. I prefer to use cooked white ground turkey and pumpkin - a no starch diet. White turkey is the easiest to digest. The pumpkin should be without any seasoning - organic is preferred. One teaspoon to one tablespoon of pumpkin for every 10 lbs of body weight is recommended. Start out small so you can add to the amount if needed. This is the easiest diet for the dog or cat to digest when rehabbing a sensitive stomach. To calculate how many calories your dog should consume to maintain their weight is: Weight of dog/cat in kg (divide pounds by 2.2) X 30 + 70 = Total calories/day For example, my dog Ebi weighs 110 lbs. (52.2 kg) X 30 + 70 = approx. 1,570 calories per day. I will adjust that depending on her activity level that day. If I wanted Ebi to lose weight, I would use the same formula, but plug in the desired weight. For example, if I wanted her to lose 5 pounds, the formula would be: 105 lbs (48 kg) X 30 + 70 = 1,502 calories or a reduction of 68 calories. It is highly recommended to measure and count calories. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help your pet live a longer, healthier life. Please consult a vet when helping your dog lose weight. Cats cannot lose weight quickly due to their biological makeup. A vet must be consulted to ensure a safe and slow way to lose weight. What I Feed My Dog, Ebi (110 lbs.) Morning: * 2 cups The Honest Kitchen dehydrated food (either grain free beef, chicken or turkey) * 1/2 cup cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb with 1/4 tsp added salt) cooked in either olive oil or coconut oil. This is omitted on sardine day. * ¼ cup of beef or chicken bone broth (low sodium of 8%) or Goat Milk * On alternating days, 3 egg yolks with 2-3 sardines with skin and bones (depending on the size). Canned salmon with skin and bones can replace sardine day. I give Ebi the inner membrane peeled off of each egg shell for the benefit of its natural glucosamine. * Supplements: A probiotic for the immune system, a glucosamine and chondroitin, a Yeast/Fungal Detox to counter all the carbs in the food, and an Omega-3 for healthy fur/skin. I can push the pill size capsules into the Honest Kitchen and then sprinkle the probiotic on top. Dr. Decker recommends placing the supplements in treats if your cat or dog won’t take them in their food. Evening: * 2 cups The Honest Kitchen dehydrated food * 1/2 cup cooked ground meat * ¼ cup beef or chicken bone broth or Goat Milk * Supplements: glucosamine and chondroitin, Yeast Fungal Detox and Omega-3 Socks ( 9 lb. cat) Morning: * 1/3 cup cooked ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken with added salt) * 2 teaspoons raw organ meat (homemade from chicken gizzards, hearts and liver ground up by food processor) * Supplements: ¼ tsp psyllium fiber, 250mg Taurine, 1/2 scoop probiotic *alternating days of ¼ egg yolk with 1-2 sardines, depending on size Evening: * 1/3 cup cooked ground meat * 2 tsp raw organ meat mixture * Supplements: ¼ tsp psyllium fiber, 250mg Taurine, 1/4 tsp Bone Meal Regardless of the dog food you choose, always follow the guidelines above in the “What to Look For When Choosing a Kibble and Treats” section when selecting a food within your budget. It is so difficult to find a kibble that doesn’t have rice, chickpeas, lentils or peas in it. Legumes are cheap crops for food manufacturers to procure and contribute to the high carbohydrate content that can cause health issues in dogs and cats. Even the top of the line dog and cat food will include them in some of their recipes. I recommend searching for that recipe and remember to: READ THE LABEL, READ THE LABEL, READ THE LABEL! I even go as far as telling people to read the ingredients label every time you purchase your dog or cat’s food. Food manufacturers will add or omit certain ingredients without announcing it to the public. Remember from Part One, the AAFCO does not enforce real strict rules when considering which ingredients to add or remove from dog or cat food. In 2024, the FDA has been working towards a more structured regulatory scheme with the AAFCO to be fully overseen by FDA. Some of My Suggestions of Dog Food (in random order) * Lotus - baked kibble with human grade ingredients * Bil-Jac - slow-cooked, vacuum drying method. No need to transition. * Farmina - kibble with ancient gluten free grains * Lake Erie Pet Food - local company with home delivery * +Primal - raw dehydrated and frozen * Northwest Naturals - raw dehydrated and frozen * Stella and Chewy - raw dehydrated and frozen * A Pup Above - frozen fresh prepared meals. no need to transition. * The Honest Kitchen - real Whole Foods gently dried to remove moisture while locking in nutrients. No need to transition. * Open Farm - prepared frozen meals. No need to transition. Contact Info for Recommended Holistic Vets in the Greater Cleveland Area * Synergy Veterinary Care, LLC Dr. Debbie Decker 29217 Center Ridge Rd. Westlake, OH 44145 Tel. 440-499-7100 Email: SynergyVetCare@gmail.com Website: synergyvetcare.com (https://www.synergyvetcare.com) * Dancing Paws Animal Wellness Center Dr. Neal Sivula 4646 W. Streetsboro Rd. Richfield, OH 44286 Tel. 330-659-3441 Website: dancingpawsawc.com (https://www.dancingpawsawc.com) Recommended books: * “REAL FOOD For Healthy Dogs & Cats” by Dr. Karen Becker * “Unlocking the Canine Ancestral Diet” by Steve Brown I am always amazed when I browse the pet store aisles at how many new foods are available and new ways that the food is processed. There are so many more options for frozen fresh foods today than ever before. This can be a great option for either daily or occasional feedings. You don’t have to slowly transition to them since they are fresh, real food. I realize that my suggestions of food are on the pricey side. Beware that all of the food manufacturers listed above have recipes that include ingredients that may be deemed safe for consumption but not necessarily the ingredients that are biologically appropriate for your pet. This is why reading the label and being aware that certain ingredients can cause adverse symptoms is so important. Your dog or cat may do just fine on a processed kibble. It ultimately is an experiment to find the brand of food that agrees with your pet without symptoms. Just because a food is not on my recommended list, doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t recommend it. Hopefully I have empowered you to make a more educated decision on which food you think is best for your budget. Always seek the advice of an integrative or holistic veterinarian when making changes to your pets’ diet. I am also happy to provide a nutrition consultation. My number is below. Thanks for reading From A Dog’s Eye View! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit canineconcierge.substack.com (https://canineconcierge.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   15 Jul 2026

   An Overview of Dog/Cat Nutrition

   Welcome to “From A Dog’s Eye View”. I’m your host Susan Coleman. Today I will be talking about a subject that overwhelms most pet parents - what to feed your dog or cat. As I am talking to you, I am sharing a power point presentation I prepared for my clients, created by Shih Ying-Fa. This presentation will be divided into two separate podcasts. In part one, I will be sharing with you some history on how and when pet food started to be sold in stores, how it is processed, and what ingredients are mandated by the regulatory agency that oversees pet food manufacturers. In part two, which will be released in two weeks, I will help you make the best and most affordable decision on food for your dog or cat, which ingredients are healthy and which ones to avoid. I will also give you some suggestions and personal favorites, including what I feed my cat and dog. I have to preface this presentation by disclosing that I am not a veterinarian or a certified pet nutrition specialist. However, I am a certified herbalist and can suggest herbs/supplements for various health conditions or for just maintaining optimal health. While I was conducting my research (which is an ongoing process) about pet nutrition, it propelled me to research human food. I started looking at ingredients of the everyday food I was consuming and was shocked. I thought I was eating healthy, but I wasn’t. I took a class from a naturopath about how what we expose ourselves to, can directly affect our health. I learned about ways to use food and supplements as medicine and as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. I will share the supplements I currently give my cat and dog in part two of this presentation. I recommend consulting a holistic or integrative veterinarian for professional advice when considering making any changes to your pet’s diet. It is wise to make sure your pet is in good health before making any drastic changes such as introducing new and/or raw food. I will briefly discuss the benefits of raw food and when and how to make that switch over. I will also provide names and contact info of two holistic vets in the Cleveland area. I have contacted both of them expressing my interest in having them as a guest, so hopefully in the near future I will be able to share their expertise. So, let’s get started. How To Select the Best Food For Your Pet and Why It is So Important With so many dog and cat food brands available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. When talking about pet food, I feel it is important to make people aware of the following: * the evolution of the dry food many of us feed our pets * the regulatory commission that overseas the pet food manufacturers * how a dog and cat’s anatomy determines what they should consume * ingredients to avoid * ingredients that are beneficial My Mission My goal is to increase your awareness of the importance of making healthy food choices for your pet so that they can not only live, but also thrive on the food you give them. My Motivation My presentation also addresses some cat nutrition since it was due to my cats and dog at the time that propelled me to research this broad and confusing subject. I had four cats (one is not pictured) and a dog who were all having symptoms. My cats were throwing up frequently and one of them was actually pulling out his fur because he itched so much. My dog, Hank the Corgi, would have intermittent bouts of throwing up bile and sometimes undigested kibble. Hank also would have diarrhea that didn’t even resemble diarrhea. I was getting very tired of picking up puke! When and Why I Changed What I Feed My Pets Every one of my pets were tested by a veterinarian for parasites and several health conditions that could cause some of these symptoms. They were all under 5 years old and every single test came back clear and free of disease. I was beginning to think that these symptoms were normal. I asked if it was food related, but I never got a definitive answer. It was around this time, in 2016, that I started working at Petco as a dog trainer. The first question I asked the manager was “With all of the food in this store, what is the best food for my dog and cats?” The manager directed me to the aisle where the highest quality (supposedly) of food was. I tried one on Hank and within days, he had the absolute worst gas you could imagine. I know some of you listening can relate to this! There was something in that food that did not agree with Hank. This doesn’t mean that every dog who consumes that brand of food will have gas. It just means that it didn’t agree with my dog. My life was about to change as far as what I would ultimately feed my cats and dog. There was a mandatory meeting for all of us Petco employees.with a rep from Bil-Jac dog food. The rep started describing symptoms that dogs can have that may be related to the food they eat. He asked if anyone was experiencing these symptoms with their dog. I immediately raised my hand and told the rep he was describing my dog Hank’s symptoms to the “T”. The rep gave us some samples of food and told us that Bil-Jac is one of the rare baked dog foods on the market that you don’t have to take 10 days to transition your dog to. It is due to the lower temperature the food is baked as compared to the standard kibble most pet parents feed their dogs. You can start feeding your dog Bil-Jac dog food for their next meal and they won’t have any stomach upsets. I was too nervous to transition immediately. Instead, Hank was switched over to Big-Jac within 3 days. All of his symptoms disappeared! I must emphasize that I am referring to Bil-Jac dog food sold in a bag, not the frozen kind. After seeing how Hank improved, it confirmed to me that there was something in the food that did not agree with him. I just couldn’t believe that dog and cat food manufacturers would put ingredients in their food that pets can’t even digest! Why don’t they have the pets well-being in mind when formulating the recipe? Hence, my extensive research and discoveries that I am sharing with you. It got me thinking that maybe there are things in human food that make us not feel well too. I decided to get an appointment with a naturopath right down the street from me named Dr. Jane Semple. I thought I was eating healthy, but Dr. Semple recommended I start keeping track of the food I typically ate and to look up the sugar content of every item. I was shocked! It was about 3 times the daily amount one should have. I was convinced that food really does matter. If I noticed my dog’s symptoms clearing up and even my own symptoms, there is something to say about “We are what we eat”. My mistake was trusting that food manufacturers prioritize our health and well-being over profit. Since then, I believe pet parents can always feed their dog or cat something better than what they are conveniently giving them. It can never hurt. Real food is better than processed food. However, homemade diets need professional supervision. A lack in vitamins and minerals can cause serious health issues if you don’t know exactly what you are doing. In part two, I will provide resources to help guide you if you decide to transition your pet to a healthier diet. I will also share with you what I currently give my dog and cat. They are both in very good health in their senior years. We all want our pets around a lot longer than their life expectancy. If feeding them healthier food makes that possible, then why not make some changes now? The symptoms listed on this next slide and below can be attributed to underlying health conditions that are not necessarily due to dietary reasons. This is why it is highly recommended to be under the care of a veterinarian. Please refer to the podcast with Dr. Randy from Animal Clinic Northview dated May 19, 2026, “Allergies and Arthritis”. Not all allergies are food related. There can be a hereditary and/or environmental factor. Your vet can help identify the root and possible remedies. Regardless of the root of the symptoms your pet is having, it is always a good thing to give them the best food possible. Symptoms of Food Sensitivities/Inflammation * Itchy, flaky skin - you can see dandruff in their fur/indicates dry skin due to difficulty digesting certain ingredients in food and/or lack of healthy fats * Hot spots - areas that have been itched so much they form sores * Loose stools - formed but not firm or just downright mushy * Gurgling stomach sounds - sometimes accompanied by vomiting or loose stools * Vomiting - sometimes blown up kibble, digested food, or bile * Gas - silent but deadly! * Ear infections - can be caused by floppy ears that don’t get aired out/too many carbs in diet * Eye discharge - difficulty digesting certain ingredients in food or quality of water * Sneezing fits - same as eye discharge * Lackluster fur (matted fur, pulling fur out) - does not shine/coarse * “Frito” paws - pads of paws smell like fritos/yeast overgrowth * Halitosis/gingivitis and other dental issues - can indicate dysbiosis of gut bacteria * Stiff, arthritic joints - certain foods can cause inflammation of the joints like unhealthy fats * Lack of energy - lack of healthy nutrition affects energy level History of the Pet Food Industry To fully understand the importance of selecting the appropriate food for your pet, it is helpful to explore the history of how pet food came into being, and how we transitioned from feeding table scraps to relying on commercially produced pet food sold in stores. We have to remember that pet ownership prior to World War II was utilitarian, meaning dogs had jobs to do on the farm and cats were used to keep mice out of the barns. Pets primarily lived outdoors and were given leftover table scraps and some canned foods. During WWII, tin and metal were rationed which severely impacted the canned food industry. This became an impetus for developing dry dog and cat food that I will be referring to as kibble. Manufacturers partnered with cereal makers who had already invented shelf stable food. This was the optimal collaboration for pet food manufacturers to eventually mass produce kibble and meet the demand of the growing population of pet owners. Soon after the war, during the late 40s and early 50s, people and their pets started to migrate to the suburbs and pet ownership started to increase. The demand for more convenient ways to feed their pets was also increasing. It is very easy to open a bag of dog or cat food and pour it into a dish for our pets. As I will be demonstrating in this presentation, convenience isn’t always the answer to a long and healthy life. The Pet Food Industry Today, the pet food industry is a booming business. Since 1994, sales have increased $2 to $3 billion dollars each year. As of 2025, $69.3 billion were spent on pets, of which 1/3 of it was spent on food. Of course, pet food manufacturers want to get on the band wagon to profit from this ever growing business. This means cutting corners on the cost of certain ingredients to increase profit. These shortcuts do not necessarily keep your pet’s health in mind. Certain ingredients, additives, and the process of making kibble drastically reduce the nutritional benefits. I will be detailing ingredients to avoid in part two of this podcast so that you can make the best decisions when choosing pet food. After the war, the rendering process was developed. This is when by-products from the human food industry is recycled and used for other things. Pet food manufacturers take advantage of these products. They are cheap and readily available. Remember: these are not human grade ingredients. They are rejects from the human food supply. If the food is so contaminated, we have to trust that the USDA will regulate the manufacturers to destroy it. Otherwise, it can be used for pet food. This may include meat that doesn’t meet aesthetic standards, or internal organs or other parts that normally are not used for human food. You don’t quite know what your pet is eating. I highly recommend human grade food for this reason. If you don’t recognize an ingredient on the label, there’s a good chance it’s not something your pet should be eating. Understanding the Kibble Manufacturing Process The process of creating a kibble by mixing ingredients together and forcing it through an extruder to form the kibble shape is called extrusion. A picture of an extruder is on this slide in the powerpoint presentation. The kibble is then baked at least at 400 degrees. There are several problems with extruded kibble, such as: * mixing all the ingredients into a dough like substance makes it easier to disguise its quality. * starch must be added so the kibble retains its shape. Starch makes the kibble harder to digest. * fatty acids are added after the baking process in order to preserve the integrity of the fats. Kibble becomes rancid because of the added sprayed on fat within 3 weeks, if not properly stored. * baking the kibble at such a high temperature decreases the nutritional benefits of essential vitamins and minerals. * moisture levels required for healthy pets are very low. This is especially important in regards to cats. Who Regulates the Pet Food Industry? The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is the pet food regulator for the sale and distribution of pet food and drugs. It is separate from the FDA and USDA. It is a non-profit organization that establishes the nutritional standards, ingredient definitions, and labeling guidelines for pet and animal feed in the United States. Its members consist of local, state and federal regulatory officials, and even some veterinarians. It does not test, approve, certify, or regulate the food itself. On every package of dog and cat food, you will find listed: * Ingredients * Guaranteed Analysis - the breakdown in percentages of protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and sometimes taurine (a non-essential amino acid). * Calorie content * A statement that it is AAFCO approved * Recommended serving size according to weight The AAFCO does not require a standard for the types of ingredients that the manufacturers can and cannot put in their food. In fact, if an ingredient’s quantity is less than 2% of the total ingredients, it is not obligated to list that as an ingredient. In other words, your cat or dog may have a reaction to a particular brand of dog food, but not another one with the same ingredients. It is possible that an ingredient which is 2% or less is causing the symptoms. The vet may even recommend changing foods. Veterinarians can conduct an extensive allergy test concentrating on different proteins. This is what commonly causes allergic reactions. Dietary Requirement Differences Between Humans, Dogs, and Cats Humans are omnivores. This means we consume a variety of food from both animals and plants. We get our nutrients from protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. Most of us get our food from the grocery store where everything is packaged and sold to us. We have to make decisions on how much and what we consume. Dogs and cats depend on us to make those decisions. There are some very picky cats and dogs, but in my experience, most dogs eat anything! Cats are the ones that are more picky. Dogs are scavenging carnivores. If left to fend for themselves in the outside world, they would hunt and eat mostly fish and animals. However, they also can manage to digest and derive nutrition from plant material. They can consume a vet recommended vegetarian diet in order to resolve some kind of health issue, but this should only be temporary. In addition to deriving their protein primarily from meat for their protein requirement, they also require fats, fiber, minerals, vitamins and water. They will also feed on dead carcasses. Cats are obligate carnivores. This means that their main source of protein must be from meat or fish. They lack the necessary enzymes to digest carbohydrates. I tried giving my cats a teaspoon of a ground up homemade cooked veggie mix and they threw it up. Remember, the last thing I wanted to do was feed them something that would make them vomit! Cats require fats, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and water. They will not eat dead animals unless they are freshly killed. Species Appropriate Diet for Dogs and Cats Now that you know some of the dietary requirements of dogs and cats, I’m going to break down and demonstrate the differences in kibble and fresh food appropriate for their species. Ideally, their diet should be high in moisture and protein, moderate in healthy fats, and low in carbohydrates. The ancestral diet is composed of: * 49% protein * 44% fat * 6% carbohydrates * roughly 2-5% crude fiber (to be determined by a veterinarian/holistic vet) * water - measured in ounces to equal approximately one ounce for every two pounds of your cat/dog’s body weight; for example: a 20lb. dog requires at least 10 ounces of water depending on the activity level. Processed dry kibble consists roughly of: * 25% protein * 32% fat * 43% carbohydrates * barely 10% moisture ( this is very important when referring to cats) As you can see, the vast differences between the ancestral diet and kibble is staggering. By eating processed kibble, dogs and cats are lacking in both protein and fat and consuming excessive amounts of carbohydrates. In my opinion, this substantial gap in what is biologically required for dogs and cats and what is found in the majority of kibble, is the cause for a variety of health issues. The same thing can be said for the disparity in human consumption of protein, fat, fiber, carbs, and water and what is recommended. We will experience health issues if we consume too many carbs. Even lack of water consumption will cause us to have symptoms. Our bodies are designed to consume certain amounts of each essential food source just like cats’ and dogs’ bodies. When we consume too much or not enough of one of these sources, we experience some kind of symptom. Proteins To break down the ancestral diet of cats and dogs, it is beneficial for you to know why protein, fat and carbohydrates contribute to the optimal health of your pet. Starting with proteins, they are the foundation of a carnivore’s diet. They are an integral part of every cell in the body. Proteins are necessary for the formation of cells, enzymes, hormones, ligaments, tendons, organs and protective tissue. They manufacture amino acids which are necessary for proper cell functioning. However, some essential amino acids still need to be added to a carnivore’s diet. For example, cats do not make taurine, but need it to live. Food manufacturers must add it to the food and must be supplemented if it is homemade. Healthy Proteins for Dogs According to your budget, the best proteins are grass-fed beef, meats with no antibiotics applied to the animal, wild caught instead of farm raised seafood, organic and cage free eggs. I go as far as to try giving my pets the highest quality meats that I can afford because whatever the animal feeds on is being consumed indirectly by us. Livestock consuming corn, wheat and soy, which are crops that are heavily doused with pesticides, can be harmful to living beings. For more information on this subject, please refer to The Center for Food Safety (https://www.centerforfooodsafety.org) and research Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). Good sources of protein are as follows: * grass-fed beef * Chicken* * Lamb* * Turkey* * Sardines * Wild caught Alaskan salmon * Eggs* * Nuts and seeds - almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. NO macadamia nuts or peanuts. *should be organic, cage free and antibiotic free meats and eggs Proteins to Avoid Just as with humans, certain ingredients can trigger negative immune responses in dogs and cats too. I recommend avoiding them all together. This way, it helps eliminate the root of particular symptoms your dog or cat may be having. These questionable ingredients are as follows: * Dairy - many dogs are lactose intolerant due to not producing enough lactase to break down the lactose. * Soy - a common food causing symptoms listed above due to its phytoestrogens which can disrupt hormone balance. * Beans - legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, navy beans, peas, peanuts. Dogs and cats lack the proper enzyme to break them down * Wheat - a common ingredient causing symptoms listed above due to an allergy or intolerance. Two proteins that are debatable are yogurt and peanut butter. I prefer alternatives such as dairy free yogurt (made by Silk) and almond butter. I also give my pets a daily probiotic supplement which has a variety of bacteria in it instead of just the main one that is found in most yogurt brands - lactobacillus acidophilus. This way it is easier to avoid any possible symptoms from developing. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are organic compounds found in both foods and tissues. When we speak of carbohydrates or carbs, we think of sugars. Starches are also considered carbs which turn into sugar. This is important when looking for pet food with few carbs. As I mentioned before, only 6% of a dog’s diet should be carbs. Not that many people realize that in the Guaranteed Analysis in your box or bag of dog or cat food, there is no category of carbohydrates. If you add up the protein, fat, fiber and moisture, the total is just over 50%. What is the rest of the percentage? Carbohydrates! Some of these are healthy carbs and some are starches that are processed by the body into sugars. Examples of healthy carbs are: * sweet potatoes * pumpkin * spinach * carrots * celery * broccoli * cooked green beans * sprouted grains * apples * berries * pineapple * bananas Just remember that fresh fruits and veggies can be given as a treat or in addition to your dogs’ daily meals. They are low in calories and high in nutritional value. Even if all you can afford is kibble, adding fresh fruit and veggies will always be beneficial. I try very hard not to waste any meats, fish, fruits or veggies. When I know that fruits or veggies won’t be eaten before they go bad, I will give them to my dog. She eats everything except spinach leaves! Fatty Acids (Fats) Fatty acids are necessary for reproduction, cell membrane synthesis, healing, healthy skin and coat, and the regulation of inflammation. There are different types of fats: * Saturated fats - meats, tropical oils, baked goods, fast foods * Monounsaturated fats - nuts and seeds, avocados, plant oils * Polyunsaturated fats - salmon, walnuts, soybean and sunflower oil * Trans Fats - fried foods, baked goods, hydrogenated oils We all know the fats we should stay clear of, but we also must consume healthy fats for the reasons listed above. Processed dog and cat food use the cheapest products which aren’t always the healthiest products. Healthy sources of fatty acids include: * egg yolks, preferably raw or lightly cooked * sardines with skin and bones * salmon oil or canned salmon with skin * coconut oil There are also essential fatty acids which our body needs but cannot produce on its own. We must get them from food sources or supplements. The AAFCO requires only Linoleic acid for dogs and arachidonic acid for cats. There are dog and cat foods that add Omega-3 fatty acids to the kibble. That all sounds good, but when the kibble is baked at high temperatures, not only do the fatty acids become less beneficial, but so do the vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. They are more biologically available when added to the food before serving. Therefore, I recommend adding high quality supplements before serving them to your cat or dog. We will dig deeper into this subject in part two of this podcast. Concerns about fatty acids in pet food * fatty acids are very fragile and are susceptible to changes in temperature * fatty acids become rancid when exposed to oxygen and high temperatures * rancid fats can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, liver and heart issues, and cancer * According to Steve Brown, an expert on pet nutrition, “No fat is better than rancid fat”. Proper storage of your pet food is highly recommended. This will be covered in more detail in part two of this podcast. Good quality coconut and olive oil can be added to their food. I recommend staying clear of canola oil in pet food since this is inflammatory and can cause health issues. My cat and dog will eat solid coconut oil whenever I give it to them. If you are interested in doing this, please consult either me or a veterinarian. I’m sure many cat owners have caught their cats licking the butter dish. Cats instinctively know they need fat, but they don’t know whether the butter is a high-quality or healthy source of fat. This is where it is up to the humans to provide an affordable source of fat like fish oil or sardines. Remember to always introduce anything new to cats and dogs (especially cats) a little bit at a time so as to prevent stomach upsets. I believe that a clearer understanding of what exactly is in our food supply empowers us to make healthier choices not only for ourselves but also for our pets. A better understanding of the organization that regulates the pet food industry, what a cat’s and dog’s anatomy dictates they consume, which ingredients to avoid and which nutrient-rich ingredients to look for, can help us make the best decisions for our pets. We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives. We also have financial limits that can restrict us from providing the highest quality of food. However, fresh food is always better than processed food. We know if we only eat fast food for every meal, we will eventually have some kind of health issue. There are still many dogs and cats that eat only processed kibble and still live beyond their expected lifespan. From my experience with my clients, they are the exception rather than the rule, especially within the past 10 years. Your veterinarian would have better statistics about this because they see many more pets than I have during this time. I also believe that kibble produced 25-30 years ago was of higher quality than much of what is available today. Modern pet foods often contain more additives, and in many cases, the quality of the ingredients has declined. Too many pets die too soon. Whether you’re adding some fresh, real food to your pet’s kibble, feeding a high-quality diet at every meal, or simply offering healthier food occasionally throughout their life, I’m all for that! Dogs and cats can be picky eaters. Please leave me a comment on what challenges you have experienced trying to find the right food for your cat or dog. Also, let me know what solutions you discovered by changing their food or routine. Thanks for reading From A Dog’s Eye View! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit canineconcierge.substack.com (https://canineconcierge.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   9 Jun 2026

   Italian Greyhounds

   The Italian Greyhound, or Piccolo Levriere, is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Drawings of sighthounds resembling the modern day Italian Greyhound are found on Pompeiian frescoes dating back 2000 years. They are also painted on ancient Egyptian artwork from roughly 6000 years ago. They were bred to hunt hare and rabbits, but were kept mostly as a companion dog. They were popular amongst European royalty, including Queen Victoria and King Louis XIV. Today, Italian Greyhounds are enjoyed by thousands in the United States and around the world. They have been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1886 and their popularity as a family pet has grown in the last five years. They are true sighthounds, but are very content with being lap dogs, provided they get enough daily exercise. Sighthounds use their keen sense of sight, speed, and strong prey drive to hunt down small animals. Please refer to my podcast with Gary Flynn where we talk about different hunting dog breeds. Italian Greyhounds are the smallest member of the sighthound family weighing between 7 and 14 lbs. Sighthounds include well known breeds such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Afghan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds and Salukis. All of these breeds have bodies that are built for speed with long slender legs and deep chests. The Greyhound is the fastest dog breed in the world reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. The Italian Greyhound can reach up to 35 mph. They look like cheetahs running through the savanna. Whereas the Greyhound is faster than the Italian Greyhound, its endurance is not as great. My guest, Cheryl Bendik, is a proud pet parent of two Italian Greyhounds, Mia and Luna. Cheryl was intrigued by the breed when she met two of them who belonged to her son’s girlfriend at the time. She kept wanting to borrow them until her son convinced her to get her own. Cheryl contacted a breeder but had to wait quite some time for one. In the meantime, Cheryl decided to adopt one. As fate would have it, as soon as she adopted Luna, Mia was born two weeks later! Luna is a Beagle/Italian Greyhound mix. Her most noticeable feature is her floppy Beagle ears, but she has the body of an Italian Greyhound. Mia and Luna are eight months apart and have a very close bond. When they were little, they both loved to run around and zip in and out of each other looking like a chocolate and vanilla swirl ice cream cone. Luna was placed in a kill shelter in Columbus by a family with small children. She was then transported up to Vermilion, Ohio where Cheryl adopted her. She had a scar on her head from a previous injury and was very fearful of children and small women with blond hair. She also did not like noisy toys. She still is leary of noisy toys and young children with erratic movements. She lost her fear of small blonde women later in life. Thank goodness Luna ended up in her forever home with Cheryl! Luna has the temperament of an Italian Greyhound and the prey drive of a Beagle. Cheryl says Luna’s nose is always to the ground like a Beagle’s and has brought home several “presents” after a romp in the backyard. Chipmunks, baby rabbits and squirrels are her preference. One day, Luna emerged from the bushes with a 5 point deer antler in her mouth. Cheryl’s daughter thought Luna had killed a deer (an impossible feat!), but it was only an antler from a deer in rut (breeding season). Cheryl kept that antler as a fond memory. Mia enjoys chasing after small animals like her pal Luna does. She likes to catch small critters and deposit them inside the house. She also likes to birdwatch as they fly around above her. When they were younger, Mia would go tell Cheryl in her own way that Luna had escaped. Luna was notorious for running away in pursuit of a squirrel, chipmunk or rabbit, expressing her true Beagle nature. Mia would guide Cheryl to Luna. The two of them would lay down and start howling the way Italian Greyhounds do and Luna would come running back. Common nicknames for Italian Greyhounds are “Iggy” and “IG”. Cheryl advises prospective pet parents if you don’t want a dog next to you or behind you all the time, then an Italian Greyhound is not the breed for you. They are even referred to as “Velcro Dogs”. Their sweet, gentle and loving temperament makes it very easy to cuddle up with while enjoying a favorite book. Italian Greyhounds require a lot of exercise. Cheryl has walked Mia and Luna daily in all kinds of weather since she brought them home. Even when Cheryl was recovering from meniscus surgery, she had family members walk “the girls”. All dogs require daily walks. For some breeds, if they don’t get their walk in, and an outlet is not provided to release pent up energy, they can go a little crazy. Italian Greyhounds would fit that description. Caring for Italian Greyhounds is fairly easy. The biggest challenge pet parents need to watch for is leg injuries, as their dogs’ legs are very thin and prone to fractures. Pet parents must ensure their dogs don’t jump from excessive heights or run on slippery surfaces. Mia and Luna are bigger than the average size for Italian Greyhounds but still have very low body fat. This combined with their short fur makes them sensitive to cold weather. In the video of the podcast, Cheryl shows the audience the flannel coats that include coverage on their legs and boots for their paws. Grooming and hygiene are simple. Bathing is recommended only when absolutely necessary so as not to dry out the skin with frequent shampooing. Their nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed often to prevent joint strain on their thin legs. Also, Iggy’s are susceptible to dental disease. Daily brushing and professional cleanings are highly recommended. About 10 years ago, Cheryl started volunteering for the Italian Greyhound Club of America (IGCA) (https://italiangreyhound.org). She fostered a total of at least 5 dogs, but when COVID hit, the restrictions forbade people to visit one another. During this time, Cheryl could not have inquisitive dog lovers come to her home to check out the Italian Greyhounds she was fostering. So, she continued to volunteer by making phone calls to prospective adopters, screening them to ascertain if they were good future pet parents of an Italian Greyhound. People frequently ask me if I know anyone who is looking for a dog. I never had any luck finding a forever home for anyone, until recently. One of my friends, Dan, called me saying that his friend’s daughter had a 3 month old Italian Greyhound who was just too much for her to handle at this point in her life. She couldn’t provide the exercise and care that was needed and thought it was best to find a better home for him. I immediately thought of Cheryl in hopes that she could connect me to someone who could help. Instead, Cheryl contacted one of her friends whom she had found an Italian Greyhound for before, just to see if he was in the market for another one. Lo and behold, he was! Within hours, the deal was sealed and Vito was on his way to his forever home soon after. Vito is co-shared by his pet parents and currently resides in two different households with two other Italian Greyhounds named Colby and Roo. They all get along very well. They play and cuddle with each other and their owners. On weekdays, Vito accompanies Keith to work where he has his own little bed. As difficult as it must have been for the original owner to surrender Vito, she can rest assured that he is getting the best care ever. As Cesar Millan always says, “Happy Dog, Happy Human, Happy World”. Who could ask for a better outcome? Over the years, Cheryl occasionally has met other people with Italian Greyhounds while out in public. She would exchange phone numbers with them if they were interested in getting their dogs together with other Italian Greyhound owners. Through word of mouth and referrals, this group of 20 meets every other week for play dates. However, due to some health issues “the girls” have had lately, Cheryl hasn’t been able to attend the get togethers. Dog support groups like this one are a fun way to exchange information about the breed and have the dogs interact with one another. Most purebred breeds have clubs nearby where you can meet new people. I highly recommend joining one. Mia and Luna are considered senior dogs at 13 and 14 years old, respectively. The average lifespan of an Italian Greyhound is between 13 and 15 years old. Just within the past few years, they both started experiencing health issues. Mia was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease(IBS) and Luna was diagnosed with cancer in her leg. As with humans, it’s no fun getting old! Three years ago, Cheryl was noticing that Mia was frequently having diarrhea. Her vet put Mia on prednisone. She remained on that for 3-4 months, but they weren’t seeing the results they were hoping for. Mia was also losing weight. She was already thin to begin with, so losing weight was worrisome. The vet recommended Dr. Crandell, a board-certified Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist at MedVet in Akron, Ohio. He recommended that Mia start taking a chemotherapy drug called Chlorambucil to treat her IBS symptoms. The dosages have diminished as the years have passed but she will most likely have to remain on it for the rest of her life. Cheryl has to be very careful what she feeds Mia. Due to her IBS condition, she can only eat a prescription diet where the protein in the food is hydrolyzed. This means that the protein is already broken down so that the dog’s immune system cannot recognize it. This prevents gastrointestinal issues. Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, and Purina all have prescription formulas that your vet can recommend. Cheryl has to alert pet parents not to give Mia any treats. She can only have her diet food as treats. She can also have some fruits and vegetables as treats or mixed in with her food. Mia gets her bloodwork done every few months to make sure certain levels have not changed. So far, the results have been relatively the same but not enough to go off the chemo drug. Cheryl adds Vitamin B12 and a supplement for liver support called Denamarin to Mia’s food. She keeps a watchful eye on Mia for any changes in her eating habits, behavior, and overall health. She keeps in close touch with her vet to make sure she is enjoying a good quality of life while managing her IBS. Luna has had her share of health issues in her senior years, the most notable one being her cancer diagnosis. As I mentioned before, Cheryl had meniscus surgery a year ago in April and had family members and friends walk Luna and Mia while she recovered. They would come back from the walk reporting that Luna didn’t want to walk and only wanted to go back home. They thought maybe the reason she didn’t want to walk was because she was separated from Cheryl. However, they also noticed that Luna’s leg was stiffening up. By the end of April, Cheryl noticed that Luna would hold her one leg up periodically and walk on the other three legs. Now Cheryl knew there was something not quite right and had to take action. Cheryl took Luna to the vet. After the initial visit, Luna was prescribed muscle relaxers to see if that would help, but advised to return in a week. On the second visit, x-rays were taken, but did not reveal anything. The vet recommended to get an appointment with an internist. Cheryl already knew an internist because of Mia’s IBS issues. She returned to the same internist who ordered blood work to be done. Nothing was revealed in the bloodwork. So, he recommended physical therapy. Cheryl made an appointment with Dr. Letosky at Avon Lake Animal Clinic. She is a veterinarian who specializes in Canine Rehabilitation. Dr. Letosky observed Luna and upon that initial assessment, deduced that Luna had cancer. This was confirmed through an ultrasound which showed her muscles in her left leg were crooked and had pockets of blood that were cancerous. Cheryl noticed that the stiffest area of Luna’s leg was between the knee and elbow joints, which is where the cancer had settled. Treatment options were discussed, but amputation was recommended. In my May 5, 2026 podcast with Dr. Randy from Animal Clinic Northview, he shares with us the predicament pet parents face when their dog or cat is diagnosed with cancer. Depending on the cancer and where it is located determines the treatment. Chemotherapy, alternative therapies, and amputation are all available options presented to pet parents. Cheryl made the decision to have the leg amputated and Luna has been cancer free ever since. Cheryl was advised to maintain a physical therapy routine for Luna for the remainder of her life. This is an easy task to fulfill since Cheryl religiously walks Mia and Luna daily. She just has to add hills to the walk to build up Luna’s muscles. In fact, the vet told Cheryl that Luna recovered so well from the amputation because she had walked her so much before the surgery. Her muscles were already strong which helped the recovery period. Life as a ‘tripod’ has been manageable. Since Luna expends almost three times as much energy as a quadruped, she gets warmer and tired faster than most dogs. Cheryl now has a stroller for Luna for those situations. The stroller also came in handy while Luna recovered from recent eye surgery performed by Dr. Vogel at MedVet. She had a growth removed from her eyelid due to calcium deposits on her cornea. I recently overheard someone talking to Cheryl about Luna and the person was expressing concern and sadness for Luna’s condition. Cheryl had the perfect response, “ Don’t feel sorry for her, say ‘You go girl!’ instead” Dogs are amazing for so many reasons. Cheryl, Mia and Luna are a loving, bonded trio who take what life throws at them with amazing and admirable coping skills. I believe that owning a dog isn’t always easy and fun. Along the way, obstacles and unexpected challenges can force us to make difficult decisions. How we respond to those moments ultimately reveals our character and the depth of our commitment to our dogs. Unfortunately, some of these decisions ultimately come down to finances. However, being unable to afford an operation is not necessarily a reflection of how deeply someone loves their dog. Thanks for reading From A Dog’s Eye View! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit canineconcierge.substack.com (https://canineconcierge.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

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