Spring Has Sprung: Unleashing Your Pup Safely in Squamish
Spring Has Sprung: Unleashing Your Pup Safely in Squamish
Hi everyone, Lin here from Peaks Family Pets in Squamish! It never fails as soon as the sun comes out everyone in town hits the trails. It is also about the same time we see an increasing number of owners coming in looking for flea and tick prevention and treatment. Coincidence? Probably not. There is nothing worse than coming back from an amazing afternoon from the lake, bike or hike only to pet your dog and find ticks attached to them or seeing fleas jump around their coat. These fleas and ticks are not only an inconvenience but also can pose a serious health risk to both dogs and humans.
The next question is what do I do? How do I get rid of them? How do I save my pup from being devoured by these pests. To help you navigate through the spring and give you some piece of mind we thought we’d write about our experience with fleas and ticks and what are the popular non-veterinary products you can find at your local pet shop to combats these invaders.
Flea and Tick Threats in Squamish:
First thing first, understand your enemy. Let’s get familiar with fleas and ticks. Flea and ticks live all year round but with warmer weather comes the increased activity of fleas and ticks in Squamish’s beautiful outdoor environment. They thrive in the humidity and Squamish has a lot of that. Whether it’s the Ray Peters trail, the Estuary or Alice Lake you are bound to encounter these pests. They thrive in tall grasses and wooded areas, making our beloved trails prime hunting grounds for them. Fleas and ticks not only cause discomfort with their bites but can also transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease to both dogs and their human companions.
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance for your furry friend; they can pose serious health risks. Here’s why it’s crucial to protect your dog from these pests:
- Skin irritation and infection: Both fleas and ticks feed on your dog’s blood, causing itchy bites. Excessive scratching can lead to open wounds, which are susceptible to infection.
- Tapeworms: Fleas can transmit tapeworms to your dog when they ingest a flea infected with tapeworm larvae. Tapeworms can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting in dogs.
- Blood loss: In severe infestations, fleas can cause anemia, especially in puppies and older dogs, due to excessive blood loss from flea bites. Our previous dog, Cole (a black labrador retriever) who loved the water got infested by fleas one year. His infection was so bad that when we washed him the water was a faint red. It was so sad to see him go through this. We couldn’t treat this with natural solutions and had to get vet prescribe medication for him in this case.
- Tick-borne diseases: Ticks can transmit a variety of serious diseases to dogs, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms, from fever and lethargy to neurological problems and organ failure. Early detection and treatment are critical for a full recovery.
What Fleas Look Like:
Fleas are small, reddish-brown insects that are just 2-3 millimeters long. They have flat bodies that allow them to move easily through your dog’s fur. Fleas are wingless, but their powerful back legs enable them to jump long distances – up to 50 times their own body length! If you part your dog’s fur and look closely, you might be able to see the actual fleas themselves. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the most common flea species found on both cats and dogs in North America, including Squamish. These reddish-brown insects are about 2.5 mm long and jump a lot. Despite the name, they are happy to feast on both cats and dogs, along with other mammals they encounter.
As temperatures rise and humidity increases, fleas become more active, lay more eggs, and develop faster. This can lead to a noticeable spike in infestations during these warmer months. A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, leading to a full-blown infestation in a short period.
Here are some additional details to help you identify fleas:
- Fast movement: Fleas move quickly through your dog’s fur, so you might only catch a glimpse. Use a flea comb to pull out debris from your dog’s coat and get a closer look for fleas.
- Flea dirt: Flea droppings, which look like tiny black specks of peppercorn residue, are often easier to spot than the fleas themselves. You’ll usually find flea dirt near the base of your dog’s fur, around their tail, and on their bedding.
Where Fleas Hide on Dogs:
Fleas prefer warm, moist areas where they have easy access to your dog’s blood. Here are their favorite hiding spots:
- The base of the tail: This area is warm and has easy access to blood vessels.
- The groin area: This warm, protected area is another favorite flea hangout.
- Armpits: Similar to the groin area, armpits are warm and offer easy access.
- Behind the ears: Fleas love to hide where your dog can’t easily reach them.
- Between the toes: Fleas can burrow between your dog’s toes, causing irritation and discomfort.
Signs Your Dog Has Fleas:
If your dog has fleas, they’ll likely exhibit some or all these signs:
- Excessive scratching: This is the most common sign of a flea infestation. Your dog might scratch themselves constantly, especially around their tail, back, and legs.
- Skin irritation: Flea bites can cause red, inflamed patches on your dog’s skin.
- Hair loss: Excessive scratching and irritation can lead to hair loss, particularly around the base of the tail, back, and hind legs.
- Restlessness: Fleas can make your dog feel itchy and uncomfortable, leading to restlessness and difficulty sleeping.
- Visible fleas or flea dirt: If you see fleas or flea dirt (tiny black specks) on your dog’s fur or bedding, it’s a sure sign of infestation.
- Tapeworm segments: Fleas can carry tapeworms, so if you see small white segments resembling rice grains in your dog’s stool, it could be a sign of a flea infestation and tapeworm infection.
Identifying Ticks on Dogs
Unlike fleas, ticks aren’t insects; they’re arachnids, related to spiders. The western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is a common tick species in Squamish known to carry Lyme disease. Here’s how to recognize them.
- Size and Shape: Unfed ticks are tiny, about the size of a sesame seed. After feeding, they can grow significantly, resembling a small grey or brown grape.
- Body Structure: Adult ticks have eight legs and a flat, oval-shaped body. Unlike fleas, they don’t jump; they wait patiently on vegetation for a passing host (like your dog) to brush against them.
- Head Attachment: Once a tick finds a host, it burrows its head into the skin and feeds on blood. The attached tick will appear swollen and round as it engorges with blood.
Tick Hiding Spots on Dogs:
Ticks prefer areas where they can easily latch onto a passing host. Here are their prime hiding spots on your dog:
- The head and neck: These areas brush against tall grass and brush during walks.
- The ears: The warm, protected environment of the ears makes them a tick haven.
- Between the toes: Ticks can burrow between your dog’s toes, where they might go unnoticed.
- The groin area: This warm, moist area provides easy access to blood vessels.
- The armpits: Similar to the groin, armpits offer warmth and easy access for feeding.
Signs Your Dog Has Ticks:
If your dog has picked up a tick, you might notice some of these signs:
- A visible bump: This is the most obvious sign. If you find a small, bump-like growth on your dog’s skin, especially if it’s grey or brown and round, it’s likely a tick.
- Scratching or irritation: The area around a tick bite can become itchy and inflamed, causing your dog to scratch at the spot.
- Listlessness or fever: In some cases, a tick-borne illness can cause lethargy, fever, or other symptoms.
If you find a tick on your dog, it’s important to remove it carefully using the proper technique. Do not attempt to squish or burn the tick, as this can increase the risk of infection. Getting a tool like the Tick Tornado is great if you are squeamish about ticks. The Tick Tornado allows you to remove the tick without directly touching it, which can be appealing to people who find ticks particularly gross. Since the Tick Tornado uses a twisting motion instead of pinching, there’s less chance of accidentally squeezing the tick’s body. Squeezing can irritate the tick and potentially increase the risk of disease transmission. The twisting motion might be gentler on your pet’s skin compared to pulling with tweezers.
While Tick Tornados offer some potential benefits, tweezers are still a widely recommended and effective tool for tick removal. If you’re comfortable using tweezers and follow proper technique, they’re a perfectly safe and reliable option.
Here’s the key takeaway: The most important thing is to remove the tick completely and quickly, regardless of the tool you use.
Can I prevent my dog from getting fleas and ticks:
Not really unless you avoid all outdoor areas and other dogs. But there are things you can do to help prevent infestations.
Oral medications: These chewable tablets or capsules offer convenient, long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks. Oral medications can only be prescribed by vets. oral medications are ingested by your pet, usually in the form of a tasty chewable tablet. Once swallowed, the medication enters your pet’s bloodstream and tissues. The active ingredients in these medications are specifically designed to disrupt the nervous system of fleas and ticks. This can happen in a couple of ways:
- Death by Disruption: Some medications cause rapid and uncontrollable activity in the flea or tick’s nervous system, leading to paralysis and ultimately death.
- A Slow Downer: Other medications work by interfering with the flea or tick’s ability to function normally. When a flea bites your pet and ingests the medication, it dies.
The medication is slowly released over time, providing continuous protection for weeks, typically a month or more. This eliminates the need for frequent applications and keeps your pet covered. But you do have to give this pill to your dog once a month.
Topical treatments: These spot-on applications are applied directly to your dog’s skin and provide a protective barrier against fleas and ticks. They do not need a vet prescription and are considered “over the counter” treatments. Topical medications stay on your pet’s skin and fur, limiting absorption into the bloodstream. This can be beneficial for pets with certain health conditions or sensitivities. Peaks Family Pets carry the Zodiac Spot treatment for dogs and cats in our shop. There are two types based on the weight of your pet. It is an effective way to kill flea and ticks that have made it on to your pet’s coat. It is even effective on eggs that may have been laid on your pets. Spot treatments aren’t recommended for very young puppies, pregnant, or nursing dogs. Their systems may be more sensitive to the medication.
Preventative Natural Non-Medication Options:
If you prefer a more natural approach to pet care, you might opt for natural remedies despite their potentially lower effectiveness.
- Natural Flea Repellents (Consult Your Vet First): Explore natural flea repellents alongside your veterinarian’s recommendations. However, always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new product to your dog’s routine, as some natural ingredients can be irritating or even toxic to pets. Here are some natural oils known to have flea and tick repellent properties:
- Citronella oil: This oil has a citrusy scent that fleas and ticks find unpleasant. You can dilute a few drops of citronella oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and spray it on your dog’s fur (avoiding the eyes and mouth).
- Cedarwood oil: Cedarwood oil is another natural flea and tick repellent. However, be cautious, as some cedarwood oil varieties can be toxic to dogs. Opt for cedarwood oil labeled safe for pets, and use it sparingly in a diluted solution.
- Lemongrass oil: Lemongrass oil possesses natural insect repellent properties. Similar to citronella oil, dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it to your dog’s fur. Two great shampoos/sprays we carry that have proven to ward off flea and ticks is the Outdoor Shield in Lemongrass by Kin+Kind. Their vet-formulated products use plant-based ingredients for happier pets and a healthier planet. Each ingredient, including every essential oil, is vet-approved to ensure safe concentrations for your pet. Pawtanicals SPAW Express Clean contains essential oils of Lavender & Cedarwood to relax your pup during bathing, keep their coat fresh and irritation-free, as well as kill/prevent pests such as ticks and fleas.
- Diatomaceous earth (DE): This powder is made from fossilized algae and is deadly to fleas by dehydrating them. The fossils have which have microscopic, sharp edges and when fleas crawl through DE, these sharp edges puncture the waxy coating on their exoskeletons. This puncture causes the fleas to lose fluids and essential oils, leading to dehydration and death. DE is safe for pets and humans when used correctly, but be sure to choose food-grade DE and avoid inhaling the dust. Apply DE to carpets, bedding, and furniture, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
With proper flea and tick prevention in place, you can confidently explore Squamish’s stunning trails and dog parks with your furry friend this spring. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing your pup is protected from these harmful pests then you can focus on enjoying the outdoor adventure capital of Canada.
Rainy D
What to do on those “rainy” winter Days.
I am writing this blog on February 28, 2024. Mother Nature played a cruel joke: she dumped 30 cm of snow overnight and then followed it up with a downpour, leaving us with a slushy nightmare. This is never fun and it’s even worse for me right now as we are fostering a 3 month old puppy who is potty training.
When I’m not trying to coax my sweet Moose (a mixed chocolate lab pup) to go outside in the rain and “do his thing”. I am also trying to curb his puppy energy. We tried going out for a walk on the Ray Peters trail but it was covered with 6 inches of snow, rain and mud. We ended up cutting it short when I had to carry him the last 5 minutes of the walk. And that walk was this morning. What do I do when Moose gets his afternoon zoomies? Luckily, there is a lot that can be done at home while avoiding the monsoon rain storm.
Games that Engage:
- The Great Indoor Hunt: Channel your dog’s inner detective with a game of hide-and-seek. Start by hiding small, yummy treats around the house and use the “find it!” command to send your pup on a sniffing adventure. Gradually increase the difficulty by hiding treats in more challenging locations.
- Brain Teaser Toys: Food puzzles and treat dispensing toys are a great way to keep your dog occupied while also challenging their problem-solving skills. Head down to Peaks Family Pets, Squamish’s original pet food and supply store, and browse their selection – they have a wide variety of these toys to choose from! Fill them with kibble, treats, or even frozen yogurt (dog-safe, of course!) for extended entertainment.
- Indoor Fetch: Who says fetch is just for the backyard? Use a soft ball or toy (available at Peaks Family Pets!) that’s safe for indoor play and practice in a hallway or open living area.
- Sniffing Safari: Get creative and turn an ordinary cardboard box into a treasure trove of scents! Place a towel in the box, sprinkle some treats or kibble on top of it, and then fold the towel into a loose bundle. Crumple the remaining fabric of the box to create a more challenging “terrain” for your dog to navigate with their nose. Encourage them to sniff out the hidden goodies and praise them for their success.
Treats that Delight:
- DIY Kong Stuffing: Kongs are classic dog enrichment toys that can be filled with all sorts of goodies. Peaks Family Pets carries a wide variety of Kongs, along with delicious and healthy ingredients like peanut butter (xylitol-free!), yogurt, and broth. Get creative and whip up a yummy homemade Kong filling!
- Frozen Treats: Beat the heat and keep your pup cool with frozen treats made with dog-friendly ingredients like mashed fruits, yogurt, or broth. You can freeze them in ice cube trays or silicone molds for a fun and refreshing snack.
- Lickable Mats: Spread some wet food, peanut butter, or mashed fruits onto a lickable mat and let your dog enjoy the slow and satisfying process of licking it clean. This is a great way to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated.
Short Training Session: Remember, even a short 10-minute training session can be just as mentally stimulating for your dog as a walk. This mental exercise can help tire out your dog and provide them with valuable mental stimulation. Practice basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down,” or work on a new trick. I have been working on training Moose not to enter the mud room. He loves to go in and help himself to our shoes.
Remember:
- Safety first! Make sure any games or activities you choose are safe for your dog’s age, size, and physical limitations.
- Supervise playtime. This is especially important for puppies who are still learning appropriate chewing behavior.
- Adjust the difficulty. Start with easy games and gradually increase the challenge as your dog gets the hang of it.
- Most importantly, have fun! Your dog will pick up on your positive energy and enjoy spending quality time with you, even on a rainy day.
FAQ
Top 10 FAQ asked at Peaks Family Pets?
- Why did you change your name? We changed our name from O’Brien Pet Foods and Supplies to Peak Family Pets in May 2022. Mainly because O’Brien’s was the previous owner’s name. Peaks Family Pets represents our deep connection to the Squamish community and our commitment to treating every pet and pet owner like family.
- I want to switch my dog to a raw diet, but it is overwhelming. Can you help? Peaks Family Pets have the largest selection of raw for dogs and cats. We feed our dogs raw ourselves and can help you navigate the change. The best way is to come in and talk to us and we can tell you how to transition into the raw diet. Whether you are switching because of allergies or personal preference we are happy to help guide you.
- I want to switch to a raw diet, but it is expensive, any ways I can save? There are a couple ways we can help you save on raw. All our raw brands come in larger bulk cases. If you purchase the larger freezer packs (usually 10 to 24 lb cases) you will get a 10 to 20% savings vs buying smaller freezer packs. Also, we have an in-store loyalty program where you will collect points for every dollar you spend of which raw food purchase count towards.
- I don’t see my dog’s food, can you get it? We carry most brands of pet foods and are always happy to order in a custom order for you. In fact, we custom order food for many of our customers. Part of belonging to the Peaks Pets Family means that we learn your dog’s requirements and eating habits. So, when you are due for your next bag of food, we will have it ordered for you.
- You have a parrot? Yes, that’s Princess, our CEO. She has been with Peaks Pets since it first opened in 1988. She keeps us on our toes and if you want to see her, she is most active first thing in the morning and right before close.
- My dog chews everything, what is your longest lasting dog chew? Well, nothing is guaranteed to last forever. But our customers report back and confirmed that the heavy weight bully sticks, full length bull tails, beef cheek roll and large pork pressed bones are contenders for the longest lasting chews. These are all safe and natural dog chews. We don’t carry any raw hide in our store.
- Why is my dog itchy, is there a way I can figure this out? If the vet thinks it is food related, we can help with that. We are experts in advising you how you can do an elimination diet, helping you decipher which food is the best for your dog’s allergies or offering you advice on a healthy dog gut. Need us to find the best food that aligns with your dog’s requirements? We can help you with that too.
- Do you deliver? Yes, we do. Why drive down the highway or wait to have your dog food delivered from Vancouver? Peaks pets offers free local delivery within Squamish with every order over $75. Live in the Valley or Brittania? We can get you your food too for a delivery fee of $20 or minimum order of $100. Order online on our website or via phone and have your dog food delivered the same day in Squamish.
- Can you make it “raw dog food?” We have the largest selection and variety of raw dog and raw cat food in Squamish. We have 5 freezers full of raw food brands that are either made here in the lower mainland or in Canada. Raw food varieties range from pure proteins to complete raw diets for dogs and cats.
- 10.Are you a local shop or a chain? Nope we are a locally owner and operated small family run business. We are the best pet food store in Squamish because we have been in business for over 30 years. We love to support other local businesses and you will see that in our shop.
- What makes you Squamish’s Best Pet Shop? (Okay we felt we had to sneak this one in) We were voted Squamish’s Best Pet Store in 2022 by the Squamish Chief Reader’s Poll. And we hope to make the list again next year. We treat all our customers as Squamish Locals and Squamish family. Come by just to say hi – we would love to meet you.
Camping With Your Dog
Camping With Your Dog
Enjoying the great outdoors and camping is one of BC’s best outdoor activities. Out here, we have the privilege of living in the close proximities to so many trails, Provincial parks and shoreline. Most likely, wherever you are in BC you are withing an hour’s drive to great camping sites and trails. Most of us want to enjoy our camping trips with our dogs. Let’s face it, they love being outside and we want them with us all the time. Some things to consider when camping with your dog are the following. If you cannot say yes to all these below, then you may want to reconsider your trip.
- Is my pet fit and healthy, and up for travelling?
- Does the campground allow pets?
- Will my dog be comfortable or will camping cause anxiety?
Keeping your dog safe from wildlife.
The biggest hazard with dogs and camping is the potential for wildlife encounters. Pets are generally wildlife attractants therefore its important to have them leashed or have a very strong recall to get them under control.
Consider teaching your dog the emergency call back. It’s basically a “come here now, I mean it!” call. Dogs in the outback need to understand that this recall is a must. If you cannot recall your dog, then makes sure your dog is always leashed.
Check with the park authorities if you are at a provincial/national park and ask about recent wildlife sightings. If you are camping in Spring know that wildlife is most active around this time, they are either waking up from a long hibernation and/or looking for mates. Bear bells are great tools to announce that you and your dog are approaching and allowing wildlife to flee.
Pet Restrictions on Trails and Beaches
It’s always best to check ahead of time whether dogs are allowed on certain trails. For example, Alice Lake allows dogs within the campgrounds, but dogs are not allowed in the public beaches or picnic areas. The dogs are allowed in the surrounding trails but limited in other public spaces. The Sea to Sky Gondola allows dogs up top but they are not allowed to upload. You will have to trek up with your dog and then purchase a download ticket to come down. Once up top there is a dog friendly area to leash up your dog.
Our recommendation is to investigate these things ahead of time. Also, as part of your research, review the rules and make sure you know the leash laws for the campground—most pet-friendly campgrounds require your dog or cat always stay on a 6-foot leash.
The Raw Diet and Camping
A common question is “how do I keep with my dog’s raw diet while camping?” If it is at all possible to bring a cooler packed with ice or one that can be plugged in this may be a convenient way to store raw food. But if you are going into the back country for a long trip and where there are no electrical hook ups you may want to change your dog’s usual raw blend to a comparable food. Also using ice and cooler may not get the safest way to keep your dog’s food from the heat of the summer.
A safe, lighter and more convenient way to keep on a raw diet while camping is to feed your dog dehydrated, air dried or freeze dried raw food. These types of food retain the same qualities of raw food but have undergone a slightly different manufacturing process. Not only are these foods completely balanced, but you also don’t have to pack a lot because they are very calorie dense. This means you don’t have to feed your dog as much and it won’t take up space in your gear. Similar to the raw diet they are usually grain free and have very little added to them.
Great options are a Canadian dehydrated raw brand call Smack. We like it because it is made with only highly nutritious organic and non- GMO ingredients. A 50-pound dog needs only 1 1/4 cup to 2 cups a day. And if you are doing lots of activities you can easily add water to this food to ensure your dog is staying completed hydrated through your camping trip. If you are leaning towards a freeze-dried food then Acana Freeze-Dried or Open Farm Freeze-Dried are great options. Both are minimally processed in a convenient freeze-dried raw format with at least 85% protein, organs and bones. Air Dried foods, such as Ziwi Peak are gently dried to protect the nutrients and integrity of the food. All these alternatives (air dried, dehydrated, and freeze-dried) contain more nutrients than fresh food, because the freezing process helps to preserve them better. They are also a lot denser in calories and generally have a higher percentage of protein and fat compared to kibble because the drying process removes water and concentrate the protein and fat. Which ever you go with you cannot really choose wrong it just depends on your preference.
Key Rules to Remember while camping with your dog.
- Don’t leave your pet unattended at your campground
- Ensure your pet is secured when traveling
- Don’t leave your pet in a parked car in warm weather
- Keep them leashed on trails and in campgrounds
- Clean up after your pet
- Respect other dogs in the campground
Don’t Forget to Pack the Essentials!
- Water bowl (preferably no spill) and water
- Collapsible water bowl for long hikes
- Food enough for the trip plus one extra day’s worth
- Treats for the trails and bones for campfire gatherings
- An extra long leash for camp or a tie out/ collapsible fence area
- Poo Bags – don’t be that guy!
- Medication
- Pet first aid kit
- Collar / Harness / Leash (biothane is best – non stinky and waterproof)
- Their bed / blanket
- ID Tags
- Bear Bell
- Emergency Vet Care Contact Information
- If you are going to wash your dog while on vacation, make sure you use earth friendly biodegradable shampoo.
Happy Camping.
A Healthy Dog gut
A Healthy Dog gut
Gut Health, probiotics, and poop. The not so glamourous side of dog ownership.
Most of our conversations at Peaks is focused on dog food and a common question is “how will I know if the new food is good for my dog?” And almost 100% of the time this conversation will end up with discussion about your dog’s poop. Yup, we went there. You don’t know how many times we talk about poop in detail at our shop. Nothing is off the table at Peaks.
Truth be told the poop tells a lot about your dog’s health. What does it look like? Is it runny, firm, large, small, too soft, too hard? Does your dog have diarrhea or is your dog constipated? Your dog’s poop is a vital indicator of your dog’s gut health. So really once your switch your pups food, keep an eye on how the poop changes. Poop should be firm and occur on a regular basis, once after each meal period. If it is anything drastically different, then your dog may not be reaping the best from its food. Sometimes it can be a food intolerance, but often it could be your dog’s gut health.
Probiotics – what are they really?
It makes sense to touch on gut health and probiotics when we are talking about watching poop once you change your dog’s food. Probiotics have recently become popular, but what are we really adding when we give our dogs probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria that live in the stomach, intestines, and colon. They are considered “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your dog’s gut healthy. Probiotics are the happy bacteria that help to digest food. In short probiotics normalize the conditions in the intestines by changing the local acidity of the digestive tract. It only makes sense that if you change what your dog eats the environment in your pup’s gut changes too. Adding probiotics will help get your dog’s insides back to its regular balance much quicker when introducing new foods.
Not only do probiotics help the digestion of foods they also are a beneficial influence on our dog’s health. How? The microbiomes that live in your dog’s intestines have a big influence on their immune system, defense against intestinal pathogens, and provision of vitamins and nutrients. For example, dietary carbohydrates are fermented by bacteria into usable energy for cells. And studies have proven that the biproduct produced by the bacteria regulate intestinal motility and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it has been found that good bacteria help combat bad ones such as salmonella.
With all this talk about good gut health we should talk about what can cause a dog to have poor gut health? A diet high in processed foods, fillers, and processed grains. Stress, antibiotics, corticosteroids could all lead to a gut imbalance. The destruction of the good bacteria in the intestinal tract can give the bad bacteria the chance to take over and this can lead to nutrients not being absorbed by the gut and thus leading to irregular poops or diarrhea. Something this can also lead to Leaky Gut. So best to feed your dog a diet that is natural and easily digestible and limit the amount of human food you give to your dog. At the end of the day, we do our best for our dogs and just reading the list of ingredients and understanding what you are feeding your dog will go a long way. If you ever need help in understanding what you are feeing your dog, we invite to you come by for visit.
What’s in a name?
What’s in a name?
In case you missed it we rebranded and changed our name. What is the meaning of our new name? Peaks Family Pets represents our deep connection to the Squamish community and our commitment to treating every pet and pet owner like family.
Why the change? When Brent and I bought the shop, everyone asked if we were going to change the name. We weren’t sure at the time. All we knew was that were going to be a part of a great community and be immersed in our passion. We love pets and want the best for them. We wanted to support other local businesses that believe in local too, and the action of buying a simple bag of dog food can help build connections and community. What we didn’t realize was how much the community was going to affect us. We have celebrated new family members with you, we shed tears when some have crossed over the rainbow bridge, and we have shared and laughed at some of the best pet stories. We truly believe that we are not just a place to get pet supplies, we are a family that looks out for other families here. We care about what is going on your lives and feel privileged to be doing what we do. And so, when it came to choosing our new name, we knew it had to be a name that reflects and represents how important your pets are to us all in the beautiful setting in which we call home.
The story of Peaks Family Pets didn’t begin with O’Brien’s Pet Foods and Supplies. The pet shop dates all the way back to 1988. The store was originally called Squamish Pet Foods and Supplies and was located downtown on Cleveland. Back then the town was half the size and if you were to visit the shop then you would have seen more horse and farm animal feed than dog food. Over the years, as pets transitioned from working animals to members of our family, we started to pay more attention to what we feed them. Over the years we have educated ourselves in what quality pet food should be, what we should avoid feeding our pets and we have learned about which dog and pet supplements to further improve their lives. What you see in our warehouse today, is Squamish’s largest variety of raw dog and a raw cat food, healthy dry dog and cat food and the best quality treats for our fluffy loved ones. We also have great have great options for fish supplies, reptile supplies and small animal food and treats.
From long-time customers to new faces, we invite you to join us in this new chapter as a part of the Peaks community. Thank you, Squamish, for your continued support over the years, we wouldn’t be here without you!
Sierra, Teresa, Lin, Brent and Princess
Local Vendors
Local Vendors
Other than Princess the Parrot, our most favourite things in the shop are our local vendors. The Sea to Sky is filled so many talented people and we are so grateful that many of these folks have crafted specialty items for pets. This month we wanted to feature local dog treat vendors. If you haven’t heard about these yummy and healthy treats read on…
Pet-Pep makes non-medicated organic beef liver treats that will support you and your pet throughout their lives. The owner, BJ, provides a line of high value treats that satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. She is located in Squamish and has been making these treats since 2014. What is great about Pet-Pep is there are no fillers, no additives and no hormones; nothing but the best! BJ started making treats when she found out her rescue pups had allergies. So what would any pup loving mom do? Well…make her own treats and share it with the community. Since then Pet-Pep has made a name for itself. Healthy and irresistible and a go to high-value treat for all types of dogs.
Another one of our favourites is from Pemberton and they are Wow Treats and More. The owners, Tina and Constantine, are a dynamic due that also started making beef treats out of necessity. Their dog, Uma was struggling with intense itchiness and significant hair loss. They soon realized it was their food choices that were affecting Uma. So what did they do? They made their own healthy and nutritious treats and Uma has never been the same. Unique to them is that they work with local farmers in Pemberton and make in-season treats such as Pumpkin, Kale and Carrot. Other flavour staples are Hemp Seed, which is rich in omegas, and Egg Shell for added calcium. A great way to reward and train with treats rich in nutrients.
Though physically no longer in Squamish, Kanine Kookies dog treats will always have a place among our local favourites. Kim was one of the very first local vendors at O’Brien’s. Kim is the founder of Kanine Kookies and crafts her cookies in small batches using only fresh, human-grade, whole food ingredients, without the addition of additives or preservatives, salt or sugars. The most popular are the Flower Power Kanine Kookies made with pumpkin to help with digestion, and with turmeric for it’s anti-inflammatory properties. Also good to try are the Outback Snack treats made with kangaroo, one of the most hypo-allergenic meats, with pumpkin for digestion and blueberries for antioxidant.
Allergies
I think my dog has allergies?
One of our most frequently asked questions is “ I think my dog has a food allergy, what can I do?” When people discuss food allergies, they are most likely meaning their dog has a food sensitivity or food intolerance. Food sensitivities, unlike true allergies, do not involve an immune response and are instead a gradual reaction to an offending ingredient in your dog’s food, for example to beef, chicken, eggs, corn, wheat, or soy.
Dogs with food sensitivities can present themselves with several symptoms, often including gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea, or dermatologic signs like itchiness, poor skin and coat, and chronic ear or foot infections.
If the symptoms are concerning, please consult your vet. They may recommend an allergy test to sort out what the offending allergen is. Other options can also be an elimination diet or improving your dog’s gut health.
Switching Foods and elimination diets
The elimination diet can be a long process as it involves avoiding the suspected offending food. We have seen a good success if you stay on the same brand of food but simply change the protein. Often a protein that is not as common such as lamb or pork will do the trick as chicken and beef are common allergens to dogs. The key to the elimination diet is only changing one thing at a time and making sure you eliminate it in all that your dogs eats (including treat) .
Unfortunately, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks for food allergies to clear up so one cannot expect immediate results. Patience is needed here. Keep you dog comfortable an apply hot spot spray or other topical treatments to areas that may be itchy or that fido has been chewing on while you are waiting to see if there is a change.
We recommend only changing on thing at a time rather than moving to completely different food if you want to try to determine what the allergen is. So, if you have been on the new protein for 4-6 weeks and still no change in symptoms then something else is the culprit. A good next step is moving to a limited ingredient diet. These foods are exactly that. Less ingredients so instead of oats, rice, and potato it may just have rice.
Can a raw diet help with allergies?
Switching to a raw diet is also an effective way to eliminate allergies. As they are limited ingredients diets and are easy to get with just one pure protein. It is a great option to control exactly what your dog is eating. Raw meals do not have grains so this can also help clear up any allergies to grain.
Something else to consider is your dog’s gut health. Human studies are starting to reveal that properly and fully digesting food may play an important in allergy response. Probiotics added to a dog’s diet will not only improve and restore balance to bacteria levels in the gut. Improving gut health will also improve their immune system. Because of this it is said that probiotics can help with dog allergies.
Figuring out allergies with so many different brands to choose from can be daunting. If you need help navigating all that is out there we encourage you to come by O’Brien Pets and we will be more than happy to help you through this.
