Huh?*&%??? What the heck ? !!%*&$
I must save my human family !
Under your spell...Happy Halloween !
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The most brilliant Coton ever !
Bebe's new puppy cut
Yesterday, when I was getting ready to run out the door with Bebe to get her to her grooming appointment, I noticed her collar was missing. I turned my house upside down and inside out looking for it. I couldn't imagine where it could be. I looked all day yesterday, last night, even asked the kids to help find it. They have been known to take her collar off a time or two, but have always either put it back on her or placed it on my counter so I would always know where it was in the event of an emergency. Bebe's ID tags are on her collar, so it's either find the collar, or order her a new collar & ID tag today.
As I logged on the computer a few minutes ago to place a new order for her collar and tags, I looked down at Bebe and said, "Bebe, where is your collar? Go find your collar !". So there I was, typing in Boomerangtags.com, and I hear Bebe whining in the other room, which she never does. I expected her to be by the door to go out, even though she knows to ring the bells. Nope. She wasn't at the back door. She was sitting beside her crate, looking inside, and whining ! Huh ?? "What the heck is wrong with you Bebe ?" I called Bebe to "come", but she refused. Bebe would not move from that spot. I walked over, peered in the crate, and low and behold, there was her collar & ID tag !!!!!!
She found it for me, just like I asked !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Coton's are brilliant, aren't they ??!!
Yesterday, when I was getting ready to run out the door with Bebe to get her to her grooming appointment, I noticed her collar was missing. I turned my house upside down and inside out looking for it. I couldn't imagine where it could be. I looked all day yesterday, last night, even asked the kids to help find it. They have been known to take her collar off a time or two, but have always either put it back on her or placed it on my counter so I would always know where it was in the event of an emergency. Bebe's ID tags are on her collar, so it's either find the collar, or order her a new collar & ID tag today. As I logged on the computer a few minutes ago to place a new order for her collar and tags, I looked down at Bebe and said, "Bebe, where is your collar? Go find your collar !". So there I was, typing in Boomerangtags.com, and I hear Bebe whining in the other room, which she never does. I expected her to be by the door to go out, even though she knows to ring the bells. Nope. She wasn't at the back door. She was sitting beside her crate, looking inside, and whining ! Huh ?? "What the heck is wrong with you Bebe ?" I called Bebe to "come", but she refused. Bebe would not move from that spot. I walked over, peered in the crate, and low and behold, there was her collar & ID tag !!!!!!She found it for me, just like I asked !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Coton's are brilliant, aren't they ??!!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Bebe's Mommy has Pups !
Bebe's mommy had new puppies !!! Darling pictures !!
http://carolinacotons.shutterfly.com/
http://carolinacotons.shutterfly.com/
Official website is... http://www.carolinacotons.com/
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Coton Laundry
If you have a Coton, then I'm sure you will relate
to this post ! Bebe is such a 'helper' ! When it's time to fold laundry, she's right in the middle of it. She loves nothing better than a huge pile of clean clothes to lay right in the middle of ! ( gasp! ) Since I have a habit of bathing her frequently, I've managed to tolerate it. She still manages to run off with a sock or two !
I went to make my bed today and Bebe was at my feet, so I was caught off guard when I went to grab the comforter that had been pushed aside, and something didn't look quite right.... I almost didn't notice those tiny little legs sticking out from under the comforter ! I promptly removed her. Needless to say, she was not happy I kicked her out of her cozy spot.
By the time I went to grab my pile of pillows, there she was.... smack dab in the middle of her new cozy spot, clearly pouting ! Boy, all I do is ruin the fun around here. But thanks for helping Bebe !!
to this post ! Bebe is such a 'helper' ! When it's time to fold laundry, she's right in the middle of it. She loves nothing better than a huge pile of clean clothes to lay right in the middle of ! ( gasp! ) Since I have a habit of bathing her frequently, I've managed to tolerate it. She still manages to run off with a sock or two !
I went to make my bed today and Bebe was at my feet, so I was caught off guard when I went to grab the comforter that had been pushed aside, and something didn't look quite right.... I almost didn't notice those tiny little legs sticking out from under the comforter ! I promptly removed her. Needless to say, she was not happy I kicked her out of her cozy spot.By the time I went to grab my pile of pillows, there she was.... smack dab in the middle of her new cozy spot, clearly pouting ! Boy, all I do is ruin the fun around here. But thanks for helping Bebe !!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Collapsed Trachea and Reverse Sneezing
After I posted the video regarding Reverse Sneezing, a friend who read my post and watched the video emailed me and informed me that her Jack Russell had a collapsed trachea, and maybe that's what was wrong with Bebe. I immediately started research on a collapsed trachea, and decided that since Bebe does not have a chronic cough, and it has only happened a few times in the past year, then I can wait to have her checked out at her regular vet appointment in November. However, the article I found online was very informative.
Collapsed Trachea and Reverse Sneezing
By Stephen Glass
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is an important structure which connects the throat to the lungs. It is composed of 35- 45 C-shaped rings of cartilage that are joined by muscle and ligaments to create a tube-like structure. It serves the purpose of directing air into the respiratory tract.
When the cartilage rings are flattened from the top to the bottom, the trachea is said to be collapsed. Rapid inhalation of air can cause the trachea to flatten and make it difficult for air to enter the lungs, much like a soda straw being drawn on too vigorously.
Why does it happen?
We do not completely understand how this condition develops. However, we know that these dogs have an abnormality in the chemical makeup of their tracheal rings. The rings loose their stiffness so they are not able to retain their circular shape. We also know that it occurs in certain breeds of dogs, notably Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers. Because of that, it is suspected that there is a genetic factor involved.
What are the signs? Collapsing trachea or Reverse sneezing ?
With reverse sneezing the pharynx (back of the throat) goes into spasms. The dog finds it difficult to draw in air through the spasms, so it stands still, stretches out her neck, and thrusts its elbows out (like a bowlegged bulldog) as it honks, wheezes, or snorts. Often eyes open wide. The spasms will stop if she swallows a couple of times.
Close off her nostrils with your fingers so it has to breathe through its mouth for a few seconds. Gently rub its throat. This works for some. Distract it by carrying the dog outside into the fresh air. **Note ** All I did was offer Bebe some water to distract her, and it stopped immediately. I didn't need to close off her nostrils at all.
Young puppies can reverse sneeze, but the first episode typically occurs in late adolescence. Stay calm and get it to swallow with one of the methods described above. In a few seconds to a minute, it will run off to play. Reverse sneezing is a harmless phenomenon which needs no vet consultation and no medical treatment whatsoever. It is very common in toy breeds.
Other signs, however, will help you distinguish the two conditions: If it makes these sounds when excited or after eating or drinking, or turns her elbows outward and extends its neck and gasps inward with a rhythmic snork! snork! snork!, this is reverse sneezing.
If it breathes through the mouth sometimes, or breathes with a raspy sound, or coughs reflexively when you simply rub its throat, it could have a collapsing trachea. If the cough is one or two expulsive outward bursts (forcing air through the trachea to open it), typically with a gag or empty retch at the end, she could have a collapsing trachea.
The most common clinical sign of collapsing trachea is a chronic cough. It is often described as dry and harsh and can become quite pronounced. The term "goose honk" is often used to describe it. Coughing is often worse in the daytime and much less at night. The cough may also begin due to excitement, pressure on the trachea (from a leash), or from drinking water or eating.
Collapsed Trachea and Reverse Sneezing
By Stephen Glass
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is an important structure which connects the throat to the lungs. It is composed of 35- 45 C-shaped rings of cartilage that are joined by muscle and ligaments to create a tube-like structure. It serves the purpose of directing air into the respiratory tract.
When the cartilage rings are flattened from the top to the bottom, the trachea is said to be collapsed. Rapid inhalation of air can cause the trachea to flatten and make it difficult for air to enter the lungs, much like a soda straw being drawn on too vigorously.
Why does it happen?
We do not completely understand how this condition develops. However, we know that these dogs have an abnormality in the chemical makeup of their tracheal rings. The rings loose their stiffness so they are not able to retain their circular shape. We also know that it occurs in certain breeds of dogs, notably Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Toy Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers. Because of that, it is suspected that there is a genetic factor involved.
What are the signs? Collapsing trachea or Reverse sneezing ?
With reverse sneezing the pharynx (back of the throat) goes into spasms. The dog finds it difficult to draw in air through the spasms, so it stands still, stretches out her neck, and thrusts its elbows out (like a bowlegged bulldog) as it honks, wheezes, or snorts. Often eyes open wide. The spasms will stop if she swallows a couple of times.
Close off her nostrils with your fingers so it has to breathe through its mouth for a few seconds. Gently rub its throat. This works for some. Distract it by carrying the dog outside into the fresh air. **Note ** All I did was offer Bebe some water to distract her, and it stopped immediately. I didn't need to close off her nostrils at all.
Young puppies can reverse sneeze, but the first episode typically occurs in late adolescence. Stay calm and get it to swallow with one of the methods described above. In a few seconds to a minute, it will run off to play. Reverse sneezing is a harmless phenomenon which needs no vet consultation and no medical treatment whatsoever. It is very common in toy breeds.
Other signs, however, will help you distinguish the two conditions: If it makes these sounds when excited or after eating or drinking, or turns her elbows outward and extends its neck and gasps inward with a rhythmic snork! snork! snork!, this is reverse sneezing.
If it breathes through the mouth sometimes, or breathes with a raspy sound, or coughs reflexively when you simply rub its throat, it could have a collapsing trachea. If the cough is one or two expulsive outward bursts (forcing air through the trachea to open it), typically with a gag or empty retch at the end, she could have a collapsing trachea.
The most common clinical sign of collapsing trachea is a chronic cough. It is often described as dry and harsh and can become quite pronounced. The term "goose honk" is often used to describe it. Coughing is often worse in the daytime and much less at night. The cough may also begin due to excitement, pressure on the trachea (from a leash), or from drinking water or eating.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bebe the Impersonator!
Bebe is available for hire as a body double :)
Bebe starring in Ice Age
Bebe as Superman
Bebe as Clint Eastwood
Bebe the Polar Bear
Bebe as TY "Beanie Bebe"
Bebe starring in Ice Age
Bebe as Superman
Bebe as Huckleberry Hound
Bebe the Polar Bear
Bebe as TY "Beanie Bebe"
Monday, October 6, 2008
OH MY GOSH !!!!!!!
Oh No !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bebe's 'baby' (favorite toy ) is uh...( I can't even say it )... well....just look !!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you've been following this blog, you will know that she adores her 'baby'. Oh what will Bebe do ? I just took it away, and she is going from room to room thinking I 'hid' it. Oh Bebe, it's not a game of hide and seek ! Ok...so now what ?! 
Friday, October 3, 2008
3 weeks and counting
Ok, it's been 3 weeks now, and I'm beginning to think that Bebe really thinks this is her pup ! It kind of looks like her...look at the faux fur! She drags it everywhere, and I mean, everywhere. I took this photo of her last night while she was fast asleep. And as I sit here typing, she is at my feet, flopped over on her pup. We might have to name it. Any suggestions ?
The best part is, it's completley intact !!!!!! It's a keeper. We highly recommend it!
Click her for more info on her toy.favoritetoys
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Questions ? Comments ?
If you have a question that I haven't covered, please leave a comment and I'd be glad to see if it's something I've had to deal with ! I'll be sure to address it in my blog !!
How do I keep my Coton from Chewing ?!
Bebe has never been big into chewing, and I think this is why... I did my research before bringing her home, and knew that chewing is absolutely normal behavior for curious puppies that may be teething. Dogs also investigate objects by pawing at them, and exploring with their mouths. So, right from the start, I knew that the possibility existed that she may try and chew up my house. So, I was going to be prepared ! I bought these:
Note: Teething Toys should only be used under supervision ! Don't leave your pup in their crate with any teething toys. Bits of plastic can break off and your pup might choke, or if they swallow bits, they may get an intestinal blockage.
Salix Pork and Beef Hides at PetSmart
Nylabone Healthy Edibles. ( I saw them at Walmart )
I made sure to offer her one at any time I was going to have my back turned. ( I can't watch her 100% of the time!) She eventually outgrew the teething keys, but continues to enjoy the twists and Healthy Edible Bones. If she is awake, and I'm busy, then she's chewing on one of these, even now that she is 1 year old. It keeps us both happy !
I'm going to be honest. It's not like she has never chewed on my things, but it has greatly distracted her from getting into big girl trouble. She chewed on one of my flip flops this summer, and the only 'big' trouble she got into was when she chewed my vacume cord, while my vacume was still plugged in ! Give them something to chew on when you can't be sitting with your pup and playing. 
The key is to keep them occupied, and not bored.
The key is to keep them occupied, and not bored. Really important: Never offer your dog an 'old shoe' or your old sock if they are chewing up your good ones. This will only confuse them. They won't be able to distinguish their shoes or socks from yours !
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Help Rescue a Coton
Have you thought of fostering a Coton ? UCARE is the only non-profit Coton de Tulear rescue organization in the United States. The purpose of this group is to find loving homes for Cotons in need and to educate the public on the importance of spay/neuter and prevention of animal abuse. Please visit UCARE and find out more.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Digging
Before Bebe came into our lives, I researched "Digging". Both my husband and I love to garden, and I needed to be educated about what breeds have stronger digging urges. I didn't see the Coton de Tulear on the list, so I really didn't think I'd have to worry. Wrong. When she was 5-6 months old, out of the blue, she started to dig ! 
The fact is, all dogs dig. They are born with the urge, and it satisfies their very basic needs.
They usually dig for 3 basic reasons.
1. To hunt,
2. To provide shelter
3. To defuse stress or boredom
Discovering which one of these motivates your dog will help solve your problem.
I decided that my problem was that she was bored. I began watching her when I let her out to go potty, and when I saw that she was getting ready to dig, I quickly intervened. I began playing a quick game of 'fetch' with her, and she would be distracted, chase the ball and completely forget that she was about to dig. For me, it took a few weeks of really paying attention to her when I let her out in the yard, and I've never had a problem since. Whew !! I love a gorgeous lawn !
For more information on digging, click here Click here: Digging
They usually dig for 3 basic reasons.
1. To hunt,
2. To provide shelter
3. To defuse stress or boredom
Discovering which one of these motivates your dog will help solve your problem.
I decided that my problem was that she was bored. I began watching her when I let her out to go potty, and when I saw that she was getting ready to dig, I quickly intervened. I began playing a quick game of 'fetch' with her, and she would be distracted, chase the ball and completely forget that she was about to dig. For me, it took a few weeks of really paying attention to her when I let her out in the yard, and I've never had a problem since. Whew !! I love a gorgeous lawn !
For more information on digging, click here Click here: Digging
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Favorite Toys
Bebe absolutely loves her toys. While toys comfort her, and she 
definitely has a ball fetish !The best ball for Bebe is one that I found at Petsmart. It has lasted almost a year, and there is no sign of needing a replacement anytime soon ! All for 99 cents ! She loves it. It's light, so she can run super fast and it squeaks...which she loves. She will chase just about anything...even a soccer ball. However, tennis balls seemed too heavy for her, although she will retrieve them. It just not as much fun. It's called "ToyShoppe® Vinyl Marbelized Balls " 99 cents at http://www.petsmart.com/
My trip to Petsmart last week really was a hit ! She drags her fleece dog with the long tail everywhere! (Fleecedog) Thankfully she has
been unable to shred it like all her others ! So, I'm extremely happy that it is well made ! I don't mind spending $5 on a toy as long as it lasts more than 24 hours. It seemed that every time I made a Walmart trip, I came home with a toy that lasted only 1 day, and that was getting old. I almost gave up buying plush toys because she would go through them so fast, but I also know she thinks of them as her babies, so I gave it one last try and went to Petsmart. Yahoo ! Thank You Petsmart.
** PLEASE READ UPDATE!toyupdate
I just turned around from my desk as I type, and look who's behind me sleeping...with her 'baby' as a pillow of course !
The other toy Bebe loves is the Beanie Bones (BeanieBones)from The Bow Wow Beanies Collection ( same people as Beanie Babies). I was hesitant to buy it, worried it might not be able to survive more than a day, but Bebe loves this bone, and again, she has been unable to shred it to pieces ! It's plush, so she can use it as a pillow also !
definitely has a ball fetish !The best ball for Bebe is one that I found at Petsmart. It has lasted almost a year, and there is no sign of needing a replacement anytime soon ! All for 99 cents ! She loves it. It's light, so she can run super fast and it squeaks...which she loves. She will chase just about anything...even a soccer ball. However, tennis balls seemed too heavy for her, although she will retrieve them. It just not as much fun. It's called "ToyShoppe® Vinyl Marbelized Balls " 99 cents at http://www.petsmart.com/
My trip to Petsmart last week really was a hit ! She drags her fleece dog with the long tail everywhere! (Fleecedog) Thankfully she has
been unable to shred it like all her others ! So, I'm extremely happy that it is well made ! I don't mind spending $5 on a toy as long as it lasts more than 24 hours. It seemed that every time I made a Walmart trip, I came home with a toy that lasted only 1 day, and that was getting old. I almost gave up buying plush toys because she would go through them so fast, but I also know she thinks of them as her babies, so I gave it one last try and went to Petsmart. Yahoo ! Thank You Petsmart.
** PLEASE READ UPDATE!toyupdateI just turned around from my desk as I type, and look who's behind me sleeping...with her 'baby' as a pillow of course !
The other toy Bebe loves is the Beanie Bones (BeanieBones)from The Bow Wow Beanies Collection ( same people as Beanie Babies). I was hesitant to buy it, worried it might not be able to survive more than a day, but Bebe loves this bone, and again, she has been unable to shred it to pieces ! It's plush, so she can use it as a pillow also !
Friday, September 26, 2008
Training your Coton de Tulear, right here !
I'm sooo excited I found these dog training videos on You Tube !! I will be spending the rest of the day in "class"with Bebe !! I've added to my site...take a look ! It's so much easier for me to have a 'visual' when it comes to dog training.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Reverse Sneezing
On 4 occasions, Bebe has done this 'cough/spasm/choking' thing... The most recent was at 2 am this morning. This time it lasted longer than the episodes before, so I totally thought she was going to keel over right there in the kitchen, except what kept me calm was that her tail was wagging and her ears were were in the normal position... ( not back like she was scared ). I offered her water, and she drank her entire bowl, and it just stopped ! We went back to bed. I promptly emailed my breeder this morning and asked..." What the heck.....?!!" She mentioned that one of her dogs reverse sneezed.... So, I googled "reverse sneeze" to death, and came across this You Tube video of a Maltese doing exactly what Bebe was doing ! Whew !! Now I can have a peaceful day knowing what it was ! Watch this video so if it happens to your dog, you won't freak out like I did !
Sparkey the maltese reverse sneezing
related info- http://theroyaldog.blogspot.com/2008/10/collapsed-trachea-and-reverse-sneezing.html
Sparkey the maltese reverse sneezing
related info- http://theroyaldog.blogspot.com/2008/10/collapsed-trachea-and-reverse-sneezing.html
Monday, September 22, 2008
Again, let me say that cotons have sensitive stomachs!
I should know better. I normally never give Bebe table food, for two reasons. I don't want a 'begging' dog, and I know Coton's have sensitive stomachs...however, I have been known to give her a few bits of leftover rice in her bowl when I'm cleaning up the kitchen from dinner, or her favorite is when I give her freshly shaved Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese mixed in wit
h her kibbles when we have pasta. Last night I made pork chops, and I gave her 2 TINY bites, threw it in with her kibbles and she was a happy camper. All the while thinking... she's never had pork before, I hope she doesn't get sick. Well, she wasn't sick, but I did come down to 2 runny stools on the floor this morning ! She is fully housetrained, so she knows better. Bad mommy ! My fault, not Bebe's. I should have known better ! It's just best not to glance down and look under the table and see those gorgeous black eyes peering up at me. She didn't ask for it...I GAVE it to her. Ugh... anyway... it just confirms the fact that they have sensitive stomachs. I won't be doing that again !
h her kibbles when we have pasta. Last night I made pork chops, and I gave her 2 TINY bites, threw it in with her kibbles and she was a happy camper. All the while thinking... she's never had pork before, I hope she doesn't get sick. Well, she wasn't sick, but I did come down to 2 runny stools on the floor this morning ! She is fully housetrained, so she knows better. Bad mommy ! My fault, not Bebe's. I should have known better ! It's just best not to glance down and look under the table and see those gorgeous black eyes peering up at me. She didn't ask for it...I GAVE it to her. Ugh... anyway... it just confirms the fact that they have sensitive stomachs. I won't be doing that again !
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Shopping trip to PetSmart
I went to PetSmart today and came home with toys for Bebe. She becomes VERY attached to her plush toys, and uses them as 'pillows' !! It's so funny !! I picked up this cute one that reminded me of her...and she is right here, sleeping under my office desk.......... Does your Coton use their toys as a pillow also ????? I'm so curious ! Leave a comment, I'd love to know if it's a "Bebe" thing, or a "Coton" thing !
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I sent a letter to the makers of Innova EVO ( Natura Pet Products)
As you know, I feed Bebe Innova EVO small bites. Many people belive that high protein intake leads to kidney disease, so I thought maybe I should switch foods. However, Bebe loves her food and I hate to switch without gathering all the facts, so I emailed Natura Pet and voiced my concern. Here is what they wrote me.
Dear pet lover,
Thank you for contacting us about our products.
Natura occasionally gets questions about the effect EVO®, its line of ultra-low carbohydrate and grain-free foods and treats, has on the kidneys. Usually these concerns are related to the previously held belief that high protein intake leads to kidney disease. Although this theory has not been proven in repeated scientific studies1,2, it lingers most likely because protein restriction is part of the treatment for pets already diagnosed with kidney failure. In patients with existing kidney failure, reducing protein in the diet is likely beneficial and can potentially improve an otherwise poor appetite. The level of protein restriction that is typically recommended by veterinarians for such patients is lower than the minimum levels set by the de facto national pet food regulatory body, AAFCO. Therefore, all commercial pet foods that meet the AAFCO minimum requirement for protein are too high in protein for a pet with kidney disease. As Natura does not make any protein-restricted foods, no Natura product including the EVO® line would be appropriate for managing patients with kidney disease. In addition, no over-the counter (OTC) pet food on the market today made and/or distributed by any company is appropriate for a patient with kidney failure. Fortunately for pets with kidney disease, protein-restricted therapeutic foods are available from veterinarians. Unfortunately, no OTC or therapeutic pet food exists which can prevent the development of kidney disease.
As the innovator of the entire low carbohydrate and grain-free category of pet foods, Natura has conducted and funded a variety of studies on EVO® products and the EVO® feeding concept. Many of these studies have included monitoring the kidney health of both adult dogs and cats fed EVO® long-term. To date these studies have shown no ill effect on kidney function as measured by blood levels of creatinine. Creatinine is the most commonly available non-invasive method to determine kidney function. As kidney function decreases, creatinine increases in the blood as the kidneys are unable to as effectively clear this naturally occurring substance. In a six month long study conducted at Natura’s Belfield Center, creatinine values of adult dogs fed EVO® remained statistically unchanged. Similarly, adult cats at the University of California at Davis’s School of Veterinary Medicine had stable creatinine levels after six months of feeding (data on file).
These findings provide scientific support for the safety of EVO® and are consistent with the many reports of EVO®’s success in dogs and cats since its introduction four years ago.
Dear pet lover,
Thank you for contacting us about our products.
Natura occasionally gets questions about the effect EVO®, its line of ultra-low carbohydrate and grain-free foods and treats, has on the kidneys. Usually these concerns are related to the previously held belief that high protein intake leads to kidney disease. Although this theory has not been proven in repeated scientific studies1,2, it lingers most likely because protein restriction is part of the treatment for pets already diagnosed with kidney failure. In patients with existing kidney failure, reducing protein in the diet is likely beneficial and can potentially improve an otherwise poor appetite. The level of protein restriction that is typically recommended by veterinarians for such patients is lower than the minimum levels set by the de facto national pet food regulatory body, AAFCO. Therefore, all commercial pet foods that meet the AAFCO minimum requirement for protein are too high in protein for a pet with kidney disease. As Natura does not make any protein-restricted foods, no Natura product including the EVO® line would be appropriate for managing patients with kidney disease. In addition, no over-the counter (OTC) pet food on the market today made and/or distributed by any company is appropriate for a patient with kidney failure. Fortunately for pets with kidney disease, protein-restricted therapeutic foods are available from veterinarians. Unfortunately, no OTC or therapeutic pet food exists which can prevent the development of kidney disease.
As the innovator of the entire low carbohydrate and grain-free category of pet foods, Natura has conducted and funded a variety of studies on EVO® products and the EVO® feeding concept. Many of these studies have included monitoring the kidney health of both adult dogs and cats fed EVO® long-term. To date these studies have shown no ill effect on kidney function as measured by blood levels of creatinine. Creatinine is the most commonly available non-invasive method to determine kidney function. As kidney function decreases, creatinine increases in the blood as the kidneys are unable to as effectively clear this naturally occurring substance. In a six month long study conducted at Natura’s Belfield Center, creatinine values of adult dogs fed EVO® remained statistically unchanged. Similarly, adult cats at the University of California at Davis’s School of Veterinary Medicine had stable creatinine levels after six months of feeding (data on file).
These findings provide scientific support for the safety of EVO® and are consistent with the many reports of EVO®’s success in dogs and cats since its introduction four years ago.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
