Category Archives: Dogs

New dog treats and ingredients

Posted on January 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

I’ve been working on some new dog treat recipes to make greater use of rice flour, a gluten-free base for dog treats.  Many dog owners are looking for treats that are wheat-free.

Rice flour can be used as a substitute for traditional wheat flours and is comparatively easy to source, so dog treat prices will remain competitive and reasonable (remember, all Balanced Dog treats are handmade!)

I’m using rice flour in a new treat that uses 100% New Zealand lamb.  Lamb is a warming meat, so it is good for older dogs.  Lamb is also highly digestible so it will be a useful treat for dogs needing a little more protein in their diet.  This treat has lots of herbs, too.

I’ll be adding more information on dog food ingredients to this blog as time goes on.  Stay tuned…

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog nutrition and labelling, Uncategorized

A dog’s resolutions for the New Year

Posted on December 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

It is New Year’s Eve and time to make those resolutions for 2011.

Here’s what many dogs are thinking:

1.  Owner on floor, dog in bed.

2.  Stop begging and actually get a seat at the dinner table.

3.  Give up the dream of ever catching my tail.

4.  Bark like a big dog but still get cuddled on lap like a little dog.

5.  Get back at the cat for litter box incident.

6.  Find every bone I ever buried.

7.  No more haircuts!

8.  Become alpha dog in my house. Well, at least stop letting the cat push me around.

9.  Invent goggles that allow me to see the electric fence.

10.  Finally pass my Canine Good Citizen test.

Source:  American Kennel Club

Happy New Year everyone, from Kathleen & Daisy.

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Posted in Dogs, Humor/humour

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Man’s best friend keeps children on the move

Posted on December 27, 2010 | 1 comment

It’s that time of year again, when we start reflecting on all the food we’ve indulged in over the holidays and thinking about how we need to burn off some calories.

Well, I’ve just come across this article about the health benefits for children when the family owns a dog.  Researchers have found that children from families who own a dog are more active, a possible solution to fighting childhood obesity…

Man’s best friend keeps children on the move.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog ownership, Dogs

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In praise of hydrotherapy

Posted on December 23, 2010 | Leave a comment

Swimming is excellent exercise for both people and dogs.  I have been taking Daisy regularly to the Dog Swim Spa in Templeton because she has arthritis in her hips.  (I already had Daisy on a glucosamine supplement and I give her regular therapeutic massage and low level laser treatment.)

Daisy went to the vet last week and her vet said she has excellent range of motion in her hips, particularly with extension.  Dogs don’t get the same level of extension in their hips through walking or running (Daisy gets walked twice per day).   So, I am sure the range of motion is the result of her massage/laser treatments combined with this regular swim exercise.

Here’s a video of Daisy at the Dog Swim Spa.  You can see that she doesn’t particularly enjoy getting wet.  I’m told that many dogs who like the water come to the Spa and jump right in.  Not my Daisy!

 

The Dog Swim Spa was designed and built by Chris Blackwood, who is seen in the video with Daisy.    The Spa takes referrals from many veterinarians in the Canterbury area, such referrals may include specific instructions on the dog’s condition and rehabilitation.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in complementary therapies, dog care

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Dog dies in hot car in Christchurch

Posted on December 20, 2010 | Leave a comment

Upsetting news for dog lovers in Christchurch today.  It was revealed that a little Pomeranian was left in a car on Saturday in the full sun in the parking area at The Palms shopping centre.  The dog was harnessed and muzzled and witnesses called the Mall security after seeing the dog frothing at the mouth.

Sadly, it was too late for this little dog.  SPCA Canterbury investigators have the dog’s remains and are looking into the matter.  They have yet to decide if charges will be laid (many of us hope so – but we of course have to wait for the facts of the case to be understood).

Geoff Sutton of the SPCA has been on the radio today reminding people not to leave their dogs in cars on hot summer days.  He says (and I agree) that this should be “bloody obvious” to responsible dog owners.

Saturday’s temperature in Christchurch peaked at 33.4 degrees Celsius (92.1 degrees Fahrenheit).

Kathleen Crisley, Fear-Free certified professional and specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dog care, Uncategorized

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Losing a father

Posted on December 10, 2010 | Leave a comment

I have often felt that Daisy and I have a lot in common.  She likes purple (in fact, her collar is purple) and so do I.  She likes ice cream and so do I.  She’s  eats red meat – and guess what? – so do I.

Today, however, we have now another thing in common.  We have both lost our fathers.

The phone call came through this evening.  Shaka was ill this morning and with very low blood pressure.  The vet thinks he may have had a tumour that finally overwhelmed his system and she said that he wouldn’t recover.  There was really no choice but to put him to sleep.

When I told Daisy about it, she went out in the yard and wouldn’t come in for a while.  This was most unusual for her, particularly because it had started to rain and she doesn’t like getting wet.   I think she understood but some people will say I am anthropomorphising her behaviour.    All I know is that I was upset and, usually, if I am upset then Daisy wants to be at my side.  This time, I think she needed some time to herself.

I am grateful that Daisy only saw her Dad two days ago; he was a kennel dog and she was in kennels thanks to a business trip.   As it turned out, it was their last chance to play together.  I am also grateful that for the better part of the last three years, Daisy was able to visit Shaka every week for day care.  Her day care arrangements ceased earlier this year when her day care provider moved farther out of town.  Still, she and Shaka saw each other whenever Daisy needed a kennel stay or when I massaged another dog at the kennels.

Shaka was a ‘cool dude’ and I’m certain that Daisy inherited her placid nature from him.

Here are photos taken in 2007, at Daisy’s seventh birthday party.   We both think he was a very handsome and distinguished dog.

Shaka won best dressed at Daisy’s birthday party in 2007 with this tuxedo.

Daisy and her Dad in a family photo, taken at her 7th birthday party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dogs and families, dogs and mourning

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My dog signs my Christmas cards

Posted on December 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

I am here writing my Christmas cards for friends and clients.  Daisy signs all of my cards with her own paw print.

No, I’m not crazy.  In fact, I’m not alone!

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 70 percent sign their pet’s name on their Christmas card and 58% include their pet in any family portraits that are taken for the holidays.

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Posted in dogs and holidays, Uncategorized

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Doggy quote of the month

Posted on November 30, 2010 | Leave a comment

“My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog thinks I am.”

– Author unknown

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Posted in dog quotes

Dog-friendly shopping in Colorado

Posted on November 30, 2010 | 1 comment

I’m now writing for New Zealand Dog World magazine, the magazine of the New Zealand Kennel Club.  For the December/January issue, my column The Last Word is about dog-friendly shopping in the State of Colorado (USA).  Because we had limited space, I couldn’t include most of the great photos I took of dog-friendly shops during my business trip there.

So, I’m mounting them here so you can share them and take a good look.

Dog owners know when a shop is ready to welcome their dog when they see a sign like this one.

At the Outlets at Castle Rock, there are grassed areas throughout the complex which offer these plastic bag dispensers and the clear message:  PETS ARE WELCOME

Many shops and restaurants offered rest stops for dogs.  These varied in style and offerings.  These simple raised water bowls were provided outside a café in Golden.

The Green Paw, a pet shop on the same street, laid out these raised bowls accompanied by a doggy mascot.

In Manitou Springs, a popular tourist destination at the foot of Pike’s Peak (elevation 4,800 m), a sweet shop provided vending machines with doggy treats.  For 25 cents, a passing dog owner can purchase a handful of dog  treats and their dog can have a drink as well.

As I mention in my article (if you don’t subscribe yet to this magazine, you should!), these communities welcome dogs because their owners are responsible for them and, in turn, the community provides  facilities to make it easy to do the right thing.   Well done Colorado!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Christmas decorations and your dog

Posted on November 29, 2010 | Leave a comment

The Christmas season is now upon us and many of you will be adding a Christmas tree and other decorations to your home.

Here are some tips for decorating your home with the safety of your dog in mind:

a. Place your Christmas tree in a location that minimises the need for electrical cords.  Near an outlet is always best.

b.  If you must use electrical cords, remember that these can pose a major hazard to your dog.   Puppies, in particular, like to chew on things.  This means the risk of electrocution and serious injury (including death).  Hide cords under special covers that you can buy at the hardware store and never leave your dog or puppy in the house unattended with the Christmas lights turned on.

c.  Don’t use ornaments with hooks.  These are sharp objects that can harm your dog if they take an interest in chewing on them.  Use soft string or yarn with a secure knot to hang ornaments.

d.  Substitute ribbon for tinsels and garlands.  Shiny ribbon can catch the light on your tree just as well, but it less attractive to dogs who decide to investigate and chew.    When dogs chew and ingest decorations, they run the risk of an intestinal blockage or, at a minimum, a very upset tummy!

e.  Leave the presents until Christmas Eve.  Your dog will want to investigate things that are left under the tree so remove the temptation.  This reduces the likelihood that they’ll chew on wrapping (again with the risk of ingestion) and damage your gifts.   (Practically speaking, it also keeps your gifts of sight from burglars who like to work in the pre-Christmas period for the sole purpose of stealing new items from underneath Christmas trees.)

By making your home a safe place for your dog to enjoy, you’ll all enjoy the holidays together without any nasty consequences.

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Posted in dogs and holidays