Have I Unraveled a Mystery About Pet Longevity?

Posted on September 23, 2024 by yelodoggie

Disclaimer: What I’m about to write is purely my opinion. It’s not an attempt to give anybody advice, or direction about what to feed their pets. It’s just something I’ve been thinking about, and have recently implemented when feeding my own furkids.

A lot of we pet parents are, for the most part, obsessed with what we feed our pets. According to Fortune Business Insights, “The global pet food market size was valued at USD 120.87 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 126.66 billion in 2024 to USD 193.65 billion by 2032.” And when asked how many different brands of dog food are out there, Google reports:

“Overview: The 2024 List includes 43 different pet food brands; 30 brands offer cat foods, 42 offer dog foods. Styles of pet foods include cooked (sold frozen and shelf stable), raw, freeze dried, dehydrated, can (one option). 42 brands sell in the US, some regionally.” (This took me by surprise! Surely there are more than 43 pet food brands? When you are in a big box pet store, it seems like you are surrounded by hundreds! — but I digress.)

I’ve shared my life with a lot of pets. When I started volunteering in rescue way way way way back around 1987, I started accumulating animals. They came in all different ages, sizes, and breeds.

My partner and I didn’t make a whole lot of money. She was a laborer by profession, and I was an artist. We had a mortgage. We had credit cards. We had car payments. We were on the American escalator. We also had a houseful of rescue pets. I think the lowest number at one time was five (2 dogs 3 cats) in 1987. The highest number was probably twelve (nine dogs, 3 cats) in 2018. There were many different combinations at any given time, so you might say I have some experience.

Those earliest pets, when we saw some of the financially leanest times, lived incredibly long lives. Our border collie mix, Gypsy, came to us at about 2 years of age and lived to be 18. Dillon, our poodle mix, came to us as a puppy of about 4 months old, and he lived to be 21. Troll, a Heinz 57 if there ever was one, came to us at less than 2 years old and lived to be 19. These dogs spent the longest amount of time with us. Other dogs and cats came and went who joined us at seven, ten, twelve years old — but I am leaving those pets out of this equation because I don’t know what they experienced before they came to live with us. I am going to include Waldo and Rocket, though, who both came to us as puppies toward the end of our multi-pet menagerie, and both only lived to the age of ten.

I have wondered what we did wrong with Waldo and Rocket. . . that their lives were cut so short. It has weighed on me for a long time, because those two were very special to us. They were treated like kings. They had the very best vet care. They ate top shelf food. They got lots of love and exercise.

It was one day while I was lurking around a big box pet store after having read a series of articles about pet food that had given me anxiety, that something suddenly occurred to me. I was looking for something “better” to feed my last remaining dog, Maria, (now fifteen) and I was thinking about Gypsy and Dillon and Troll, and I realized that they had grown up while we were feeding our crew whatever was cheapest. Kibble from Aldi. Cans of Dads, Alpo, and brands whose names I have long forgotten. We didn’t have access to all the information we have at our fingertips now via the internet. We weren’t educated about pet food and nutrition. We were just filling the bellies in whatever way we could with the money we had. Sometimes when they were out of food and there was no money, we fed them oatmeal! You do what you have to.

The thing is, those dogs lived incredibly long (and healthy!) lives. So how come Waldo and Rocket only made it to ten? I know we were feeding them quality food. We’d become educated. We knew how to read the labels. We knew what to avoid. But damn it, they were both gone way too soon.

So I got to thinking . . .

Yeah, quality food. Food that is advertised as being “complete.” Waldo and Rocket ate the same high quality food their entire lives. So maybe that was it! Maybe the other dogs lived so long because they didn’t eat one food exclusively.

This was a big revelation to me. (I dunno, maybe I’m coming late to the party, but I don’t remember ever reading or hearing anyone suggest that you should switch your pet’s food up–in fact, pet parents are most often told to find a quality food and stick with it, unless a health problem arises and the dog needs prescription food.) I’d just like to point out that humans don’t eat the same exact thing day after day for their entire lives. That wouldn’t be healthy.

I’ve started Maria on a new food plan, where I switch her food up every time I buy it. Yes, I stick to good, quality food, but when she finishes what’s in the cupboard, it’s on to something else. She has always had a sensitive stomach, with frequent bouts of gastritis–but so far, this is working out really well for her. She has a great appetite, good healthy poops, and a cheerful attitude.

I’ll let you know how it pans out, but I think I may be on to something.

Thank you for reading Up On The Woof. If you like content about dogs, please scout around in the archives. If you like what you find, please subscribe and share with other dog people.

And don’t forget to tell your dog I said “Hi.”

Posted in Random Woofs | Tagged Ari Wulff, C.A. Wulff, Dog care, dog food, dogs, pet food, pet longevity, pets, Up On The Woof | 1 Comment

The Problem With Emotional Support Animals

Posted on March 18, 2024 by yelodoggie

Recently, a friend on Facebook made a post about ESAs, and while a lot of what they said was perfectly reasonable, I see the subject a little differently. Of course, I see most things a little differently, because I am neurodivergent, and honestly, that’s my point in making this blog entry.

This post was in response to an incident where somebody had an ESA in a store and it had an altercation with a service animal. The ESA was not leashed.

I have an issue with the statement. “. . .the second your ESA dog acts a fool in public, that particular store will have no choice but to ban all animals, regardless of their status.”

Yeah, but NO.

A store can ban ESA animals, and they’d be justified in doing so if there was an issue with ESA animals, but because of the Americans with Disabilities Act, they couldn’t ban service animals (except on an individual basis in the case of misbehavior), so that statement is overblown.

And the statement: “Don’t ruin it for them with your mutt you rescued 3 months ago to help with your depression.” First, that’s devaluing some awesome animals, including the mixed breeds that are certified service animals. There are loads of them. Also, unfortunately, American society has stigmatized mental health disorders, and this is just another example of how depression is often viewed as just another word for sadness. Depression can be a very serious condition that makes everyday life a struggle just to stay alive. An emotional support animal’s ability to help someone suffering from it shouldn’t be underestimated or invalidated.

Another thing ESAs are helpful for are people with PTSD or autism. And given the fact that box stores like Target and Walmart are so overstimulating with the miles of product, the colors, the noise, the crowds and the fluorescent lights, it’s perfectly reasonable for an autistic person to have an ESA or PSA in a store with them.

I have an ESA who keeps me grounded and focused. She is always leashed, and when she accompanies me indoors, I carry her. I keep her registration with me, and she wears a vest in public. Numerous times men have disdainfully said to me “Anybody can put a vest on their dog and call it an ESA.” Except, that’s not exactly true. You can’t register a dog as an ESA without a document from a registered mental health professional: which can’t happen unless you are an established patient and the MHP thinks an ESA would be helpful. There is also a cost involved for registration. Do some people find a way around the legalities? Of course they do — there is always someone breaking rules to ruin things for others –that’s typical human behavior. But I still think ESAs get a bum rap.

Posted in Random Woofs | Tagged A. Wulff, animal advocacy, autism, depression, dogs, emotional support animal, ESA, PSA, PSD, ptsd, Service animal, support dog, Up On The Woof | Leave a comment

Walking With Your Pup: Why It’s Important

Posted on January 10, 2024 by yelodoggie

Up on the Woof welcomes guest pet blogger Cindy Aldridge.

Everyone seems to want to get fit, but humans aren’t the only ones who need regular exercise. Life may pull you in a lot of directions, but your pup can help you get in the exercise you need, too. Your four-legged family member needs to stay active, and letting him out a few times a day to potty and sniff around the yard just won’t cut it.

Taking your dog out for a walk might not seem like a big deal, but when you look at the benefits, you will realize how important those walks with your pup really are. No matter the dog’s age, Up on the Woof wants to help you both achieve your goals.

Prevents Health Issues

One of the most obvious signs of an under-exercised dog is obesity, and with over half of the nation’s dogs qualifying as obese or overweight according to the American Kennel Club, it’s time to start taking action. Unfortunately, obesity can cause health issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, thyroid issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, and respiratory conditions.

What’s more is that research cited by the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that obese dogs may have a shortened life span of as much as 2 ½ years compared to dogs who are at a normal, healthy weight. As a dog owner and lover, every moment with your pooch is cherished, so if you can add time back to the clock, why wouldn’t you? Walking is a great way to prevent obesity, but if your dog is already tipping the scales, it is best to talk with the vet first about the best way to approach diet and exercise.

Reduces Behavioral Problems

Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a bad dog. Your dog doesn’t chew on the couch cushions or scratch the paint off the door to make you mad. Quite simply, it is often the case that your dog is bored and needs to get outside to release all that built-up energy. On your walk, keep things fun and fresh, and engage your pooch mentally by taking different routes or brushing up on commands. Allow your dog to take in his environment by using his nose to determine who’s been in the area.

Your dog has individual needs, but those needs will often be driven by his heritage. Knowing your dog’s genetics can give you some insights into behaviors and energy levels. For instance, if your dog seems to pace and nip at your coffee table, it could be he inherited herding instincts that aren’t being satisfied. Terriers, on the other hand, feel a need to dig.

Unfortunately, your dog might not be the best leash walker. If your pooch is prone to pulling, it is best to use a nylon, cotton, or leather leash or even a no pull harness rather than a retractable leash, as the retractable variety encourages pulling and reduces your control. By teaching your dog the proper way to walk, you will look forward to those daily walks rather than dread them.

If your pup is still having behavioral issues, it’s time to contact a professional trainer. A trainer can teach you how to bond and communicate effectively with your dog through positive reinforcement.

Find Alternatives

It doesn’t matter how many hints your dog drops that he wants to go outside, work and other responsibilities can be a time drain. Rather than let your pooch suffer the consequences of your busy schedule, you can bring in a professional dog walker to give your dog the walk he deserves at the pace and length he needs.

If a dog walker isn’t available, you can also let your pup work out his excess energy in the yard if you own your own home. To make this work, a fence is a must-have, and you should never tie up your dog to keep him from wandering. If you take your pup for neighborhood walks, be sure to pack some waste bags and some DIY natural sanitizer. No one likes encountering dog waste on the sidewalk, so be a good neighbor and pick up after your dog.

Invite a Walkies Buddy

Dogs benefit from socialization, as do we humans. To that end, consider connecting with a friend who has a compatible dog. You can even help each other with pet walking and play dates when things get busy! Make outings more fun with doggie-oriented invitations. You can design beautiful invitations and add your personal touch without spending a penny using free online templates. Choose one that fits your party’s vibe, customize it, and send it out via snail mail or text. Either way, it’s a chance to spread some warm fuzzies to your friends and their furkids.

Get Out with Your Pup

Dogs need those daily walks for their physical and mental health. Plus, your pooch is always up for an adventure, making them the best workout partner. If time isn’t on your side, bring in a dog walker to ensure your fur baby gets the exercise he needs. Above all else, keep calm and walk on!

For more dog-related musings from Ari Wulff, subscribe to Up on the Woof today!

Posted in Guest Woofs | Tagged Cindy Aldridge, Dog care, dog health, dog walking, dogs, pets, Up On The Woof | Leave a comment

New Adventures in PA Animal Rescue

Posted on November 30, 2023 by yelodoggie

Hello Friends.

I haven’t been very good about keeping up with Up On The Woof over the past year, and I apologize for that. . . however, my life has undergone major changes. Let’s catch up:

You may be aware that I was the sole caregiver for my partner for the past seven years, which took a toll on the time I had for writing and being creative, and just about anything else that I wanted to do. Her health began to deteriorate rather quickly in January, and I began clearing our belongings out of the cabin we lived in at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for twenty-one years. In February, I moved her to a nursing facility and gave the Park notice that I’d be moving out. There was so much to do! I had to get rid of things we had accumulated during our 38 years together, decide what I’d be taking with me, and find a place of my own. Dalene died on May 9, 2023, and on the 19th I moved to the Pittsburgh area with our one remaining dog, and a cat. To say my life is different, is a gross understatement.

One of the things I had been missing over the past seven years, was involvement in animal rescue. Because all of the apartments I looked at only allowed a maximum of two pets, it means that I can’t foster. I wanted to be active in rescue again, and to be around dogs, who are the joy of my life. So, I was thinking that after I was settled, I’d look into transport, or I’d contact Animal Rescue Corps, and see how I could go about getting trained to work with them during national animal emergencies. Somehow — I wish I could remember how — I heard about CART: County Animal Response Team. It is a group here in my new county that does the same sort of thing as ARC. They are trained to respond to animal emergencies, and dispatched via 911 or are requested by Police or Fire on the scene of an incident. Training with them would make me a first responder for animals! CART teams in PA are branches of PASART: Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team. These groups were formed after Katrina, because in the aftermath of the hurricane was the realization that many animals had been left behind, and also that many people hadn’t evacuated because there was no place to go with their pets. The Federal Government passed the PETS Act. This opened the door for emergency animal groups to form that would work in conjunction with FEMA and The Red Cross to get pets to safety in the event of an emergency.

CART isn’t only about major disasters, though. We can be requested by police and fire when they have a situation that involves an animal, such as an auto accident or pets that have been in a house fire. The group I joined has been dispatched to round up farm animals on the freeway when the truck they were in overturned, hoarding situations, horses stuck in mud, an animal that fell in a well, rescuing animals after a flood, after a tornado, all sorts of things!

Training has been intensive, and is ongoing. I had to pass three FEMA classes to qualify, and then attended CART training classes in animal handling, equipment, first aid, animal behavior, lost pet recovery, and how to set up an emergency animal shelter. There are still many classes ahead, and also field work. I was activated as a team member at the beginning of October, and was dispatched for the first time. Several rescue groups responded to the incident, which involved the removal of 49 animals. It was a pretty big case for my first experience. There were dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, a cockatiel and a turkey. Training kicked right in, and I was able to be an effective team member. All the animals were removed safely and transported to foster homes, rescues, or kennels. It was very satisfying! I’m looking forward to future rescue experiences with CART.

In addition to extensive training, CART provides some equipment to their volunteers, but there’s a lot of things that we still have to buy for ourselves. I have a wish list on amazon of things I still need, if any of you would like to help me gear up. You can access it here: GEAR UP.