resources
Nutrition
Clean nutrition is one of the foundations of your dog's health. Here's my go-to guidance.
Kibble recommendation: I recommend Wild Earth, it's allergy-friendly, free of fillers and plant-based. Many of my clients have noticed improved digestion, healthier coats, and better vitality. With high-quality, plant-based kibble, you can support your dog’s immune health and digestion while reducing exposure to inflammatory ingredients often found in conventional dog foods. The studies back this up (learn more).
Veggies instead of wet food: Canned wet food often contains artificial additives, excess sodium, and fillers. Instead, try enhancing kibble with:
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Steamed vegetables: nutrient-dense, high in fiber, great for digestion and weight management. Most are safe, but check exceptions.
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Pumpkin puree: rich in vitamins and fiber; helps regulate digestion.
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Water: adds hydration and flavor without the drawbacks of wet food.
Below is a video of me preparing a meal for my beloved client, Buddy.
SUCCESS STORIES
Buddy
Buddy was overweight, with fatty tumors all over his body, and his stool was always loose. Switching his diet to Wild Earth kibble, vegetables, and pumpkin puree, instantly appealed to his picky palate, helped him shed 20 lb, his stool is now normal, and some of his fatty tumors have visibly shrunk! Both his vet and dad are delighted to witness Buddy's improved health and vitality.
Sacha
When I first met Sacha, she was overweight and lacked enthusiasm for her meals. Following the same dietary adjustments as Buddy, Sacha shed the excess weight, and now eagerly anticipates mealtimes. Both her mom and vet are thrilled with Sacha's progress and newfound excitement for her food.
Brenn
Brenn’s mom wanted to start her off with a clean, high-quality kibble from the beginning. Even though Brenn had no issues with her previous food, she immediately loved the Wild Earth kibble mixed with fresh veggies. From day one, she eagerly finished every meal, and her health has been great. Her mom loves knowing she’s getting the best nutrition!
Why you should never give rawhide to your dog:
Rawhide chews are a byproduct of the leather industry, and are often treated with chemicals like bleach or hydrogen peroxide to whiten and preserve them. Some may even be shaped using adhesives, adding to their potential risks. Rawhide doesn’t break down easily in a dog’s digestive system, which can lead to choking or life-threatening blockages. Please choose safer alternatives like natural chew toys, such as this one.
Gear
LEASHES & HARNESSES
I recommend the following for safety and comfort:
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Harness vs collar: Use a properly fitted harness for control, and a collar for ID tags only (collars can cause injury during pulling).
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If you're using a collar for control, then make sure it has a martingale mechanism, which allows for a more gradual pull.
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Use an locking carabiner for extra safety. Leash clips can sometimes open when dogs shake.
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Type of leash: Avoid retractable leashes, especially for large dogs, they’re unsafe (click here to find out why). I prefer "hands-free" leashes that wrap around the waist for added security and practicality, this way, there's no way your dog is leaving your side. It's also practical during poop pick-up time.
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Leash material: I like BioThane. It's waterproof, softer than leather, and prevents leash burns. I had one custom-made from this Etsy shop.
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Leash length: personal preference, but I find 6 ft works well for offering the right amount of freedom to dogs. The leash should be loose and not always pulling on your dog.
To use a harness or not to use a harness?: A dog's throat is one of their most vulnerable body parts. A harness is always the safer and more comfortable option. Harnesses distribute the force of pulling more evenly across the dog's body, reducing the risk of neck injury or choking that can occur with traditional collars. This quick guide explains the reasons to use a harness.
How to determine if a harness fits your dog properly:
Harnesses & car travel:
The safest way for dogs to travel in a car is by using a restraint system specifically designed for pets. Ideally you want a properly strapped-in crate, carrier, or harness; the goal is to prevent accidents, even on short trips. Since most dog parents don't use a crate or carrier, I strongly advise using a CPS-approved harness for their safety, since most harnesses don't provide adequate protection during a crash. The Center for Pet safety (CPS), a reputable safety science nonprofit, has independently crash-tested hundreds of harnesses. Click here to see the short list of harnesses that have passed the CPS crash tests.
PAW PROTECTION
Dogs' paw pads are sensitive and can easily suffer burns, blisters, cuts, and irritation year-round. They often hide their discomfort, so it's important to protect them!
In the summer:
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Walk during cooler times of the day.
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Stick to grassy or shaded areas.
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If they're not wearing booties, check the ground temperature before walks.
In the winter:
WASTE BAGS
Dogs go through thousands of plastic bags throughout their lifetime. That's a lot of plastic waste! To reduce our environmental impact, compostable bags are a must. I recommend these.
ENRICHMENT TOYS
Enrichment toys stimulate your dog's mind, reduce boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior, and support cognitive function, especially in senior dogs. Below are some of my favorites:
Homemade Snuffle Knot:
Homemade Snuffle Knot: Lay an old towel flat, scatter kibble or small treats on it, roll it loosely like a burrito, and tie it into a loose knot. Tuck a treat in the center to get your pup started, they'll love figuring it out! Here's Tinker enjoying hers.
You can also buy a more intricate snuffle mat like this one.
Outward Hound: I love this treat dispensing toy because it keeps dogs engaged for a while, perfect for dogs who eat their treats too fast. It's made of a non-toxic, durable rubber-like material. You can buy it here.
Chew King: I like this treat dispensing toy because it's similar to a Kong, but the shape makes it more bouncy. It comes in different sizes. You can buy it here.
Licking Mat: You can put pumpkin puree or wet food on this silicone licking mat, freeze it, and then stick it to the fridge or the floor (it has suction cups in the back). This is a fun way to make your furry kids eat their snack more slowly. You can buy it here.
TOYS TO AVOID
Hard chewing toys can crack teeth, mouth lacerations, and can cause intestinal obstructions.
Common culprits: rawhide, antlers, bones, hooves, nylon chews, rocks.
Safer alternatives: rubber toys, bully sticks, and soft rope.
The rule of thumb vets use is the thumbnail test, if you can't make a dent in it with your thumbnail, it's too hard for a dog's teeth.
TRAINING
There are many trainers out there who have good tips to share. However, my two favorite trainers are Stephanie from Method K9, and Victoria Stillwell from It's Me or the Dog. They both have very helpful content to watch and learn from. Below is their information:
Stephanie specializes in training fearful, anxious, reactive, and aggressive dogs. She has a thorough, yet easy to understand way of explaining her methods.
Books
"The Secret Lives of Dogs: The Real Reasons Behind 52 Mysterious Canine Behaviors" by Jana Murphy.
If you're like me, you like decoding and understanding every single dog behavior. This is a fun little book with straightforward explanations of different behaviors as well as some training tips. Since they can't communicate with words, it's important for us to at least try to learn their language.
Click here to buy this book.
"Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well"
by Dr. Renee Alsarraf.
Meet Dr. Alsarraf, a compassionate NJ-based veterinary oncologist and cancer survivor. She shares some of the lessons she learned from her brave cancer patients and their families. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Alsarraf and hearing her inspiring journey firsthand. When I asked her for her top advice for potential dog parents, she emphasized the importance of thorough research!
Click here to buy her book.
