​We had a dog in for grooming just the other day and the poor pupper had a terrible ear problem. Yucky discharge would ooze from deeper in the ear, crust had formed along the ears edge and the internal areas were red and painfully swollen.
Plus…the ear smelled like ‘Stale Corn Chips’…
The toughest part is that this little guy had been fighting this problem for over 2 years and it prompted a deep discussion with the customer about what was really going on because they’d tried Anti-Biotics, they tried Ear Washes, but they’d never tried what we suggested and they are now…

What do ‘Yeasty Ears’ look like?
A yeast infection in a dog's ear can be quite uncomfortable for the animal and is typically characterized by several noticeable symptoms:

1. Appearance of the Ear: The inside of the ear may look red and swollen. In some cases, the skin in the ear canal might appear thickened or have a leathery texture.
2. Discharge: There is often a noticeable discharge that may be yellow, brown, or have a black, tar-like consistency. The discharge is usually accompanied by a foul or musty odor (corn chip smell).
3. Behavioral Changes: Dogs with a yeast infection in the ear often exhibit signs of discomfort such as shaking their head frequently, scratching at the affected ear, or rubbing the ear against furniture or the ground.
4. Odor: A strong, musty odor is typically associated with yeast infections due to the type of yeast (often Malassezia fungus) involved.
5. Crusting and Scaling: You might see crusting around the ear flap, or scaling inside the ear as the infection progresses.

​What Causes This Problem?
Yeast infections in dogs, especially in the ears, are a common ailment that can cause discomfort and chronic issues for our furry friends. One often overlooked contributor to this condition is the presence of sugars in regular dog food. These sugars can exacerbate yeast growth, leading to infections. Understanding how diet influences yeast infections can help pet owners make better choices for their dogs' health.

​Sugar's Role in Yeast Growth
Yeast thrives on sugars, and the more sugar there is in your dog’s diet, the higher the risk of yeast overgrowth. Many commercial dog foods contain high levels of carbohydrates, which break down into sugars.
They need the carbs in order to form ‘Kibble’, you can’t make cookies without dough right?
These sugars provide the perfect fuel for yeast, which naturally resides in the dog's body, to multiply excessively, particularly in warm and moist environments like a dog's ear canal.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections from Dietary Causes
We mentioned a number of the symptoms above, but to put it simply a dog suffering from yeast infections may exhibit symptoms such as itching, redness, and a noticeable smell from the ears. The infections can also cause a brown, waxy discharge.
Often, these symptoms are more prevalent in dogs with floppy ears, where air circulation is reduced. But, don’t be fooled, over the 20 plus years we’ve been in business we’ve seen lots of dogs with high pointed ears also have yeast problems.
Dietary-induced yeast infections can also manifest in other skin areas, showing signs like greasy skin, hair loss, or a foul odor and brown, tawny colored feet or other areas.
 

​Managing and Preventing Yeast Infections with Diet
Addressing the dietary causes of yeast infections involves evaluating and adjusting your dog's food. Diets low in carbohydrates and free from added sugars are best.
Dog foods with grains in them, especially grain ‘meal’ like a rice meal or oatmeal, tend to have higher carbohydrate volumes. This is why Grain Free diets are better for most dogs. Less sugar in, less consequences coming out.
Plus, we believe strongly in fresh foods and raw food diets. These have almost zero simple sugars and carbs that they do have are of the ‘complex’ variety.
There are a number of other digestive benefits to feeding raw or fresh foods and our team is ready to help answer any of your questions on this.
Another great thing to do is to incorporate probiotics into your dog’s diet which can help balance the natural flora in the body, reducing yeast growth. Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears and keeping them dry will further help prevent infections, especially after baths or swimming.
In fact for a lot of our clients we put cotton balls in their ears while getting bathed to help keep the symptoms down. 

Conclusion:
The link between diet and health is evident in conditions like yeast infections, where what a dog eats significantly impacts its susceptibility to yeast overgrowth. By choosing the right foods and being mindful of ingredients, you can help manage and prevent uncomfortable yeast infections in your dog. This proactive approach to diet can lead to better overall health and a happier life for your pet.

Let’s take a time machine back to 2002, where were you? Maybe you were right here in Abbotsford, maybe you lived somewhere else.

What I can tell you is that Just About Pets was opening it’s doors for the first time and revealing Doggy Daycare to Abbotsfords Dog Parents! There were almost no clients those days, just a few curious pups playing with the staffs dogs.

But, steadily the word got out and the value of a Daycare for Dogs became clear to Abbotsford’s pup owners. 

Across North America Doggy daycare has rapidly evolved from a niche service to a mainstream necessity for pet owners. As our lives get busier, the need for reliable pet care solutions grows, making doggy daycare a popular choice for those who want to ensure their furry friends are well-cared for while they handle daily responsibilities. However, the advantages of doggy daycare extend far beyond mere convenience.

This service is not just a stopgap for busy pet owners but a dynamic environment that plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of dogs. At doggy daycare, dogs don't just spend their time; they thrive, benefiting from enhanced social interactions, physical exercise, and consistent care that contribute significantly to their health and happiness.
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I decided it was high time to go over the different benefits of using a Doggy Daycare for your dog. We talk about these all the time in the store with clients in person, but I figured I should share them with you, right here. 

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​You can see the value of Doggy Daycare in 5 different crucial ways:

1. Socialization
2. Physical Health
3. Anxiety and Stress Reduction
4. Hands on Care
5. Peace of Mind for You

Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is more than just a numbers game. A healthy weight for your pupper is also about ensuring their happiness, well-being, and overall quality of life.

In this article, we'll explore some 'pawsitive' steps you can take to help your beloved canine companion maintain a healthy weight.

Before we dive into the details, let's just say that each breed and even each individual dog is different and what we're covering today can flex based on your dog. In fact, we had a client in the store just last week who's dog was very healthy and happy and she was told that he was underweight and too skinny...he wasn't, he was in great shape!

A healthy weight is not just a number on a scale; it's a reflection of your dog's overall health. And, the opposite can be said for a dog that has weight challenges. Dogs that are too heavy are more susceptible to various health issues, from joint problems to heart disease, from diabetes to arthritis.
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We can both agree that avoiding this debilitating issues is important for the long term health of your pup.
​

Here's how you can help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight:

It all starts with a Balanced Diet and Proper Nutrition.

A well-balanced diet is the bedrock of your dog's health. It's essential to feed them the right amount of food, taking into account their age, breed, and activity level. Plus you need to ensure that your dog gets the proper amount of calories, micro-nutrients and vitamins. This is all crucial.

So, how do you know if you're doing that?

Most of use would read the feeding guideline on food package and go from there. But, unfortunately it's not that easy.

Most commercially prepared cooked dog foods (also known as Kibble) is full of useless, empty calories, devoid of micro-nutrients and use unnatural synthetic vitamins. Most of these foods are designed to keep your dog alive, but not thriving.
Would you prefer your dog to just survive? Or would you love them to THRIVE!?

The criminally poor levels of nutrition in most commercially prepared dog and cat foods is one of he main reasons I feed raw, real food, and why it's our first recommendation to clients when they're asking about nutrition.

*Important note! You may want or find yourself sharing scraps from what you eat with your dog. This could be the occasional cracker, veggies, perhaps some cheese or even a chunk of that summer steak etc... These are real foods that your dog can eat. Sharing is really caring! But, you have to do so in moderation and with consideration of your pets size. In other words a small chunk of cheese for you, could in fact be more like a block for your Pom. That half a piece of bacon for your Beagle...more like 6 pieces of bacon for you!
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So, sharing with your pup is great, but please keep in mind portion size. You don't want to send your dog into pancreatic shock because of too many fatty food mornings.
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​Exercise is not just a means to burn calories; it's an opportunity for your dog to have fun and bond with you. Tailor your exercise routine to your dog's breed, age, and energy level. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive toys can keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated.

And this level of stimulation has been proven to burn more calories. As much as we'd like to complicate things with weight, the simple truth is that a body that eats more calories than it uses on a daily basis, tends to store fat. While a body that burns the calories it eats, doesn't store much fat.

This is true for most people and our pets.

Chilla, an Aussie Shepherd lived to be 32 years old and when her Dad was asked what the secret to her longevity was...he said she'd walk the farm by his tractor all day long, each and every day. They'd talk, they'd play and she got lots of exercise. (Plus she ate mostly a Fresh Food diet, with lots of Raw proteins and goats milk!!!)

Your job is to make the exercise fun for both of you! Incorporate enjoyable activities like hiking, agility training, or games of fetch to keep both you and your dog entertained. These activities not only help maintain a healthy weight but also strengthen the connection between you and your loyal companion.
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Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is not only a matter of physical well-being but also a demonstration of your love and care. By providing a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise, you can ensure that your four-legged friend enjoys a long, active, and joy-filled life. Remember that the journey to a healthier dog is a pawsitive one, and it's worth every step you take together.

Raw dog food, often hailed as the epitome of canine nutrition, has gained both ardent supporters and skeptical critics.

In this blog, we'll delve into the myths and misconceptions surrounding raw dog food, taking a no-nonsense approach to separate the facts from fiction and give you a clearer picture of what's best for your four-legged friend.

Some critics dismiss raw dog food as a passing trend or the latest craze among pet owners. However, the truth is, raw feeding has been what dogs and cats have eaten for 99.99% of their entire life span on earth. 

Before the advent of commercial dog food, our furry companions thrived on raw diets in the wild. Scientists date the current Canine and Feline species back over 40,000 years and commercial cooked Dog and Cat food have only been on the market for just over 80 years…

39,920 years of eating a certain way versus 80 years…

99.99%

So, in fact, the return to raw feeding can be seen as a return to a more natural, proper way of nourishing our pets.

The FACTS are that Dogs and Cats are Carnivorous animals dating their ancestry back to both wolves and big hunting cats and there cooked, kibble, diets are mostly grain and vegetable based. 

It would be weird to think a Cow could survive eating meat…so why do we think it’s ok for Dogs and Cats to eat grain?

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​Let’s tackle the 3 main challenges or questions about Raw Dog and Cat food that I hear every day.

1. Can my Cat or Dog have all their nutritional needs met, if I’m feeding a Raw Food diet? 

Neither Dogs nor Cats can thrive on a diet of meat scraps from your table or the local butcher and this version of ‘Feeding Raw’ has given the concept of feeding Raw Dog or Cat food a poor reputation. An imbalanced raw diet can lead to health issues, just the same as any imbalanced diet, even the cooked ones. Thankfully, creating a nutritionally complete and balanced raw diet has become easier and easier and you can find many of them in your local, boutique pet stores. 

Numerous resources, including pet nutritionists (like we have at Just About Pets) and quality commercial raw food options, make the process accessible and straightforward. With little effort and the right guidance, it's easier than you might think to meet your dog's dietary needs.

2. Feeding Raw Cat or Dog food is really expensive, is it worth it?

Yes it is!

I’ll be blunt…feeding a Raw Dog or Cat Food is going to cost a little more than feeding mid quality or lower kibble.
So, yes, feeding a raw diet can seem costly, but it's essential to consider the bigger picture. A well-balanced raw diet can enhance your dog and cat’s overall health, potentially reducing vet bills and enhancing their quality of life, helping them live longer and healthier. 

The list of health benefits can save you money!

• Better oral health leads to less dental bills
• Better gut health leads to less viral infections
• Less sugar leads to less fat and risk of diabetes
• Less processed ingredients reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases
• Improved nutrition helps your pets body stay stronger, longer

​By focusing on the long-term benefits, raw feeding can be a wise investment in your pet's well-being.

Moreover, you can tailor your dog's raw diet to fit your budget by exploring different sourcing options, bulk purchases, and even preparing the food at home. The flexibility is there and experts like our team can help you. 

3. Will Feeding Raw Cat or Dog food make my pet bloodthirsty and aggressive?

No, it will not!

The notion that raw diets make dogs or cats more aggressive is nothing but a persistent myth. A dog or cat’s behavior is influenced by various factors, but their diet isn't a primary driver of aggression. 
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In fact, it can be argued that due to the lack of vitamins, micro-nutrients and general nutritional value in highly processed, cooked kibble diets, your pet could be more aggressive around food while eating these processed diets.

Why?

Because they’re nutritionally starving and therefore always hungry. 
It's essential to recognize that while diet can impact a dog or cat’s overall health and well-being, no scientific evidence supports a direct link between raw food and aggressive behavior.

It just isn’t true. 
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Raw dog food isn't a fleeting trend; it's a return to a more natural and species appropriate way of nourishing our pets. When it comes to myths about raw feeding, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. By doing thorough research, seeking expert advice, and considering the long-term benefits, you can make an informed decision about whether raw dog food is the right choice for your beloved companion. Remember, a well-balanced raw diet can lead to a healthier, happier, and more vibrant life for your dog.