By Katy Cable-TWR
A 5 minute “healthy” read

Attention Pet Parents: The Cure For Many Minor Health Issues May Be Right In Your Cupboard. If you've gone to your local pet store or vet's office looking for medications to treat common conditions you know the creams, supplements, pills, and medicated washes are pricey. So before you shell out lots of dough, here are a few tried and true home remedies that may do the trick. I recommend all dog owners keep these essentials in their home.

1. 100% Canned Pumpkin: (organic if possible)
Canned pumpkin is wonderful for treating diarrhea, constipation, or an upset tummy. It's a gentle, soothing, soluble fiber that also can be used as a healthy, tasty, treat. I always stock up during the fall when all the markets have it on sale. It's harder to find and much more expensive if you need it during the month of July. You can put a few servings in the fridge and put the rest in an ice cube tray. Once it’s frozen, pop cubes in a freezer bag, thaw and use as needed. Give your dog 1 tsp. for every 10lbs of body weight, 1-2 times a day.

2. Ginger: A car sick dog can sure put a damper on an otherwise fun road trip. Next time, try giving your dog some tiny bits of fresh ginger an hour before your journey. Use 1/8 teaspoon for dogs 10lbs. and under, 1/4 teaspoon for 10-20lb. dogs and 1/2 teaspoon for 20-30lbs. Dog's over 30 lbs. can manage 3/4-1 teaspoon. Ginger is very strong so your dog might find it more palatable if you mix it in some cheese, peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain Xylitol as a sweetener) or a little ball of canned food. Use this 1-3x's a day if needed.

3. Plain Kefir: Kefir is a fermented food that's loaded with active probiotics. It can be found in the yogurt section of most stores where the yogurt drinks are stored. Opt for the plain variety since others may contain high amounts of sugar. This makes a great meal topper or tasty little "smoothie.” During hot summer months, I pour Kefir in ice cube trays, add blueberries, then I pop it in the freezer and make "Pupsicles". Kefir is great for any dog (or cat) but can provide a big boost to those with sensitive tummies or digestive issues. Kefir also gives the immune system a jump start. Use the following as a guideline for serving amounts:

• Up to 20 lbs – 2 oz
• 20 to 50 lbs – 4 oz
• Over 50 lbs – 6 oz

4. Coconut oil: (I recommend 100 percent organic, cold-pressed) Coconut oil is SO amazing, I’v written an entire blog with all the great benefits and uses for it. I keep huge jars of it in my home. Not only do I add this to my Olive's meals, (I swirl it in my coffee) it works wonders on minor skin problems. Pugs, especially older ones, can get crusty noses, paw pads, nails and skin patches. Massaging coconut oil on the problem area heals and moisturizers it quickly. It smells great and again, if they lick it, -no problem! If your dog has a dry coat or flaky skin, bath them with a gentle shampoo and while they're still wet, massage their coat and belly with oil. Let it absorb for a few minutes then follow with a quick rinse. Use it as a salve on hotspots, blemishes and rashes.

5. Apple cider vinegar: (Organic)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is great for repelling fleas. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts ACV and water and give your Puggies a good spray before they race out the door. You can also spray furniture and bedding if you notice a flea problem. During peak flea season, you can add 2 cups of ACV to your dog's bath water or pour it over your freshly bathed dogs body (not head) massage in and dry. ACV is also a great solution to dip a cotton round in and clean your pup's ears. It kills yeast and bacteria and best of all it's non toxic.

Although these aren't "farm grown" I highly recommend keeping these two items in your cupboard as well:

*Betadine/Povidone Iodine.
Don't let the big name and color scare you. This very gentle disinfectant is perfect for any skin problem. It kills staph, yeast, and a host of other nasty bacteria. The best part is: IT WON'T STING and it's completely safe if your pet licks it. You may have seen this used to treat wounds at your doctor's office or the vet's. I use this to rinse cuts, hot spots, and scratches. Simply pour some Betadine in a dish and add water until it's the color of iced tea. Dip a clean cloth in solution and wipe or dab over your pet's boo-boo. Pat it dry and give lots of love and praise. If your pet suffers from allergies, or drives you crazy licking their paws all night, I recommend washing their paws in the diluted Bentadine solution after returning home from walks or playing outdoors. You can either dip your sweetie's paws in a bowl or wipe them clean with a cloth dipped in the solution. Tons of allergens are collected in a dog's paws and those go straight into their mouths when they start licking. Rinsing off your dog's paws will go a long way towards keeping allergies at bay.

* Hydrogen Peroxide: There's quite a few uses for good old hydrogen peroxide. I clean my dog's ears with this by dabbing a cotton round in it and gently removing dirt and oil. It can also be mixed with Dawn dish washing soap (or Pure Castile Soap) and baking soda if your dog gets skunked or encounters something that requires a much stronger shampoo. In a bucket, mix 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 2 teaspoons dish-washing liquid. (If you have a large breed dog, you may need to double, triple or even quadruple the mixture.) Apply the mixture to your dog's dry coat, massage in until the smell, oil, etc. starts to dissipate. Use a washcloth for cleaning the face and ears being extremely careful to avoid getting this in your dog's eyes. Once the smell has gone away rinse thoroughly. Use a clean wash cloth to gently rinse the face to avoid getting this in your dog's eyes. Make sure to completely rinse the solution off your dog. It may take several rinses with a cloth to thoroughly clean your dog's face. Follow-up with a final gentle shampoo and coconut oil conditioner (see above) when finished.

​Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting: If you find your dog has eaten a no-no, HP can also be used to induce vomiting. DO NOT EVER INDUCE VOMITING without first calling your veterinarian. DO NOT EVER INDUCE VOMITING if your dog has ingested harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaner which can severely burn if swallowed and also if it comes back up. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING if more than 2 hours have passed since your dog has eaten something harmful. Also hold off if your dog is already vomiting, seems extremely sick or isn't able to walk around. Use 3% percent hydrogen peroxide and give 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of your dog's weight. This isn't a tasty solution so you may need to get a syringe to get it in their mouth and down the hatchet. Or you can use some ice cream, honey, or Kefir to mix it with. Then get your dog up and walking around for a few minutes and wait for it to work it's magic. If your dog doesn't vomit after 15 minutes, give them a second dose. If after another 15 minutes passes and they still haven't vomited, race them into the emergency vet. I think it's smart to take a small sample of the vomit (if possible) and don't delay in following up with your veterinarian.

Again. it's always better to error on the side of caution and with any health issue. If things don't improve, and certainly if they take a turn for the worse, always consult with your vet.

Here’s hoping these easy, inexpensive remedies save you enough dough to splurge on something fun. For more great tips and ideas, please follow me on social media and check out my website: www.weeklyrunt.com Pugs & Kisses! -Katy 🐾😍

By Katy Cable-TWR-A 3 Min Read
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Fleas suck! -Pun intended! Unlike bees that pollinate our planet and keep us alive, or ants who are brilliant little armies of team players, capable of carrying an entire picnic a GA-ZILLION times their own size and body weight on their tiny backs, what purpose do fleas and ticks serve anyway?

Here in Southern California fleas can be year-round invaders. With the dog days of summer well on their way, your pup may be wearing more than a cute collar and bandana. This spring, no matter where you live, chances are these blood sucking monsters are just waiting to spread like wildfire on your pet.

Before you race out for some flea protection, beware. Seresto, the #1 selling flea collar on Amazon, is potentially lethal!

According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) documents, as of June 2020 the agency had received 75,000 incident reports about Seresto pet collars since their introduction in 2012, including 1,698 deaths of animals and nearly 1,000 incidents involving harm to humans.

And that’s just what has been reported. Typically, pet parents would not know to report pet harm to the EPA, an agency seemingly unrelated to consumer pet products. It is regulated by the EPA due to the use of pesticides in the product.

The Seresto collar is the only flea and tick collar that combines a cocktail of two pesticides. While that may make the collars more effective against fleas, they are far more toxic to pets and humans as well. One incident involving a 12-year-old boy who slept in bed with a dog wearing the collar resulted in the boy being hospitalized due to seizures and vomiting.

Along with growing evidence that mammals can also be harmed by these pesticides, they are also harming the environment. This insecticide, (imidacloprid) most commonly used as an insecticide on crops in the U.S. is linked to massive die-offs of bees, butterflies and songbirds.

​While a congressional committee is demanding a voluntary recall, Elanco (manufacturer of Senesto) is backing its product. According to Tony Rumschlag, senior director for technical consultants at Elanco, "Thorough investigation of available data has shown no established link between exposure to the active ingredients in Seresto and pet deaths.” He went on state that no market action is warranted, and that media reports on hundreds of pet deaths are based on “raw data.”

Whatever action is or isn’t taken, the risks seem too high for me personally. I don’t want to take any chances. I also want you to have the facts and research. Especially when these products are currently being sold in most pet stores and on Amazon.

​While I prefer to use natural, non-toxic, remedies, sometimes they don’t provide enough protection. I typically use a strong flea and tick preventative in the spring and late summer. The rest of the year I use the home remedies provided below.

When I rescued my current Pug Olive she was on Revolution, a monthly flea and heart-worm preventative I have used successfully in the past. Although Olive doesn't have fleas, she did get suffer a terrible allergic reaction to a flea bite. I raced a sneezing, coughing, incessantly itching Olive to the vet. Upon examination, the vet discovered red bumps all over her and was convinced it was an allergic reaction to a flea bite. I couldn't see how that was possible as she was on flea prevention. The vet explained that even with protection, fleas can jump on and bite a pet before dying. If a pet is allergic, that's all it takes.

After Olive's incident, I am extremely diligent about washing her and keeping fleas away. I have discovered some excellent natural alternatives to products containing harsh chemicals. I currently apply organic coconut oil, to Olive's coat. It acts as both a great moisturizer and flea repellent. I also make sure to bathe her following adventures where she may have been exposed to fleas. I also am SO happy I replaced all my carpets with wood and tile flooring and “knock-on-wood”, haven't had another issue.

Believe me, it's much easier to keep fleas away in the first place than it is to get those pests to leave once they've invaded. My advice, use something strong and powerful to kill them then hopefully you can lighten up and use some natural, less toxic remedies to keep them at bay.

This does bring up a good point: It certainly doesn't have to be a harsh, toxic chemical for your pet to have a horrific reaction. While natural products are preferred, even those can have disastrous outcomes if your pet has the rare allergy. Just like a human who can't touch a strawberry or a peanut. -Be it an unsalted, raw, one or a Reese's cup, pets too can have adverse reactions or even die from wholesome, organic products if they happen to be allergic. Before trying ANY product or food, I urge YOU to first research it. Check out the company, the ingredients, where it's produced. Talk to trusted vets and pet parents and always test it out with a very small amount first.

In addition, fleas, ticks, and other parasites may be resistant to some natural, less intense, repellents and your pet won't be protected. Hopefully you can try a few of these tips and find a perfect, less toxic balance. And, as always, a clean healthy pet with a strong immune system will naturally repel more parasites than a sickly one. That starts and finishes with a nutritious, balanced diet 😃.

Every flea season I consult with frustrated pet parents looking for flea repellent shampoos. I always advise against strong, harsh, shampoos loaded with chemicals. Any soap and water will kill and remove fleas. For heavy infestations. Here's a recipe for a gentle, non-toxic, flea repelling shampoo you can make at home. I use this on my shelter/rescue dogs who typically arrive in poor shape, and infested with fleas. Again, always sample a small amount first to check for adverse reactions.

🐞ALL-NATURAL FLEA BUSTER SHAMPOO:
​Slice 1/2 lemon and add to 1 cup boiling water.
Stir for 5 minutes then remove from heat, steep and cool.
Remove lemon parts, drain juice into large canning jar or bottle.
​Add 2/3 Cup Dr Bronner's Purecastle Soap
Add 1/2 cup organic Apple cider vinegar
1 TBS organic coconut oil
15 drops pure organic lavender oil
Mix together and WASH your PUP!

In addition, here are some recommendations for healthy flea/tick control:

🐾Remember, there is simply no chemical based pest control pill, dip, solution, shampoo, or collar that is without the potential for side effects. Just because a compound is applied to or worn on your pet’s fur doesn’t mean it’s completely safe. Remember: what goes ON your pet goes IN your pet, by absorption through the skin during grooming.

• If You Must Use a Chemical Pest Preventive, Here Are Some Tips for Reducing the Risk to Your Pet

1. Be very careful to follow dosing directions on the label. If your pet is at the low end of a dosage range, step down to the next lowest dosage. Be extremely cautious with small dogs, especially if you own one of the breeds reported to be at high risk for adverse reactions. Do not under any circumstances apply dog product to your cat. Or vice-versa.
2. Monitor your pet for adverse reactions after you apply a chemical product – especially when using one for the first time.
3. Your pet’s liver will be on over-drive due to the flood of chemicals that make it into the bloodstream. It can be very beneficial to give your dog or cat a supplement of milk thistle to help detoxify their liver. You need to consult with a holistic/integrated vet for proper dosage.
4. Don’t depend exclusively on chemical treatments. Rotate natural preventives containing lavender, peppermint, geranium, lemongrass cedar oil/or citronella. These are very effective as parasite deterrents. Many pet stores carry natural products with these blends. An every other month rotation works well for many pet owners. In many parts of the country owners find they can successfully control ticks/fleas with 2 doses a year: one in the spring and one in the late summer.
5. Apply liberal amounts of coconut oil to belly and rear-end. This is a natural flea repellent. -And moisturizer.
6. A great NATURAL, SAFE flea deterrent is to boil rosemary and lemon slices for 5 min. In a saucepan filled with water. Remove from heat and let sit overnight covered. Drain water into a spray bottle and fill 1/2 way. Add organic apple cider vinegar to the other half of bottle. Spray on pet AVOIDING FACE before heading outside.

​Hopefully, with some easy tips, going toward, blood-sucking monsters will not be a bother and your pet can manage on safer, natural remedies! Pugs and kisses!🐾💕

🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

y Katy Cable -Thrive Global
A 5-min. read
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In honor of Mother's Day, I'd like to dedicate this blog to those special, often overlooked women whose “children have paws.”

My heart goes out to women who anticipate having a difficult time on this holiday. CoVid may keep you from seeing your mother or your family from visiting you. There may be awkward family dynamics and unmet expectations making "Martyr's Day" seem more apropos. I hope sharing my story and survival tips will help make it a SPECIAL day!

Mother's Day a few years ago, I was approaching “empty-nester" status, wondering what I would do with my life. My daughter was graduating high school then heading off to college. If that wasn’t enough, my beloved Pug Raisin made his final departure for Rainbow Bridge.

For the last 18 years,: I’d been consumed as a stay-at-home “MOM-ager” to my daughter who had been acting professionally since infancy. Very soon I would be putting her on a plane to attend college clear across the country. The time had come to get off the runway and let her take flight.

When my daughter had left for school a few months later, I began battling severe depression. I sat in my quiet, clean, empty house firing out job resumes through a waterfall of tears! I missed my daughter and Raisin terribly. I even found myself missing things I'd always complained about like dog hair covering everything, dirty dishes left out, my daughter “borrowing” my favorite clothes, and endless high-school booster meetings.

​In an effort to keep busy and get out of the house, I checked my ego at the sliding glass doors of PetSmart and took a part-time job consulting pet parents. My job no longer required high-heels and designer attire, but sneakers, yoga pants, a name tag, and a lanyard. Gone were the days I was taking meetings with top brass managers. The managers I was working side-by-side with now, were the same age as my daughter.

Ironically the company I represented was a new pet food company called “NULO” and at that moment I truly felt I had hit a "NEW-LOW" and my best days were behind me. I doubted I would last through the first pay period.

Much to my surprise, I was having the time of my life at my new job. Working with pet owners fulfilled me in ways no other career ever had. It did nothing however to quell my desire for another dog. -Just the opposite. I was so desperate to fill the huge hole in my heart Raisin left, I began an obsessive search at every rescue and shelter. Had my husband not threatened divorce if I took in a dog without his approval, I would've snatched up any three-legged, frothing-at-the-mouth, rabid beast needing a home.

The more I searched, the more frustrated and disappointed I got. My husband quickly grew tired of my insanity so I agreed to call off the hunt until after the holidays and join him on a business trip. -Something I hadn't been able to do since complimentary meals and free checked bags were still offered on flights.

No sooner had we pulled up to our hotel when I received a text alert. It was a photo of a pug who was the spitting image of Raisin as a pup. Strangely enough, the pup was in a shelter located not two miles away from where we were staying. I was just certain it was a sign from God! -Kismet! I pushed hubby out the door for his meeting and secretly raced over to the shelter.

When I arrived, his cage was empty and he was listed “unavailable!” -It was yet another disappointment! As I went to leave I heard yelping from another cage. I was sure a dog was injured and rushed over to help. When I arrived at the scene, I noticed a tiny black pug sticking her paw through the kennel bars yelping for me. My heart melted. I knew then and there she was my new dog. I pet her and assured her I would be back to take her home.

As luck would have it, I was able to pull some strings and adopt what was a very sick little pup. It was apparent, though just a puppy herself, she had just had a litter. The shelter said she'd been found on the side of a desert road and was likely a breeder dog who had never been out of a crate. She was just terrified of everything. I named her “little black Olive” and promised her that life was about to drastically change.
​
For me, the cure for depression was this new dog. Olive made me happier than I'd been since everyone had "flown-the-coup". I was having the time of my life getting to know this darling new (and previously abused) pug.

No sooner did I find my perfect new pug, I got offered the "dream job" I’d applied for a few months prior. With Olive at my side and the ability to work in sneakers, I passed on the 80 hour work weeks and non-stop corporate demands. -And not for one second have I regretted my decision.

The takeaway of my story is: KEEP THE FAITH! Be optimistic and hopeful. And most importantly, don't rule out something that involves wearing comfy shoes, a name tag, and a lanyard. You might find you’re happier, healthier, and far more fulfilled if you fall off the corporate ladder and try something completely new.

If Mother's Day is getting you down, consider this, most mothers claim “CHILDCARE” is the #1 thing they want on their official holiday. 🤣 Here’s a few other things you can do to feel better:

1. Indulge in a 5-minute pity party. Cry, scream, throw something, and feel sorry for yourself.-YOU GET 5 MINUTES!

2. Get out and count your blessings. Write or think of 20 things you’re grateful for. Over-achievers or severely depressed, go through the entire alphabet and find a blessing for each letter. Extra credit: Call ANY mother quarantined at home with young toddlers or home-schooling kids over this pandemic.

3. Treat yourself to something nice. Better yet, treat yourself to a special day. Visit, or grab take-out from your favorite restaurant. Buy yourself a present. SPLURGE on YOU! Buy yourself flowers, candy, a nice bottle of wine, how about a pair of cute “pet mom” socks with a picture of your beloved fur baby? Whatever makes you happy. Start a new tradition honoring what a wonderful “Pet Mom” you are!

4. Honor special women who are mothers to PETS! Why not plan your own little party. Not up for a big production, there are some fun, unique gifts for pet moms. I love running around in my personalized “dog mom” socks. Or how about a unique “quarantine mask with a cute design honoring your pet? Dog is Good has lots of darling dog mom products that will make you happy. If you're short on cash, offer to dog sit or walk a friend’s dog.

5. Don’t have family or friends with pets, how about volunteering some time to an animal shelter or rescue. Call ahead and find out about their Covid-19 policies first, but many shelters and rescues are allowing fostering and adoptions.

Getting out and doing for others or spending time with an animal will definitely make you feel much better. (-If it doesn't I will personally refund your misery!😜) Who knows maybe you'll come home with a new "fur baby" of your own. A dog will love you unconditionally in ways a mother or child never can.

Happy Mother's Day! -Whether it's to a child by birth, blood, or choice. And Happy Mother’s Day to those special moms whose children have paws! 🐾Pugs & Kisses -Katy

By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt / A 4 min. Read

When I was eight years old. my dad, in an effort to get me to give up Ding-Dongs and Oreos, told me about how “junk food” was made. He insisted that all kinds of bugs often got mixed into these crummy processed snacks. Turns out, those very insects may have been the healthiest thing about my indulgence.

If you’d have told me just a year ago, there may come a day when insects are a major staple in our diets, I would’ve thought you were CRAZY! Now, I’m excited to share my experience and hopefully open your minds to joining the swarm of “insect eating” people and pets!

While visiting a popular beach town in Central Coast CA, I remember a street vendor selling crickets and grasshoppers dipped in dark chocolate. He also had tequila lollipops with a worm inside. It all seemed repulsive and I couldn’t believe people actually paid money to eat them. For me, this was just like a challenge that would get me booted off the island on a reality TV show.

At the Las Vegas Pug Party, I had my eyes opened and my mind changed when I met Laura Colagrande, co-founder of Chippin Snacks. She kindly offered my little Pug Olive one of her apple, cricket, and flaxseed snacks. Olive has never met a treat she didn’t like, and devoured the biscuit faster than you can say “Jiminy!”

Colagrande told me her story and I was intrigued. While studying design at U of Penn, she agreed to help her roommate, Haley Russell, a grad student at The Wharton School of Business, with a research project. The two examined using crickets as a viable alternative to meat for pet treats/meals and things have been hopping ever since.

🦗 WHY CRICKETS? 🦗

For starters, crickets pack a whole lotta punch! They’re an excellent source of omegas, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, they’re very low in fat compared to other proteins. Best of all, there’s no threat of e Coli, Staph or other pathogens.

HUMANELY SOURCED
That cricket chirp is their mating call. They live to reproduce. The process begins with crickets being cared for in numerous small farms which are all housed in warehouses. After the crickets have reproduced the temperature of their environment is slowly lowered until they reach a hibernation state. They are then frozen and ground into a powder. The cricket is never traumatized or feels any pain unlike nearly all other live animals used for food.

REDUCING YOUR CARBON PAWPrint🐾🐾🐾🐾
Did you know 80% of water in the USA is used for food production? The natural resources used for the production of meat is staggering. I got “bug-eyes” when I llearned the statistics.

🐂 It takes roughly 2,000 gallons of water to produce 1lb of beef.
🐓 It requires around 560 gallons of water to produce 1lb of poultry.
🦗Now consider, it takes only 1 gallon of water to produce 1lb of edible cricket protein.

According to the Seattle Times, Americans eat more meat than ever before, nearly 223lb per person, per year! In 2018 America surpassed the all-time record eating over 100 billion pounds. The World Atlas names Australia and the USA as the world’s largest consumers of meat. With Americans owning 90 million dogs, pets in the USA consume more meat than 90% of the world’s countries.* That’s a lot of meat!

And that’s not all...
The global demand for meat is leading to environmental destruction. Livestock agriculture requires almost half of the earth’s total land. It’s wasteful AND TOXIC! For example, 55% of water used in the US is for factory farming. Runoff contaminates waterways with nitrogen and phosphates. The greenhouse gasses produced by livestock agriculture make up at least half of all man-made emissions. Methane, an emission, has a global warming potential that is 86 times more than carbon dioxide. The evidence is clear that animal consumption is the leading cause of reduced biodiversity, water pollution, and deforestation which are all causes of global warming.

WHAT YOU CAN DO...
Start with trying some cricket snacks. If you come to one of my events, I typically have samples. You can also find them at many pet stores, or order right here and use “WEEKLY RUNT” for a 10% discount. If you’re really adventurous you can purchase cricket powder and start experimenting. Try making your own meals and snacks. (Watch for my favs in an upcoming blog & show!😜)


​A FINE GATEWAY BUG
You may find crickets are your “gateway bug” into a whole new way of eating for YOU AND YOUR PET! Mark my words, insect protein is going to explode like ants at a picnic! A complete, viable protein that’s easy to farm, inexpensive and packs a lot of punch for a lot less water! Very soon all of us will be saying, “There’s a bug in my food!” And, “Please pass the crickets!”

BUGS, PUGS & KISSES, 😘🐾❤️
-Katy

CHIP IN & SAVE WATER

*https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/top-meat-consuming-countries-in-the-world.html

​
🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

By, Katy Cable/TWR/A 5min. “HIGH”

Several years ago, I wrote a blog about the astounding results I was seeing in dogs using CBD oil to keep them calm during 4th of July fireworks. And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Arthritic pets, pets with seizures, anxiety, psychosis, depression, end-of-life issues, trauma, even cancer and metabolic diseases were all seeing unbelievable results from CBD oil.

In a very short amount of time CBD and hemp products have gone from underground to the hot new thing! What was once only a handful of established companies selling CBD pet products, is now a booming market with everyone including Martha Stewart and Snoop Dog in the CBD business.

If all this “buzz” (-pun intended 😜) about CBD/Hemp products has you confused and apprehensive, let me clarify all the important things you need to know.

When I first heard the words “HEMP”, “CBD” & “CANNABIS”, the thing that came to mind was getting “high” and I got scared. I would never want to turn my little pugs into "pot-heads" and have these CBD's cause more excessive sleeping and binge snacking. Even worse, what if it became the new “gateway" drug leading to opiates and heroin. I was extremely reluctant and apprehensive about using them.

Once I turned to my trusted, holistic/integrated vets for some clarification, I realized I was way off base. These vets have been using CBD's successfully for some time and straightened out my misconceptions.

What is CBD anyway? All mammals have an endocannabinoid system which is located in the brain and central nervous system. It’s crucial for establishing and maintaining health. Among its many functions are regulating memory, metabolism, immunity, sleep, mood, appetite and pain sensation. CBD’s (short for cannabinoids) act on any imbalance in these various receptors in the body. They create balance and provide the support needed for relaxing, repairing, or restoring any deficiencies in the body.

​There are many varieties of cannabis plants with hemp and marijuana being two popular ones. These plants contain, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is a "psychoactive" cannabinoid that produces the "high.” Dogs naturally have an abundance of receptors in their brains and are therefore extremely sensitive to THC. So much so that should your pet get into your stash of edibles it could make them gravely ill.

That put the fear of God into me about ever giving my pet CBD’s until I was informed these CBD’s were NON-PSYCHOACTIVE, meaning they contain NO THC. They are 100% non-toxic and safe. So, you get all the relaxation without the intoxication. And now they’ve become a mainstream health-boosting miracle worker.

HOW CBD’s CAN HELP YOU & YOUR DOG! -THE ABC’s

A’s-
ANXIETY: CBD Has Been Extensively Studied For Its Amazing Effect On Stress, Anxiety And Noise Phobias. I couldn’t believe how great it worked on dogs who would typically go off the charts ballistic on the 4th of July. With CBD they were calm and content. It also worked miracles on Olive. Although she has no issues with the 4th of July, car rides and nail trims were another story. These caused such extreme stress and anxiety she would vomit, drool and shake even after trying nearly every anti-anxiety drug and natural supplement. Now after taking CBD, she relaxes and has no problem.

I have also witnessed amazing results with frantic barking dogs in shelters or suffering separation anxiety.
It’s the perfect remedy for anxious dogs visiting the vet, having nail trims or dental procedures! And it’s not just for your pets. CBD’s can be a tremendous help for those suffering from panic disorders, PTSD, and anxiety. Best of all there are NO SIDE EFFECTS.

APPETITE: I know many cancer patients taking medical marijuana to increase appetite and now CBD’s are found to also work wonderfully. Not only with cancer but for many illnesses and aging. So if you’re having trouble getting your pet to eat, try some CBD to help stimulate their appetite.

ANTIOXIDANT: With natural antibiotic properties, CBD is shown to be a more powerful antioxidant than vitamins C, D and E. CBD protects the brain from cell death caused by free radicals and toxins. It’s a great anti-aging supplement.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: CBD has been shown to decrease the production and release of inflammatory cytokines that can cause allergies and a wide range of autoimmune conditions.

B’s-
BRAIN HEALTH:
CBD Can Help With Neurodegenerative Diseases:For dogs suffering from spine and nerve issues, CBD shows a lot of promise. CBD’s fight free radicals that cause aging and help repair dying brain cells.

CBD Can Treat Seizures And Epilepsy: I know so many pugs (and other breeds of dogs) suffering from seizures. Most dogs are put on strong drugs such as phenobarbital and potassium bromide. While they may help control the seizures, they can be extremely harmful to your dog’s liver and other organs. And the drugs don’t work in all cases. CBD has been working well in about 15 dogs I personally know. Dogs went from such frequent seizures they were considering euthanizing until the CBD’s cut the frequency from hourly to monthly! I am SO excited about this and hope more people will look into this option for their pets suffering from seizures.

C’s-
CHRONIC INFLAMMATION/PAIN RELIEVER: CBD inhibits the production of inflammatory macrophages and decreases chronic inflammation. I've seen over 20 dogs unable to walk without assistance or limping after an injury or over-exertion, bounce back quickly after using CBD's. They work so well for pain that scientists are considering them a new class of drug for the treatment of chronic pain. Studies show CBD to be very effective for:

• Decreasing nerve-related pain
• Decreasing inflammation pain and premature aging
• Decreasing pain from acute pancreatitis & intestinal inflammation (associated with irritable bowel disease, Colitis and Crone’s.)

CANCER: With it’s anti-tumor effect, CBD has even been shown to stop cancer cells from growing and increased tumor cell death. This is HUGE! Cancer is the #1 threat facing our pets with 2 out of 3 dogs getting cancer in their lifetime. How exciting to have this promising new option which is affordable and doesn’t have the horrible side-effects of most conventional treatments.

• CBD helps the immune system’s killer cells to cause cancer cell death.
• CBD kills cancer cells by blocking their ability to produce energy.
• CBD can help increase the efficacy of conventional cancer treatment.

CBD’s Are Legal, Safe & Non-Toxic: Because CBD oil for pets is derived from hemp oil and contains no THC, all 50 states have now approved the use of hemp-based CBD for human and animal products. With so many studies showing the health benefits of CBD, the most encouraging result is that CBD is completely safe, even when taken in high doses and over extended periods of time. CBD is non-toxic and animals don’t appear to build up a tolerance.

Choosing A High Quality CBD Oil
I’m sure you’re excited to race out and purchase some of this magic CBD oil but I urge you to do your research first! With any product that has this kind of interest, you must be very mindful. Not all CBD oils are the same and with minimal regulation you must be extremely careful. Here are a few things to look for:

• Check the sourcing: Only use companies that farm without the use of pesticides, fungicides or solvents.
• Get the analysis: Ask for a lab analysis of the amount of CBD in the product. Many CBD oils contain only small amounts poor quality CBD. The manufacturer should provide a certificate of analysis. You’ll also want to make sure there is no THC in the product.
• Don’t shop based only on the price: This isn’t where you want to be pinching pennies. Don’t bargain hunt with CBD. It’s plain and simple, the higher the quality and purity, the more expensive it usually is. Make sure the quality is human grade and has good ratios of CBD.
• For serious/chronic conditions use CBD in a dropper: You can buy CBD in treats but I recommend you use a dropper bottle first. This way, you can adjust your dog’s dose drop by drop to make sure he gets the most benefit. Then you can supplement with treats or use treats sparingly and adjust your pet’s dosage.

While there are several excellent CBD companies that I trust and use exclusively. Currently my favorite is PAWS EFFECT which is the pet product CBD line. They also have amazing human CBD beauty products and a CBD muscle soreness cream which I LOVE! All products use only the highest quality, human-grade ingredients. All products are grown, sourced in Hawaii and made in the USA. Their treats are grain & gluten free. Products are also vegan, non-GMO and certified organic. They use medical-grade hemp which is put through three rounds of extensive testing for purity and potency by an outside 3rd party medical lab at every stage of production. I love supporting this wonderful family-owned businesses. I encourage you to visit The Pet Shoppe on my website and learn more.

​I now enjoy CBD myself when flying (no anxiety
and no hangover!🤪) and I give CBD treats to Olive as a healthy snack. I also give them to friends who are trying to use more natural pain relief methods for everything from chronic pain management to mensural cramps. I hope if you try it out you’ll keep me posted on your own results. Pugs and kisses! 😘🐾💕

​🐾Katy Cable is an actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

By Katy Cable,TWR

This Sunday, April 7th is Easter. In honor of the floppy-eared Bunny, I thought this was a perfect time to discuss one of the most common problems I “hear” from Pug parents...EAR infections. Good news, if you know what to look for and some easy preventative tips, you can prevent a lot of bigger, more expensive problems.

My first pug Raisin was plagued with ear infections throughout most his life. Ironically they began coming on about a year after I switched him from homemade organic dog food to a crappy, expensive "prescription" food used to treat his urinary issues. As time went on, and I kept filling him with processed corn, wheat, grains, gluten and poultry by-product meals, the infections got much worse.

After a few years of misery and living on pricey antibiotics, Raisin underwent an extensive surgery. A small hole was drilled under his jaw and a tiny tube was inserted deep in the canal of his inner ear allowing it to drain and heal. It was a traumatic, painful, ordeal for the poor little guy, but it was successful. However, not too long after, he began having problems in his other ear and eventually the infections returned with a vengeance.

At age 13 he got another painful infection, deep in his inner ear. Antibiotics were no longer effective and he was not in any condition to undergo another exhaustive surgery. We made the heartbreaking yet humane decision to let him go. I wish I had known then what I knew now because I truly feel I could've avoided most, if not all these chronic ear issues.

If your dog is experiencing persistent ear problems or is a breed predisposed to them, -read on. These simple tips should save you a lot of expense, hassle, and heartache because preventing ear infections is actually quite easy.

Ear problems in dogs are the result of inflammation and/or infection. Any untreated inflammation can lead to infection. If your dog's ears are warm to the touch, red, swollen, and/or itchy, but there's little to no discharge, chances are the problem is inflammation. However, if one or more of those symptoms is present along with a brown, green or bloody discharge, that can be anywhere from thin and runny to a thick sludge, chances are it's an infection.

The most common reason for ear inflammation in dogs is allergies. An allergic response to food or something in the environment can cause inflammation anywhere throughout your pet's body, including the ears. A dog with allergy-related ear inflammation will shake their head a lot and also scratch incessantly at their ears. It is also common for them to butt their head along your legs or furniture in an attempt to relieve their discomfort. If you notice your dog doing any of these things be sure to check their ears for any signs of irritation, redness, odor, and/or swelling.

Another cause of ear inflammation is moisture. This is commonly known as "swimmer's ear." It’s very common during the warmer months when dogs are playing in the water more. For those of us in So Cal, that’s year-round. Your dog can also be at higher risk if you live in a humid, rainy climate. Wetness and moisture in the ear canals, coupled with a warm body temperature, can create an infection quicker than flies can collect on a can of soda left in the sun. It's extremely crucial to thoroughly dry your dog's ears each time they come out of the water or are groomed. -Particularly if you have a high risk breed!

The third major reason for ear problems is wax buildup. The presence of some earwax is healthy and normal, and, just like humans, different dogs have varying amounts. Some dogs, like my first Pug Raisin, needed his ears cleaned 2x's daily and current Pug Olive is fine with a quick weekly cleaning. 😀 Certain breeds, such as English & French Bulldogs, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Poodles, and Retrievers, in general produce more earwax. If you have one of these breeds, you should get your dog accustomed to having their ears cleaned regularly from the time they’re a puppy.

Ear infections typically involve the outer canal, which is actually very deep. The medical term used for these infections is "otitis externa." An infection that frequently recurs or never really clears, is termed, "chronic otitis." There are a number of things that can cause these infections including:

• Moisture in the ear which creates a warm breeding ground for infection.
• Heavy ear wax production. Excess glands in the ears that produce wax and sebum and clog up.
• Narrowing of the ear canal.
• Breeds with heavy, hanging ears such as Cocker Spaniels & Bassett Hounds.
• Foreign material in the ear, such as from a plant like a foxtail.

If your dog has an ear infection, it's very important to identify whether it's a bacterial or a fungal infection, (or both), in order to treat the problem.

Bacterial Infections of the ear are the most common. They can either be pathogenic, which is a bacterial picked up from a source OUTSIDE the body, such as contaminated ocean water. Or, non-pathogenic, which is a bacteria that normally lives in your dog's body, like staph. Any bacteria can become overgrown and quickly cause an infection.

Fungal Ear Infections in dogs are most commonly caused by yeast. This is the type of ear infections that constantly plagued my pug Raisin. Some yeast is always present in the bodies of animals. When the immune system isn't in prime condition, (from overuse of antibiotics or eating a diet high in starchy carbs), the fungus can grow out of control and cause an infection.

Most dogs prone to yeast infections need to have their ears cleaned and dried frequently. I would also recommend a fresh, wet, grain-free, low-carb, diet. As well as goid probiotics.

How To Prevent Ear Infections in Your Dog:

Unfortunately pugs are much more prone to ear infections than many other breeds. If you’re a pug parent (or have another susceptible breed) YOU MUST BE DILIGENT and check their ears daily. Any dirt, wax, or whatnot, left in the ear canal can bring on a raging infection quicker than norovirus spreads on a cruise ship.

If your dog's ears aren't squeaky clean, WASH THEM. An ounce of prevention is worth a TON of money in saved vet bills! If you have a dog getting frequent ear infections, ask your vet for an anti-fungal ear rinse. For everyday use, there are many excellent ear solutions available in pet stores or you can easily make this one at home for far less money:

• Mix equal parts distilled or alkaline water with organic apple cider vinegar (Great for frequent yeast infections)
• Add one drop tea tree oil ( NEVER for cats!) 1 TBS organic coconut oil.
• You can also dab a cotton ball, cotton round or sterile gauze with Witch Hazel, cooled green tea, or hydrogen peroxide, add a dash of coconut oil and begin cleaning.

***NEVER use rubbing alcohol or wipes containing alcohol to clean your dog's ears. It is much too abrasive and can cause extremely painful burning especially if there's inflammation.

​Apply a generous amount of solution to a cotton ball, round, or sterile gauze. (Never use a Q-tip inside the ear canal as it can damage or rupture the eardrum) Gently wipe the ears clean. You may need to repeat and use several cotton balls to adequately clean the ears. Once the cotton is clear of any dirt and wax, you are finished. This should do the trick for most dogs, but if you have a dog with heavy wax buildup, like my Raisin, I would do the following ear cleansing routine and I would ask your vet for a stronger medicated rinse until it’s under control.

• Put your dog on your lap or for large dogs, lay their head in your lap with one ear facing up so solution can roll down their ear canal.
• Squirt a small amount of solution directly into the dog's ear filing up the canal.
• Gently massage the jawline under the ear as solution dissipates.
• Repeat on other side. At this point your dog should begin shaking their head like crazy, spraying you with ear cleaning solution🤣!
• Now, grab that cotton and clean all the loosened wax and debris out of your dog's ears as directed above.
• Follow with lots of praise and a HEALTHY treat*. 😜 (NOT a big Milk Bone made of junk!)

You may need to do this once a day if ears buildup wax quickly.

***If you suspect your pup might possibly have an ear infection, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately! -DON’T WAIT! *** Should your sweetie be suffering from an infection they may require antibiotics and/or special medicated cleaning solutions. Letting an infection go untreated can lead to rupture of the eardrum and further complications.

If your dog is being treated for an ear infection its even more important to keep their ears clean. Adding topical medication to dirty, waxy, ears filled with gunk will just be adding fuel to the fire. Extra moisture and warmth will allow the bacteria to spread like ants at a picnic. Also, the medication will not easily reach and penetrate the infected tissue.

If your vet diagnoses your dog with a bacterial ear infection, make sure they determine the EXACT STRAIN and course of treatment. This will be extremely helpful if your dog has re-current infections and/or develops a resistance to certain antibiotics. And, just like with humans, it is extremely important to finish any medication your veterinarian prescribes. Don't try and save a few bucks by stopping the course of treatment early and stashing the extra medication. This can lead to regrowth of resistant organisms and eventually make them completely ineffective. Currently there are many strains of bacteria causing ear infections which are resistant to many (if not all) conventional medications.

I recommend adding some probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria being destroyed by antibiotics. A few tablespoons of plain Kefir or goat’s milk is ideal and can be found where milk and yogurt drinks are sold. Also, Nulo pet foods offer low-carb, high-protein jerky treats with patented, viable, probiotics. These will replace good bacteria being destroyed by the medication and keep your dog’s gut healthy. -A healthy gut means a healthy, strong immune system.

If your dogs ear issues are driving you nuts, I HEAR YOU! These tips should be a game changer. Not only for the health and comfort of your dog, but also for your bank account! Happy Easter! Happy Spring!


Pugs and kisses!🐾💕

​If you’d like recommendations on products I use, please watch my YouTube videos or reach out to me.

By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt

All eyes were on us! I felt like royalty as my dapper husband dressed in a Versace suit (that’s been collecting dust in the closet since our wedding) helped me out of the car. Outfitted in a vintage gown, jeweled high-heels, and a black and white faux fur and feather coat, we were quite out of the norm for a mid-afternoon spring day in the country.

And it just got better! The second our adorable black pug Olive, jumped out of the car, every bystander’s mouth dropped (and cellphone came out.) Olive was wearing a pearl necklace and show-stopping, pink glitter gigantic bow harness from the Christian Cowan couture collection for Moshiqa. This ensemble was made popular by celebrities like Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton. Our family was dressed to the 9’s,10’s and in this case, “roaring 20’s!”

For someone who has spent the better part of a year holed up at home in sweats and Pug PJ’s, I jumped (and barked) at the chance to attend a “live and in-person” Pug event!

My husband, feeling somewhat self conscious at all the attention asked, “are you SURE we’re supposed to dress up too and it’s not just the dogs?” Knowing our “pug peeps” and the year we’re stepping out of, I was certain they too would be going all out.

The occasion was Chai the Pug’s 5th “Great Gatsby” birthday celebration. When last year’s highly anticipated soirée fell victim to CoVid-19, an appropriately themed “roaring 20’s PAWTY” was on the calendar the minute the city moved into the red zone.

We walked into a dream that was well-worth the wait. And the commute! Chai is the “Pug-spiration” behind The Chai Coffee Co. A quaint cafe about two hours (make that four in traffic) from LA in the Historical District of Yucaipa. With emporiums, sweet shoppes and cherry blossom trees lining the charming street, one feels as though they stepped back to a simpler time. A time when everybody knew more about their neighbors than just their on-line profiles.

For this occasion, The Chai Coffee Co. had been transformed into a scene straight out of the Great Gatsby. Small jeweled lamps, beads, and Art Deco frames graced each table. Jazz music played. Several themed backdrops for InstaGram pics were set up. But the highlight was a large table featuring a jaw-dropping cake in the likeness of flapper pug, Chai.

To my husband’s relief, the place was packed with many of our beloved pug family, and everyone was impeccably outfitted for the occasion. And then there were the pugs! Imagine nearly 35 poshly dressed pups in tuxedos and bowlers, flapper gowns, sequins ball gowns, pearls and feathered headbands. Funny enough, the canines seemed to be enjoying the fancy dress festivities as much as the humans.

We quickly got the party in full swing with a game of musical chairs to the tune, “Who Let The Dog’s Out!” Pugs were held in the arms of their humans although several eliminated pugs chose to stay in the game and play follow-the-leader.

Guests were treated to Chai’s amazing coffee, beverage and food concoctions while the hosts deliberated on who would win the prize for “Best Dressed!”

The favorite game for the pugs was filling small bowls with whip cream and seeing who could devour it the fastest. My little Olive had to sit that one out. When it comes to food, her resource guarding issues can come out faster than you can say “woof!” and she often lives up to the name sake “bitch!”

The party was a FUN-draiser for The Pug Queen who rescues pugs. Many of the pugs in attendance were adopted from her. Recently she received an influx of Pugs rescued from the China meat trade and they needed costly medical attention. In addition to donations, a raffle was held with gift cards and must-have pug paraphernalia.

Then came the highly anticipated cutting of the cake. The Chai flapper-pug cake was a true work of art. This creation could’ve easily “taken-the-cake” as the winner of TV’s “Cake Wars.” While the guests serenaded the happy birthday song, Chai sat patiently in front of her cake. Her trademark tongue hanging perfectly out the side of her mouth. And so was ours!

Everyone gasped when the knife made the first cut. It seemed to beautiful to destroy. One taste and that thought went right out the window. The cake was every bit as delicious as it was impressive. It took the will power of a super hero not to eat myself into a diabetic coma.

The party cake, cookies, pup cakes and treats were the creation of Crystal, owner of Divine K-9 Treats. Not only is Crystal a talented baker but she’s also a Purple Heart Air Force Veteran and brain tumor survivor.

It melted my heart watching Chai and her friends decimate their cake. If ever there was a moment made for video, this was it! In fact, writing about this soirée is a bit like writing about your favorite song without listening to it.

Although my pug community did our best to stay connected over this past year, it didn’t come close to actually being together. I realized how much I’ve missed seeing friends and all the great things we do. Chai’s post-pandemic pug party was a perfect way to celebrate life getting back to normal after a very “ruff” year. Pugs and kisses on your 5th birthday Chai. Thank you for sharing your special day with us.

by Katy Cable, TWR
A 3 min. Read

What you put in your dog's dish is the single most important thing you can do for their health and well-being It's a major deal. You're either promoting health and healing or destroying it every time you feed your pet. This is so important and such a hot topic I've decided to break things down into small "kibble-sized" pieces.

I became a pet blogger because I saw a HUGE need for quick, simple, easy, tips that would often save pet parents "a house payment in vet bills!" These blogs are based solely on MY experiences, research, observations and testimonials I have received. I want to help you be a better pet parent by knowing the real deal and not making the same costly mistakes I did.

Now, just like the song "Do-Re-Me" from The Sound of Music says, "Let's start at the very beginning..." When it comes to pet food it starts and ends with knowing how to READ A PET FOOD LABEL. Don't be misled by commercials, displays, fancy marketing, celebrities and all the hype around particular pet foods. Many companies are putting far more dollars into the outside of the bag than what's going in. My recommendation is pretend all pet foods you are considering are in "brown paper packages tied up with strings...." (Another SOM reference) Then just read the ingredients on the labels and research who manufactures the food.

While the ingredient list alone won't tell you about the food's true sourcing, neither will the slick bag. You need to do your homework and research these companies. Find out who owns them; How many lawsuits and recalls have they had; Where are their ingredients sourced, and what kind of reviews do they have. A lot of trickery goes into pet food marketing and people are often horrified to learn what's really hidden in their pet's food. For an in-depth look at this information and a source for a lot of my research visit. The Truth About Pet Food http://truthaboutpetfood.com/

If you want to truly understand how the pet food industry works I encourage you to watch the incredible documentary film: PET FOOLED (http://www.petfooled.com/) and read my other pet food blogs. In a nutshell, you will learn pet food has become a great opportunity for big primarily candy and cereal companies to make billions on their waste that cannot be used or sold in their human products. In an effort to control costs and sell garbage, they've created brilliant marketing campaigns convincing everyone from vets to pet parents that a bag of highly processed, dry kibble is ideal, life-long nutrition for their pets.

But it gets so, so, SO much worse. A complete lack of adequate regulation and safety practices allows many substitutions with ingredients. -Often resulting in deadly consequences. As long as the ratios and ingredients are listed properly, it's basically: ANYTHING GOES! When the pet food company’s negligence is met with lethal consequences, they typically get away with paying out a few bucks and some bad PR.

Such was the case with the huge pet food scandal in 2007, This disaster, which killed thousands and thousands of pets, saw companies scrambling to do damage control. Not long after, new marketing was in place, and it was business as usual.

Hills Science Diet had serious problems with 44 of their regular and prescription formulas containing toxic vitamin D levels. Bad enough it happened ONCE, but these serious incidents have happened repeatedly for nearly TWO YEARS since February 2018. Yet it still flies of the shelves at the recommendation of many vets.

Fortunately, small companies wanting to do things better, have sprung up and started taking a bite out of these giant's market share. This has resulted in forcing these big corporate pet food companies to offer healthier options such as: "grain-free" , "No GMO's" "organic" and including higher quality ingredients.

But, are they? In many cases pet food giants gobble up some of these smaller competitors and keep the packaging exactly the same, so you never know. Then the cost-cutting begins. Typically, it starts with switching out ingredients for less-expensive options. Most consumers never know they’re favorite brand is now owned by a huge corporation.

One example of this is the brand Castor & Pollux which promotes organic, farm-raised fresh ingredients: Typically, pet parents purchasing this food are horrified to learn that as of 2015, this once top-of-the-line pet-food is now owned and operated by Purina. It's no accident you will not see that information on the bag.

If you shop for pet food at the grocery store or a big box pet store, or if you turn on a TV you will see all the well-known brands. Understand that most are owned by Mars: (Royal Canine/Nutro/Greenies/Eukanuba.) Nestle: (Purina brands such as Merrill and Castor & Pollux.) Smuckers:(Natural Balance) and General Mills: (Blue Buffalo.)

I also stay away from celebrity brands.I love Rachel Ray, but she’s definitely not formulating and cooking pet foods. She likely doesn’t even use her own pet products. Rather, she is paid handsomely to lend her name to promote a line of food typically owned and operated by one of these huge conglomerates. Again, check out the ingredients and the manufacturer/parent company first.

I pay close attention to small brands in big stores. I also visit independent pet retailers and check out what brands they carry. Ask them questions. They tend to research and do their vetting on products. Here's why: If a pet food has a major deadly recall, (and in the past few years there were many.) A big box company or grocer may feel a sting, but a local retailer could very well go out of business. Smaller independent retailers simply cannot afford to risk their livelihoods and reputations.1

As you pull those bags, or cans off the shelf, (bring those readers so you can see the fine print) keep in mind, ingredients are listed by weight PRIOR to cooking. So when you see a label saying, "Chicken is the #1 ingredient!" If you plop that chicken on a scale then cook off all the water and fat, it loses between 50-75% of its weight. Therefore, while it's great to feature chicken as the #1 ingredient, more important are the #2 and #3 ingredients.

Another tip is: look for more specifics: DEBONED, chicken, verses MEAT or POULTRY (-WAYYYYY to vague!) Worse yet is beef/chicken/salmon FLAVOR. While dogs are scavenging omnivores that eat a variety of things that would turn our stomachs, "by-products" "remnants" or "rendered meats" are also things I run away from. I also stay clear of any fish ingredients unless I completely trust the company's sourcing. Fish in particular can have high levels of mercury and may be rancid or contaminated. It's far too dangerous.

More and more people are fooled by the "grain-free" hype. Corn, brewer's rice, white rice and potatoes are often even higher in carbohydrates and can be just much MORE irritating to a dog than many grains. Ancient grains such as oats and quinoa are a far better option.

The ratios of carbohydrates to animal/poultry/fish proteins and the quality of the ingredients is of utmost important. I look for humanely, sustainably sourced foods, with 2-3 animal/fish/poultry proteins before I see carbs. I also choose low-glycemic carbs such as sweet potatoes, peas, quinoa and lentils over white rice and potatoes.

To finish off, I want to list ingredients to avoid at all costs. If you see these "no-no's" on your pet food label it will clue you in to the quality and care going into the food in general.

AVOID PET FOODS THAT:
❌List potato, soy, corn, rice or any other grain or plant-based protein as the first or second ingredient.

❌Use two different types of listings for the same grain or starch (i.e: corn, corn-gluten meal/potato, potato-starch.)

❌Use any by-products, renderings, unidentified fish, poultry or animal products. (i.e: animal meal, meats, meat meal, fish meal, poultry by-products, poultry remnants, poultry by-product meal, animal fat, poultry fat.)

❌Contains known carcinogens: BHA, BHT or ethoxyquin, dyes or flavors.

❌Sugars such as fructose, sucrose, dextrose, cellulose, tapioca, corn syrup, molasses.

I think many of you will be quite surprised to see that some well-known and pricey foods are comprised of nothing more than inexpensive fillers and poor quality meat protein. Hopefully, you will also find some great new foods that offer much more bang (and health) for your buck. If you have any questions, or want suggestions, feel free to message me.

Whatever you choose, you can stretch your dollar and GREATLY increase your pets health by incorporating your own fresh fruits, veggies, and meats to your pet's food.⚠️

Happy shopping and "BONE" Appetite! 😜🐾

⚠️ALWAYS add new foods ONE-AT-A-TIME and very slowly (10% or less per day) making sure pets can tolerate.

☠️ Never feed dogs: ☠️
onions/garlic/chocolate/alcohol/fruits with pits/raisins/grapes/currants/macadamia nuts/foods with salt-sugar-sauces/sugarless candies-gum-peanut butter or foods containing Xylitol.3

Social media:
#susan thixton
@TAPF
@nulo
@petfooled
#kohl Harrington

🐶Watch my PET FOOD SERIES anytime on YouTube. Segments run approx 10 min. Also Message me your ??’s 😜

​🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt
One of my guilty pleasures is the super-natural. Psychics, mediums, tarot cards, fortune tellers, even the Ouija Board.... I’ll admit, I’m OBSESSED. Some of my favorite shows are The Long Island Medium, Tyler Henry, the movie BIG! I love ‘em all!

When Liz Murdoch, a Los Angeles based pet psychic reached out on LinkedIn, and invited Olive and me to be guests on her popular podcast, "Talking With The Dogs!" we jumped (and barked) at the chance. On occasion, I’d seen shows using dogs to locate missing persons. I’d also seen mediums give people messages from pets that had crossed over. But to get a reading on a current, living pet, that was something totally new!

Anyone who spends five minutes on my site, “The Weekly Runt” will learn my background and how I found Olive. In addition, most of my blogs are personal stories pertaining to relevant pet issues. I figured doing a reading on Olive would be as predictable as a 70 degree, sunny day in LA. I walked into this experience a huge skeptic.

​Beginning in Kindergarten Murdoch remembers having a unique connection with animals. For show-and-tell, a classmate brought in their pet standard poodle. Murdoch instinctively knew what the dog was thinking and their mood. This sparked her interest and she begged her parents for a dog of her own. Two years later, a family move made that dream a reality. Not long after getting her first dog, she was competing against adults and winning blue ribbons in Dog Obedience at fairs.

Years later, while recovering from a traumatic car accident, Murdoch paid a visit to the Humane Society and adopted Sam, a black Lab puppy she immediately bonded with. Together, they became a certified therapy dog team and made regular visits to children’s hospitals and rehab centers. It was here she cut her teeth as an intuitive pet whisperer and realized her unique gifts went far behind training and obedience.

Murdoch went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education and continuing studies in Animal Communication from Columbia University. In addition to her popular podcast, she’s a frequent guest lecturer and does readings at events, in homes and online. She’s a go-to for many celebrities who call on her for assistance with their pets.

Our podcast was scheduled for the early afternoon at a studio out in Burbank. It was located in an industrial part of town with low-key, unmarked store fronts. Typically these facades hide high-profile film and TV production being created inside. Good luck finding a Starbucks in this part of town. Not many buildings had numbers and I felt I needed a psychic to find where we were going!

It was an eerie day right out of a super-natural scene in a movie. Unusually warm for a January afternoon, -even in SoCal. Once we arrived on the desolate block, out of nowhere, huge super-bursts of wind began kicking up sending random furniture and trash cans flying out into the street. It was as if ghosts were causing a stir around our car. Olive suddenly woke from her nap and began frantically barking at whatever loomed outside. This seemed very odd.

Once we found the studio, Murdoch greeted us at the door and buzzed us in. She had a kind loving smile and energy making me immediately feel right at home. Olive did as well. After rubbing against her pant legs like a cat, my normally tentative Pug, raced right into the recording studio. She wasted no time making herself at home on a chair directly behind the microphone. This seemed extremely out of character.

“Olive is very excited! She wants to tell her story!” Murdoch chimed. That seemed obvious but again, Olive rarely acts that enthusiastic about anything She can’t put in her mouth and devour! After a few quick selfies, we got underway with the podcast.

Murdoch began by watching Olive, while scribbling symbols, words and pictures on the notepad in front of her. Just like I’d seen Tyler Henry do. She told me how excited Olive was to share HER story.
“She doesn’t want people to feel sorry for her. She’s very proud of her story!”

I was calling B-S on the comments and thought, this isn’t anything uncommon. Based in Olive’s behavior, any perceptive person could’ve come to this conclusion.

And then something happened. Murdoch began gesturing areas of her own body and asking me very specific questions about Olive that have not been addressed in my blogs. Unless she somehow obtained Olive’s vet records she would never have known these particulars.

No “spoiler alert” You’ll have to listen to the podcast if you want to learn Olive’s story from HER prospective. I will tell you, something shifted. Within 5 minutes of starting the podcast I was completely surprised at how overcome with emotion I became. It was a good thing Murdoch was doing all the talking since I had a lump in my throat that felt like a wet gym sock.

Tears began streaming down my cheeks while Murdoch conveyed interesting specifics on what Olive wanted to tell me. When I glanced at Olive she would cock her head when Murdoch spoke. I could see in her eyes and body language, this was the real deal and quite incredible!

I don’t expect people to understand. Some things just can’t be conveyed in a blog or podcast. You can’t witness Olive’s unusual behavior or feel the strange surge of energy that made me overcome with emotion. If I hadn’t experienced it myself, I would’ve quickly written this whole thing off. Another ”cheesy, bull-sh—ty” LA frivolity right up there with $15 CBD bath bombs and bottled collagen water.

Now my logical brain had some questions. The first was, could Murdoch communicate with pets that have crossed over to Rainbow Bridge. The answer was an overwhelming “YES!” She then filled me in on some questions I had about my beloved first pug, Raisin.

The next question I had was whether or not she could talk to other animals, -like Dr Doolittle. First off, Murdoch made it known she isn’t a fan of that movie. While she has nothing against the actors or story, she is adamant that pets don’t communicate like that at all. (By that I mean talking in English, or other languages, with funny human voices.) Murdoch can and does do readings on cats, horses, hampsters, bearded dragons and even snakes. So, yes she is a regular Dr Doolittle herself.

I asked what type of situations people reach out to her for. She said gets a wide range of requests. Some are from people with a new pet they want to understand. Or a pet with behavior issues they can’t control. People reach out trying to help pets that are injured or sick and not acting normal. Murdoch also frequents animal shelters and does assessments helping people make more compatible adoption choices. And sadly, some people want to know if a pet is ready to cross to Rainbow Bridge.

​Good news, if you’re curious about your own pet, you don’t need to travel to LA to get a reading with Murdoch. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home. She is readily available for readings via the internet. All you have to do is supply a photo of your pet and book a convenient time. And of course her podcast is available for you anytime.

If you ARE in the LA area, Murdoch attends lots of events and does readings. Check my events page or her social media to find out her schedule.

I’d like to give a great big thank you to Liz for having us as guests. It changed my view on “animal communicators” and it was a bonding experience I will never forget. I hope you’ll check out the podcast and let me know what your thoughts are. Do you believe?
Pugs and kisses! -Katy & Olive

By Katy Cable- TWR

Poor King! The black Lab puppy was in agony! He lay on the floor of the pet store, moaning while incessantly licking and gnawing at his swollen, red paws. He shook his head as if to try and relieve the discomfort of his foul-smelling ears. His fur was brittle and crusty with numerous bald patches.

Equally distressed was King’s dad,
“I don’t know what else to do! The vet said to add grains to his diet but he seems to be getting worse every day!” he explained.

My interaction with King isn’t uncommon. In the past five years working with pet parents, I have seen the demand for "grain-free" pet foods make a meteoric rise only to drop like a lead balloon due to a DCM scare. When discussing pet foods with people, the first thing they typically request is either food with grains or without. So, what’s the difference? Is "grain-free" really better? And what about this DCM issue?

In July of 2019, an alert was issued by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) warning grain free diets may be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM.)

DCM is a disease of the dog's heart muscle that results in weakened contractions and poor pumping ability. It can lead to enlarged heart and congestive heart failure. Even death.

And then came the backlash! Suddenly every pet parent, usually on the insistence of their vet, wanted a grain-inclusive pet food. I was extremely concerned, and began investigating the report.

The report begins by naming the breeds of dogs most commonly affected by DCM as well as the brand and type of foods (kibble, wet, moist, raw, unknown) fed. The first thing that struck me was all the pet food brands listed were relatively popular, high-end, quality brands. I found it strange there wasn’t one mention of a low-rated, inexpensive, pet-food brand listed.

The FDA researchers observed that most of the DCM cases were associated with dogs eating DRY, GRAIN-FREE, foods. (That seems logical since far more dog owners feed dry-food and most options available today are marketed as “grain-free.”)

The report failed to list any information or statistics of how dogs were reacting when using other brands of pet foods. I highly doubt dogs eating the 2 top foods named (Acana & Zignature) were fairing more poorly than dogs on Beneful, or Kibbles-n-Bits. In fact, the Acana/Zignature feeder is likely more educated on pet food, willing to spend more money on their pet’s food and visits their vet more frequently for routine care. They may also be more prone to own the breeds of dogs more prevalent to get DCM. This report had more holes in it than Swiss cheese
​
​The report goes on to say, “It’s important to note that the reports include dogs that have eaten grain-free and grain-containing foods and also include vegetarian or vegan formulations. They also include all forms of diets. Kibble, canned, raw and home-cooked.”
“Therefore, we do not think these cases can be explained simply by whether or not they contain grains or by brand or manufacturer.” (This was written and underlined in RED TYPE!)

​My biggest takeaway of this scare was the following: “To put this issue into proper context, the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that they are 77 million pet dogs in the United States.
As of April 30, 2019, the FDA has received reports about 560 dogs diagnosed with DCM suspected to be linked to diet. Tens of millions of dogs have been eating dog food without developing DCM.” (This was also written and underlined in RED TYPE)

So, there it is! The whole study was nothing more than BOGUS HYPE! Designed to put the fear of God into pet parents, sell certain dog foods and sell news. I wouldn’t be surprised if a big brand pet-food company, feeling the pinch of some of these competitors taking market share, was behind the whole scare.

Now you might be completely confused as to which option of pet food to choose. My advice remains the same as when I began blogging and discussing "grain-free" diets way back in 2015. -Before they were even A THING! When selecting a food for your pet, whether it’s wet, dry, “grain-free” or “grain-inclusive”, the FIRST THING I advise is, READ THE LABELS!

Grain-Free" doesn’t mean “Carb-Free!” Funny enough, many pet foods marketed as "grain-free" contain even higher amounts of carbs, or “sugars.” They may contain more corn, soy, rice and vegetable proteins than foods that contain grain. Therefore, a “grain-free” pet food can often be a LESS HEALTHY option.

​Dogs and cats thrive on animal, fish and game protein. They do however, need a variety of trace minerals and vitamins found in veggies. Meat is expensive, and labor intensive, so, pet foods often keep prices low by adding corn, rice and potatoes as MAIN INGREDIENTS.

Although “grain-free”, ingredients such as: white potatoes, white rice, soybeans, and corn, quickly turn to glucose in the system and cause surges in blood sugar. That’s why many dogs eat and eat and eat without feeling satisfied. It’s no different than the CRASH that happens after consuming a bag of potato chips or a candy bar. Dogs typically pack on the pounds and all the health issues that go with it. Our pets are literally getting obese and starving to death at the same time.

The most important thing to consider when selecting ANY pet food, is choosing one that lists premium meat proteins as the first two or three ingredients. Read some pet food labels and you’ll notice several popular brands that substitute nearly all the animal protein with high-carb, starchy, plant-based protein. They charge a premium for nothing more than a “grain-free” bag of corn, brewers rice, wheat gluten and some poor-quality meat “by-product” meal. But the beautiful dog on the package and commercials reel consumers in every time.

If the first two or three ingredients are meats, THEN, look for low-glycemic carbs (grain-free or grain-inclusive) to round out the nutritional platform. Peas, oats, quinoa, lentils and sweet potatoes, don’t convert to sugar as quickly, but they're still NOT A SUBSTITUTE for animal protein.

I think you may be surprised at what you find. Many popular, expensive foods are quite high in sugars and others can be terrific options.

Last week while making a visit to one of my regular pet stores, I had a real thrill. I was nearly knocked over when, out of nowhere, a beautiful, energetic, black Lab puppy came racing over to me. While he was whimpering and smothering me with doggie kisses, when his owner appeared. Then I made the connection. The dog was KING! He had made an amazing transformation and was thriving on his new food. Next to winning the SuperLotto, nothing could’ve made me happier!

One thing is certain, regardless of whether you prefer your pet’s food with grains or without, there are many excellent choices and many horrible ones. What you put in your dog’s bowl is either keeping them healthy or making them sick. I can help you make the best choices. My website offers lots of valuable information to help you. You’ll find over 100 blogs and videos on a variety of popular topics. Plus I’m happy to answer and questions or provide some recommendations. Bone Appetit!
-Katy 🐾🐾❤️



​🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

*For those of you who wish to read the report in it’s entirety, here’s the link: DOG FOOD ADVISORY REPORT

By Katy Cable-TWR / A 4 min. read

CoVid19 pretty much took a dump on 2020, but just a couple weeks shy of the lockdown, “Pug-aholics” from around the globe gathered in Las Vegas for our annual pilgrimage. Little did we know, our world was about to come unglued.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but in my case, PUGS are! Feeling horribly depressed as my recent birthday hit me like a slap in the face, my amazing husband gave me the gift of a lifetime. He kindly agreed to accompany me to the annual Las Vegas Pug Party. A weekend adventure equivalent to Coachella for Pug lovers!

Pugs from the around the globe including social media “PUG-lebrities”: Minnie & Max Pugs, (@minniemaxpugs) Surf Gidget the Pug, (@surf_gidget_the_pug), Milo & Otis the Pugs,(@otisthepugwalsh) and the new baby sister to the late Chubbs the Wampug, (@chubbsthewampug) Ms Worldwide, converged on Las Vegas for a “Pug-a-Palooza” of our own.

Typically having a child or pet with you in “Sin-City” will make you as welcome as a rash, but we a found a perfect base camp at an all-suite hotel right off the Vegas strip and took over the town.

The weekend kicks off with nearly 100 pugs and their peeps boarding a fleet of party buses and heading to the infamous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign for a group picture. It’s “Pugs-Gone-Wild” and this year was no exception. The darling pugs, dressed to the nines, doing their version of “lap & pole” dances, had us crying in hysterics!. Several became viral TikToks which will live in infamy.

Following our heroic efforts to gather over 100 people and their pugs for a group photo, it was off to enjoy dinner. It takes a lot to stand out in Vegas, but the controlled chaos caravan of pugs did just that. Hundreds of pugs parading down the strip in strollers and canine contour was definitely the talk of the town on that night! The pugs gave the superheros and showgirls a run for their money and were by-far the most sought-after photo-opp!

And what could have been “dog-gone” madness, with crazed dogs running amuck and lifting legs with abandon, was instead a group of purrrrectly behaved Pugs. Unlike toddlers throwing temper-tantrums, there were no screaming-crying melt-downs with our fur babies. The Pugs were quite happy flopping around as food tidbits from our meals fell to the ground like a spring rain. And did I mention how dog-gone cute they looked in their fabulous attire!

The following morning we rose at the crack of dawn to brave the sweltering heat for a hike at picturesque Red Rock Canyon. Pugs aren’t known for their hiking agility. These stocky, bowling-ball shaped dogs are more likely to tumble down a hill than climb up one. With temps soaring in the high 90’s, most pugs preferred sleeping like rocks in their comfy, luxurious, all-terrain wheeled strollers.

Friday night’s “Pugs, Pizza, & Pajamas” party was a sell-out with over 165 pugs invading every square inch of the hotel lobby. Tripping over pups romping in their festive pug-jamas was the cutest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on! Pugs had the option of indulging in bites of whatever their human would share, or could stick to their “summer-body diets” and enjoy grain-free, low-carb, lamb, beef & turkey “aPAW-tizers” sponsored by Nulo pet foods.

Guests were treated to sWAG bags filled with amazing pet products including organic pet shampoo, designer poopy bags, CBD treats and promo items from some of the famous Pugs. The evening concluded with a champagne toast to Chubbs and other pets who have left us for Rainbow Bridge.

Early Saturday morning, my Pug, Olive and I headed to the “Pugs in the Park” meetup while hubby took in a much needed-round of golf. Hundreds of pug-obsessed locals joined the “Pugs Take Vegas” weekenders at a beautiful dog park for “mutt-mingling” and photo-opps with their favorite “pug-lebrities!”

My pug Olive and I had the pleasure of hitching a ride to the meetup on Surf Gidget the Pug’s pimped-out tour bus. Her Sprinter included plush carpet, a mini-fridge, toilet, designer beds and even her own pug-sized convertible parked inside. Her ride was nicer than many apartments.

Later that afternoon, back at the hotel, a raffle was held with must-have pug “para-FURnalia!” Everything from signed artwork, to books, pillows, posters and pottery, created competitive bidding wars. Proceeds from the weekend event and raffle raised nearly $20,000 for several pug rescues.

The weekend’s headlining event was Saturday night’s Pug Wedding officiated by Elvis himself. It was everything you’d expect from a Vegas wedding and a lot more. Fancy wedding cakes for canines and humans adorned the beautifully decorated hall. Guests and pugs were lavishly outfitted for matrimony. Pugs were marrying other pugs. People were marrying pugs, and everyone was getting in the act celebrating love and friendship. Elvis serenaded us through the entire experience with favorite hits like “Hound Dog” and “Love Me Tender!”

Come Sunday morning everyone was “dog-tired” as we dragged ourselves to the weekend’s farewell brunch. The venue was packed with pugs dressed in their finest “Sunday Brunch Attire.” While a few pranced around the room posing for Instagram pictures, most were tucked into their luxury strollers sleeping soundly. That is until the candied bacon and eggs hit the table.

With tears in our eyes (partly from pet allergies and no sleep) we said our goodbyes and promised to keep in touch via social media.

My depression over having another birthday and turning another year older, had melted faster than a snow-cone in July. I learned getting old sure beats dying young. Age is just a number! As for wrinkles, well they’re an adorable pug trademark. From now on, my birthdays would be celebrated by attending the Vegas Pug Weekend and they would be highly anticipated events.

Two weeks later the world went into lockdown. Things got very scary and unpredictable. Life as we knew it got turned upside down. This year’s 2020 Las Vegas Pug Party was another casualty of CoVid 19. As sad as that was, I’m so very grateful to have all my treasured memories and many new friends to help get me through a difficult time. Plus, the next Vegas Pug Party will certainly be one for the record books.


To enjoy more videos and photos of this event and find out about more fun activities, Including The Vegas Pug Party 2021, follow me on social media and sign up to receive my weekly blog.

By Katy Cable-TWR
A 4 min Read

As Black History Month comes to an end, I decided to look into whether there was any truth to the urban myth that black pets are harder to find homes for and get euthanized more often. I was surprised and saddened to learn this is actually true. Research from a variety of sources shows that black pets do typically sit in shelters longer and are often harder to find homes for.

I know many people are superstitious about black dogs and cats, but as the owner of “little black Olive the Pug” I’m a huge fan of an all-black pup. As a matter of fact, I’m not alone; For not a day goes by without somebody telling me how much they adore and want a black dog or cat.

While they’re many wonderful things about having a black beauty, here are my top five reasons NOT to be “Puppy Prejudice!”

​1. BEST DRESSED: As someone OBSESSED with fashion you can’t beat a black dog. Especially when it comes to dressing them. From hot pink to royal blue. Stripes, polka dots and bling collars all POP and look amazing on a black pet.

​2. A BEAUTIFUL BLACK COAT: Their fur is sleek with a beautiful sheen. Photographers always love to use them as models. Plus, there’s far less shedding with a black dog. When you do love them up, their dark fur often blends right in and is far less noticeable than fur that’s lighter in color.

3. BLACK NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE! Whether it’s cars, jackets or a little black dress, you can never go wrong with black.

4. BLACK DOGS LOOK CLEANER LONGER. Fetching a toy in the dirt, or a splash in a puddle can turn a lighter dog 50 shades of filthy. While a black dog needs cleaning like any other dog, you can certainly go much longer without them looking like they need a bath.

​5. BLACK DOGS ARE THE MOST LOVING. Perhaps it’s because they have sat in shelters longer, but black dogs are some of the most loving pets you’ll find. Some breeds of black dogs like Pugs, Labs, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels also make the best family dogs.

Dogs, just like people, are unique. They come in a variety of breeds, shapes, sizes and idiosyncrasies. Let’s embrace that. Whether you chose a dog whose fur is black, brindle, grey, white, red, a mix, or they have no fur at all, isn’t important. Our dogs warm our hearts and teach us everyday. We can disagree with someone on everything from music to politics to whether or not Bigfoot exists, but the minute we see they’re a dog owner, none of that matters. We instantly forget our differences and connect over how much we treasure our dogs.

In these heated you times when there’s so much division, let’s follow the lead of our dogs and be more loving and accepting of others. And if you’re considering a new pet, go consider that broken soul hoping for a chance to cherish and adore you. Pugs and kisses!
​-Katy 🐾

By Katy Cable/TWR
A 3 min. Read

💕 February is Doggy Dental Health Care month and believe it or not, neglecting this crucial element of your pup’s overall health can be deadly. Or, lead to a host of other major health issues, here are some very important tips and facts for you to “brush-up” on:

I used to think people who brushed their dog's teeth were being a tad obsessive. Then my vet informed me they pulled 13 teeth out of my Pug Raisin's mouth and handed me a bill large enough for me to sink my own teeth into. Right then and there I realized how important doggie dental care is.

Unless you're a three-year-old child, you probably wouldn't dream of going day's on end without brushing your teeth. Believe it or not, your dog shouldn't either.

When plaque is allowed to accumulate on your dog's teeth, within a few days it hardens into tartar. Tartar adheres to the teeth and irritates the gums. Irritated gums result in an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. Dogs with gingivitis have red rather than pink gums, and stinky breath. If the tartar isn't removed, it builds up under the gums, eventually causing them to pull away from the teeth. This creates small pockets in the gum tissue that trap additional bacteria in the mouth.

Once things progress to this stage, your dog will have developed an irreversible condition called periodontal disease, which not only causes considerable pain, but can also result in abscesses, infections, loose teeth, and bone loss.

But here's what's really shocking: Should your dog develop periodontal disease, the surface of his gums will be weakened, which can allow mouth bacteria to invade the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. If their immune system doesn't kill off the circulating bacteria, it can reach the heart and infect it with a multitude of serious issues.

Some types of bacteria found in the mouths of dogs produce sticky proteins that can adhere to artery walls, causing them to thicken. Mouth bacteria are also known to promote the formation of blood clots that can severely damage the heart.

If that's not bad enough, studies have linked periodontal disease in both humans and pets to systemic diseases of the kidneys, liver, and lungs. It can also result in diabetes complications, problems during pregnancy, and even cancer. These serious health problems can either develop or be worsened as inflamed or bleeding gum tissue allows harmful oral bacteria to filter into the bloodstream quicker than a pug can devour a meal.

In addition to systemic diseases, infections in the mouth often create other problems including tooth root abscesses, jaw fractures, nasal infections, and in extreme cases, eye loss and oral cancer. If your dog is lucky they may get by with a simple cavity or chipped tooth.

That probably scared you enough to start looking for a new doggie toothbrush. And that's good news since most of these conditions can be avoided or greatly improved once good oral hygiene has begun and any dental disease has been resolved.

As you can see, your dog's oral hygiene is much more than just an obsessive grooming afterthought. It's an extremely important factor in maintaining your dog's health and longevity. I suggest you begin by talking to your vet and getting a thorough evaluation of your dog's teeth, gums and mouth.

In my case, I began daily brushing the second I brought home my new Pug Olive. Now she’s 6 years old and still hasn’t needed professional dental cleanings. Her teeth look great. But with my first Pug Raisin, I learned the hard way. He needed twice-yearly cleanings and major oral surgery to repair just a few years of neglect.

Pugs and other "flat-nosed" breeds come genetically disadvantaged in terms of dental health. They seem to have teeth settled in the far reaches of their throats. Not only are they hard to find, but they’re also even harder to clean. Their cramped, flat muzzles and the shape of their mouths make properly cleaning back molars about as easy as resisting homemade brownies straight out of the oven.

Again, your vet can recommend possibly adding some tartar-removing sprays, (or check out TEEF) and other products which might be useful. Hopefully, you can get things under control and deep cleaning with anesthesia will not be necessary.

Here are a few simple tips for keeping your pet's mouth healthy and introducing the toothbrush:

• Feed your dog a nutritious, species-appropriate, diet. This sets the stage for vibrant good health. However, I can't tell you how many pet-parents assume feeding their dog a hard, dry kibble is all that's necessary to take care of their pet's teeth. It would be the same as thinking eating crunchy granola bars was all you needed to keep your own teeth clean. Unfortunately, feeding great food of any kind is not enough to prevent dental disease for the life of your pet.
• Perform routine inspections of your dog’s mouth. Your pet should allow you to open his mouth, look inside, and feel around. Check for loose teeth, unusual lumps or bumps on the tongue, under the tongue, along the gum line and on the roof of their mouth. After you do this a few times, you'll become sensitive to any changes that might occur from one inspection to the next. You should also make note of any differences in the smell of your pet's breath that isn't diet-related. ​
• Offer your pet raw bones to gnaw on. This is an excellent way to help remove tartar the old fashioned way -- by grinding it off through repetitive chewing. There are some rules to offering raw bones (not for pets with pancreatitis, diseases of the mouth, weak or fractured teeth, resource guarders, "gulpers," etc.) so ask your vet if raw bones would be a good "toothbrush" for your dog. I recommend offering a raw bone about the same size as your pet's head to prevent tooth fractures.

One of the secrets to successful tooth brushing is to progress slowly and gently, allowing your dog to adapt. When you first get your dog, you can begin a cleaning routine by wrapping a small piece of sterile gauze around your finger and letting them become familiar with having your finger in their mouth. Gently rub the top front teeth and slowly work your way to the back teeth. Then do the same on the lower teeth. Praise your dog often and keep these sessions short. If your dog resists, try doing this while they're relaxing and more mellow which is typically around their bedtime. If they resist, stop and try again another time. Also, confirm they don't have another underlying problem causing mouth pain.

The next step is to use a safe, natural dental cleaning product designed for pets and apply a small amount to the gauze before you rub your dog's teeth. I am a fan of Oxyfresh products. With minimal time and effort, all that brown gunk around the back teeth comes right off and usually professional cleanings can be avoided. If you don't have canine toothpaste, you can use organic coconut oil. Once they get used to this, you can progress to either a finger brush or a soft toothbrush the right size for their mouth. Remember, the more rubbing and brushing your pet will allow, the more quickly you'll see results, and the easier it will be to maintain dental health.

If your furry companion is highly resistant to having their teeth rubbed or brushed, or, in the case of a new rescue/shelter dog that comes with a mouth needing major attention, you can try a new, amazing product called TEEF. Simply add a small pinch of this all-natural, tasteless, odorless powder to your dog’s water each day and BAM! A clean mouth, fresh breath, whiter teeth, and NO MORE harmful bacteria, plaque and tarter. It’s the easiest thing EVER! This product is a game-changer for Pugs or other pets with dental issues.

Also, before attempting dental care, consider using CBD treats and oil. This all-natural cannabis works miracles to chill-out an anxious dog. (
Use Code: TWR10 to receive 10% off Paws Effect CBD from my store)

☠️ALERT REGARDING DOGGIE DENTAL TREATS
Please be cautious when purchasing doggie dental treats. Many contain harmful if not toxic ingredients.

Before You Buy Dental Care Treats, Read The Ingredient List! I see lots of pet parents gravitating to dry kibble and dental treats to keep their dog’s teeth clean. This is a popular misconception. In addition to not containing healthy, species-appropriate ingredients, they are loaded with harmful additives and preservatives. Some of the most popular products such as Milk Bone Brushing Chews and Purina Beneful Healthy Smile Dental Twists contain the synthetic toxic preservatives BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) which are used to prevent fats and oils in food from turning rancid. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program has identified BHA and BHT as cancer-causing agents that consistently produce certain types of tumors in laboratory animals. Unfortunately, the FDA still permits the use of these chemicals as preservatives in food, deeming them "generally recognized as safe" in low doses.

In addition, smaller treats that are chewed and swallowed in a matter of seconds provide no real dental benefit for your pet.

Remember, even with bones, dental treats, and a healthy diet, it’s still necessary to use TEEF or brush your dog’s teeth. It’s one of the best things you can do to keep your sweetie from becoming “All Bark and No Bite!” 😁

🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

y, Katy Cable-TWR
A 2 min. Read

Is your dog as popular as the middle seat on an airplane? With so many people getting “a new addition” for the holidays, I thought it was important to address this topic. In fact, failing to properly socialize your dog can mean MAJOR headaches for everyone.

​Why is this such a big deal? Believe it or not, dogs that aren't properly socialized usually display serious behavioral problems making them unsuitable family pets. Nearly half the dogs relinquished to shelters have at least one behavioral problem. The most common being aggression and destructiveness. These traits are usually rooted in fear and anxiety.

Hopefully you had the opportunity to begin socializing your dog as a new puppy. But it's never too early to begin exposing them to as many new people, animals, environments and other stimuli as possible. The best way to help your dog handle a variety of new experiences without having them exhibit behavioral problems is this: Each and every day, engage all your dog’s senses through exposure to the sights, sounds, and snells of daily life. In addition, expose them to new ones as often as possible. Being able to trust your dog will handle situations with acceptable behavior brings peace of mind to you and your confident canine! Here are a few suggestions to try with your new dog or puppy that has completed some basic puppy training:

• I'm a HUGE fan of obedience classes. They provide an environment where all the dogs (and their owners) are kept under the control and guidance of a skilled trainer. This can be very helpful if your pet seems wary or fearful around other dogs. Organized classes give them the opportunity to be around other pups, but from a safe, trusting, supervised distance. With CoVid, you may want to opt for an outdoor class or a much smaller class size.
• If you have friends with dogs, arrange play dates. Begin with one dog at a time. Start the introduction with a short walk in a neutral territory. Once the dogs have gotten to know each other try letting them play in a safe, enclosed area. This is a perfect low pressure social situation in which your pup can hone their skills without being overwhelmed by too many dogs, or an overly dominant or possessive pooch. If things go well, you can arrange future outings for the four of you to take walks, go hiking, toss Frisbees, fetch tennis balls, go swimming, etc. Always practice safe social distancing and wear a mask.
• If it makes sense for you and your dog, get involved in dog agility classes. These provide a great opportunity for your dog to be around other dogs and people while getting lots of exercise, mental stimulation, and building a stronger bond with you. If classes aren’t available in your area right now, check out free videos online and set up your own agility drills. Maybe you can do competitions with your dog one day.
• If agility isn’t for you, some other high-energy activities, including flying disc, dock jumping/dock diving, fly-ball, fly-gility, herding, hunt and field trials, musical freestyle and heel work, to name just a few.
• Not all socialization activities need to be physically demanding. One of my favorites is therapy dog work. Depending on your dog's temperament and personality, you can have them pass simple training to be a therapeutic visitation dog. You and your dog can make visits to hospitals, nursing homes, detention units, rehab facilities, schools, senior citizen apartments and other places where people aren't permitted to keep pets or aren't able to care for them. It's extremely rewarding for everyone. Find more information at: http://tdi-dog.org/. Again, due to Covid restrictions thus might not be an option right now, but I would recommend checking out the qualification test skills and begin working on those with your dog. Then you’ll be ready to go when it’s safe.
• Another possible option for socialization and exercise is to enroll your pet in a doggy daycare program one or two days a week. It's very important the facility you choose has a knowledgeable staff trained in dog communication and interaction, separate play areas for dogs of different sizes, and supervised playgroups. Be certain they are doing extensive temperament tests on all dogs to evaluate their behavior in the daycare environment. Introduction to the pack should be gradual for all new dogs.
• I enjoy doing "meet-ups" with other dog groups. Twice a month we meet at the local dog beach and or dog park to see old friends and make new ones. For new or more timid dogs, try a visit to the park or dog beach during slower weekday times. It is less crowded and intimidating.
• Last but not least, never underestimate the socialization value of good daily walks. Maybe mix it up and try a new, unfamiliar neighborhood for a change of pace with your dog. You both get fresh air, stress-relieving endorphins and perhaps even a little cardio exercise. I LOVE dog walking and the fun opportunities it brings for us both to meet old and new friends! -Both two and four-legged!
  
  

With a little time and attention, you can transform most dogs into “social animals!” Not only will it be fun but you will both end up happier and in better health. 🐾

💕Speaking of “PAW-pular dogs”, big thank you's to Pupstar Sonoma's Roxy, Bono & Blue appearing in one of my all-time favorite photos which I love so much. Here’s a fun clip from their calendar launch PAWTY!

By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt
A 4 min. Read

Wanna know the difference between mild and severe allergies in dogs? For starters, it's several hundred bucks in vet bills 😜. While the weather, changing seasons and other environmental factors may be partially to blame for your pup’s issues, the main trigger and cause is usually always THEIR FOOD.

Identifying the specific food allergen however, can be a daunting, expensive headache. First let's look at what a food allergy is: When a dog is allergic to a food ingredient in their diet, their immune system jumps into overdrive thinking that substance is attaching their body. The body goes to war in the same way it would if exposed to a real danger such as a deadly bacteria.

Everyday I see frustrated pet parents trying to help their dogs who are suffering from food allergies. The first thing they frequently tell me is their vet says they're allergic to chicken. When I ask what brand of pet food has been giving them problems, often it’s a dry processed kibble loaded with corn, wheat, grains and gluten. The protein is typically a poor quality rendered poultry, and/or beef that is often pumped with growth hormones, antibiotics and other harmful chemicals. Many times it’s a combination of several different proteins (ie: fish, chicken, beef, duck.) When I switch them to a grain-free, low-glycemic carb, pet food that contains a single, novel protein that’s clean (free-range, grass-fed without antibiotics or hormones), the problems quickly clear up, even if it contains the suspected protein source.

Not all pet-foods are created equally! Unfortunately, a high percentage of pet foods use massive amounts of starchy carbs “fillers” and the meat is the leftover, rendered pieces and parts of factory farmed meats. The same try,6. parts not deemed suitable for human consumption. Also there is ample deception in ingredient labeling in pet foods so it can be impossible to find the exact culprit.
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If your dog has a food allergy, they will typically have symptoms like itchy skin, rashes, and yeasty ear infections. And then there’s horrible gas and runny, smelly stools. There may be vomiting and diarrhea. However, it can often take some time for the immune system and GI tract to be significantly compromised enough for your dog to show digestive disturbances.

While most of us use the term "food allergy" to describe the problem, true food allergies, also called “Adverse Food Reactions” are actually quite rare. According to Dr. Jean Dodds, a world-renowned veterinarian and creator of the NutriScan food intolerance test, in all likelihood, it is not an allergy but a food intolerance. A simple description is in the body's immune responses. A true food allergy produces a much harsher, more immediate reaction and a specific type of antibodies. A food intolerance or sensitivity produces a more delayed response of a different type of antibodies.

Most conventional veterinarians who suspect a pet is dealing with a food intolerance typically recommend a highly processed “prescription” diet. Holistic vet's often take a different approach which I recommend. If you have a dog or cat over the age of one year who is dealing with a possible food sensitivity, ask your vet about the NutriScan food intolerance test which identifies 24 of the most common foods dogs eat, including:
Beef
Chicken
Millet
Soy
Pork
Rabbit
Venison (deer)
Barley
Rice
Sweet potato
Salmon
Quinoa
Chicken eggs
Wheat
Potato
Oatmeal
Lamb
Lentils (includes peas)
Corn
Turkey
Peanuts/peanut butter
Cow's milk
Duck
White-colored ocean fish (includes menhaden, pollack, herring and sardines)
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NutriScan is a simple salivary test, and is currently the most accurate food sensitivity test on the market. A simple swab not only takes away all the guesswork but also makes tedious and time consuming elimination diets unnecessary. It's important to note that NutriScan doesn't test for food allergies, but rather food sensitivities and intolerances occurring over the last six months to two years.

When dogs eat the same food day after day, year after year they can develop a sensitivity to the protein source. Especially if the food is inexpensive, highly processed, and includes meat pumped full of antibiotics and hormones. This alone can cause the immune system to go into overdrive. Dogs can also grow sensitive to a host of other allergenic ingredients in the food such as the typical culprits: corn, grains, gluten, soy and other carbohydrates. The NutriScan test can quickly identify the specific ingredient(s) in your dog's food which are causing problems. This makes it much easier to revamp your dog's diet and successfully resolve problems.

If your dog is experiencing adverse reactions to some aspect of their diet, it is imperative to give their body a break from the food they've been eating. This will give the immune system an opportunity to calm down and hopefully you will see improvement in symptoms. And don’t forget to stop all the treats too! Many times, it’s too many poor quality treats that is causing problems.

After determining your pet has a food intolerance, the next step is to slowly introduce a new diet containing ingredients their body isn't familiar with. For example, if your pooch has been eating chicken and rice-kibble since you brought them home, I would suggest trying a salmon and sweet potato or lamb and lentils based food. Most vets suggest switching both the main source of protein as well as the primary carb to achieve the most effective results.

I have seen dramatic results by just having pet parents eliminate TREATS, plus grains, corn, gluten and filler ingredients that are common triggers. They continue to thrive when they stay on low-glycemic carb diets that contain clean animal proteins. I have had tremendous success with Nulo pet food which uses free-range, grass fed meats with no hormones or antibiotics, low glycemic carbs and adds powerhouse probiotics. It takes all the guesswork out of it and makes it simple. There are many great foods options available, or you can make your pet’s food yourself. If you need assistance, visit my website where I have lots of blogs to help you select a nutritional, safe pet food.

If you are transitioning your pet to a diet, I recommend working with a holistic or integrated veterinarian. To find a list of them in your area visit: http://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/
However, whatever you decide, the following tips from Dr. Karen Becker should be extremely helpful:

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A dog with food sensitivities should remain on a novel diet for a minimum of two months and preferably three, to allow the body time to clear out the allergenic substances and begin the detoxification process. During this period it's important to use good pre and probiotics to build up their inflammatory response in the GI tract.
Because each case of food intolerance and dysbiosis is unique, I recommend working with a holistic or integrative veterinarian. Once a patient has completed two to three months on a novel diet, other foods are slowly reintroduced one at a time, and the dog's response is closely monitored. Some dogs show dramatic improvement on the new diet, and in those cases, I often don't rush the reintroduction of food that could be problematic.
When the dog is stable and doing well, I encourage dog parents to find at least one and preferably two other protein sources their pet tolerates well so that every three to six months, they can rotate proteins and hopefully avoid further allergic reactions.
In addition, the cleaner the proteins, the less chance your dog will become sensitive to them over time. Clean animal proteins are non-toxic. For example, animals raised on a natural diet (grass-fed, not factory farmed) as well as hormone-free animals, are better food sources for sensitive pets.
During and after a novel diet, I recommend natural supplements to aid detoxification, relieve allergic symptoms and support your pet's immune system. Your holistic veterinarian can help you select the supplements most appropriate for your pet's individual needs.

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Click here for my Farmecuticals blog featuring great, inexpensive things to enhance your pets health that can be found right in your own cupboards at home. Click the link below to watch a short video on the best foods for sensitive pets. 👍🏼💕

By, Katy Cable-TWR /A 4 min read

Most of my followers are PUG-OBSESSED like I am, but for those joining The Weekly Runt who are interested in adding a Pug to your family, I want to educate you on some important facts about this special breed so you’re not "unpleasantly" 😳 surprised!

Believe it or not I never originally wanted a dog. I actually dreaded getting one! And then I was introduced to PUGS! Now I know why people who love pugs say, "Its not just a dog, it's a PUG!" They are darling. They are hysterical. They tug at your heartstrings and all of the sudden you're hooked and HAVE TO HAVE ONE. -OR FIVE!

First of all, no two pugs are alike. Don't assume that magical, snuggle bunny Pug on your neighbor's lap or that comical Pug dressed up singing on YouTube is what you're going to get. Pugs, like all dogs vary greatly in their temperament, energy, intelligence and independence ranging from go-with-the-flow to I'm-in-charge-of-everything. That being said, there are some generalizations that tend to be SPOT ON:

PUG PUPPIES: If I'm lucky, everyday at work I might have the opportunity to help out new pet parents shopping for their first puppy. Usually the puppy is cuddled in their arms dozing in and out of sleep. Just like a new sleeping baby, that in the blink of an eye turns into a high energy toddler on the move, the same holds true for puppies. Warn as I do, these parents are usually astounded when all too quickly that same puppy is a whirling dervish of energy who snuggles for 30 seconds and then is off again to race around the house, leaving a trail of destruction in his or her path. Pug puppies are no different from any other puppy. Expect nipping, chewing, gnawing, jumping, pulling on your pant legs, shoe destroying, and lots of mayhem.

Here's the reality. The only puppy that is a couch potato is a SICK puppy. Most are bundles of non-stop energy. You likely won't have a couch potato pug until at least the age of three and your pug may NEVER be a couch potato. Pugs from reputable breeders are more likely to have the typical pug temperament eventually, but even they will be little spitfires as puppies. If your puppy is from the internet, a pet store, a newspaper ad, or rescue, then it's up for grabs what kind of temperament you may end up with. You might luck out and get a pug that has the solid and stable temperament that is the signature of the breed, but you might also end up with a pug like my Olive who has deep-seated issues that take diligent, loving, consistent, training to transform.

One of the best ways to wear a puppy out (or any busy dog) is to engage them in activities that make them work and think. This is why I cannot say enough about obedience classes! It will be money and time very well spent. Classes are a great way for both of you to bond, socialize and learn. One hour of training can really take the 'edge' off of a busy new pup! Even with CoVid raging, it may be safe to attend a small, outdoor class with everyone keeping safe distances. Jump on YouTube and check out all the free training videos, or hire a trainer to come to you or meet outdoors, one-on-one if that works better.
​
A High Maintenance Breed: Don't get me wrong. I love my pugs, but they are, without a doubt, a high maintenance breed. They need and want a lot of attention. Pugs are and were bred for the sole purpose of being companion animals. They need people. If you’re going to be gone for long periods of time and/or be too tired to engage with your pug when you get home from work, then a pug likely isn't the dog for you. And pug puppies are developing and learning. They need stimulation, guidance, time and attention. Any puppy left crated for eight to ten hours will be absolutely manic by the time you get home and will need you to devote the remainder of the evening to them. They are often referred to as a "VELCRO DOG!” So if you don't want a dog that is going to be wherever you are all the time (including in the bathroom!), then rethink getting a pug.

House training: Pug puppies will not be house trained in a month or two or possibly even six. Some pick it up quickly, but most take much longer before they are completely consistent and reliable. And most pugs won't ask to go out. Pugs generally will not just go outside and do their business while you relax comfortably on the couch enjoying a cappuccino. If they are outside, you'd better be outside with them. Most will not potty outside without your company and encouragement. (Actually the only thing they probably will do without your fanfare is EAT!)

While some pugs can hold their bladders all day while you're at work, most can't and shouldn't be expected to. So if you're contemplating a pug (or small breed dog) then be sure that you can afford to have someone come in and let the dog out or make an 'approved' spot in your home for them to go. Punishing a pug (or any dog) for an accident is not an effective method of house training. Rubbing the dog's nose in the mess and yelling "No!", "Bad Dog!" and other choice words, will likely create a dog who becomes a sneaky excreter and fearful of your behavior. You must use praise and positive reinforcement to house-train. There are many good books, articles, videos and trainers to help you with house-training issues if needs be.

PUG-ALICIOUS PUGS: Pugs have a variety of unique quirks that drive some people bonkers. They can be nosy, inquisitive, and often right under foot. Most are tremendously and dangerously food driven and will consume things that you don't consider edible. -I'm not kidding. They will eat poop, grass, rocks, coins, screws, anything they can get in their mouths. They ESPECIALLY love Kleenex and toilet paper. It is your most important job to pug proof your home to avoid tragedy! I never trust a pug around any food source, garbage or even cabinets they can reach. In my home, trash cans sit up high on cupboards, gates are installed, locks are secured on cabinets and chairs are pushed away from table tops. I’ve leaned even a sedentary pug will muster up the energy to "table surf!" if they can get to wherever the food is. I have many ER vet bills to prove it. And it's not just tables. I've had contents of entire trash cans ravaged. Things I never knew lived under the bed and in a jacket pocket or a backpack have been devoured in a NY minute.

Pugs can be quite vocal barkers, criers, howlers, moaners and grumblers. You may have watched videos of them singing, "I love you.” Every pug I’ve ever known cries and sings with joy when their owners return home after time away. As a breed, they have the widest assortment of noises I've ever heard. And most snore like buzz saws.

Pugs are referred to as “multim in Parvo” meaning “A lot of dog in a small space.” Pugs are tough little dogs that pack a lot of punch in their compact bodies. They are confident and have no clue how small they are. Most will not initiate a fight, but many will vigorously defend themselves or others TO THEIR DEATH if a scuffle starts. Often they are hopelessly outclassed in the fighting department and can get seriously hurt if owners aren't careful. To say they are a food driven breed is a huge understatement. Be prepared for issues with food aggression and resource guarding. Especially if you have other dogs.

Pugs are not fans of inclement or extreme weather and will resist venturing outside in the cold, rain, snow, extreme heat or wind. They are prone to over-heating extremely quickly due to their "flat-noses.” Keep your environment in mind before getting a pug.

Pug Smarts: While many people perceive pugs as dumb dogs. Most aren't. In fact, most are extremely smart. Their outrageous food drive usually makes them fairly easy to train. They make amazing therapy and service dogs and you won't find better sports about dawning costumes for photos and videos. And while they are so much fun to dress up and take out, it's often easy to forget they are DOGS. They need to do dog things such as go to parks, meet other dogs, play and have fun. Pugs are very adept at figuring out what you will and will not tolerate and will test the limits. You don't need to be a dictator, but all dogs want to know what the routine is and like a predictable world.

Pug Energy: While pugs aren't ideal running partners or known for being athletic, sporting dogs, there are many, like Surf Gidget The Pug that excel at surfing, swimming, agility, run like Greyhounds and are fit as fiddles. And while most would prefer to flop on your lap all day, their only athleticism shown in racing to their dog dish at mealtime, that isn't good for either of you. It’s important to prioritize getting regular exercise together.

Speaking of exercise, Pugs can easily get FAT. As cute as they look with their square, barreled shoulders and chest, and the way they always act like they haven't eaten in a week, it is really easy to let them get dangerously obese! Pugs in particular need the right amount of food for their activity level. You significantly shorten their lifespan and quality of life by letting them get obese. (-See last week’s blog on extra “Dog Pounds” )

PUG HEALTH: This, more than any other issue is often the undoing of many a pug owner. As with any pure breed dog, a plethora of expensive health issues may crop up. DO YOUR RESEARCH on the breed and especially on where you are getting your pug. Rescues** generally have a good idea of the health issues facing a given dog. Don’t assume that a rescued pug is going to be a health nightmare. You do put yourself at risk for expensive health issues with pugs from pet stores, internet ads and the newspaper. Though less likely, even reputable breeders who have genetic testing going back generations offer no guarantee that your pug won't have an issue.

Pugs are a sensitive breed. They are prone to a host of chronic health problems such as breathing, eyes, and folds of skin, specific to brachycephalic (flat faced) breeds. In addition, they may also include: luxating patella, dental problems, and collapsed trachea, typically seen in the toy breeds. And then there is the dreaded Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) that is pug specific.

Pugs have a very high rate of allergies—food containing grains being a big one. Pugs need a high quality diet. Grocery store kibble won't cut it and you can avoid a host of future problems if you start off feeding your pug with premium food. Check any of my food-related blogs for suggestions. Pug nutrition is my number #1 way to promote good health, lower vet bills and a provide them with a longer life.

New Pug owners, myself included, are always surprised to learn that fawn pugs shed fur like trees shed their leaves in autumn. It's downright astonishing! They don't need extensive grooming you can't easily do yourself but they get enormous eye goobers and need regular cleaning of nose folds, ears and eye areas. And MY GOD are they notoriously fussy about having their nails trimmed. You can see some real dramatic behavior around nail clipping in particular. I've known several pugs to start squealing as if they were being killed at the slaughter before the nail trimming even started.

They also do a horribly scary thing called reverse sneezing. I ran my first pug, Raisin to the ER, TWICE convinced he was suffocating and was politely told it was just a reverse sneeze and all pugs do it.

That being said, Pugs are one of the most affectionate, funny and overtly loving breeds you can ever own. But, I don't want anyone blindsided. To me, they're worth every bit of effort, expense and time they require. I promise you these little clowns will provide hours of entertainment and completely melt your heart. Pugs and kisses! -Katy 😘

🐾**If you are interested in getting a pug, I hope you will consider rescuing one in need of a loving home. Message me for rescue groups in your area or check out the following rescues I work with here in So Cal:

The Pug Queen
Pug Nation
Pugs and Pals
Pugs and Roses

SOCIAL MEDIA:
@thepugqueen
@surfgidgetthepug
@pugsandpals
@pugnationla.org

By Katy Cable-TWR
A 3 min. Read

​What do you think is the number one New Year’s Resolution? If you guessed: Lose Weight/Get in Shape, you’re right! This is great news considering Americans are plagued by a growing epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and a host of other health issues related to lousy diets and not enough exercise. And, what’s worse, our pets have followed suit! Therefore this might be a great resolution for them as well.

Did you know the number one, single most important thing you can do to add years and quality to your pet's life is: keep them from becoming overweight. What and how much you feed your precious fur-baby is the number one component for all aspects of your dog's health, longevity and quality of life. The good news is with just a little will power on your part it can be done quite easily. Keep in mind, YOU 'RE in control of the bowl and what goes into your dog's body is 100% your responsibility.

​I'm not trying to be judgmental or fat shame anyone’s pup, since I too had no idea of the severity of a few extra “dog pounds!” When our family first went looking for a Pug to adopt, I gravitated towards all the gi-normous ones. I found the portly Pugs cuter and more cuddly (maybe because they couldn't move) and that they were the true standard of the breed. I had no idea a huffing, puffing, fur baby with their belly dragging on the ground and no visible waistline was morbidly obese. Thankfully we ended up with a lean, active, healthy Pug and a valuable lesson in pet nutrition.

The next eye-opener was how food-obsessed Pugs can be. They will literally eat themselves to DEATH if given the chance. I saw our first Pug Raisin, jump 3 feet onto a table, tear open and devour the contents of a raffle gift basket including a TIN of Almond Roca in less time than it took me to slide on a pair of flip-flops. Mission projects made of sugar cubes, holiday gingerbread houses, -Gone in less than 60 seconds. Nothing excites or motivates a Pug more than food.

Most dogs (excluding Labs 😜) are not this obsessed but it's still very difficult to resist the longing gaze of a food-loving dog. I will admit, when my darling Pug Olive tips her head and pants longingly, I ALWAYS give her a small bite of any other human food that isn't harmful. However, I weigh my Pugs, and keep them fit, lean and trim. If the harness gets a bit snug or too loose, I adjust the portions and "small bites" accordingly. And, if they’re battling a health issue or illness, I'm extra diligent about nutrition.

Why the big deal? Here’s the “skinny” on this issue: Dogs and cats are much smaller than adult humans. Excess weight on a smaller body has more significant, and immediate consequences than added weight on a bigger body. And when you factor in the short lifespan of the average dog or cat, it gets even shorter if that pet is overweight. Plus, the quality of their life will not be optimal as they develop the inevitable diseases that come with obesity.

Believe it or not, dogs that are even A FEW pounds over their ideal weight are prone to FAR more arthritis, hip, vertebrae and mobility issues. Also cancers, and diabetes. Diabetes can lead to blindness and any issue negatively affecting mobility robs a dog of a big chunk of their quality of life. Tragically, it is often why many pets must be euthanized.

If health issues alone weren't bad enough, there's also the expensive vet bills. According to Embrace, a pet insurance carrier, the average annual cost of vet care for a diabetic dog or cat is over $1,200. In the last year alone, insurance claims for pets with diabetes increased over 250 percent. Embrace, confirms orthopedic conditions are occurring in younger pets – and with greater severity typically because so many animals are overweight.

And it's certainly not just one pet insurance company that’s concerned. "Seeing animals suffering from health conditions secondary to their obesity is a common situation," according to Crystal Sheran, DVM for Banfield Pet Hospital.

So, if your pet is overweight, hopefully you are now convinced it's a big deal and you’re willing to “deal with the problem-before it's too late!" Here are a few common sense tips to help you get started:

• Feed a species-appropriate, balanced diet to your pet. Regardless of their weight, your dog still needs the right nutrition, which means food that is high in animal protein and moisture, with low CARBS! Don’t just cut out those grains, but look at the amount of potatoes, corn, rice, etc. Look for moisture rich foods containing animal based proteins as the first 2-3 ingredients. (*check my You Tube videos and blogs to de-code pet food labels and how to select premium foods.)
• Practice portion control, which typically means two, carefully measured, meals. Although leading pet nutrition researchers are finding feeding just one meal in the morning is optimum for health. A high animal protein, low-carb diet with the right amount of calories for weight loss, controlled through the portions you feed, is what will take the weight off your dog. And don’t forget to factor in calories from treats. -I would stay clear of treats altogether unless it’s a small bite or two of a lean protein.
• Regularly exercise your pet. An overweight body gets back in shape by taking in fewer calories and expending more energy. Daily exercise, including at least 20 minutes of consistent aerobic activity, will help your pet burn fat and increase muscle tone. It will also make you both feel better. Be careful to start at a slower pace for out-of-shape, older dogs and gradually increase the duration and intensity. For less mobile dogs start with slow walks and a game of fetch.

I guarantee by practicing these simple nutrition steps you will have a dog that looks AND feels much better! And you’ll spend much less $$$ at the vet’s. Nutrition, love and exercise are the most important ingredients to optimum health and happiness. Best of all you will enjoy more quality time with your best friend. Happy New Year! Pugs and Kisses!

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🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾​

By Katy Cable-TWR
A 4 min read

HAPPY NEW YEAR! -ALMOST! Is it just me or did 2020 seem like we lived it in dog years! Now that we’re finally down to the last few days of this extremely challenging year, most people start thinking about making a resolution of one kind or another. The top being: to get in shape, workout and lose weight. Those are great goals but how about adding something simple for your dog? This is a perfect time to do some: SPRING CLEANING! -In the dead of winter. With the end of the year, get rid of the old and bring in some NEW! Taking the best care of your furry family member means paying attention to things you might not even realize need to be cleaned, repaired, or just TOSSED! Here are some great tips on dog-supplies you should PITCH for the sake of your dog’s health and well-being (and ultimately yours!)

5 Things Dog Parents Need to Toss Right Now

1. The old, stinky and ill-fitting collar:
Your dog’s collar is like your underwear. They wear it all the time and it’s very close to their skin. And while most people wouldn’t think of wearing the same underwear day after day without ever washing them or getting a new pair, many dog collars never get replaced or even cleaned. I learned this, like EVERYTHING ELSE I blog about, THE HARD WAY when my first pug Raisin got a horrible yeasty, foul-smelling rash around his neck. After an expensive trip to the vet, followed by a heavy course of antibiotics and expensive RX creams, guess who also got a brand new, clean collar to wear!
It’s important to keep your pet’s collar clean to reduce the risk it will cause an infection or hot spot on their skin. Worn-out collars, those with an unpleasant odor and collars that have either grown too tight or too loose, need to go. Also check to make sure their tag with your contact info is still legible should they ever get lost. You may need to replace and update that as well.
Replace with this: New collar/ID tag
I found a clip for the ID tag and now change out collars all the time. I have an entire collection of cute festive collars I find on sale. Have fun with this! 😜

2. Plastic food and water bowls:
Plastic food and water bowls are inexpensive and convenient. Unfortunately, not only are they impossible to thoroughly sanitize, but as the plastic begins to break down, it can leak toxic chemicals into your dog’s food and water. In addition, I have seen many dogs (including my own) get blemishes on their chins and other skin irritations from bacteria and oils which get easily trapped in the peeling plastic. This was another expensive trip to the vet and medications I could’ve avoided! More sensitive dogs can develop allergies to the materials and dyes in plastic bowls, and get tear stains, rashes and other complications. In addition, aggressive chewers have been known to gnaw their bowls into small pieces and swallow them. Also avoid the cute pottery bowls since these can contain dangerous lead-based paint and other toxic materials. Again, I have learned everything the hard way and I hope to save you from the same mistakes.
Replace with this: stainless steel, porcelain or glass food and water bowls.

3. Broken or chewed up toys:
Many dogs are toy slaughterers. My pug Olive can tear off the head of a toy and devour the stuffing faster than I can open a jar of peanut butter. There have been many times I’ve left a dog alone with a stuffed toy, only to find they have a belly full of chemical-tainted cotton stuffing before I get to the first commercial break during Real Housewives! With any luck, (and a few spoonfuls of canned pumpkin purée) the stuffing will pass in their 💩. However, God forbid, they should swallow a squeaker or get a piece of the toy lodged in their GI tract. Suddenly that $5.00 chew toy can become a life-threatening situation requiring expensive surgery to remove. It’s a good idea to review the contents your dog’s toy basket on a regular basis and get rid of anything that could pose a choking hazard or GI obstruction.
Replace with this: Repaired or new non-toxic toys.
I love the un-stuffed flat, crinkle toys, non-toxic ropes, and Tugga Kongs filled with a premium pet food.

4. Dull nail trimmers:
Most dogs enjoy nail trims the way I enjoy a root canal. But one thing that can make a bad situation worse is a pair of dull clippers. After one too many bad experiences, I now leave nail trim to the pros. Plus, I’m as welcome as a rash when dogs see me come at them with nail clippers. (Talk about feeling unpopular!) With dull clippers, instead of a quick clean snip, the trimmers can crush and split the nail. Or, not cut at all! Not only is this extremely painful for your probably already anxious dog, but it tends to make you — the human at the other end of the clippers — tense up. Your dog, in turn, picks up on your stress, which doubles theirs. In a worst-case scenario, a nail trim botched by dull trimmers can FOREVER make your dog run like a pack of wolves every time they see them come out. Trust me on this one.
Replace with this: Freshly sharpened or new nail trimmers, or a battery-operated rotary tool (e.g., a Dremel). Or visit your vet’s office, PetSmart or a trusted local groomer and let a professional do it. For highly anxious dogs try giving CBD 2 hours before their mani/pedi👌

5. Retractable leash
“Leash” is probably not a good word to describe the thin cord or ribbon used in many retractable devices. The real purpose of using a leash is to keep the animal safe and under your control while out on walks. Retractable leashes often do just the opposite. They give the owner and the dog WAY TOO MUCH LEEWAY and then put you both at risk when you must quickly RETRACT. I never recommend these leashes as a good option for pet parents. I only recommend them for those who are working specifically with a trainer on commands but never for walking.
There are many reasons to avoid or reconsider use of a retractable leash, starting with the fact it's easy for your dog to get too far away from you to be safe. Suddenly a car, aggressive dog, or skateboard appears and if it's not too late already, quickly retracting can result in SERIOUS injuries. I personally have gotten deep, horrible cuts and burns and also know of young children needing extensive surgery from retractable leash injuries! In most cases, these devices are also completely counterproductive to training a dog to walk well on a leash. The very nature of retractables trains dogs to pull on the leash to extend the lead. The dog is out front and in-charge. Needless to say, this pulling behavior will be repeated whenever the dog is on a standard leash.
Replace with this: 4-6-foot flat leash and pull it in closely until your dog has learned to walk at your side without pulling. Practice daily by rewarding dog with small treats as they walk nicely at your side. By reinforcing the way you want them to walk, they will quickly get the hang of it!

In addition to tossing, losing, stopping, quitting. Why not TAKE ON, START, BEGIN, FIND a new thing or two for the new year. Set a few small goals that will be healthy for both you and your dog. Here's a few ideas:

1. If your pup is a bit pudgy, commit to a long walk, better food, smaller/healthier treats, and reduced portions to get them fit and trim.

2. Join a dog meet-up group and make a few new friends.

3. Check local events and do a dog hike, yappy-hour or another dog-friendly social activity with your pooch once a month. The EVENTS page on my site lists lots of fun activities.

4. Sign up for a training class together to refresh skills, strengthen your bond and work on socialization. If your dog has the basics down what about agility, tricks, or train them to be a therapy dog.

5. Grab your camera or phone and start a social media account for your pup. Connect with other pet owners and tap into your creativity in a positive way. Does your dog do something funny, unique, or useful? Do they have a disability? Have they overcome a hardship? Do they have a story behind them? Why not share this with others and connect.

Remember that $$$$ and time wisely invested in you dog will come back TEN-FOLD. I hope you will join me for fun, easy, healthy resolutions for you and your pup that you can do ALL YEAR LONG!

​I hope 2021 is a wonderful year for you and your beloved pets! I look forward to getting to know you better and seeing you on social media or maybe even at an event in the new year! Thanks for reading and being an awesome pet parent! 🎉
Pugs and kisses and HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHES! Katy & Olive


🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾​

By, Katy Cable-TWR
A 2 min. read

​Merry Christmas! I feel like 2020 has been in dog years. As a pet parent I’m thrilled Nulo providing a holiday meal for your pet. E tea work is healing. Get your pet into the act this Xmas

Funny there's a 50 year-old rumor that's still going strong amongst dog owners. Maybe you've heard it too. It's the one that says feeding your dog table scraps is a big-bad "No-No!" Well I'm here to squelch that myth and shed some light on the surprising truth.

It always astounds me when I'm talking to pet parents about their pet's food and I encourage them to let their dogs eat table scraps! First let me clarify that when I say table scraps I'm referring to human-grade fish, meat, fruits & vegetables. -NOT pizza and beer. People are always surprised until I explain the true facts. Facts which confirm how the brilliant marketing machine driving the commercial pet food business has brainwashed us all.

Today, it is estimated over 95% of all pet owners around the globe are feeding their pets dry, commercial pet kibble. What blows my mind is that a large majority of these people honestly believe this dry kibble is all their pet needs to be healthy and thrive throughout their entire lifetime. Furthermore, they believe that supplementing this kibble with “human food” would be extremely harmful. Also, that it’s better for their teeth to eat dry food. Just like eating a granola bar is a great substitute for brushing your teeth! -NOT!

My how times have changed. Here's how this ridiculous "fake news" got started in the first place. Back in 1964, pet food manufacturers were having a difficult time selling their newly invented processed pet foods. At the time, pet owners by and large were feeding their pets foods from their own kitchens. In an effort to sell product, the pet food industry pumped loads of money into launching one of the most influential campaigns the pet world had ever seen: the “Ban All Table Scraps from your Pets’ Bowls” campaign!

Every consumer was bombarded with newspaper, magazine, radio and TV ads warning of the dangers of eating "table scraps!" Pet owners were urged to introduce this new "balanced diet" of "processed" commercial pet food. Now, over 50 years later, this brilliant campaign is still going strong. So much so that even today, a majority of pet owners are still skeptical of offering their pets anything but big-brand commercial pet foods.

It seems like a no-brainer to me. Feeding any living creature a diet of entirely dried, processed kibble for their lifetime is a bad idea. It may be the reason 1 out of every 2 dogs is dying of cancer at far too young an age. Diabetes, obesity, and other obesity-related illnesses are also skyrocketing. And it isn't just our pets suffering. A large percentage of Americans are also being plagued with the same diseases. I believe to find the reason why, one needs to look no further than our cups, bowls and plates. Food is either healing or it's hurting. For those who are still doubting, read on:

A 2005 study conducted on Scottish Terriers at Purdue University confirmed my suspicion with some astounding findings. The results showed that simply adding some fresh vegetables to dry commercial kibble actually prevented and/or slowed down the development of transitional cell carcinoma (aka bladder cancer)!

In the study, some dogs ate a diet of strictly dry commercial pet food, while others got an assortment of vegetables added to their food at least 3 times a week. When the study concluded, here's what the researchers found:

Dogs that were fed ANY type of green vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, or peppers had reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer by 90% and the dogs that consumed any yellow – orange vegetables like carrots reduced the risk by 70%!
(http://ilarjournal.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/1/100.full ) (Raghavan, Knapp, Bonney, 2005)
Imagine that! A floret of broccoli could stomp out the risk of cancer by 90%. -Pass Fido the broccoli please.

​Still skeptical? I tell pet parents reaching for that bag of dry kibble, "At best, you're feeding your dog a balanced diet made up of processed food. It would be the equivalent of you going your entire life eating a nutritious bowl of fortified cereal or protein bars. For optimum health, you still need to mix in a salad, and real FRESH foods now and then!"

In 50 years we've seen our world drastically change. There has been an increasing demand for quick, inexpensive, easy, convenient food. (In other words: PROCESSSED!) We have gotten away from cooking real foods and turned to microwaving packaged foods. On the other hand, our resources and food supplies are dwindling. Livestock is being pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones. Most grains, fruits and vegetables are contaminated with pesticides and GMOs, and our over fed bodies are literally starving. Now more than ever, it is crucial for us to consume organically grown produce to flush out and detox our bodies from all the pollutants and toxins.

Here's what you can do: Let your dog DIG IN!+ Use fresh foods as a "topper" to add to your pet's meals. Dogs are carnivores so let them indulge in some of your chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, fish, etc. (Set aside a few bites for your dog before you douse your dinner in A1 or BBQ sauce. 😜)
-And save those organs too! Cut them up in small bits and freeze them to add to future meals. While you're at it, flash steam some fresh veggies then cut them in small pieces and purée them in a blender with a little water. Spoon a bit of this highly concentrated, easy to digest mixture over meals. Add fresh blueberries, apple, and other seasonal fruits to meals or use as healthy treats loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
+WITH ANY CHANGE IN DIET, ALWAYS INTRODUCE ONE NEW FOOD AT A TIME. NEVER ADD MORE THAN 10% NEW FOOD TO EXISTING DIET. GO SLOWLY TO AVOID GIVING YOUR DOG AN UPSET TUMMY. HOLD OFF ON THE SALT, SUGAR, SAUCES, AND SEASONINGS. STAY AWAY FROM FOODS THAT ARE DANGEROUS FOR DOGS. -See below

A few words of caution. Dogs have been known to stop eating their kibble and "hold-out" until the delicious human food is offered. Or, they can start jumping in your lap each time you sit down for a meal. To avoid having these problems, add small amounts of food to their own bowl at meal times or offer fresh nibbles as treats. Never feed your dog off your plate at the table or you're asking for trouble.

If this concept has you stressing. Perhaps you have barely enough time and money to prepare a decent meal for yourself let alone your dog. -Good news! You only need to pop in to any pet store to find prepackaged “toppers” and “mix-in” options. How about adding a heaping spoonful of canned premium food? Or add a spoonful or two of a topper! I have spent years researching and sampling many foods and I’m sold on Nulo. With their selection, price point, convenience and bang for your buck, I don’t think you can find a better option. This year they’ve even done the work for you with simple, quick recipe ideas from their product line. And it’s not just Nulo. Many pet foods have expanded their product options. Why not give your pet the gift of a healthy holiday feast! In the long run, you’ll save thousands in vet bills and have a happier healthier pet who’s around many more years.

It's time to put an end to this crazy mindset about food and look at the writing on the wall (-or the numbers on the scale!) It's up to us to be educated, informed pet advocates and DEMAND the pet food industry be better! We have already made tremendous progress.Just take one look at all the slick new packages of dog food lining store shelves and our impact is evident. Huge brands with numerous food varieties including: "grain-free" , "single-protein", "farm-raised", "grass-fed" "fresh vegetables", "limited-ingredient" "all-natural" "GMO-Free" etc. This demonstrates our demands for higher-quality food are being heard.

As exciting as this is, we are still outnumbered by skeptics watching those misleading TV ads who DIDN'T GET THE MEMO. And old rumors die a long, slow death. So, let's lead by example and get each and every pet owner on board. Adding some "table scraps" to better quality commercial pet food allows us to stretch our dollars, and most importantly, allows our pets to lead longer, healthier lives. Bone Appetite!

​
☠️6 Human Foods That Are Toxic and Potentially Fatal for Your Pets☠️


☠️Chocolate and Chocolate based products.

☠️Plants containing allium, including onions, garlic, leeks and chives.

☠️Macadamia nuts.

☠️Vitis vinifera fruits, including grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants.

☠️Foods and product containing the sweetener xylitol.

☠️Ethanol in alcoholic beverages.
​

🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

By, Katy Cable-TWR / A 4 min. Read

Wanna know the WORST possible holiday gift you can give someone...-A NEW DOG they didn’t ask for! This time of year I see lots of happy pet parents stocking up for the “new addition!” And usually nothing makes me happier. But at the same time, many of these dogs are surrendered to shelters come February 1st. About the same time the novelty wears off and the responsibility becomes apparent. So as much as you may love dogs, here’s a checklist to review before you take the big leap and become a pet parent.

1. What are your plans for the next 5-15 years? If you’re lucky, a pet may be around for 15 years. Prior to getting one, evaluate your plans and goals. Like anything else, a new family member requires additional time and attention. You may want to hold off if you’ve just started a new job or are adjusting to the demands of a new baby. Also think about what the next 15 years holds. Will you be retiring, will you be in a position to care for a then aging pet.

2. Can you afford to care for a pet? New pet parents are often blind-sighted by the expense of a new dog. They assume adding a large bag of dog kibble to the grocery list and the costs of a few quick vet check-ups will be about all it sets them back. While my blog tips will certainly help with costs, you must anticipate the additional expenses of a high-quality food, pet training, initial pet supplies, regular vet care, dental care, grooming and pet daycare/boarding. If a pet gets injured or suffers from a medical condition you could be looking at thousands of dollars for treatment. It’s best to be realistic about your financial situation prior to bringing home a new pet.

3. Are all the adults in your home ok with getting a pet? Take it from someone who initially never wanted a dog. I was filled with anger and resentment that my feelings weren’t being considered. Thankfully I was actively involved in the decision making process and we had clearly defined agreements on pet care duties. I advise getting everyone’s input on the pet selected and who will be responsible for various pet care details.

​4. Do you have the time and energy for a pet? Many new pet owners are surprised at how much time a new pet requires. -Especially a new puppy. If you’re rarely home, travel extensively or presently find it hard to carve out time to get out for a quick workout, a new pet may put you over the edge. New pets need time to bond with you and get a stable routine that includes training/obedience classes, daily walks, exercise, socialization, grooming, feeding and of course, belly rubs. If you leave the house before the sun rises and return completely spent late in the evenings, you’ll need to seriously consider if you want to set that alarm even earlier for a morning run with your new dog. Will you be ok with hiring a dog sitter while you’re away all day? Will you have the energy to throw on sneakers and get out for another walk after putting in a grueling 15 hour day? A bored, neglected dog will typically develop behavior problems and create unnecessary stress. Think seriously about whether you have the time to provide a new pet a good quality of life.

5. Lastly, are you prepared for a disruption in your home? One reason I initially dreaded getting a dog was the mess! I suffered from bad allergies and liked keeping my home obsessively neat. The thought of dog hair covering all my furniture and my designer shoes serving as the chew toy of choice for a new pet was my idea of a living hell. Be realistic about how important your fine clothing, furniture and household tidiness is.

If you’ve considered the above-mentioned points and it’s still a “GO,” let’s consider a few more important details:

What type of dog will be the best fit for your lifestyle? This is a biggie? Read up on different breeds and get an idea of energy levels and temperament. Do you want a cute designer dog you can pack in a purse and take with you everywhere? Are you the outdoorsy type that enjoys hiking, camping and water activities? A retriever might be the perfect breed. If you’re an avid runner or swimmer, some breeds are perfectly suited for those activities while others, like Pugs, overheat easily and typically sink like stones in water. Many people are misinformed and choose a breed that conflicts with their lifestyle and energy levels. I urge you to research breeds wisely first.

Are you prepared to deal with emotional or behavioral issues? I’m hoping and praying you will opt for getting your new pet from a rescue or shelter, but do want to remind you that most of these innocent animals were completely let down by humans. They weren’t properly cared for, trained or socialized. Often it takes time for the new pet to form a bond and trust again. Poor little Olive was a breeder dog who was tossed out in the streets after having a litter of puppies. Just a puppy herself, she had lived in a crate her entire life. She had no interaction with humans or other dogs. Coming into a new home was terrifying and overwhelming. She ran and hid at the slightest noise or anyone approaching her. I was so heartbroken for her but remained loving and patient. Three years later she was thriving, but it took lots of time. Remember most dogs are relinquished for house breaking problems, barking and other issues due to fear and anxiety. Are you committed to rehab this pet if needed.

Do you have an existing pet to consider? Usually after an adjustment period, a new pet can be happily added to the family but there are times when two pets simply DO NOT GET ALONG and leaving them alone together is an outright dangerous situation. I recommend planning a meeting at a neutral setting that’s not too busy and stimulating. Try a nice walk with both on leashes and slowly see how a short interaction goes with the ability to pull them away if one gets aggressive. If it’s not a match made in heaven try consulting with a good trainer before ruling things out. Often shelters and rescues have ideas and recommendations to help you welcome a new pet into the pack. Typically it just takes some time for the pets to adjust and have a balanced relationship.

I realize I’ve just painted a terribly grim and unpleasant picture of dog ownership. I left out all the best parts which is the unbelievable amount of joy they can bring to your life. The true unconditional love they shower you with, and all the happiness they bring typically FAR OUTWEIGH all the hassles and extra expense. However, I would rather prepare you for the worst case scenario and not have you blindsided by a rude awakening. These tips will hopefully make it a smooth, wonderful experience.
​
I hope many of your holidays include a special new addition. Please pass my website and blog on to any new dog owner friends that may find it helpful. Until next week: Pugs & Kisses 😘❤️🐾


​🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt
A 3 Min. Read

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! -Or is it? For some it’s magical but this is also the season when suicides and domestic violence skyrocket and everyone seems spread WAY too thin. This time of year, far too many people feel depressed and sad instead of loving and thankful. And this happens during the best of times. Now that we’ve got covid wrecking havoc on our lives, it’s much worse. If you’re feeling down in the dumps, these tips should help brighten your spirits and allow you to enjoy the holidays.

As a “recovering” co-dependent, I used to feel obligated to do everything and then guilty I didn’t do enough. I dreaded the holidays because I had enormous expectations for myself. It was up to “ME” (not Santa Claus) to make everyone’s holiday magical. I always did a pretty good job 😜 but every year I ended up angry, exhausted and sick.

Now I actually enjoy the holidays because I’ve learned how to do things entirely differently. With Covid drastically changing the seasonal landscape, this is a great year to try some new things and ditch things that don’t work anymore. Here’s a few tips that have turned things around for me.

​1. SELF CARE is the name of the game. Most people (especially parents) don’t do anything for themselves until everyone else is OK. They put themselves last on the list. I’m giving you permission to put yourself FIRST! Nobody’s going to give you what you need or set your boundaries. In order to feel happy and joyful you simply must “Put Your Oxygen Mask On First!” Shut down and rest if you’re stressed or getting sick. Eat well. Get some fresh air and connect with those special people in your life that lift you up. Spoil your dog with an extra walk and watch how great you feel. Make a list of 5 things you’re going to do EACH day for self care! Fun little things that recharge and rejuvenate you.

​⭐️I enjoy taking my Pug Olive on a walk through the beautifully decorated canals near my home. It always puts me in good spirits and a place of gratitude. No canals or picturesque walking spots? …How about taking a holiday drive through a great festively decorated neighborhood. Grab your dog, jump in the car, fire up the heated seats, treat yourself to a latte (and a PUPpuccino for your pet) blast that Christmas music and enjoy!

​2. BE STILL AND BREATHE! If you’re like me you’re addicted to going, going, going! Sitting still and doing nothing is extremely uncomfortable. AND all the more reason I need to do it. Sit your butt down for a few minutes and breathe. Go online and do a 5–10 minute guided meditation or just sit quiet and do your best to think calm, happy, beautiful thoughts. When your “to-do” list or negative thoughts crop in, immediately shut them off by thinking to something peaceful. I can hear it now, “That might be fine for you but it’s so hectic right now I don’t have a minute to breathe!”…Well, make 10 and watch what happens. I now enjoy doing 15 minute meditation first thing in the morning with my little Pug Olive. It’s so calming and helps set the tone for our day. I also have enjoyed sitting in a bubble bath with candles and meditating in the warm, soothing water. Listening to the water fill the tub is also very relaxing. This practice has also calmed Olive’s anxiety and strengthened our bond. Check out the FREE meditation app: Insight Timer which I use. Find some soothing meditations to try. And don’t forget to include your pets. Your stress is contagious. It weakens their immune system and accelerates aging. While your serenity keeps pets calm and balanced.

☯️Sometimes it’s just impossible to stop my busy mind. When this happens, I swim some laps and focus on the cold, blue water and my breathing. Another helpful thing is taking a gratitude walk and thinking about all the things I’m thankful for using every letter of the alphabet. Try this when you can’t fall asleep or you’re obsessing about something! (-Bonus points for getting 5 things for each letter!) Usually I’m out like a light before I get to the letter “X” but if not, that takes some serious thinking!

3. JUST SAY “NO!” While Covid has killed many of this year’s holiday soirées, there’s still no shortage of ZOOM parties and other invitations pouring in. Do yourself a favor and say “NO!” While the pandemic may have given you a hall pass for attending your niece’s painstaking production of The Nutcracker or holiday choral show, there’s a strong chance they’ve just moved it to ZOOM! I personally would rather have a root canal (with laughing gas) than spend one more second of my free time on ZOOM? If you feel the same way, -JUST SAY NO! Everyone’s busy and either they’ll understand or they’ll get over it. Doing things you have zero interest in will only build up stress and resentments. Now, in the true spirit of the holidays, there are some things that you should do. For instance, your relative just had a new baby or you can’t see the elderly grandparents this year so some extra video chats or Zoom calls are important. But, there will certainly be many, MANY, other invitations you can pass on that aren’t a big deal.

4.“YES PLEASE!” That’s right! Now that you’ve cleared your calendar, go crazy with things that sound warm, fuzzy and FUN! Things that make your holidays MERRY! Start planning, inviting, organizing and doing a few of those! Love those holiday cookies, -host or attend a Zoom cookie swap. Is a favorite tradition hitting holiday sales at the mall or outlets until your feet bleed with blisters…Jump online and get those deals! Why not visit small retailers and pick up some unique treasures while avoiding the holiday crowds. Again, be honest about what is truly fun and not an obligation. Lift your mood being creative and trying a few new things as well as modifying some of your holiday favorites.

​🎁One of my favorite things to do is have my friends over a day or two after Christmas. Everyone comes in sweats or PJ’s with a “RE-GIFT” Each friend brings left-over holiday goodies and we drink lattes (or champagne) while catching up on everyone’s celebrations. Sometimes we make vision boards by cutting inspiring photos and headlines out of magazines with goals and dreams for the new year. This year’s party may be modified and done virtually and I may send vision boards, art supplies and holiday goodies ahead of time. Instead of simply cancelling, I’m figuring out how to safely make it work.

​5. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH DOGS! (Or cats, puppies, kittens, etc!) Seriously! Petting a dog actually makes the neurotransmitters in your brain go crazy. Oxytocin (a stress reducing hormone) is released and cortisone (a nasty stress hormone) is reduced. Plus, no need for social distancing when it comes to pets. Walking a dog is easy exercise. It forces you outside in the fresh air getting your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Dogs are filled with love. Any attention drives them bonkers. Hug a few dogs, talk to them, pet them, love on them and watch how you feel. Why not see if a rescue or shelter will let you foster one for the holidays. 😜

​’Tis is the season do something kind! Buy someone a coffee! Tip ridiculously! Donate to needy kids. Be someone’s secret Santa. Low on funds…hold the door for someone, let the other driver take that prime parking spot. Offer to take someone’s “selfie” or just smile and give a genuine compliment. Doing kind things for others doesn’t have to cost a cent! It will make you feel wonderful! And you’ll be doing a kind deed during the holidays!

​🐾BONUS: One of my favorite traditions is participating in Justin Rudd’s Operation Santa Paws. Right after Thanksgiving, collection bins are put out all around the community. The weekend before Christmas all the items collected are taken to a variety of shelters and given to all the pets. It’s such fun to see the joy on the faces of all the needy pets. It’s a magical day! This year, a monetary donation had to suffice but it was still nice to be able to give.

​Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, STRESS-FREE and happy holiday season. Pugs and (air) 😘 kisses! -Katy

By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt
A 4 min. Read

Happy Holidays! I think we all deserve to be at the top of Santa’s “GOOD LIST” for surviving this crazy year! I'll be honest with you, when it comes to the holidays, I tend to be a bit of a "Grinch"! I over-commit and never remember to take traffic, crowds, budgets, or my own energy levels into consideration. I’m usually left sick, tired, broke and frustrated before most people have their Christmas lights up. Every year I promise I'm going to "scale-back" and do things differently but it never happens. This year, the universe did for me what I couldn’t do for myself and I’m enjoying the season so much more! Whatever your situation, here are a few suggestions and gift ideas for a less chaotic, “happier” holidays!

It's all about the gifts.
It astounds me when these catalogs and websites showcase “perfect” gift ideas that START at $300! If I had funds like that, I sure wouldn’t need a gift guide for assistance. But coming up with a personal, unique wonderful gift on a limited budget is difficult. More so when we’re socially distancing and most activities are closed! So, I spoke to pet experts and top pet retailers to find the newest, coolest, most unique finds PRICED UNDER $50.

So here it is: The Weekly Runt's 5th Annual 🐾"Paw-liday" Gift Ideas 🎁

When it comes to Pugs (or Labs and several other breeds for that matter) nothing is a bigger hit than:
F O O D! So why not treat your pet to delicious, healthy meals all year long with a splurge on a better premium food. This is the gift that will pay you back in huge dividends, with better health for your pet and less expensive vet bills. Check some of my pet nutrition blogs for recommendations. Then, how about remembering the four-legged friends in your life by taking a can or small package of Salmon or Turkey over so they can enjoy a healthy"Christmas dinner in a can". -Or it can be stuffed in a Kong for a holiday treat!

Treats are also very high on the list and there is one MUST-HAVE: CBD treats by PAWS EFFECT Not just a nutritious, healthy, treat, these biscuits which come in a variety of flavors, as well as pure, medical-grade CBD oil. All ingredients are sourced in Hawaii. CBD is a MIRACLE WORKER on anxiety, pain management, mobility issues and even immunity. They are 100% safe for both pets and humans to enjoy. A large bag of treats is priced under $50 (Visit my site to order and use WEEKLYRUNT discount code for 10% off your purchase.) A large bag of treats will make a perfect gift or stocking stuffer pet parents will no-doubt thank you for.

NULO has an amazing line of healthy jerky, training treats and raw toppers. While most treats contain wheat, molasses, sugars, and other additives, Nulo uses it’s clean, human-grade meat, poultry and fish proteins, one fruit pairing and a touch of organic honey for sweetness. These treats also contain their signature, patented, viable probiotic BC30 which activates in the gut and boosts health and immunity. So finally, a treat you can feel good about offering. A bag of treats is between $5-10 dollars so it’s a great deal. Especially for sensitive, sick or elderly pets.

Training Classes make a perfect gift that keeps on giving. They can provide a fun way to bond with your pet while teaching them new skills. This can be especially important with rescue/shelter dogs trying to overcome past trauma and learn to trust again. Training classes are typically very reasonably priced and there are a number of different options to choose from. Some dogs enjoy agility and active training skills while others thrive learning basic skills or commands needed to work as therapy dogs. Check the ZOOM ROOM for a variety of agility classes and PETSMART for basic skills, tricks and therapy dog training. Both use positive reinforcement and fun to build confidence in your dog. They also teach YOU how to properly work with your pet for desired results.

I have had a lot of bad mishaps when it comes to dog toys. Too many times I’ve watched teeny-tiny-teacup-sized-pups deceive me by ripping up stuffed toys faster than I can put down the lid on a toilet seat. Kongs, bones, and bully-sticks have also quickly been devoured turning into choking hazards. Now, my favorite toys are by Multipet! They have a duck that quacks, a pig that pinks and chew tits with calming aromatherapy. These have toys have been a favorite of my little Olive and with most items under $10, they make perfect gifts.

Now that I've checked the dog off the list, my holiday gift guide wouldn't be complete without clueing you in on some great finds for YOU or your DOG-LOVING friends.

A PET WITH PAWS offers the most amazing, designer handbag inspired, poop bag & pet carriers I have EVER SEEN! I went crazy when I saw these and I get complimented on mine everywhere I go. They are the PURRR-fect gift for any fashionista pet owner. Offered in a variety of sizes, styles and price points, these tres-chic items are also multi-functional. They can hold not just poop bags but keys, credit cards and of course, tennis balls. Pet carriers come with a patented “Pet Trek” roller attachment. The carrier can slide over the roller allowing for easy convenient travel with a pet. The real surprise is all the accessories are made from recycled plastic bottles. This environmentally conscious company creates cruelty-free products and plants a tree for every purchase.

DOG IS GOOD offers perfect finds for NOT the DOG but the DOG LOVER. Created by my amazing friend, Gila Kurtz and her husband of more than 20 years, retired USN officer Jon. Gila is an award-winning author, motivational speaker and dog trainer turned entrepreneur. This creative, hard-working, husband/wife team started their company with a catchy "Dog is Good" T-shirt back in 2008. It has now evolved into a global lifestyle brand featuring unique decor, and gifts. Some of my all-time favorites are the pop-art T's, totes and prints. However, their "Dog is my Zen" yoga hoodie nearly gets ripped off my back every time I wear it. It was awarded "Best in Show" at the Global Pet Expo. So whether you're into yoga or just want to dress like you are, I know you (or one of your friends) will LOVE-LOVE-LOVE❤️ this piece. Check out their website catalog and go crazy with some one-of-kind gifts any dog-lover will treasure. While you're at it you will be supporting a wonderful small business and giving back to some worthy dog causes.

The holidays can be a very difficult time for those who have lost a pet. ONE FUR ALL PET HOUSE CANDLES, offers a beautiful line of candles in a variety of fragrances and designs. My favorite is their “Rainbow Bridge Memorial Candle”. These candles are exquisite and the long-lasting fragrance is ideal for getting rid of pet odors. In addition they offer paw-shaped “no-flame” wax melts which are nice for college dorms or places where candles aren’t allowed. I have several of these candles and I just love them. With seasonal designs and fragrances, they make a perfect small hostess gift for a pet-parent year round!

SHUTTERFLY, VISTA PRINT or WALGREENS offer a variety of creative ways to honor a special pet. You can make a coffee mug or other keepsake items with a favorite photo of a beloved pet. I have made several mugs with my first Pug Raisin’s picture on them and I always feel happier taking him along on my commute. Watch for sales where you can save up to 50% off list price. Ask the recipient for a favorite picture and create a personalized piece on your computer or download the app and make them a treasure on your smartphone.

FOR A GOOD CAUSE:
While there is no shortage of terrific holiday (and otherwise) books featuring Pugs, I would like to feature some local favorites which will support worthy causes. My daughter Karley wrote a book about our pug Raisin when she was just 12 years old. "Raisin, -A Doggie's Tale," received national attention from President Obama and Oprah Winfrey. This heartwarming, inspiring tale of overcoming obstacles and responsible pet ownership is told through the eyes of Raisin, a rescue pug. Great for all ages. A must-have for a pug lover!

Speaking of fun books, my fellow pug lover and friend, LAURREN DARR has many terrific cat & dog themed books under her LEFT PAW PRESS website. but her PUGDALA/CATDALA/DOGDALA coloring books will certainly be a hit. Particularly after this challenging year. Books feature 50 Pugs (cats/dogs) in beautiful mandala designs with meditation worthy sentiments on every page. Visit her site to learn more and check out her entire library of titles.

SURF GIDGET THE PUG is my hero! This little 16lb white Pug is originally a rescue who hails from Maine. She has now found her perfect home on the West Coast where she’s become the infamous “surfing Pug” who’s taking the world by storm. Surf Gidget is a true inspiration as to what is possible with love and dedication. Read her life story in her new book, then you can own a little piece of “surf-pug” culture and shop Gidget’s entire line of hip, cool collectibles for yourself or a pug-loving friend. All purchases support rescues and pugs in dire need.

Speaking of your wallet, don't feel bad if you can't afford holiday gifts for your fur baby. The best gift of all is of course your love and devotion all year long. Heck, with that, it's Christmas everyday. If the pandemic has clobbered your finances, go on a long walk, look at the beautiful holiday lights, celebrate each other by watching a holiday movie together and giving belly rubs. If you're plagued with guilt you can celebrate a few days later and buy a few things on clearance. Your dog will never know the difference.

Many of you strapped for cash can give the gift of your time. Instead of purchasing a gift, why not make up coupons for your dog-walking or dog-sitting services. Another idea is to donate some time volunteering at a local rescue or shelter. Many of them are featuring a “Home Fur The Holidays” program where families can foster a shelter pet for the holidays. This allows prospective adopters to try things out before committing and gets a needy animal out of the stressful shelter for the holidays. Hopefully the pet will end up being a “foster-fail” and become a new family member. Check your local shelters or rescues for info. and CoVid protocols.

And lastly, to get in the holiday spirit, I went a little crazy and hit the 50% off sale at KOHLS. They had a huge selection of light-up Pug stocking caps, ugly Christmas sweaters, socks, ties and PJ's. And it wasn't all "Bah Hum Pug!" They had crazy-cat Christmas wear too. I love wearing my goofy Pug Christmas sweater. It's getting me in the holiday spirit and bringing a chuckle to everyone I meet. Go check out the dwindling selection FAST!
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​I want to thank those of you who offered such terrific gift suggestions. It was a huge help. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.! 🎄🐾🎁.

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SOCIAL MEDIA:
#Petsmart
#Nulo
#Treatibles
#APetWithPaws
#PupstarSonoma
#OneFurAll
#PussyAndPooch
#surfgidgetthepug
#ADoggiesTale
#GraceFarm
#DogIsGood
#Walgreens
#Shutterfly
#vistaprint
#TheZoomRoom
​#kohls
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By, Katy Cable/A 4 minute read

​Happy Thanksgiving! No doubt many of you are busy, busy, busy, knee deep in preparations for the big event which, for many years was the case with me. Thankfully, this year we’re all gathering at Mimi’s Cafe and I will not have to worry about the fact my home is covered in a thin layer of dog fur and picking up all the clutter. The only thing I need to pick up is the VERY reasonable CHECK!

But let's discuss our dogs for a second. I assumed since so many dog foods are turkey based and turkey is a very gentle protein that doesn't cause the allergies of say, beef or chicken, it was perfectly healthy for dogs. Also, with most of us wanting to indulge our pets with human "living foods" and not just processed food, "table scraps" can actually be a great thing. They key is HOW MUCH and WHAT KIND. So, here are some tips for enjoying a DOG-FRIENDLY Thanksgiving.

TIPS FOR A DOG SAFE THANKSGIVING:
🦃 Keep the Dogs outside, in a bedroom or in a safe place. If you have a dog run, kennel, or crate, your best bet is to keep the dog safely inside it until all of the food has been put away and the scraps and bones disposed of. It's impossible to keep an eye on the dogs with guests coming and going and food everywhere.

🦃DON’T LEAVE UNCOOKED TURKEY UNATTENDED ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER – THE SMELL IS TOO TEMPTING FOR YOUR DOG. COOKED OR SMALL TURKEY BONES COULD CHOKE YOUR DOG OR BREAK/SPLINTER WHILE THEy'RE EATING THEM. BROKEN BONES CAN TEAR, OR GET STUCK IN, ANY PART OF YOUR DOG’S GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT AS THEY WORK THEIR WAY THROUGH THE SYSTEM;

🦃 ONCE YOU’VE COOKED YOUR TURKEY, AND BEFORE YOU SIT DOWN TO EAT, CLEAR AWAY ALL THE WRAPPINGS SUCH AS TIN FOIL, CELLOPHANE WRAP, PLASTIC BAGS, STRING AND MEAT SKEWERS – THEY ARE ALL POTENTIAL HAZARDS FOR YOUR DOG; I also recommend having someone clear all the appetizers and food and drinks guests may have left laying around while watching football or chatting, prior to the meal.
Clear trash immediately and IF YOU PUT THE WRAPPINGS IN THE BIN, MAKE SURE THE LID IS ON FIRMLY; WE HAVE USED BRICKS ON THE BIN LID IN THE PAST TO KEEP OUT PERSISTENT SCAVENGERS!

🦃 I PREPARE A TURKEY dinner for the dogs with Nulo canned turkey, dried organic cranberries, puréed canned pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and ground pumpkin seeds. If possible, I add some gizzards and fresh turkey meat to their food. It may be possible for the dogs to eat alongside the family, then return to an empty bedroom until the meal is finished.

🦃I also stock up on toys for my dogs to play with and present a Kong stuffed with kibble or white turkey meat to keep them entertained. If your dog is happily playing, they're not getting into mischief in the kitchen.

🦃A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG. I try and get out and give my dog A GOOD ENERGETIC WALK IN THE MORNING, SOMETHING THAT’S MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY STIMULATING. If you have an older dog, maybe a long walk in the stroller for fresh air. This way, they will BE MORE INCLINED TO SLEEP OR AT LEAST LIE QUIETLY WHILST YOU ARE PREPARING AND EATING YOUR TURKEY FEAST!

🦃If Thanksgiving gets too hectic, grab all the dogs and go for a nice walk. It might be a great escape and help you and the dogs gets one fresh air and manage the stress of the day.

🦃For anxious, stressed-out dogs, try TREATIBLES (https://www.treatibles.com/collections/shop). I swear by these little turkey flavor treats containing CBD oil. These have a drastic effect and calms anxious dogs. Good news! They're human grade so you can indulge as well! These will do a lot to help calm and sooth holiday stress. -Especially if you don't drink alcohol or are the designated driver!

JUST TO BE SAFE:

🦃Most Veterinary offices will be closed on Thanksgiving. Know the phone number and the closest 24hr. Emergency Animal Hospital.

🦃Dogs and cats can get anxious with the commotion and unfamiliar crowds, make sure they are wearing a proper ID should they get out.

​🦃Remind guests not to indulge your dog and be cautious. Those who don't own pets may not understand their ability to get into food and the complete lack of willpower many pets have when it comes to food. As a reminder, dogs and alcohol don’t mix either.

🦃While turkey meat and organs can be a wonderful healthy meal or treat, RICH, FATTY FOODS SUCH AS TURKEY SKIN AND DARK TURKEY MEAT ARE DIFFICULT TO DIGEST AND CAN CAUSE VOMITING AND DIARRHEA IN YOUR DOG, AND IN EXTREME CASES, BLOAT OR PANCREATITIS.*
SYMPTOMS OF PANCREATITIS INCLUDE LOSS OF APPETITE, LETHARGY, VOMITING, ABDOMINAL PAIN, DIARRHEA AND FEVER. IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR DOG HAS HELPED HIMSELF TO A TURKEY DINNER AND IS SHOWING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, I SUGGEST YOU TAKE HIM TO YOUR VET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

No-No's for dogs:
Artificial sweetner: Xylitol (100x's more deadly than chocolate) found in sugarless gum, breath mints, candy, peanut butters, sugar-free foods.
chocolate -The darker the more toxic.
caffeine, alcohol, onions, grapes, raisins, popcorn, garlic, salt/sugar, macadamia nuts, avocado skin & pit.

I want to wish each and every one of you, and your beloved pets, a wonderful, happy, SAFE Thanksgiving! Gooble-Gooble🦃❤️🐾


​*(PANCREATITIS IS AN INFLAMMATION OF THE PANCREAS WHICH CAN BE LETHAL FOR YOUR DOG.) THE PANCREAS PRODUCES DIGESTIVE ENZYMES, AND WHEN INFLAMED THE NATURAL PRODUCTION AND RELEASE OF THESE ENZYMES IS DISRUPTED. WHEN THE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES ARE PRODUCED AND THERE’S NO FOOD TO DIGEST, THE ENZYMES WILL START DIGESTING BODY TISSUE INSTEAD. THIS CAUSES FURTHER INFLAMMATION OF THE PANCREAS – THE SEVERITY OF THE PANCREATITIS, AND YOUR DOG’S PROGNOSIS, WILL DEPEND ON HOW HE REACTS TO THIS INFLAMMATION.

​🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾

By Katy Cable- 3 min read

Halloween may be over but don’t go smashing your pumpkins just yet! I bet you didn't realize what a nutritional powerhouse pumpkin is. -And not just for you, but your fur babies as well. I specifically saved this blog for today so if your pets get into something "naughty" and wind up with an upset tummy+ this may be the perfect cure-all! -Read on!

These amazing tidbits about Pumpkin are guaranteed to make you feel all lit up and warm inside. 🎃

I learned about the Great Pumpkin many years ago. I vividly remember coming home from a quick trip to the market. The second I walked in the door I found my Pug Raisin on top of my dining room table, devouring the contents of a gift basket like a ravenous grizzly bear. A dozen gourmet marshmallows were long gone, and he was halfway through a tin of Almond Roca, (gold foil wrappers and all.) I raced him to the vet and after a thorough examination he was luckily given the OK to return home. The vet advised me to add a few spoonfuls of pumpkin to his diet. Well, genius that I am, I raced into the nearest market and grabbed pumpkin pie filling! But it still worked like magic! Since that incident, canned pumpkin is now my secret weapon for tummy troubles. I recommend every pet parent stock-up while it's readily available and keep a can or two in their cupboard year-round just to be safe.

Your Halloween pumpkins may get an interested sniff from dogs but raw Jack-o-lantern pumpkin is not suitable for human or dog. However, canned and cooked fresh pumpkin, along with pumpkin seeds, is the new "SUPER FOOD" ! It can be a healthy addition to their a regular diet as well as a perfect ingredient to use in treats. Just look at all the health benefits it can also provide for you AND your dog.

• Urinary Tract Support: Veterinarians believe that the oils contained in the seeds and flesh of pumpkins support urinary health in dogs and cats. Anyone whose pet has had kidney or bladder stones (or the horror of both) can attest to how much suffering they cause.. Regularly adding pumpkin to your pet’s diet can help avoid this painful condition.
• Digestion: Our furry friends need fiber to stay regular just like we do, and pumpkin is a great source. The benefits go both ways – diarrhea as well as constipation can be eliminated with just one or two tablespoons of plain pumpkin, (not sweetened or spiced😜), fed to your pet daily until the condition has cleared.
• Skin and Coat: The antioxidants and essential fatty acids contained in pumpkin seeds help moisturize your pet’s skin and fur from the inside out. Although they may enjoy slurping down the fresh, slimy version, just to be on the safe side, I toast and grind them down: Spread seeds evenly onto a baking sheet, lightly coat with vegetable oil, roast in a 375-degree oven for 5 or 10 minutes, and cool. Pop seeds into a coffee-grinder and sprinkle over food or home-made treats.
• Parasites: Tapeworms and other intestinal parasites become paralyzed by cucurbitin, an amino acid in pumpkin seeds that acts as a natural de-worming agent. The most effective way to prepare seeds for this purpose is by grinding up fresh or properly preserved pumpkin seeds into a powder. Give your dog 1 teaspoon 2xs a day, mixed into a marble-sized portion of canned food.
• Nutrition: Pumpkin flesh and seeds are loaded with beta-carotene, vitamin A, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. They also contain antioxidants, which may prevent some cancers from forming and help your pet stay healthy and young. Just don’t overdo the portion sizes, since minerals like iron and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A can accumulate to unhealthy, even toxic, levels. Check with your vet but a teaspoon or two per day is normally plenty.
• Weight Loss: Obesity is a common issue that is just as dangerous for animals as it is for humans. If your pooch can stand to drop a few pounds, mix some dry kibble with a tablespoon of water and a tablespoon of canned pumpkin. The mushy kibble makes them think they’re eating more, the pumpkin fiber helps their tummy feel full, and they’ll enjoy the new taste treat

🎃👍🏼As with all my blog tips and suggestions, it should go without saying: TO ALWAYS CONSULT with your veterinarian beforehand. Although pumpkin is quite safe and healthy FOR MOST dogs and cats, your vet will be able to recommend safe usage for your specific pet. Each animal is different and "one-size-does-NOT-fit-all". 🎃👍🏼

Before you race out the door with your pooch to grab a few cans (and a Starbuck's Pumpkin Carmel Spiced Latte) consider this... The typical 13oz can of pumpkin contains around 29 tablespoons, and lasts about a week in the refrigerator. Unless you're catering for a small shelter or pack of canines, this is far too much pumpkin for your average dog or two to consume in a week. In an effort not to have this bounty end up in your garbage can, I suggest freezing extra in ice cube trays. Simply freeze, and pop out the cubes into a freezer bag. Thaw one out when you need it, mix with a spoon to blend any separation of water, and refrigerate the leftover pumpkin cubes to serve at your pet’s next meal. If you don’t want to retrieve pumpkin cubes from the freezer every other day, count out a week’s worth of servings into small freezer containers. Put them into the freezer and take out one container at a time to thaw and serve to your pet throughout the week. 🎃Just a note to those of you who may be considering buying a small jar of baby food. While the jar size may make it tempting, unfortunately pumpkin by itself is not a commercial baby food flavor; it’s usually mixed with sweet potatoes. So it’s not a good idea to feed this form of pumpkin to your pet.

While pumpkin is readily available this time of year, good luck finding a can of it when you might need it in, say, April. Out of season you can still find it at many PetSmart stores. I like their brand of Authority, 100% pure canned pumpkin which runs between $2-3 for a 13oz a can or .90 cents for a small 4oz cat sized can.

After my recent blog on how crummy most store-bought treats are, (MIS-treating your dog??) I now enjoy making my own creative delicacies using this super-food. These treats are far less expensive than most store bought ones and also healthier. An added benefit is baking the biscuits also makes your house smell wonderful! Now your sweet doggie can also enjoy a bit of the season while you are savoring your own slice of pumpkin pie.

🎃Crunchy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Biscuits🎃.
Makes 75 small biscuits/50 medium
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 1/2 cups organic brown rice flour/or coconut flour
1 tsp ground parsley (optional)
2 eggs
*unsalted organic creamy peanut butter/coconut oil/dried cranberries for decor if desired

Combine eggs and pumpkin until smooth. Add salt, parsley, and slowly add in flour. Roll mixture out using additional flour if needed for sticking. When dough is 1/4 - 1/2" thickness, use small or medium cookie cutters to make biscuits. Place on cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn biscuits over and bake for another 20 minutes. Drizzle or dip warm biscuits in organic, unsalted creamy peanut butter or coconut oil that has been melted in a microwave for 30 sec. Add dried cranberries for decor. Place on wax paper until cooled and dipping sauce has hardened.

🎃🎃Pumpkin Pie🎃🎃

1 can organic canned pumpkin
1 cup organic, plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup organic, creamy, unsalted unsweetened peanut butter
unsweetened organic coconut flakes/dried cranberries if desired.
1 cup Dry Dog Food (I like Nulo Turkey) ground up

Spray a glass 9x13 baking dish with Olive Oil/or line with parchment paper
Spread crumbled dry dog food on the bottom of pan or paper.
Blend all peanut butter and yogurt until smooth. Pour On top of crumbled kibble.
Freeze for 3-4 hours.
You can top the pie with add coconut flakes, dried cranberries, if you wish. Thaw for 10-15 minutes before cutting into small pieces.

So whether you're enjoying the cooler fall temperatures or an Indian summer, I've got you and your fur baby covered with some Great Pumpkin options. And, best of all, neither one of you needs to feel guilty about indulging in a few tempting pumpkin delights. Enjoy!🎃🎃🎃
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+This blog is not intended to take the place of veterinary advice/care! Always consult your vet if your pet is ill.


​🐾Katy Cable is a former actress appearing in “Back To The Future” and starring in the TV series: “Safe At Home” & “ Fired Up!” In addition to her dog health & lifestyle blog/vlog: The Weekly Runt, (https://www.weeklyrunt.com/) she’s a contributing writer to numerous publications including Thrive Global, & The Huffington Post. Cable lives at the beach with her husband, Rick and her rescue Pug, Olive.🐾


For more great ideas, tips and events follow me on social media and subscribe to The Weekly Runt by clicking the button below.

By Katy Cable -Thrive Global
On November 14th, I am celebrating my “little black Olive the Pug’s” 5-year “GOTCHA DAY!” That stands for the day her adoption was official and she became part of my family. In honor of this special event, I wanted to repost a blog I wrote for Thrive Global telling my story. Thanks for reading

Five years ago I became an “empty-nester” wondering what I would do for the Second Act of my life. I’d spent the last 18 years consumed as a stay-at-home “MOM-ager” to my daughter who had been acting professionally since infancy. I had just put her on a plane to attend college clear across the country and the time had come to get off the runway and let her take flight.

I sat in my quiet, clean, empty house battling severe depression while firing out job resumes through a waterfall of tears! I felt unqualified, irrelevant and OLD! While I was raising my daughter and managing her career, the entire world had changed and left me behind. Employers were now half my age and wanted to know how many Twitter followers I had. (Last count: 2) I didn’t have any of the new skills needed for the jobs I wanted and frankly I was just too overwhelmed and upset to learn.

To say I missed my daughter was like referring to a category 5 hurricane as a heavy rainstorm! I felt sick, hopeless and wanted my life to end. And that’s what true depression is. I wasn’t being a drama queen, I literally did not want to live. I couldn’t sleep, yet I couldn’t get out of bed. I cried so much I was dehydrated. How many times I had screamed at my daughter over leaving dirty dishes out, borrowing my favorite clothes, and staying out too late, now I would’ve given anything to have those petty irritations back.

​In an effort to keep busy and get out of the house, I checked my ego at the sliding glass doors of PetSmart and took a part-time job consulting pet parents. My job no longer required high-heels, fancy meals and negotiating deals, but sneakers, a polo shirt and lanyard. Now the managers I was taking meetings with weren’t Hollywood’s top brass, but retail managers around the same age as my daughter.

Ironically the company I represented was a new pet food company called “NULO” and at that moment I did indeed feel I had hit a “NEW-LOW” and my best days were behind me. I doubted I would last through the first pay period without being hauled off in a straight jacket.

Then something snapped! Much to my surprise, I realized I was having the time of my life. Working with pet parents fulfilled me in a very special way no other career ever had. All my experience working with shelter pets over the years, made me a natural at my new “temporary job” and I found a new calling.

My new career made it impossible for me to live without a dog of my own and I began obsessively searching every shelter. Thankfully all my early attempts fell flat or I may have snatched up any three legged, frothing-at-the-mouth, rabid beast needing a home.

I was losing hope of ever finding a dog when I received a call from a shelter. They had found a young Pug on the side of a desert road who’d just had a litter of pups. She was likely a breeder dog who had never been out of a crate. She needed quite a bit of attention and care and they asked if I would be interested.

I raced to the shelter feeling like an expectant mom. And then I saw her! The second I laid eyes on this frightened, adorable little Pug I fell head-over-heels in love. I named her “Little Black Olive” and reassured her that life was about to drastically change. Little did I know, so was mine.

​With this new dog my depression lifted like a helium balloon. Olive made me happier than I’d been since my daughter and my old life had “flown-the-coup.” I was having the time of my life getting to know and rehabilitate this darling, new (and previously abused) pug.

​She was so adorable I jumped on social media to share her pics and stories. I began making videos and blogging about products and fun things for pet parents to do. Suddenly I was becoming, “Aunt Katy, the Pug Lady” the “GO-TO” for pet questions.

No sooner did I find my perfect new companion pug, I got offered the dream job I’d applied for a few months prior. With Olive at my side and the ability to be my own boss, I passed on the 60+ hours work week and non-stop corporate demands. -And not for one second have I regretted my decision.

Although I rescued Olive from her “RUFF” beginnings, she rescued me from myself. Taking that high-profile corporate position would’ve killed me. Instead, my dog gave me a new “leash-on-life!” She inspired my pet health & lifestyle blog, THE WEEKLY RUNT. In just a few years, it’s now published nationwide, and being made into a TV show. Everyday I have the opportunity to help others save money and live happier, healthier lives with their pets.
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In my case, the hand of God was actually the paw of a dog. It came to my rescue when I desperately needed it and gave me a purpose and reason for living. So it’s no accident GOD SPELLED BACKWARDS IS DOG!