Table of contents for Spring 2021 in Modern Dog

Spring is upon us, and I'm sure you'll agree, that this season of renewal has never been more welcome. Though the pandemic stretches into its second year, there’s hope of renewed normalcy around the corner. In the meantime, we’re focussing on love, gratitude, and the endless inspiration our four-legged friends provide. With most travel plans cancelled over the past 12 months, many of us are itching to get back out there. Dream up your own road trip after reading Sonia Jones’ account of how health challenges spurred her to make her “one day” bucket-list cross-country journey with three Huskies (!) a reality. Then dial up the wanderlust a notch with “Land of The Strays,” an incredible profile on a Costa Rican tropical mountain-side animal refuge that is home to over…

https://www.mypetdefense.com/?utm_source=modern-dog&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=modern-dog 1 Canine wellness made easy! The My Pet Defense subscription box makes taking care of your pup a cinch with flea and tick protection, enzymatic dental support, and healthy soft chews delivered to your door every month.—Amanda (subscriptions starting at $25, mypetdefense.com) https://petsbestlife.com/ 2Help your dog floss! Yummy Combs dog treats work like dental floss as your dog chews. Made with high-quality proteins and ingredients, they’re delicious too.—Becky ($20, petsbestlife.com) https://caninebiologics.com/ 3 Formulated to provide immune, digestive, and integumentary system support for dogs fighting cancer, the three-part Canine Biologics Integrated Nutrition System features human-grade food, a proprietary supplement blend, and wild caught salmon oil—just mix together and serve.—Cecilia (from $176, caninebiologics.com) https://coolvio.com/products/barctic-cooling-dog-shirt 4 If your dog overheats or gets cold easily, this is a gamechanger! The bArctic Light Therapy…

Anew kid has officially joined the Herding group! The Belgian Laekenois is the latest breed to join the herding dogs. If you’ve never heard of this breed, you’re not alone. Many are familiar with the more famous Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, and Belgian Sheepdog; however, the fourth of the Belgian herding breeds, the Belgian Laekenois, isn’t as well known. All four Belgian breeds are all highly trainable as herding dogs, and, due to their intelligent and loyal natures, can frequently be found doing police, search and rescue, and therapy dog work. The American Kennel Club granted the Laekenois (pronounced lak-in-wah) full AKC recognition and competition eligibility in 2020, so expect to see the breed in the ring. (Interestingly, in Belgium, all four breeds are categorized as a single breed, the…

THINK YOUR DOG OUGHT TO BE IN MODERN DOG? Upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!…

JACKETS https://www.ethicalpet.com/ Rainy Days Slicker, from $14; ethicalpet.com https://www.suitical.com/?&utm_source=magazines&utm_medium=url&utm_campaign=usa-moderndog-recovery_suit_dog-v2021 Blue Camo Recovery Suit, from $30; suitical.com https://www.upzone.ca/ Puffer Vest, from $41; upzone.ca https://chillydogs.ca/ Harbour Slicker, from $70; chillydogs.ca LEASHES & HARNESSES https://petponia.com/ Mighty Dog Harness, from $25; petponia.com https://www.sotahound.com/ Leash Adapter for Dog Jackets or Coats, from $22; sotahound.com https://www.shopmimigreen.com/ Frida Laminated Cotton Dog Harness, from $48; shopmimigreen.com https://www.auburndirect.com/ Heirloom Leash, from $40; auburndirect.com COLLARS https://www.miragepetproducts.com/Sailor-Dog-Collar_c_30700.html Sailor Dog Collar, from $12.50; miragepetproducts.com https://lilarchies.com/ Oat Dot Eco-Bandana, from $24; lilarchies.com https://www.centralkentuckytackandleather.com/ Padded Leather Dog Collar, from $35; centralkentuckytackandleather.com https://www.auburndirect.com/ Tuscan Collar, from $34; auburndirect.com FOR DOG PEOPLE https://robinslovingtouch.com/ Nose Print Necklace, from $277;…

When I was seven years old, I hosted my own travel show. There’s video evidence of it somewhere, on a VHS tape, in a box, securely hidden in my mom’s house. If you were to locate it, a VCR, and the patience to suffer through 80s graphics, you’d see me walk into frame and smile—so confidently, SO self-assuredly you’d think I was possessed by Ryan Seacrest—and announce: “Welcome to our indoor, outdoor fun. You’d better grab some popcorn because it’s going to be <exaggerated> VERY, VERY funny.” The rest of the home video follows me from “exotic” location to location as I show off my bunnies, zoom down the street at “lightning speed” on my bike, and perform—at great lengths—my (very basic) piano skills. I’m cringing now just thinking about…

Family Mantra My husband named him Gunter, not after Gunter Grass, the Nobel Prize-winning novelist, but a Springfield, MA bakery. He was the runt of a litter of eight Pug/sumo wrestlers. His stout, fawn-colored siblings had tightly curled tails and furrowed brows that seemed to ask the perpetual question, “What?” Gunter weighed one pound. He was black, his eyes turned outward, and his tail stuck out like half a parenthesis. Once Gunter snapped at his veterinarian, who said, “Pugs, they don’t like to be messed with.” This has become our family’s mantra when things don’t make sense in the human world. —Carole Lambert Grace on Four Legs He sits hunched over in his wheelchairA steel rod where his leg used to beHis razor face puffs on a cigarette buttOutside the…

Birthday Boy It's my boy's 10th birthday and he's pictured here with our favourite magazine!—Fawn Frazer A Heart Dog is Forever I just read your amazingly touching piece on losing your animal soul mate and the grief we go through over this huge and deeply felt loss. Seems the time I chose to read this issue was perfect…I just lost my 14-and-a-half-year-old, Lucy, a few weeks ago and am suffering the loss of her terribly. I just wanted to thank you so much for the article. It totally validated a lot of how I am feeling.—Cheri H. Smart Dogs Read Modern Dog magazine! Bluebear looking wise and handsome perusing the winter issue. Submitted by@mittsformutts…

The cards were definitely stacked against Mr. Breakfast, who was rescued from a dog fighting ring in San Diego, CA, and was almost completely deaf due to the close cropping of his ears and subsequent infections. With a couple failed adoptions behind him, no one could have guessed this fierce-looking, unwanted dog would turn out to be a sweetheart with a passion for surfing. Mr. B’s life changed when he found a forever home with Liz Nowell. Not trained to be a pet, he came with behavioural issues, but Liz, having worked with deaf dogs before, was up for the challenge. With Liz, Mr. B learned sign language and developed an affinity for surfing, an activity that bolstered his confidence and strengthened their bond. The duo has fond memories of…

March https://moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways/modern-dog-magazine-8 1 st -7 th Win 1 of 5 one-year subscriptions to Modern Dog magazine, chock full of helpful articles, heartwarming stories, and so many cute dog photos! https://moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways/paws-4-life 8 th -14 th Win 1 of 2 Outdoor Pet Pack-Kits from Paws 4 Life! Be prepared in the event of an emergency situation with this pet first-aid care pack filled with the essentials needed to keep your dog safe. https://moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways/sotahound 15 th -21 st Win 1 of 10 Coat Leash Adapters from sotaHound! Simply attach to your dog’s jacket to use the jacket like a harness! https://moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways/imagilin-2 22 nd -31 st Win 1 of 3 prize packs from IMAGILIN! Keep your pup happy and healthy with a selection of their probiotic supplements. April https://moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways/doggoramps 1 st -7 th Win…

Have you ever met a dog so smart it was a little scary? Many years ago, I was vacuuming under my dining room table when a flash of pink caught the corner of my eye. Tucked behind one of the table legs was a sticky pyramid of stacked Benadryl tablets. I had been giving the pills to my Shetland Sheepdog, Merlin, for an allergy issue. He had apparently been depositing his medication out of sight for about a week, in a neat little hot pink pile. No wonder his allergies weren’t getting any better! I knew I was in trouble early on, when Merlin climbed over a baby gate at eight weeks of age. He was one of the smartest dogs I have ever known. Throughout his life, he challenged…

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/246281D1-6361-430D-998B-F49E21BA4097?ingress=0&visitId=57a51828-b029-4103-a044-988572c62559&productGridPageIndex=2 Portable Food & Water Station This Dexas collapsible feeder folds down for easy transport and storage. (from $10, dexas.com) https://4knines.com/ A Road Trip Must-Have! Effortlessly protect your vehicle with 4knine’s comfortable, waterproof and easy-to-clean seat and cargo-area covers. (from $60, 4knines.com) https://biketowleash.com/ The Bike Path Less Travelled Bike with your dog! The Bike Tow Leash attachment allows dogs from 10 to 186 pounds to safely run beside you as you cycle. ($146, biketowleash.com)…

https://icelandpure.com/ Fish Oil Meets CBD The Next Level Premier Infused CBD Fish oil from Iceland Pure is a unique blend of Sardine Anchovy oil, Shark Liver oil, and CBD oil formulated to reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and help lubricate joints. ($82, icelandpure.com) https://www.hempvet.pet/ Immune Booster HempImmunity chews from HempVet contain broad-spectrum, non-GMO hemp complex with naturally occurring CBD in combination with a proprietary, vet developed Immunopeptide that contains colostrum extract to support the immune system and liver and kidney function. ($40, hempvet.pet) https://www.healthierpet.org/ Hybrid Treatment Formulated specifically to help treat cancer and tumours, the Health Drops 30/6 from Healthier Pet are a hybrid treatment that contains both 99.2% pure CBD isolate and Delta-8 THC. This Health Canada lab tested formulation is mixed with cold-pressed organic…

https://www.nowfoods.com/pet-health URINARY TRACT HEALTH Help your dog maintain normal urinary tract function with Urinary Support Chewables from NOW Pets. Veterinary formulated, these chewables contain ingredients such as cranberry powder and red raspberry leaf to help reduce the formation of urinary crystals. ($27, nowfoods.com/pet-health) https://www.swedencareusa.com/product/proden-plaqueoff-powder-60-g/ PEARLY WHITES Made from natural and sustainably harvested sea kelp, ProDen PlaqueOff Powder from SwedenCare can simply be added to your dog's wet or dry food to help remove and reduce tartar and plaque. ($22, swedencareusa.com) https://purica.com/ STRONG JOINTS If your dog is suffering from joint pain, Purica Pet Curcumin+ is made with a potent antioxidant blend that helps support your dog’s immune system, relieves joint pain, and helps support healthy joints and flexibility. ($43, purica.com) ALLERGIES + IMMUNE SUPPORT https://www.vetniquelabs.com/ With a blend…

Dan Giannopoulos is a British photographer whose work explores the lives of individuals (Including dogs!) and communities existing on the outer edges of contemporary society, whether by their own volition or due to social, political, and environmental forces beyond their control. His work has been published and exhibited widely and has been recognised by numerous international awards and grants. Turn to page 68 for his stunning photos of a tropical mountain dog-rescue sanctuary in Costa Rica that is home to over 2000 free-roaming stray dogs. Writer Mary-Jo Dionne’s work has appeared in The Toronto Star, Huffington Post, and Modern Dog magazine (of course!). Her office mates, Sarah, Margaret, and Oscar, all have four-legs. Mary-Jo was recently recognized with a Governor General’s Sovereign Medal in philanthropy, which all started from channeling…

Inquisitive, bold, and lively, the diminutive Pomeranian packs a lot of personality into a small package. Despite weighing just three to seven pounds, the Pomeranian possesses the attitude of a much bigger dog. The Pom has legion of fans—it’s one of the most popular toy breeds, and with good reason. Alert, intelligent, and long-lived (12 to 16 years), the Pom is a favourite of royals and regular folk alike, charmed by the breed’s winning personality, smile, and stunning coat. That profuse double coat comes in almost two dozen colours, though orange or red are most common. Pomeranians excel at tricks, are easily trained, and even make good watchdogs. Their exercise requirements are relatively easy to meet and they’re a great choice for many families so long as the kids are…

It’s described as a ‘time bomb’ for dogs. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a painful and immediately life threatening condition caused when a dog’s stomach twists, leaving the entrance and exit to the organ blocked. Bloat can be fatal for your beloved pet if the disease is not treated in time or prevented, says Dr. Adrian Walton, lead veterinarian and owner of Dewdney Animal Hospital. Dogs can get bloat if they are active after eating a large meal, explains Dr. Walton. This is because food sits at the base of their stomach, and when the dog walks, lies down, or rolls over, the momentum can be strong enough to flip the stomach 360 degrees, effectively twisting the organ and causing trapped gas to build up inside. “The…

Toronto-based professional animal photographer Jason Krygier-Baum has made it, as they say. “I get that bounce in my step when I’m going down the pet food aisle and I see my images,” says Jason, whose clients include Royale Tissue, Canadian Tire, Purina, and Pedigree. “Every time I book a large commercial job, I get a sense of what I’m doing is resonating with a large audience.” But just how does one become a professional pet photographer? “I always loved art and always had an interest in animals, growing up in a household nicknamed ‘the zoo,’ he laughs. He studied ecology and animal behaviour at university and got interested in photography. But it wasn’t until his health forced him to take a break that he found his calling. “I was working…

Keeping your energetic puppy active and engaged is important, but you need to be mindful of your puppy’s joints, says Dr. Felix Duerr, an Associate Professor in Small Animal Orthopedics and the head of the Orthopedic Medicine and Mobility Service at Colorado State University. A puppy’s joints can actually be quite fragile as the pup grows and the body changes, particularly if it’s a large breed or genetically predisposed to conditions like hip dysplasia. Puppies go through major growth spurts and changes in the early stages of their life. Just when these growth phases occur depends on the breed and size of the dog. “Small dogs have done most of their growing by eight months and larger dogs by 12 months,” says Dr. Duerr. “When they are growing is when…