Ask Kelsey Hughes

FD: What is the basic difference between puppy, adult and senior dog food formulas?

Kelsey: Puppy foods offer more protein and calcium for proper growth. For all formulas always make sure they are complete and balanced formulas with a meat product at the top of the ingredients list. It is also a good idea to occasionally change protein sources within the same brand to keep your dog from developing an allergy. Senior foods are lower calorie, high fiber formulas for weight conditions or constipation.

FD: What is the latest trend in dog foods, and what’s your opinion of it?

Kelsey: The latest trend in dog foods that I have noticed is the growing demand for wildlife dog foods. It is a great option for many dogs with allergies or for finicky eaters. We have some sample bags to offer anyone that thinks this may be an option for them.

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Kelsey is the feed specialist at Franklin Kubota where she has worked alongside many pet food producers, taking in all the information she could, to pass on to customers. Growing up on a farm, she gained experience and knowledge feeding and caring for numerous types of animals. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with an Agriculture Business degree. She strives to help people have a happy healthy pet and friend.

With the goal of helping dog owners fully enjoy their dog, we want to tap the knowledge of experts in our city. Look at the side menu to select a category of interest under “Ask a Franklin Dog Expert.”

Got a question? Send it to randy@franklindog.com.

Ask Candi Hargrove

FD: How do I know what kind of brush to use on my dog?

Candi: It is best to use a hard bristle slicker brush and a small-to-medium-toothed comb. Slicker brushes are available in various sizes to accommodate all breeds. The slicker brush is used to brush your dog’s coat, release any  undercoat, and remove any small mats or tangles. After you have brushed, use the comb to go back over the coat to ensure that all the undercoat and tangles have been brushed out, especially before and after a bath.

FD: Is there a danger in washing my dog too often?

Candi: If a dog is bathed too often it may cause the skin to dry out. If the skin becomes too dry, your dog may get flaky skin or start scratching often which could result in hot spots or other skin conditions. I recommend bathing your dog once a month for a healthy coat. If you feel your dog needs to be bathed more often, then try bathing him (or her) every other week and add a conditioner along with the bath to help moisturize the skin.

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Candi is a certified professional groomer, working out of Franklin Kennels. She graduated from The Nash Academy of Animal Arts of Lexington, Ky.

With the goal of helping dog owners fully enjoy their dog, we want to draw on the knowledge of experts in our city. Look at the side menu to select a category of interest under “Ask a Franklin Dog Expert.”

About a week ago, our dog came down with an ear infection (I promise to make this a spiritually relevant story, so stick with me). We’ve had this pup for almost a year, but this was a new experience for us as “parents.” Thanks to several wrestling matches with a 45-pound dog who does not like to have drops put in his ear, I can report he is now healthy. But my friend asked yesterday how you know a dog has an ear infection. I explained that I noticed something was wrong because I could tell he just wasn’t himself.

Later last night, I was thinking about her question and realized that the bottomline answer is really pretty simple: We paid attention. We knew simply by observing him that something wasn’t right, and closer inspection revealed the problem. Here comes the spiritual part: People don’t always just say what areas of their lives could use a little tender, loving care. Sometimes you have to pay attention and take note of moments when they don’t seem quite like themselves. You don’t then have to pry into their private matters, but a gentle prayer or unexpected word of encouragement might be just what they need. Before you can offer that, however, you have to be paying enough attention to realize something is wrong. I encourage you this week to take a careful look at the people around you, whether strangers, friends or family members. Their pain may not be spoken, but that doesn’t mean you can’t notice and care.

Blessings,

Brooklyn Lowery

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Though she now lives in nearby Crieve Hall, Brooklyn grew up in Franklin and graduated from Centennial High School. As for Jersey, her handsome dog that’s pictured above…..well, he was fortunate enough to be chosen by Brooklyn at a puppy adoption day at Happy Tales Humane.

Brooklyn is an editor with LifeWay Christian Resources.

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