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Going Mutts Pet Services and Nutrition, Fort McMurray, AB (2026)

06/21/2026

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻 & 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 🐺💪

One supplement I’ve been looking into more lately is Fortetropin (the ingredient used in the MYOS canine muscle formula)

Fortetropin is a bioactive compound derived from fertilized egg yolk that has been researched for supporting muscle maintenance and reducing muscle loss associated with aging, injury, surgery, inactivity, and even certain chronic conditions.

This is NOT just a “high protein powder” — it works a bit differently and is thought to help support muscle through signaling pathways involved in muscle maintenance and muscle breakdown.

I know it’s definitely on the pricier side as far as supplements go…

…but I’ve seen quite a few people report really nice results in:
• senior dogs
• dogs recovering from surgery
• dogs with hind end weakness
• muscle wasting
• dogs losing muscle from inactivity or chronic illness

I originally purchased it for Lyric, as many dogs with cancer can experience muscle loss/cachexia, and she was also on prednisone — which absolutely can contribute to muscle wasting over time.

Now I’m considering trialing it with Treble

Treble is almost 11 years old, and honestly? Overall I think he’s doing AMAZING for his age and chronic issues.

His ears are doing SO much better lately (we only had one flare up in the last month, compared to weekly or twice weekly before 😭), his digestion has improved a lot, and he has been eating MUCH better overall.

That said… he’s never been a very food-driven dog and has always been naturally lean/thin due to years of appetite issues, reflux, and gut problems.

I did reduce his protein somewhat for a period because it genuinely seemed to help his digestion, but now that he’s doing better in that department knock on wood 🤣… we are slowly increasing it again.

I do think he has some mild muscle loss/weakness in his back end, although it’s honestly hard to tell through all the fur 😂

And I also think northern breeds like this naturally tend to be more front-end powerhouses.

The fact that he’s still intact is likely in his favour as well from a muscle-maintenance standpoint.

But overall, I’d love to support his rear end strength and help him age as gracefully as possible.

At the end of the day, I’m not trying to turn him back into a 2-year-old sled dog 😅

I just want my boy to enjoy his golden years with strength, comfort, dignity, and joy.

And honestly… after everything we’ve been through together, it finally feels like we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel 🖤

06/20/2026

We had a good mixed week, a few crazy days of mosquitoes… some rain, but also some sun!

But I guess we can’t complain, we haven’t had any smoke *knock on wood* 😅

Is there a place that exists, that is warm, not overly humid, but like… no bugs? Or, is that asking too much? LOL!

06/20/2026

Can’t wait 😅🥳

06/19/2026

𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀: 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 “𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀” 😅

I’ve had overweight dogs before myself, so absolutely no judgement here 🤍

In my case, hypothyroidism played a role, which can definitely make weight loss trickier. Many medications can ALSO contribute to weight gain, increased appetite, fluid retention, reduced activity, and metabolic changes… so sometimes there is more going on than simply:
“the dog just eats too much”

If your dog struggles with weight, I HIGHLY recommend discussing a FULL thyroid panel with your veterinarian, especially if your dog also has:
• low energy
• skin/coat issues
• chronic ear problems
• muscle loss
• recurrent infections

Now yes… calories DO matter!

But a lot of people are told to simply:
“feed less”
“cut treats”
“just add green beans”

And honestly? That approach can backfire sometimes.

Dogs can become:
• constantly hungry
• food obsessed
• scavengers
• nutrient deficient
• weaker from muscle loss

Because when we drastically reduce food intake…
we ALSO reduce vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.

And this is where things become more nuanced 🤓

Whether feeding kibble, raw, canned, freeze dried, or home cooked, the goal should be:
𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲.

Sometimes that means:
• increasing protein density
• using leaner proteins
• modifying fat intake strategically
• improving satiety
• slowing down treats/snacks
• supporting joints and mobility first
• increasing exercise slowly and appropriately

For some dogs, prescription or weight loss diets CAN help.

For others?
They stay hungry, hate the food, lose muscle too quickly, or simply don’t tolerate the ingredients well.

And just switching to raw doesn’t automatically solve the issue either. A poorly balanced homemade or raw diet can absolutely lead to deficiencies, excesses, digestive issues, and poor muscle retention.

Weight loss should NEVER just be:
“make the dog smaller”

The goal is:
𝗳𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀 + 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 + 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵

And ideally?
Weight loss should be:
𝗦𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆

Especially in:
• seniors
• hypothyroid dogs
• mobility-challenged dogs
• dogs with chronic disease

Because carrying excess weight can absolutely impact:
• joints and mobility
• heart health
• stamina
• inflammation
• heat tolerance
• long-term comfort
• overall longevity

I work with owners to help dogs lose weight in a more strategic and supportive way, while still optimizing:
• nutrition
• muscle retention
• digestion
• mobility
• overall resilience

If you need help with your:
• pudgey pooch 😅
• senior dog
• hypothyroid dog
• low-energy dog
• mobility-challenged dog

feel free to reach out 🤓

06/18/2026

𝗖𝗮𝘁 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝘀 𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 🐈🧠🥩

One thing I think people REALLY underestimate is just how metabolically different cats are from dogs.

Cats are not “small dogs”

They are basically tiny desert-adapted obligate carnivores with very weird little livers 😂

And honestly?

This is one reason I personally think modern dry kibble lifestyles are often MUCH less ideal for cats than they are for dogs.

Not because kibble is “poison”

Not because every cat eating kibble is doomed.

…but because feline physiology is EXTREMELY specialized.

𝗖𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 “𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲”

Their liver keeps many protein-processing enzymes running at a relatively high rate ALL the time.

Even if dietary protein drops.

So unlike humans (and even dogs to a degree), cats are not very metabolically flexible.

Their body still expects:
• amino acids
• animal tissues
• moisture-rich prey
• high protein intake

…basically constantly.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
“Why would I manufacture nutrients myself? The mouse already did that” 😂

Cats also have limited ability to:
• make taurine efficiently
• convert beta carotene into vitamin A
• convert plant omega-3s into DHA/EPA efficiently
• synthesize certain nutrients omnivores handle better

Which means they evolved expecting PRE-FORMED nutrients from animal tissues.

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲… 💧

Cats evolved from desert-adapted ancestors.

They naturally:
• have a lower thirst drive
• produce highly concentrated urine
• were designed to obtain much of their hydration from prey

Meaning moisture matters A LOT more than many people realize.

This is where things can get a little weird with some modern indoor cat lifestyles:
• low moisture intake
• dry food only
• obesity
• inactivity
• stress
• concentrated urine
• low muscle mass

…and suddenly we start seeing:
• urinary issues
• metabolic dysfunction
• constipation
• obesity
• diabetes risk
• kidney strain

Again…

This is NOT me saying kibble is “toxic”

Some cats genuinely do okay on it.
Some owners truly cannot afford other options.

And some therapeutic kibble diets absolutely have their place.

𝗕𝘂𝘁…

I do think feline nutrition deserves WAY more nuance and respect than it often gets.

Cats are not just “easy pets” that can live off crunchy cereal forever 😅

Their metabolism is honestly fascinating.
And also a little terrifying LOL.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 🧠

Dogs are metabolically adaptable omnivorous scavengers.

Cats are highly specialized hypercarnivores that evolved expecting:
• animal tissue
• moisture
• protein
• prey-based nutrition

…and modern lifestyles do not always match that biology very well.

06/16/2026

𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 “𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲” 𝗜𝘀 𝗔𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 🐾

When a dog starts having skin problems — itching, hair loss, infections — the conversation almost always goes straight to:
“food allergy?”
“environmental allergy?”

And while those absolutely can be part of the picture… they are not always the root cause. Sometimes, the skin is reflecting something deeper going on in the body.

𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀
There are two conditions that can look like “allergies” on the surface, but are actually hormonal (endocrine) issues:

• Cushing’s disease (high cortisol)

• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)

🔍 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴’𝘀 (𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹)
This is a breakdown pattern in the body.

𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀:
• hair loss on the sides or tail (often symmetrical)
• thin, fragile skin (can tear easily)
• slow healing
• recurrent infections
• hyperpigmentation (skin darkening)
• sometimes firm calcium deposits in the skin (advanced cases)

𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲-𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀:
• increased thirst and urination
• increased appetite
• pot belly
• muscle loss (especially back end)
• panting
• reduced stamina

This is not just a skin issue — it’s a system-wide shift.

🔍 𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗵𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺 (𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱)
This is a low-function, slow system.

𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀:
• dry, dull coat
• hair loss (especially tail = “rat tail”)
• thickened, sometimes puffy skin
• recurrent infections
• hyperpigmentation (often more diffuse or patchy)
• slow regrowth after shaving

𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲-𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀:
• weight gain without eating more
• low energy
• cold intolerance
• sluggish behavior
• sometimes a “puffy” face or expression

This dog often feels like it’s running on low battery.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 “𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀”?
“Allergy” patterns tend to look more like:
• itching (usually the biggest clue)
• red, inflamed skin
• paws, ears, and belly involvement
• licking, chewing, rubbing
• hot spots
• flare-ups that come and go

You may still see darkening of the skin over time, but it usually comes after chronic inflammation, not as the primary driver.

This is a reaction pattern, not a breakdown pattern.

𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝘁
Ask yourself:
Is my dog reacting…

or deteriorating?

❓𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝘁
If something feels off, it’s completely reasonable to explore testing.

𝗧𝗵𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱:
Ask for a full thyroid panel, not just T4 and TSH.
This provides a much more complete picture of thyroid function.

𝗖𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴’𝘀:
Testing may include:
• ACTH stimulation test
• low-dose dexamethasone suppression test

Even more subtle or early cases can still impact the skin and overall health.

🤓 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆
The skin is often a messenger.
Sometimes it’s reacting to something external.
Sometimes it’s reflecting something internal.

And those require very different approaches. If your dog has been stuck in the cycle of switching foods or managing symptoms without real progress, it may be time to zoom out and look at the bigger picture 🐾

06/15/2026

𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗱… 𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗯? 🌼🐾

Jazz decided to help herself to some fresh dandelion flowers on our walk the other day 😅

And honestly? Dandelions are actually pretty interesting little plants!

In herbalism, 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁 and 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗳 have traditionally been used to support:
• digestion
• bile flow
• liver support
• urinary/kidney function
• mineral intake

The leaves are more mineral-rich and gently diuretic, while the root is often used more for digestion and liver/bile support.

Even the flowers are edible! Humans use them in things like:
• teas
• syrups
• jams/jellies
• salads
• fritters

And yes… you can absolutely toss a few fresh petals into your dog’s bowl as a little whole food extra 🌼

BUT… go slow!

Too much dandelion (especially suddenly) can cause:
• loose stool
• gas
• digestive upset

As always, moderation matters, and not every dog tolerates herbs the same way.

Also important:
⚠️ avoid picking dandelions from sprayed lawns, roadsides, or areas treated with herbicides/pesticides.

Nature is pretty neat sometimes 🤓🐾

06/14/2026

🧬 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗰𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱… 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝘁

If you’ve been doing everything right…

and your dog is still struggling with “allergies”, ears, skin, or histamine-type symptoms…

This might be a piece worth looking at 👇

🧠 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 — 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗱?

Folic acid = the synthetic form of folate

It’s commonly added to:
• kibble
• fortified treats (especially wheat-based)
• some freeze-dried raw
• some “balanced” raw products

🧬 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 (𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 😄)

Folic acid isn’t the same as natural folate from food.

It has to be converted in the body before it can be used.

And that conversion depends on:
• enzymes
• liver function
• overall methylation capacity

Some dogs (and people) don’t convert it efficiently.

⚙️ 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝘆𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Methylation is involved in:
• detox pathways
• histamine breakdown
• immune regulation
• skin + gut health

So if this pathway is under stress…

You might see:
• persistent “allergy” symptoms
• histamine flares
• skin or ear issues that won’t fully resolve

⚠️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀?

We don’t have great canine-specific data here…

But in humans, higher or chronic intake of folic acid can lead to:
unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA)

This happens when intake exceeds the body’s ability to convert it.

UMFA has been associated with:
• interference with normal folate metabolism
• masking of B12 deficiency
• altered immune signalling
• potential impacts on methylation balance

Some research also suggests it may influence:
• histamine pathways
• inflammatory responses

Now — this doesn’t mean folic acid is “toxic”

But it does reinforce:
more isn’t always better… especially with synthetic forms

👀 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘂𝗽

Even if your dog eats well, folic acid can still sneak in through:

• kibble formulas
• biscuits / training treats
• fortified or wheat-based products
• some commercial raw options

This doesn’t mean it’s “bad”…

But in sensitive dogs, it’s something to be aware of.

⚖️ 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹

Most dogs tolerate folic acid just fine.

This is not a panic post.

But in dogs with:
• chronic “allergies”
• histamine-type patterns
• slow or incomplete progress

It can be one more layer to consider

🛠️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲

When I formulate:

• I may use a B-complex with folic acid (for ease + access)
• but I usually don’t keep it long-term
• once levels are stable, I prefer:
• food-based B vitamins
• folinic acid
• or a B-complex without folic acid

That said…

Not every option is accessible to every client—and that’s okay!

We work with what’s realistic.

🧠 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆

If your dog is still struggling despite doing “everything right”…

Don’t forget:
it’s not always about adding more

Sometimes it’s about:
removing subtle inputs the body isn’t handling well

Folic acid isn’t always the issue…

But in the right dog, it might be part of the picture.

06/13/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗩𝗲𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀, & 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 🌿🐾

For dogs with mild to moderate stress, nervousness, or overstimulation… herbs can sometimes be a really nice support tool.

A few I commonly use include:
• lemon balm
• American skullcap
• Rescue Remedy

Lemon balm is often used for:
• emotional tension
• restlessness
• nervous tummy & stress
• sensitive or overwhelmed dogs

American skullcap is more for:
• overstimulation
• tension
• hyper-alert “can’t settle” energy
• nervous system support

These herbs are generally not intended to heavily sedate dogs or “knock them out”

Instead, they’re often used to help support a calmer, more regulated nervous system during things like:
• grooming appointments
• vet visits
• travel
• fireworks
• stressful outings

And Rescue Remedy is an easy add because it’s simple, gentle, and widely available.

That said… other flower essences may sometimes be more appropriate depending on the dog and situation 🌸

Every dog is different, and herbs are still biologically active, so always start low and slow.

06/12/2026

I hope that everyone has a great weekend! I get my pups groomed tomorrow… my house has been fur city for a bit (way too long). I am looking forward to getting my home back 😂🫠

I love my dogs, but man oh man, the FUR 😳

Going Mutts Pet Services and Nutrition

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