If you have been following any nutrition nerds (including us here at My Pet Nutritionist) then you will have likely come across the terms macro and micronutrients. We tend to reference them more commonly in the human realms, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t also apply to our canine companions (and feline for that matter). When we mention macronutrients we are referencing those needed in larger amounts in the body and they encompass protein, fat and carbohydrates. When we consider micronutrients we are looking at vitamins and minerals. Despite them being needed in micro amounts, they are still biologically necessary to all functions in the body. So, let’s take a look at minerals in a little more detail and see why your dog needs them. What is a Mineral? A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement. What on earth does this mean we hear you wonder? Well, let’s break it down. Minerals are naturally occurring, meaning they are not made by humans. They are inorganic, meaning they have never been alive. They are solid, meaning they are not liquid or gas. Each of them has a unique structure and arrangement which is how we know what they are. For the dog we are interested in 17 essential minerals. We have macrominerals which are needed in larger amounts and trace minerals which are needed in smaller amounts. Macrominerals Calcium You’ll likely be familiar with calcium as you were probably told to drink your milk so you would have strong teeth and bones. Calcium is the main structural component of skeleton and teeth, but it also plays a role in blood clotting. In addition, it is involved in the intracellular messaging triggering the contraction of muscle fibres. Calcium also plays a role in fat oxidation and it carries ATP (energy) with magnesium. There is an increased risk of deficiency in: Diets containing large quantities of phosphorus and sodium. Fat malabsorption (fat binds calcium, reducing absorption). Vitamin D deficiency. Diets containing large quantities of oxalates. Signs of Deficiency: Poor bone mineralisation, Muscle cramping and spasm, Increased irritability of nerve cells, Abnormal blood clotting and increased bleeding after trauma. Chloride Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes found in the blood. It plays a key role in controlling the amount of water and type of compounds that go in and out of cells. It therefore plays a crucial role in homeostasis. Chloride also contributes to muscle function and this includes the heart. This mineral helps red blood cells exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide too! Lastly, chloride supports digestive processes through its role in the production and release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and as we know, without this, foods won’t be properly digested and subsequently absorbed. Low levels of chloride are usually found alongside existing health issues which result in electrolyte imbalances. Sources of Chloride: Himalayan Salt Seaweed Magnesium Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we have a thing about Magnesium, for good reason. If you want to know more about this trusty mineral, then check out our full blog here: Why Is Magnesium So Important to Your Pet But the one often forgotten role of magnesium is the part it plays in energy, so we’ll do a recap. The bottom line is that insufficient micronutrient intake results in poor ATP production in the mitochondria. Remember that ATP is the currency of energy and the mitochondria is the powerplant of the cell, where it all happens. Magnesium and copper are star minerals for making ATP and without enough ATP or energy, the body hasn’t got enough resources to do what it needs to! In addition, a deficiency in magnesium can lead to mitochondrial damage. Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency: Muscle cramps and spasms Anorexia, nausea, vomiting Arrythmias Sodium and water retention Impaired action of vitamin D Increased Risk of Deficiency: Diets emphasizing processed foods and refined grains (largely nutrient deplete) Strenuous training Periods of rapid growth Intestinal malabsorption Medications (diuretics, steroids, laxatives) As a note, magnesium deficiency has also been linked to increased inflammatory cytokines, so this is a consideration to make in any chronic inflammatory condition. Findings Here Phosphorus Phosphorus in mainly used for the growth and repair of body tissues – it is a component part of bones, teeth, RNA and DNA. In the form of phospholipids, phosphorus is also a component of cell membrane structure and of the body’s key energy source, ATP. Many proteins and sugars in the body are phosphorylated. In addition, phosphorus plays key roles in regulation of gene transcription, activation of enzymes, maintenance of normal pH in extracellular fluid, and intracellular energy storage. A range of foods contain phosphorus, mainly in the form of phosphates and phosphate esters. Phosphorus in seeds for example, is in the form of phytic acid, the storage form of phosphorus. Because many species intestines lack the phytase enzyme, much phosphorus in this form is unavailable for absorption. Low phosphorus levels in the body can include anorexia, anaemia, proximal muscle weakness, skeletal effects (bone pain, rickets, and osteomalacia), increased infection risk, ataxia, and confusion. But in most cases, hypophosphatemia (low phosphorus) is caused by existing health conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, kidney disorders, and diabetic ketoacidosis. In cases of chronic kidney disease, their ability to excrete phosphorus becomes compromised. This is why low phosphorus diets are often recommended. Kidney Disease Potassium Another electrolyte, potassium is also involved in energy production and membrane excitability and transport. Throughout the body there are a number of functions that are potassium dependent. If potassium is deficient, these enzymes or proteins are unable to carry out their job as they should. For example, one heat shock cognate protein, involved in protein folding, autophagy, apoptosis and cell stability requires potassium to carry out these functions. In a deficit, cell senescence results, along with DNA damage, carcinogenesis, and neurodegeneration. Findings Here The bottom line is that potassium helps nerves and muscles to function correctly, it maintains a
In 2017, 56% of dogs in the US were classed as being overweight or obese. This is a whopping 50.2 million dogs who are at risk of developing secondary conditions such as arthritis, certain cancers, kidney disease and an overall poorer quality of life with a reduced life expectancy. Yet in the same time frame, 58% of dog owners said they had tried to help their dog lose weight. The true obesity figures are hard to come by, but most practitioners that we speak with here at My Pet Nutritionist would say that obesity in pets is much higher. If we know that our pet is overweight and we are actively trying to help them lose weight, what’s going on? Most owners say it’s lack of time to exercise their dog, but exercise is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to weight loss. So, we’ve put together our top tips for helping our pets lose weight. 1) Find out if your pet is overweight. A dog in its range of ideal weight for its breed should have an hourglass figure from above. You should be able to see a definite waistline. If you feel their body, the ribs should be palpable, but you shouldn’t be able to see them. During exercise, they will pant but they won’t be winded. They should be enthusiastic about movement. If you notice heavy panting, respiratory distress, general lethargy or reluctance to move along with what appears to be excess weight you really should be thinking about a dog diet (if other health issues have been ruled out of course). 2) Know the why! The long-term impact of pet obesity includes: Heat intolerance Diabetes Liver disease Osteoarthritis Poor immune function CancerReduced life expectancy Understanding that those extra pounds are seriously impacting our pet’s quality of life can help keep us on track. 3) Find out exactly what you’re feeding. Studies have consistently shown that when fed the same number of calories, those dogs fed a low carb, but higher protein diet lost more body weight than those dogs fed a high carb, low protein diet. Findings Here This is why we would always advocate a whole food, fresh diet that is moderate in protein and fat. If you’re not quite there with a fresh diet, studies have shown that pets fed on a canned diet as opposed to the equivalent dry, lose more fat. Findings Here 4) Monitor Intake! Any human who has tried to lose weight will remember being bombarded with information of what club to join or which diet to follow. None are quite as effective as keeping a food diary. This is key to your dog lose weight too! 2 meals a day, or even 1, what more is there to record? What about that crust off your sandwich, or the scraps the kids feed under the table? Or the treat the neighbour gives him every day? Once you start noticing and logging his food intake, you’ll be surprised at how many extra bits he gets! 5) Measure! It may sound simple, but the most important part of helping your dog to lose weight is to measure their food. Despite us doing it for years, feeding by eye can sometimes deceive us. It may seem a lot of work, but it really is the only way to ensure we are keeping tabs on what our pets are actually eating! 6) It’s all in the mind! Most owners struggle with dog weight loss plans because they feel guilty! Those sad eyes looking up at you when they think you haven’t given them enough! Dogs are scavengers. It’s this trait that domesticated them from the ancient wolf. Findings Here Some breeds, like the Labrador also don’t seem to have a satiety switch. They also learn through reinforcement – they have probably learned that if they look at you long enough, you’ll give in and offer them extras! Findings Here If you feel guilty when you leave the house for a few hours, save some of their daily intake for when you’re leaving. Do they always scrounge at the table when you’re eating, and you can’t say no? Put them in a different room whilst you’re eating or offer them a long-lasting chew (incorporated into their caloric intake). 7) Get by with a little help from my friends! You’ve been in that situation, trying to cut back on certain foods, then your colleague brings cake in! Minus the cake, it is often other well-meaning friends and relatives that can sabotage your dog’s weight loss plan too. You may be monitoring his calories, cutting back and watching everything that goes into his mouth, but if the children are still giving him scraps, the neighbours throwing treats over the fence and your Aunt feeding him sandwiches when she pops in to let him out, you’re on to a loser! Let everyone know your plan. Explain why you need to cut back and the risks associated with being over-weight. If they adore him enough to treat him, they’ll soon support your plan. If you don’t want to stop the treats, you could work out some calorie allowance by reducing some of his meal intake. Work out how many treats this is and put them in a jar on the tabletop. Let friends and family know that they can treat him from this jar. If it’s empty – he’s had his lot for the day! 8) Feed animals separately! Whilst the plan so far seems easy, as soon as you throw other pets into the mix it becomes more difficult. If they are fed in the same room, they can swap bowls and finish each other’s meals. If you have cats, you can bet your life the dog is eating the cat food too! Part of your dog weight plan needs to make provision for feeding animals separately. Summary It is generally thought that the single best way to shed unwanted weight is a calorie-controlled
It’s a supplement that we often see adverts for, but when we talk about the antioxidant properties of certain nutrients, it’s easy to forget what that actually means in the body. So, we thought we’d compile a brief guide to antioxidants, what they are, what they do, and where we get them from. But first we need to know what a free radical is. Free Radicals Free radicals are created in the body from normal essential metabolic process like exercise, or during the conversion of food to energy. You can think of them like the exhaust fumes of work. But they can also be a result of external exposure to x-rays, smoke, air pollution, industrial chemicals and the ozone. When maintained at low or moderate concentrations, free radicals play several beneficial roles for the host. They are needed to synthesize some cellular structures and are used by the immune system to fight pathogens. Phagocytes synthesise and store free radicals, in order to be able to release them when invading pathogenic microbes have to be destroyed. Free radicals also play a key regulatory role in intracellular signalling cascades, in many cell types like fibroblasts, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiac myocytes, and thyroid tissue. The most well-known free radical acting as a signalling molecule is nitric oxide (NO). It is an important cell-to-cell messenger required for a proper blood flow modulation, involved in thrombosis, and is crucial for the normal neural activity. NO is also involved in nonspecific host defence, required to eliminate intracellular pathogens and tumour cells. The issue is when the number of free radicals outweighs the body’s ability to cope with them. When this occurs, so does oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress Oxidative stress can be responsible for the induction of several diseases, both chronic and degenerative, as well as speeding up body ageing processes and causing acute pathologies. It can damage cells, and even DNA is prone to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been associated with: Cancer development Cardiovascular disease Neurological disease Respiratory disease Arthritis Kidney disease Delayed sexual maturation Findings Here And so, the body has put in place several strategies to counteract the effects of free radicals and oxidative stress, based on enzymatic (e.g., SOD, CAT, and GPx) and nonenzymatic (e.g., lipoic acid, glutathione, ʟ-arginine, and coenzyme Q10) antioxidant molecules. In addition, there are several exogenous antioxidant molecules of animal or vegetable origin, introduced by diet or by nutritional supplementation. Antioxidants Antioxidants neutralise free radicals – they do have a few tricks up their sleeve to do this, but in many cases, they donate an electron to stabilise the free radical. In this process, they don’t themselves become destabilised, so they stop the cycle. Nutritional Antioxidants: Vitamin E The term vitamin E encompasses several molecules (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol and α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienol) synthesized by vegetables and contained in edible oils and seeds, as well as in food that has been artificially enriched. In mice prone to allergic disease, supplementing allergic mothers (at the time of mating) with α-tocopherol was enough to inhibit pup allergic responses. It has been also observed, from in vivo experiments, that α– and γ-tocopherol supplementation of allergic and nonallergic pregnant mice can alter the allergic responsiveness development in offspring of mice. Findings Here Flavonoids Flavonoids are a class of polyphenolic compounds. They are a class of natural compounds extensively present in foods of vegetal origin (fruits, oils, seeds, etc). Flavonoids could be further classified into flavonols (e.g., quercetin, rutin), flavanones (e.g., naringenin, hesperidin), flavanols (e.g., epicatechin, gallocatechin), flavones (e.g., luteolin, apigenin), and anthocyanins (e.g., pelargonidin, malvidin). These flavonoids exert their anti-oxidative action in several ways including direct trapping and scavenging of free radicals, decreasing leukocyte immobilization, and regulation of nitric oxide and xanthine oxidase activity. Not only that, but flavonoids are also thought to be: Neuroprotective Hepatoprotective Geroprotective Anticancer Cardioprotective Antimicrobial Anti-inflammatory Great sources of flavonoids include: Ginger Carrots Turmeric Cruciferous vegetables, garlic Apple Green tea (decaf) Berries Vitamin C Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble compound classified under the group of natural antioxidants. Ascorbate reacts with ROS therefore quenching them. Sources include: Peppers Strawberries Raspberries Blackberries Broccoli Antioxidants and Ageing Aging and the production of free radicals can lead to oxidative damage to proteins, lipids and nucleotides that, in turn, may cause neuronal dysfunction and ultimately neuronal death. Several mechanisms are in place that balances the production of free radicals. But with age, it is possible that these protective mechanisms begin to fail. Researchers have often found increased oxidative end products in the aged canine brain. Furthermore, low Vitamin E levels are regularly noted in the brains of aged dogs with cognitive dysfunction. Oxidative damage may also be associated with behavioural decline. To this end, dietary modification, and the use of antioxidants has been noted to improve cognitive performance in the ageing dog. Findings Here If you would like to learn more about the ageing dog, check out our blog here: Keeping Your Senior Dog Healthy Contributory Nutrients Despite molecules possessing obvious antioxidant capacity, certain trace minerals such as selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese are also important to enzymes that specifically detoxify free radicals. Selenium – organ meats, seafood, nuts, Copper – shellfish, seeds, nuts, organ meats, Zinc – oysters, red meat, poultry, nuts, Manganese – mussels, nuts, leafy vegetables, The bottom line? The body does possess its own antioxidant defences, but they can get overwhelmed. When this occurs, it results in oxidative stress which has been linked with a range of chronic health conditions. Free radicals can be produced internally, from normal day to day processes, but exposure in the environment also increased the burden. This includes toxin exposure. It’s best to limit exposure in the first place, but there is also value in providing nutritional defences too! A fresh, wholefood diet can include a range of antioxidant compounds, but check out our other blogs around toxin exposure for reducing burden. Does My Pet Need To Detox Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your
If you read our latest blog then you will understand the important role the cardiovascular system has on maintaining homeostasis, and more. With many breeds predisposed to health issues, it pays to consider if there are dietary compounds which can support heart health. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, it’s something we deal with regularly, so we thought we’d put together our top nutrients for heart and cardiovascular health. Magnesium Taurate One of the most abundant minerals in the body, along with calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is essential to bodily function. Whilst there is some disagreement on the numbers, anywhere from 60-70% of the body’s magnesium is found in bone; the rest is in cellular fluid and soft tissue. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked with cardiovascular disorders, including high blood pressure and abnormal rhythms and there are a number of mechanisms in which magnesium supports heart health and function. Magnesium naturally competes with calcium which is essential in generating heart muscle contractions. Calcium stimulates the muscle and magnesium counters it which helps them to relax (this is also why magnesium is used in cases of spasms). When magnesium levels are low, calcium can overstimulate heart muscles causing a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Magnesium is thereforekey to maintaining balance. Magnesium taurate contains the amino acid taurine and it’s this combination that supports healthy blood pressure; to this end it is suggested that this form bolsters heart health. Methylated B Vitamins There are eight B vitamins: B1 Thiamin B2 Riboflavin B3 Niacin B5 Pantothenic Acid B6 Pyridoxine B7 Biotin B9 Folate B12 Cobalamin These vitamins are involved in many functions as they help a variety of enzymes do their jobs – they help release energy from macronutrients and transport oxygen and energy containing nutrients around the body. Studies have noted that suboptimal serum levels of folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 may underlie the development of heart disease. It is suggested that such deficiencies lead to inadequate production of S-adenosyl-methionine, creating a state of hypomethylation. This, in turn, may damage the DNA in arterial cells. Methylation is a biochemical process which involves the addition of a ‘methyl group’ to other molecules and is dependent on the availability of a number of key nutrients. When these B vitamins are supplemented in their methylated form, it’s almost like it’s one less job for the body to do. Omega 3’s How Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Affect the Heart: Lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL (ie, good cholesterol) Lower resting blood pressure Decrease platelet aggregation and prevent blockage of coronary artery Decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm) Increase compliance of arteries Decrease atherosclerosis Reduce inflammatory markers There is evidence of rapid declines in coronary heart disease mortality with the consumption of oils rich in alpha-linolenic acid. Findings Here Studies have demonstrated a significant reduction in risk of sudden cardiac death in humans consuming the most linolenic acid. A diet rich in linolenic acid has been associated with a lower incidence of calcified coronary plaques along with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality, which subsequently lowers the all-cause mortality levels in humans. Findings Here In Humans, the Lyon Diet Heart Study is perhaps the most well-known, and it separated 605 myocardial infarction survivors into two groups, one group was placed on a low-fat diet, and the other on a Mediterranean diet including margarine enriched in linolenic acid (1.1 g/day). After a two-year follow-up, the incidence of cardiovascular disease, including cardiac mortality, decreased dramatically (73%) in the intervention group. This raised the possibility that the inclusion of linolenic acid in the diet can significantly improve cardiovascular health. Evidence has suggested that omega-3 supplementation has reduced the incidence of atrial fibrillation in dogs and as we know, atrial fibrillation is a heart condition that causes an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate. Findings Here There is also data which suggests omega-3 supplementation significantly affects survival rates in those dogs suffering with heart failure secondary to DCM. Findings Here It is thought that the effect of omega-3 is multifactorial, but they include significant effects on sodium, potassium, and calcium channels. It is also considered that omega-3’s reduces platelet aggregation, which mitigates risks of clots and therefore won’t impede blood flow to the heart. Findings Here COQ10 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential compound of the body which is synthesized in the mitochondrial inner membrane. It has many important functions in human body. Firstly, it can be named the key-component of electron transport chain in mitochondria necessary for ATP production and secondly, in addition to its important role in electrons’ transport, COQ10 can act as an intercellular antioxidant, protecting the plasmatic membrane against peroxidation. Oxidative stress is considered to be an essential player in the development of cardiovascular disease, and it is this theory that suggests antioxidants’ like COQ10 can subsequently lower the risk. In the body, COQ10 is found in all systems of organs. The highest concentration of ubiquinone is noted in the tissues of the heart, kidneys, liver and muscles. In humans, three out of four patients with heart diseases have low levels of CoQ10. It was noticed that CoQ10’s plasma levels in patients with ischemic heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy are much lower than in healthy ones. Depending on the severity of heart injury, circulating level of COQ10 decreases in direct proportion to disease progression. Furthermore, heart failure is related to a chronic pro-inflammatory state and there are increasing studies that establish anti-inflammatory properties of COQ10. CoQ10 deficiency is frequently encountered in dilated cardiomyopathy, and this may be reversible by the COQ10 administration. In a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in children with dilated cardiomyopathy, COQ10 administration for 6 months resulted in improvement of diastolic function and a lower mean score for the index of cardiac failure. Findings Here Hawthorn Hawthorne is widely used in Europe as a cardiotinic and for congestive heart failure. The principle active components in hawthorn leaves, berries, and blossoms are flavonoids. One of these flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, has especially important cardiovascular effects. Mechanisms
The cardiovascular system consists of the blood, heart, and blood vessels. Sadly, one of the more common health issues we see here at My Pet Nutritionist are things involving the heart (both emotionally for us, and physically for the client). So, we thought we’d do a whistle stop tour of the cardiovascular system. If we know what it does, we can notice when things start to go a little awry. In addition, we can consider lifestyle choices in which to support its health. 1) The Blood Functions and Properties of Blood: Blood transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, wastes and hormones. It helps regulate pH, body temperature, and water content of cells. It provides protection through clotting and by combatting toxins and microbes through certain phagocytic white blood cells or specialised blood plasma proteins. The formed elements in blood include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. 2) The Heart The heart is located in the chest between the right and left lungs and is contained in a very thin sac called the pericardial sac. The heart extends from around the 3rd to the 6th rib of the dog. The heart is the central organ that contracts rhythmically to pump blood continuously through the blood vessels. The heart consists of four chambers: The right atrium is the collecting chamber for blood from distant parts of the body. Blood is carried back to this upper right chamber of the heart in various veins. The oxygen levels in the blood in this chamber are very low. As the right atrium contracts, blood flows through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. The right ventricle is the pumping chamber of the lower right heart. As the right ventricle contracts, it sends blood it has received from the right atrium into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary valve sits at the opening of the pulmonary artery and prevents blood from moving backwards into the right ventricle after it contracts. The pulmonary artery carries the blood into the lungs where it grabs oxygen and gets rid of carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide leaves when dogs breathe out, and oxygen is taken in when they take a breath in. The left atrium – blood that is high in oxygen returns to the heart from the lungs and enters the upper left chamber of the heart, the left atrium. The left atrium is a collecting chamber that sends this oxygenated blood to the left ventricle. The valve that separates the left atrium from the left ventricle is the mitral valve. The left ventricle – the left ventricle is the major pumping chamber of the heart. This lower left chamber is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. The blood from the left ventricle enters the aorta through the aortic valve. The aorta and other arteries distribute this oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Cardiac Muscle Tissue Cardiac muscle fibres usually contain a single centrally located nucleus. Compared with skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle fibres have more and larger mitochondria (which as we know, are the powerhouses of cells). In comparison to skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle produces little of the ATP (energy) it needs by anaerobic cellular respiration (without oxygen). Instead, it relies on aerobic respiration (with oxygen). Cardiac muscle uses several fuels to power mitochondrial ATP production. At rest, the heart’s ATP comes mainly from the oxidation of fatty acids and glucose, with smaller contributions coming from lactic acid, amino acids, and ketone bodies. During exercise, the heart’s use of lactic acid, produced by actively using skeletal muscle, rises. Like skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle also produces some ATP from creatinine phosphate. This is relevant in cases of heart issues; when there is injured or dying cardiac muscle, creatine kinase (the enzyme that catalyses the transfer of a phosphate group from creatine phosphate to ADP to make ATP) is found in the blood. Cardiac Output The heart’s operation is mainly governed by events occurring throughout the body. Body cells must receive a certain amount of oxygen from blood each minute, to maintain health and life. When cells are metabolically active, as with exercise, they take up even more oxygen from the blood. During rest, cellular metabolic need is reduced and the workload of the heart decreases. Heart Rate Certain chemicals influence both the basic physiology of cardiac muscle and heart rate. Hormones Epinephrine and norepinephrine enhance the heart’s pumping effectiveness. They increase both heart rate and contractility. As we know. exercise, stress, and excitement cause the adrenal medullae to release more hormones. Thyroid hormones also enhance cardiac contractility and heart rate. One sign of hyperthyroidism is tachycardia, or elevated resting heart rate. Hyperthyroidism Cations The concentrations of several cations are crucial for action potentials in all nerve and muscle fibres. This includes the heart. The relative concentrations of: K (Potassium), Ca (Calcium) and Na (Sodium) have a huge impact on cardiac function. Elevated blood levels of K or Na decreases heart rate and contractility. Excess Na blocks Ca inflow which decreases contraction, and excess K blocks the generation of action potentials. A moderate increase in Ca speeds heart rate and strengthens heartbeat. The bottom line? There are a number of nutrients that are crucial to heart function, and in the incorrect amounts, can start to run amok! Increased body temperature, as with exercise understandably increases heart rate, but in cases of increased body temperature due to infection, the same also applies. So increased heart rate may be a sign of pathogenic load. Why Is The Cardiovascular System So Important? The heart pumps blood through blood vessels to body tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste by capillary exchange. Circulating blood keeps body tissues at a correct temperature. In short, it is vital for homeostasis. Integumentary System (Skin) Blood delivers clotting factors and white blood cells that aid in recovery when skin is damaged. Changes in blood flow contribute to body temperature regulation by adjusting the amount of heat loss via the skin. Skeletal System Blood delivers
Kennel cough is a broad term covering any infectious or contagious condition of dogs where coughing is one of the main symptoms. It’s sadly a common occurrence in the dog population, so let’s take a look at what it actually is and our top tips for prevention and management. Did you know several viruses and bacteria can cause kennel cough, and often at the same time? They include (but are not limited to): Adenovirus type-2 (distinct from the adenovirus type 1 that causes infectious hepatitis), Parainfluenza virus Bordetella bronchiseptica. Canine Adenovirus Type 2 Infection CAV-2 infection is a common but transient contagious disease of the respiratory tract of dogs, it tends to cause mild fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and poor weight gain. Viral entry is generally by inhalation of infected particles followed by viral replication in the cells of the upper respiratory tract, mucous cells of the trachea and bronchi, bronchiolar epithelial cells, and others. Infection with CAV-2 is generally deemed mild unless complicated with a secondary bacterial infection or coinfections with other viruses like distemper virus. Experimental work suggests CAV-2 reinfection may lead to hyperreactive airways, which is a nonspecific condition where the bronchial mucosa becomes highly responsive to irritation caused by cold air, gases, or cigarette smoke. Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) This virus is a highly contagious ribonucleic acid virus that causes respiratory disease in dogs. Dogs with CPIV may exhibit no clinical signs or mild clinical signs of a dry, harsh cough for around and up to 7 days, with or without fever and nasal discharge. These signs are generally more severe in those dogs with viral or bacterial coinfections. CPIV suppresses the innate branch of the immune system, resulting in the loss of cilia and ciliated epithelium, making the host more favourable for coinfections. This is why it is of concern for immunocompromised dogs, along with puppies, or the senior dog. CPIV survives on nonporous surfaces for 4 to 12 days, but it is susceptible to a range of disinfectants. Bordetella bronchiseptica B bronchiseptica is a gram-negative, aerobic coccobacillus that is often implicated as a complicating factor in dogs with concurrent viral respiratory infections. After B bronchiseptica colonises the airways, it can evade the immune system by expressing various virulence factors that lead to: Direct cellular injury of respiratory epithelium Impaired immune recognition Disrupted immune clearance It seemingly manages to paralyze the mucociliary apparatus—a key component of the respiratory tract’s local defence mechanisms. The mucociliary apparatus moves inhaled debris and potentially harmful pathogens away from the lower respiratory tract, decreasing the risk of colonisation by these organisms. By doing this, B bronchiseptica not only improves its own virulence and chance for colonisation, but also paves the way for infections of the lower respiratory tract. In cases of infection, some dogs suffer mild disease including nasal discharge and intermittent coughing, whereas others develop severe pneumonia. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRD) The coinfection of these pathogens, among others, manifests as CIRD and they act synergistically to causes respiratory illness. This is why a multifaceted approach to prevention and subsequent management is crucial. Immune Function As you have likely noticed, CIRD is an attack on the immune system. The pathogens hijack many defences which results in the lingering symptoms. So, a well-functioning immune system is the first part of your dog’s defence against kennel cough. Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which as you know if you read our guide to the immune system, they help protect the body against infection. Your Pet’s Immune System Vitamin A helps maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers (skin, respiratory tract etc). It is also important for the functioning of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In the adaptive immune response, vitamin A is necessary for the functioning of T and B cells and therefore for the generation of antibody responses to an antigen. Vitamin A also supports the Th2 anti-inflammatory response. In the innate immune system, vitamin B6 helps regulate inflammation and has roles in cytokine production and natural killer cell activity. In the adaptive immunity system, vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cytokines and antibodies. B6 is also involved in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and maturation and it maintains Th1 immune responses. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones is a great option and contains gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that are helpful in gut healing in immune function. Zinc is a particular powerhouse when it comes to immune function. It has antioxidant effects protecting against reactive oxygen species, it helps modulate cytokine release and also helps maintain skin and mucosal membrane integrity (that first line of defence). In the adaptive immune response, zinc has a central role in cellular growth and differentiation of immune cells. It plays a role in T cell development and activation and supports the Th1 response. We find vitamin D receptors throughout the immune system which demonstrates the role it plays in its function. Vitamin D stimulates immune cell proliferation and cytokine production, and it helps protect against infection caused by pathogens. It also demonstrates an inhibitory effect in adaptive immunity, suggesting that it is in fact an immune modulator. This is often why we notice increased cases of autoimmunity where there is low vitamin D. Further to this, we often note higher rates of infection (with a range of pathogens) when there are existing health issues that involve: The gut Thyroid Kidneys Liver function 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health Liver Health Kidney Disease Therefore, ensuring you take a holistic approach to your dog’s health is vital. But, we do have some tricks up our sleeves when it comes to dealing with kennel cough in dogs. Mushrooms Mushrooms are thought to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer
It’s possibly the million-dollar question for those of us who DIY our dog’s diet. Are we getting it right? There are so many things to consider in response to this question, like digestive function, pre-existing health issues, sourcing of ingredients and more, but here at My Pet Nutritionist, we have noticed that certain nutrients can be low in a DIY diet. So, we thought we’d share what they are, their function in the body (why they are important) and our top sources! 1) Sodium Chloride Sounds like a swimming pool additive, doesn’t it? Well, sodium chloride or NaCl is what we commonly know as salt. And whilst it’s been demonised time and time again in the human diet, it is an essential compound that the body uses to: Absorb and transport nutrients Maintain blood pressure Maintain the right balance of fluid Transmit nerve signals Contract and relax muscles Sodium and chloride play an important role in the small intestine. Sodium helps the absorption of chloride, water and amino acids. Chloride when in the form of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) also helps the body digest and absorb nutrients. Sodium and potassium are electrolytes too! The balance between these particles contributes to how cells maintain energy. It’s also how signals are sent to the brain, how muscles contract and how the heart functions. Too little sodium is usually associated with excessive water intake, prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhoea, use of diuretics and in some kidney diseases. For us humans, salt is added to most processed foods we eat, but for our dogs, in a fresh food diet, this isn’t the case. Source: Himalayan Salt 2) Manganese Manganese is necessary for: turning food into energy forming bones and connective tissue, such as cartilage protecting cells from damage by free radicals brain and memory function Signs of manganese are rare in humans, because we do find it in tea (go Brits), but limited data suggests deficiency is associated with skin issues largely due to increased levels of oxidative stress. There will also be impaired growth and development, along with abnormal metabolism of macronutrients. Findings Here Sources: Ginger (also provides iron and magnesium) Dark leafy vegetables Mussels Sweet Potatoes Pineapple 3) Iodine Iodine is used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones that control many functions in the body including growth and development. In addition, iodine is crucial to brain development. In humans, iodine deficiency is listed as one of the leading causes of intellectual disabilities. It often results in irreversible brain damage. Deficiency leading to underproduction of thyroid hormones also affects other organs like the heart, liver, kidney and muscles. Findings Here Unlike nutrients such as iron, calcium or vitamins, iodine does not occur naturally in specific foods, it is present in the soil and is ingested through foods grown on that soil. Iodine deficiency results when there is lack of iodine on the earth’s crust. The food grown in iodine deficient regions can never provide enough iodine to the population and livestock living there. About 90% of iodine intake is obtained from food consumed and the remainder from water. Iodine is available in traces in water, food, and common salts. Iodine found in seawater and so seaweeds are rich in iodine. Sources: Kelp Wakame 4) Magnesium One of the most abundant minerals in the body along with calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is essential to bodily function. Functions: Energy metabolism Regulation of calcium triggered contraction of heart and muscle cells Vasodilation of the coronary and peripheral arteries Nerve signalling Structure of bones and teeth Increased risk of deficiency: Rapid growth Medications – diuretics, steroids, laxatives Intestinal malabsorption Diets emphasising processed foods, refined grains and few vegetables Depleted soils High calcium levels – they compete in the same pathway Signs of deficiency: Muscle spasms Increased risk of arrythmimas Sodium and water retention Impaired Vitamin D action Nausea/vomiting Sources: Spinach Swiss chard Kale Pumpkin seeds Tuna Extra bone Hempseed (milled) Why Magnesium is So Important to Your Pet 5) Vitamin D Around 75% of dogs are believed to have a vitamin D deficiency. There are two forms of Vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is also known as ergocalciferol that occurs in plants and Vitamin D3, known as cholecalciferol, is created in the skin during exposure to UV light and occurs in animals. Cholecalciferol (D3) is of greatest nutritional importance to both cats and dogs and luckily it can be obtained from the consumption of animal products that contain it. It is defined as a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it can be stored in the body’s fatty tissue. Vitamin D plays an indirect role in bone health by managing calcium levels in the body. It controls absorption of calcium in the intestine and the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys. If Vitamin D levels are low, then the intestines struggle to absorb calcium. Increasing evidence is demonstrating a strong association between vitamin D signalling and biological processes that regulate immune responses. Vitamin D has been found to inhibit pro-inflammatory activity and cytokine production. It is thought to promote TH2 responses which may be protective in autoimmune disease. Vitamin D is also required for the production of natural killer cells which are known for killing virally infecting cells. Many studies are establishing a link between low vitamin D levels and cognitive decline in human patients. This would be no different for our pets. Vitamin D receptors are widespread in brain tissue and it has a role in cell growth, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, detoxification, and reduction of inflammation. Studies have also shown that low vitamin D levels in early life can affect brain development. In humans, it has been established that low levels of Vitamin D are associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack). The vitamin D axis affects vascular muscle cell proliferation (remodelling or regeneration of cells), vascular calcifications (mineral deposits in arteries and veins), inflammation and blood pressure. In their natural state, dogs and cats would have consumed their whole kill. Prey animals store
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we work with pet guardians who would move heaven and earth for their cat or dog. Our pets become part of our family; it’s why we want to do the best for them. Do our dogs know this? Is that why we perceive them as being so loyal? Or is it just their nature? Is it quite as simple as us fulfilling their needs, or are there some feelings involved? To get to the bottom of this, it makes sense to go back to the beginning and look at how we actually ended up with these balls of fluff on our sofa. Our modern-day dog is a result of the domestication of wolves. We only have a ballpark figure as there is some confusion as to when this actually occurred. Somewhere between 14,000 -135,000 years ago gives us an idea though. What is clear, is that it happened based on mutual gain. Wolves would seek out food and realise that human camps were a great place to scavenge. Humans accepted the wolves for either protection or companionship. And so, it began. Wolves who were more accepting of humans would access more food and therefore stood a better chance of surviving. They would then produce off-spring who would follow in their parent’s footsteps and learn that humans = food. Humans would accept friendly wolves and likely kill aggressive wolves thereby also influencing which wolves would survive. So very early on, wolves learned that loyalty to humans equalled safety and food. We can almost suggest that we have selectively bred dogs who are dependent on us. Studies have shown that if you present a dog with an impossible task, they will attempt it, but soon look to their owner as if to ask for help. Cats on the other hand will continue to attempt the task in ignorance of their owner. Findings Here So, are dogs loyal because they have to be? Not necessarily. Studies have also shown, that when a dog is forbidden food, he will obey the wait command for as long as the commander has direct sight of the food. If the commander closes their eyes, the dog will disobey and take the food. Findings Here This could suggest that dogs are loyal because they think we want them to be. Dogs are incredibly good at reading human cues especially when we are upset. Dogs show more interest in a human when they are crying as opposed to simply humming or talking. Dogs will nuzzle, sniff and lick both their owners and complete strangers. Findings Here Of course, you could argue that dogs have simply learned to do this. Chances are, if you’ve been upset and your dog has come over to you and nuzzled you, you’ve perhaps smiled, or made a fuss of them. Dogs learn from the consequences of their behaviour, so they may have simply learned that by doing this, they get a happy response with a pat on the head. This isn’t a hard push when we learn that along with humans, when dogs are interacting with their owners, their oxytocin levels also increase. Oxytocin is released during pleasurable social experiences, often dubbed the love or cuddle hormone. So, it does go both ways. When we interact with each other, we both get an oxytocin surge which makes us both feel warm and fuzzy! Win win! It does therefore make sense that a dog’s loyalty is a way to keep us around – especially if it makes them feel good. A recent study has shown that dogs have evolved new muscles around their eyes which allows them to raise their eyebrows, so to speak. This is something wolves cannot do. It is suggested that this raising of the eyebrows triggers a nurturing response in humans because it makes the dog’s eyes seem bigger and look sad! It seems that dogs are still evolving to “need” us more, or at least keep in our good books! Findings Here So, it seems that dogs are loyal because it means they get what they need, like food and shelter. But they also feel just as warm and fuzzy when they interact with us. They’ve learned to read our behaviour and what they need to do to keep us around. What is particularly interesting is that they are still evolving to develop features which will keep us nurturing them. Could this suggest that their loyalty may only get stronger? The take home? Even if you have the most independent and aloof dog, they still depend on us to care for them. This is a huge responsibility, and one most of us don’t take lightly. If you would like any support with your dog’s health, then please check out our range of services to see if we may be able to help. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
It turns out September is Happy Cat Month. Now, if you’re like us here at My Pet Nutritionist, we sometimes get a little lost if certain appreciation days are National or International, but either way, what better time to share some of our top tips for keeping your feline friend both happy and healthy? 1) Species Appropriate Diet Cats have evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. The cat has seemingly evolved as a strict or obligate carnivore; meaning they nutrients they require are found in animal tissue. As such, the consensus is that there is no current nutritional basis for energy to be supplied by carbohydrates; providing other nutrients are being supplied. There is also evidence that there is limited amylase activity in the pancreas and small intestine (even compared to dogs), which may explain why some cats will not tolerate high starch diets. The fact that cats are also defined as hypercarnivores (small carnivorous mammal with a proportionally large brain) indicates they have a high brain glucose demand. This high demand simply could not be met by carbohydrates present in a natural prey diet; and so, cats therefore have a higher rate of gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). It is considered that due to the limited intestinal enzyme capacity, consumption of excessive amounts of digestible carbohydrates will not lead to glucose absorption, but rather a substrate for increased microbial fermentation, causing gastrointestinal adverse effects. In similar tests to dogs, cats are able to target their nutrient intake. When given the choice, they will specifically aim for a high intake of protein. In times of low protein, they will opt for an increased fat intake to achieve balance. When carbohydrate intake was high, this limited intake of other nutrients and resulted in deficits – for that reason, a carbohydrate ceiling is proposed for the cat. Findings Here 2) Limit Toxin Exposure Whenever the body is exposed to something, it must do something with it. In the case of toxic substances, it must make it less toxic, hence the word detoxification (de=remove or reverse). Detoxification pathways fall into three phases. The first two phases are concerned with breaking down the toxin in the body, and phase three is concerned with excreting it. For us to manage ours and our cat’s toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Phase one is particularly nutrient demanding, and it produces a lot of reactive oxygen species in the process (those cheeky things that result in oxidative damage which destroys and damages cells). Phase two is also nutrient demanding, but drafts in many different processes depending on the compounds being detoxified. Phase three deals with getting rid of them once and for all, and occurs in the gut, skin, liver and kidneys. So, it stands to reason that optimal organ function is helpful here. The issue is that the cat is playing catch up. They aren’t as efficient at these processes as other species, like us, and when we are increasing toxin burden year on year, it becomes problematic. They have even demonstrated a total inactivation of certain genes responsible for certain phenol detoxification. So, whilst limited toxin exposure is important for us all, it’s even more important for our cats. Where possible, limit exposure to: Plastics Mould Smoke Air pollution Heavy metals VOCs – air fresheners, cleaning products, fabric softeners The Struggle of The Cat in Our Toxic World Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your Pet 3) Offer Fresh Filtered Water Cats don’t naturally have a thirst drive, they evolved to survive in hot, desert climates. But when they have access to their natural diet, a large percentage of that would contain moisture. Dry food increases thirst behaviour: this is demonstrated in dog studies time and time again, but there is still a mismatch between the cat’s evolutionary thirst (or lack thereof) and the moisture in their diet. Water is possibly the single most important nutrient for the body. 1) It functions as a solvent that facilitates reactions and also transports nutrients around the body. 2) Water is able to absorb heat from the processes occurring in the body, without the overall body temperature changing too much. 3) It further contributes to temperature regulation by transporting heat away from working organs through the blood. 4) Water is crucial in the digestive process; it is a key player in hydrolysis, which is the splitting of larger molecules into smaller molecules (through the addition of water). 5) The kidneys also use large quantities of water when eliminating waste. A high moisture diet is beneficial to the cat to ensure they are hydrated, but fresh filtered water should also be offered. As in point two, toxin exposure should be limited and even in the most developed countries there is contamination. Chlorine, heavy metals, plastic fibres and pharmaceutical compounds are regularly found in tested tap water, which all pose risks to our feline friends. The Importance of Water 4) Let them Hide! Cats get stressed. There is no denying that. But they are often a little more subtle in their anxieties than other animals. As in humans, cats will have the same response to stress. They may choose to fight, flight, or freeze. When they fight, they become aggressive and defensive. Flight will see them withdrawing from the threat and perhaps running away. When cats freeze, they crouch, lie still, and try to avoid any attention. There is a ladder of response in most animals, and this is no different in cats. They will often show subtle signs of discomfort or stress. If the trigger doesn’t disappear, the behaviours will progress. You may start with the flat ears, then the pupils will dilate. You may have a low growl or a silent hiss. Them running off or lashing out with their teeth and claws may be a few steps up the ladder. For some cats, there are triggers
If you’ve been following us here at My Pet Nutritionist for a while then you will likely have come across the concept of the gut barrier, and how when it gets compromised, things can start to go a little awry. Whilst leaky gut is being blamed for all sorts, we’re here to sort fact from fiction and we’ll start with the basics. What is the Gut Barrier? The gut barrier in effect, forms the lining of the gut and it has two main features: the physical barrier and the chemical barrier The physical barrier consists of tight junctions which form a selective permeable seal between adjacent epithelial cells. This “seal” is dynamically regulated by various extracellular stimuli and is closely associated with both health and disease. TJs contribute to the function of the physical intestinal barrier by regulating the paracellular movement of ions, solutes, and water across the intestinal epithelium. It also protects against pathogens and large, harmful molecules. The regulation of these TJs is therefore crucial to a healthy barrier and there are a number of things that can influence this. Immune mediated TJ function is well documented; cytokines play a key role in the integrity of the gut barrier. Tumor necrosis factor-α Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is produced mainly by activated T cells and macrophages (cells of the immune system). TNF-α is known to induce cell death and inflammatory response in intestinal epithelial cells and recent studies have also demonstrated that it impairs the intestinal TJ barrier. Findings Here Interleukin-1β Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), another inflammatory cytokine is markedly elevated in intestinal mucosa under inflammatory conditions. In addition, recent studies show that IL-1β causes increased intestinal TJ permeability. Findings Here On the other hand, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is regarded as an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In vitro studies have demonstrated that IL-10 opposes the cellular functions induced by TNF-α and IFN-γ. It is suggested that IL-10 has a role in the protection of the intestinal barrier by regulation of TJ proteins. Findings Here Pathogenic Bacteria and Lipopolysaccharides It is well established that pathogenic bacteria also alter the intestinal epithelial TJ barrier. The most commonly referenced are Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Salmonella which lead to intestinal inflammation. In addition, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also called endotoxins, a component of the outer walls of gram-negative bacteria also alter TJ protein assembly. In studies, LPS treatment is seen to increase TJ permeability and induce epithelial cell death. The other part of the barrier is the mucosal layer. Mucous Layer The mucus layer is the very first line of defence that external molecules encounter when they arrive in the gut, it prevents bacteria from directly contacting the epithelial cells, along with toxic substances and digestive enzymes. The main building blocks of the mucus layer are mucin proteins that form a gel-like sieve structure overlying the intestinal epithelium. In the small and large intestine, mucin 2 (MUC2) is the most abundant mucus protein secreted by goblet cells. MUC2 expression is critical in protection against disease, as Muc2 knock-out mice will often develop colitis. Findings Here The ability of mucins to bind water offers another protective element – they moisturise and lubricate, protecting the epithelial cells from dehydration and mechanical stress during the passage of food. Immune regulators are also found in the mucosal layer, which highlights its collaboration with the immune system. Mucous Turnover and Degradation The turnover of the intestinal mucous layer includes mucous synthesis, secretion, and degradation. It is a complex process that needs to be regulated and balanced to ensure optimal protective function. Mucin degradation has been recognized as a normal process of mucus turn-over in the GI tract, starting a few months after birth. Selective intestinal bacteria can degrade mucous glycans as an energy source, suggesting that there is a relationship between the microbiota and the mucosal layer. This is of concern in low fibre diets because in the absence of fibre as a fuel source, the microbiota will switch to mucosal glycans. It has been well established that low fibre diets are associated with a thinner colonic mucosa. Findings Here The rate of mucin turn-over can be modified by bacterial colonization, for example, the intestinal mucous requires the presence of bacteria to develop its full functionality; analysis has shown thin or even absent mucous layer in the colon of germ-free rats. Findings Here In addition, short chain fatty acids can stimulate mucous production. SCFA’s are the end products of microbial fermentation of undigestible carbohydrates with acetate, propionate and butyrate being the most common in the intestinal lumen. Starvation also influences mucin turnover. The mechanism during times of starvation is much the same as on low fibre diets, diverse bacterial species will switch to mucin as an energy source during nutrient deprivation. This poses food for thought in fasting. To Fast or Not To Fast? Finally, the consumption of a Western Style Diet (WSD) has been linked to the impairment of intestinal mucosal function. Animal studies have administered a WSD, high in fat, simple sugars and low in complex fibre and found that in just three days the mucosal layer was diminished. A reduction in MUC2 was found. However, when mice were transplanted with microbiota from a control diet, the mucosal dysfunction was prevented, despite being fed a WSD themselves. This suggests that in addition to dietary choices influencing the composition of the mucosal layer, so too does the microbiota. Your Puppy’s Microbiome What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis What Can Help Dysbiosis Furthermore, there seems to be a bidirectional relationship between stress and mucosal barrier function. Animal studies have demonstrated that early life stress impairs development of mucosal barrier function, becoming a predisposing factor to intestinal disorders in adult life. Findings Here Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System 6 Tips for Your Anxious Dog Why Dogs Need To Chew Top Tips to Support Gut Barrier Health: Offer a species appropriate diet Limit toxic exposure Support beneficial microbiome formation and maintenance Limit stress exposure Address existing inflammation If you would
Would you be surprised to know that short dogs are more aggressive? Or taller dogs are more affectionate? It seems heavier dogs are more inquisitive and lighter dogs are more fearful too. Whilst we’re not about to take such broad statements at face value, studies have shown that the size and shape of a dog can impact their behavior. Findings Here This makes us want to more about the anatomy of our four-legged friends. For that reason, we’ve put together a handy guide in the hope it gives us an even broader understanding of who we share our lives with. Anatomy of The Dog With the range of breeds, despite their differences, dogs generally have the same physical anatomy and characteristics which includes their musculoskeletal system. Did you know that dogs don’t have a collar bone, unlike humans; providing a larger stride for running? Despite their similarities, toy breeds have a skeleton that will mature in around 6 months. Whereas giant breeds can take between 18 months and 2 years to reach full maturity. Speaking of skeletons, a dog has 320 bones in their body (depending on the length of their tail) and around 700 muscles! Muscles enable us and our dogs to move. They stabilize our joints and maintain our posture. Muscle fibers receive electrical impulses from the brain through the central nervous system which tells it whether to contract or elongate; therefore, creating movement. There are a number of different types of muscles. Skeletal muscles are connected directly to bones by tendons (elastic type fibers). Visceral muscles are found inside organs such as the stomach, intestines, and blood vessels. Cardiac muscle is found in the heart. This muscle is responsible for pumping blood around the body. Muscle issues: You may notice muscle atrophy (loss) in dogs who have an injury or developmental issue. Dogs with hip dysplasia or cruciate damage will often have muscle loss in their affected legs. Injury or over-exertion can often cause muscle spasms, which appear as a localized twitch. This is caused by an interruption in the normal muscle contraction. They can be involuntary or sometimes caused by touch. Findings Here Muscles attach to bones via tendons and depending on the breed of dog, they tend to have different types of muscle fibres. You’ve probably heard about slow and fast twitch muscle fibres before? A Lurcher has more fast twitch (anaerobic) fibres in their legs than the Alaskan Malamute who has more slow twitch (aerobic) fibres. Findings Here This is of particular interest when we are considering energy usage and systems. The currency of energy is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is found in all cells in all the body, but as it is a large molecule, not so much can be stored. To restore ATP there are three relevant energy systems. ATP-PC This is where the body uses all the ATP it has stored in its cells. This is the simplest energy production process; and if we were to consider it in human terms, this is the system that your 100m sprint would utilise (or our speedy dogs with their fast twitch fibres). Glycolytic System This system runs on glycogen, which is the storage form of carbohydrates in animals. In human terms, this system provides moderate power and moderate duration. Both the ATP-PC and Glycolytic system are anaerobic, meaning they don’t require oxygen to product ATP. Oxidative System This system, as its name suggests does involve the use of oxygen to product ATP. This system cannot produce energy as quickly as the other two, but it can produce it continually and for a longer duration. This system can use stored carbohydrates and fats for fuel. In human terms, this would be the system that the marathon runner would access and the system that fuels those slow twitch muscle fibres. On the subject of legs, let’s look at them in a little more detail. Just like humans have arms and legs, dogs have forelegs and hind legs. Two thirds of a dog’s body weight is carried on their front legs. Only one third is carried on their hind legs. However, the muscles on their hind legs are larger and therefore stronger! The foreleg consists of a shoulder, elbow, ulna, humerus radius and wrist. Many large breeds can suffer with elbow dysplasia, where there is abnormal development in the joint. The most common symptom is lameness. Lesions within the elbow joint often start in puppy hood which is why it’s so important to be mindful of their anatomy and typical gait. The hind leg can be confusing to some owners, but it has some of the same features as a human. The bone between the hip and knee is the femur. Below the knee is the tibia and fibula. Then we get to the hock. You’ve probably heard this mentioned more in horses. The hock is like the human ankle. As with the elbow, many large breeds suffer with abnormal development in the hip joint, known as hip dysplasia. Again, lesions can start in puppy hood. Hip dysplasia is often hereditary but there are also environmental factors which can influence the development of this chronic condition including: rapid weight gain/growth, inappropriate nutrition, inconsiderate exercise, and movement during development. Can Nutrition Support Joint Health Puppy Nutrition 101 Obesity and Musculoskeletal Health in Dogs Moving past the hind legs, let’s look at the tail. The tail isn’t just something which wags to show you they’re happy – it serves a much bigger function. They can be long, short, curly, or flat! The tail is an extension of the spine, so any injuries are a cause for concern. The bones of the tail are called vertebrae just like in the spine and they too have discs to cushion the gap between. The muscles and nerves found in the tail contribute to bowel control and movement which is why if a dog ever traps their tail in a door one of the first things to be mindful of is
Generally, when we talk about fasting in the human realms, we are talking about intermittent fasting, and the function is largely to lose weight. What this mechanism actually does is reduce overall caloric intake, so by definition, if you reduce calories, there may be a resultant weight loss (note, we say may, because weight loss isn’t always that simple). But, when we talk about fasting in dogs it’s not generally around weight loss, it’s for longevity and improved health outcomes. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, it’s a question we get asked a lot. Should we fast dogs, or not? Let’s look at the science behind it. What Is Fasting? Fasting is not the same as starvation. Starvation occurs when there are no reserves left in the body; with insufficient intake of nutrients resulting in the break down of vital tissues. Fasting is simply a form of reduced calorie intake. What is interesting is that complete or modified fasting is a natural part of the wild canine diet. Wolves, the closest living relative to the dog are a window into dog physiology. When we look at the behaviour and lifestyle of wolves reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park, they show us that they are well designed for feast or famine. When hunting is easy, they may kill every two to three days. Generally, they will first eat organ meats, then muscle. At the end of the two- or three-day period, they then eat the bones and hide, including the fur. In times of low food abundance, wolves have been seen to scavenge bone and hide for several weeks at a time. Findings Here What Happens During a Fast Digestion is an incredibly demanding task. When it occurs, all hands are on deck. When it isn’t required, hands can be diverted to other tasks. What Does the Science Say? Most of the data is looking at fasting in rats, mice, monkeys, and humans. But we do have some data from dogs. Fasting has been seen to decrease toxic load. With little competition from substances absorbed after a meal, the liver is able to fully process waste products and excrete them efficiently. In addition, it has been demonstrated that during fasting, mitochondria downregulate. As you’ll remember, the mitochondria are the power plants of the cell, where we get energy from. But through the process, a high volume of free radicals are produced. Therefore, with downregulation, fewer free radicals are produced, which reduces oxidative stress. Fasting has been seen to decrease inflammatory molecules in many cell types. As we know inflammation underlies many chronic diseases and so it’s easy to agree when we see data suggesting that fasting reduces the incidence of: Cancer Arthritis Cognitive decline Diabetes (prevention) Dermatitis Liver, kidney, and heart disease Findings Here Findings Here Furthermore, fasting has showed a lower rate of muscle loss with age, with no apparent loss of bone density. Findings Here Finally, fasting for 48 hours has been shown to protect normal cells, but not cancer cells, from the toxic effects of chemotherapy. This approach has been utilised in humans to mitigate side effects associated with chemotherapy. Findings Here So, we know that fasting has some great benefits, but is there anything we should be mindful of? Well, we shouldn’t fast cats, in it’s true definition. The feline liver doesn’t downregulate during fasting, hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) has been seen to occur in a cat fasted for as little as two days. But calorie restriction (to 70% of a standard diet) has been used in therapeutic approaches and favourably affected physical activity, lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Findings Here There’s also no place for fasting in puppies. Puppyhood is one of the most nutritionally demanding periods; to build a body, they need the component parts. The same goes for bitches in whelp; to build babies, they need the component parts. A note on diabetes… Diabetes is a disease that results from an absolute or relative lack of insulin. As we know, insulin helps get glucose into cells to be used as energy; it therefore maintains the amount of glucose found in the bloodstream. Fasting with diabetes can result in dangerously low blood sugar levels. The bottom line? Guidance from a qualified practitioner may be worthwhile if you are considering fasting with any pre-existing health concerns. It may not be appropriate at all. So How Do You Do It? Well, there are two ways really. The first is to fast for a whole day once a week. This was seemingly the accepted routine for farmers and gundogs in decades gone by. But it’s not about removing what your dog would usually eat on that day, you simply spread it out on the other days – some have spread it throughout the week, some load it the day before and the day after the fast. Ensure that the amount you are feeding is appropriate for the healthy weight your pet requires. The other way is just providing an eating window. You can feed one meal per day, or two but within a short eating window of each other (generally 6-8 hours of each other). For example, you feed breakfast at 9am and then supper at 4 or 5pm. During any fasting periods, dogs should always have access to fresh, filtered water. As you have noticed, there is a difference between fasting and calorie restriction – fasting is allowing periods of rest between food ingestion. Calorie restriction is reduction of calories. But both have great health benefits, depending on the pet and their current health status. If you are looking to tackle a weight issue in your pet check out our blogs here. Obesity in Pets – Part I Obesity in Pets – Part II Fasting or calorie restriction may not be appropriate for all pets, and so if you are wondering if any dietary changes may be of benefit to your pet, check out our services. Consultations Thanks for reading, MPN Team x
