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
Dogs are considered senior at half of their life expectancy. For some, this can come around a little earlier than expected. Are there changes we need to make as our dog ages? Well, there are always things we can do to support their health of our companion. Let’s take a look Aging is defined as the process of becoming older and whilst we still haven’t got to grips with the biological process in its entirety, there are some things we do know. Cells are thought to have a finite number of times they can replicate and divide. It is known as the Hayflick Limit. When a cell has reached that limit, it cannot divide anymore and will break down by programmed cell death. It is this limited capability that we see as aging. This programmed cell death usually occurs when telomeres (protective structures found at both ends of chromosomes) reach a critical length. It is therefore considered that telomere length serves as a biological clock. Telomere shortening occurs at every DNA replication – so if there is an increased need for cell replication, they will become shorter. This is why we are particularly interested here at My Pet Nutritionist, because there is such a high turnover of cells in the liver, gastrointestinal tract and skin (all parts of the body that we see many issues with). Shorter telomeres can also induce genomic instability and this sadly, is one of the leading factors in cancer. Cells have planned programmes to divide, replicate and ultimately die (apoptosis) – they get these messages from genes. When genes are unstable, their messages get a little like Chinese whispers and so the cells go rogue – dividing and replicating, but not dying. This aberrant growth is implicated in cancer. Diet can also affect telomeres. A diet contain omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a reduced rate of telomere shortening, Telomere length is positively associated with the consumption of nuts and fruits, Consumption of a diet including Vitamin E, Vitamin C and beta-carotene is also associated with longer telomeres – the inclusion of antioxidant compounds protects against oxidative damage. Dietary restriction also reduces oxidative burden, reducing damage to DNA – for this reason it is regularly associated with improved lifespans. In a study in Labrador retrievers, results indicated that 25 % restriction in food intake increased median life span and delayed the onset of signs of chronic disease. Findings Here The bottom line? The consumption of a whole-food, nutrient dense diet with the inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial for the aging pet. Caloric restriction is also a consideration to make. On the other side of the scale, are there things that can negatively affect telomere length? Processed meats, high consumption of sugar over time and high intake of refined grains is negatively associated with telomere length. In short, the consumption of these foods is associated with shorter telomeres. If telomeres are shorter, the cell hits its limit sooner and carries out its programmed death sooner. Findings Here Cognitive Canine Dysfunction Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of senior dogs. It’s generally considered the dog version of Alzheimer Disease. It is thought that one third of senior dogs will show signs of confusion, restlessness, and less enjoyment of life. It is a result of a decline in higher brain functions, through degeneration. A variety of studies in the veterinary field have supported the proposal of nutritional manipulation, particularly with antioxidants as part of the treatment regime in cases of CDS and reported significant effects of modified diets. Evidence has demonstrated a place for the following nutrients: Antioxidants Alpha-Lipoic Acid Vitamin C Vitamin E L-Carnitine Co-enzyme Q10 EPA and DHA Phosphatidylserine It is considered that nutritional adjustment provided brain strengthening components, signalling enhancers, metabolic support, and antioxidants. Findings Here What was particularly interesting from the above study is that time spent active increased alongside the nutritional adjustment. Being sedentary is a shortcut to poor immune function largely due to lymph function. The Lymphatic System The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that spans the entire body. It is critical for health and for the immune system to function properly. Your Pet’s Immune System Both blood and lymphatic systems share many functional, structural, and anatomical similarities, but lymphatics are unique. Unlike the blood system, which is a closed loop with the heart actively pumping blood to oxygenate our tissues, lymphatics are open-ended. Movement of lymph is governed by rhythmic daily muscle movements propelling the fluid along network. The lymph fluid, called chyle, which contains immune cells, permeates every nook of the body. Movement of lymph fluid through the lymphatic vessels transports immune cells around the body, where they patrol all the remote corners of the body, keeping a lookout for anything untoward. The lymphatics also bring immune cells together in hubs of immune activity called lymph nodes. If the flow of lymph stops or becomes impaired, this vital immune surveillance and defence function can become compromised. And being sedentary sadly results in compromised lymph function. Therefore, movement for the aging dog is still important to support vital immune function. Within reason. We can’t hide from the fact that degenerative musculoskeletal issues are common in the aging dog, so care must be taken. Can Nutrition Support Joint Health What Is Pain and How to Look For It Obesity and Musculoskeletal Health in Dogs Natural Arthritis Guide and Herbs to Help Dogs You’ll be forgiven for thinking that lifestage nutrition is a bit of gimmick, but there’s no denying that the demands placed upon the body and brain are different across different life stages. For that reason, nutritional adjustment may be appropriate, depending on individual circumstances, lifestyle and health needs. If you would like further support for your aging or senior pet, then please check out our services to see if we may be able to help. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
A diet we get asked about all the time here at My Pet Nutritionist, the Ketogenic diet isn’t always appropriate, but if it is, there are some hard and fast tips to follow. We thought we’d head on a whistle stop tour and give you what you need to know. The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat and moderate protein diet. In essence, it shifts the body’s energy fuel pathways. Healthy cells use carbohydrates or fats to produce energy. When carbohydrates are ingested, the body can either convert them to glucose for fuel, or it can store the glucose as glycogen in the liver or muscles. When fat is ingested, it too can be used for energy metabolism, but it can also be stored for a later time as triglycerides. When the body needs them, they are released as fatty acids which can fuel body movement, create heat and provide energy for body processes. If there is excessive oxidation of fatty acids, the cycle that is responsible for all of this gets a little overloaded, and the resulting compound is diverted to create ketone bodies. These ketone bodies can serve as a fuel source if glucose levels are too low in the body. Organs that have classically be thought to be dependent solely on glucose, like the brain, can in fact use ketones as an alternative energy source; it makes sense, above all, the brain needs to function when glucose is limited. The ketogenic diet has gained interest in epilepsy and cases of cancer, largely based on the Warburg theory whereby it was suggested that cancer cells have altered energy metabolism by way of increased glucose uptake. Findings Here A study of 21 epileptic dogs showed a 50% reduction in seizure frequency alongside a ketogenic diet. Findings Here That said, the ketogenic diet isn’t always as easy as thought. There are a number of considerations to make: Possible decrease in microbial diversity in the GI tract Potential nutrient shortfalls if not considered thoroughly Diarrhoea and constipation Generally, for dogs, a ketogenic diet can range from 69-90% fat, 9-30% protein and 1% carbohydrates. But true ketosis is generally achieved when the following are monitored: Macronutrient control and elimination of glucose Repeated testing (blood/ketone) Metabolic conditioning The bottom line? There is increasing evidence that a ketogenic diet has been of benefit in certain conditions, however, the true ratios will be dog dependent and for that reason we would advise any dietary plans to be developed alongside a qualified professional. Consultations However, we can use the basic premise of the ketogenic diet to support the health of our dogs. Top Tips for Dog Health from the Keto Ethos: 1) Keep Insulin Low Feed fat and protein and keep net carbs low. Net carbs are carbs minus their fibre content, so remember, fibre is a carby friend! 2) Keep Calories in Check Feed by eye – you want to see an hourglass figure from a birds-eye view. Feeding guidelines are just that – just because a calculator says you should feed that much, if your dog is looking chunky, reign it in! Feed for function, not for added (rounded) features! 3) Use Periodic Fasts Calorie restriction has been seen to add years to the lifespan! You can feed once per day, or limit feeding to a window (8 hours for example). You can also use 24 hour fasts periodically too! Fasting deserves a blog all on it’s own, so check back for more on this! 4) Reduce Inflammation Low carbs along with a calorie-controlled diet has been seen to reduce inflammation. 5)Keep Moving Most dogs will suffer from inactivity than too much exercise. Regular physical activity is known to regulate inflammatory responses in the body, support heart function and health, prevent telomere shortening (associated with aging), promote growth in brain cells and reduce risk of cognitive decline. If you would like any support creating a new dietary plan for your dog to address existing health concerns or simply to find what’s best for them at their stage of life, then please check out our services. What We Offer Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
Would you be surprised to know that a study carried out in 1988 concluded there were no differences in allergens found on different breeds of dogs? In short, if you’re allergic to dogs, you’re allergic to all dogs? Findings Here Have we moved on significantly from 1988 and produced dogs that we’re no longer allergic to? We have artificial intelligence which can remind us of our daily schedule, but surely, a new type of dog, that’s pushing it? You’re correct. We’ve not produced a new type of dog (in that sense), if you’re allergic to dogs. You’re allergic to dogs. So, where does this notion of a hypoallergenic dog come from? They do exist, but in their true definition. Hypo means under or beneath according to the Greeks. Its synonyms include fewer, or less. Therefore, a hypoallergenic dog simply means a dog that is less likely to cause a reaction. It does not mean the dog is totally allergy safe. Where the confusion lies, is that many think allergy sufferers are allergic to the hair found on the dog. This is not the case. Generally, allergy sufferers are allergic to a protein found in the saliva and urine of the dog. As the dog grooms themselves, they spread the protein to their skin and coat. As new skin cells are produced, old ones are shed, which release into the environment (known as dander). This is why people are often told they are allergic to dog dander. As hair is shed into the environment, you are exposed to the protein covered hair. So, a hypoallergenic dog is generally one that sheds less (less hair for you to be exposed to), they often have curly coats (which traps hair and dander so less is shed into the environment) or have less hair (but these guys still lose dead skin cells which can cause a reaction). They are also more likely to be regularly groomed which removes the protein from the coat and skin more frequently. For many of us who have mild allergies, we tend to put up and shut up simply because we couldn’t imagine spending our lives without pets, so is there anything we can do to reduce our symptoms? You’ll know that here at My Pet Nutritionist we’re not a fan of long-term use of antihistamines, so let’s look at other options. 1) Find a new love for cleaning! Whilst it can often be the last thing you want to do at the end of a long day, getting into a habit of regularly whipping around your home will keep allergens in the environment at bay! If you don’t want to tackle the whole house as soon as you get in, create a to-do list at the beginning of the week. You may tackle your kitchen on Monday, your hall on Tuesday, your bedroom on Wednesday and so on. Rather than dusting, use a damp cloth or use the dusting attachment on your vacuum. You want to remove the allergens not just move them around or throw them back into the air that you are breathing. Set a timer on your phone or clock, spend 25 minutes a day cleaning. That’s 1.74% of your day. 2) Use a Vacuum with a HEPA filter! To keep allergens at bay, vacuum at least 2-3 times a week, if not daily. HEPA means high efficiency particulate air and its design traps microscopic particles keeping them from being thrown back into the environment. Most pet vacuums have an inbuilt HEPA filter but it’s worth checking the label if you’re in the market for a new one! 3) And an air purifier! It may be worthwhile investing in an air purifier in your home. Again, these are built with HEPA filters which trap dust and dirt. They can be a helpful addition to your home if you are struggling with your symptoms. 4) Pay attention to your bedding! If your dog sleeps with you, first decide whether this is great for your symptoms. If it doesn’t affect you too severely, ensure you wash your bedding at least weekly. Place blankets or throws on your bed so you can wash them even more regularly. Encase pillows and mattress with dust-proof covers as this helps keep particles from getting inside. Vacuum your mattress regularly. 5) Curtains! Be mindful of the curtains you are hanging in your home. Whilst you can purchase some beautiful fabrics, some are dry clean only. This isn’t ideal if you need to be washing them regularly – it’ll cost a fortune! Cotton curtains can often just be washed in the washing machine and hung to dry. Just like the response in our dogs, allergies result in a characteristic pattern of inflammation, so ensuring out own inflammatory responses are appropriate is just as important. Risk Factors in Human Allergies: Family history – predispositions to certain allergies, Microbiome disruption, Ultra-hygienic environment, Regular consumption of high-histamine foods, Nutrient deficiencies, Exposure to environmental toxins, Impaired methylation affects histamine clearance and more. Top Tips to Support Allergies in Humans: Live bacteria supplementation may support immune function, Consider histamine exposure in diet, Quercetin possesses anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties, Nettle too functions as an antihistamine and blocks proinflammatory cytokines, Vitamin C supports histamine detoxification, Reduce stress! Gut Guardian A slightly different blog this time, but one we hope was useful, nonetheless. If your dog is sadly the one who suffers with sensitivities or allergies, then check out our blogs: 5 Basic Tips For Allergies Itchy Cats and Dogs Naturally Itching Has Become Such An Epidemic Does My Dog Need An Allergy Test In addition, allergies are one of our expert areas, so check out our services here: Consultations Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
Of course it can. But, we wouldn’t be doing us, you as pet owners, or the pets in your care any justice if we didn’t go into a little more detail. Here at My Pet Nutritionist we’ve seen hundreds of pets with joint concerns. Prevention is better than cure and this is where nutrition can certainly play a role. Even in chronic degeneration, there are changes that can be made for the better. Sadly, there are genetic dispositions to joint issues, and we can’t change that, but we can do a little bit of damage limitation. There’s certainly a lot to cover, so let’s get cracking. The Skeleton The Skeleton is essentially a supporting framework. It consists of strong, mineralised bone which form a sophisticated system to facilitate movement. Bone is a light, yet strong connective tissue consisting of around 30% collagen and other matrix proteins with around 70% minerals. These minerals include calcium and phosphorus, but magnesium, sodium and potassium are also present in conjugated form. Bones come together to form joints. The type of joint formed determines the degree and direction of motion. For example, joints with a ball and socket formation allow for a rotation whilst hinge joints only allow for bending and straightening. In a joint, the ends of the bones are covered in cartilage, which helps reduce friction as joints move. With age, this cartilage can degrade. Tendons connect muscle to bone and are made up mostly of collagen. Ligaments surround joints and help to stabilise them. They also connect bone to bone. Bone Formation Also known as ossification, bone formation is a process where new bone is produced. Bone starts as a cartilage model which gets slowly replaced. Osteoblasts are the cells that form new bone; think of it as a blast that spreads, and osteoblasts spread to form new bone. Osteoblasts secrete osteoids which are simply unmineralized bone tissue. Soon after the osteoid is laid down, inorganic salts (calcium and phosphorus) are deposited which forms the hardened material that we know as bone. Inappropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus during growth therefore understandably contribute to bone deformities and skeletal disorders. Diets high in phosphorus, particularly with low calcium reduce bone mass and density. We see this in the, now thankfully rare, disease in horses. Big head disease, more common in countries like Australia, is also known as bran disease or Miller’s disease. The colloquial names demonstrate immediately the dietary link. Clinically termed hyperparathyroidism, it affects the skeleton of horses. The horse’s bones slowly demineralise due to the low levels of calcium found in their system. The low calcium levels are usually due to one of two reasons. Calcium bioavailability due to high levels of phytates in bran, Calcium bioavailability due to oxalate containing grasses. As we know, phytate is when phytic acid binds to a mineral. Phytic acid is the principal storage form of phosphorus, and it binds to zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium and more! What this means is that the mineral it binds to is less available. Sadly, phytic acid is found in plant-foods like grains, nuts and legumes and for us pet owners, of note, it is found in wheat, barley, rice and maize; the same ingredients found in many commercial pet foods. There is therefore the possibility that phytate can affect calcium bioavailability and be of detriment to bone formation, growth, and maintenance. Oxalic acid is an organic compound found in many plants including leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. This too can bind to minerals including calcium and then becomes calcium oxalate. This not only results in low calcium levels, of detriment to bone formation, growth and maintenance but may also lead to renal issues and/or failure. It seems however, that high phosphorus and high calcium diets blunt the effects of each other. These two minerals interact in the gastrointestinal tract to limit absorption of the other. Therefore, a calcium: phosphorus ratio of 1.1:1 to 2:1 is recommended for dogs. On the subject of the gastrointestinal tract, most minerals are absorbed largely in the small intestine (although they can be absorbed from any portion in the GI tract). So, the digestive tract needs to be working as it should to aid absorption and therefore utilisation of the minerals. Inflammation within the GI tract is often linked with vitamin and mineral deficiency. Findings Here Furthermore, those suffering with inflammatory bowel conditions are often treated with medications like glucocorticoids to reduce the inflammation caused by the disease. In the process, these medications disrupt the development and maintenance of healthy bones. Bone formation proceeds outwards from ossification centres; short bones tend to have one in the middle whereas long bones typically have three, one at each end and one in the middle. Ossification, or bone formation continues until there is a thin strip of cartilage left at each end of the bone. This is known as the epiphyseal plate, or growth plate in the dog world. When the bone reaches full adult maturity, the cartilage is replaced with bone and “sealed” for want of a better word. Glucocorticoids have a direct, inhibitory effect on the growth plate, as demonstrated by in vivo and organ culture studies. Glucocorticoids slow longitudinal bone growth by inhibiting chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy, and cartilage matrix synthesis. In vivo, dexmethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid, infused directly into the proximal tibial growth plates of young rabbits caused a 77% inhibition in growth. Findings Here It would therefore be appropriate to consider the root cause of any inflammatory conditions alongside any treatment plan. When considering calcium and phosphorus absorption, it pays to consider vitamin D because it stimulates the intestinal absorption of those minerals. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in foods like oily fish, liver, and eggs. Being a known contributor to bone health, when puppies are fed a diet lacking in Vitamin D, they can develop Rickets. However, at the other end of the scale, puppies fed too much vitamin D experience impaired ossification (bone formation).
Did you ever get warned that kissing a stranger was like kissing everyone they had ever kissed too? Sadly, the same advice applies to our dogs too! Luckily when we’re talking about canine oral papillomas, they can’t be transmitted to humans, but these warts are caused by a virus which can be passed between dogs. So what’s the lowdown on canine papillomas? And why do our dogs get them? Here at My Pet Nutritionist, they seem to be the topic of the year so let’s take a look at them in a little more detail. What is the Canine Papilloma Virus? Warts in dogs are caused by infection with canine papilloma virus (CPV). They appear as lesions mostly found on the lips and muzzle and have a cauliflower like appearance. They can also grow on the oral mucosa which can affect eating and swallowing. In most cases, they are left untreated and may resolve within 3-12 months of presentation. CPV is transmitted through direct contact with another infected canine, and it spreads relatively easily. But as it’s a virus, its understandable that it most commonly strikes dogs with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems (which is why they are more common in younger dogs). The virus will also more easily settle in injured skin, so if a dog suffers with pre-existing skin issues they may be at an increased risk. The Immune System 101 When the body is invaded by bacteria, a virus or parasites, an immune alarm goes off, setting off a chain reaction of cellular activity in the immune system. Specific cells are deployed to help attack the invading pathogen. Those cells often do the job, and the invader is destroyed. But sometimes, when the body needs a more sophisticated attack, it turns to a more specialised set of cells. These cells are like the special ops of the immune system—a line of defence that uses past behaviours and interactions to tell it exactly how to deal with the threat. Through exposure to the virus, he body learns how to deal with it, which is why older dogs don’t always develop lesions even if they are living with another dog who does. But as we know, there are many things that can affect how well the immune system is functioning. Lifestyle and environmental factors can dictate if the immune system is fast and efficient, or whether it’s as much use as a chocolate teapot. What can affect immune function? Sleep Sleep is widely studied for its evolutionary benefits. It is crucial for most daily functions and in humans suffering sleep restriction, they have attention lapses, slowed working memory, reduced cognition and depressed thought. Studies have shown a significant reduction in activity in dogs experiencing sleep restriction. Findings Here One of the main purposes of sleep is to consolidate memories or learning. This has also been found true in dogs. Learning affects sleep structure which ultimately decides whether you retain the information or not. Interestingly, in studies, those dogs allowed to sleep after learning a new command were more likely to retain the command at a later date, than dogs allowed to walk or play. So, if you want to train your dog, they need their sleep. Findings Here But it is clear that sleep and the circadian rhythm significantly influence immune functions. It is thought that sleep facilitates the function of immune cells and also their redistribution to lymph nodes. In addition, in clinical studies, sleep on the night after experimental vaccinations produced a strong and persistent increase in the number of antigen specific cells and antibody titres. This suggests that sleep plays a role in immunological memory. Findings Here Under laboratory conditions, dogs will sleep around 13 hours per day. But this is very generic. Older dogs will sleep more as they tend to experience periods of broken sleep. Puppies too will sleep a lot more – generally 18-20 hours. Stress Since the dawn of time, both us and our dog’s ancestors have been subject to evolutionary pressure from the environment. The ability to respond to environmental threats or stressors such as predation or natural disaster enhanced survival. In mammals, these responses include changes that increase the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the heart and skeletal muscles. We know this as the stress response, or rather more specifically the fight or flight part of the stress response. But this serves as a redirection of resources, and data clearly suggest that chronic stressors suppress cellular and humoral responses in the immune system. In short, stress lowers the body’s response to viral load. Have you ever noticed that that pesky cold sore rears its ugly head when you’re feeling a little run down? That said, acute stressors (lasting a couple of minutes) upregulate certain immune pathways. This makes total evolutionary sense. In addition to the risk inherent in the situation, like a predator, fighting and fleeing carries the risk of injury and subsequent entry of infectious agents into the bloodstream or skin. Any wound in the skin is likely to contain pathogens that could multiply and cause infection. Stress-induced changes in the immune system that could accelerate wound repair and help prevent infections from taking hold would therefore be beneficial. The key is balance. Both us and our pets are designed to tackle short term stressors, the issue is when they become chronic and continually deplete our resources. Diet The immune system has a number of cells it can call upon, but these cells need to be made somewhere. In addition, for the messages to get sent around the body and for the antigens to be effectively neutralised, other cofactors and compounds are needed. Whilst the body is incredibly smart and can synthesise certain compounds itself, the majority of them need to come from somewhere and this somewhere is largely the diet. In addition, an activated immune system further increased the demand for energy during periods of infection. The Ultimate Raw Feeding Guide for Dogs Furthermore, the majority
On average, a dog may spend 3.3 minutes eating grass, per day. Now, when there are 1,440 minutes in a day, it doesn’t seem that much does it? However, when most dogs head on over to a grassy tuft and start eating, most owners start to worry, it’s certainly a question we are asked often here at My Pet Nutritionist. This is largely due to the common misconception that dogs who eat grass are nutritionally deficient or because vomiting sometimes follows a grass-eating session, they have an upset tummy. Well, we’re here to explore why grass-eating may not be what you think it is, and we’re talking about cats too! Plant Eating Mammals can be roughly divided into three groups: Carnivores, Omnivores, Herbivores, Plants are the primary food source of herbivores and relatively abundant in the environment. The composition of plant tissue is quite different from animals; plant cell walls are rich in carbohydrates especially cellulose, which is difficult for animals to digest. Furthermore, several plants contain toxic compounds as built-in defences (to prevent being eaten). For these reasons, herbivores have developed unique digestive systems to detoxify these compounds and obtain nutrients from these plant cells. Cats, however, are unable to detoxify phenolic compounds found in plants. The Struggle of The Cat in Our Toxic World But there is historical evidence of plant material ingestion in carnivores, both cats and dogs. Some suggest it’s accidental intake, whereas others argue there may be some advantages to plant eating. So why do dogs eat grass? Illness One particular study explored grass eating in dogs. All dogs participating in the study had a full health check carried out by a vet and they were deemed in good health. There were no reported parasites and did not have any diagnosed digestive issues. In 12 dogs, 709 grass eating events occurred. Vomiting only occurred after 5 events. The researchers concluded that there was no evidence grass-eating was linked to sickness. Findings Here Gut Guardian Could it be that we tend to pay more attention to the instances that end in vomiting and therefore consider it sickness related? As humans we do seem to be hard-wired to remember negative experiences as opposed to positive ones. Findings Here Deficient Diet There is also little evidence to support the idea that dogs eat grass to gain vital nutrients they aren’t receiving from their usual diet. When explored, there was no indication that dogs fed a table scrap, commercial or raw food diet were more or less likely to eat grass. You’d think there would be some nutritional differences across the range of diets – but all dogs across that range of diets were still prone to grass-eating. Findings Here So, is grass just a food source to dogs? When considering how much grass dogs eat and when, it is clear that dogs eat more grass before their usual mealtime. Dogs tend to eat more grass in the morning, then as the day wears on, time spent eating grass, reduces. Findings Here This data could suggest that grass-eating is simply a hunger response. As grass is often widely accessed, it’s an easy food source! Parasite Control Grass-eating behaviour is an innate predisposition inherited from wild canid ancestors. It is believed that purging on plants was an effective way to control intestinal parasites. Plant-material is difficult to digest and so it passes right through the digestive tract. As it passes through the tract, it takes the parasites with it. They are then simply pooped out. Findings Here Here it’s easy to panic and think, if your dog is eating grass, he must have worms; but no studies to date have shown this to be the case. Our dogs are simply demonstrating a behaviour that is innate to them. Dogs under the age of one are noted as more frequent grass-eaters than older dogs. We can firstly consider this a behaviour; like babies, puppies also explore their world through their mouth, but researchers have suggested this is more likely related to their ability to fight pathogens. Maintenance metabolism, the energy required to maintain homeostasis, scales fractionally with body size and as such, smaller animals require more metabolic energy per unit of body mass. Therefore, energy loss caused by parasites has higher consequences for smaller carnivores. It is in the younger dog’s interest to ensure they remain free of parasites. The same applies to cats. The energetic cost of parasite load is relatively high for the cat. In evolutionary sense, they would have also had a higher exposure to potentially harmful pathogens through increased food intake. Plant eating in cats has also been considered a way to evacuate hair or undigested materials. Sugar-cane-derived fibres have been seen to reduce the size of hairballs in the scat of domestic cats. An interesting cycle is proposed in the cat. Fleas are the main ectoparasite in the cat, and self-grooming with their rough tongue is one of the main removal strategies. As the flea load increases, the intensity of grooming increase, which is likely to increase ingestion of its own hair. So, plant eating could be a control for both ecto and endo parasites in the cat. Findings Here Liver Guard Is Eating Grass Bad For Dogs? Whilst some dogs do vomit after eating grass, it’s not usually linked to any further complications. The issue arises when dogs eat grass that has been chemically treated. There are many reports of glyphosate toxicity; a common product used to control weeds. Accidental exposure has resulted in vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Dogs also develop respiratory distress. Cats appear more sensitive, more often resulting in fatalities. Findings Here Glyphosate and My Dog You also have the risk of toxic plants which are not limited to, but include: Sago Palm Tomato Plant Ivy Amaryllis Gladiola American Holly Daffodil Milkweed Castor Bean Azalea/Rhododendron Tulip Chrysanthemum Begonia Oleander There is little evidence to suggest any nutritional or illness related reasons for a dog to eat grass and there is consistency
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we take a holistic view of your pet’s health. So, whilst we focus primarily on nutritional adjustments we can make, we look at everything else that is going on for your pet too. Not surprisingly we find that stress is a key player in many of the concerns brought to us. Most of us are familiar with the concept of stress, but do we truly understand the mechanism and the far-reaching impact it has on the body? Stress is huge, so we’ll try to condense it as much as we can. Stay with us. Despite the biological stress response being around for millennia, we first started paying attention to the actual response in the early part of the 1900s. Walter Cannon was the first Professor of Physiology at Harvard, and he was particularly interested in how the body managed to maintain its balance even when faced with things that could threaten it’s being. Building on this, Hans Selye established that no matter the stressor, each body (and brain) experienced the same cascade of responses. He also proposed that during the response to one stressor, our ability to withstand another is diminished. We often reference his theory when we discuss trigger stacking – and we’ve all been there – that day, when you miss your alarm, you spill the milk as you’re putting it in your coffee, then you lose your keys – and your ability to manage challenges that day just seems reduced. But on a biological level, we also see that when we are going through particularly stressful times, our immune system isn’t quite as nifty as dealing with threats and so we start picking up bugs and that old faithful cold sore rears its ugly head. The same concept applies to dogs, and if you sadly share your life with a reactive dog, you’ll see trigger stacking in them too. Equally, if they live with chronic stress, their immune function may go rogue too. This is why we always consider stress levels in those dogs who suffer with inflammatory skin issues. What is Stress? The official response starts in the brain. The amygdala, being the part of the brain that deals with emotions, sends a message to the hypothalamus which is like the command centre of the body. It communicates with the rest of the body through the autonomic nervous system which controls involuntary body functions like breathing, blood pressure and heartbeat. The autonomic nervous system is then split further into two branches, the sympathetic nervous system, and the parasympathetic nervous system. These are the systems that we are particularly interested in in the stress response. The Sympathetic Nervous System This system is known as the fight or flight system. We can think of it like the gas pedal of the stress response. This system: Dilates pupils – to see oncoming danger, Inhibits saliva production, Dilates bronchia, Increases heart rate, Inhibits the activity of the digestive system, Relaxes urinary bladder, This system is like a redistribution centre. When the body is faced with a stressor that can challenge body homeostasis, it redirects resources to re-balance. Blood is sent to the limbs to mobilise and why waste energy on food digestion? But this is where we see many issues. As we know, to absorb and utilise nutrients the digestive system needs to do its job. If the stress response is inhibiting the action of the digestive system, then it can’t do what it needs to. As part of sympathetic response, corticotropin-releasing-factor (CRF) is released. The name isn’t particularly important, but it seemingly plays a considerable role in altering gastrointestinal functions. It has been found that CRF: Inhibits gastric acid secretion Inhibits small intestine transit Increases intestinal permeability Increases visceral sensitivity Gastric Acid Secretion Gastric acid is a digestive fluid formed in the stomach, produced by parietal cells. The highly acidic environment in the stomach causes proteins from foods to lose their folded structure (denature) which exposes the peptide bonds. It is therefore a key player in protein digestion. Gastric acid secretion is regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve and by the hormone gastrin which stimulates the parietal cells. There is also an increased risk of infection with reduced gastric acid secretion. Low or no gastric acid can reduce the disinfectant properties of the gastric lumen. Gastric acid suppression is also associated with the development of food intolerances and allergies. Findings Here Small Intestine Transit The small intestine is chiefly involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, it receives pancreatic secretions and bile through the hepatopancreatic duct to aid its functions. In the stress response, it is thought that this mechanism encourages vomiting to expel potential pathogens, as in the large intestine, transit time is increased, again to aid expulsion. Poor motility can lead to small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which is frequently implicated in nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, weight loss and bowel changes like diarrhoea. Findings Here Intestinal Permeabilit The intestinal barrier is made up of tight junctions which allows the absorption of nutrients whilst limiting the transport of potential harmful antigens. Early stress and chronic stress have been seen to increase intestinal permeability both through TJ function and mucous degradation. Animal studies have demonstrated that early life stress impairs development of mucosal barrier function, becoming a predisposing factor to intestinal disorders in adult life. However, these stress induced changes do seem to respond to probiotic intervention. Probiotics have been seen to restore colonic tight junction integrity and enhance the mucus barrier. This is largely because stress impacts the bacterial community found in the gut. Studies have shown that early life maternal separation, for example, results in a significant decrease in fecal lactobacillus numbers, three days post separation. Mothers who report feeling stressed have a significantly higher number of proteobacteria and lower lactic acid bacteria. Findings Here Visceral Sensitivity Evidence suggests that long term stress facilitates pain perception and sensitises pain pathways. There is a clear gene-environment interaction which
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we have clients and followers from all over the globe, but most of the team is based in the UK and we’ll admit, the changing climate gets us a little hot under the collar with the risks posed to our canines. So, here is our ultimate guide to summer living with canines. Exercising Dogs During the Summer It’s seen world over, no matter when their Summer arrives, we are bombarded with images or stories of dogs suffering with heat stroke. For some it is fatal. Sometimes it’s obvious how the dog has succumbed, other times, well-meaning owners just haven’t realised the true impact of certain exercise on their dog in the heat. So how do we deal with the heat? How do we keep our dogs exercised and stimulated? Firstly, we need to get a handle on heatstroke. As you may, or may not, know; to cool themselves, dogs pant. They don’t sweat like us humans (they do have some sweat pads in their paws, so if they are stressed, you may notice sweaty paws at the Vets). But when panting isn’t enough to maintain the status quo, their body temperature rises. If this isn’t corrected quickly enough, it causes problems. Symptoms of Heat Stroke Severe panting, Difficulty breathing (particularly if your dog already has any respiratory problems), Severe salivating, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Raised temperature, Blood in urine, Nose bleeds (and other bleeding problems), Ultimately, collapse and coma, Factors that increase risk of heatstroke: Lack of water, Enclosed space, Excessive humidity, Obesity, Intense exercise, Old age, Cardiovascular disease or respiratory disease, Lack of acclimatisation. Prevention is better than cure, so here are our top tips: Firstly, only walk your dog at the coolest times of the day. Even if this means getting up earlier and going to bed later. It may also be necessary to shorten your usual walk, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ensure free access to fresh filtered water at all times, Check the temperature of the pavement – if you can’t hold your hand to it, your dog can’t walk on it. Keep your dog inside, even out of the garden at the hottest parts of the day. Put fans on or air con if you have them! If you have a sheltered spot in your garden, consider setting up a dog pool. Remember to change the water regularly though! Consider investing in cooling mats or cooling jackets. Water Hazards For Dogs It is almost instinctive to want to take our dogs near water on a hot day, but like everything in life, that too has its risks. Blue/Green Algae – when in doubt, just stay out! When present in water, there is an unmistakable hue. Blue/Green Algae thrives in warm, nutrient-rich water and will form “blooms.” It naturally occurs in lakes, ponds, canals, rivers, and reservoirs around the world. They are a type of bacteria, known as cyanobacteria, which can produce toxic chemicals that are harmful to the health of people and animals. When ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, weakness, lethargy, and seizures. It can also be fatal. Blue/green algae is often found in water where there is a film or scum like appearance. Country parks sometimes have warnings up, or their websites will identify any recent blooms so it’s always worth checking sources before heading out. Findings Here Water Intoxication Aside from the assumed risk of drowning in water, for dogs who play and retrieve a lot in water there is also the risk of water intoxication. This is when your dog has ingested far too much water for their body to handle. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal distention. Further symptoms include weakness, coma, seizures, and ataxia. Be mindful if your dog swallows water when they are retrieving and keep their time in the water to a moderate level. Findings Here Rip tides – in a very general sense! Whilst you may not be at the beach, we’re talking about all bodies of water that may have fast and strong currents. It could be a rip at the beach or simply a fast-flowing section of river. Before you let your dog venture into any water, watch it for a few minutes. Watch the flow, watch for any white water as this will help you figure out any underlying currents. You need to be sure the water is safe and that your dog is capable of swimming in it. Smaller dogs or less able pooches may struggle with even the slightest of currents, so again, when in doubt, just stay out! Waterborne illness! There is always a risk of water borne nasties, especially in stagnant pools of water. So: Opt for fresh and flowing water where possible, Don’t allow your dog to drink from the water source, provide fresh water from home/a bottle, Rinse them off when you get home, Watch for any changes in health or behaviour over the next couple of days. Keeping Dogs Stimulated If your walks are shorter, or even not existent on some days, then brain games are a great way to keep your dog settled. Treasure Hunt! Ideal for both food and toy orientated dogs, you can hide either high value treats or toys around the home or garden. At first, hold the treat or toy out in front of your dog and allow him to watch you where you hide it. Encourage him to find it. Praise him when he does, giving him the treat or allowing him to play with the toy. Repeat and as he finds the treasure, label the behaviour; for example, “hunt.” Start with hiding the treasure in easy to access places, eventually moving to harder to reach locations. Name that toy! Providing your dog doesn’t destroy his toys as soon as look at them, we can teach him the names of them. Start with one toy. Throw the toy and encourage him to retrieve the toy. As he brings you the
If you have a Dalmatian, chances are, you’ve been told or have read that he should really be on a low purine diet. We could easily make a list of low purine foods for you, but that wouldn’t be true My Pet Nutritionist style, so let’s take a look at the function of purines, and although they affect a range of cellular processes, they can be somewhat problematic for some dogs. What are Purines? Purines are one of the most common chemical compounds on the planet. There are both endogenous and exogenous. Exogenous purines are absorbed by the body through the foods eaten, and endogenous purines are made by the body itself. Purines and pyrimidines are the two families of nitrogenous base that make up nucleic acids – in short, they are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. A, C, G and T are the letters of DNA code, and they stand for: Adenine Cytosine Guanine Thymine Adenine and Guanine are both purines, and the rule of base pairing means that a purine will always pair with a pyrimidine. Purines have a number of functions in the body: Signalling molecule Provide energy Control cell growth Part of essential coenzymes Contribute to nervous system function (including neuronal development). It’s easy to see that purines perform many important functions in the cell, and so the balance between its synthesis and degradation is essential. When purines are catabolised, the result is uric acid. In all other mammals, apart from humans and Dalmatians, uric acid is then converted to allantoin, which is a very soluble excretion product. For us humans and those unlucky dogs, we excrete uric acid, through the kidneys (with some excreted through the gastrointestinal tract). Now uric acid is suggested to behave as a potent antioxidant. It is also thought to maintain blood pressure under low salt conditions and has been seen to function as an anti-inflammatory in certain diseases, but when levels become too high, in a condition known as hyperuricemia, problems can ensue. In humans, this can result in diseases such as kidney stones and gout and may cause hypertension. In Dalmatians, high uric acid levels result in bladder stones. Bladder Stones Bladder stones are rock-like formations of minerals that form in the urinary bladder and are more common than kidney stones in dogs. There may be a large, single stone or a collection of stones that range in size from sand-like grains to gravel. The general signs of bladder stones similar to the signs of an uncomplicated bladder infection or cystitis. – Hematuria (blood in the urine) – Dysuria (straining to urinate). Hematuria occurs as the stones rub against the bladder wall, irritating and damaging the tissue and causing bleeding. Dysuria may result from inflammation and swelling of the bladder walls or the urethra (the tube that transports the urine from the bladder to the outside of the body), from muscle spasms, or from a physical obstruction to urine flow. Large stones may act almost like a valve or stopcock, causing an intermittent or partial obstruction at the neck of the bladder, the point where the bladder attaches to the urethra. Small stones may flow with the urine into the urethra where they can become lodged and cause an obstruction. If an obstruction occurs, the bladder cannot be emptied fully; if the obstruction is complete, the dog will be unable to urinate at all. If the obstruction is not relieved, the bladder may rupture. The Natural Guide to Urinary Tract Health for Pets Other causes of urate bladder stones include liver diseases such as portosystemic shunts. The Lowdown on Liver Shunts in Dogs Dalmatians demonstrate a genetic mutation which affects their urate transport in the liver and kidney. Of interest, additional studies have found the same mutation in some Bulldogs and Black Russian Terriers. That said, the haplotype is not fixed for these breeds and so it suggested the disease could be eliminated through selection of the gene pool. There are schools of thought that the diseased allele arose through selection for more distinctive spots on the dalmatian, as smaller spotted Dalmatians are less likely to suffer the condition. Findings Here This is a point to note, as not all Dalmatians do form stones. Genetic mutations aside, there are additional factors which can affect purine metabolism and subsequent uric acid formation. High levels of uric acid are often associated with: Kidney disease Liver disease Endocrine and metabolic conditions – diabetes for example There are also schools of thought that high levels of uric acid are implicated in poor pancreatic function too. Findings Here Uric Acid and The Microbiota It is thought that around 1/3 of uric acid excretion occurs via the intestinal pathway. When uric acid is excreted into the gut, it is then metabolised by resident bacteria. What is interesting is that when kidney function is impaired, uric acid will mainly be eliminated by the intestine as compensation. It’s not therefore not entirely surprising that there is a correlation between efficient uric acid metabolism and certain strains of bacteria found in the gut. Human studies have found a significantly reduced bacterial diversity in patients suffering with gout compared to controls. Findings Here If we get into the science of it, Escherichia coli is thought to secrete an enzyme known as xanthine dehydrogenase which participates in the oxidative metabolism of purines, so as much as we pop E.coli on our baddies list, in this instance, it actually helps us (in moderation)! Findings Here It does go to show however, that if you do have a dog who isn’t efficiently metabolising purines, their gut health should also be something to focus on. 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health Low Purine Die There are a number of breeds who are listed for their purine metabolism problems, they include: Dalmatian Beagle Basset Hound Bulldogs Cocker Spaniel Bichon Frise Miniature Schnauzer Lhasa Apso Miniature Poodle Yorkshire Terrier Dachshund Irish Terrier Irish Setter Newfoundland Black Russian Terriers As yet, there are
One of the most controversial discussions in the pet world is the link between diet and heart health – sadly, there are a number of reasons why heart function can be compromised, including genetics. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we don’t think you can look at a health issue without considering the normal functioning of the system, so we thought we’d explore heart health in a little more detail. Let’s get cracking. The Cardiovascular System The cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels (veins and the arteries). The function of the heart is to pump blood. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs, where oxygen is added to the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from it. The left side pumps blood to the rest of the body, where oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues, and waste products are transferred to the blood for removal by other organs (like the kidneys). The heart is a hollow, muscular organ, divided into 4 chambers. There are upper chambers on both the left and ride sides of the heart called the left and the right atria. There are also 2 lower chambers called the left and right ventricles. A series of valves keep blood flowing in one direction through the heart. Each ventricle has an inlet and outlet valve. A heartbeat is actually the sounds of different valves closing. How does a Heart Beat? The heart beats because of electrical currents. Rhythmic electrical impulses or discharges cause the contraction of muscle fibres in the heart. At rest, the discharge is around 120 times per minute in a cat and 60-120 times per minute in the dog. Heart sounds are produced by the rapid acceleration and deceleration of blood and the resulting vibrations in the heart due to the circulation of blood. In dogs, 2 heart sounds can normally be distinguished. Calcium plays important roles in the electrical activity and pumping function of the heart. Calcium particles enter the heart muscle during each heartbeat and contribute to the electrical signal. When calcium is removed, relaxation is triggered. Potassium too plays a vital role at a cellular level. It’s movement in and out of cells helps maintain a regular heartbeat. Low levels of potassium lead to irregular contractions. When there is a high level of a compound in the body, it is termed, hyper, when there are low levels of a compound in the body, it is termed hypo. Sadly, too high and too low levels of all the above can result in irregularities in heart function. Hypokalaemia – low potassium Severe hypokalaemia is likely to cause skeletal muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Causes: Excessive diuretic therapy Vomiting and diarrhoea Diabetes Medications – steroids Conditions including Cushing’s Syndrome and liver failure. Hyperkalaemia – high potassium In this case, cardiac arrhythmias are common. Causes: Insulin deficiency Certain medications (NSAID’s, ACE-inhibitors) Potassium containing antibiotics Hypercalcaemia – high calcium Hypercalcaemia may present as fatigue, depression, confusion, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, peptic ulceration, or pancreatitis. Cardiac arrhythmias can occur. Causes: Parathyroid related Vitamin D intoxication Hyperthyroidism Vitamin A intoxication Cancer-related Renal failure Hypocalcaemia – low calcium Cardiac arrhythmias will be noted. Causes: Decreased intake of Vitamin D Vitamin D malabsorption Parathyroid related Acute renal failure Sodium is also important for heart health. It initiates contraction in muscles, in both skeletal and cardiac. Sodium deficiency is associated with restlessness, tachycardia, polyuria, and dry and tacky mucous membranes. The current minimum requirement for sodium has been established at 13.3mg/kg bw for dogs, but a higher quantity is suggested for bitches during gestation and lactation. In addition, greyhounds and sled dogs are allocated a higher requirement based on their high levels of exercise. At present, commercially available dog foods provide sodium intakes in excess of minimum requirements. Whilst some posit that dogs are increasingly adaptable to sodium intake, a study carried out in 2003 identified 82 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. They established that those with congestive heart failure ate significantly more sodium than those dogs without congestive heart failure. It pays to note that 25% of total daily sodium intake came from treats and table scraps, however. Findings Here Heart Murmurs Heart murmurs are vibrations that can be heard coming from the heart or major blood vessels and generally are the result of turbulent blood flow or vibrations of heart structures, such as part of a valve. Murmurs are typically described by their timing, their intensity, and their location. Not every murmur indicates a heart disorder, however. A heart murmur is like when you hit some white water on a usually calm river. Congenital Murmurs and Acquired Murmurs Congenital murmurs are associated with heart defects that the pet was born with. However, sometimes the defect is only detected later in life. An acquired murmur is a murmur that a pet acquires during their life. These can be benign, but more often (especially in dogs) are associated with developing heart disease. Heart Disease causing Murmurs Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a common acquired heart disease accounting for about 75% of cardiac disease seen in dogs in general practice. Prevalence of MVD increases with age and can be seen in high-risk breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is most common in small-medium sized breed dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the other main acquired heart disease seen in dogs. It can be primary in origin or secondary to dietary deficiencies or doxorubicin toxicity (chemotherapy medication). DCM has been reported in Dobermans and Golden Retrievers but other large or giant breed dogs have also been described. DCM is characterised by ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. This poor systolic function means that a heart murmur is often low grade in its intensity. As DCM is regularly considered an inherited condition, it has been posited that certain breeds may need higher concentrations of amino acids like taurine and l-carnitine. Taurine and Heart Healt Taurine is the most abundant intracellular sulphur-containing amino acid. Although it can be
Well, it turns out it’s nutrition and hydration week and it couldn’t be a better time with the increasing temperatures we’ve experienced here at My Pet Nutritionist. So, we thought we’d take a look at the importance of water. We know both us and our pets need it, and we should probably drink more than we actually do, but do we know why? Well, we will at the end! What does Water do? Water is possibly the single most important nutrient for the body. It has a range of functions: 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. In other species it also evaporates as sweat, but dogs unfortunately don’t have this mechanism. Whilst small amounts of sweat will be apparent on their paws during times of stress (think vet visit),they actually pant to cool down. 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. Water loss is a natural process. Urinary excretion is the largest loss, but dogs will also experience faecal and respiratory loss. Faecal loss is usually minimal,and only becomes an issue when there are associated health issues. In diarrhoea for example, water is absorbed in the large intestine so if food hasn’t spent enough time there, it will be expelled in diarrhoea form. This can be a result of motility dysfunction caused by stress for example, or if the body perceives it contains something harmful/pathogenic. In dogs especially, evaporation occurs from the lungs during respiration. The reason water drinking is encouraged in warmer weather is often less to do with cooling dogs down, and more to replace the water lost during panting. A dog’s total water intake comes from three possible sources: – Water present in food, – Metabolic water, – Drinking water Water Present in Food The amount of water available in food, depends on the type of food it is. Commercial dry food can contain as little as 7% water. Canned foods can contain up to 84% water. Fresh food diets can be both cooked and raw. Meat in its cooked form can average around 60% water and when raw, around 75% water depending on the cut. Dogs will generally compensate for the water content differences by voluntary intake of water – you’ll notice a dry fed dog will voluntarily drink more than a can fed dog for example. Metabolic Water This is the water produced during the processes that occur in the body when metabolising fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Metabolic water produced per 100g Fat – 107ml Carbohydrate – 55ml Protein – 41ml In the grand scheme of things,metabolic water is relatively insignificant as it only accounts for 5-10% of the total water intake in most animals. Drinking Water There are a range of factors that can affect how much water a dog chooses to drink, their environment, their diet, levels of exercise, overall health, and life stage. Voluntary water intake will increase in warm environments and during/after exercise. This is to replace that lost during respiration,panting, and energy metabolism. One study also found that when dogs were fed a diet of 73% moisture, they obtained 38% of their water needs from drinking water. But when their diet only contained 7% water, voluntary water intake increased to 95% of their total intake. Findings Here Voluntary drinking will also increase in diets with a high salt content. Generally, dogs are accurately able to regulate their own water levels, when they have access to freshwater. Water Loss and Dehydration Thirst is triggered in the canine at a bodyweight loss of 0.5-1% due to dehydration. Dry protein also increases dehydration. Water containing protein maintains levels best. Findings Here Back when animal studies were less ethical, dogs needed to be resuscitated after 10-20 days of complete water deprivation (whilst still being fed). Signs of Dehydration Loss of skin elasticity Loss of appetite Vomiting Panting Pale, sticky gums Prolonged capillary refill Dry nose Dry eyes Lethargy Some of these signs may be noticeable at just 5% drop in water volume. There are also links between cognitive function and dehydration. Dehydration has been linked to a reduced blood flow to the brain, humans appear more tired and less alert. In states of 2% water loss,there is a decrease in both speed and efficiency in psychomotor tasks. A state of dehydration likewise induces the stress response in the body. Findings Here Hypertonicity additionally causes mast cell degranulation. Hypertonic dehydration occurs when there is an imbalance of water and salt in the body. Mast cells are those ones that contain granules rich in histamine which are a key player in the inflammatory response. So, there are schools of thought that dehydration can exacerbate inflammatory responses (including allergies). This is of particular interest in sensitive dogs who eat a low moisture content diet. Water Toxicity On the other side of the scale,water toxicity does exist. This is more often connected to secondary drowning, whereby a dog ingests high levels of water when playing near or in a body of water. Early signs of toxicity include restlessness, salivation, and vomiting. Toxic Water It is clear that our pets need free access to fresh drinking water, along with a high moisture diet, but there are also considerations in the type of water you offer to your pets. The UK’s water supply is one of the best in the world yet drinking water quality varies from region to region. Chlorine is one of the ways in which our drinking water is disinfected. When chlorine is added to water, it destroys the membrane of microorganisms
