Whilst we often reference lip licking in anticipation food, there are a number of reasons why dogs especially, may demonstrate this behaviour. Some may even surprise you. So, let’s take a look at some of the more common reasons for lip smacking, or licking, that we see here at My Pet Nutritionist. 1) Anticipation of Food! We can head back to Pavlov and his dogs to put this behaviour into context. Most of us are familiar with the concept of conditioning that Pavlov introduced – he paired a bell with food, and eventually, the dogs would salivate in anticipation of the food, just by hearing the bell. This increase in salivation will encourage lip licking to help manage the extra fluid in the mouth! But what is also interesting is that food also stimulates the reward system in the brain – and the physical response to this type of reward is often saliva – again, the lip licking is a mechanism to manage the extra fluid in the mouth. 2) Lip Licking in response to stress! Not surprisingly, stress can result in hypo (too little) and hyper (too much) salivation! Either way, lip licking is often the result. On the one side, activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), redirects resources and in doing so, digestive functions are sacrificed. As saliva is an important part of the digestive process, production is therefore reduced. The resulting dry mouth can encourage lip licking behaviour. Licking is also a maternal behaviour – they would clean and groom their offspring, soothing them during the action. Many dogs demonstrate licking behaviour because it elicits positive responses. It is well demonstrated that those born to Mothers who engaged in grooming/licking behaviour, are more resilient to stress, and develop more appropriate coping mechanisms. Findings here That said, increased salivation can be implicated in certain health issues that are exacerbated by stress – here salivation may be a side effect of an underlying issue, like acid reflux. 3) Acid Reflux Acid reflux is where stomach acid ends up somewhere it shouldn’t. As we know, the body is pretty nifty and has a few tricks up it’s sleeve to deal with rogue compounds. In response to the irritant in the oesophagus (stomach acid), salivary glands can over produce in an attempt to neutralise it. Ironically, acid reflux can be a result of reduced salivary production in the first place. There are a number of causes of acid reflux, poor lower sphincter functioning, abnormal oesophageal clearance, altered mucosal resistance and delayed gastric emptying (which is why it can be implicated alongside stress). If you would like more information about tackling acid reflux, then check out our blog here. 4) To smell better! Dogs use their tongues to enhance their sense of smell. When they lick a surface their transfer molecules via their tongue to olfactory receptors and then to the vomero nasal organ. When a dog keeps their nose wet, they are lowering the surface tension of the scent molecules so they can be translated better! Dogs are incredible at detecting minute traces in their environment – this also applies to information from us humans. We must consider whether our dog is attempting to gain more information about those around him when he is licking his lips. 5) Gastrointestinal Disorder Lip licking is often paired with nausea,along with excess salivation, lack of appetite, increased swallowing and lethargy. For this reason, it is often considered that lip licking is more likely associated with some gastrointestinal disorder or discomfort. One particular study sought to investigate this. Dogs demonstrating excessive licking behaviour were studied. In 14 of 19 licking dogs, gastrointestinal abnormalities were noted. They included: Delayed gastric emptying Irritable bowel syndrome/disease Food intolerances or allergies Pancreatitis Gastric foreign body Giardia Researchers concluded that full gastric health should be considered in any dog presenting with excessive licking behaviour. Findings here If you would like a head start on supporting your dog’s digestive health, then check out our blogs here: The Dog’s Digestive System 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Your Pet Natural Guide for Pets IBD Pancreatitis and a Natural Nutrition Regime 6) Disorders of the Mout Gum disease is an inflammatory condition,symptoms include bad breath, drooling along with mouth and tongue inflammation. Sadly, bacteria can be translocated from the mouth into the rest of the body, often causing secondary infections and issues. For more information on dental care for your dog check out our blog here. But disorders of the mouth aren’t limited to periodontal disease. They can also include lip disorders found in those breeds with dropping upper lips and lower lip folds (like spaniels,bulldogs and St. Bernards). The lips accumulate moisture, becoming the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The lip folds can become fowl-smelling,inflamed, uncomfortable and swollen, resulting in your dog licking them to try to soothe them. Keeping these folds is therefore essential to your dog’s health! As is supporting their skin and oral microbiome. Please check out blog on puppy microbiome here. Your dog can also develop lip wounds – from a rogue branch or grass seed that has gotten wedged. If you are concerned about your dog’s lip licking behaviour – checking in their mouth is a good place to start. These are the more common reasons why your dog may be licking their lips, but they are not the only ones. Your dog may lip his lips for any one of the following reasons: Medication side effect Infectious disease Car sickness Reluctance to swallow (irritation/blockage) Inflamed tonsils Structural defects in the mouth Metabolic disorder (liver or kidney issues), Natural Guide To Liver Disease and Natural Nutrition Guide to Kidney Disease. Abscess. Disorder/blockage of the salivary glands Pain Whilst we can’t change the structure of your dog’s mouth, we have a wealth of experience tackling gastrointestinal disorders in the canine. If you are concerned about excessive lip licking in your dog and are wondering where to start, check out our services to see
Whilst not our general remit, here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often see the longer-term impact of infection or infestation of certain parasites in dogs. We can often trace digestive discomfort to parasite treatment protocols too! For that reason, we thought we’d explore parasites in a little more detail. Parasites can be endo or ecto. The difference is their habitat. Endo = lives inside the host Ecto = lives on the surface, outside of the host. Ectoparasites The most common ectoparasites include ticks, mites, fleas, lice, mosquitoes, and flies. We are interested in them because: They may cause cutaneous lesions which may lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections and various kinds of dermatitis, They can induce immunopathological responses, especially allergic reactions, with flea allergic dermatitis (FAD)being the most important They can transmit pathogens They may be zoonotic or transmit zoonotic infections Their control is part of maintaining healthy pets – he direct health implications of ectoparasite infestation can be more than skin deep, for example heavy blood sucking arthropods can cause anaemia. Fleas In Europe the most common flea species found on dogs, cats and on other small mammalian companion animals are Ctenocephalidesfelis, followed by C. canis, Archaeopsylla erinacei (hedgehog flea), and occasionally other flea species such as Ceratophyllus gallinae, Echidnophagagallinacea (poultry fleas), Spilopsyllus cuniculi (rabbit flea) and Pulexirritans (human flea). Fleas are 1–6 mm long, flattened wingless insects, with robust hind legs enabling jumping and possess a mouth adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Once emerged from the pupa, adult male and female fleas start to actively seek a host. In the absence of a host, they can only survive for a few days. After the first blood meal, they need daily blood meals for survival and usually remain on the same host for the remainder of their life. Maximal recorded longevity is 160 days, but most fleas survive for about one to three weeks as they are groomed out by the host. Non-allergic animals may have few or no clinical signs and only show occasional scratching due to irritation caused by fleas or their bites. Animals that are allergic or develop an immunological reaction to flea saliva, show pruritus, alopecia, broken hairs, and scabs with crusts. Moist dermatitis may also be seen. In chronic cases, the skin shows thickening and hyperkeratosis. In young, old, or sick animals, heavy infestations with a large number of fleas can cause anaemia. Infection with tapeworm can be an indication of a current or recent flea infestation. Ticks Female ticks can increase their weight up to 120 times as they engorge with blood; when fully engorged they can measure around one centimetre in length and resembles a small bean. Ticks spend a variable time on their hosts;in some species, each stage feeds for only a short period of one to two weeks.Generally, ticks are seen as vectors of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and nematodes affecting both companion animals and humans. Infections can be transmitted in saliva as the ticks feed or, more rarely, after the tick is ingested. Generally, tick infestation is highly seasonal; in the UK and central Europe there are typically two peaks, one inMarch to June and a second in August to November. Ticks can be found all over the body but the main sites are the non-hairy and thin-skinned areas such as the face, ears,between the toes and perianal regions. Removal of blood, in heavy infestations and under certain circumstances, may lead to anaemia. The wound caused by a tick bite may also become infected especially if the if the tick is forcibly removed and the mouth parts remain in the skin. Attached engorging female ticks, which can measure 1 cm in length, are easy to see. The main concern of ticks is their role as vectors of pathogenic agents which cause a range of tick-borne diseases. Demodectic Mange Mites Female mites are up to 0.3 mm long, males up to 0.25 mm. Demodex mites in dogs are considered a normal community found in the skin and are seen in small numbers on many dogs without any clinical signs. They spend their entire life in the lumen of hair follicles, but in heavy infestations, they invade the sebaceous glands. Demodex mites are unable to survive away from their hosts. Demodectic mange caused by D. canisis a common skin disease in dogs. Newborn puppies usually acquire mites fromtheir mothers via direct skin contact during nursing, and so the first sites ofinfestation are the upper lip, eyelids, nose, forehead and ears. Over time, mites colonise the skin overmost of the body. Demodex spp. don’t infest other animal species(including humans) and although transmission of mites may occur during directcontact between older animals, the disease is not considered to be contagioussince most animals that develop demodicosis are thought to suffer from anunderlying condition or a genetic defect that compromises their immune systems. Endoparasites When we look at endoparasites, we are generally considering some type of worm. Roundworm Toxocara canis and toxascaris leonine are two species of roundworm that are known to affect dogs. Both are long, white and spaghetti-like in appearance and absorb nutrients from the infected dog. Roundworm larvae will initially infect adog’s intestinal tract but can burrow their way into other bodily tissues and organs. As the larvae mature, they will move onto the lungs to develop, then upto the airway before being coughed up and swallowed again, re-entering the intestine to complete their lifecycle. Toxascaris leonina however, do not move around the body and have a far simpler lifecycle. Tapeworm Tapeworms are flat, segmented little creatures. They belong to the cestode familyof intestinal worms. The tapeworm uses its hook-like mouth parts to attach to the wall of the small intestine. The adult worms may reach 30 cm in length. As the adult matures, individual segments, called proglottids, are passed in the faeces of an infected dog. The proglottids are about 12 mm long and about 3mm wide. They are easy to recognise as grains of rice. Tapeworms must first passthrough an intermediate
We know that physical exercise is one of the pillars of health for our canine friends but getting outside, benefits both them and us in more ways than one. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we advocate a holistic approach to health and well-being, so let’s go a little off the beaten track, and take a step back from nutrition per se for a moment. Did you know that being in nature reduces scores of anxiety and depression? Our species has existed for thousands upon thousands of years – but even the oldest cities have only been around a fraction of that! What this means is that we largely evolved in nature, and this environment therefore shaped our brains – for want of a better phrase, going back to nature almost takes us back to our roots. What the data says: Being in nature is seen to improve sleep scores Spending time in green spaces simply makes us happier Mental stress scores significantly reduce when we live in urban areas with increased green spaces Time in nature improves our relationships with others and also cognitive functioning Findings here Findings here Findings here Not only that, but it is thought that exposure to green spaces reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death and high blood pressure. Findings here Spending time outside is also beneficial for our microbiomes. Nature and The Microbiome The skin can be seen as an ecosystem, composed of living biological and physical components occupying diverse habitats. Disruptions of this ecosystem can result in skin in disorders or infections. These issues call the immune system to action, creating inflammation. Sadly, chronic inflammation is linked to a range of issues throughout the body. Exposure to toxins can disrupt this ecosystem, but it can become imbalanced simply by not having exposure to enough of the “good guys!” We can find these good guys outside, in nature. It is well established that those who live in rural locations possess more diverse bacteria on their skin. But this similarly applies to the microbiome found in the lungs too! A particular study wanted to explore the impact of nature on allergic disease suffered in the lungs. Two groups of mice were housed, one group with potted soil, one with sterile bedding. Mice who had lived on clean bedding were more susceptible to developing lung inflammation in response to asthma-triggering allergens than those housed with soil! As an aside, in this particular study, those housed with soils also scored lower on standard stress tests. Findings here In short, what is concluded is that exposure to soil supports immune tolerance and stress resilience. It is clear that being in nature is beneficial to both our physical and mental health – not only for the rewards of movement. The same applies to our dogs. Nature and Our Dogs We know that exercise improves cardiovascular health and more, but we don’t always have to exercise our dogs when outside. Yes, we said it. Stick with us a moment. Dogs use their nose to explore their environment, and what is particularly interesting is that after activity, their sniffing capacity significantly reduces. Findings here This also applies if they are stressed,stress results in the same physiological responses as activity in many ways. Therefore, it’s clear that getting outside and allowing your dog to “just be” and explore their environment, is of benefit to them. If we return to those studies on mice – as dogs sniff, they are exposing themselves to more diverse bacteria, which could potentially support their immune tolerance. Nose breathing also stimulates the vagus nerve, which as we know is the chief of the parasympathetic nervous system – this is why we often hear that allowing a dog to sniff lowers their heart rate. The simple exposure to soils through their paws and fur can also be of benefit to their whole body. Dogs groom themselves, so the soil they have walked through, is then potentially ingested. The good bugs can help support a diverse community, but this same mechanism occurs with soil laced in pesticide and exposure to harmful pesticides can result in dysbiosis. This is one of the main concerns facing us. Many countries are managing to significantly reduce their usage of pesticides, but others are increasing it. For example, Armenia have seen a 2650% increase in pesticide use since 1990. USA have seen a 125% increase in use. In the UK, we have reduced usage by 34%! Findings here If you would like to explore more about how pesticides and more affect the microbiomes in our dogs, check out our blogs here, And here. On the subject of toxins – rural air has significantly less air pollution than that found in urban locations. It is believed that half of the world’s population are exposed to increasing levels. Findings here Trees remove pollutants from the air and plants are often seen as the “lungs” of an ecosystem because they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. They also act as an ecosystem’s “liver,” filtering atmospheric pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide through their leaves. Trees are particularly effective at removing particulate matter (PM). PM comes in the form of tiny particles of organic chemicals, acids, metals and dust which are emitted from fossil-fuel-burning vehicles and factories, as well as construction sites. The largest of these particles measure up to 10 micrometers across (known as PM10s), which is around a fifth of the width of a human hair. There are also PM2.5s, measuring 2.5 micrometres across, being even smaller nanoparticle pollution. Fine particulate matter can easily permeate the respiratory system, causing lung and cardiovascular issues, but it has also been linked to inflammation and heart disease, so reduced exposure is particularly important and trees can help us here! Summary It is clear that spending time in nature ticks all boxes for all our bodily systems; it supports immune function, cardiovascular health, mental health and more! Dog walks as exercise are necessary – but dog walks in nature are
Being the most common clinical condition in adult dogs, periodontal disease raises the flag on why dental care is so important in optimal canine health. Sadly, here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see it, a lot. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the dog’s mouth forms to create a substance called plaque. The plaque sits on the surface of the teeth and with the help of saliva, it hardens to form tartar. Not only does it sit on the teeth, plaque and tartar seeps into gum lines which causes inflammation. Over a period of time, this inflammation and presence of bacteria causes damage to the structures surrounding the teeth; causing receding gum lines and eventually tooth loss. These bacteria can also travel to other parts of the body, causing a range of additional health concerns. So, let’s look at periodontal disease in more detail and what we can do to prevent it! But, before we get to the diseased mouth, let’s take a look at a healthy mouth. The Canine Mouth Puppies are born without teeth and they then develop 28 of them. They will shed these between 4-6 months of age as their 42 adult teeth erupt. A dog will possess: incisors canines premolars and molars Incisors are used for cutting food; dogs have 6 upper (maxilla) and 6 lower (mandible). Next come the canines, which are used to grab and tear food, there are 2 canines in the mandible and 2 in the maxilla. The premolars are used for chewing, tearing, and biting; there are 8 in both the mandible and maxilla. Finally, molars are used to crush food; dogs have 4 in the maxilla and in the mandible. Teeth in fact provide the first step of digestion, but over their lifetime and in consideration of genetics and poor hygiene, many dogs will lose most, or all of their teeth. Dental Disease From the moment a tooth erupts it is exposed to food, saliva, and bacteria. Periodontal disease occurs when there is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which forms plaque. Eventually,this hardens to form tartar. This can sit in the gum line causing inflammation, known as gingivitis. Left untreated, further harm occurs which results in periodontitis, where teeth fall out and damage can occur to the surrounding bone. Signs your dog has dental disease: Bad breath Pawing at his mouth Reluctance to eat Food or toys will have blood on them Smaller breeds are statistically more likely to suffer with periodontal disease, as are brachycephalic breeds. Their teeth are often closer together which means food and bacteria can more easily get stuck. But what is also interesting is that it is generally accepted that the inflammation and resulting tissue damage is due to an improperly regulated immune response to bacterial infection, and not solely from the bacterial pathogens themselves. This suggests that if your dog already has immune mediated health concerns, then they may be at a higher risk of dental disease. Findings here The point to make is that gingivitis is thought to be reversible, whereas periodontitis is not. Not only is the mouth and teeth a concern, but the bacteria found in the mouth of your dog can be released into the circulatory system, which then travels through the body. It has been found to damage cardiac tissue causing endocarditis (infection and inflammation in the heart). Studies have also shown that periodontal disease is linked to increased insulin resistance and kidney, and liver issues. Findings here All things considered, prevention is certainly better than cure, so what can we do? 1) Avoid ultra-processed refined foods Ultra-processed food is defined as any food that undergoes multiple processes like extrusion and milling. They may also contain added ingredients that are highly manipulated. Sadly, many dry based dog foods fall directly under this definition. In human Hunter-gatherer studies, it is demonstrated that cavities and gum disease were a rarity, and this remains in modern times; Aboriginals living a traditional lifestyle do not generally get dental disease until they adopt a Western diet. There are a number of reasons for this. The mouth, just like the gut contains its own microbiome. It is a community of microbes that maintain balance; the good guys can keep the bad guys in check. Not only do ultra-processed foods skew the balance in the mouth, but they do also the same in the remainder of the digestive tract. As we know, the gut houses much immune tissue, and so it does in fact train the immune response. As we mentioned early, it is thought that much of the damage originating in the mouth is due to an improperly regulated immune response and not solely the bacterial pathogens themselves. For this reason, we would advocate the removal of an ultra-processed diet for oral and gut microbiome health. For more information on the microbiome in your dog, check out our blog here. 2) Dental Sticks There are a number of chews on the market promoting oral health, but it is actually the mechanism of chewing that helps to reduce build up. Chewing stimulates saliva which produces anti-bacterial agents, helping to keep the mouth clean. Not only this but the abrasion that occurs during chewing helps to scrape deposits off the teeth. What type of chew is best? Here’s what the data suggests: Raw bones reduced mouth bacteria by 79% Daily brushing reduced it by 70% and, Marketed dental chews reduced it by 54-60%. Findings here Raw bones lead the way in reducing bacteria,and the added bonus? You know exactly what you are feeding. There is no long list of ingredients to consider. If you are opting for raw bones, ensure they are a manageable size for your dog; chicken necks and wings are a great place to start if you’ve never fed them before! If you’d learn to learn more about the benefits of chewing for your dog, check out our blog here. 3) Diet It is thought that periodontal disease may be related to
We all understand the importance of taking our dog for that daily walk – not only to provide physical exercise, but to sniff, play and have a stroke from the neighbours. Yet, what we sometimes forget, is the importance of mental stimulation for our faithful friends. Not only are brain games known to help ward off cognitive decline, which is crucial for our ageing pets but brain games help reduce stress and manage anxious behaviours too! Findings here Time and time again,when given the choice, animals will always choose a more complex environment. So, as we look to support optimal health in all ways we can here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d compile some of our favourite brain games for dogs! 1) Name Game! Here, we are teaching our dog the name of all his toys. Encourage your dog to retrieve one of his toys. As soon as he collects it, label the toy, “ball!” “rope!” etc. Repeat and praise as he retrieves it. Start with one or two toys. If he doesn’t falter to retrieve the correct toy, introduce more toys. This game is testing his memory as well as his recognition. This game is perfect for those toy orientated dogs – providing they don’t choose to run off with the toy and ignore you. If this happens, calmly ignore them until they return. Remember, you are praising and providing attention for the behaviour you want to see! You can always use this game to introduce tidy up time – as you ask your dog to retrieve specific toys, hold your hands over an allocated storage box. As he brings the toy to the box, label the behaviour “tidy!” Praise and reward. 2) Spin the bottle! Perfect for those food orientated pooches. You will need: A sturdy plastic bottle (we know it’s not eco, but not so bad if you are able to recycle) A cross bar – a piece of doweling or bamboo Pierce holes on opposite sides of the bottle – large enough so you can push the cross bar through. You should be able to hold the cross bar and the bottle will spin around on the bar. Put some small treats into the plastic bottle to start with, so it’s easy for your dog in the first attempt. Food orientated pooches will immediately sniff out the treats in the bottle and attempt to get them out. They need to learn to spin the bottle, so the treats fall out. Once they have figured out the basic idea of the game, you can make it more difficult by using a range of sized treats, so some fall out quite easily, others don’t. Or you can move you hands to the cross bar and provide some resistance as they spin the bottle. Remember to make allowance for any additional food/treats in allocated mealtimes. It can soon add up! 3) Gone Potty Another one for those food orientated pooches and another one to make them think. What you will need: High value treats 3 plastic plant pots Start with one pot upside down and place a treat underneath it. Allow your dog to watch you place the treat. Encourage your dog to knock the pot over to get to the treat. Introduce another plant pot – allowing your dog to watch which pot you put the treat under. Eventually, you can be working with the three plant pots. Your dog has to figure out where the treat is – he may have watched you, or he may have sniffed it out. Watch for impatient dogs who just knock all the pots over to find it; a different game may be best for them; brains over brawn after all! 4) Shy Dog! What you will need: Post it notes Treats Place a post-it-note on your dog’s nose. He should instinctively paw at it to remove it. As he does, praise and reward him. Repeat. Don’t worry if he removes it, just apply another one. As he paws to remove the note, label the behaviour “shy dog” or whichever command you think fits. Repeat. Eventually, he should be a shy dog, on command. 5) Treasure Hunt A super-easy brain game is the good old treasure hunt. First of all, figure out which reward your dog places a higher value on. Offer him food and toy rewards on the ground. Watch the reward he chooses first. This will be your treasure. Whichever he opts for, you are going to hide it around your home. Place treats/toys behind cushions,curtains, under tables or stools, behind doors, in boxes etc. Just be mindful that you place the treasure where it’s safe to access and you’re sure your dog won’t just barge their way around your home to find it! You may have to show your dog where you are hiding the treasure when you first introduce this game, just until they get the hang of it. You can build tidy up time into this game if you are using toys too! Inadequate mental stimulation can present in many ways from pacing and destruction to self-licking and self-harm. To support our dog’s health and well-being, we need to provide for both his physical and emotional needs. Brain games are a great place to start! Whilst we may conjure up images of our dog’s equivalent of Sudoku, brain games simply provide cognitive challenge. The important thing is to provide just enough challenge – if your dog seems disinterested, try a different game, if they seem frustrated, end the session with something you know they can do, and try to approach the game in a different way next session. As Ignacio Estrada poignantly suggested, “if a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” The same applies to our dogs. Thanks for reading! Team MPN x
You are what you eat! This is a phrase that has dominated the media for decades. On a biochemical level it’s true – each cell in the body has a function, to carry out that function, it needs nutrients, co-factors and energy. Whilst some nutrients and cofactors can be synthesised within the body – in one way shape of form, what cells need must come from somewhere, and that somewhere is the diet. This also applies to the cells that tell us, and our dogs how to behave, or more interestingly, influences how us or them feel. So, can food affect behaviour? It sure can! But the full answer needs a little more explanation, so grab a coffee and join us as we take a look at the link between food and mood, and specifically which compounds or foods may play a role. What is Mood? Mood is the way us or our dogs are feeling at a particular time and they can change – depending on internal and external factors. Although they can change – moods still have physiological symptoms – for example, during anger, heart rate increases and in humans, a noticeable red flush to the face. When calm, heart rate reduces. Being focussed or distracted is also a mood and this is largely affected by biochemical processes too. In this case, the right balance of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, and these chemical messengers are in fact a key element in how food can influence behaviour. Neurotransmitters are like the nervous system’s carrier pigeons. The main neurotransmitters that do that work are acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, histamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters can be excitatory, or inhibitory. They either make something do something or stop something doing something. Like an accelerator and a brake pedal. All of these neurotransmitters must be made from something. We can think of it like a recipe for behaviour – we have main ingredients, but we also need some seasoning (co-factors)! So, let’s take a look at the recipe book for some of the heavy lifting neurotransmitters. Acetylcholine Acetylcholine stimulates muscle contraction, both skeletal and smooth. It is also involved in attention, memory, and learning. Acetylcholine is needed in high amounts during waking hours, but in low levels during restorative sleep. In most cases acetylcholine is excitatory. What is of interest is that acetylcholine is released by nerve cells during times of mild stress (or concentrating on learning something new), so during these times, demand is increased. Acetylcholine is synthesised from choline and it is carried out in the liver. Sources of choline include egg yolks, liver, kidney and seeds. Dopamine Dopamine can be both inhibitory and excitatory depending on the receptors it acts upon. It contributes to the control of voluntary movement and influences learning, attention, and emotion. It is largely associated with reward mechanisms in the brain and plays a part in pleasure seeking. Dopamine gets particular interest in incarcerated humans, but also in aggression in dogs. Aggressive dogs have been found to have significantly different alleles for dopamine receptors than their non-aggressive counterparts; short form alleles demonstrate greater impulsivity. Whilst it is easy to suggest that aggression and impulsivity is in the genes, there are processes that can regulate gene expression. DNA methylation is one such epigenetic mechanism. If you would like to know more about this then check out our blog here. Findings here Dopamine is synthesised from phenylalanine and tyrosine which are both amino acids. Sources of phenylalanine include dairy, eggs, nuts, chicken, beef, pork and fish. Sources of tyrosine include chicken, turkey, fish, bananas, yoghurt, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Dopamine is broken down by a couple of enzymes, and there can be genetic variants which affect how quickly it occurs –for some, dopamine may hang around a little too long, for some it may disappear incredibly quickly. Increased breakdown can lead to attention deficit behaviour and often fatigue like behaviour. On the other side of the scale, decreased breakdown is sometimes noted in aggressive behaviour. Altered protein intake can sometimes help to balance this out. GABA GABA is the primarily inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, this stops the firing of neurons and we call it the breaks on the brain. By inhibiting neural activity, GABA facilitates sleep, reduces mental and physical stress, lowers anxiety, and creates a calmness of mood. Its relationship with glutamate is key to overall balance. GABA also modulates intestinal motility,gastric emptying, and gastric acid secretion. Findings here GABA’s recipe includes an amino acid too, glutamine. Sources of glutamine include beef, chicken, dairy, fish, eggs, cabbage, spinach, carrots, kale, and papaya. Serotonin Serotonin has a wide-ranging role in the body including regulation of energy balance, food intake, and GI and endocrine function. But its behavioural processes include mood, perception, reward, anger, aggression, appetite, memory and attention. In cases of canine aggression, serotonin levels are found to be significantly lower than their non-aggressive counterparts. Serotonin is synthesised from tryptophan, but you might already know this! However, in times of stress, tryptophan gets stolen. We’re not lying. It’s called the “tryptophan steal”. Tryptophan also feeds another pathway in the body, known as the kynurenine pathway which is a necessary pathway, but in times of stress or inflammation this pathway steps up a notch and siphons the little tryptophan we did have! Foods to boost serotonin: Banana Pineapple Pomegranate Strawberry Spinach Nettle Kiwi Lettuce Tuna Turkey Chicken Oats Nuts and Seeds Glutamate Glutamate has excitatory effects on nerve cells, and it can actually excite cells to their death. Both too much and too little glutamate are harmful. The oversupply of it can lead to seizures, and environmental stress can significantly enhance glutamatergic release. Findings here But like everything in the body, we’re looking for goldilocks – just enough! Glutamate occurs naturally in protein-containing foods like diary, mushrooms, meat, fish and some vegetables. Histamine Histamine is a transmitter in the nervous system and a signalling molecule in the gut, skin, and immune system. It is
Is it true that DNA is our destiny? This concept is much like Schrodinger’s cat – a paradox. With Schrodinger, his cat was both alive and dead until his box was opened. With our DNA, we can blame our Grandma for something that has gone wrong, but equally how we choose to live our lives can also affect whether or not we have something to blame Grandma for. Are you lost yet? So were we. But here at My Pet Nutritionist, we like to give you, as pet owners tools to support your pet’s health, so we’ll give you the 411 on DNA and how we can use nutrition to lessen how much we blame Grandma for (or Grandad, could be him too!) Pretty nifty, don’t you think? This is what we call nutrigenomics. Let’s start off with some key definitions: Genomics: This is the study of all genes and gene products. It explores how they interact and influence biological pathways, networks and physiology. Nutrigenomics are therefore a subset of genomics with focus on the genes that relate and respond to nutrition and lifestyle interventions. As it’s relevant, epigenetics is the study of how the environment and other factors can change the way that genes are expressed. Epigenic markers are chemical compounds that are added to genes to regulate their activity. Whilst these modifications do not change theDNA sequence itself, epigenetics affects how cells read genes and whether the cells should produce relevant proteins. The point to note is that DNA doesn’t change – gene expression does. This is where the idea of turning genes on and off comes from – epigenetic markers can turn genes on, and off. Gene Writers Much like I’m writing this blog now, we can think of our DNA having workers at a word document. The fact that I had a nutrient dense breakfast and have a cup of tea next to me, with the birds singing by my window, places me in good working conditions. The blog should therefore make sense – be well-formatted and do the job it is meant to do (share information). If I had not slept for days, gorged on ultra-processed food, and been bombarded with stressors, the blog may not make as much sense, it may even have a few typos, and not in fact do you the job it was meant to (you have no clue what I was writing about). Our gene workers are similar. If they have supportive working conditions,they do what they are supposed to, they send the correct information out; cells know what they are supposed to do, and they even know when they’re not supposed to be doing anything. If they have poor working conditions, they send out half finished messages (or coding), which may contain typos; cells don’t really know what they are supposed to be doing and start to go a little rogue. The genome is malleable – our genes are like a word document – it is a living document. They also eavesdrop on every choice we make, or those we make for our pets. Dirty Genes and those that just act Dirty The reason we think DNA is destiny, is because its partly true. When us, or our pets are born, we have our very own DNA. Within that, there may be these alterations, or variants known as single nucleotide polymorphism (or SNPs, we call them snips). These SNPs can cause problems – they are like the inbuilt typos on your word document. Like the Microsoft paperclip assistant that would always pop up no matter how many times you tried to get rid of him! So, both us and our dogs can be born with dirty genes that send unclear messages to our cells. But, lifestyle, and nutrition, can also make the genes dirty. Luckily, we live in an age of washing machines, so we’ve got some great ways to clean them up again! One of the ways in which our DNA expression can be altered is through methylation. This is the addition of a methyl group – demethylation is the removal of a methylation group. Methylation is a key chemical process for every cell and cellular activity, constantly and dynamically regulating our daily function. It supports growth and repair, immune function, synthesis of neurotransmitters and phospholipids, and plays an important role in detoxification. If you’d like to know more about detoxification then check out our blog here. But what is also nifty is this positioning of the methyl groups can be passed down from generation to generation – which ultimately affects the health of future generations. Take note breeders! Poor DNA methylation has been increasingly associated with many diseases, from cancer to autoimmunity. And of course, this process requires a number of co-factors. Where do these co-factors come from? The Diet. Nutrients crucial in DNA Methylation: Folate: spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, daikon radish, liver. Vitamin B12: liver, sardines, salmon, lamb, beef, dairy, all meat,eggs. Vitamin B6: spinach, cauliflower, all meat, liver, sweet potato, salmon, leafy greens, daikon radish, liver. Vitamin B2: spinach, beetroot, mushrooms, eggs, broccoli, kale,peppers, daikon radish, liver. Zinc: beef, spinach, mushrooms, lamb, pumpkin seeds, turkey,seafood. Magnesium: leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, spinach, sunflower seeds,daikon radish. Choline: egg, collard greens, brussels sprouts, spinach, chicken, turkey, salmon, sardines, beef. Betaine: spinach, sweet potato, turkey, veal, beef, liver. Methionine: nuts, beef, lamb, turkey, fish, shellfish, eggs. Not surprisingly, ultra-refined foods place a strain on methylation, which is why we would always advocate a fresh, wholefood diet for your pet. So if you want efficient methylation processes – ensuring a sufficient supply of these co-factors is essential. There are also certain food compounds which ultimately affect gene expression through their influence on DNA methylation. This is where the concept of nutrigenomics comes in. Polyphenols Catechins have been seen to modulate gene expression. They are polyphenolic compounds found in plants. Sources include apples, blackberries,pears, green tea (opt for decaf if you’re feeding it to your dog). They also exhibit antioxidants
Everyday, ours and our pet’s bodies are exposed to toxins. They are produced internally in the body, like lactic acid and consist of waste products from gut microbes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. But the largest threat is possibly those external toxins, like air pollution, chemicals from cleaning products and volatile organic compounds from the plug-in air diffuser in your lounge. Here at My Pet Nutritionists, when considering your pet’s well-being, detoxification is largely looked at as part of the health picture. It is thought that in the 25 years between 1970 and 1995, the volume of synthetic organic chemicals produced tripled from about 50 million tonnes to approximately 150 million tons, and this number has grown year on year since. Findings here These toxins can disrupt essential biological structures in the body. A toxin is defined as any substance that must be neutralised and eliminated to avoid its promotion of ill-health if left to accumulate. What surprises most people is that the body produces waste products every second of every day in the form of used hormones, neurotransmitters, or oxidised lipids. For this reason, even if we manage ours and our pet’s environments well, we still need to support our detoxification system, simply to eliminate the exhaust fumes of daily life. So, what is detoxification? Detoxification is carried out by a range of mechanisms and this comes in particularly handy if one pathway is overwhelmed, another can pick up the slack. We can think of it like a waterfall, water will always find a way down. In a healthy system, toxins will be able to find a way out. Initially, the body will attempt to detoxify at source. These locations include the intestinal mucosa, the respiratory mucosa, the microbiome,and the skin epidermis. Whilst these also provide a physical barrier to prevent toxin penetration, they also express a range of enzymes which are essential in sweeping toxins away. Detoxification falls 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 dog’s toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Liver Guard Phase I PhaseI is primarily undertaken by a superfamily of enzymes and they are predominantly concentrated in the liver (but are found in the oral and nasal cavity). t also includes enzymes like MAOs or monoamine oxidases to deal with neurotransmitters (those chemical messengers involved in mood and behaviour ) and PON1 or paraoxonase 1 dealing with pesticides and oxidised lipids. The names aren’t important, but the point is that at this stage the body needs to be efficiently producing these enzymes to metabolise the toxins. So, it stands to reason that this stage is particularly nutrient demanding and sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3 and iron, along with cysteine, are essential. This phase also generates high numbers of reactive oxygen species, or ROS leading to oxidative stress (there is also evidence of poor antioxidant capacity in obesity). These enzymes are also highly polymorphic – which means they are prone to altered gene expression. If you would like to know how gene expression can alter detoxification in the cat, then check out our blog here. But, whether the expression starts to cause problems can often depend on the nature and exposure to toxins. Once toxins have been passed through phase I, they are not finished with. Intermediate metabolites are produced, and they sit in the body. t’s almost like putting your rubbish in the outside bin, but missing collection day. The rubbish remains. Welcome to phase II Within phase II there are number of pathways and they are all responsible for detoxifying different compounds. Methylation The process of methylation deals with heavy metals, plastics, medications, mould,histamine, hormones, and neurotransmitters. This process requires nutrients like folate, vitamin B6, zinc and magnesium. Many environmental factors can limit methylation capacity including low dietary intake of co-factors, use of proton pump inhibitor medication, stress, use of anti-depressant medication, gut dysbiosis, high exposure to toxins and a high histamine diet. This can then become more of an issue in those with genetic SNPs in the genes that code for the enzymes involved. Poor methylation can also impair bile synthesis, which then impacts on cholesterol maintenance and glucose metabolism. Sulphation The process of sulphation deals with heavy metals, heavy smoke, hormones, neurotransmitters, plastics, phenols, and medications including antibiotics. Efficient sulphation requires an adequate supply of sulphur (included in cruciferous vegetables for example), but also iron, molybdenum and vitamin B12. Deficiency in any of these can result in an accumulation of sulphites and then an increased sensitivity to sulphite containing foods or supplements (MSM for example). Since this pathway modulates catecholamine levels, poor function can result in higher circulating levels too. Glutathione conjugation This deals with heavy metals, plastics, mycotoxins, mould, heavy smoke, pesticides, and medications like steroids. Glutathione is a master antioxidant so is also important in neutralising the reactive oxygen species produced in phase I. Steady supply of the enzymes in this pathway relies on vitamin B2. But what is also of interest is that the more the glutathione pathway becomes overloaded with long-term paracetamol use, the more depleted glutathione stores become, which places increased pressures on other Phase II pathways and Phase I processes. Low selenium also contributes to poorer enzyme function here. Glucuronidation Glucuronidation is involved in managing heavy metals, sex hormones, neurotransmitters, plastics, mould, alcohol, smoke, medications including paracetamol,non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, warfarin and immunosuppressants. Important nutrients in this process include vitamin B3, B6 and iron. The glucuronidation pathway is particularly affected by digestive health. Anything that promotes gut dysbiosis, like antibiotics, high sugar intake or the use of certain medications which later digestive function can result in toxins being recirculated throughout the body. This then results in increased oxidative stress, which has its own ramifications throughout the body. Acetylation Acetylation supports the detoxification of smoke, halides, tyramine, caffeine, neurotransmitters, histamine, and
The Universe inside your Puppy Here at My Pet Nutritionist we always focus on microbrial health, so we delve into it’s importance for your puppy to hopefully set them up for life. Microbes have been around for billions of years, humans – less than a million and we all know there is much disagreement over the domestication of our faithful furry friends. Microbes can multiply in minutes, survive and thrive in every habitat on earth, and technically, they’ve killed more people than all wars combined. But, without them, we actually couldn’t survive. Microbes are like a bad version of Ed Sheeran, you need me, I don’t need you. The body is in fact like a mini ecosystem. It has many different microbial communities throughout the body. They live inside; in the lungs, nose, urinary tract, and digestive tract, but they also live on; they are all over the skin! Because you sadly have jobs that need to get done today, we’re just going to do a whistle stop tour of the three main microbial communities and how we can support them in the puppy. First up, the skin microbiota. Not surprisingly, the skin microbiota plays a role in skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and even some skin cancers. Check out our blog on atopic dermatitis in pets here. In the dog, there are different communities found in different areas of the skin; there are also clear differences in diversity between healthy and allergic dogs. The skin provides one of the first lines of defence in the immune system, but in two ways. Not only does it have its physical structure to keep things in, and things out, but the community of microbes on the skin also protect against potentially harmful pathogens. The good guys can engulf the bad guys before they gain entry into the body, but they can also compete for nutrients and resources, to prevent the bad guys from thriving. In utero, foetal skin is thought to be sterile. But colonisation of microbes occurs during and immediately after birth. As the newborn puppy moves through the birth canal, he is exposed to a variety of bacteria from Mum. Once puppy is born and grooming begins, Mum passes even more over to her offspring. Mum health is therefore imperative – not only for the diversity she possesses but also her emotional health. Stressed Mum’s are less likely to engage in grooming behaviour, so if she isn’t grooming her offspring, she’s not passing her microbes to them. The environment greatly influences the microbiome of the skin. There are noted variations in skin microbial communities between those living rurally and those in urban areas. There is also an increase in chemical use associated with urban living, which also influences the composition of the microbiome. Diversity is significantly reduced with the use of detergents and antibacterial cleaning products. Potentially pathogenic taxa are also increased as there are fewer good guys to keep the bad guys in check. This is why skin issues like acne or dermatitis are deemed western diseases; they simply just aren’t found on the skin of indigenous tribes or on that of individuals from non-industrialised societies. What is also interesting is that there is also a clear distinction between male and female microbiome, therefore suggesting hormonal influences. This poses food for thought in the neutered pet and how their microbiome is subsequently affected. Unnecessary use of antibiotics also affects the skin microbiome, along with excessive use of grooming products and of course nutrition. The Oral Microbiota There is a collection of microbes found in the mouth; these are the ones that result in bad breath or dental issues. Again, they pose a first line of defence against ingested potentially harmful pathogens. But they also play a role in metabolising certain nutrients. It is clear that the oral microbiota found in dogs differs significantly from humans – some researchers have even gone as far as saying that a human bite would be more dangerous than a dog bite in terms of wound infection potential. Findings here The oral microbiota is gaining more attention and for good reason – there are associations between oral microbiota composition and weight gain, much like we have with the gut microbiota. So, caring for the mouth cavity is just as important as caring for the gut, and colonisation, like in the skin occurs at and shortly after birth – and certainly within the teething period! Data is relatively new, but in human realms, to support oral health, the guidelines regularly include avoiding ultra-processed foods along with high-sugar foods (think high-fructose corn syrup found in many dog treats and processed foods). Guidelines also promote dental hygiene –for our puppies and dogs, raw, meaty bones are a great opportunity to support dental health. Remember to choose appropriately sized bones for puppies – soft bones like chicken necks or wings. They must always be raw – cooked bones pose a splinter risk! The Gut Microbiota/Microbiome When we reference the microbiome, we are considering the microbial community found in the whole of the digestive tract. Generally, the further down we go, the more bugs we find. SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrow this when there are too many bugs in the small intestine. We want the majority of them in the large intestine. Each puppy and dog have a unique microbiome – just as we do. It’s like a fingerprint. How cool is that? But it just goes to show that if there is dysbiosis (imbalance of good to bad guys) – there is no one silver bullet. For our puppy, we are in a great position to support optimal gut health from the beginning (not withstanding gene interactions). When we talk about the microbiota or microbiome, we are not just talking about bacteria, but fungi and viruses which live inside the gut too. This is totally normal – the good guys with the right tools can keep the bad guys in check. This community can metabolise nutrients (ruminant
Puppy Nutrition 101 The dog is unique amongst other mammals in that it has the widest range of normal adult body weight within one species. Many breeds will reach 50% of their adult size within 5-6 months. Some breeds will be fully grown by 8-12 months, some 12-18 months, and others 18-24 months. With this incredible range, it’s no surprise that puppyhood is in fact a very sensitive period, and one that we need to get right. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we are incredibly lucky that we support many owners in choosing the right nutritional plan for their growing puppy. But we thought we’d compile a brief guide to some of the most important things to consider for the growing puppy. Growth and Development After nursing, post-weaning growth is the most nutritionally demanding period in a dog’s life. For large and giant breeds, the length and speed of their growth poses an even higher nutritional demand. By maturity, most dogs will have increased their birth weight by 40-50 times. How amazing is this? But it also poses something to be very conscious of. Physical Growth How are bones formed? Also known as ossification, bone formation is a process where new bone is produced. Look at any large breed and it is clear to see how much new bone needs to be produced from birth to full skeletal maturity. Bone starts as a cartilage model which gets slowly replaced. Osteoblasts are the cells that form new bone. They secrete osteoids. Osteoid tissue is simply unmineralised bone tissue. Soon after the osteoid is laid down,inorganic salts are deposited which forms the hardened material that we know as bone. These inorganic salts include calcium and phosphorus. 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. It is therefore no surprise that certain minerals are necessary for physical bone growth, along with some vitamins. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body; the majority of which is contained in the skeleton. Phosphorus is the next most abundant; also found in bone. Although they have separate functions within the body, being so closely interrelated, they are usually considered together. Calcium is involved in constriction and dilation of blood vessels, nerve impulse transmission, muscle contractions(including the heart), secretion of hormones and blood coagulation. It also plays a role in fluid balance in cells (contributing to homeostasis). A diet grossly inadequate in calcium, results in hypocalcemia. The body will remove calcium from bones to ensure normal cell function in the rest of the body. This leads to weakened bones. Hypercalcemia is a little more uncommon, but it is most often linked with overactive parathyroid gland function. Phosphorus is essential in cell growth and differentiation, energy use and transfer, fatty acid transport and amino acid and protein formation. In general, phosphorus is better absorbed from meat products than plant products. Phosphorus found in meat is mainly in its organic form; in plants it is in the form of phytic acid. Phytic acid impairs the absorption of iron,zinc and calcium and has been linked to mineral deficiencies. It is often referred to as an anti-nutrient. Deficiencies of calcium and phosphorus are unusual, but imbalance is noted. In unbalanced diets, calcium deficiency can develop alongside high levels of phosphorus. Low calcium levels stimulate the release of parathyroid hormone, which increases the production of the active form of Vitamin D. This results in an increased bone reabsorption to restore calcium levels. This eventually leads to bone demineralisation and a loss of bone mass. In dogs, this is more commonly noticed in the mandibles (jaw bones), leading to tooth loss and periodontal disease. Attention is most often paid to the calcium:phosphorus ratio. The note to make is that organic sources of both minerals are slowly and less efficiently absorbed; so, in fresh fed dogs this is less of a concern in terms of excess. Phosphorus found in meat products however is more efficiently absorbed than that found in plants. Findings here Other nutrients relevant to skeletal development include vitamin D, vitamin A, copper, zinc and manganese. Deficiency or excess in these have regularly been linked to abnormal orthopaedic development. But, as we know, it is not just the bones in puppies that grow – it is in fact every part of their body! What do puppies need to grow? Protein Proteins are large, complex molecules composed of hundreds to thousands of amino acids. They are literally the building blocks of the body. Protein is required in the diet to provide a source of amino acids to build, repair and replace body proteins. Proteins in the body have numerous functions. Major structural components of hair, skin, nails, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Hormones are composed of protein molecules – these include insulin and glucagon which are key to maintaining blood sugar levels. Proteins are found in the blood– for example haemoglobin carries oxygen between the lungs and cells,lipoproteins carry fats throughout the body and transferrin carries iron through the blood. Proteins are also found in the immune system in the form of immunoglobulins to make the antibodies that provide resistance to disease. All proteins are in a constant state of renewal and degradation and during growth (or reproduction) additional protein is needed for the creation of new tissue. High rates of protein synthesis occur in: The production of red and white blood cells Epithelial cells of the skin and those lining the GI tract and pancreas Digestion of Protein Dietary amino acids are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, following disruption of their structure. They are then transported
If you spotted our My Pet Nutritionist blog last week, then you’ll notice that we didn’t really discuss the lymphatic system with the immune system, despite them being intricately linked. It’s because this system deserves a blog all of its own. So, let’s take a look at what it is and what it does! The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs which help the body eliminate toxins, waste, and other unwanted compounds. It is like the sewer system for the body. But it also plays a role in immune function. Like the blood system, the lymphatic system is made up of many vessels that branch all around the body. It is a subset of both the circulatory and immune system. Without it, neither of them would function. The lymphatic system includes: Lymph – a fluid that moves all around the lymph system. It contains a type of white blood cell known as lymphocytes. Lymphocytes – these are white blood cells that fight infection and disease. Lymph vessels – these are tiny tubes that carry lymph fluid around the body. Lymph nodes – these are small, bean-shaped organs. They act as filters for the lymph fluid as it travels all over the body. Lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and belly (abdomen). During infection, lymph nodes swell because of the multiplication of lymphocytes multiplying inside. Function of the Lymphatic System A major function of the lymphatic system is to drain body fluids and return them to the bloodstream. Blood pressure causes leakage of fluid from the capillaries, resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space—that is, spaces between individual cells in the tissues. This is where the lymphatic system comes into play. It drains the excess fluid and empties it back into the bloodstream via a series of vessels, trunks, and ducts. But as we mentioned, it also plays a role in the immune function of the host. The lymphatic system is a sort of immune surveillance system. It protects us against pathogens. Our dogs are constantly being invaded by bacteria and viruses; they take them up through food, they breathe them in, and they get in through wounds in our skin.These pathogens must be removed by the immune system. Because the lymphatic system is constantly filtering the contents of the body it collects these micro-organisms which have been engulfed by immune cells and carries them to the lymph nodes. Within the lymph nodes there are T cells and B cells which recognise these pathogens and which multiple in response. So, the lymphatic system acts as a collecting system and therefore an integral part of the immune system. Another role of the lymphatic system is the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system and the subsequent transport of these substances into circulation. The mucosa that lines the small intestine is covered with finger like projections called villi. There are blood capillaries and special lymph capillaries, called lacteals, in the centre of each villus. The blood capillaries absorb most nutrients, but the fats and fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed by the lacteals. The lymph in the lacteals has a milky appearance due to its high fat content and is called chyle. Organs and Tissues of Interest The primary lymphoid organs are the bone marrow, spleen, and thymus gland. Tonsils are known as lymphoid nodules. The lymphoid organs are where lymphocytes mature, proliferate, and are selected, which enables them to attack pathogens without harming the cells of the body. As we explored in the guide to the immune system, lymphocytes are the primary cells of adaptive immune responses. The two basic types are B and T cells – B cells maturing in the bone marrow, and T cells maturing in the thymus. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue in the middle of the bigger bones in the body. The bone marrow makes blood cells from stem cells. These are undeveloped cells that can divide and grow into different types of blood cells needed by the body including red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. This is where lymphocytes are made. The thymus is in the thoracic cavity, just under the neck. It’s made up of two lobes of lymphoid tissue. Each lobe has a medulla surrounded by a cortex. The cortex is where immature lymphocytes first go to become T cells, but their maturation finishes in the medulla. The spleen is in the upper-left part of the abdomen. It is tucked up under the ribs. The spleen’s main function is to filter the blood. It removes old or damaged red blood cells, which are phagocytised by macrophages. The spleen also detects viruses and bacteria and triggers the release of lymphocytes. But as the main entry for microbes into the body is through mucosal surfaces, most of the lymphoid tissue is located within the lining of the respiratory, digestive, and genitourinary tracts. These are known as MALT and GALT. MALT is mucosa associated lymphoid tissues, and GALT is gut-associated lymphoid tissue. Tonsils are an example of MALT. The tonsils are masses of lymphoid tissue found in the back of the throat and nasal cavity. Tonsillitis is when they become swollen and typically a sign of infection. Peyer Patches within the small intestine are also MALT. They are like the tonsils for the digestive system. The function of Peyer’s Patches is to analyse and respond to pathogenic microbes in the ileum. They trap foreign particles survey them and then destroy. What can go wrong with the lymphatic system? Enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy): Enlarged lymph nodes are caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer. Swelling or accumulation of fluid (lymphedema): Lymphedema can result from a blockage in the lymphatic system caused by scar tissue from damaged lymph vessels or nodes. Cancers of the lymphatic system: Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph nodes and occurs when lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably. For dogs, lymphoma can arise in the skin. Summary The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections. It is made up
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we know that every cell has a job to do, and it needs certain nutrients to do those jobs. The cells of the immune system have a particularly important job to do and so they too need to be fuelled properly. So, we’ve collated our top foods that you can add to the bowl to support immune function in your dog. The list is not in order of importance, just simple options to pop in! 1) Red Bell Peppers Red bell peppers contain almost three times the amount of Vitamin C that an Orange does! We all know that oranges are touted for their immune supporting functions, but citrus fruits can sometimes cause some digestive discomfort for our furry friends (not all though). 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. 2) Broccoli Broccoli is packed full of vitamins and minerals. You will find vitamins A, C and E, fibre and antioxidants in these little green trees! 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. Broccoli also contains a phytochemical called Indole-3-Carbinol. This compound is formed from a substance called glucobrassicin found in broccoli and other brasscia vegetables such as brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and turnips. Indole-3-carbinol is formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed or lightly cooked and show some exciting new research on their anti-cancer effect. Findings here The Ultimate Raw Feeding Guide for Dogs Rich in Vitamin C, it is also packed full of antioxidants like beta carotene. Not that you would know it because the chlorophyll hides the yellow-orange pigment. Beta carotene is converted toVitamin A in the body but beta carotene, like all carotenoids is an antioxidant, which protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals are produced by macrophages whilst fighting off invading germs, and these free radicals can then damage healthy cells leading to inflammation, so a diet rich in antioxidants can help mitigate the damage! Best to lightly cook spinach before you offer it to your dog though! 4) Turmeric This bright yellow spice has been used for years as an anti-inflammatory, but it is also known as an immunomodulator. It interacts with dendritic cells, macrophages and both B and T cells. But it also interacts with cytokines and this is why we generally note it’s role in the inflammatory response. The inclusion of turmeric has been seen to increase antibodies to particular antigens and overall, it is seen to improve both innate and adaptive immune function. 5) Poultry There’s a reason why you were always told to eat chicken soup if you felt under the weather! Poultry like chicken and turkey is high in vitamin B6. 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 also a great option and contains gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that are helpful in gut healing in immune function. 6) Shellfish Many types of shellfish are packed full of zinc and this 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. Cooked mussels are a great addition to your dog’s bowl and are easily picked up in the supermarket. 7) Mushrooms! Not only are mushrooms a great source of B vitamins, but they contain the less talked about mineral selenium. There are such things known as selenium-dependent enzymes which can act as redox regulators and antioxidants; so,selenium can help protect against free radicals too! Not only that but selenium is involved in T cell proliferation and it also has a role in antibody production. Lightly cook mushrooms before offering them to you dog and check out the range of species that have additional health benefits too! 8) Kale One of the leafy greens, kale is rich in folate, or vitamin B9. B vitamins are required to convert food into energy and the demands placed upon the body during sickness can mean more of a demand on this process. Not only that but folate plays a role in maintaining natural killer cells and plays a role in mounting a sufficient antibody response to antigens. Folate also supports Th1 mediated immune responses. In cases of folate deficiency, immune function is often impaired. Low Fat Kangaroo 9) Liver! Whether you opt for cooked or raw, liver is a good source of vitamin D. 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.
