Help! My dog has a loose stool! Well, you wouldn’t be a true dog owner if you didn’t spend time assessing, talking or even sharing photos about your dog’s bowel movements. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we’re not averse to a poop pic (we get quite a few in a day), but there are some common reasons why your dog may develop high scores on the Bristol Stool Chart. Technically that’s a chart for humans, but we can learn similar lessons. Here is our Ultimate Dog Stool Guide on colour and consistency. So, let us take a look at some of causes of runny poops in dogs. 1) Infection It goes without saying that a nasty gastro bug can result in runny stools. It can be all sorts of different colours, but more often that not it can be described as like turning a tap on! Infections can be a result of bacteria, parasites or virus and you may notice other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting or abdominal pain. In some cases, due to the irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, you may find specks of blood in the stool too. If nothing sinister, a fast followed by a bland diet will start to show improvements, but if there are other clinical signs or no improvements then its always best to get your dog checked out by your Vet. A vet call is always warranted for young puppies or elderly dogs. 2) Gut Dysbiosis Stool consistency strongly correlates with all known major microbiome markers. What this means is good poops are a sign of a healthy gut. But you knew that! Gut dysbiosis is when there is an imbalance between the good and bad bugs found in the gut. This can be for a number of reasons: Antibiotic use Steroid use Diet diversity Environment – exposure to toxins Birth method Use of flea and wormer treatments Vaccination When we are looking to heal the gut, we follow the 4 R’s. Remove (food antigens that could cause reactivity) Repair (the gut lining/endothelial, possibly known as leaky gut) Restore (the good bacteria in the gut) Replenish (with enzymes if necessary to reduce immediate inflammation) Signs of gut dysbiosis will usually manifest as regular sub-optimal bowel movements, if you think they may be an issue faced by your pet, we are more than happy to help! 3) Food Sensitivities/Allergies Allergies are in fact incredibly rare (at around 10%), but sensitivities are one of the most common issues discussed here at My Pet Nutritionist. An allergy is the result of an over-zealous immune system. It’s like going for the theory part of your driver’s test when you are told you are limited with how many clicks you can make on your hazard perception. Well, in cases of an allergy, the immune system didn’t get the limited clicks memo and gets a little trigger happy! The basic function of the immune system is to get rid of potential threats; it can do this by engulfing parasites, and you guessed it, causing a swift exit in the form of diarrhoea. But diarrhoea is also a sign of a food intolerance. Rather than an immune response per se, an intolerance involves the digestive system; in short, it struggles to process a particular food. This can be due to a lack of enzymes to digest a particular food, a sensitivity to chemicals found in certain foods or health issues like irritable bowel syndrome (which is often linked to bacterial overgrowth, stress, post-infection and genetics). In cases of food sensitivities, an elimination diet is the first port of call, to establish the key offender and we again follow the 4R’s in gut healing. 4) Stress Our pet’s stress response is much like ours as a human. Eustress or good stress can improve alertness and motivation and provide a helping hand in performance. But distress is the one we need to worry about, especially if it becomes chronic. Stress is generally known as the fight or flight response. The cascade of changes occurring in the body redistribute resources; blood is directed to the brain and limbs to figure out what to do, and whether to run away or stand and fight. Despite us making evolutionary progress, neither us or our dogs have yet evolved past this response and so even potentially minute stressors result in this redistribution of resources; taking ours and our dog’s ability to effectively digest food with it. Digestive function returns when the parasympathetic system kicks back in; once the stressor has passed (but incases of chronic stress, this doesn’t occur). In times of chronic stress, food is ingested, but not digested properly. This also explains why you may notice your dog has “adrenaline” poops on walks, or when they get particularly excited. As they are doing their zoomies, the body interprets it as stress and so directs resources where they are needed (not to the effective digestion of food). This is short lived and the dog’s next poop that evening has usually returned to its normal presentation but, under long term stress, this lack of digestion demonstrated by recurring loose stools, can result in a range of health issues thanks to the malabsorption of nutrients. If you consider your dog’s loose stools are generally associated with certain stressful events, the key is to remove the trigger where possible. Counter conditioning is often successful in supporting their future stress-responses. Stress does deplete essential nutrients, so opting for a fresh-food diet with excellent bioavailability is vital in supporting your dog during these times. 5) Underlying Malfunction Loose stools are the result of food being passed through the colon too quickly; with less fluid being absorbed by the body, the result being that puddle in your garden. As we mentioned earlier, a lack of digestive enzymes can be a reason for this. The digestive system comprises the GI tract, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. If there is an underlying malfunction in any of these, you may find abnormal stools. The pancreas
When we talk about toxins at My Pet Nutritionist, we are talking about flea and tick treatments, worming and even households chemicals. The extra sprays of air-freshener, the over-powering smell of disinfectants and most things in the home being wiped with fabric softener. In a pet-free home, as a grown adult, it’s entirely your choice what you expose yourself to and if you want your home smelling like that, then go for it! But when you make the decision to care for a pet, who can’t tell you when they are feeling nauseous or have a headache, you have to think a little more carefully. How many of you go to a friend’s home and notice the sweet smell of their air freshener or carpet cleaner? But when you get home, you can’t smell your own? This is because we develop a tolerance – our homes may not smell strongly to us, but they may to our pets. Especially our dogs. Dogs possess an extremely strong sense of smell. Which is why they have found themselves with some of the most impressive jobs in the world; some become medical detection dogs as they can detect minute changes in a person’s odour, signalling disease. It is believed that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000-100,000 times that of an average human. They could detect the equivalent of one drop of liquid in 20 Olympic sized swimming pools! Findings here So, even if we can’t detect a compound in our environment, it’s safe to say, our dog probably could. Your dog is detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Now, they detect these in cancer sweeps (different cancers will produce different VOCs), but most of us know of VOCs for the bad rap they have. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate under normal atmospheric conditions (room temperature, low boiling point), compromising air quality. It’s fairly obvious when you spill some fuel at the garage, or you’ve recently painted your kitchen. The odour is compounds in the air, that you breathe in and subsequently stimulate/inhibit your olfactory receptors. Findings here VOCs are found everywhere. They are released by many everyday items including: Cleaning Products – detergents, bleaches etc Air Fresheners Paints Deodorants/Perfumes Fabrics Rugs Vinyl flooring Wood Burners Cigarette Smoking Printers and photocopiers This list is not exhaustive but covers the main culprits in most homes. But why are they a problem? Many VOCs have been proved as carcinogenic. That is, they are known to cause cancer. This largely depends on length of exposure, but it is still a risk. Findings here Many studies are showing the moderate to strong increase in respiratory distress or allergic effects of exposure to VOCs. As you would expect, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat is regularly reported. It stands to reason there would be an increase in allergies reported when exposed to certain VOCs. How bad is it? The health effects of a certain VOC will depend on its chemical nature and also the degree of exposure. Exposure can include ingestion, respiration and absorption through the skin. Here, we wondered whether a long-coated dog, or cat is any worse off? If the compounds stick to their coat? They are carrying the compound around with them. But we have not yet found any data to explore this query. Consider that your pet will spend a good 20-23 hours a day in your home, accounting for a 1-2-hour walk or a prowl at night time. Obviously less if they attend day care or come to work with you. But that is a high level of exposure – you are likely out of the home for a much larger part of the day. Whether you work 8-10 hours, or you are part time and then nip to run errands. In humans, it is clear that VOCs disrupt hormones and reproduction which subsequently affects the development of babies and children – it’s not a push to suggest this could happen with our pets, so it’s advised to be even more mindful with pregnant bitches, litters of puppies and when you bring your new puppy home! Findings here In an age where we want our homes grey and white and smelling of spring flowers all year round, we are inadvertently exposing our pets to some pretty harmful compounds. So, what can we do about it It’s not as hard as you’d think. Firstly, if you are re-decorating, try to do so at times of the year where you can have windows and doors open to bring fresh air through the home. Also, opt for water-based paints as these contain much lower level of VOCs. If you are unsure, speak to your local DIY or paint supplier and ask for a low content specifically. Store partly used paints and solvents in the garage or shed, where people and pets are unlikely to spend much time. If you know you won’t ever use it again, offer it to friends or family to use or simply dispose of. When cleaning, check the labels of the products you use for common harmful VOCs including: Acetone Butanal Carbon Disulfide Dichlorobenzene Ethanol Formaldehyde Terpenes Toluene Alternatively, opt for environmentally friendly products. There are so many new companies popping up who use natural ingredients to help keep your home in tiptop condition. Most are also conscious of plastic usage. We recommend products from Iron, Method, Ecover and Velvet, you dissolve a sachet of product in water in a bottle that you are reusing. The ingredients are plant-derived and essential oils are used for fragrance where possible. They smell great. White vinegar is a great product to have in the home, it’s a powerful odour neutraliser. Perfect if you are toilet training or are worried that your home smells of wet dog! Activated charcoal is also a great odour neutraliser and air purifier. Pop bags around your home, in your car etc and you’ll soon notice odours disappear. Some gift companies have even started making bouquet style bags, specifically for this purpose! Citrus
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often see rest and recovery as a forgotten need of dogs. With the advent of daycare centres and dog walkers, most of us relish the idea that our dog can be kept occupied whilst we are in work. When owners research potential breeds to bring home, their exercise quota is usually discussed along with the need for mental stimulation. Exercise is important for canine health – we’ll come back to that later. So is mental stimulation, especially for those smart, working breeds. But there needs to be a balance so lets discuss, why we let sleeping dogs lie. Pop into any social media group discussing dogs being left alone and destruction inevitably comes up. Well-meaning owners often suggest that the dog is bored and by providing things for the dog to do, they will cease the destructive behaviour. It’s clear that destruction when left alone is a symptom of anxiety; not boredom. Toys and food are only ever used in a separation anxiety protocol to help the dog make positive associations with a confinement area. Part of this protocol is to assess how the dog behaves immediately after finishing the puzzle to establish whether in fact it was a distraction or actually taught the dog to relax. Boredom in dogs often isn’t the big deal that social media groups make it out to be. Those behaviours associated with boredom are often symptomatic of frustration or anxiety. So, how much interaction does your dog need on a daily basis? This is a difficult question to answer. As with humans, dogs have different personalities and purposes. However, we can’t argue with the science. Dogs are diurnal. Like us, they are active during daylight hours. Rest occurs during the dark. But activity increases in the last two dark hours. A rest period is common at noon and then reduced activity continues during the afternoon. Findings here Sleep is widely studied, for its evolutionary benefits. It is crucial for most daily functions. It is clear in humans, that when suffering sleep restriction, they have attention lapses, slowed working memory, reduced cognition and depressed thought. Studies have shown a significant reduction inactivity 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 anew command were more likely to retain the command at a later date than dogs allowed to walk or play. Findings here So, if you want to train your dog, they need their sleep. 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. The rule of thumb is to let sleeping puppies sleep! For the puppy, consider how much socialisation and training you are undertaking. When you think you’ve only got around 4-6 hours per day of awake time; take some mealtimes out of that, and your safe play in the garden… it’s easy to see how you can quickly overwhelm a puppy. What’s really interesting is, like in humans, negative or positive interactions, affect sleep length and quality. Following a negative interaction with a human, dogs tend to fall asleep quicker. This goes against what we’ve found in humans; the idea that stress impedes sleep. It is termed stress-induced quiescence (protective sleep in response to stress). Findings here This throws a bit of a curve ball when we are considering the overall health of our dog. We usually understand that they are content when they fall asleep – but now we must consider that it could be a potential stress-response. It’s worth looking out for these patterns and seeing how your dog sleeps. This has never been more relevant when considering daycare. More and more are popping up and I often hear owners say that their dog does nothing but sleep when they get home. It is generally understood that the dog has had such a busy day, they are just exhausted. But, what if, in these daycares with upwards of 50 dogs on site, the dog is just over-aroused? How realistic is it for your dog to get his rest in such a busy site? When his normal rhythm tells him to rest around noon and then have a quiet afternoon, and he’s actually running, chasing and playing for 8-10 hours of the day? This is sadly where non-aggressive dogs get labelled as aggressive, simply because they have reached their peak of “activity” for that day and some annoying puppy continues to hang off their ear! Also a consideration to be made when a new puppy is introduced into an adult dog home. Any daycare worth their salt should value rest and recovery as much as play and interaction. Sleep is not the only way that your dog can rest and recover. Simply having quiet, settled time can be of benefit. All too often, owners consider that their dog always needs to be doing something. Here it must be questioned, does your dog need to be kept occupied simply to keep them out of trouble? Some dogs just don’t learn how they need to behave because they aren’t given the opportunity. This is a whole new issue which is too big to tackle in this article. Maybe at a later date. If your dog has their own space, whether it’s their bed, a crate, a den or a corner in the home, they soon learn that it is their safe place. They can learn to settle and rest there. But they need to know that no one will hassle them, so children need to keep their distance. You can use lickimats or stuffed kongs to help them associate the space with calm and quiet,
Halitosis, as it’s more technically known, in dogs, can be a symptom of a range of health concerns. Ranging from dental disease to some cheeky gut bugs overworking, bad breath is often the first sign things may not be as they should, so lets take a look at the more common reasons and what options are available to you. 1) Periodontal Disease 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. Not only are 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, kidney and liver issues. Findings here The mouth is full of bacteria, primarily to form a first line of defence to protect us and our pets from the bad bugs, but the bad bugs can use carbohydrates, known as starches, as fuel, and subsequently thrive. These bacteria destroy enamel which further develop into cavities, or holes. This is why, in most human literature we are told to avoid sugars for the benefit of our oral health. It stands to reason that we would want to avoid starchy food for our pets too. A fresh food diet is as standard, low in starch, but the inclusion of raw meaty bones, if appropriate, can also create friction when eaten and contribute to the prevention of build-up on the teeth. Please note common dry foods on the market, although not marketed contain between 18-60% carbohydrates. So, if your dog’s breath could keep a vampire away, you may want to check his oral hygiene. Look for build-up, grey/brown deposits, and any breakdown of teeth. 2) SIBO Whilst it sounds like a mission to outer space, SIBO is actually a little more common than that. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is getting increasingly common in the pet world. Whilst we usually define the microbiome as the microbial community found in the whole of the digestive tract, abundance generally increases from the stomach to the colon So, we would generally find more microbes the further down we go. SIBO occurs when we get more than we bargained for in the small intestine. It is more commonly associated with surgery, or rather a complication of surgery, but it can also occur as a result of any disease which slows the passage of food and waste products down. This means they stay in the wrong place for too long, and we all know what happens when you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. SIBO is often associated with cases of IBD or IBS, but there must also be consideration given in times of chronic stress as we know motility is affected here. Symptoms of SIBO include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Due to the overgrowth of bacteria, bad breath is often a symptom. Unfortunately, there are a number of complications associated with SIBO. It can result in poor digestion and absorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Bile salts that are usually required to digest fats are often broken down by the bacteria, leaving few left to digest the fat in the diet. This then leads to reduced absorption, transport and utilisation of any of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K. The overgrown bacteria also utilise the B12 marked for host use, subsequently leading to B12 deficiency. SIBO is also indicated in cases of immune deficiency, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis. Findings here Nutritional management plays a huge role in SIBO, so if you are concerned your dog may be showing symptoms, then please book a consultation here. Gut Guardian 3) Liver Disease When the liver isn’t performing to its fully capacity, it can result in potential toxins still circulating in the body. This includes the lungs. On exhale, this can present as a strong faecal smell (be mindful we are dealing with dogs, and some of them do perform coprophagy: eating poop). However, in cases of liver disease you would notice other symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination, jaundice (yellowing of the gums and eyes), weakness and loss of stability and in some cases seizures. Liver disease can occur as part of ageing, or there are genetic predispositions. However, oxidative stress is a significant contributor to liver complications. Risk factors associated with oxidative stress include: Obesity Diets high in processed foods Exposure to radiation Pollution Exposure to pesticides Not only that, but the body’s natural immune system can also trigger oxidative stress. This is a normal process that is swiftly managed in a healthy system. The concern is when your dog’s immune system is regularly being called to duty, over not-so-threatening threats. This state of chronic inflammation can result in higher levels of oxidative stress, putting pressure on many body systems. A diet high in antioxidants can help modulate oxidative stress, but if you are concerned about your dog’s liver function, then it’s best to speak to a qualified practitioner. If you would like to read more about liver disease, then check out our blog here. Liver Guard 4) Kidney Disease Another part of the detoxification system, when the kidneys aren’t doing what they’re supposed to, excessive urea can end up in the bloodstream resulting in a halitosis. This odour is described as ammonia smelling and having a metallic taste – but as our dogs can’t talk, we’ll just have
We first started becoming interested in bugs when germ-free mice, those born and raised in sterile environments showed exaggerated responses to stress compared to normal controls. What is particularly interesting is that the use of pro and prebiotics were able to reverse the abnormal reactions found in germ-free mice. Not only that but the faeces of depressed mice could be transplanted to “happy” controls and subsequently make them depressed and vice versa. So, we started wondering, can bugs really affect our behaviour? The short answer is yes. The long answer needs a sit down with a coffee. The gut microbiome comprises of all microorganisms and their genomes inhabiting the intestinal tract. These microorganisms perform important functions in the immune system and basic metabolism by providing essential inflammatory mediators, nutrients, and vitamins. But, as we established, they also affect behaviour, and they do this through this thing called the gut-brain axis. This occurs through multiple pathways such as endocrine, immune, metabolic, and neural, specifically the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body and has countless branches from the brainstem all the way down to the lowest part of the intestines, touching most organs along the way. This is why it is also called the wandering nerve. The vagus nerve modulates the parasympathetic nervous system which counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system. In short, stress inhibits the vagus nerve. This effect is seen when gut motility is altered during stress. What surprised most was that brain-gut communication is bidirectional. This is why the jury is still out on whether cases of IBD or IBS are a cause or a consequence of abnormal gut-brain processing. The vagus nerve contains fibres. 80% of them carry information from the body to the brain and 20% from the brain to the body. These fibres are distributed in all the layers of the digestive wall and they sense the diffusion of bacterial compounds and metabolites. The bacterial sequences identified in the canine gastrointestinal tract fall into five phyla: Firmicutes Fusobacteria Bacteroidetes Proteobacteria Actinobacteria In an ideal world, we want balance, but there are several factors which can affect the composition of the intestinal microbiota which is subsequently known as gut dysbiosis. This composition, as we have established then influences behaviour, for better or worse. The Effect of Diet Several studies have demonstrated that diet composition, especially those with large differences in macronutrient composition (carbohydrate, protein, and fat) largely affects gut microbiome profiles. Dogs fed a raw diet have demonstrated a richer and more balanced microbiome when compared to kibble-fed controls. Raw fed dogs show an overall decrease in the abundance of firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. This isn’t surprising as these genera are associated with the digestion of dietary fibre, indicating a decrease in the fermentation of carbohydrate (raw diets are general lower in carbohydrate). Adding fresh meat to a bowl of kibble has also demonstrated a decrease in faecali bacterium and an increase in clostridiaceae. One of these clostridiaceae strains was later identified as being associated with normal bile acid metabolism which is an important pathway for lipid digestion and regulation of intestinal inflammation. Clostridiaceae is also associated with improved fecal health score (firmer). And yes, the bit you have been waiting for, clostridiaceae is associated with normal cognitive function. Findings here Biologically appropriate diets have also demonstrated increased levels of faecal GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter implicated in anxiety and mood disorders. Findings here In short, what is abundantly clear, the more diverse the diet, the more diverse the microbiome. This gives us a better shot at having beneficial bacteria to influence our health and behaviour. Birth Regardless of the species, GI colonisation starts before the new-born exits the birth canal. In humans the delivery method of the baby isa clear influence on microbiome development. But in the canine world, it is considered that the new-born puppy is exposed to vaginal and faecal microbiota through the dam’s tongue and therefore the delivery method, whilst still applicable, is likely less pronounced. It does however highlight that the Mother’s microbiota is a clear influence on the developing new-born, so her diversity will subsequently affect her offspring. Disease Dogs with gastro-intestinal disease regularly present with significantly decreased faecal bacterial diversity. The microbial communities differ massively between sick and healthy dogs. Findings here Manipulations of the microbiome are often included as part of the treatment of GI disease, most commonly antibiotics, probiotics, and faecal transplants. The aim of antibiotics is to remove pathogenic bacteria, however many antibiotics are broad spectrum, so they take the good guys with them too. They rapidly cause significant drops in taxonomic richness and diversity and there turn to the initial composition is rarely fully achieved. The link between bacteria and behaviour is again highlighted in human data reporting anxiety, panic attacks and in some cases depression as side effects to antibiotic use. Manic episodes have also correlated with antibiotic use. Findings here Turning this on its head, there is increasing attention being paid to using antibiotics as a possible treatment for psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia. Findings here Pathogenic bacteria have been seen to affect behaviour in other species than humans too. Rabies for example is largely associated with aggressive behaviour because biting is an effective form of transmission. Low serotonin levels are associated with aggressive behaviour, so it is considered that the rabies infection impairs serotonin neurotransmission. Findings here Not only that, but rat infection of toxoplasma gondii removes a rat’s natural aversion to cats and produces a pheromone to attract the rat to the cat. This gives the parasite a better chance at survival but is very unfortunate for the rat. Findings here Other mice studies have demonstrated that sub-clinical infection of campylobacter jejuni produced anxiety-like behaviour despite the fact there was no overt immune system activation. Findings here It would be easy here to say that the solution is to eradicate all bacteria, but the issue isn’t that the bacteria exist, the issue is the balance. For example,
In humans, the definition of anxiety is a feeling of unease, a worry or fear. It can be mild or severe. It’s quite easy to label these feelings ourselves, but as our four-legged friends haven’t yet figured out how to talk, what makes them anxious can be difficult to pin down. What we do know is they demonstrate stress behaviours alongside triggers, so we can intimate they feel anxious. What is clear, is that these behaviours aren’t great for our four-legged friends, so whilst we can also tackle the triggers, there are certain nutrients that can help modulate anxiety too. We have collated 5 of our top Fido-friendly-foods that can be safely added to their diets. Fatty Fish In dogs, the body has a requirement for two distinct Essential Fatty Acid families. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 series. Omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA) Arachidonic Acid (AA) Omega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Fatty fish contain Omega-3 fatty acids which have a number of biological effects in the body. To start us off, studies have shown that aggressive dogs are characterised by low Omega-3 fatty acid status. This does not indicate causation, but there is certainly a correlation. Findings here Omega-3’s, in particular DHA, play critical neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory roles in the brain. Supplementation of omega-3 has been seen to: – Improve cognitive function Findings here – Reduce anxious symptoms Findings here – Reduce aggressive behaviours Findings here – Reduced stress-related hormone production Findings here Omega-3s are classed as polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. The difference is in their structure. Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds between the carbon atoms and are therefore saturated with hydrogen. Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond (mono=one). Polyunsaturated fatty acids have two or more double bonds (poly=many). The more double bonds a fatty acid has, the less stable the molecule, which means it is more susceptible to oxidation, resulting in rancidity. This is why fish oils should be stored in a dark, glass bottle and why PUFA rich oils aren’t the best to fry your eggs with. Fats also act as carriers for fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which means that low-fat diets can affect the metabolism of these crucial vitamins. Much data has highlighted that low vitamin D status is associated with anxiety and depression, so fatty fish helps modulate the metabolism of vitamin D too (if it is present in the diet of course). Findings here Sources to include: – Mackerel – Salmon – Sardines Oysters Whilst you may struggle to get your hands on oysters, what we’re really interested in is their zinc content. In the human literature, zinc is a trait marker of a mood disorder. Zinc deficiency is regularly associated with depression and anxiety, and supplementation often improves mood and cognitive function. Zinc plays a role in many metabolic processes, including enzyme catalysis, cell signalling and DNA replication and transcription. What this essentially means, this mineral is involved in neural development, learning, memory and mood. We know zinc plays a role in mood because we find zinc enriched neurons in parts of the brain associated with emotions. Before we knew better, in rat studies, we found that increasing zinc levels reduced rat-fighting behaviour and when supplemented alongside anti-depressant medication, rats developed improved resilience. The issue we have is that zinc also plays a role in the inflammatory response and likewise the down regulating of the same response. So, when we are in a state of chronic inflammation, when zinc should be in the nervous system, modulating, its instead crusading with the inflammatory (or anti-inflammatory) team and the brain is left with neurotransmitters where they shouldn’t be, or not even where they should be! Whilst it stands to reason that low dietary intake results in low levels of zinc, phytates found in cereals, corn and rice also inhibit zinc absorption. There are also some breeds who are predisposed to zinc deficiency, for example, certain sled dogs. Foods high in zinc: Oysters, beef, chicken, pork, hemp seeds, shiitake mushrooms and red meat. Whilst brazil nuts, tuna and oysters are also high in selenium, red meat is an easy addition in your dog’s diet. Another mineral, low levels of selenium are regularly reported in cases of anxiety, depression and fatigue. Findings here Selenium’s prime function is as an antioxidant. It works as a component of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme which protects cell membranes and red blood cells from damage by free radicals. However, it is thought to modulate mood through its involvement in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones. Selenium deficiency is thought to dysregulate thyroid function and therefore play a role in mood disorders. Not only that but selenium has been found to exhibit modulatory effects on the dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems which are all involved in the regulation of mood and behaviour. One of the mechanisms is to inhibit the degradation of serotonin, resulting in an overall increase in levels. Selenoproteins also demonstrate antioxidant properties on dopaminergic neurons vulnerable to oxidative stress. Findings here Food Sources of Selenium: Pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, oysters, eggs, shiitake mushrooms and white meat. The word protein comes from the Greek word proteios which means of prime importance. Amino acids are the basic units of proteins and are held together by peptide linkages to form long protein chains. For the dog there are certain amino acids that are essential; they cannot be synthesised by the body, so they must be supplied by the diet. These include: Arginine Histidine Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine Tryptophan Valine For the cat, this also includes taurine. These amino acids found in certain foods,are precursors to certain neurotransmitters. Tryptophan, which is found in chicken and turkey, is the precursor to serotonin. Manipulation of serotonin through supplementation or depletion of tryptophan has established a role in higher order brain functions, memory, and mood. Low dietary tryptophan is associated with anxiety-like behaviour and increased defensive aggression. Tryptophan
Autoimmune disease, irritable bowel disorders, lupus, thyroid issues, eisonophilic skin disorders, chronic skin disease and allergic dermatitis, not a list any owner wants to pair with their pet, but sadly all of these diseases can be vaccine-related conditions. We can identify them as vaccine related conditions because symptoms are concomitant with vaccination date. We deem this reaction as vaccinosis. And sadly, it is far more prevalent than we could even imagine. At MPN, we see the correlation of vaccination and disease in many of our clients. So let’s take a look at where we started, and how we ended up in such dire straights. The smallpox vaccine was introduced in 1796 after Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had previously caught cow pox didn’t catch smallpox. The idea was that exposure to killed or weakened virus/bacteria that cause disease can prime the immune response, but it doesn’t actually make the host sick. So, vaccinations allow the host to develop immunity without having to suffer the disease. To this end, smallpox is now declared eradicated. There is no doubt that vaccination has been progressive in public health concerns, for both humans and pets, but they were never meant to make the host sick. For a number of reasons, the current vaccinations schedule for our pets, is. There is increasing evidence that over-vaccination is associated with the development or aggravation of immune-mediated disorders and chronic diseases in individual pets that are genetically predisposed. This raises a particularly interesting element that has perhaps been missed when developing the blanket vaccination schedules for our pets. Twin studies, in humans have demonstrated there is a clear genetic role in vaccine response. A growing list of genes have been associated with immune related functions critical to immunological response and much data is concluding it is the status of these genes that is key to immune response. Human data is highlighting that this is one of the reasons vaccines can either elicit partial, complete or failure to protect individuals treated under the same conditions. This would also suggest that the opposite is therefore true; gene status could elicit partial or complete adverse reaction, or hopefully failure to demonstrate adverse reaction. Genes are a set of instructions and there are a number of factors that can affect how they are expressed. This is likely understood in the canine world to some extent because most vaccines are advised as safe for healthy dogs but not those with a compromised immune system. So, what constitutes a compromised immune system? The primary role of the immune system in dogs is to protect against foreign invaders, or abnormal cells that invade or attack. The immune system must distinguish between self and non-self. Substances that stimulate a response are antigens. These can be contained within bacteria, viruses or microorganisms or cancer cells. They may also exist on their own, like pollen or food particles. There are three lines of defence, physical barriers, non specific immunity and specific immunity. Physical barriers are the first line of defence, they include the skin, the cornea of the eye and the membranes lining the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts. The key is to keep these barriers unbroken. These barriers are also defended by bacteria and secretions that contain enzymes that can destroy harmful bacteria. Examples include eye tears, secretions in the digestive tract and the microbiome in the gut. Nonspecific immunity should be present at birth; it treats all foreign substances in the same way. Inflammation results in white blood cells travelling into tissues to kill invading organisms and remove injured cells. Specific immunity is acquired and developed as the immune system encounters different antigens, it learns the best way to attack and develops a memory for that specific antigen. It takes time to develop a response, but in future encounters, the response is more rapid. Specific immunity involves the action of lymphocytes (B and T cells), antibodies, antigen presenting cells and cytokines. Most vaccines work by stimulating the development of specific immunity. But the immune system does not always function properly, it can be underactive and overactive. An underactive system puts the animal at risk of infection, but an overactive immune system can attack parts of its body that it misidentifies as being foreign. This is what happens in autoimmune conditions. The immune system can also overreact and produce too many antibodies or other chemicals; these are what we see as hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. Not only do we have to ensure the physical barriers remain healthy, but we also must ensure that responses are just right. We know that genes play a role in this, but so does the environment your dog (exposure to toxins, chemicals and pesticides etc) alongside nutrition. Each cell in every body uses chemical reactions to build some of the materials that it needs, converting substances provided by the diet into other chemicals necessary for normal functioning. This is why the immune system has its own micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) requirements. For example, Vitamin A helps to maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers like the skin and respiratory tract, Vitamin D stimulates immune cell proliferation and cytokine production, helping to protect against infection, B12 has roles in natural killer cell functions just as folate maintains natural killer cells. Many micronutrients play a role in protecting against reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species which are produced when pathogens are killed by immune cells. Findings here So, there are many things that can compromise an immune system, which also informs whether the dog is a candidate for vaccination and indeed subsequent and frequent booster vaccinations. Signs your Dog may have a compromised immune system: Tiredness/lethargy Increased stress levels Digestive issues Slow healing wounds Frequent infections (eyes, ears etc) Delayed growth/development Skin sensitivities/allergies Joint stiffness and disease Other diagnosed disease If your dog is suffering with any pre-existing health conditions, it pays to consider titre testing. No animal should be vaccinated with a compromised immune system.
A global infection of both humans and animals, leptospirosis is on the tip of most owners and dog professional’s tongue. Caused by the pathogen icleptospira spp. it is a major zoonosis, with infection acquired from wild and domestic animals. Canine leptospirosis presents very similarly to the syndromes presented in other species with hepatic, renal and pulmonary ramifications. In short, it’s pretty rough, but vaccine induced immunity is restricted to serologically related serovars and is generally very short-lived; therefore, needing annual revaccination. If there are more than 230 serovars belonging to at least ten pathogenic species, does the vaccine even pose benefits? Or do the risks outweigh them? We are going to look at the science and explore both sides to this story. Fancy coming along for the journey? Leptospirosis is characterised by fever, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhoea, renal failure, haemorrhages and ultimately death. However, for those who recover, they may become asymptomatic renal carriers for extended periods and shed infectious leptospires into the environment. This is a large source of infection, as rats can be carriers but do not show signs of infection. Whilst treated dogs can shed leptospires, so can vaccinated dogs. This raises the first red flag; is this potentially increasing exposure? Most signs of leptospirosis become apparent in the first week after infection; younger dogs, less than 1 year of age tend to get the most severe forms of leptospirosis and 87-100% of infected dogs will have some degree of renal implication. There do appear to be different clinical parameters of the infection: Peracute Disease: super-sudden onset which usually affects younger dogs with an overwhelming exposure. The large amount of toxin causes rapid death before the kidney or liver disease even occurs. Acute Disease and Subacute Disease: this is the classic form which manifests as fever with bruising and bleeding, general muscle pain and painful abdomen from kidney and/or liver disease. There may be jaundice and inflammation in the eyes. Chronic Disease: recurring fevers, chronic hepatitis, chronic kidney disease, uveitis, poor appetite and weight loss. However, leptospira interrogans sensu lato is sensitive to doxycycline which is a readily available antibiotic. Leptospires are cleared from the blood within 24 hours of starting antibiotics. But it does take around 7 days to clear from the urine. Prognosis, depending on organ damage is 80-90% with appropriate treatment. There are, however, other serovars, like the pomona which is associated with more severe disease and in severe kidney cases, dialysis can be required which is often limited. So, whilst treatment is largely effective, if started soon enough, there was clearly enough concern to develop a vaccine. Vaccination against leptospira interrogans sensu lato is available for the seravars canicola, grippotyphosa, pomona and icterohaemorragiae. Some vaccines coverall four serovars, whereas some cover two of the four. This is where you will recognise the common lepto two or four vaccine. Vaccination against canicola and icterohaemorragiae has been traditional for dogs and vaccination overall, has been seen to reduce the severity of the disease, but will not prevent infected dogs from being carriers. Note, it supposedly reduces severity, it doesn’t necessarily prevent occurrence. The leptospirosis vaccine was soon associated with a higher chance of vaccine reactions. This is a result of human research into leptospirosis. In the U.K. in 2014 , over 2000 reports of Novibac L4 adverse reactions have been reported to the VMD (Veterinary Medicine Directive) and around 120 suspected deaths related to vaccinosis. In addition to this, data suggested that the severity of the disease was associated with the intensity of the immune response. In short, the more intense and early the response, the more severe the disease. Findings here If our immune system, and our dog’s, is primed to take out antigens and protect, why does a more intense response seem to make things worse? An intense immune response induces a high level of inflammatory cytokines which can result in severe tissue lesions. Immunity is like the porridge in Goldilocks. It can sometimes be too cold (lacking) and sometimes too hot (overzealous). Ideally, we want it, just right. There are many things that affect immune responses, in the case of lepto, a more intense response was associated with previous infection. Fever was induced by virulent injection in previously immunised rabbits whereas non-immunised rabbits exhibited no fever after injection. So, in this case, the immunised rabbits fared poorer than non-immunised rabbits. See where we might be going with this? So we are vaccinating to potentially reduce, not prevent the severity of infection but here it appears those rabbits immunised, had a more severe reaction to exposure. But, stress, nutrition and the environment can all affect immune responses too. So too, can genes. This can help explain why some animals are more, or less susceptible to pathogens (or vaccines) than others. And explain the age-old statement, but my dog was fine! It therefore raises no eyebrows when reports appear of clinical leptospirosis in numerous dogs when they had previously been vaccinated. You’ll remember this from earlier, when it was deemed to reduce severity, not necessary prevent occurrence. This was however, associated with vaccine type. In short, the dogs were vaccinated against only two of the many pathogenic serovars. So, in walked Lepto 4. But these new vaccines were associated with further increases in vaccine reactions, not limited to local swelling or hypersensitivity, but including cardiac abnormalities. Specifically, heart murmurs appearing between first and second vaccination. Findings here What is particularly interesting in studies exploring the use of lepto 4 vaccines, is that dogs demonstrated antibodies to serovars not vaccinated against. Researchers have therefore concluded that natural exposure (not vaccine exposure) to serovars provide positive titre results. Not only that, but in cases of vaccinations up to 1745 days previously, some dogs still demonstrated antibodies. This raises a question around the need for such frequent booster vaccinations. The take home from this particular study was “seroconversion following vaccination differed considerably among individual dogs.” Yet they still concluded that, “in the light of the high incidence and
Cats are obligate carnivores. What this essentially means is that cats rely on nutrients in animal tissues to meet their specific requirements. Not plants…. but animal tissues. So, let’s explore the world of the cat in a little more detail and see how we can support their nutritional needs to not only survive, but thrive. Evolutionary events have led to a unique digestive and metabolic peculiarity. Whilst in many other species, we have the three macronutrients, fat, protein and carbohydrates, cats seem to have no physiological requirements for carbohydrates. Now where this becomes interesting is that the brain and red blood cells have an absolute need for glucose, and we know that carbs equal glucose, so where do cats get glucose from? Surely without carbohydrates they would be forever hypoglycaemic? Well, through a process of gluconeogenesis, they produce glucose. Us humans, and dogs too can perform this process, but cats have it down to a fine art. Gluconeogenesis is the metabolic process by which glucose is produced from non-carbohydrate precursors, like lactate and amino acids (and we know that amino acids are the building blocks of protein). All amino acids, except leucine and lysine are gluconeogenic and alanine is the major gluconeogenic amino acid. The process mainly occurs in the liver, but some processes are carried out in the kidneys and a small portion is carried out in the intestines. It is thought that cats evolved with the process because of their proportionally large brain. As we have mentioned, the brain has an absolute need for glucose, and it is thought that the brain demand for glucose in cats is around 30% whereas for us humans who have a much larger brain is 44%. Cats wouldn’t have been able to consume high enough levels of carbohydrates from their natural prey diet, so their body had to adapt to survive. This evolution has resulted in a small capacity for starch digestion, having limited salivary amylase which is similar to dogs. Amylase is found in the feline pancreas and chyme, but the activity is incredibly low compared to other animals. Their pancreatic maltase activity is also extremely low. Cats seem to know this and when given the opportunity will choose low carbohydrate but high protein diets in order to balance their own macronutrients. They also don’t appear to have developed a sweet tooth. In evolutionary terms, us humans would have stocked up on sweet-tasting foods, but cats didn’t need to. To that end, they don’t show any preference for natural sugars or artificial sweeteners. In the absence of protein, cats will opt for fat. When fat and protein is limited, but carbohydrate is unlimited, cats appear to experience nutritional deficits. This is largely due to their requirement for taurine. Taurine is present in a range of meats and seafoods but is essentially absent from plant material. This is another reason why cats are deemed obligate carnivores. Dietary deficiency of taurine is linked with a range of important conditions. Retinal Degeneration More commonly known as retinal atrophy, it is the complete or partial wasting of the retina. The cells degenerate over time, eventually leading to blindness in the cat. First signs include the eye being more reflective and the pupils are more dilated than normal. Lesions are usually bilaterally symmetrical. A dietary deficiency must be present for several months before changes appear but lesions are progressive whilst the cat is on a deficient diet, although visual defects don’t tend to appear until the late stages of degeneration. Reproduction Taurine deficiency is well known for having marked effects on reproductive performance and on the growth and survival of the young. Cerebellar dysfunction often occurs in kittens of taurine deficient mothers. Dilated Cardiomyopathy Taurine deficiency can lead to weakening of the muscle cells in the heart, causing a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Taurine is essential in membrane stabilisation. Many cases of feline dilated cardiomyopathy are associated with low plasma taurine levels and when administered with taurine, they show an improvement. Sadly, when left untreated for too long, dilated cardiomyopathy will progress to heart failure and death. The importance of taurine in commercial cat food was noted in the late 1980’s; following reformulation of cat foods, cases of taurine related dilated cardiomyopathy decreased from 28% to just 6%. Findings here Including taurine, eleven amino acids are recognised as essential for the cat, but some have a higher utilisation than others. Taurine is necessary for vision and the function of the cardiac muscle, nervous system, immune system, and reproductive systems. Arginine is used in the urea cycle and methionine and cysteine are incorporated into antioxidants, hair and urinary outputs but are primarily gluconeogenic amino acids, catabolised to provide energy. With their incredible utilisation of amino acids, cats present what is known as a carnivore connection. This is a bundle of carbohydrate-sensitive conditions, first noted in humans who were late to join the carbohydrate-eating party (Paleo-Indians, Australian Aborigines for example). In short, there is a higher incidence of conditions like glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and diabetes. However, other data has suggested that carbohydrate content is of little effect, and these conditions are instead associated with overweight or obese cats. 44% of cats in the UK are deemed as overweight or obese by veterinary professionals. Whereas when surveyed, only 8% of owners think their cat needs to lose any weight. Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. This is a result of excess calories that the body cannot use; these calories can be from any of the macronutrients. It is often considered that a major factor driving obesity is the practice of free-feeding, in which a bowl of dry food is available for consumption by a cat throughout the day, and simply topped up as it runs out. There is also recent research that suggests feeding cats just once a day may control hunger better than several feeds a day. Findings here This study demonstrated that the cats showed a faster
Anxiety…the word that gets 337,000,000 hits on google. Many of us and our dogs would say, around that many things make us anxious in any one day, but anxiety for the dog can sadly be very life-limiting. Common signs include panting in the absence of exercise, pacing, salivating in the absence of food, inappropriate vocalisation, hyper-arousal, or lethargy and repetitive or compulsive behaviour. Not only that, but there are recognised cases of separation anxiety in the dog where they will dig at exit points, toilet inappropriately and the above behaviours become worse when separated from their guardian. Causes of anxiety are vast, what some dogs will find exciting, others will find stressful. This is where a better understanding of anxiety lies. In humans, anxiety is defined as a fear or worry, whereas stress is a response to a threat or situation. In the dog, if we consider separation anxiety, whilst dogs may respond to the trigger of you picking your keys up, or getting your coat, they exhibit a stress-response. Seeing as bonfire night is upon us, we thought we would talk about how to support and modulate this stress response. Stress is a response in the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system primes for flight or flight. The parasympathetic nervous system then comes along to balance it all out, and primes to rest and digest. Whilst this is a very generic overview of the stress-response, there are many processes that are going on, on the inside. To this end, certain nutrients can support and modulate stress responses and help to maintain a balanced system. Magnesium Often noted as the ultimate chill pill, magnesium is an essential nutrient that many are deficient in. Its low levels are regularly established incases of depression in humans, so it is clear it plays a role in mood modulation and the stress response. Findings here Magnesium affects a number of neurotransmitter systems. Firstly, it inhibits excitatory neurotransmitters. Excessive excitation can lead to the death of brain cells, which affects the overall structure and functioning of the brain. Magnesium also acts as a cofactor in the serotoninergic system. As we know serotonin is the happy chemical, and low levels of magnesium are regularly linked to low serotonin levels. Not only that, but magnesium excretion is increased during times of stress. Catecholamines and corticosteroids enhance the shift of magnesium from inside the cell to outside of the cell leading to increased urinary excretion. In turn, low magnesium levels increase the release of stress-associated hormones. This unfortunately creates a cycle of a reduced resistance to stress. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts and seeds. The ones packing the highest punch are spinach and pumpkin seeds. Magnesium is also necessary for calcium absorption, so balancing these levels is key. High levels of calcium increase the need for magnesium. High dosages of vitamin D can also induce magnesium depletion. As an aside, magnesium competes with fluoride in the body and will decrease absorption, minimising the impact of fluoride in the body. Knowing that magnesium is a key player in many of the systems necessary for balanced mood and can be depleted further in times of stress, it pays to add magnesium rich foods to your dog’s diet. L-Theanine An amino acid found in tea leaves; its relaxing effects have been noted in humans for a while now. This is appearing to be true for our canine companions too. In mammals, L-Theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier within an hour after administration. It appears to remain in the plasma and brain for several hours after. L-Theanine isseen to facilitate the generation of alpha waves which are indicative of a relaxed but awake and alert state. L-Theanine helps regulate the usual stress responses like increased blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol secretion. In dogs, L-Theanine treatment has been seen to reduce anxiety scores during storms in fear of humans. Findings here There is also evidence for L-Theanine improving cognitive function and performance in test situations. Findings here It is thought that because of its similarity to glutamate, it can interact with the same receptors, therefore playing a role in neuroprotection against glutamate toxicity. There are also reports of increased GABA activity in the brain following L-theanine administration and we know that GABA is the brakes of the brain. Findings here Green tea contains the highest L-theanine content, and in moderation is perfectly safe to offer to your dog. Alternatively, there are a number of L-theanine supplements available. Findings here Vitamin D Every tissue in the body has vitamin D receptors, but it is the ones in the brain we are most interested in. Vitamin D activates genes that regulate the immune system and release neurotransmitters. In humans, vitamin D receptors are found in the same brain regions that are linked with depression, so we know it has an impact on mood; seasonal affective disorder ties in with this. It is thought that vitamin D plays a role in calcium balance in neurons, which helps to balance excitatory and inhibitory pathways in the brain. Not only that but vitamin D is linked to the regulation of nerve growth factor which is essential in neuronal survival. Offspring of vitamin D deficient mothers often experience learning and memory problems with altered grooming behaviours, and we know that grooming in most mammals is calming and comforting. Findings here The long and the short of it, vitamin D deficiency is regularly noted in cases of anxiety. Findings here Dog’s don’t have the same ability to synthesis vitamin D from the sun as we do, so they rely solely on dietary sources. Sources of vitamin D include oily fish, red meat, liver, and eggs. There are several health issues that affect absorption of vitamin D, like IBD and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency along with having a low-fat diet. Supplementation is an option but being fat soluble be mindful of levels. Magnesium assists in the activation of Vitamin D, so ensure adequate levels of Mg before you
Whilst carbs are generally demonised in human and pet health, if you want to reap the rewards of fibre, you’ll have to play fair with carbohydrates. So, let’s look at carbs for what they really are. A carbohydrate is a molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which is why you may often see them noted CHO. Their primary function is to provide energy. Carbohydrates are made up of three components, fibre, starch, and sugar. Sugar is a simple carb. Having fewer molecules to digest and breakdown, it sends an immediate burst of glucose into the blood stream. This is the one that tends to cause a ruckus. Fibre and starch, however, are complex carbs, having longer chains of molecules. Starch takes longer to digest, having a more gradual effect on the body and fibre is a non-digestible complex carbohydrate. So, whilst fibre possibly doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and carbohydrates are routinely demonised, the heath benefits are often overlooked. Fibre, you may be surprised to learn, can be a key player in maintaining absolute gut health and supporting anxious behaviours. 1) Fibre to support your dog’s gut barrier If fibre and resistant starch can’t be digested, what happens to it? It gets fermented by the bacteria living in the gut. This produces short-chain-fatty acids, also known as SCFAs. The most common SCFAs produced are acetate, butyrate and propionate and they all have unique roles. They provide fuel for intestinal epithelial cells, which strengthen the gut barrier and butyrate is known for its role keeping the junctions of the barrier nice and tight. Not only that but SCFAs are able to stimulate mucus production, which is vital for creating a barrier between the external environment and the underlying gut epithelial layer. Mucin production plays an important role in protection from harmful pathogens and immunity. Findings here 2) Fibre to support your dog’s well-bein As you have seen, non-digestible fibre gets fermented into SCFAs in the gut. SCFAs also exert effects on the brain. Not only have all examples of SCFAs been found in the brain, suggesting they can cross the blood-brain-barrier, they appear to modulate neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by the body’s nervous system. Acetate has been shown to affect levels of glutamate and GABA. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in virtually every major excitatory brain function. GABA is the brakes; it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA facilitates sleep and reduces both mental and physical stress, creating a calm mood for your dog. In the same strand, it seems all SCFAs can affect levels of tryptophan which is the enzyme involved in the synthesis of serotonin and we all know that serotonin is the happy chemical! Generally, the inclusion of dietary fibre has been deemed a highly appealing approach, which is simple and relatively low risk if you are looking to help support your dog’s mental well-being. Findings here 3) Fibre as a prebiotic for your dog Here is another word you may have come across, but along with probiotics and synbiotics, not really understood which one is which, or whether either even does anything! Well, prebiotics were first defined as “non digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or limited number of bacteria in the colon, thus improving host health.” So, possibly without even knowing, if you included non-digestible fibre in your dog’s diet, you were likely including prebiotics already. All prebiotics are fibre. But not all fibre is prebiotic. Prebiotic substances have demonstrated the ability to manipulate the gastrointestinal ecosystem of the dog, improving the composition of their microbiota and overall improving immune system function in dogs. Short-chain-fructooligosaccharides and oligofructose seem to modulate the intestinal microbiota and aid absorption of certain minerals, whereas mannooligosaccharide exhibits a positive effect on immune system function. Yet is it noted that supplement studies are carried out on healthy dogs; little evidence exists considering the role in canine disease. That said, there are a range of foods that contain naturally occurring prebiotics including dandelion greens, berries, bananas, flaxseed, apples, carrots, asparagus and of course mushrooms! 4) Fibre for your dog’s heart Cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory disease and diet is often considered the cornerstone for CVD treatment. Many studies have demonstrated that high amounts of dietary fibre can significantly reduce the risk of CVD. It is thought that fibre reduces cholesterol and fatty acid absorption and reduces glucose absorption along with decreasing insulin secretion. SCFAs, which are fermented from dietary fibre, also have anti-inflammatory properties and inflammation is central to complications associated with CVD. Findings here 5) Fibre for your dog’s overall health Dietary fibre adds bulk to the stool, which can alleviate cases of constipation. Not only that, but healthy bowel movements are essential to anal gland health in the dog. On its journey, dietary fibre attracts water and turns it to gel during digestion, this not only slows the absorption of glucose but can trap potentially harmful substances. In the same strand, it can speed the transit of food through the digestive system which facilitates regular bowel movements. Findings here Commonly Used Fibre Although fibre is generally an umbrella term, there are fibres within fibres. Cellulose consists of glucose units bound by linkages that can only be broken down by microbial enzymes, those found in the colon. Cellulose is an effective stool bulking agent. Pectins are found in the skins of fruits, being water soluble and rapidly fermentable. Gums are viscous and sticky polysaccharides found in the seeds of plants; they tend to have a variable fermentation rate. Psyllium husk is a form of soluble fibre, it contains mucilage which swells when in contact with fluid, forming a gel. Psyllium can help to improve faecal consistency. Fructo-oligosaccharides are polymers than contain up to nine sugars. FOS enters the colon intact and then is fermented by bifidobacterial and lactobacillus. FOS is fermented into SCFAs. This fermentation also reduces intestinal pH which can inhibit the growth
Whilst dogs do demonstrate emotions, and you’ve probably seen images doing the rounds on the internet, dogs don’t cry. They have tear ducts like us humans, but when we are balling at the dog dying in, I am Legend, our dog is probably still dreaming of squirrels, KO’d in front of the fire. Not only do our tear ducts allow us to cry, but they form part of a larger system which has a nifty function. This function applies to our dogs too. The Tear System The tear system in the eye keeps it wet enough to be comfortable; you may have come across certain breeds of dog with a condition known as dry eye. This is exactly what it says on the tin, the eye is simply too dry. Tears contribute to eye defences as they contain antimicrobial factors and wash away foreign bodies and dirt. Not only that, but because the cornea has no blood vessels, tears also provide a way of brining nutrients to its cells. The tear system has glands that make the tear fluid, openings that let the tears out and ducts inside of the nose that lets the tears drain through. After washing over the corneal surface, tears flow into the nasolacrimal system, draining into the nasal or oral cavity. The nasolacrimal duct begins with two small openings in the eyelids near the nose, one on the upper eyelid and one on the lower eyelid. Tears are composed of water, electrolytes,proteins, lipids, and mucins; between 60 and 500 different proteins have been identified in tear film. They are seen to have three layers. The mucous layer contains mucins, immunoglobulins, salts, urea, enzymes, glucose, and leukocytes. Mucins form a barrier which protect against pathogens and debris. The gel-like barrier also facilitates the movement of particles, preventing shearing damage. The aqueous layer consists of water, electrolytes, proteins, anti-microbial agents, cytokines, vitamins, immunoglobins, peptide growth factors and hormones. It lubricates, washes away foreign bodies, and nourishes the cornea with oxygen and proteins. Growth factors, vitamins and electrolytes are key to epithelial (cells that line the surface) integrity. The lipid layer, the outermost layer, contains a range of lipids. It reduces evaporation from the underlying aqueous layer and limits contamination from dust and bacteria. Tears are crucial to eye health. Tear secretion is complex. It responds to the conditions faced by the eye, but also influenced by a range of hormones and cytokine balance. Cytokine is derived from two Greek words, cyto meaning cell and kinos meaning movement. Cytokines are cell signalling molecules that aid communication in immune responses. They stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection, and trauma. Cytokines are agents that modulate or alter the immune system response. Cytokines are classified into: – Lymphokines which are cytokines secreted by T cells and regulate the immune response – Pro-inflammatory cytokines which amplify and perpetuate the inflammatory process – Growth factors which promote cell survival and result in structural changes – Chemokines which stimulate migration of cells – And anti-inflammatory cytokines which negatively modulate the inflammatory response It makes absolute sense that when faced with an ocular threat, cytokine levels increase, presenting as the usual immune response, water and itchiness which is common with seasonal allergies or intolerances. But what is also interesting is that that the rest of the body can also influence tear production. Inflammation is an immunological defence against injury, infection, and allergy. Acute inflammatory response is short lived, levels are altered, the body is primed, the body fights, wins and returns to homeostasis. When there is a prolonged persistence of an antigen, chronic inflammation occurs and can have body wide ramifications. The most considered is how chronic inflammatory diseases of the gut can cause various health issues; inflammatory bowel disease for example is caused by cytokine-driven inflammation of the gut. This leads us to why, no matter what you apply to your white dog’s face, you can’t get rid of those stains. Tear Staining Epiphora as it is technically known is a condition which causes the abnormal overflow of tears. It results in reddish staining around the eyes. The physical shape of your dog can contribute to the development of it; their head shape and where their eyes sit. Some breeds of dogs can over-produce tears due to a turning in of the eyelashes or eyelid. Turning out of the eyelid is also known in Great Danes, Bloodhounds and Spaniels. There may also be congenital abnormalities resulting in too large an opening of the eyelids, common in brachycephalic breeds. Blockage of the nasolacrimal system can also result in the overflow of tears. This can be hereditary but can also be caused by inflammation of infection and in some cases tumour. There is also the risk of a foreign body lodged within the duct. However, inflammation, resulting in the overflow of tears can be infectious or immune-mediated. Supporting your dog’s immune system could be the missing piece of the puzzle when tackling tear staining. Immune Response and Inflammation There are many things that can kick start an inflammatory response in your dog: Untreated acute inflammation such as infection or injury Long term exposure to irritants (chemicals, polluted air etc) Chronic stress Over-nutrition and obesity (increased metabolic processes) Malnutrition But there are changes that can be made. Nutrition and Inflammation Dietary patterns high in refined starches, sugar and saturated and trans fatty acids have been linked to the activation of the innate immune system, resulting in an excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The consensus is that a less processed diet is associated with reduced markers of inflammation. However, calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids are thought to protect against inflammation. Findings here Add foods like green leafy vegetables and fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel to your dog’s diet. Beef liver is a great source of Vitamin D too! Antioxidants too help counter oxidative stress which is a key player in inflammation. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant found in microalgae. It
