Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see a lot of worried puppy parents, struggling with pyoderma. Skin conditions are a very common topic at MPN HQ, so let’s take a dive into pyoderma, what it is, what causes it, and how to support the body with it. What is Pyoderma? The word pyoderma, literally translates to ‘pus in the skin’ (‘pyo’ = pus, ‘derma’ = skin). The condition presents as acne-like spots on the skin, often in the chin area, and around the lips. Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection, the most common bacteria affecting it being Staphyloccocus intermedius. When there is too much of a specific bacteria present on the skin, the risk of pyoderma is significant. Pyoderma can happen at any age, but is particularly common in puppies – known as puppy pyoderma. Pyoderma can spread between humans and dogs, so it’s important to clean your hands thoroughly when you touch the affected areas on your dog. Findings Here Findings Here Causes of Pyoderma A common contributing factor of pyoderma is environment. Dogs living in warm, humid environments may be at a higher risk than those living in cool, dry environments. Humidity and warmth are essential for bacterial growth. Items in the environment can also contribute to the onset of pyoderma; the biggest culprit being dog bowls! Plastic bowls are particularly good bacterial breeding grounds because they scratch very easily (even if you cant see the scratches to the naked eye), which leaves crevices which are difficult to fully clean, allowing for bacterial growth. When the dog touches the bowl, the bacteria rubs onto the skin, causing pyoderma. An unhealthy gut is also a huge contributing factor to the overcolonisation of bacteria, which can cause pyoderma. 70-80% of the immune system lays in the gut. When the gut is damaged, through the use of chemicals, pest control pharmaceuticals, poor diet or ingredients, or any other cause of gut damage, this can have a severe effect on the body’s ability to get rid of the over-colonised bad bacteria. This leaves the dog more vulnerable to pyoderma. Secondary infection is also one of the major causes of pyoderma. It can be a secondary infection arising from a poor skin barrier, poor gut flora, intolerences to food, and contact allergies from the environment. As well as these common health complaints, there is also a genetic mutation called the Fillagrin mutation – this is much like eczema in humans. Findings Here Breed predisposition may also be a factor in the onset of pyoderma, however more research in this field is needed. Breeds thought to be at higher risk of pyoderma include: Spaniels (ususally lip fold pyoderma) Pekingese Pugs Boxers Bulldogs Shar Pei Read more about genes and skin health here! Finally, stress could contirbute to a dog getting pyoderma. Just like in us humans, stress-spots are very much possible. This is down to the skin having developed it’s own HPA axis. When the body is under stress, the adrenal glands release, and flood the body with stress hormones. This sudden burst of hormones can cause pyoderma to form on the skin. Read more about the skin’s HPA axis here! How to Prevent Pyoderma Prevention of pyoderma is something that may be overlooked by many pet owners, but it can happen to any dog at any age, so it’s something to be mindful of. Using the Right Bowls In order to reduce the risk of bacteria against the skin on the face, and around the mouth, we need to be mindful of the bowls being used for food and water. Glass (modern Pyrex is great, but avoid vintage Pyrex due to the potential for lead contamination!) bowls are a fantastic option, but beware if your dog is likely to pick it up and drop it. Stainless steel bowls are also a good option. Avoid plastic bowls, and be cautious using ceramic bowls, due to the ease of cracking of the glaze, which could then harbor bacteria. Keeping the Gut Healthy As previously mentioned, 70-80% of the immune system lays in the gut, so keeping the gut healthy is incredibly important. There are many avenues to keeping the gut healthy. Feed a fresh diet where possible – dry food is very drying on the gut, and often contains ingredients that can contribute to Leaky Gut. Fresh food, whether it’s raw or cooked using one of our recipes balanced to FEDIAF, is high in moisture, so is better for the gut. Avoid using worm and flea pharmaceuticals – these act a lot like paint stripper on the gut, and contain damaging ingredients, not to mention the risk of seizures, ataxia, and other nasty side effects. Don’t over-vaccinate! The adjuvants used in vaccinations can be detrimental to gut health due to the content of heavy metals. Use a probiotic, and if needed, a mucilage herb. Our product Gut Gurdian is a great choice, combining three mucilage herbs, calming chamomile, and some good quality soil based probiotics. Keeping the Skin Clean Keeping skin clean and dry is very important – focusing on the chin and mouth area, wrinkles/folds in certain breeds, and armpits and groin areas. You may wish to use a hypochlorous based product, of topical probiotic product to clean with, such as Leucillin or Dew (Hypochlorous based), or Provilan LUCAA+ probiotic products. Ensure areas are thoroughly dried. Keep On Top of Allergies Allergy symptoms usually include itching – constant itching of an area will irritate the skin, and leave it open to bacterial infections, especially in the hair follicles. It’s important to work on finding your dog’s triggers, and eliminating them. Keep the Environment Clean Try to keep the dog’s living environment clean! A clean environment, means less risk of bacteria. Less bacteria in the environment, reduces the risk of transmission to a host. How to Support the Body If your dog has pyoderma already, there are some things you can do to support the body through recovery. Let’s take a look at some
At My Pet Nutritionist we are all about feeding your dogs the freshest, most natural diets, whether that’s raw feeding, or cooked food; this article explains how to balance a raw diet properly. We will also discuss the nutrients which are commonly lacking in a raw diet. Feed a Variety of Proteins Feeding a variety of proteins (meats) is a huge part of balancing your dog’s raw diet. Of course, if your dog is suffering with allergies, and is either on an elimination diet, or limited to a few proteins, this is fine as it’s the best you can do! If your dog is not known to suffer with itchiness or allergies, then feeding as many proteins as possible in your dog’s rotation, is very beneficial. This can be over the course of a week to a month. Different proteins offer different nutrient profiles, which means feeding a variety gives a broader intake of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals. Let’s take a look at what some of the popular options provide! Chicken: provides high amounts of Vitamin B3 and B12, Selenium, Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Biotin. Turkey: rich in Vitamin B6 and B12, Choline, Selenium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. Beef: great source of Iron, Vitamins B2, B3,B6 and B12, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, and Zinc. Lamb: Source of Iron, Vitamins B3 and B12, Selenium, and Phosphorus. Duck: Great source of Iron, Selenium and Vitamins B3, B12 and C. Pork: High in various B Vitamins, Zinc, Iron and Phosphorus. Venison: provides Zinc, Phosphorus, Iron, Selenium, a variety of B Vitamins, as well as a small amount of Vitamin E. Rabbit: high in Sodium, Calcium, Phosphorus, and Magnesium. Goat: source of Calcium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Magnesium. Salmon: high in Vitamins A, B6, B12 and D, Iodine, Copper, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium. There are other options also available, including a variety of other fish products. We will touch on some fish products in the next section! Add in Some Omegas Omegas are essential fatty acids – omega 3 and 6 are the important ones! Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory, whereas omega 6 is inflammatory. Our pets’ meat based diets are naturally high in omega 6, so its important to get plenty of omega 3 into the diet! Cell membranes are partly formed by omegas, and heart and brain health are largely down to omega content in the diet, as well as puppy development, joint and skin health, and weight management. Let’s discuss the different types of omega! Here’s where the words get long… thankfully we abbreviate them! Omega-3 Fatty Acids CANNOT be produced by the body as they are polyunsaturated. There are three Omega-3 fats: Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA): found in fatty fish and fish oils, as well as many algal oils. Helps reduce inflammation. Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA): found in flaxseed oil and chia seeds. For a non-plant based form, oysters can be added in. Aids heart and immune health. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA): found in fatty fish , fish oils and algae oils, and eggs. Aids brain health and development. Omega-3 is ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. Omega-6 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated and also include three different acids – the body can only produce 2 of these. Linolenic Acid (LA): found in sunflower oil and corn. Cannot be produced by the body. Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA): found in Hempseed oil, borage oil, and Evening Primrose oil. This is the only Omega-6 which is not inflammatory – its great for control of hormones. Arachidonic Acid (ARA): found in meat and poultry, particularly farmed. Omega-6 is INFLAMMATORY (apart from GLA). Sources of omega 3 include: Fatty fish: raw sprats, sardines, salmon, mackerel, herring and trout, tinned sardines or mackerel. Fish oils: Krill Oil, sardine oil, mackerel oil, herring oil. Raw eggs: (EPA and DHA) Green Lipped Mussels and Oil (EPA and DHA) Phytoplankton (EPA and DHA) Algae Oil (DHA HEAVY with a little EPA) Flaxseed Oil (ALA – also contains LA, and conversion to EPA is poor, so perhaps not the best choice) It’s very important to ensure there’s plenty of omega in the diet! Findings Here Findings Here Add in Some Plant Matter Adding some plant matter to your dog’s diet brings great benefits! Not only does plant matter provide fibre (which helps gut motility), polyphenols, phytonutrients and antioxidants are also introduced into the diet. Polyphenols help regulate metabolism, help maintain a healthy weight, help regulate and reduce the risk of chronic disease, and also aids the replication of cells within the body. Keeping the body free from chronic disease, at a healthy weight, and with a good metabolic rate may aid longevity! Findings Here Phytonutrients are essential for immune system modulation which helps keep various diseases at bay. Phytonutrients are thought to help prevent chronic disease such as cancer and diabetes, as well as supporting joints, digestive health, circadian rhythms (sleep patterns), and brain development. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Antioxidants also aid longevity by destroying free radicals in the body. Free radicals form during oxidisation, and are unstable atoms which damage cells in the body and lead to ageing. Destroying the free radicals slows the process of ageing due to lack of damage to the cells in the body. Findings Here Fruits and Vegetables are also full of vitamins and minerals so can really boost an 80:10:10 meal! Some examples of suitable plant matter include: Kale Spring greens Asparagus Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Cauliflower Courgette Green beans Strawberries Mango Pear Apple Up to 10% of the weight of the portion of raw meat can be added! It’s a good idea to lightly steam and/or blend vegetables before feeding, to make them more bioavailable, by breaking down the cellulose cell wall. What is often Lacking from the Raw Diet? When feeding a raw diet, while it’s the best, most natural diet available (though not all tolerate it – that’s what we’re here for!), there are 6 nutrients which are often lacking in most raw diets. Try to include a variety of these sources! Zinc (essential for cell growth, DNA
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often help pet owners battle with oxalate crystals/stones in their pets. A diagnosis of any urinary stone can seem daunting, but that’s where we can step in to help! This is a handy guide to the ins-and-outs of Calcium Oxalate stones! What are Oxalate Stones? Oxalate stones, formally known as Calcium Oxalate stones, are formed of microscopic crystals of calcium oxalate. They’re the second most common type of urinary stone found in dogs, second to Struvite stones. If left untreated, oxalate crystals are one of the leading causes of kidneys stones. Males tend to get diagnosed with oxalate stones more often than females, and they’re more common in older dogs than they are in younger dogs. Some breeds are predisposed to Oxalate Stones. These include: Miniature schnauzer Yorkshire terrier Lhasa apso Bichon frise Shih Tzu Miniature poodle Chihuahua Jack Russel Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Oxalate Stones There are a number of symptoms caused by oxalate stones, including: Difficulty urinating Bloody or cloudy urine Smelly urine Frequent urination Distended abdomen Lack of appetite Changes in behaviour Lethargy Vomiting If your dog has such symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary assistance. How Do They Form? Studies show that feeding a diet that causes high levels of urine acidity can contribute to the formation of oxalate stones. Research suggests that urine high in calcium, citrates and oxalates (these changes to urine are largely controlled by diet) can increase the risk of the dog having oxalate stones. Breed, and sex predisposition are huge factors in the formation of oxalate stones, alongside the aforementioned dietary factors. Findings Here Findings Here Diagnosis, and Getting Rid of Oxalate Stones When taken to the vet, the dog will have a blood sample taken, and a full blood panel will be run. A urinalysis will also be performed to check for increased levels of acidity, calcium, citrates and oxalates. If bladder stones are not able to be felt through palpation of the bladder, an x-ray may be performed to work out exactly what we are dealing with. Unfortunately, oxalate stones usually require surgical intervention, as they cannot be dissolved once formed. Like with Cysteine stones, smaller crystals may be able to be flushed out using urohydropropulsion, however as these crystals, untreated, can grow rapidly and cause urine infections, most veterinary surgeons would prefer to operate and remove all crystals as a first port of call. Findings Here Supporting the Body, and Preventing Oxalate Stones There are many ways we can support the body to prevent recurring formation of oxalate stones. Let’s discuss these! Probiotics Studies show that probiotics are effective at breaking down oxalates in the digestive system, so it’s wise to give a good, broad spectrum probiotic every day. Avoid high calcium, acidic, and high oxalate foods It’s incredibly important to keep the pH of the urine as alkaline as possible. There are certain foods we recommend to avoid feeding your dog if they have history of oxalate stone development. These include: Spinach (high in oxalates) Leafy Greens (the darker they are, the more oxalates they contain) Beets (high in oxalates) Citrus fruits (high in citrates and oxalates) Legumes (high in lectin, and oxalates) Beans (high in lectin and oxalates) Nuts and seeds (high in oxalates) Berries (high in oxalates) Increase moisture intake Always insure your dog is drinking plenty of water! A high moisture diet is also incredibly important, be it raw, or freshly cooked. You can also ‘float’ the food, by adding extra water to it. Check out our low oxalate recipe here! Limit sodium intake Another reason to avoid dry foods, is that they’re often high in salt. Salt is very dehydrating on the body, so it’s important to limit sodium intake. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Has your dog been diagnosed with Oxalate, of any other type of urinary tones? If the answer is YES, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with one of our team! Team MPN x
This year, tick infestations seem to be particularly bad. At My Pet Nutritionist, we have had many worried pet owners coming to us, regarding tick prevention, worrying about potential diseases the ticks their dogs are picking up may carry. This guide explains what ticks are, how to identify them, how the severity of tick bites differs depending on your location in the world, what diseases ticks can carry, and how to help prevent tick bites. We will also discuss the dangers of conventional tick treatments, and explain how to safely remove any engorged ticks. (Did anyone get the ode to Fantastic Beasts, and Where to Find Them?! Ticks are definitely not ‘fantastic’ beasts, however!) How to Identify a Tick Ticks are often mistaken for skin tags… or those latched on the stomach area, often mistaken for nipples! Ticks have very small heads, and large, shiny, rounded bodies. They have 8 legs, which protrude from around the head area. Ticks can be a variety of colours, from peachy-nude, to red, to dark brown, grey and black. They can be seen crawling across your pet’s fur, or engorged, in which case, only the large rounded body will be visible, with the legs also visible right next to the skin. We will talk about tick removal later in this article. Ticks in the UK In the UK, our tick population doesn’t tend to carry diseases which are deadly to healthy dogs, unlike other countries which have ticks carrying more severe diseases. We have around 20 species of tick in the UK. The most common species of tick in the UK are Castor Bean ticks (Ixodes Ricinus), Hedgehog ticks (Ixodes hexagonus), and Dog ticks (Ixodes canisuga), though deer ticks are sometimes picked up. Ticks in the Rest of the World Ticks in countries outside of the UK can be much more dangerous than those in the UK, to both humans and dogs. Paralysis ticks are an example – once engorged, Australian Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) and the European Red Sheep tick (Haemaphysalis punctata) release a neurotoxin which causes paralysis in the host. Another of the more dangerous ticks is the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma Americanum) which can transmit ehrlichiosis in dogs, which can cause internal bleeding, and death. In humans, the Lone Star tick can cause Alpha-gal syndrome, which is a severe allergy to red meat, and products made from mammals. But What About Lyme Disease? Often carried by Deer Ticks, Lyme disease is the most common potential disease transmitted from ticks. In humans, Lyme Disease is a very debilitating condition, and has a huge affect on one’s quality of life. Humans affected, will likely be on very long courses, or even lifelong medication. Thankfully, Lyme Disease in dogs is much less of a worry! Dogs have a great ability to fight the bacteria causing Lyme Disease. In a study of Beagles exposed to Lyme disease, none of the adult dogs showed any symptoms! Puppies naturally have a less developed immune system, so the puppies in the study had around 4 days of mild symptoms, before their immune system fought off the bacteria! By keeping the immune system strong, we can reduce the risk of symptomatic Lyme Disease in our dogs! Feed fresh, and keep the gut healthy to help keep the immune system strong! Interesting fact: For transmission of Lyme Disease, a tick has to be engorged (attached to your dog, feeding) for 24-36 hours. If removed safely before this period, the risk of transmission is low. Findings Here How To Safely Remove a Tick First we’ll explain how NOT to remove a tick, as this is incredibly important to minimise the risk of disease transmission, and is a common mistake made by pet owners. The cardinal sin in tick removal, is smothering it. Never smother a tick in Vaseline, natural tick prevention, or any other product, and never attempt to burn them off. When you smother a tick, they let go as they are unable to breathe efficiently, however this also causes them to panic. When a tick panics, they regurgitate. Their innards, which could be hosting disease, would be expelled into your dog’s blood stream! If the tick is carrying anything untoward, it would be passed onto your dog! Now onto the SAFE removal of a tick! There are 4 tools you can use! Let’s take a look at each of these! Tick Twisters: These are plastic tools, with a forked end. Simply slide the tick between the forks, right by the skin, so the tick’s head is in the tool, and twist it. The twisting action causes the tick to let go. Tick Keys: These have a large hole, with a very thin opening at the end. Simply hook the tick into the thinnest part of the hole, and pull away from the skin. This pulls the tick from the skin. Tick Lassos: These are pen-like items, with a retractable wire loop at one end. Hook the wire over the tick, and retract it so the tick cannot move. Gently twist, and pull it away from the skin. Tweezers: This is probably the least effective method, but perhaps slightly more accessible if you don’t have a tick tool at home yet (it’s a great idea to add one to your dog first aid kit!). Fine pointed tweezers work best. Pinch the tick with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible, and gently lift the tick away. Be sure to remove the head! Once removed, spray the area with Leucillin, or similar natural antiseptic spray. How to Prevent Ticks There are a number of natural tick prevention methods available. A layered approach is best; an internal product, an external product, and perhaps a repelling collar. Internal products often include herbs such as neem leaf, peppermint leaf, yucca, ginger, fenugreek, lemon balm, and garlic. These all make the dog unattractive to ticks. Fresh garlic is a great internal preventative, in the correct amounts for your size of dog. Do
Immunity is no doubt at the forefront of most pet owner’s minds. Everyone wants their pets to live a long and healthy life, so keeping a strong immune system is essential. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help many pet owners through their own experiences of disease in their pets, so we thought we would put together this blog on the cornerstones for a strong immune system in your pets. 1. Gut Health Gut health is key to general health of all species, whether it be human, canine, feline, or even smaller furry pets! Virtually all aspects of health can be improved through good gut heath. Around 70% of the immune system is found in the gut! Quite a staggering figure, but a very important fact to keep in mind when it comes to our pets’ health. In an unhealthy gut, the immune system becomes massively impaired, leading to a potential multitude of health issues, including those allergy dogs we so often help here at My Pet Nutritionist. Many things can damage the gut, including chemical flea and worm treatments, poor diets which are processed and/or high in ingredients containing lectin, contact with household and garden chemicals and much more. It’s imperative to gut health, to feed fresh, and limit the exposure to all toxins! Using a mucilage herb for those with damaged guts, helps to heal the gut; these include slippery elm, marshmallow root, and deglycyrrhised liquorice. Teaming these with a probiotic allows the gut to flourish, as a damaged gut will leak the good bacteria which forms a large part of the immune system. Gut Guardian 2. Methylation DNA Methylation is a very important chemical process within the body. This process includes the chemical modification of DNA during replication of cells. Gene expression can be altered through methylation too. So, why is this process an important part of keeping the immune system strong? Various malignant cells, including those for lymphoid cells (produces immune cells B, T and NK) and myeloid cells (related health issues, such as Mast Cells) replicate through a process called hematopoiesis, making these cells ‘hematopoietic stem cells’ (HSCs). Myeloid cells are not ones we want replicating in the body, as they can lead to various types of tumour. Here’s where the process of Methylation comes in to play! Methylation has the ability to regulate HSC differentiation – in other words, it reduces the risk of the Myeloid cells replicating, and forming tumours, but increases differentiation of lymphoid cells. For more information on the types of cells involved in immune responses, read our blog here! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here 3. Healthy Brain and Endocrine System The Endocrine System is what keeps the body’s organs in good health, through homeostasis. The endocrine system and immune system used to be thought to work independently from one another, but more recently, it was discovered that the two systems work hand in hand to keep the body healthy, and control infection. The immune system uses a mixture of immune receptors and cytokines to fight infection, and the endocrine system uses hormones to regulate metabolism in the body’s organs. As an example, one of the most important regulations aided by both systems, is the metabolism of glucose. Insulin is produced by the endocrine system to regulate glucose levels in the blood, and helps the body to fight infection. Cytokines aid the body during glucose spikes by increasing responsiveness of the peripheral organs to the endocrine system. When the organ becomes more responsive to the signals from the endocrine system, greater amounts of the required hormone can be produced. The brain produces so many important hormones for health of the body, and to help fight a variety of infections, so it is important to keep the brain healthy and free from inflammation. Supplementing your pet’s diet with plenty of omega 3 is a great way to keep inflammation down. To read more about the endocrine system, and the importance of hormones, read our blog here! Findings Here Findings Here 4. Circulation and Lymphatics The lymphatic and circulatory systems are an important part of immunity, and keeping the immune system strong. The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid from bodily tissues, removing cellular waste, absorption of fat soluble vitamins from dietary sources, and helping to fight infections. The circulatory system works with the lymphatic system to transport the cellular waste and excess fluid around the body, and away from the relative organs. The interstitial fluid (found between tissues) is what provides the body’s cells with important nutrients, and a way of removing any waste from the cells. The lymphatic system acts as a taxi for antigens and antigen-presenting cells to transport them through the body to places of infection. This enables the antigens to fight the infection in question, and expel waste. Findings Here Findings Here 5. Detoxification Finally, detoxification is essential for immune health. The body is exposed to a host of toxins, just by going through daily life. We live, generally, in a very toxic world, so detoxifying the body is essential. Detoxification aids methylation, which as discussed above, is a very important process for a strong immune system. Liver Guard Heavy metals can be picked up and consumed very easily in our pets – traces can be found in food, and heavy metals are also in abundance in vaccinations. Those who have received vaccinations during their lives, whether only one has been given at an appropriate age as a puppy, or they’re given regularly (if given regularly, over vaccination occurs, making the risk of vaccinosis higher; read more here) the likelihood that your pet has heavy metals in the bloodstream is high. Heavy metals disrupt metabolic functions in vital organs, as well as reducing the ability to efficiently absorb vitamins and minerals from dietary sources. Detoxification can be achieved through feeding a fresh, preferably organic diet, minimising exposure to environmental and veterinary toxins, occasionally offering Epsom salt baths, supplementing the diet with milk thistle (this
At My Pet Nutritionist, we often get enquiries about dogs suffering with urinary crystals or bladder stones. One of the types of crystal often diagnosed, is the Cysteine crystal. What are Cysteine Stones? There are 4 main types of bladder stone/crystal; Struvite, Calcium Oxalate, Urate, and Cysteine. Cysteine stones are uroliths (solidified lumps of crystalloids) which can form in the bladder, urinary tract, or kidneys. Of the four stones, Cysteine stones are incredibly rare, with only around 1% of diagnoses being Cysteine. While these stones can happen in female dogs, they are most common in males. Learn more about the different types of stone in our blog here! How are Cysteine Stones Formed? The amino acid, Cystine, is made by the body after synthesis of methionine. Cysteine can also be found in some higher protein foods. It is reabsorbed by the kidneys, but when the kidneys are unable to absorb it, a condition called cystinuria occurs. When this happens, the cystine becomes very concentrated in the urine, which causes the formation of Cysteine bladder or kidney stones. As with each type of urinary stone, there are some unique characteristics associated with it; these stones only form in acidic urine. Dogs with more alkaline urine will not form this stone. The risk of cysteine stones forming, may also be down to genetic abnormalities. Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Cysteine Stones Though similar for other stone types, some symptoms your pet may show are: Frequent, sometimes bloody urine Painful urination Excessive drinking Nausea and vomiting Breed Predisposition Some breeds of dog are genetically predisposed to Cysteine stones, and may require regular treatment, as this type of stone is often a recurrent issue. Breeds predisposed to Cysteine stones include: Basset Hounds Dachshunds Newfoundlands (unusual female cases have been recorded in this breed) Bullmastiffs English Bulldogs Irish Terriers Findings Here What Can the Vet Do? Surgery Often required for those with larger stones, surgery is a very common path to take when battling Cysteine stones. The surgical procedure is called a Ureteroscopy, during which a very small instrument is passed through the bladder and up the Ureter, pushing the stone out in the process. Alternatively, the pet may be opened up, and large stones causing blockages will be removed by hand. Findings Here Non-Surgical Removal There is a non-surgical option available for those with very small cysteine stones; this procedure is known as urohyrdopropulsion. This procedure is usually most successful on medium to large dogs, and involves two catheters being placed in the dog; one up the urethra, and the other in the urethral lumen. A finger is inserted into the rectum to push against the urethra, causing a build up of pressure and a tight seal. Once a tight seal is made, saline water is flushed through the catheters, and the bladder is palpated, flushing the small stones out. Although this method requires anaesthesia, it is preferred for smaller stones as it is much less invasive than surgery. Findings Here How Can we Support the Body? Diet Diet plays a huge role in the prevention of Cysteine stones. With these stones, its advisable to feed a normal amount of calcium, but slightly lower protein, and also low salt (to avoid water retention/dehydration). As well as these specific nutrient requirements, it is imperative that your dog’s diet includes as much moisture as possible! Moisture in the diet will help flush the bladder; feeding a dry food would dehydrate the dog, and could worsen the issue. Feeding a fresh food is very much recommended for any bladder stone, including Cysteine! Findings Here Find our recipe suitable for dogs suffering from cysteine stones here! Supplements Omega 3 in the form of Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) is thought to inhibit cysteine crystal formation, due to it’s anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. ALA can be found in leafy greens, nuts (avoid peanuts, and macadamia nuts), and animal fat. Findings Here Selenium has been proven to reduce the volume of cysteine crystal formation. When looking for a supplement, ensure it is as pure as possible. Findings Here Bonus Factoid: Cystinuria Type 3 Cystinuria Type 3 is a cysteine based, androgen dependent disease which means it only affects entire males. Bulldog breeds are particularly prone to this condition. The veterinary treatment is the same as standard cysteine stones, regarding urohyrdopropulsion, however in order to stop this painful condition from recurring regularly, the only method of prevention is castration. Neutering should be discussed with your veterinarian, and performed at the right time if your dog is a frequent sufferer of Cystinuria Type 3 flare ups. Findings Here If your dog has been suffering with recurring cysteine stones or crystals, consider booking in with one of our team! Team MPN x
Megaoesophagus is a challenging condition to care for, and a commonly discussed topic in the dog care world. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we are often asked about how is best to care for a dog with Megaoesophagus, so here is our guide to megaoesophagus, and how to support those with it. What is Megaoesophagus? Often shortened to ME, Megaoesophagus is a condition which affects the oesophagus. The oesophagus is part of the digestive system, and one of the first body parts to be used in digestion. It can be found behind the trachea (windpipe), running down through the chest cavity between the heart and the spine. The oesophagus pushes food from the throat, to the stomach, where it is digested, by a process called peristalsis. Peristalsis is a wave-like series of contractions which squeezes food through the tube. When a dog has megaoesophagus, the oesophagus is dilated, which ultimately causes a lack of motility due to poor conformation and the inability to carry out peristalsis, so food is unable to reach the stomach, and the dog is unable to benefit from nutrients in the food. Megaoesophagus can occur in any breed of dog, and at any age, however some breeds are more at risk than others due to predisposition. These include: German Shepherd Shar Pei Newfoundland Great Dane Miniature Schnauzer Greyhound Labrador Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Megaoasophagus Regurgitation: probably the first symptom owners recognise. Because peristalsis is unable to occur, food sits in the oesophagus in the chest cavity, which results in it being ejected through the throat, and mouth, undigested. Aspiration pneumonia: a major health complication, and can be a sign that the dog has a dilated oesophagus. The dog may aspirate during regurgitation, causing major breathing difficulties and lung infections like Pneumonia. Lack of appetite: common in ME cases, dogs will often decide they’d rather not eat due to the discomfort caused by the food they’ve eaten sitting in the chest cavity. Extreme hunger: on the other end of the scale, the dog may seem constantly very hungry, because they are not receiving any nutritional benefits from the food being consumed. Frequent swallowing or air licking: dogs will often show these signs as they are unable to move food from the chest cavity, making them feel nauseous. Coughing: can occur as the dog attempts to move food from the chest cavity. Raspy breathing: this often occurs due to inflammation in the chest area, caused by the stuck food. Weight loss and stunted growth: as the dog is unable to make use of the nutrients from the food (as the food cannot get to the stomach to be digested), weight loss is very common, and growth in puppies is stunted. Smelly breath: the gasses from food stuck in the oesophagus can cause severely smelly breath. Drooling: often a sign of nausea, drooling is common in dogs with ME. Findings Here Causes of Megaoesophagus It is unclear as to how the majority of cases are caused. ME can be congenital (present from birth), hereditary (passed genetically from parents), or acquired (developing during life, but not genetically inherited). One potential cause of ME, is as a secondary effect of Persistent Right Aortic Arch; which is one of the most common vascular diseases in dogs, and causes the tightening of a ring around the oesophagus. Tumours in the oesophagus can be a cause of ME, as the tumour causes an obstruction, and changes the structure of the muscles in the tube, which then dilates it. Trauma to the oesophagus, spinal cord, or brain is often a trigger, as soft tissue damage heals with scar tissue, which effects the motility of the oesophagus. Parasitic infections are thought to be able to cause ME too, as the parasites latch onto the walls of the oesophagus, causing damage to the muscular structure. Myasthenia Gravis is a neuromuscular condition whereby generalised muscular weakness occurs in the body. This can also affect the muscles involved in peristalsis. Toxin exposure is a large potential, too. Toxins have so many poor effects on various parts of the body, and bodily processes. Its always best to keep toxins to a minimum by minimally vaccinating, using natural pest preventions, using natural household products, and feeding a fresh diet. There are also various studies to suggest that hormonal disorders regarding the thyroid can be a contributing factor to ME cases, including Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease). Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here How is Megaoesophagus Diagnosed? If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is imperative that you get them checked out by a veterinarian. The typical veterinary test for diagnosis of ME, is the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS), whereby the vet is able to see a live view of the scan being performed, so they are able to watch the path taken by food and liquid given before the study is carried out. They can see how efficiently it moves from the throat to the stomach. Findings Here What Conventional Treatments are Available? The vet may offer surgery to help improve your dog’s quality of life, however it is unlikely that surgery will completely cure the problem. The surgery will reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia, which is a life threatening disease in itself, and may help to improve motility of food to the stomach. A gastric feeding tube may also be offered to your dog – this is a tube implanted directly into the stomach, through which food can be given, in order to completely skip use of the oesophagus. Food will not be regurgitated, however regurgitation of saliva will still occur. The final treatment your vet may suggest, is medication – there are a few medications which may be trialled, or even a botox injection into the lower part of the oesophagus, to help stabilise it. Findings Here What Can we do to Support the Body? There are many ways in which we can support those with ME.
At My Pet Nutritionist, Cushing’s Disease is a big topic. We help a lot of dogs with Cushing’s Disease, and so we have created this essential guide to supporting the body with Cushing’s Disease. What is Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s Disease, formally known as hyperadrenocorticism, was first diagnosed in 1912, by an American neurosurgeon named Harvey Cushing; hence it was informally named Cushing’s Disease. Cushing’s Disease is caused by too much of the hormone, cortisol being produced by the adrenal glands in the kidneys. Cortisol is a steroid hormone, and is responsible for regulation of various important bodily functions, such as immune response, and metabolism, as well as stress responses. Cortisol floods the body during stressful situations, in response to the stressor, which reduces risk of negative impacts during a flight or flight situation. Findings Here How Does Cushing’s Disease Happen? It is thought that predisposition for Cushing’s could be inherited genetically, and there are various breeds that are predisposed to Cushing’s, including: Poodles (and crosses) Yorkshire Terriers German Shepherds Boxers Maltese Labradors Cocker Spaniels Dachshunds Boston Terriers Staffordshire Bull Terrier There are three different medically underlying causes for Cushing’s Disease. Let’s take a look at these! Prolonged Use of Steroids Both topical and oral steroids used excessively, can lead to Cushing’s Disease. This type of Cushing’s is called Iatrogenic Cushing’s. Steroids contain a synthetic variation of cortisol, which on top of the body’s natural production of cortisol, leads to an overwhelming amount of cortisol, causing Cushing’s. Findings Here Findings Here Adrenal Gland Tumour There are two types of tumour which could form on the adrenal gland, causing excessive cortisol production. Adenomas are benign tumours, which could be surgically removed, are the better of the prognoses; removal is usually successful. Carcinomas are malignant tumours, which can have surgical interventions, but the prognosis is much more negative, and aggressive treatment may be required. Findings Here Findings Here Pituitary Gland Tumour A huge proportion of Cushing’s cases are caused by tumours on the Pituitary Gland. The Pituitary Gland is located at the base of the brain, and secretes a hormone called ACTH, which stimulated the adrenal glands to produce Cortisol. When there is a tumour present on the Pituitary, more ACTH is secreted, which results in overproduction of Cortisol. These tumours may be benign or malignant, and may be microscopic, or large. The larger the tumour, the more neurological signs there will be. Findings Here Findings Here Symptoms of Cushing’s Disease There are a variety of symptoms of Cushing’s Disease, which include: Lethargy Increased appetite Weight gain Excessive thirst Excessive urination Poor skin/baldness Bloated appearance Calcinosis Cutis Difficulty healing from minor wounds Hyperpigmentation (dark spots) Recurring bladder infections How is Cushing’s Disease Diagnosed? There are a number of tests used when veterinarians test for Cushing’s Disease. The most common test is the ACTH Stimulation Test, during which a blood draw is taken from the dog, before ACTH is injected into the dog, and a second blood draw is taken some hours later. The two blood samples are compared for levels of cortisol. This is a very effective method, and cost effective. A Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test can pinpoint exactly what is causing the Cushing’s Disease, if Cushing’s is present. In this test, a small amount of Dexamethasone (synthetic cortisol) is injected into the dog. In a healthy dog, ACTH production slows down to regulate the amount of cortisol produced by the adrenal gland; in a dog with Cushing’s, ACTH production would continue, causing raised levels of cortisol in a follow-up blood sample. To check the adrenal gland for swelling or visible tumours, your veterinarian may also run an ultrasound as the adrenal gland will be visible on this. Supporting the Body Diet Feeding a fresh food diet is very important, as with any condition! That could be raw, or cooked, balanced to one of our recipes. A low fat diet may be beneficial because fat and cholesterol levels in the body are increased when in the presence of excessive cortisol. When raw feeding, the organ being fed as part of your 10% offal, contributes to the support of that organ in the body; so feeding kidney may help support the dog’s kidneys. Supplements Omega 3 Omega 3 has an anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body, so is a very important addition to any dog’s diet, especially one suffering from disease, which could be worsened through inflammation. Not only are they anti-inflammatory, but Omega 3 also play a role in the brain’s production of neurotransmitters, which may be beneficial for Cushing’s sufferers. The effect omega 3 has on the brain is also shown to aid the reduction of mental stress. Findings Here Probiotics Cushing’s sufferers can suffer from poor gut health. Gut Dysbiosis is a concern among those diagnosed with Cushing’s, so giving probiotics is a great idea. These may ne teamed up with a mucilage herb such as slippery elm, or marshmallow root. our supplement below. Gut Guardian Findings Here Milk Thistle Particularly useful for patients with Cushing’s caused by a tumour, the active ingredient in Milk Thistle, Silibinin, has been proven to decrease tumour growth, and lower levels of cortisol. This supplement is also great for detoxing the liver; though that’s a topic for another day! You can read more on the liver here! Findings Here Liver Guard Melatonin and Lignans Melatonin and lignans are often used in combination with one another to help Cushing’s Disease patients. Melatonin is great for regulation of hormones. Regulation of cortisol is incredibly important in this situation, so melatonin may be a great option. Circadian rhythms are also maintained by melatonin. Lignans can be found in flax seed hulls, and mimic phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogen plays a large role in reduction of hormone-dependent tumours, as well as managing skin health. Adding lignans into the diet may aid Cushing’s sufferers, especially those suffering from a pituitary or adrenal tumour. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Complementary Therapies Acupuncture Acupuncture is great to reduce inflammation in the body, and
Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin, which is important for regulation of absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorous, which ultimately keeps bones strong. Vitamin D has also been proven to reduce inflammation, help in infection control, and also reduce the growth of cancer cells. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see cases where Vitamin D deficiency may have an effect on the progress of the dog’s health. In this article, we look at the main signs your dog may be deficient! Around 75% of dogs are diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency! Allergies/intolerances Probably the most common topic here at My Pet Nutritionist; Allergies and Intolerances can be a sign of Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is predominantly associated with respiratory allergies, but can also be associated with dietary allergies and intolerances. The reason Vitamin D deficiency affects the lungs, which presents as respiratory allergies, is because Vitamin D is essential for lung development, and maintenance – take that away, and lung development is compromised. Vitamin D is also a contributor to immunomodulation. As we know, allergies and intolerances are massively down to a poor immune system, which often needs remodulation to overcome intolerances; this means that a lack of Vitamin D can cause issues with modulation of the immune system, which leads to allergies and intolerances. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Hair Loss Another health problem related to immunomodulation, hair loss is a symptom of Vitamin D deficiency. Another factor which contributes to hair loss, is inflammation. Inflammation of the skin can cause hair loss, and Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps control, and reduce hair loss. Vitamin D is essential for differentiation of Keratinocytes; part of the follicle cycle. If differentiation of these cells is poor, and their amounts cannot be rapidly increased due to low Vitamin D levels, hair growth will remain slow, or will stop all together. Several autoimmune disorders have been linked with low Vitamin D during testing, which can also lead to hair loss. Those with a lack of Vitamin D may suffer with a poorly modulated immune system, as well as excess inflammation within the body, so may suffer from mild, or excessive hair loss. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Skeletal Pain and weakness In the veterinary world, when there is skeletal pain and weakness, for no visible reason, it is deemed ‘nonspecific’ musculoskeletal pain. Pets suffering with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain may have a Vitamin D deficiency. The skeletal pain could be in any part of the dog, whether it’s spinal, on the leg, ribs, or other bones and joints in the body. Studies show that increasing the Vitamin D in the blood serum of individuals suffering from skeletal pain and weakness, significantly reduces the pain and weakness being experienced. As one of the main roles played by Vitamin D is regulation of calcium and phosphorus in the skeletal system, if this is suppressed, and the ratio between calcium and phosphorous is off balance, the bones will become weak, and easy to break, as well as causing pain. Vitamin D dependent Rickets is a risk associated with Vitamin D deficiencies too. This occurs congenitally, and is caused by the inability to metabolise Vitamin D sufficiently. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Restlessness/depression There are links between Vitamin D and the nervous system, the lack of Vitamin D in the body, and sleep deprivation as well as anxiety and depression. Links have been suggested in numerous studies, of Vitamin D playing a role in the circadian rhythm; the sleep-wake cycle. Both the inability to sleep, and also lack of sleep quality have been associated with low Vitamin D. Findings Here Findings Here When it comes to depression and anxiety, studies have shown that supplementing the diet of those showing depressed or anxious behaviours, with Vitamin D, has positive effects. This topic is still being explored in the animal sector. Findings Here Findings Here Muscular weakness Vitamin D deficiency has been linked on numerous occasions, with muscle weakness, which can lead to collapsing episodes, and issues using the legs. Severity can vary between individuals. In humans, muscle weakness has been proven to be reversed through the use of dietary Vitamin D supplementation. Muscular weakness can also be as a result of a congenital condition which affects Vitamin D metabolism. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Dietary Sources of Vitamin D Nominal amounts of Vitamin D may be absorbed by the body from environmental exposure to the sun, although diet is the most efficient and major source. Some dietary sources of Vitamin D include: Oily fish Egg yolk Liver Red meats If you feel your dog may be suffering from a lack of Vitamin D, or require general dietary advice, book in with one of our team! Team MPN x
At My Pet Nutritionist, we understand the importance of hormones in the body, and how the slightest imbalance can lead to both minor, and major health issues. This guide will help you understand the role of hormones within the body. What are hormones? Hormones are found in all living organisms, from mammals to plants. They are substances found in the body which regulate bodily functions, including mental development, physical development, reproduction, and metabolism. What is the Endocrine System? The Endocrine system is comprised of all the organs and glands that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream and into the tissues and organs which use them. Thyroid Hormones Thyroid stimulating hormone While Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced in the brain, by the Anterior Pituitary Gland, it is the most important hormone for thyroid function. TSH is the hormone which is needed to stimulate the production of other important hormones in the thyroid gland. Findings Here Dogs suffering from Hypothyroidism have been proven to have fluctuating amounts of TSH produced, which causes issues when trying to produce the relevant hormones in the thyroid itself, leading to Hypothyroidism. Findings Here Thyroxine Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the most important hormone produced in, and secreted by the thyroid gland. Tyroxine is essential for normal functioning of the heart and muscles, neurological development, digestion, metabolism and weight management, and bone repair/strengthening. Findings Here Findings Here Thyroxine supplements may help physical and cognitive abilities if used as a treatment for patients suffering with hypothyroidism. Findings Here Triiodothyronine Also known as T3, Triiodothyronine is another important hormone produced and secreted by the thyroid gland. It aids the control of metabolic rate, heart rate, neurological development, bone development, and digestion. It goes hand in hand with Thyroxine. Triiodothyronine is particularly important for skeletal development and function. Findings Here Calcitonin Calcitonin is the third important hormone produced by the thyroid, and is used in the regulation of calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. It also helps to protect the body against developing hypercalcaemia, by reducing the levels of calcium in the blood. Where the other thyroid hormones are stimulated by TSH, Calcitonin production is also stimulated by Gastrin; one of the gastric hormones, which aids muscle growth, and contributes to muscle health in aging individuals, as well as gut motility, and production of stomach acid. Findings Here Reproductive Hormones Oxytocin Oxytocin is produced in the brain, in the hypothalamus, and is released by the pituitary gland for use in the reproductive system. This is the hormone responsible for sexual arousal, and bonding between mother and infant. The uterus contracts when stimulated by Oxytocin, so it is an important hormone during labour too. Trust and recognition are also controlled by oxytocin, as well as the bond between the owner and pet. Findings Here Findings Here Progesterone Progesterone is responsible for the preparation of the uterus lining; the endometrium. Once fertilized, the eggs will embed themselves in the endometrium, where they will grow and mature. Relaxin Relaxin is utilised in both the musculoskeletal system, and the reproductive system. In the reproductive system, it aids the growth of the placenta, and also helps imbed the fertilized egg (embryo) into the endometrium. In the musculoskeletal system, Relaxin is involved in cartilage and tendon health, as well as bone and muscle repair Findings Here Findings Here Testosterone Testosterone is particularly important for males, however it is present in females too. In females it regulates breast tissue, and fertility. In males, testosterone not only aids sex drive, but also regulates distribution of body fat, bone density and muscle mass, and it also aids the production of Red Blood Cells, and sperm. When testosterone is taken away too early, through premature neutering, the risk of a huge variety of health problems can increase, including weight gain, arthritis, uneven bone growth, poor bone strength, various cancers, among other health issues. Findings Here Adrenal Gland Hormones Cortisol Cortisol has many functions in the body. It is produced in the Zona Fasciculata, which is in the very centre of the Adrenal Gland. It’s functions in the body include controlling the body’s intake and use of protein, fat and carbohydrates, increasing blood sugar levels, decreasing inflammation, and regulating blood pressure. Cortisol is also known as the ‘primary stress hormone’ – it’s the hormone which helps relax urges of stress or anger, and helps build the bond between owner and dog, alongside the aforementioned Oxytocin. Findings Here Adrenaline This one may be quite self-explanatory. When you think of what it feels like to have an adrenaline rush; this is the role of adrenaline! It causes an increase in blood pressure, expansion of passageways to and from the lungs, heightened pain threshold, more acute sensitivity to sounds and sights, and is also very important for distributing blood to muscles. Findings Here Findings Here Aldosterone Produced in the adrenal glands, Aldosterone is responsible for regulation of water to salt ratios in the body. The amount of salt to water in the body dictates blood pressure, so Aldosterone is essential in the regulation of normal, healthy blood pressure. Findings Here Noradrenaline Produced in the adrenal medulla, this is an important hormone used by the brain. It regulates cognitive function at all ages, and is also an important part of arousal and attention span. Findings Here Pancreatic Hormones Insulin This may be a hormone you most likely will have heard of. Insulin is a massive part of diabtetes. Why is this? The role of insulin is to lower blood glucose levels. Type 2 Diabetes is caused by a spike in blood glucose levels, where insulin is not present enough. This hormone is produced in the pancreas. Findings Here Glucagon Alongside Insulin, Glucagon is also produced in the pancreas, and also helps regulate glucose levels within the body. Glucagon regulates glucose homeostasis by stimulating the production of glucose form the liver. Findings Here Findings Here Somatostatin Produced in the pancreas, Somatostatin inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon, which is
Ever been in the situation where your dog is struggling to poop? You’re certainly not alone – here at My Pet Nutritionist, we have put together this guide with information on how constipation happens, and solutions to help prevent further issues, and get the gut moving again! Diet Dry Food Dry food is incredibly low in moisture, which puts strain on many systems within the body, including the bowel. Kibble products are 8-10% moisture, which dehydrates the bowel. When the bowel dehydrates, gut motility becomes poor, which causes constipation. Raw food is 65-75% moisture, so is a much better choice! Dry food is also typically low in fibre compared to fresh diets. Lack of fibre is another contributing factor to poor gut motility. Raw food bone content Those who feed a raw diet to their pets, will know the basic guidelines for making up a raw diet are 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% offal, plus your plant matter (if suitable for your dog), omegas and other healthy extras. Some dogs don’t tolerate the 10% bone. This could be down to genetics, or simply because the gut needs some work after an abrupt transition from the previous diet. To improve gut health, you may need to add slippery elm or marshmallow root into the regime, alongside a probiotic. For those who just cannot tolerate the 10% bone, you may wish to dilute the bone in the food using boneless raw mince, or even switch to a boneless complete, of which there are a few brands on the market. Alternatively, you can use our recipes. The calcium rich substitute for bone in such products and recipes include Bone Meal, Egg Shell, Kale and calcium-rich seaweed. Specially formulated diets will include the correct amount of specific sources of calcium, whether it be plant material, or through the aforementioned supplements, dependent on the protein source used in the recipe. Some brands tend to have slightly higher bone contents than others despite being labelled as 80-10-10. It’s always worth trying other brands if your dog starts becoming constipated. Protein choices also make a difference regarding the bone content. As an example, a common protein we see dogs constipated on, is rabbit. Rabbits have soft bones (which contain low amounts of calcium), and hard bones (like other bones typical of mammals). Because the softer bones contain less calcium, more bone is often required to hit the minimum FEDIAF guidelines for calcium content, which can cause some dogs to become constipated. If you have this issue, either dilute the bone by substituting a small amount of the raw for boneless mince, looking at changing proteins, or feeding half rabbit 80-10-10, and half other 80-10-10. Those feeding DIY raw instead of premade raw foods, may need to give a day or two of boneless meals (just the muscle meat and offal) following a bone-heavy day. Watching the dogs’ bowel movements is a great way to keep track of what the dog needs in the next meal. Ideas to help get things moving again: Add leafy greens or green beans to the meal Replace a little of the premade diet with boneless mince Add Slippery Elm or Marshmallow Root to the meal Add cooked sweet potato or pumpkin to the meal. Fibre The fibre content and type, your dog is consuming can directly affect bowel movements. First, let’s take a look at the types of dietary fibre and what they contribute to bowel movements. Soluble Fibre: this type of fibre dissolves into water. When it dissolves, a gel substance is formed. Generally speaking, having too much soluble fibre in the diet can reduce movement in the bowel and lead to constipation. Sources include apple, carrots and psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is an exception to the rule of thumb that adding soluble fibres will contribute to constipation as it binds water excess water in the gut, which helps soften stools, as well as solidify them. Insoluble fibre: this type of fibre is found mostly in vegetables, especially in leafy greens. Insoluble fibre helps bulk out stools, and aid movement through the digestive tract. Adding insoluble fibre can also be very useful in the management of anal glands. Ideas to help get things moving again: Add leafy greens or green beans to the meal Add psyllium husk to the meal Add cooked sweet potato to the meal Foreign Object Blockages It is incredibly important to have blockages ruled out by the veterinarian, especially if your dog goes for a long period without defecating, has diarrhoea while straining, is vomiting as well as constipated, is lethargic and has a loss of appetite. All, or even just some, of these symptoms may point toward a blockage, also known as an obstruction in the veterinary world. Obstructions can be anything from impacted bone to parts of toys, cooked bones, and rawhide chews (which should both always be avoided!), or other indigestible items which are unable to pass through the digestive system. The vet, in most cases, will run scans before surgically removing the item. If the item is at the lower end of the intestine, they may try an enema to release it. Very occasionally they may prescribe a glucose treatment to try to get small blockages moving. Findings here Muzzle training may be a good idea for those prone to scavenging. All damaged toys must be removed once damaged, and all dogs should be supervised when playing with toys. Medications Some medications cause constipation. If your dog is on any medications and is constipated, it’s a good idea to ask your vet what the side effects include as this could be the reason, and the dog may need to have a prescription review at the surgery. Medications prone to causing constipation include: Antihistamines (designed to reduce allergy symptoms) Diuretics (such as furosemide and spironolactone, commonly used to treat congestive heart failure. Diuretics help remove pooled fluids) Proton Pump Inhibitors/Antacids (designed to neutralise stomach acid) Iron Supplements Findings here Inflammation and
Those feeding a fresh diet, whether it’s raw, or lightly cooked, will notice their pet’s meals contain offal. Offal is one of the important elements to include in your carnivorous pet’s meals. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we wanted to highlight this element of the diet, and explain it’s importance! Is My Pet A Carnivore? Dogs and cats are both carnivorous species; however they are different types of carnivore. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet should be made purely from meat, offal and bone. Dogs are facultative carnivores, which means they predominantly eat a meat based diet, but may benefit from the addition of plant matter. Offal is essential in the diet of both cats, and dogs. What is Offal? When we speak about offal, many people may think back to their biology lesson days, or the packet of giblets and organs that comes with their Christmas turkey! These organs are offal, to some extent; but in the raw/fresh pet food world, we need to be a little more specific! In the world of pet food, when we refer to ‘offal’, we actually mean ‘secreting offal’. ‘Secreting’ means ‘produces a useful substance’; so secreting offal, is organs which produce a substance used by the body. Secreting offal includes: Liver Kidney Spleen Pancreas Testicle Brain We, humans, may think of heart, lung, and tripe as ‘offal’ – which in human terms, it is; however these are classed as muscle meat when talking about a fresh diet for pets. The heart pumps blood through the body, the lungs bring oxygen into the body and rids the body of unwanted carbon dioxide, and tripe is the lining of the stomach. None of these organs produce their own useful substance, so are not classed as offal in the raw diet. How Much Offal Do I Feed? For healthy pets, they require 10% offal in their diet. No more than 5% of this should be liver, due to it being incredibly nutrient dense – it really is a powerhouse! The rest of the raw diet should be 80% muscle meat, and 10% bone. In a fresh cooked diet, it’s important to follow a recipe balanced to FEDIAF, like ours! What is the Role of Offal in the Diet? Offal provides numerous vitamins and minerals; we will discuss what each organ provides! All offal is high in moisture, which really helps keep the dog’s kidneys from being under stress, and reduces the risk of UTIs. Each organ fed, provides benefits to the same organ within the dog’s body too! Liver offers a huge amount of fat-soluble Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision, healthy growth and development, and support of the immune system. Liver contains large amounts of water-soluble Vitamin B2, which is responsible for metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Vitamin B12 is found in abundance in liver, which keeps nerve and blood cells in good condition, as well as being involved in the body’s production of DNA. As liver contains so much of these vitamin, it’s important to include in the diet, but not to feed more than 5% of the entire diet. Liver is a great source of Copper; the mineral responsible for keeping the nervous system healthy, keeping blood cells healthy, and aiding the immune system. Findings Here Kidney is a great source of the mineral, Selenium. Selenium protects cells against damage and infection, and also aids the production of DNA. Kidney contains a wide range of B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6 and B12. B6 is very important for brain function, as it controls the level of homocysteine; an amino acid associated with cognitive decline when found in large amounts. Vitamin D is found more in kidney than any other organ, and is essential for regulation of calcium and phosphate in the body, which keep bones, muscles and teeth in good condition. Findings Here Spleen contains high concentrations of iron. Iron is essential for many bodily functions, including haemoglobin production, myoglobin production, as well as production of many hormones. Vitamin B12 can be found in relatively large amounts in spleen, and is also very high in tryptophan; the amino acid which aids the sleep cycle, through regulation of serotonin and melatonin. The liver uses this amino acid for production of Vitamin B3, which is essential for DNA production. Findings Here Pancreas is one of the higher fat offal options. It doesn’t contain any particularly notifiable amounts of vitamins or minerals, but it does offer a range of very useful digestive enzymes. It may be worth considering feeding pancreas as part of a balanced diet if your dog has a sensitive stomach, and requires a little extra digestive help. One study shows replacing ‘lecithin’ in the commercial diet of a dog with lack of pancreatic function, with raw pancreas, is massively beneficial! Findings Here Testicles (yes, we said testicles! Chuckle, if you wish – we do! Some readers may wish to cross their legs when reading this section!) are a great source of vitamin B12, and are also high in protein, and very low in fat. They contain a great amount of sodium too, which is essential for health contraction and relaxation of muscles throughout the body. Chloride is also in abundance in testicles, which along with sodium, regulates the mineral uptake and hydration of the body. Findings Here Brain is a great option for your pet, though contains the same amount of fat as it does protein. Unlike any other offal, brain is a fantastic source of essential fatty acids. The Omega-3 Fatty Acid, DHA, is a natural anti-inflammatory, which is usually found in fish and raw eggs. Brain contains huge amounts of DHA, which is excellent for brain health and cognitive development. A fantastic choice for all dogs, but especially growing puppies, and senior dogs who may be prone to cognitive decline. Findings Here When is a Low Offal Diet Required? Very occasionally, some dogs may require a diet lower in offal than others; namely those requiring
