Keeping your home clean with a pooch is easier said than done, most of the time. It would be fairly accurate to say it’s like trying to brush your teeth whilst eating chocolate. Whilst most of us accept that our homes will always have some dog hair attached to the sofa and muddy paw prints by the door, there are some top cleaning solutions that can help keep your home odour free and clean! Here we have put together our top 5! Find a good odour neutraliser! It’s fairly common for many pet-parents to be conscious of dog odour when visitors call in, often the routine is to have a mad dash around the house with an air freshener before they walk through the door. This temporarily hides the odour, but what if you could prevent it getting to that stage? Air fresheners work on this thing called volatility. They break down and dissipate into the air which changes its scent. But a study carried out on 25 home fragrance products found a whopping 133 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 24 of these VOCs were classified as toxic or hazardous to humans Findings Here Dogs are more sensitive than humans, on a huge scale. If we were to detect a teaspoon of sugar in a cup of coffee, dogs could detect a teaspoon of sugar in a million gallons of water. Their sense of smell is 40 times greater than ours. So if air fresheners can seem overpowering to us as humans, multiply this massively for the impact on our pooch! For that reason, an odour neutraliser is a much safer option. Baking soda works wonders, as do charcoal filled bamboo bags! Stock up on white vinegar! Another household staple with dogs is white vinegar. An equally super odour neutraliser. This is great if you have a puppy or an older dog who sometimes has accidents. Findings Here If your pooch does have an accident, mop up the urine as best you can and then apply vinegar to the area. Some pet owners dilute white vinegar in a mop bucket of hot water and mop their non-porous floors with it just to keep any odours at bay too! Check their bedding! It’s easy as pet-parents to get caught up with buying that new bed for our dog. The blue one, the brown one? The memory foam one, or that one with sides? Whilst we’re so busy looking at the appearance and how comfy it is, we often forget to check the label. Can it be washed? It may sound such a simple thing, but you’d be amazed how many dog beds are on the market and you can’t actually wash them or at least strip the covers. Most owners would wash their own bedding weekly or fortnightly; why should this be any different for our pets? Keeping their bedding clean reduces odour in the home, but it also keeps any bugs at bay too! Wash as per the manufacturer’s instructions, but stay away from any fabric softeners. You can wash in white vinegar if the odour is getting a little too strong! Air/sun dry where possible. Don’t just hide it! As we’ve already mentioned, as pet parents we are often conscious of our homes smelling of dogs. It’s super easy to get into that cleaning routine where you just plug in scent diffusers, light candles, spray air fresheners and generally browse the cleaning aisles at the supermarket to find ways to make your lounge smell better. But, not only are many of these products toxic to you as a human, but long term exposure has been linked to eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea and in some cases have been linked to cancer. The best way to avoid these risks is to prevent the odours forming in the first place. Buy washable blankets and bedding. Consider wipeable sofas and chairs – leather type for example. If you are ever in the position to be replacing flooring, consider how easy it is to keep clean – are they non-porous and moppable? Air your home as much as possible, it may not be easy in certain climates. Can you afford an air purifier? Vacuum or sweep up regularly, if you have a double coated breed this probably looks like a daily occurrence. Rubber bristle brushes are a lifesaver when you have a furry four legged friend! It’s worth investing in a handheld rubber bristled brush too, to remove hairs from curtains and fabric sofas! 5) Regularly groom your pooch! You can clean your home as much as you like, but if you have a smelly pooch, you’re making your life 10 times harder than it needs to be! Brush them regularly, to remove any dead hair. This reduces how much will be floating around your home. If needed, maintain regular grooming appointments with a grooming salon – if you have a spaniel whose paws are magnets to mud and water, keep them trimmed! This way, they carry less water and grime and they’re also easier to dry on the way in through the door! On that note, keep a dog towel by the door. If you’ve gotten stuck in the rain on a walk, towel dry him when you return, paws included. We all know how much a wet dog smells! Dogs have bacteria and yeasts on their skin which can be a bit pongy. As a wet dog dries, the water evaporates which brings those stinky molecules into the environment and to our noses! Drying them as much as you can will help prevent that wet dog smell! Whilst cleaning a house with a dog in it can seem a never-ending task, it’s certainly better to prevent odour and dirt build up as opposed to hiding it. Find your staple odour neutralisers and regularly wash things around your home. We are huge advocates for using natural products where possible around the home, if you would like to learn
Fats can be a little bit of a minefield, so we thought we’d explore sources of both omega-3 and omega 6 in a little more detail, and how to feed them to your dog. In dogs, the body has a requirement for two distinct EFA families. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 series. Omega-6 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Linoleic Acid (LA)Arachidonic Acid (AA) Omega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Omega-3 fatty acids, ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is often found in certain plants such as flax seed, sacha inchi seed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, avocado flesh only and oysters. Although ALA foods and supplements are not a substitute for fish or algae oil, due to the high Omega-6 content also, they can be an excellent additional supplement to include in the diet and added to certain meat sources. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are often found in high levels and good ratios in fish (these have the most anti-inflammatory effect). Found in salmon, tuna, trout,cod, krill, oysters, seabass, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Non animal sources containing DHA and EPA are phytoplankton and marine algae oil. Although these are great additions to your dog’s diet, they do not contain as much DHA and EPA as fish.They therefore don’t exert as much of an anti-inflammatory effect. Let’s explore fat sources in a little more detail. Fish and Fish Oil Whole fish is a great addition to your dog’s diet but ensuring you don’t feed fish from the Pacific due to radiation, heavy metals and toxins, is essential. Feeding small fish such as krill, sardines, anchovies and mackerel are better options. Oils in this form can be found too. Oils must not be kept for longer than 3 months and also should be stored in a safe, cool, refrigerated place. Glass tinted bottles or air tight pumps and capsules are best. Always look for antioxidant technology or the addition of tocopherol (vitamin E 4-10 iu for 1 gram is good). Quality is key as is storage to prevent rancidity. Algae Oil Algae are aquatic, plant-like organisms. Algae is always a great option for dogs allergic to or who don’t like fish. Algae sources are also DHA dominant as opposed to fish that are EPA dominant. Phytoplankton Phytoplankton are microorganisms that drift about in water. Phytoplankton are photosynthetic (have the ability to use sunlight to produce energy) and whilst they are plant-like with this ability, phytoplankton are not plants. They do however contain DHA and EPA and hold similar values to algae. Phytoplankton is a good option for those who want a sustainable product, as it can be grown in filtered water, free from heavy metals and toxicity found in the ocean. Hemp Seeds Milled and Hemp Seed Oil (Non Psychoactive) The reason hemp seed oil and hemp seeds milled are so popular is because of the perfect ratio it offers of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids; 3:1. Hempseed contains the Omega 6 fatty acid called GLA (gamma linolenic acid). Research shows that GLA can support production of various prostaglandins and leukotrienes (the compounds that influence inflammation and pain). Some of the prostaglandins and leukotrienes can increase symptoms, while others decrease them. Taking GLA helps support the favoured prostaglandins and leukotrienes, helping to reduce inflammation and disease associated with inflammation such as skin disorders, reproductive issues, arthritis and cancer. Recommended approximate amounts of fats to feed your dog Whole Fish Feed 28-30 grams of fish per 450 grams of ruminant fed. Feed 112-120 grams for every 450 grams of poultry fed. Fish Oil Must be made from sardines, mackerel or anchovies. There will be less toxins and only mostly fed from phytoplankton. Phytoplankton Follow instructions on the phytoplankton you purchase as they frequently differ in volume. Hempseed, Milled Feed 4-6 tsp per 1kg of food. Hempseed Oil Feed up to 1 tsp per 5kg of weight If you are unsure on which fats or how to feed them to your pet, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Fats get a bad rap in the human world, we were told for decades that fat makes us fat and it’s not great for our cholesterol either. Thankfully, we have more balanced data available and we now know that it’s more about the type of fat that we eat. But, we can still be a little confused about the types of fats available and we can bring this confusion to our dog’s diet too. So, let’s take a look at fats for the canine. The different types and the functions of them around the body. What Are Fats? Dietary fat is a group of compounds (substances made up of two or more elements) known as lipids. They are insoluble in water (hydrophobic). The easiest way to understand this is noticing that you can’t wash fat off your hands without the help of soap. Lipids that are solid at room temperature are usually called fats, whereas those liquid at room temperature are called oils. Lipids can then be further categorised into: Simple: include triglycerides, which are the most common form of fat in the diet. These are the best reserve of food material, and act as an insulator and protector of internal organs. Compound: consist of a lipid and a non-lipid compound; lipoproteins are compound lipids and these are what carry fat around in the bloodstream. Derived: products of simple and compound lipids. These include sterol (sub-group of steroids) compounds such as cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins. Yes you read that right, we need fat to produce steroid hormones like cortisol (regulator of the stress response) and sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). Fats can then be differentiated by the types of fatty acids they contain. 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 (PUFA) 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. The double bonds found in unsaturated fats can take different configurations, cis or trans. Naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids have cis configurations. However, trans configurations are usually introduced into foods during manufacturing/processing. Trans fatty acids have been known to negatively affect lipoproteins which, in humans, have been associated with a range of diseases. Findings Here The Function of Fat Fat enters the body from the diet and finds its way through the stomach, and into the small intestine. Here it is bombarded with enzymes from the pancreas (lipase), and bile salts from the liver. During this process, fat and cholesterol is packaged into particles called chylomicrons. The fatty acids are now small enough to be passed through the lymphatic system and then into the bloodstream. As triglycerides are metabolised on the journey, the chylomicron gets smaller; resulting in a remnant which is rich in cholesterol. This is then taken in by the liver and repackaged which can then be released by the liver at a later stage. Your Pet’s Lymphatic System Fat as Energy Fatty acids are used throughout the body for a range of functions, primarily energy, but if they are not needed, they can be stored in adipose tissue. Here, they are an energy source for a later stage. They also serve as insulation, protecting the body from heat loss and also from injury or trauma to vital organs. Dogs seem to be more efficient at using fat as energy than humans. It is thought that albumin (a globular protein made by the liver) binds more free fatty acids in dogs than in other species, so the concentration of fatty acids in the blood is higher and therefore the delivery of fatty acids to muscles is higher. So, fat provides energy, but it also contributes to many metabolic and structural functions. Other Functions Of Fat As we have mentioned, lipoproteins provide for the transport of fats throughout the body, and cholesterol is used to form the bile salts necessary for fat digestion and absorption. It is also a precursor for steroid hormones which help control metabolism, salt and water balance, inflammation, immune function and more. Along with other lipids, cholesterol forms a protective layer in the skin too! The body can synthesise most of the fatty acids it needs, but there are some it cannot, and these are known as essential fatty acids. In dogs, the body has a requirement for two distinct EFA families. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 series. Omega-6 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Linoleic Acid (LA) Arachidonic Acid (AA) Omega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) In most animals, AA can be synthesised from LA, so there isn’t always a dietary requirement for AA (there is for cats). Fatty Acids and Inflammation Eicosanoids are products of the oxidation of the omega families; they are collectively known as prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. Prostaglandins – these are a group of lipids made at sites of tissue damage or infection. They control inflammation, blood flow and the formation of blood clots. Thromboxane is a substance made by platelets which causes blood clotting and constriction of blood vessels. Leukotrienes are proinflammatory molecules; more commonly noticed for their role in allergy response. They are released when the body encounters an allergen or trigger. The amount and type of eicosanoids synthesised depends largely on the availability and type of fatty acid found in cell membranes. Eicosanoids play an important role in the body, they modulate many processes including reproduction, blood pressure, haemostasis (the process to prevent and stop bleeding) and inflammation. They can be synthesised from AA, GLA and EPA, however, those synthesised from AA are proinflammatory compared to those derived from GLA and
Would you be surprised to know that the skin has developed its own local HPA axis to regulate its exposure to stressors? Recent mapping has found that all regulatory elements found in the central HPA axis are expressed in skin! Could this explain why skin issues tend to worsen when us humans are stressed? More importantly, when skin issues are the top issue facing the majority of dog owners we see here at My Pet Nutritionist, is this something we need to consider? The short answer is yes. So, let us take a deeper dive at what the HPA axis is and how this can influence our pet’s skin issues. The HPA Axis Most of us have heard at one time or another the mention of the HPA axis when we talk about the stress response. It stands for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In short, the hypothalamus in the brain receives a message that we are being exposed to a stressor, it then sends a message to the pituitary gland which then sends another message to the adrenal glands. It is the adrenal glands that release the hormones we typically associate with stress, like cortisol and adrenaline/noradrenaline. These stress hormones flood the body, and help it deal with whatever the stressor may be – and then when it has passed, the hormones stop being produced; the body then returns to homeostasis. This exact response also occurs in our pets when faced with a stressful situation, and so our pets too have a HPA axis. Now we know what the HPA axis does, let’s see how the skin has developed its own local axis. The Skin’s HPA Axis The skin is the largest organ of your dog’s body. It consists of three major layers: The Epidermis – (Epi – upon or above) this is the outer layer of skin, the protective layer. The Dermis – the dermis supports and nourishes the outer layer. It provides strength and elasticity. Here you will find collagen fibres, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. You will also find cells that release histamine and other inflammatory mediators when faced with an allergy or injury. The Subcutis – (sub meaning under or below) this in the innermost layer of the skin, where you will find fat and muscles. Subcutaneous fat provides insulation, padding and storage for reserve energy. Not only does the structure of the skin prevent water and electrolyte loss to help maintain body homeostasis, but it forms a protective barrier which helps protect against infections, parasites, and the environment. This is the often-forgotten role of the skin – that it forms part of the immune system. When we think of the skin as the first layer of defence in the immune system, and therefore a type of radar, it makes absolute sense that it should have its own response to stress. It seems that skin cells, known as keratinocytes, can produce the same hormones and neurotransmitters that the “internal” stress response does. These include: corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) cortisol adrenaline noradrenaline dopamine histamine acetylcholine All of these compounds help the body deal with a stressor, they include increasing heart rate, upregulating energy conversion and redirecting resources to those functions that are necessary. So, the skin, we can think of like a radar. It constantly senses the environment and reacts to various stressors like humidity, temperature, changes in the skin microbiome and of course injuries. CRH is possibly the most studied hormone and in the skin, it is involved in the proinflammatory response. When exposed to a stressor, CRH brings an inflammatory response to help manage the threat. If your dog scratched himself, the inflammatory response would be a normal part of healing. However, a natural by-product of this process is that it increases skin permeability which isn’t great long term. The skin serves as a protective barrier and if it becomes permeable, harmful compounds can sneak in, which can cause further problems around the body. Acute Vs. Chronic Stress Like everything, moderation is key – acute stress is manageable, the issue is when it becomes chronic. Where this becomes even more problematic is that animal studies have suggested that skin stress can initiate a central HPA axis response. When researchers exposed rodents to UVB radiation, they found increased stress responses in the adrenal glands. So, not only can the skin respond directly to a stressor, but it can bring the central response to the party too! What this means is that skin stress can cause body wide stress, and again this becomes an issue in chronic skin issues – leading to chronic activation of the “internal” stress response. To add insult to injury, psychological stress increases the production of “internal” stress hormones which then affects skin cell growth and function, compromising structure and altering skin permeability. So not only can skin stress cause psychological stress, but psychological stress can cause skin stress. You can see how this can become a challenging cycle to break. But what we must remember is that most functions in the body serve a necessary function and this mechanism (although challenging) is no different. HPA Axis and Skin Barrier The HPA axis in the skin responds to various stressors to regulate homeostasis – it serves to counteract any threat so normal function can resume. The compounds produced and released all serve important roles in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is involved in melanin production which protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. In dogs, it is melanin that contributes to skin and hair colour. In autoimmune conditions, melanocytes can be destroyed which results in depigmentation. This is also why if you have a dog who has repeated skin trauma (scratching etc) they develop visibly darker skin in those areas. Keratinocytes with more melanin display superior barrier function – which is why the body attempts to achieve it in repeated trauma. Endorphins are also released during skin stress. This enhances epidermal turnover rate, again to protect skin function. This could be why
Caring for our pets can become a bit of a minefield – the more we know, the more we realise there is so much more to know! We thought we’d share 6 of the things we think every pet owner should have in their toolkit. Slippery Elm Slippery elm is a deciduous tree found in forests of the eastern half of the USA and Canada. Slippery Elm is related to the American Elm (ulmus americana) and is sometimes called Red Elm or Moose Elm. It is best used in the digestive tract, where it serves as a soothing, protecting and lubricating demulcent and general astringent at the same time. It creates a mucilage lining where it soothes the passage of food, inflammation and is believed to protect and heal the mucosal lining. The inner bark of the Slippery Elm is not only packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B complex, C, K, calcium, magnesium and sodium, but it is thought to have a number of properties including: Demulcent – when mixed with water, it results in a sticky substance known as mucilage. Demulcents are often referred to as mucoprotective agents and this is why slippery elm is often used to soothe the lining of the digestive tract. It is a common addition when tackling acid reflux. Laxative – data has suggested that slippery elm can enhance bowel movements. Urinary health – slippery elm has been seen to calm the irritation and inflammation associated with urinary infections. Antioxidant capacity – slippery elm contains tannins which display strong antioxidant capacity and protection against reactive oxygen species. Anti-inflammatory – mice models have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in the stomach and intestines. In addition, slippery elm has been seen to influence immune system activity. Skin health – the phenolic compounds found in slippery elm have been seen to modulate inflammatory skin disease. Use with Caution: if allergic to elm trees in pregnancy There is also the suggestion that as slippery elm coats the digestive tract, it could prevent absorption of other medication or herbs; sometimes it may be advised to offer slippery elm at different times to others. Sadly, the tree is declining so slippery elm should be reserved for circumstances where alternatives are ineffective. In many instances slippery elm can be substituted with plantain (Plantagosp.) If a more mucilaginous remedy is needed, marshmallow root (Altheaofficinalis) is an excellent alternative. Sustainable sources should always be sought after. Probiotics Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when ingested in adequate amounts. They are not to be confused with prebiotics which are selectively fermented ingredients that result in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gut microbiota. Synbiotics are products that contain both. Probiotics are live microbes that can be formulated into many different types of products from food to supplements. The most common probiotics you’ve come across will likely be lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. They are reported to suppress diarrhoea, exhibit antimicrobial activities, reduce irritable bowel symptoms, prevent inflammatory bowel disease and support gut integrity and overall health. The more we are learning about probiotic use, the more we are realising that the benefits associated are bacterial strain specific. What this means is the devil is in the detail. In addition, to function as a probiotic, the bacteria must: – Survive the acid and bile in the GI tract – Adhere to intestinal cells or colonise areas within the tract – Exclude pathogenic adherence – Produce acids, or other compounds which antagonise the growth of pathogens – Be safe, non-invasive, non-carcinogenic and non-pathogenic The primary bacterial populations included in probiotics that have been seen to benefit both cats and dogs are lactic acid bacteria, especially lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and enterococci. – Enterococcus faecium (two strains) – Lactobaciullus acidophilus – Bifidobacterium animalis However, Lactobacillus rhamnosus is also known to be of benefit to dogs, as is saccharomyces boulardii. Why Probiotics Are Good For You and Your Dog Colloidal Silver Silver is recognized to have antimicrobial activity. There are three main ways in which it achieves this. Firstly, silver cations can form pores and puncture the bacterial cell wall by reacting with the peptidoglycan component. Secondly, silver ions can enter into the bacterial cell, both inhibiting cellular respiration and disrupting metabolic pathways resulting in generation of reactive oxygen species. Lastly, once in the cell silver can also disrupt DNA and its replication cycle. For these reasons, colloidal silver can have many uses. Clay Bentonite clay can be interchangeably referred to as Montmorillonite clay and are both regarded as an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate clay from the Smectites family. They are both named after regions they come from but in nature they have the same structure and have a much higher absorption capacity than other clays found in nature and on the market. It has been used and eaten since ancient times as humans believed in its therapeutic benefits. Due to many skin issues arising from immune reactions and toxicity, Bentonite can be calming and cooling both applied internally and externally. Internally, Bentonite clay has proven to remove many different bacteria and fungi, including candida albicans, that can lead to skin issues. Applied externally (clay being wet and made into a paste) can help hotspots, wounds, calm itching and help fungal infections. Bentonite clay has for a long time been considered as an effective treatment for diarrhoea, IBS and IBD too. A trial in 1961, was shown that orally administered bentonite treated 97% of cases with different causative factors of diarrhoea. These being virus, infection, food allergy, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, and food poisoning. In addition, Bentonite clay is negatively charged and so manages to attract and pull out toxins that by nature are positively charged. Leucillin Leucillin is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal solution which has many uses. It is a solution containing HOCl (hypochlorous acid). HOCl is an endogenous substance in all mammals and is effective against a broad range of microorganisms. Neutrophils, eosinophils, mononuclear phagocytes, and B lymphocytes produce HOCl in response
Many dog breeds will reach 50% of their adult size within 5-6 months. Some breeds will be fully grown by 8-12 months, some 12-18 months, and others 18-24 months. With this incredible range, it’s no surprise that puppyhood is in fact a critical period, and one that we need to get right. Post weaning is the most nutritionally demanding period in a dog’s life and this is even more demanding in large or giant breeds. It’s not just bones that grow in puppies, but every part of their body. They have muscle growth and they are constantly renewing cells. This includes those found in the gut, those on the skin and of course red blood cells (and white blood cells for that matter – which are crucial to their immune function). Their brains are also forging new connections and strengthening important ones. For all this growth, regeneration, and for want of a better word, work, they need two things. Puppies need fuel and nutrients. So let’s take a look at these two things that puppies need in a little more detail. Fuel Fuel is energy and dogs are particularly good at using fat for energy. For this reason, fat is not something to be avoided in your growing puppy. 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 shouldn’t be used for frying! In dogs, the body has a requirement for two distinct EFA families. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 series. Omega-6 fatty acids include: Linoleic Acid (LA) Arachidonic Acid (AA) Omega-3 fatty acids include: Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) But there is often an imbalance. Our modern day dogs and puppies for that matter are seemingly consuming more omega-6 than their ancestors. These guys ate a diet much higher in omega-3. Why is this important? Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Puppies Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is particularly important in brain and eye development. It comprises over 90% of the omega-3 fatty acids in the brain. The brain takes up DHA over any other fatty acid and DHA deficient diets are being linked to neurodegenerative disease in humans more and more. Interestingly, Beagle puppies fed diets fortified with DHA had statistically better results in various learning tasks than those puppies fed a DHA deficient diet. Findings Here But what is also of interest is that aggression in dogs correlates with low omega-3 levels too! Findings Here In addition, DHA supports myelin formation – which is the white matter that insulates brain circuits. Myelin sheaths ensure electrical impulses are transmitted quickly and efficiently along nerve cells. This is so important for all dogs, but especially our puppies who are consistently forging new connections in their brain, and wanting them to stick! Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Sprats Sardines Mackerel Mussels Grass fed beef and lamb Algae Oil Fatty acids are necessary for healthy skin formation, modulation of the immune response and the transport of fat-soluble vitamins. Skin Health in Puppies The skin is the largest organ of your dog’s body and it has 3 layers. Epidermis – above – outer layer Dermis – supports and nourishes – here you’ll find nerve fibres, inflammatory mediators, mast cells (that release histamine), sebaceous glands, collagen and elastin. Subcutis – below – this is fat and connective tissue – provides insulation and energy reserves. The skin functions as a barrier, both ways and it actually forms part of the immune system. In a series of studies in the early 1900s, rats were fed a diet completely devoid of fat. These rats developed visible skin abnormalities, increased water loss across the skin and other body-wide issues. However, when PUFAs were introduced into the diet, these defects were reversed. The skin, especially the epidermis, is organised into layers with a distinctive lipid composition. Linoleic acid (LA) is the most abundant PUFA present in the epidermis and as we know, LA is an Omega-6 fatty acid – the point is not to avoid Omega-6 but ensure there is a balance between the two families. Sources of Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Meat Poultry Eggs Fish Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil contain what is described as an optimal omega 3:6 ratio. Fatty Acids and Immune Health Fatty acids are known to play diverse roles in immune cells. They are important as a source of energy, as structural components of cell membranes, as signalling molecules and as precursors for the synthesis of eicosanoids and similar mediators (involved in the inflammatory response). Recent research has suggested that the localisation and organisation of fatty acids into distinct cellular pools has a direct influence on the behaviour of a number of proteins involved in immune cell activation, including those associated with T cell responses and antigen presentation. Supporting immune health in the puppy is so important to help them develop immune tolerance. Do We Need To Boost Our Pet’s Immune System? Fatty Acids For The Transport of Fat-Soluble Vitamins Vitamins are needed in minute quantities to function as essential enzymes, enzyme precursors or coenzymes in many of the body’s metabolic processes. Fat soluble vitamins can be stored in the body’s lipid deposits, making them more resistant to deficiency but also more likely to result in toxicity. The fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E and K and for them to do their job, they heavily depend on sufficient fatty acids in the body. Vitamin A The well-known function of vitamin A is its role in vision. Vitamin A is a precursor of rhodopsin, the photopigment found in rods within
We know the nutritional needs of puppies are quite different to the adult dog, but the adult dog in many of our eyes simply remains an adult dog. The reality is that our adult dog will become a senior dog and with that comes its own set of challenges. There are a number of system changes that can occur in the senior dog, and for those your dog deserves more personalised attention, but there are some great nutritional additions that can support nearly every senior dog! Here are 5 of our favourites! Essential Fatty Acids It seems there is a protein that can defend the brain against shrinkage and support its regrowth and repair. It is known as BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). This is important across all life-stages, but even more important if we are looking to maintain sufficient cognitive function in our senior dog. Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been seen to normalise BDNF levels in the brain. They are also thought to be neuroprotective in that they protect neurons from death. Not only that but we know that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in inflammation and when many of our senior dogs can suffer with inflammatory musculoskeletal issues, the inclusion of these compounds in the diet provide a win, win situation! Great sources of Omega-3 for the dog include fatty fish like sprats, sardines, mackerel, and salmon. You can also source a good quality supplement. Essential Fats For My Dog’s Diet Vitamin B12 When including both omega-3 and Vitamin B12 in the diet, higher levels of BDNF are found in the hippocampus and cortex. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps nerve and blood cells healthy. It is also involved in energy production and more. There are no plant-sources of B12, it is produced in the gut of vegetarian animals, then absorbed into their bloodstream, and makes its way around their body. Their tissue then provides B12 to whoever eats it. Adequate stomach acid secretion/production along with intrinsic factor is necessary for the absorption of B12 and these processes can be compromised as both us and our pets age. Sources of B12 include meat, fish and eggs but again, it can also be found in supplemental form. Why Your Dog Needs Vitamin B12 Bone Broth Bone broth is a liquid containing brewed bones and connective tissues. Bones themselves are rich in vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. In addition, brewing connective tissue into bone broth provides the body with natural compounds from the cartilage. You will also find collagen and cooking collagen turns it to gelatin, which provides the body with amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It is not possible to say how much of any nutrient will be in a particular batch of bone broth, since this largely depends on the type and quantity of the bones and tissues that went into it, but a good rotation of bones and tissues will provide a range of nutrients. A 2017 review suggests that both laboratory and animal studies show that gelatin supplementation increases the amount of collagen in the tissues which may help protect the joints from unnecessary stress, as we mentioned, gelatin is formed by the cooking of collagen. Other data has suggested that collagen can improve knee joint symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and poorer physical function, in humans with osteoarthritis. Protein The word protein comes from the Greek meaning “of prime importance” and it really is. Protein is the building blocks of the body. When our senior dog eats sources of protein like lamb, beef or eggs they are broken down in the stomach and then reassembled by the liver to form new proteins which carry out a range of jobs throughout the body. We have structural proteins which are key components of hair/fur, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. This is why signs of low protein include dry skin, poor coat condition or frequent injuries. Puppies need protein to grow, but on the other side of the scale, our senior dogs require sufficient protein to maintain their structure as they age. Proteins are also crucial to immune system function – many different immune cells like antibodies are made up of protein. Antibodies are those cells that latch onto harmful invaders and remove them. So if we want our dog to have a well-functioning immune system, they need protein. Whilst we know that protein is necessary for muscle growth, we often forget that it’s needed for muscle function too. Different proteins are involved in muscle contraction and relaxation; in short, protein ensures a muscle moves when it needs to. But protein is also necessary to maintain those carefully grown and functioning muscles. Muscle atrophy is common in the senior dog, and this can be influenced by both activity and diet. For this reason, sufficient protein is still necessary for the senior dog. Many moons ago, protein intake was implicated in compromised kidney function, but it must be remembered that these studies were relating to humans who were already diagnosed with kidney disease. Protein intake should be a consideration in kidney and liver issues, but it shouldn’t be avoided in the senior dog. Ultimate Guide to Liver Disease Kidney Disease and Natural Nutrition Green Lipped Mussels (GLMs) GLMs contain around 90 different fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulphate), glutamine (a glycosaminoglycan precursor), vitamins C and E and minerals including zinc, copper and selenium. The synergy of these nutritional components work in perfect harmony to support joint and mobility issues in the senior pet. When looking at joint health you need to consider all mechanisms responsible for the disease and then how to address them. Inflammation It’s generally the inflammation and rubbing of joints that create pain and stiffness. The fatty acids in green lipped mussels with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) are the most abundant. These are the important fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation. GLM’s are natural COX inhibitors just like NSAIDS
Time and time again we see that our pets are contaminated with a range of chemicals and toxins, but recent data indicates that they boast even higher levels of contamination than us humans. Let’s take a look at the data and see how we can reduce contamination. How Contaminated Are Our Pets? In a recent study, dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people. The chemicals included: plastics and food packaging chemicals heavy metals fire retardants stain-proofing chemicals Average levels of many chemicals were substantially higher in pets than people, with 2.4 times higher levels of stain- and grease-proof coatings (perfluorochemicals) in dogs, 23 times more fire retardants (PBDEs) in cats, and more than 5 times the amounts of mercury. Dog Contamination Blood and urine samples have shown contamination with a range of chemicals, including 11 carcinogens, 31 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, and 24 neurotoxins. Cat Contamination Cat samples contained 46 chemicals altogether, including 9 carcinogens, 40 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, 34 neurotoxins, and 15 chemicals toxic to the endocrine system. Endocrine system toxins raise particular concerns for cats, since they include the thyroid toxins and fire retardants, PBDEs. Thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism) is a leading cause of illness in older cats and it is regularly linked to fire retardant exposure. Hyperthyroidism in Cats Let’s look into individual exposure in a little more detail and some evidence backed links to certain health issues. Potential Exposures: – A dog eating scraps from the floor may swallow dirt and dust tracked in from the outdoors and contaminated with heavy metals and pesticides. – Dogs and cats often eat food processing and packaging chemicals that contaminate their food, day after day and year after year, resulting in cumulative exposures. – Chew toys might contain plastic softeners. – Foam beds might be infused or coated with fire retardants and stain-proofing chemicals. – Plastic water bowls might leach hormone disruptors. Evidenced Links to Health Issues: – “Teflon toxicosis” has been the cause of death for hundreds of pet birds nationwide whose lungs filled with blood after they breathed in toxic fumes from overheated, non-stick pans – what may this be doing to our pets? – Studies show bladder cancer at a higher rate in dogs living near industrial areas or if their owners use lawn and garden weed killers and insecticides. – In addition, in a case-control study of bladder cancer in household dogs, the cancer risk was significantly increased by the use of topical insecticides. For 1-2 topical applications per year, bladder cancer risk was increased by 1.6 times, whilst more than 2 applications per year the risk was 3.5 times greater. – Lead toxicosis has been found in dogs and cats in homes with chipping lead-based house paint. – Malignant lymphomas are found in dogs whose owners use certain lawn pesticides. – Mouth cancer (oral squamous cell carcinoma) has been found in cats exposed to certain flea repellents. We must also consider the foods that we are feeding our pets. A massive recall was initiated in March 2007 after many pets became sick or died after eating certain brands of pet foods. Poisonings of pets were traced to the presence of melamine and cyanuric acid in imported wheat gluten that was used for pet food production. Findings Here According to the Environmental Working Group: “These events highlight the vulnerability of pets and their owners who, due to insufficient government oversight over chemicals present in pet food, are left to trust that the pet food industry will regulate itself.” The list of potential contaminants is endless, which can leave us a little disheartened as pet owners. But, information is power, and if we know what could be compromising our pet’s health, we can take steps to mitigate the damage. We can limit exposure to contaminants as much as possible by opting for a low-tox lifestyle. What does a low-tox lifestyle look like? Plates instead of plastic bowls Non-toxic grooming products Steam mops White vinegar and baking soda for cleaning Wooden floors or tiles with washable rugs instead of carpets Natural flea and worm options Fresh food diet Filtered water Natural garden care and insect repellents Air purifiers – machines or bamboo charcoal bags Safe plants (for both cats and dogs) The thing to remember is that many of us have become accustomed to sweet smelling homes, but all we really need is a clean home. Wash rugs, blankets and beds frequently (in white vinegar to keep wet dog smells at bay) and if you have guests coming over, pop a vase of (safe) flowers on the table. We regularly see how a high-tox lifestyle has compromised pet skin health, along with their gut and liver function. And as we can see from the evidence, contaminants are implicated in many more health issues in our pets. If you would like any support in optimising your pet’s health, then please check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Every day, our pet’s bodies are exposed to toxins. They are produced internally in the body which includes things like lactic acid and waste products from gut microbes, hormones, and neurotransmitters, but they are also found externally, like air pollution, chemicals from cleaning products or volatile organic compounds from the plug-in air diffuser in your lounge. What’s really sad is that the number of eternal toxins seems to be increasing year on year. The concern is that these toxins have the ability to disrupt essential biological structures in the body. We can’t avoid toxins, because as we have noted, they are also produced internally from normal metabolic processes, but we can limit our pet’s external exposure to reduce the burden on their detoxification systems. Let’s take a look at how these detoxification systems work and why it’s so important to consider how exposed our pets truly are. What is Metabolic Detoxification? Detoxification is carried out by a range of mechanisms and this comes in particularly handy if one pathway is overwhelmed, another can pick up the slack. We can think of it like a waterfall, water will always find a way down. In a healthy system, toxins will be able to find a way out. Initially, the body will attempt to detoxify at source. These locations include the intestinal mucosa, the respiratory mucosa, the microbiome, and the skin epidermis. Whilst these also provide a physical barrier to prevent toxin transport, they also express a range of enzymes which are essential in sweeping toxins away. Detoxification falls into three phases. The first two phases are concerned with breaking down the toxin in the body, and phase three is concerned with excreting it. For the body to manage a toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Phase I Detoxification Here we are mostly concerned with a range of enzymes like MAOs or monoamine oxidases dealing with neurotransmitters (those chemical messengers involved in mood and behaviour amongst other things) and PON1 or paraoxonase 1 dealing with pesticides and oxidised lipids. The names aren’t important, but the point is that at this stage the body needs to be efficiently producing these enzymes to metabolise the toxins. Most of this occurs in the liver, so for healthy detoxification processes, the liver needs to be functioning well too. A Brief Guide to Liver Function in Pets This stage is particularly nutrient-demanding and sufficient levels of key vitamins and minerals are essential. They include: Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin E Vitamins B1, B2, B3 Iron But amino acids like cysteine are also important. Free Radicals and Detox This phase also generates high numbers of reactive oxygen species, or ROS leading to oxidative stress. So, supporting the body’s antioxidant defences is also important. Does My Dog Need Antioxidants? Once toxins have passed through phase I, they are not completely finished with. Intermediate metabolites are produced and they sit in the body. It’s almost like putting your rubbish in the outside bin, but missing collection day. The rubbish remains. This is where Phase II comes in. Liver Guard Phase II Detoxification Within phase II there are a number of pathways and they are all responsible for detoxifying different compounds. The pathways include: Methylation Sulphation Conjugation Glucuronidation Acetylation The process of methylation deals with heavy metals, plastics, medications, mould, histamine, and hormones, amongst others. Methylation Nutrient Needs: Vitamin B9 Vitamin B6 Zinc Magnesium The process of sulphation deals with heavy metals, heavy smoke, hormones, neurotransmitters, plastics, phenols, and medications including antibiotics. Glutathione conjugation deals with heavy metals, plastics, mould, heavy smoke, pesticides, and medications like steroids. Glutathione is a master antioxidant so is also important in neutralising the reactive oxygen species produced in phase I. Glucuronidation is involved in managing heavy metals, sex hormones, neurotransmitters, plastics, mould, smoke, medications including paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants. Glucuronidation Nutrient Needs: Vitamin B3 Vitamin B6 Iron Acetylation supports the detoxification of smoke, halides, neurotransmitters, histamine, and medications including antibiotics. Phase III Detoxification At this point, we move into phase III, where we need to ensure the excretory part of the process is working as it should. This includes the function of the gut, skin, liver and kidneys. For optimal excretion of toxins through the digestive system, gut health is vitally important. Maintaining the mucosal barrier is key for gut health along with supporting motility. What Is The Gut Barrier? The Dog’s Digestive System Here functional ingredients can help lubricate the digestive tract, promote regular motility, aid elimination, and support the microbiome. Some useful ingredients include: Slippery elm De-glycerised liquorice (DGL) Glutamine N-acetyl-glucosamine Gut Guardian What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis? Adequate hydration is also important along with limiting stress where possible. Can Stress Affect My Dog’s Digestive System? The Importance of Water Top tips to support detoxification: Support detox at source – ensure skin and gut health The skin provides an effective physical barrier to prevent toxins entering the body, so its structure and microbiome is key. Feed a diet that includes bioavailable protein and fat and reduce exposure to grooming products that can skew the microbiome of the skin. We also need to take steps to optimise gut health. 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health For Pets Feed a nutrient dense diet Each phase of detoxification requires certain nutrients, and the processes are quite demanding. Ensure you are feeding a diet rich in the following nutrients: Vitamins A, C, E B Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9 (folate) Minerals: Iron, Zinc and Magnesium. The first phase also produces high numbers of free radicals so include antioxidant foods in the diet too! Perfect additions include: – Berries – Nuts and Seeds – Green Leafy Vegetables – Oily Fish – Eggs – Liver – Meats – Peppers – Strawberries – Broccoli Reduce the toxic burden The best way to support the detoxification system is to not overload it in the first place, so avoiding toxins wherever possible. This isn’t easy,
You’ve probably heard that most of the immune system is found in the gut or at least that the gut trains immune function, but you may not know how. We thought we’d pop together a brief guide to GALT or gut associated lymphoid tissue and how we can use nutrition to optimise it’s function. What is GALT? GALT stands for gut associated lymphoid tissue and is another subcategory of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. GALT is present throughout the lining of the intestine. It consists of a large population of plasma cells and makes up about 70% of the immune system by weight. Your Pet’s Immune System Being so close to the microbiome and in immediate contact with food, GALT is continually exposed to both ‘normal’ and potentially dangerous antigens. This means that GALT develops in a manner that allows non-pathogenic substances, such as commensal bacteria, to survive and enables tolerance to food antigens, whilst at the same time it protects the host from pathogenic organisms and other potentially toxic substances. In short, GALT matures through exposure, based on this idea of immune tolerance. Do We Need To Boost Our Pet’s Immunity? This distinctive biological feature of GALT is believed to be crucial to good health. Deregulation or dysfunction of GALT is thought to predispose to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and more. What Can Cause Dysfunctional GALT? The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of the normal mucosal immune system (humoral and cellular), including the development of gut-associated lymphoid tissues. Under normal physiological conditions, symbiotic association of gut microbiota with gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) contributes to immune balance. Dysbiosis continuously and adversely agitates GALT to promote sterile inflammatory response and sensitises the host for chronic gastric disease. There is increasing evidence that suggests changes in intestinal microbiota results in changes in the intercellular tight junctions. In addition, evidence suggests that dysbiosis is associated with inflammatory bowel disease through its influence on GALT. What Influences The Microbiota? Diet and geographical location play a major role in determining the microbial diversity in the gut. In addition, uncontrolled use of antibiotics also (both prescribed and indiscriminate usage) often kills a broad variety of sensitive gut microbes and leads to dysbiosis which warrants the inclusion of pro- and/or prebiotics to repopulate the gut and modulate the gut microbiome. The following also deserve due thought: – Overuse of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines – Poor liver function – Poor motility – Digestive disorders – Poor pancreatic function – Inflammation in the gut – Stress – Environmental toxins – Dietary choices Whilst exposure is crucial for immune system maturation, we can’t ignore that nutrition also plays a role. Amino Acids and GALT Health The importance of individual amino acids to gut function and immunity has become apparent in recent years due to studies that have supplemented amino acids to animals/humans fed: 1) intravenously (total parenteral nutrition – TPN), which demonstrates not only the importance of GALT but also the importance to immune functions beyond the intestine; 2) during weaning, which demonstrates the importance of these amino acids to the normal growth and development of the intestine and GALT; and 3) during infection or chronic inflammation, which has demonstrated the role in regulating inflammation and infectious challenges. Amino Acids of Interest: Glutamine is an important energy substrate and precursor for other amino acids and derivatives in immune cells and enterocytes. In immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages, glutamine is used rapidly. In addition to its role as an energy substrate, glutamine is important for intestinal development and function, including maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier, the structure of the intestinal mucosa and redox homeostasis. Overall, animal studies have shown that glutamine is required to maintain a healthy intestinal mucosa and support several GALT functions during weaning, infection and other intestinal inflammatory states. Glutamate is thought to modulate the intestinal epithelium. It is thought to play an essential role as an oxidative substrate to both enterocytes and immune cells. It is also a precursor for the synthesis of GSH (glutathione), which is required to protect the intestinal mucosa and optimise immune cell function. Finally, glutamate is a precursor for arginine, the substrate for the synthesis of NO. A high rate of NO synthesis by neutrophils is required during the innate immune response to infection which is an important role of the immune system in the intestine. Studies have shown that arginine supports the growth and the development of the intestine and mucosal barrier in animals. There is considerable support that in health and stressed conditions, ingestion of arginine has a beneficial effect on GALT, with particular improvements in aspects of the acquired immune response. Arginine is thought to support the growth, development and maintenance of a healthy intestinal mucosa during critical periods of development and under certain health conditions. Whilst protein intake is essential to immune function, the availability of specific dietary amino acids, in particular glutamine, glutamate, and arginine, and perhaps others, are essential to optimising the immune functions of the intestine and specific immune cells located in GALT. These amino acids modulate their effects by maintaining the integrity, growth and immune functions of the epithelial cells in the intestine, as well as improve T-cell numbers and function, the secretion of IgA, and regulate inflammatory cytokine secretion. Sources of Glutamine: Grass-fed meat Eggs Organ meats Leafy greens Sources of Glutamate: Meat Mushrooms Sources of Arginine: Meat Fish Nuts Seeds We would always advocate a fresh food diet to provide the nutrients necessary for healthy immune functioning in your pets. If you would like any support in optimising your pet’s health, check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
We’d say 99% of pets that we support here at My Pet Nutritionist require a gut healing protocol. No matter the issue they present with, when we track through their history, we can see the benefit of supporting their gut health moving forwards. So how do we support a pet’s gut health? We follow the 4 R’s. Not sure what they are? Well, we’ve popped together a brief guide! Remove – carry out an elimination diet An elimination diet, also known as exclusion diet, is a diagnostic procedure used to identify foods that an individual/animal cannot consume without adverse effects. Adverse effects may be due to food allergy (IGE), food intolerance (IGG), other physiological mechanisms, or a combination of all of the above. How? Raw or lightly cooked food is the best way to do this. Cooked foods can take pressure off the digestive system – which has often taken a bit of a beating in these cases. Start with novel proteins (proteins your dog’s immune system has not seen before) –horse, ostrich, kangaroo and hare are generally well tolerated. Horse meat is lean too, so a great option if digestive function isn’t where it needs to be, yet. Feed this novel protein for 4-12 weeks. Ideally if you land on a novel protein that helps the itch/digestive discomfort or doesn’t make it any worse, we recommend remaining on this protein for 12 weeks -the time it takes for an intolerance to change. Then introduce other novel proteins. Remember, no more than one per week and stick to single source. Treats need to match too! If there are signs of intolerance, then remove that protein and go back to a protein you believe is best tolerated. Notice that it’s called an elimination diet, and not an elimination lifestyle. The overall aim is to eventually maintain a strong diversity in the diet, as we know this supports optimal gut health. We would be looking to reintroduce more common proteins as time went on – but this takes time. We also practice the same process of reintroducing any fruit or vegetables – one at a time, over time. It can also be worthwhile opting for a low-histamine approach when reintroducing, check out our low histamine blog here. Check out our article on elimination diets here. Repair – support immunity and gut healing with a range of helpful compounds These include: Slippery elm De-glycerised liquorice (DGL) Glutamine N-acetyl-glucosamine Slippery elm is a deciduous tree found in forests of the eastern half of the USA and Canada. Slippery Elm is related to the American Elm (ulmus americana) and is sometimes called Red Elm or Moose Elm. It is best used in the digestive tract, where it serves as a soothing, protecting and lubricating demulcent and general astringent at the same time. It creates a mucilage lining where it soothes the passage of food, inflammation and is believed to protect and heal the mucosal lining. The inner bark of the Slippery Elm is not only packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B complex, C, K, calcium, magnesium and sodium, but it is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Sadly, the tree is declining so slippery elm should be reserved for circumstances where alternatives are ineffective. In many instances slippery elm can be substituted with plantain (Plantagosp.) If a more mucilaginous remedy is needed, marshmallow root (Altheaofficinalis) is an excellent alternative. Sustainable sources should always be sought after. DGL has been shown to promote mucus activity. This extra mucus may act as a barrier to acid in the stomach and oesophagus. This barrier can allow damaged tissue to heal and has been thought to prevent future occurrences of acid reflux. DGL is thought to increase: The blood supply to the damaged mucosa The number of cells producing the mucus that protects the mucous membranes The amount of mucus the cells produce The life span of the intestinal cell Not only that, but glycyrrhizin has been shown to inhibit experimentally induced allergenic reactions. In gut physiology, glutamine promotes enterocyte proliferation, regulates tight junction proteins, suppresses pro-inflammatory signalling pathways, and protects cells against apoptosis and cellular stresses during normal and pathologic conditions. N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) is a natural compound that supports healthy digestive mucus production. NAG has also been shown to support the growth of bifidobacteria, a type of gut-protective bacteria. In human studies, glucosamine has been shown to reduce the inflammation caused by the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It is also important to consider how existing medications are affecting gut healing for example, steroid use impairs intestinal absorption which is linked to several gastrointestinal dysfunctions. But, because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities, they are often prescribed in cases of allergies or intolerance. Findings here Restore – support the microbiome As the microbiome is key in the development and maintenance of the immune system and more, supporting this is essential, however, the introduction of specific pre and probiotic foods or supplements is sometimes best left for a few weeks into your plan. To learn more about supporting the gut microbiome, check out our blogs below: What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis? What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis? Replenish – support digestive function Indigestibility of food proteins can also contribute to their antigenic nature, so consider any long-term medication use. For example, proton pump inhibitors affect gastric acid secretion. Ensuring HCL, pepsin and digestive enzymes are in good supply will help get the digestive system back to doing what it does best! If you would like support tackling your pet’s gut health, check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading. MPN Team
We know that there is a clear physiological response to stress, but if this response is the same from body to body, and therefore human to human, why do some of us seem more stressed than others? Our perception of stress can be influenced by environmental, psychological, and genetic factors which all affect our stress load. Most of us are familiar with the phrase “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” or more technically termed, trigger stacking, so let’s take a look at stress load for the pet owner and considerations to make in reducing it. Stress Load There is this concept of allostasis and it is the process of maintaining stability in response to demands – it’s similar in sound to homeostasis, which as we know is the body functioning as it should. Allostatic load is therefore the cumulative burden of stressors; think of it like overload – it is when challenge exceeds the ability to cope. This is generally where the problem lies for many of us. If we are faced with one stress at a time, we manage it, once we miss our alarm, smash a coffee cup, run out of milk, lose the car keys and then get our jumper stuck on the door handle; we get particularly annoyed at the door handle for being there. If we had simply ran out of milk that morning, we would have just made a note to call for some on the way home. But this concept can also happen on a much bigger scale; when we are facing difficult relationships with friends or family, if we are managing a chronic illness of a family member whether this is human or animal, if we are worried about finances or dealing with the loss of a loved one (human or animal). Whilst it’s impossible to “size” stressors, these chronic situations are always lingering in the background – they are always weighing down that one side of the seesaw; making it harder to balance it out on the other side. We already, consistently, have a stress load. Stress as a Contagion Stress is also contagious. This isn’t something we need to notify the World Health Organisation about, but it’s true. It is deemed as co-regulation as species. In an evolutionary sense, it improved survival. If someone in our tribe became aware of a threat, the more sensitive we were to that meant that we too, could act quickly and avoid or manage it. The issue is that we are social beings, and whilst we’re no longer faced with an intruding predator or tribe, we still mirror others. For the most part, this is often described as being an empath – and we’ve all met (or are) those who seemingly take on the stress of others – but it will all add to our load. This also occurs with our pets. We mirror our pet’s stress, just like they mirror ours. Many studies have shown that when tested, pet’s have increased cortisol levels alongside their humans. On the subject of evolution, we also have our genes to thank for how well we manage stress. Inherited Stress Epigenetics is the area of study that looks at, despite DNA remaining constant, how certain exposure can alter gene expression. DNA is like a PDF document and gene expression is like the PDF writer. What the document editor does is largely dependent on their working conditions like environment, nutrition, lifestyle and more. What’s particularly interesting is that in cases of post-traumatic-stress-disorder or PTSD, these individuals could pass on epigenetic changes to their off-spring. In short, trauma could be inherited. This may not be a surprise if you have ever come across a pet who was seemingly raised in the perfect home, but is still a nervous wreck! Could their trauma be inherited after all? This isn’t a cop out – but it’s useful information when understanding our own feelings and behaviour. Stress Genes We have also identified certain genes that can help us understand our response to stress. We know that certain hormones and chemicals are released in the body in response to a trigger; they do their job and then what? Well, they need to be broken down and removed. But the right parts of the body need to get the right instructions for this to occur. The body is relying on that PDF document again. The COMT gene, or more technically known as catechol-O-methyltransferase gene, codes for the enzymes to break down neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine (that occur in the stress response), and like everything in life, this can be coded slow, fast or just right! The slow variation is more associated with HPA axis dysfunction – meaning you are more sensitive to stress. The catecholamines linger, meaning they have longer to do their thing. If you have a fast variation, you are less stress sensitive, because they are broken down quickly and excreted, but equally, as dopamine is involved in memory and attention, you can have a shorter attention span. There are positive and negatives for both variations – the slow variation may make you more stress sensitive, but you’ll likely have better attentional control. What’s also super interesting is that this genetic coding occurs in our dogs too – so we can have more stress-sensitive dogs, or less stress-sensitive dogs. And whilst we can’t change the gene, we can change how it is expressed – so even if we have fast/slow metabolism of our stress catecholamines, we can make lifestyle choices to support this. As it’s a methylation gene, adequate B-vitamins in the diet are essential, along with appropriate levels of magnesium. A diet rich in leafy greens is one of our favourite tips to support stress responses. In the case of a slow COMT, excess oestrogen can further burden it – so it can be useful to limit oestrogen boosters like xenoestrogens (plastics, pesticides, and chemical compounds), dairy, parabens and often soy. Exercise also requires methylation and increases
