We’re all guilty of it, when we bring pets into our lives, we pull out all the stops. We research everything because we want to give them the best life possible and whilst our bank account may be empty, our hearts are full. But, in this process, we often forget to care for ourselves. This is especially true if we are supporting a poorly pet. The issue here is that we can’t pour from an empty cup. The reality is that if we want to care for our pets in the best way possible, we must also care for ourselves. We wanted to share our three non-negotiables when it comes to supporting pet owner health. Sleep! Sleep is vital for health. Sleep not only supports immune function, brain health, muscle recovery and more but it also plays a key role in optimal mental health. Poor sleep is regularly linked to depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Sufficient REM sleep facilitates the processing of emotional information too, which can be even more important for us owners supporting a poorly pet. Practicing good sleep hygiene is essential, but we can also consider how our own nutrition influences our sleeping too! Chrononutrition is the study of how when we eat influences our health – for example, shift workers eating during nighttime have reduced insulin tolerance compared to those who eat during the day. Furthermore, rising early, and feeling alert when doing so is linked with better dietary control. In other words, we are more likely to make good food choices if we rise with the sun, and go to bed with the moon. This is particularly important when we consider how our food choices in turn affect how we feel and behave (we’ll look at this a little later). Top Tips for Improved Sleep: – Try grounding – Studies have shown that walking barefoot outside (where safe – think on the grass in the garden) improves both sleep and mood. – Try blue blockers – artificial light suppresses melatonin production and this is the hormone that helps us feel sleepy. Most of us head to bed with our phones or shortly after watching TV for a couple of hours. Consider looking at blue blockers for screen time and try to disconnect from technology completely for a couple of hours before bed. Engaging in that heated discussion on social media just before bed results in your body amping up, not calming down, so be realistic on whether it’s the blue light keeping you awake or what you’re exposing yourself to. – Increase oxygen in your bedroom – some of the best “oxygen boosting” plants include: English Ivy, Aloe Vera, Areca Palm, Snake Plant and Peace Lily. – Avoid excitotoxins in your diet – you tend to find excitotoxins in processed foods, but they do go by a range of names including: carrageenan, MSG, aspartame, E numbers, BHT and other preservatives. Just like the name suggests they ramp up activity in your nervous system – which isn’t ideal if you’re trying to settle for the evening. What’s really interesting is that studies have shown (in the absence of worry and anxiety about said pets), that having pets in our lives improves our sleep efficiency and quality too! We can often get into a much better routine when we have pets in our lives, and routine is key to optimal sleep! Move More! Being dog owners, we tend to head out in all weathers anyway, but this really is so important for our health. Not only the cardiovascular benefits of physical exercise, but just simply being outside in nature. Our species has existed for thousands upon thousands of years – but even the oldest cities have only been around a fraction of that! What this means is that we largely evolved in nature, and this environment therefore shaped our brains – for want of a better phrase, going back to nature almost takes us back to our roots. – Being in nature is seen to improve sleep scores – Spending time in green spaces simply makes us happier – Mental stress scores significantly reduce when we live in urban areas with increased green spaces – Time in nature improves our relationships with others and also cognitive functioning It’s easy to look outside at the pouring rain and opt for some enrichment games instead, especially if your ever-expanding to-do -list is staring back at you, but we know that being in nature supports our stress resilience and tolerance. Heading out for that brisk walk could be just what you need. Regular physical activity can also support our own digestive health. Exercise is known to increase blood flow to our digestive system and it can also modulate metabolism. Not only that but physical activity can help relieve stress, meaning our digestive system can do what it does best with the resources it needs. Regular exercise has also been seen to reduce symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome in humans. Eat Well! Every cell in every body has a job to do, and to do that job, it needs certain compounds. We get those compounds largely from the diet. If we want to be functioning well enough to care for our pets, then we need to nourish ourselves too! For us owners caring for a poorly pet, we can feel many emotions. Feeling overwhelmed is a form of stress and we know that stress increases the demand placed on the body – you can think of it like a dump of nutrients. Whenever we are stressed, we use nutrients to produce the stress related hormones, and then our body uses many nutrients in order to break them down and safely eliminate them. In cases of chronic stress (and anxiety and depression), we regularly see deficiencies in Omega-3 fatty acids, along with B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and more! Not only that but we regularly see depression and anxiety in those who eat low
Our feline friends can often be left out when we talk about enrichment for pets – we notice plenty of top tips for our dogs, but sometimes end up a little lost when it comes to our cats. So, how can we enrich our cat’s life? We’ve popped together some ideas. Species Appropriate Diet Cats have evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates. The cat has seemingly evolved as a strict or obligate carnivore; meaning the nutrients they require are found in animal tissue. As such, the consensus is that there is no current nutritional basis for energy to be supplied by carbohydrates; providing other nutrients are being supplied. There is also evidence that there is limited amylase activity in the pancreas and small intestine (even compared to dogs), which may explain why some cats will not tolerate high starch diets. The fact that cats are also defined as hypercarnivores (small carnivorous mammal with a proportionally large brain) indicates they have a high brain glucose demand. This high demand simply could not be met by carbohydrates present in a natural prey diet; and so, cats therefore have a higher rate of gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources). It is considered that due to the limited intestinal enzyme capacity, consumption of excessive amounts of digestible carbohydrates will not lead to glucose absorption, but rather a substrate for increased microbial fermentation, causing gastrointestinal adverse effects. In similar tests to dogs, cats are able to target their nutrient intake. When given the choice, they will specifically aim for a high intake of protein. In times of low protein, they will opt for an increased fat intake to achieve balance. When carbohydrate intake was high, this limited intake of other nutrients and resulted in deficits – for that reason, a carbohydrate ceiling was proposed for the cat. What this means, is that your cat will thrive best on a fresh food diet, high in protein and moderate in fat. If you find you have a fussy eater, sometimes engaging in play before mealtimes can mimic you cat’s natural prey drive and increase interest in food. Findings Here Limit Toxin Exposure Whenever the body is exposed to something, it must do something with it. In the case of toxic substances, it must make it less toxic, hence the word detoxification (de=remove or reverse). Detoxification pathways fall into three phases. The first two phases are concerned with breaking down the toxin in the body, and phase three is concerned with excreting it. For us to manage ours and our cat’s toxic load, all three phases need to be working optimally. Phase one is particularly nutrient demanding, and it produces a lot of reactive oxygen species in the process (those cheeky things that result in oxidative damage which destroys and damages cells). Phase two is also nutrient demanding, but drafts in many different processes depending on the compounds being detoxified. Phase three deals with getting rid of them once and for all, and occurs in the gut, skin, liver and kidneys. So, it stands to reason that optimal organ function is helpful here. The issue is that the cat is playing catch up. They aren’t as efficient at these processes as other species, like us, and when we are increasing the toxin burden year on year, it becomes problematic. They have even demonstrated a total inactivation of certain genes responsible for certain phenol detoxification. So, whilst limited toxin exposure is important for us all, it’s even more important for our cats. Where possible, limit exposure to: Plastics Mould Smoke Air pollution Heavy metals VOCs – air fresheners, cleaning products, fabric softeners The Struggle of The Cat in Our Toxic World Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your Pet Allow Them To Engage in Normal Behaviour All cats are different. They have different energy levels and how they behave will depend on their age, breed and past experiences. But there are a few things that we need to ensure for all cats, no matter what. make sure your cat receives enough mental, social and physical stimulation to satisfy their individual behavioural needs provide your cat with safe toys and regular opportunities to play with friendly people and by themselves make sure that your cat can rest undisturbed if they want to make sure your cat has opportunities to exercise each day provide suitable indoor activities to keep your cat active, if they don’t go outside make sure that your cat can reach all the things that it needs (for example bed, food, water, litter or outdoors) without having to get too close to things, people or other animals that may scare them make sure children allow cats to exhibit normal behaviours too. Let Them Hide Cats get stressed. There is no denying that. But they are often a little more subtle in their anxieties than other animals. As in humans, cats will have the same response to stress. They may choose to fight, flight, or freeze. When they fight, they become aggressive and defensive. Flight will see them withdrawing from the threat and perhaps running away. When cats freeze, they crouch, lie still, and try to avoid any attention. There is a ladder of response in most animals, and this is no different in cats. They will often show subtle signs of discomfort or stress. If the trigger doesn’t disappear, the behaviour will progress. You may start with the flat ears, then the pupils will dilate. You may have a low growl or a silent hiss. Them running off or lashing out with their teeth and claws may be a few steps up the ladder. For some cats, there are triggers which they can’t easily escape from. The most common is a multi-pet home. It is well-established that those cats exposed to dogs report higher stress-hormone levels in their urine. However, some cats have incredible relationships with resident dogs. Generally, if the cat
We’ve all been there, we’re out on a walk and trying to encourage the nose-driven pooch from the scent trail they’ve found. Whilst allowing dogs to sniff is super important for their health, if we’ve already been out 20 minutes longer than planned and cutting it very close to being late for work, we can often wonder if we can use this skill in other ways. Well you can. If you’re stuck in on a rainy or hot day, or simply want to enrich your dog’s life, you can use their incredible nose for some very specific brain games! Read on to learn more about our top five games for nose-driven pooches! 1) Burrito Time! A super-easy one to set up. Grab a towel or a blanket from your closet and grab some treats or freeze/air dried food. Fold the blanket or towel into a fan. So, fold 3-6” of towel back onto itself and continue until you have done it with the whole towel or blanket. Stuff treats or food into the folds. Introduce your dog to the towel or blanket and encourage them to sniff out the treats or food. The idea isn’t to simply drag the towel/blanket, emptying it as you go, but to sniff and nuzzle to get each individual piece of food. 2) Treasure Hunt! With your dog in the same room initially, hide treats or food around your lounge or kitchen. Make them easy to access, so on top of a box or table, or just under a chair. As your dog is seeking them out, label it “hunt” or “seek.” As they understand the purpose of the task, you can make it harder, by placing treats or food in harder to reach places so they need to use their nose; maybe behind a cushion or down the side of a chair etc. Increase the difficulty as they progress. 3) Pot Luck! Start with two plastic cups or plant pots. Hide a treat or piece of food under one of the cups. Encourage your dog to seek out where the food is. They will use their nose to track it. As they get the hang of it you can increase the number of cups or pots and also place the food under more than one cup/pot. You can also leave your dog in another room, set the cups up then let your dog in; here they will only be using their nose as they couldn’t watch where you placed the food. 4) Which Hand? This is a great game if you have kids in the home. You can all get involved. Start with one person having a treat in one closed hand. Your dog will likely seek it out. As soon as they do, reward them with the treat. Then introduce another person, but again only have one treat in one closed hand. You can slowly add more and more people so there is a wall of hands for your dog to seek who is holding the treat. 5) Where’s Your toy? It’s easy to think that those nose-driven pooches will only seek out food, but they will actually seek out their own toys too. Teach your dog the name of their toy by throwing it for them, then as they retrieve it, label the toy. Once they know the name of their toy, you can hide it around the home and ask them to seek it. Place it in easy to reach places initially before working up to harder locations, and don’t let any other dogs play with that particular toy to contaminate it with other scents. As much as you may curse your sniffing dog when you’re running late on a walk, it can be a blessing in disguise when you are looking for new and creative ways to keep them stimulated or enriched. Be patient and set them up to succeed. Progress at their pace but above all, have fun! Let us know if you try any of them – and tag us in your attempts on social media! Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Whether it’s a trail of slobber across your face or you’re sitting in wonder at your dog licking the slate around the fireplace, dogs like to lick. Everything. We find it endearing and a sign of affection when we get a tongue to the ear, or we just assume they’re practicing good hygiene when they are licking their paws. More often than not, only your dog knows why they are licking that rock in the garden. But there are occasions when there is more to licking behaviour. Let’s delve into the world of allergies, stress, pain and just good old-fashioned grooming. Why do dogs lick their paws? If you made a tally of a day in the life of your dog, licking paws would come in pretty high. More often than not, dogs will lick their paws to groom themselves. So, if they’ve come in from their walk or even just from a mooch around the garden, you’ll find them preening themselves and even having a little nibble. This is generally expected behaviour. However, this can become excessive if your dog is irritated by something they walk through or on. Grasses, pollens and toxic chemicals can all cause irritation to their sensitive paws. You also run the risk of salt or antifreeze exposure during extreme weather. Not only does this irritate them externally, but through grooming, they ingest it and can cause subsequent damage internally. It’s always best to rinse your dog’s paws when returning from a walk and give them a towel dry. In extreme climates you can even apply an all-natural paw balm or simply some coconut oil. Dogs will also lick parts of their body that are painful or stiff; so, if your dog has strained or sprained their leg, they may start licking their paw of the affected leg. Long nails can cause pain too, so check your dog thoroughly if the licking is a new behaviour. Dogs In Pain Excessive licking is usually identified by a reddening of the hair on the area being licked, so it’s pretty easy to notice. This is thanks to a protein found in the saliva which stains the hair. It’s not blood, don’t worry. However, excessive licking can cause trauma to the hair and skin, leaving inflamed, red and sore patches. This is why the underlying issue needs to be tackled as soon as possible. Why do dogs lick people? Some dogs lick people, some dogs don’t. How they have been raised plays a huge part in this. Quite often, if a dog has been allowed to lick their owner, they may lick other humans. If, however, an owner doesn’t want this behaviour, then they will ignore it. The dog won’t get a response and often will cease to do it. Those of us crazy dog owners who couldn’t care less whose canine slobber we get covered in, usually become jovial, we smile or laugh. The dog, even in the absence of a “food” reward, is receiving positive reinforcement. Dogs can read human emotion and, maybe, if they think we like being licked, they figure it’s just something they should keep doing. Why do dogs lick faces? It’s impossible to know for certain why dogs like our faces, but we think it comes from their puppyhood. If you notice how Mum Dogs behave with their puppies, they spend a huge time licking them, grooming them. The great thing is, the more a Mum Dog does this, the more resilient her puppy is as they grow. They are also less reactive to stress. It is believed that this behaviour reduces the amount of stress hormones in the puppy’s body. So, we could argue that our dog licks our face because they are imitating the behaviour they experienced. We could also argue that our dogs do it to help soothe us (do they do it more if we are stressed?) The less endearing explanation is that actually, as a dog’s sense of smell is so great, they’ve sniffed out a crumb or remnant of food/drink around our mouths and actually just want a taste. Why do dogs lick your feet? Most will agree, feet are the smelliest part of the human body. In terms of biology, this is pretty accurate. Human feet have more sweat glands per inch than anywhere else on the body. Wearing tight fitting socks and shoes also keeps moisture and heat in, providing a great environment for bacteria to multiply. Dogs have a great sense of smell, so when there could potentially be a great mixture of water, ammonia, potassium, nicotinic acid, magnesium, chloride, sodium, creatinine, uric acid, ascorbic acid, thiamine and riboflavin (also known as sweat) and then a whole host of different bacteria, why wouldn’t your dog have a lick and see what they could find? Dog’s explore their world through smell and sight. Maybe they’re just drawn to the smelliest part of the human body? (we’re not saying you have smelly feet, they can just find more information there). Why do dogs lick the air? Whilst dogs do explore their world through smell, and smell contributes massively to taste experience, it’s unlikely that when your dog is licking the air, they are trying to “taste” the air. They are more likely, stressed. Licking is a stress behaviour for canines. Notice when your dog is licking the air; what is happening in their environment. Is someone touching them? Has someone new come into the home? Are you near their food? Is someone near their toy? Are kids nearby? Have you made a fuss and touched a certain part of their body? This could indicate pain. It’s important to notice the trigger and also watch for other stress behaviours like; drooling, panting, yawning, pacing, head flicking or turning away from the stressor/trigger. Find the trigger and remove it. Licking is a warning signal; ignorance often leads to escalation. Why do dogs lick their nose? Like we mentioned above, this is most likely a sign of
Sadly, there are a colossal number of dogs that suffer with their skin, whether seasonal, or 365 days of the year. So, what on earth is going on? Let’s take a look at the skin in a little more detail, what it is, what its function is and what can go wrong. The skin is actually the largest organ of your dog’s body. It consists of three major layers: The Epidermis – this is the outer layer of skin, the protective layer. The Dermis – this layer supports and nourishes the outer layer. It provides strength and elasticity. Here you will find collagen fibres, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. Here you will find cells and compounds involved in inflammatory response and therefore allergies. The Subcutis –this in the innermost layer of the skin, here 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 elements. In dogs, their hair also forms a barrier, therefore hair health is synonymous with skin health, and a dog’s coat type can actually influence skin status. Could My Dog’s Coat Type Contribute to Skin Issues? This protective barrier in fact forms part of the immune system. It is the first line of defence. It does this in two ways: – Through its physical structure – Through its microbiome Gut Guardian The Physical Structure As we have noted, the skin has three layers. Keratinocytes are produced in stem cells and they push their way up through the layers; being smothered in lipids as they go. When they reach the epidermis, they harden and form a tight structure. These eventually shed, and new cells make their way up. Issues arise when this tight structure becomes fragile. We can think of it in a similar thread to leaky gut. What Is The Gut Barrier? In cases of leaky gut, it becomes permeable to larger proteins or pathogens. In short, things from the gut get to places they shouldn’t really be. In leaky skin, the tight structure hasn’t formed, and so potentially harmful compounds can get through the skin layers and go to places they shouldn’t be either. When ours, or our dog’s immune system senses non-self-compounds (those that have gotten through its first line of defence), it mounts an inflammatory response resulting in swelling, itching, pain and so on. If we consider the itchy dog, they gnaw at their paws because they are itchy, this then compromises the skin structure causing further inflammation and so the cycle continues. The other way in which the skin serves to protect is through its microbiome. Not surprisingly when there is dysbiosis in the microbiome of the skin, conditions like atopic dermatitis often ensue. Dysbiosis simply means out of balance. There are good bugs, and bad bugs, and the aim is to keep them in balance. Tackling Atopic Dermatitis In Pets We know that in the canine, there are different species found on different areas of the skin. We also know that the populations found differ between allergic and healthy dogs and that lower diversity is often observed in recurring skin issues in the canine. So, what affects the diversity in the skin microbiome? Colonisation occurs during and immediately after birth. As the newborn puppy moves through the birth canal, he is exposed to a variety of bacteria from the Dam. Once puppy is born and grooming begins, Mum passes even more over to her offspring. What is important to note is that grooming behaviour is significantly reduced in the stressed Mother, and so less microbes are therefore shared with the offspring. This again demonstrates the need to fully research where you have your puppy from. In humans it is thought that the microbiome stabilises somewhat in the first 2-3 years of life, but there isn’t yet a clear answer on this time frame in the canine world. Given the development of a puppy compared to a human child, we can say for certain that those first few months of life are incredibly important. There is also a clear distinction between male and female microbiome, therefore suggesting hormonal influences. This poses food for thought in the neutered pet and how their microbiome is subsequently affected. The environment has a huge impact on the microbiome of the skin. There are noted variations in skin microbial communities between those living rurally and those in urban areas. There is also an increase in chemical use associated with urban living, which also influences the composition of the microbiome. Diversity is significantly reduced with the use of detergents and antibacterial cleaning products. Potentially pathogenic taxa is also increased as there are fewer good guys to keep the bad guys in check. This is why skin issues like acne or dermatitis are deemed western diseases; they simply just aren’t found on the skin of indigenous tribes or on that of individuals from non-industrialised societies. Findings Here Unnecessary use of antibiotics also affects the microbiome, along with excessive use of grooming products and of course nutrition. Does My Dog Have a Gut-Skin Axis? Skin Dysfunction When the physical barrier is broken, non-self-compounds can invade the body, kick-starting an inflammatory response. This results in redness, swelling and so on. These can be pathogens, but they can also be irritants. These irritants need to be managed by the body, but in some cases the burden can be too high and so the body remains in a state of chronic inflammation. This is why removing environmental exposure to toxins is so important in managing skin issues. Does My Pet Need To Detox? Skin issues often go hand in hand with food sensitivities, and so an elimination diet here is essential. Elimination Diets For Dogs But skin issues can also be a result of pain. Some dogs will nibble and chew at
Let’s take a trip back to the late 1800s. Whilst Coca Cola was sold in bottles for the first time in 1894, we still hadn’t made that much progress with animal testing. Marie De Manaceine was fascinated with sleep deprivation. She had established that mental disturbance resulted from partial insomnia, but she wanted to know more. So, in her Lab, she recruited puppies. 10 to be specific; aged 2, 3 or 4 months old. Whilst they continued to be fed by their mother, she kept them in constant activity. In short, she deprived them totally of sleep. After 96-120 hours, the puppies were irreparably lost. What is interesting (despite it being macabre), is that when puppies were starved, they could be saved after 20-25 days. This wasn’t possible when they were sleep deprived. Sleep is an essential part of your puppy’s life. Why Sleep Is So Important For Puppies Returning to Marie’s study, she found that sleep deprivation significantly affected the puppy’s brains. When they were starved, the brain was left almost spared. But, in the absence of sleep, fat degeneration, blood vessel abnormalities and haemorrhaging occurred. In short, when the rest of the body is negatively affected by malnutrition, to an extent it can be saved. However, when the brain is affected, it is fatal. The brain is the command centre for the nervous system. It is divided into three main sections; the brain stem which controls basic life functions, the cerebrum, which is responsible for decision making and the cerebellum which controls movement. We know how a diet limited in lipids can detrimentally affect the brain and contribute to neurological disease, but sleep deprivation still had a worst impact in these puppies. Findings Here Sleep is essential to many vital functions. It plays a part in energy conservation, brain waste clearance, immune system modulation, cognition, performance, disease and psychological state. Many studies since Marie’s, have demonstrated that sleep loss (not deprivation) during development can result in reduced brain mass, neuronal death and subsequent behavioural problems. Impaired sleep is also a contributing factor in cases of cancer and diabetes. It can also affect how an animal responds to infection and heals wounds. The long and the short of it, sleep is essential to life. Without it, it massively affects the control centre that is your brain and can cause a range of knock on health problems further down the line. This is even more vital for puppies. It is clear that puppies undergo much more rapid development than the equivalent human child/baby; for example, the average 7-week old puppy would be as developed as a 9-month old human baby. Dogs are also said to be fully matured anywhere between 1-2 years of age (depending on breed). Human brain maturation doesn’t occur until around 25 years of age. Findings Here Dogs have a lot more developing to do in a shorter period of time than us humans. For us to reach full maturation, as with dogs; we undergo cognitive changes, emotional challenges and physical transformations. Sleep is necessary for all of the above. Puppies need to consolidate what they have learnt that day. Whether it is a new trick or simply to avoid chewing the legs of the chair. Puppies need their bones to grow and their muscles to recover from that mad dash around the garden. Puppies eat most things they can get their muzzles around. Some of it may not be particularly nutritional, but they need their immune system strong to fight off any bacteria they accidentally pick up in the park when licking the bench! Puppies need to store memories. That lorry at the end of the street isn’t as scary as it seems and the vacuum is perfectly safe, just a little noisy. Sleep helps them do this. Puppy Sleep Habits This is why puppies spend a most of their first months, asleep. It’s purely down to the colossal amount of developing they need to do in such a short period of time. Adult dogs, in a laboratory setting, when left, will sleep on average for around 13 hours per day. They are diurnal, which means they are active during daylight hours. Rest occurs during dark periods with activity increasing the two hours before light. Dogs have a natural rest period around noon and then reduced activity during the afternoon. Findings Here Puppies can sleep anywhere between 18-20 hours per day. Again, you will notice higher activity in the morning and then rest, with reduced activity around noon and into the afternoon. Puppies will sleep generally after they have been playing or learning new skills; if they have just been out for a walk or have just eaten. The important thing is to follow your puppies lead. And, leave a sleeping puppy, sleep. Interestingly, the experiences that your puppy has can affect the type and quality of sleep they experience though. Studies have found that after a negative experience, dogs will fall asleep more quickly. It is thought that this is a protective sleep in response to stress. This should be in the forefront of your mind throughout your puppy’s development. It’s all too easy to attribute an “exhausted” dog to the busyness of the day. Be mindful, their sleeping habits could be more indicative of their experience. Findings Here Night Time Sleeping vs Day Time Napping Many owners see official sleep time as that experienced during the night. This is more appropriate for adult dogs because puppies need the same consideration throughout the day too. Where you want your dog to sleep is entirely personal preference. Some owners would rather crate train, some would rather not. Some owners are happy having their dog sleep in bed with them, some are not. Just be mindful, if you intend on crate training and you work; that is a huge part of the day that your dog will be spending in a crate. Crates are great for keeping your puppy safe when you are unable to supervise,
Speak to any dog owner who has had the pleasure of those puppy years and you will hear about how that lapse in attention resulted in a chewed leg chair or a demolished sandal. Owners will say, “they’re just teething!” or “It’s just how they make sense of the world!” Is this true? We wanted to explore why puppies bite, nip and mouth and share some top tips on how to stop them. So, why do puppies bite? If you pay close attention to puppies playing, they use their mouths. All the time. There is a good reason for this, but to understand fully, we must look at their teeth in a little more detail. Puppy Teeth 101 Puppies are born without teeth. At 2-3 weeks old, a puppy’s milk teeth will start to come through. These will be the incisors. Puppies should have a total of 12 incisors, 6 on the top and 6 on the bottom of the mouth. 4 weeks will see the development of their 4 canine teeth. These are those sharp long teeth. At any time between 3 and 6 weeks old, you should see them develop their pre-molars. By the time they reach 8 weeks old, your puppy should have a complete set of milk teeth. 28 in total. 12 incisors 4 canines 12 pre-molars 14 in the upper jaw and 14 in the lower jaw. That’s a lot of teeth for a small puppy! And so sharp! Why are puppy’s teeth so sharp? There are two reasons for this. Anyone who has been nipped by a puppy will remember those pin prick teeth. Consider the nursing Mother. When those first sharp teeth start coming through, they will start to irritate the Mother making her reluctant to nurse and want to move away from her puppies, leaving them to search for alternative food sources. This is when the weaning phase starts. Those sharp teeth are the first step for those puppies becoming independent. They learn that they need to seek out other food sources. Their survival depends on it. Sharp teeth don’t only irritate their Mother, they also annoy their siblings. Which leads us into the other reason puppies bite and why you will constantly see puppies using their mouths whilst playing. Puppy biting aids the learning of bite inhibition. It is crucial that puppies learn bite inhibition, this is where they learn to limit the force and strength of their bite. It teaches them that other dogs and humans are fragile. A dog has one defence and that is to bite. Every dog is capable of biting out of fear and anxiety, bite inhibition is a vital technique to limit the damage a dog can do. When puppies are playing together; chewing and nipping, if they bite just a little too hard, those sharp teeth will hurt their sibling. You will often hear a loud squeal or yelp. This tells the offending puppy that it was a little too hard. Play after this interaction will usually stop, so by trial and error, puppies learn that when they bite hard, play stops (the good thing goes away). So if they want the good thing to continue, it’s in their interest to not hurt their sibling. Findings Here So those sharp teeth kick start the weaning phase through their Mother’s reluctance to nurse and they also aid the learning of social etiquette. The reason this learning starts so young can be explained through their further development. Specifically of their jaw formation and also growing their adult teeth. From 8-12 weeks onwards, your puppy should start losing their puppy teeth. This is due to the adult teeth forming and pushing the milk teeth out. You may find some around the house, but most puppies tend to swallow them. This can be a pretty painful time for your puppy, so offering puppy safe things to chew and soothe is super important. Frozen carrots or cucumber are great soothers! This is a good time to double check the adult teeth are forming properly and also to check they have a normal bite. The normal bite of a dog is termed a “scissor bite.” This is because the upper incisors sit in front of the lower incisors when the mouth is closed. However, it is common for short muzzled dogs to have a reverse scissor bite where the lower incisors sit in front of the upper incisors. Most of their teeth will have fallen out by the time they are 6-8 months old and they should have a mouth full of adult teeth. 42 teeth in total. 12 incisors 4 canines 16 pre-molars 10 molars You will notice that the molars are new. Puppies don’t need molars, but adult dogs do. Incisors are needed to rip meat and scrape it off bones. Canines are for puncturing prey. The molars are for grinding and crushing. With the extra teeth and the addition of those for grinding and crushing, it is possible to see why bite inhibition in puppies is so vital. No one wants to be bitten by any of those teeth! It’s not just the teeth that we should be worried about, it is also the strength of the jaw. Thankfully, puppies have weak jaws. They haven’t developed fully. Jaw-adductor muscles generate the main biting force in dogs. As puppies grow, these muscles get stronger. Bite force therefore increases. Findings Here So we can see why learning bite inhibition at an early stage is important. Dogs who learn how to use their mouth gently are less likely to bite hard or break skin if they do ever bite a person out of fear or anxiety. But outside of mother and sibling interactions, how do we teach bite inhibition? If your puppy nips or mouths at you during play, withdraw attention. Turn away from them. Remember that trial and error, when I bite hard, the good thing goes away? Whilst your puppy is playing appropriately, let play continue. You
Obesity is a huge problem in the pet world. Whilst official figures are quite reserved in their rates, the true number of pets who are obese or overweight is worrying. Being overweight increases the risk factors for developing: Cancer Diabetes Heart disease Osteoarthritis and degeneration of joints Urinary bladder stones Surgery complications Respiratory difficulties Kidney disease All things considered, it’s easy to see why obesity significantly reduces lifespan and why it is something that really needs to be addressed. What is Obesity? Obesity is defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue. It is generally a state of positive energy balance. When food is ingested, it is digested and metabolised. The body uses the nutrients it needs and converts the main macronutrients to energy. On a simplistic level, it could be argued that obesity is the result of eating more food than is needed to carry out normal daily activities. However, we know that obesity is far more complex than this. Whilst this can be an issue for some pets, we must also consider other factors which contribute to weight gain in pets. Obese Microbes When we said obesity is multifactorial, we weren’t kidding. Studies have demonstrated that transplanting the microbes from an overweight mouse to a lean mouse, would subsequently make the lean mouse, fat. Findings here The suggestion is that the presence of a particular gut microbial community may affect how much energy is extracted from the diet. Antibiotics of course play a role in this. Studies have shown that treatment with antibiotics markedly influences body composition. In short, low diversity in the gut is associated with marked overall adiposity. There are a range of factors that can contribute to low diversity in the gut including: Maternal grooming behaviour Newborn environment Medications/antibiotics Diet Environmental toxins Stress Microbes can also drive hunger. In short, they secrete proteins that generate cravings for the substances they thrive on. Many processed foods are calorie dense but not nutrient dense. This is worth considering for the hungry dog who never appears to be satisfied. Predisposing Genes There is also a polymorphism found on four genes that can contribute to canine obesity. Not surprisingly one particular variant is found in some Labradors. This variant regulates how the brain recognises hunger and feelings of being full. Findings here This doesn’t mean that these dogs are destined to be obese, what it means is that their environment needs more modification than those dogs who don’t possess the variant. Hormones It seems that, on a simplistic level, certain hormones cause fat cells to suck up fatty acids more readily than they otherwise would or slow down the rate at which triglycerides are converted back. Both oestrogen and testosterone have been shown to decrease the rate at which certain cells take up free fatty acids, which results in keeping the fat cells relatively small (and why in humans you will notice differences in fat gain between males and females). This is why after neutering your pet, you are advised to monitor their weight as more often than not, they gain weight. Thyroid Issues The thyroid gland releases hormones that regulate your dog’s metabolism, so a thyroid condition could cause your dog to rapidly gain weight if it reduces the amount of hormones being produced. This condition is known as hypothyroidism and can cause weight gain, lethargy, dull or dry coat, or oily, greasy skin. Hypothyroidism in Pets Cushing’s Disease Cushing’s disease in dogs, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a condition where a dog’s body produces too much of the stress hormone cortisol. Hyper meaning too much, adreno meaning the adrenal gland and corticism refers to the outer part, or cortex of the adrenal gland. Cushing’s in dogs is the opposite to Addison’s disease, which is when the body doesn’t produce enough hormones. Cushing’s Disease in Dogs Generally if your dog is gaining weight over a period of time, it is worth looking at their food intake compared with their activity levels. If you see a more rapid onset of weight gain, it could be worth getting your dog checked over for any underlying health issues. Check out our blogs for managing obesity in pets: Obesity in Pets – Part One Obesity in Pets – Part Two If you are concerned about your pet’s health, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
It’s seen world over, no matter when their Summer arrives, we are bombarded with images or stories of dogs suffering from heat stroke. For some it’s fatal. Sometimes it’s obvious how the dog has succumbed, other times, well-meaning owners just haven’t realised the true impact of certain exercise on their dog in the heat. Especially owners of brachycephalic dogs or those who are carrying a little extra weight. So how do we deal with the heat? How do we keep our dogs exercised and stimulated when we are, in truth, worrying ourselves sick about doing so? Firstly, we need to get a handle on heatstroke. As you may, or may not, know; to cool themselves, dogs pant. They don’t sweat like us humans (they do have some sweat pads in their paws, so if they are stressed, you may notice sweaty paws on the Vet table). When panting isn’t enough to maintain the status quo, their body temperature rises. If this isn’t corrected quickly enough, it can be fatal. Remember when we mentioned the brachy breeds? With their altered snout (flat face), they aren’t as efficient at breathing or panting. This also goes for those obese pets. In turn, they aren’t as efficient at reducing their overall body temperature, which makes them more prone to heat-stroke. How do I know if my dog has heat stroke? The symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, reddening gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, brain fog, loss of consciousness and collapse. If you are concerned your dog may have heat stroke, place a towel soaked in cool water over your dog and keep pouring cool water onto it. You need to seek Vet advice immediately. Obviously, prevention is better than cure (not all dogs are lucky enough to survive heat-stroke), so we’ve got some top tips that can help you stay out of trouble. Firstly, only walk your dog at the coolest times of the day. Even if this means getting up earlier and going to bed later. You may have to reduce your walk length, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. He’s still getting a look at the outside world. Check the temperature of the pavements and roads before you head out. Hold the back of your hand to it. If you can’t hold your hand to it, then your dog can’t walk on it. Keep your dog inside, even out of the garden, at the hottest parts of the day. If you have air con, then put that on. Fans are great too! You can freeze some water in some milk cartons, and then place them in front of the fan – this helps cool the room down. If you have a sheltered yard or garden, it’s worth investing in a doggy pool. They can bob for toys in their pool or simply lay down and cool off. Remember to change the water regularly, algae (and more) poses numerous risks to our four-legged friends. Consider looking at cooling mats. Some dogs love them, some hate them. Some dogs would just rather lay on cool tiles. On that note, ensure he has access to lay in areas where he can cool his body down (tiles, hard flooring, concrete, shaded paving etc). 1. Play brain games. If you aren’t able to exercise as much as you normally would, figure out whether your dog is toy or food orientated and get creative with some brain games. Hide treats in a muffin tin under some tennis balls. Hide treats under pots and he has to figure out where they are. Give him a treasure hunt around the home (hide treats or toys behind cushions, curtains, behind doors etc). Invest in some puzzle feeders, just that extra time spent on his mealtime could break the boredom. You can also stuff food/treats into a Kong and freeze it. This is a perfect cooling treat for a warm day. 2. Practice learning some tricks or commands inside. 3. Take him swimming. If you have easy access to a doggy swimming pool or open water, consider whether he will be safe and enjoy swimming. It’s a great way to meet his exercise needs and he can keep much cooler. Stay safe, invest in a life jacket and only take him swimming if he is competent. Be mindful, if your dog is experiencing reduced activity, he may start to gain weight. If necessary, reduce his food intake. You can soon increase them again when he’s back to his normal adventures. It’s always better to err on the side of caution during those hotter months. There are plenty of ways to keep your dog occupied and stimulated without running around excessively in intense heat. It goes without saying, but if you are concerned about your dog’s health in the heat, seek vet attention immediately. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Dogs can be vaccinated against many things, including Kennel Cough, as it’s not a core vaccination many owners often wonder whether their dog should be. Let’s take a look at kennel cough in a little more detail and some data around the vaccination. What is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough is a broad term covering any infectious or contagious condition of dogs where coughing is one of the main symptoms. Several viruses and bacteria can cause kennel cough, and often at the same time. They include (but are not limited to): Adenovirus type-2 (distinct from the adenovirus type 1 that causes infectious hepatitis), Parainfluenza virus Bordetella bronchiseptica. The coinfection of these pathogens, among others, manifests as CIRD and they act synergistically to cause respiratory illness. Kennel Cough: A Natural Guide What Does The Vaccine Do? The smallpox vaccine was introduced in 1796 after Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had previously caught cow pox didn’t catch smallpox. The idea was that exposure to killed or weakened virus/bacteria that cause disease can prime the immune response, but it doesn’t actually make the host sick. So, vaccinations allow the host to develop immunity without having to suffer the disease. This is the basic premise of the kennel cough vaccine – or any vaccine your dog may have for that matter. Sadly, it’s not quite as cut and dry as it sounds. There is increasing evidence that over-vaccination is associated with the development or aggravation of immune-mediated disorders and chronic diseases in individual pets that are genetically predisposed. This raises a particularly interesting element that has perhaps been missed when developing the blanket vaccination schedules for our pets. Twin studies in humans have demonstrated there is a clear genetic role in vaccine response. A growing list of genes have been associated with immune related functions critical to immunological response and much data is concluding it is the status of these genes that is key to immune response. Human data is highlighting that this is one of the reasons vaccines can either elicit partial, complete or failure to protect individuals treated under the same conditions. This would also suggest that the opposite is therefore true; gene status could elicit partial or complete adverse reaction, or hopefully failure to demonstrate adverse reaction. This is likely understood in the canine world to some extent because most vaccines are advised as safe for healthy dogs but not those with a compromised immune system, and this applies to the kennel cough vaccine for dogs. Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine Effective? One study of 972 dogs found that the kennel cough vaccine was around 20% effective in reducing coughing compared with a placebo vaccine. Findings Here In addition, another study demonstrated that between 40-60% of all dogs who suffered with kennel cough, had a history of vaccination. Findings Here However, other studies regularly report a 100% effectiveness rate. A literature review from 1977-2014 explored all relevant studies on the kennel cough vaccines and concluded that questions around the longevity of vaccine induced immunity and the prevalence of natural exposure on immunity remained largely unanswered. They also suggested that many studies into the vaccine are flawed. Whilst researchers seemingly disagree on the effectiveness of the vaccine, they continue to ask whether the live attenuated vaccine and its shedding contributes to exposure and therefore herd immunity? On the other side of this scale, could it be contributing to levels of the pathogens in the environment and fuelling further infections? It is well known that the kennel cough vaccine can shed for around 6 weeks after administration after all. Is the Kennel Cough Vaccine Safe? There are side effects reported after administration of the kennel cough vaccine including: Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Lethargy, Fever, Discomfort at vaccination site. We must also consider the risk of vaccinosis. Check out our blog here for more information: Vaccinosis in Pets Whilst researchers are still disagreeing on the effectiveness of the vaccine, they all agree that prevention is better than cure. Largely because most healthy dogs recover uneventfully. There may be concerns if poorly or elderly dogs catch kennel cough, but even if we were to consider a vaccine here, like all data sheets suggest, a vaccine should only be administered to healthy dogs anyway. Can I titre test for Kennel Cough? A titre test is a simple blood test which establishes the levels of existing antibodies in the blood. Antibodies are produced when an antigen provokes a response from the immune system. This response can be from natural exposure or a previous vaccination. The issue is that kennel cough can be caused by a number of bacteria or viruses; often at the same time, so a titre test is little use in this case. So, Should I Vaccinate My Dog Against Kennel Cough? The choice is ultimately up to you, but we would ask the following questions to help you decide? Is the vaccine safe? Is the vaccine effective? Is your dog at risk of catching it? Is your dog healthy? You can also learn more about vaccinations in general in our blog here: Everything You Need to Know About Vaccinations Preventing Kennel Cough The best weapon in your arsenal is to support your dog’s immune function as much as possible. If they have a well-developed and mature immune system they are better able to fight threats. Your Pet’s Immune System Do We Need To Boost Our Pet’s Immune System? 10 Top Foods For Your Dog’s Immunity If you would like some support with your pet’s health, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Your dog may have recently undergone surgery or sadly suffered an injury when out on a walk. We know the importance of rest for healing, but if there is trauma to the skin in the form of a wound, can we support that process? Let’s take a look. The Wound Healing Process Wound healing, as a normal biological process in the body, is achieved through four precisely and highly programmed phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. For a wound to heal successfully, all four phases must occur in the proper sequence and time frame. Hemostasis consists of vascular constriction, platelet aggregation, degranulation and fibrin clot formation. When tissue damage results in bleeding, fibrinogen is converted at the wound into fibrin by the action of thrombin, a clotting enzyme. Fibrin molecules then combine to form long fibrin threads that entangle platelets, building up a spongy mass that gradually hardens and contracts to form the blood clot. During inflammation there is neutrophil infiltration, monocyte infiltration and differentiation to macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration. Proliferation consists of re-epithelialization (formation of new epithelial and skin appendages), angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), collagen synthesis and ECM (extracellular matrix) formation. During remodelling, there is collagen remodelling and vascular maturation and regression. Wounds that exhibit impaired healing, including delayed acute wounds and chronic wounds have generally failed to progress through the normal stages of healing. These wounds frequently enter a state of pathologic inflammation due to a postponed, incomplete, or uncoordinated healing process. Factors That Can Affect Wound Healing Oxygenation Oxygen is important for cell metabolism, especially energy production by means of ATP, and is critical for nearly all wound-healing processes. It: prevents wounds from infection Induces angiogenesis Increases keratinocyte differentiation Increases migration Promotes re-epithelialization Enhances fibroblast proliferation Enhances collagen synthesis Promotes wound contraction In wounds where oxygenation is not restored, healing is impaired. Infection Infection, not surprisingly, also influences wound healing. Age Many clinical and animal studies at the cellular and molecular level have examined age-related changes and delays in wound healing. It is commonly recognized that, in healthy older bodies, the effect of ageing causes a temporal delay in wound healing, but not an actual impairment in terms of the quality of healing. Interestingly, exercise has been reported to improve cutaneous wound healing in older humans as well as aged mice, and the improvement is associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the wound tissue. Stress Studies in both humans and animals have demonstrated that psychological stress causes a substantial delay in wound healing. Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and students undergoing academic stress during examinations demonstrated delayed wound healing. Medications Many medications, such as those which interfere with clot formation or platelet function, or inflammatory responses and cell proliferation have the capacity to affect wound healing. Systemic glucocorticoids (GC), which are frequently used as anti-inflammatory agents, are well-known to inhibit wound repair via global anti-inflammatory effects and suppression of cellular wound responses, including fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. In animal models, systemic use of ibuprofen (NSAID) has demonstrated an anti-proliferative effect on wound healing, resulting in decreased numbers of fibroblasts, weakened breaking strength, reduced wound contraction and delayed epithelialization. Obesity An increased frequency of wound complications has been reported for obese human individuals undergoing surgery. Recent findings have documented that adipose tissue secretes a large variety of bioactive substances that are collectively named adipokines. Both adipocytes themselves as well as macrophages inside the adipose tissue are known to produce bioactive molecules including cytokines, chemokines, and hormone-like factors such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. Adipokines have a profound impact on the immune and inflammatory response. Not only this but in obese individuals, there is increased pressure on the wound, decreased vascularity in adipose tissue and additional skin folds which may harbour infectious pathogens. Obesity in Pets 1 Obesity in Pets 2 Nutrition Carbohydrates Glucose is the major source of fuel used to create the cellular ATP that provides energy for angiogenesis and deposition of the new tissues – to this end, there may be an argument for easily digested carbohydrates in the recovering dog. Protein Protein is one of the most important nutrient factors affecting wound healing. A deficiency of protein can impair capillary formation, fibroblast proliferation, proteoglycan synthesis, collagen synthesis, and wound remodelling. A lack of protein also influences immune system function, with resultant decreased leukocyte phagocytosis and increased susceptibility to infection. Not only this, but collagen is the major protein of connective tissue. Collagen synthesis requires hydroxylation of lysine and proline, and co-factors such as iron and vitamin C. Glutamine is a major source of metabolic energy for rapidly proliferating cells such as fibroblasts, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and macrophages. To this end, it is important for wound healing. Fat Essential fatty acids are thought to affect pro-inflammatory cytokine production, cell metabolism, gene expression, and angiogenesis in wound sites, suggesting an important role in wound healing. Micronutrients Low levels of Vitamin C result in impaired healing, and have been linked to decreased collagen synthesis and fibroblast proliferation, decreased angiogenesis, and increased capillary fragility. Also, low vitamin C leads to an impaired immune response and increased susceptibility to wound infection. Whilst healthy dogs are generally able to synthesise their own Vitamin C, there may be a consideration for additional dietary sources during times of high need. Vitamin A behaves as an antioxidant, which protects membrane integrity, in addition it has been associated with increased fibroblast proliferation, modulation of cellular differentiation and proliferation, increased collagen and hyaluronate synthesis, and decreased MMP-mediated extracellular matrix degradation. MMPs play a role in protein breakdown (which is a necessary process – as long as there isn’t too much). Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to have a role in decreasing excess scar formation in chronic wounds. Animal experiments have indicated that vitamin E supplementation is beneficial to wound healing. Magnesium functions as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in protein and collagen synthesis. Copper is a required cofactor for cytochrome oxidase, for cytosolic antioxidant superoxide dismutase,
Skin issues are one of the most common issues we are faced with here at My Pet Nutritionist. The reasons are multifactorial and complex which is why we undertake a full assessment of pet health to establish what may be contributing to the issues. That said, we notice patterns, and so we’ve decided to share some of the nutrients we consider when supporting challenging skin issues. Vitamin D Despite its name, Vitamin D is actually a hormone that promotes calcium absorption. In human health, you will have heard it referred to as the sunshine vitamin as it is produced in the skin in response to sunlight (UV) exposure. In studies of hip fractures in humans, there appears to be a seasonal variation; more occur during winter months and fracture patients often have low vitamin D status. When supplemented with Vitamin D and calcium, incidences of fractures often reduce. Findings here So, vitamin D is particularly important in bone health, but we also appreciate its role in skin health. Vitamin D is a modulator of the sensing dendritic (Langerhans) cells and reduces inflammatory mediators. What’s super interesting is that Vitamin D levels are inversely associated with atopic dermatitis severity. What We Know About Atopic Dermatitis In addition, maternal vitamin D status is often linked to development of allergy. Vitamin D in Cats and Dogs Dogs are entirely dependent on dietary sources of Vitamin D as they are unable to synthesise it sufficiently through the skin. Food Sources of Vitamin D: Flesh of fatty fish (salmon,tuna and mackerel) Fish Liver Oils Beef Liver Egg Yolks Vitamin E Vitamin E includes several compounds, of which the most biologically active and widely distributed is alpha tocopherol. Vitamin E functions as an important antioxidant within cells, protecting lipids, particularly the polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes against oxidative damage caused by free radicals and active forms of oxygen that may be generated during metabolic processes. The dietary requirement for vitamin E is influenced by the intake of selenium because of its role in glutathione peroxidase, with one nutrient partially able to spare a deficiency of the other. It is also influenced by the PUFA content of the diet and increasing this leads to an increase in vitamin E requirement. It has been recommended that the dietary ratio of alpha tocopherol:PUFA (mg/g) of 0.6:1 is maintained as a minimum to protect against PUFA peroxidation. Vitamin E therefore supports the health of skin tissues and protects it from damage. It accumulates in the mitochondria within skin cells and promotes collagen and fibroblast synthesis and decreases MMPs (compounds which can break down proteins like collagen). It also protects essential fatty acids from oxidation. Vitamin E is absorbed from the small intestine by non-saturable, passive diffusion into the intestinal lacteals and is transported via the lymphatics to general circulation. Sources of Vitamin E: Plant based oils Nuts Seeds Dark green veggies Pumpkin Red bell pepper Mango Rancid fats are particularly destructive of vitamin E, so these should be avoided in diet. Zinc The skin has the third highest abundance of zinc in the body. Its concentration is higher in the epidermis than the dermis. Zinc stabilises membrane structure which is key to skin health and is regularly used in a range of skin conditions including infections, inflammatory dermatoses, pigmentary disorders and neoplasias. What is particularly interesting is its role in allergic and inflammatory responses. Mast cells play an important part in adaptive immunity, they are found in the skin and many other places including the mucosal linings of the gut and lungs. Mast cells contain many granules which are rich in histamine, heparin and, you guessed it, zinc! Zinc is crucial to correct mast cell function and deficiencies are linked with the development of allergic disease. Findings here Zinc is crucial to effective wound-healing too – which is particularly important if through scratching your dog suffers trauma to their skin. MMPs are zinc dependent, and whilst their role does involve breaking down proteins, this is a necessary process to ensure skin health – like goldilocks, we want just enough turnover of cells in the skin for optimal health. Why Zinc is Important For Your Dog Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) We’re likely preaching to the converted, but in ensuring skin health it’s essential to provide essential fatty acids for skin lubrication, sebum production and immune function. In atopic eczema there is evidence of a lack of conversion of LA to GLA, suggesting an abnormality in EFA metabolism. This may explain why some respond to GLA supplementation instead (GLA is found in hemp seeds/oil). Essential Fats for My Dog’s Diet As we mentioned earlier, skin issues in dogs can be complex and multifactorial. If you would like some support in tackling this challenge, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
