Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often see rest and recovery as a forgotten need of dogs. With the advent of daycare centres and dog walkers, most of us relish the idea that our dog can be kept occupied whilst we are in work. When owners research potential breeds to bring home, their exercise quota is usually discussed along with the need for mental stimulation. Exercise is important for canine health – we’ll come back to that later. So is mental stimulation, especially for those smart, working breeds. But there needs to be a balance so lets discuss, why we let sleeping dogs lie. Pop into any social media group discussing dogs being left alone and destruction inevitably comes up. Well-meaning owners often suggest that the dog is bored and by providing things for the dog to do, they will cease the destructive behaviour. It’s clear that destruction when left alone is a symptom of anxiety; not boredom. Toys and food are only ever used in a separation anxiety protocol to help the dog make positive associations with a confinement area. Part of this protocol is to assess how the dog behaves immediately after finishing the puzzle to establish whether in fact it was a distraction or actually taught the dog to relax. Boredom in dogs often isn’t the big deal that social media groups make it out to be. Those behaviours associated with boredom are often symptomatic of frustration or anxiety. So, how much interaction does your dog need on a daily basis? This is a difficult question to answer. As with humans, dogs have different personalities and purposes. However, we can’t argue with the science. Dogs are diurnal. Like us, they are active during daylight hours. Rest occurs during the dark. But activity increases in the last two dark hours. A rest period is common at noon and then reduced activity continues during the afternoon. Findings here Sleep is widely studied, for its evolutionary benefits. It is crucial for most daily functions. It is clear in humans, that when suffering sleep restriction, they have attention lapses, slowed working memory, reduced cognition and depressed thought. Studies have shown a significant reduction inactivity in dogs experiencing sleep restriction. Findings here One of the main purposes of sleep is to consolidate memories or learning. This has also been found true in dogs. Learning affects sleep structure which ultimately decides whether you retain the information or not. Interestingly, in studies, those dogs allowed to sleep after learning anew command were more likely to retain the command at a later date than dogs allowed to walk or play. Findings here So, if you want to train your dog, they need their sleep. Under laboratory conditions, dogs will sleep around 13 hours per day. But this is very generic. Older dogs will sleep more as they tend to experience periods of broken sleep. Puppies too will sleep a lot more – generally 18-20 hours. The rule of thumb is to let sleeping puppies sleep! For the puppy, consider how much socialisation and training you are undertaking. When you think you’ve only got around 4-6 hours per day of awake time; take some mealtimes out of that, and your safe play in the garden… it’s easy to see how you can quickly overwhelm a puppy. What’s really interesting is, like in humans, negative or positive interactions, affect sleep length and quality. Following a negative interaction with a human, dogs tend to fall asleep quicker. This goes against what we’ve found in humans; the idea that stress impedes sleep. It is termed stress-induced quiescence (protective sleep in response to stress). Findings here This throws a bit of a curve ball when we are considering the overall health of our dog. We usually understand that they are content when they fall asleep – but now we must consider that it could be a potential stress-response. It’s worth looking out for these patterns and seeing how your dog sleeps. This has never been more relevant when considering daycare. More and more are popping up and I often hear owners say that their dog does nothing but sleep when they get home. It is generally understood that the dog has had such a busy day, they are just exhausted. But, what if, in these daycares with upwards of 50 dogs on site, the dog is just over-aroused? How realistic is it for your dog to get his rest in such a busy site? When his normal rhythm tells him to rest around noon and then have a quiet afternoon, and he’s actually running, chasing and playing for 8-10 hours of the day? This is sadly where non-aggressive dogs get labelled as aggressive, simply because they have reached their peak of “activity” for that day and some annoying puppy continues to hang off their ear! Also a consideration to be made when a new puppy is introduced into an adult dog home. Any daycare worth their salt should value rest and recovery as much as play and interaction. Sleep is not the only way that your dog can rest and recover. Simply having quiet, settled time can be of benefit. All too often, owners consider that their dog always needs to be doing something. Here it must be questioned, does your dog need to be kept occupied simply to keep them out of trouble? Some dogs just don’t learn how they need to behave because they aren’t given the opportunity. This is a whole new issue which is too big to tackle in this article. Maybe at a later date. If your dog has their own space, whether it’s their bed, a crate, a den or a corner in the home, they soon learn that it is their safe place. They can learn to settle and rest there. But they need to know that no one will hassle them, so children need to keep their distance. You can use lickimats or stuffed kongs to help them associate the space with calm and quiet,
Halitosis, as it’s more technically known, in dogs, can be a symptom of a range of health concerns. Ranging from dental disease to some cheeky gut bugs overworking, bad breath is often the first sign things may not be as they should, so lets take a look at the more common reasons and what options are available to you. 1) Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the dog’s mouth forms to create a substance called plaque. The plaque sits on the surface of the teeth and with the help of saliva, it hardens to form tartar. Not only does it sit on the teeth, plaque and tartar seeps into gum lines which causes inflammation. Over a period of time, this inflammation and presence of bacteria causes damage to the structures surrounding the teeth; causing receding gum lines and eventually tooth loss. Not only are the mouth and teeth a concern, but the bacteria found in the mouth of your dog can be released into the circulatory system, which then travels through the body. It has been found to damage cardiac tissue causing endocarditis (infection and inflammation in the heart). Studies have also shown that periodontal disease is linked to increased insulin resistance, kidney and liver issues. Findings here The mouth is full of bacteria, primarily to form a first line of defence to protect us and our pets from the bad bugs, but the bad bugs can use carbohydrates, known as starches, as fuel, and subsequently thrive. These bacteria destroy enamel which further develop into cavities, or holes. This is why, in most human literature we are told to avoid sugars for the benefit of our oral health. It stands to reason that we would want to avoid starchy food for our pets too. A fresh food diet is as standard, low in starch, but the inclusion of raw meaty bones, if appropriate, can also create friction when eaten and contribute to the prevention of build-up on the teeth. Please note common dry foods on the market, although not marketed contain between 18-60% carbohydrates. So, if your dog’s breath could keep a vampire away, you may want to check his oral hygiene. Look for build-up, grey/brown deposits, and any breakdown of teeth. 2) SIBO Whilst it sounds like a mission to outer space, SIBO is actually a little more common than that. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is getting increasingly common in the pet world. Whilst we usually define the microbiome as the microbial community found in the whole of the digestive tract, abundance generally increases from the stomach to the colon So, we would generally find more microbes the further down we go. SIBO occurs when we get more than we bargained for in the small intestine. It is more commonly associated with surgery, or rather a complication of surgery, but it can also occur as a result of any disease which slows the passage of food and waste products down. This means they stay in the wrong place for too long, and we all know what happens when you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time. SIBO is often associated with cases of IBD or IBS, but there must also be consideration given in times of chronic stress as we know motility is affected here. Symptoms of SIBO include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Due to the overgrowth of bacteria, bad breath is often a symptom. Unfortunately, there are a number of complications associated with SIBO. It can result in poor digestion and absorption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Bile salts that are usually required to digest fats are often broken down by the bacteria, leaving few left to digest the fat in the diet. This then leads to reduced absorption, transport and utilisation of any of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K. The overgrown bacteria also utilise the B12 marked for host use, subsequently leading to B12 deficiency. SIBO is also indicated in cases of immune deficiency, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis. Findings here Nutritional management plays a huge role in SIBO, so if you are concerned your dog may be showing symptoms, then please book a consultation here. Gut Guardian 3) Liver Disease When the liver isn’t performing to its fully capacity, it can result in potential toxins still circulating in the body. This includes the lungs. On exhale, this can present as a strong faecal smell (be mindful we are dealing with dogs, and some of them do perform coprophagy: eating poop). However, in cases of liver disease you would notice other symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, increased urination, jaundice (yellowing of the gums and eyes), weakness and loss of stability and in some cases seizures. Liver disease can occur as part of ageing, or there are genetic predispositions. However, oxidative stress is a significant contributor to liver complications. Risk factors associated with oxidative stress include: Obesity Diets high in processed foods Exposure to radiation Pollution Exposure to pesticides Not only that, but the body’s natural immune system can also trigger oxidative stress. This is a normal process that is swiftly managed in a healthy system. The concern is when your dog’s immune system is regularly being called to duty, over not-so-threatening threats. This state of chronic inflammation can result in higher levels of oxidative stress, putting pressure on many body systems. A diet high in antioxidants can help modulate oxidative stress, but if you are concerned about your dog’s liver function, then it’s best to speak to a qualified practitioner. If you would like to read more about liver disease, then check out our blog here. Liver Guard 4) Kidney Disease Another part of the detoxification system, when the kidneys aren’t doing what they’re supposed to, excessive urea can end up in the bloodstream resulting in a halitosis. This odour is described as ammonia smelling and having a metallic taste – but as our dogs can’t talk, we’ll just have
We first started becoming interested in bugs when germ-free mice, those born and raised in sterile environments showed exaggerated responses to stress compared to normal controls. What is particularly interesting is that the use of pro and prebiotics were able to reverse the abnormal reactions found in germ-free mice. Not only that but the faeces of depressed mice could be transplanted to “happy” controls and subsequently make them depressed and vice versa. So, we started wondering, can bugs really affect our behaviour? The short answer is yes. The long answer needs a sit down with a coffee. The gut microbiome comprises of all microorganisms and their genomes inhabiting the intestinal tract. These microorganisms perform important functions in the immune system and basic metabolism by providing essential inflammatory mediators, nutrients, and vitamins. But, as we established, they also affect behaviour, and they do this through this thing called the gut-brain axis. This occurs through multiple pathways such as endocrine, immune, metabolic, and neural, specifically the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body and has countless branches from the brainstem all the way down to the lowest part of the intestines, touching most organs along the way. This is why it is also called the wandering nerve. The vagus nerve modulates the parasympathetic nervous system which counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system. In short, stress inhibits the vagus nerve. This effect is seen when gut motility is altered during stress. What surprised most was that brain-gut communication is bidirectional. This is why the jury is still out on whether cases of IBD or IBS are a cause or a consequence of abnormal gut-brain processing. The vagus nerve contains fibres. 80% of them carry information from the body to the brain and 20% from the brain to the body. These fibres are distributed in all the layers of the digestive wall and they sense the diffusion of bacterial compounds and metabolites. The bacterial sequences identified in the canine gastrointestinal tract fall into five phyla: Firmicutes Fusobacteria Bacteroidetes Proteobacteria Actinobacteria In an ideal world, we want balance, but there are several factors which can affect the composition of the intestinal microbiota which is subsequently known as gut dysbiosis. This composition, as we have established then influences behaviour, for better or worse. The Effect of Diet Several studies have demonstrated that diet composition, especially those with large differences in macronutrient composition (carbohydrate, protein, and fat) largely affects gut microbiome profiles. Dogs fed a raw diet have demonstrated a richer and more balanced microbiome when compared to kibble-fed controls. Raw fed dogs show an overall decrease in the abundance of firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. This isn’t surprising as these genera are associated with the digestion of dietary fibre, indicating a decrease in the fermentation of carbohydrate (raw diets are general lower in carbohydrate). Adding fresh meat to a bowl of kibble has also demonstrated a decrease in faecali bacterium and an increase in clostridiaceae. One of these clostridiaceae strains was later identified as being associated with normal bile acid metabolism which is an important pathway for lipid digestion and regulation of intestinal inflammation. Clostridiaceae is also associated with improved fecal health score (firmer). And yes, the bit you have been waiting for, clostridiaceae is associated with normal cognitive function. Findings here Biologically appropriate diets have also demonstrated increased levels of faecal GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter implicated in anxiety and mood disorders. Findings here In short, what is abundantly clear, the more diverse the diet, the more diverse the microbiome. This gives us a better shot at having beneficial bacteria to influence our health and behaviour. Birth Regardless of the species, GI colonisation starts before the new-born exits the birth canal. In humans the delivery method of the baby isa clear influence on microbiome development. But in the canine world, it is considered that the new-born puppy is exposed to vaginal and faecal microbiota through the dam’s tongue and therefore the delivery method, whilst still applicable, is likely less pronounced. It does however highlight that the Mother’s microbiota is a clear influence on the developing new-born, so her diversity will subsequently affect her offspring. Disease Dogs with gastro-intestinal disease regularly present with significantly decreased faecal bacterial diversity. The microbial communities differ massively between sick and healthy dogs. Findings here Manipulations of the microbiome are often included as part of the treatment of GI disease, most commonly antibiotics, probiotics, and faecal transplants. The aim of antibiotics is to remove pathogenic bacteria, however many antibiotics are broad spectrum, so they take the good guys with them too. They rapidly cause significant drops in taxonomic richness and diversity and there turn to the initial composition is rarely fully achieved. The link between bacteria and behaviour is again highlighted in human data reporting anxiety, panic attacks and in some cases depression as side effects to antibiotic use. Manic episodes have also correlated with antibiotic use. Findings here Turning this on its head, there is increasing attention being paid to using antibiotics as a possible treatment for psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia. Findings here Pathogenic bacteria have been seen to affect behaviour in other species than humans too. Rabies for example is largely associated with aggressive behaviour because biting is an effective form of transmission. Low serotonin levels are associated with aggressive behaviour, so it is considered that the rabies infection impairs serotonin neurotransmission. Findings here Not only that, but rat infection of toxoplasma gondii removes a rat’s natural aversion to cats and produces a pheromone to attract the rat to the cat. This gives the parasite a better chance at survival but is very unfortunate for the rat. Findings here Other mice studies have demonstrated that sub-clinical infection of campylobacter jejuni produced anxiety-like behaviour despite the fact there was no overt immune system activation. Findings here It would be easy here to say that the solution is to eradicate all bacteria, but the issue isn’t that the bacteria exist, the issue is the balance. For example,
Anxiety…the word that gets 337,000,000 hits on google. Many of us and our dogs would say, around that many things make us anxious in any one day, but anxiety for the dog can sadly be very life-limiting. Common signs include panting in the absence of exercise, pacing, salivating in the absence of food, inappropriate vocalisation, hyper-arousal, or lethargy and repetitive or compulsive behaviour. Not only that, but there are recognised cases of separation anxiety in the dog where they will dig at exit points, toilet inappropriately and the above behaviours become worse when separated from their guardian. Causes of anxiety are vast, what some dogs will find exciting, others will find stressful. This is where a better understanding of anxiety lies. In humans, anxiety is defined as a fear or worry, whereas stress is a response to a threat or situation. In the dog, if we consider separation anxiety, whilst dogs may respond to the trigger of you picking your keys up, or getting your coat, they exhibit a stress-response. Seeing as bonfire night is upon us, we thought we would talk about how to support and modulate this stress response. Stress is a response in the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system primes for flight or flight. The parasympathetic nervous system then comes along to balance it all out, and primes to rest and digest. Whilst this is a very generic overview of the stress-response, there are many processes that are going on, on the inside. To this end, certain nutrients can support and modulate stress responses and help to maintain a balanced system. Magnesium Often noted as the ultimate chill pill, magnesium is an essential nutrient that many are deficient in. Its low levels are regularly established incases of depression in humans, so it is clear it plays a role in mood modulation and the stress response. Findings here Magnesium affects a number of neurotransmitter systems. Firstly, it inhibits excitatory neurotransmitters. Excessive excitation can lead to the death of brain cells, which affects the overall structure and functioning of the brain. Magnesium also acts as a cofactor in the serotoninergic system. As we know serotonin is the happy chemical, and low levels of magnesium are regularly linked to low serotonin levels. Not only that, but magnesium excretion is increased during times of stress. Catecholamines and corticosteroids enhance the shift of magnesium from inside the cell to outside of the cell leading to increased urinary excretion. In turn, low magnesium levels increase the release of stress-associated hormones. This unfortunately creates a cycle of a reduced resistance to stress. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts and seeds. The ones packing the highest punch are spinach and pumpkin seeds. Magnesium is also necessary for calcium absorption, so balancing these levels is key. High levels of calcium increase the need for magnesium. High dosages of vitamin D can also induce magnesium depletion. As an aside, magnesium competes with fluoride in the body and will decrease absorption, minimising the impact of fluoride in the body. Knowing that magnesium is a key player in many of the systems necessary for balanced mood and can be depleted further in times of stress, it pays to add magnesium rich foods to your dog’s diet. L-Theanine An amino acid found in tea leaves; its relaxing effects have been noted in humans for a while now. This is appearing to be true for our canine companions too. In mammals, L-Theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier within an hour after administration. It appears to remain in the plasma and brain for several hours after. L-Theanine isseen to facilitate the generation of alpha waves which are indicative of a relaxed but awake and alert state. L-Theanine helps regulate the usual stress responses like increased blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol secretion. In dogs, L-Theanine treatment has been seen to reduce anxiety scores during storms in fear of humans. Findings here There is also evidence for L-Theanine improving cognitive function and performance in test situations. Findings here It is thought that because of its similarity to glutamate, it can interact with the same receptors, therefore playing a role in neuroprotection against glutamate toxicity. There are also reports of increased GABA activity in the brain following L-theanine administration and we know that GABA is the brakes of the brain. Findings here Green tea contains the highest L-theanine content, and in moderation is perfectly safe to offer to your dog. Alternatively, there are a number of L-theanine supplements available. Findings here Vitamin D Every tissue in the body has vitamin D receptors, but it is the ones in the brain we are most interested in. Vitamin D activates genes that regulate the immune system and release neurotransmitters. In humans, vitamin D receptors are found in the same brain regions that are linked with depression, so we know it has an impact on mood; seasonal affective disorder ties in with this. It is thought that vitamin D plays a role in calcium balance in neurons, which helps to balance excitatory and inhibitory pathways in the brain. Not only that but vitamin D is linked to the regulation of nerve growth factor which is essential in neuronal survival. Offspring of vitamin D deficient mothers often experience learning and memory problems with altered grooming behaviours, and we know that grooming in most mammals is calming and comforting. Findings here The long and the short of it, vitamin D deficiency is regularly noted in cases of anxiety. Findings here Dog’s don’t have the same ability to synthesis vitamin D from the sun as we do, so they rely solely on dietary sources. Sources of vitamin D include oily fish, red meat, liver, and eggs. There are several health issues that affect absorption of vitamin D, like IBD and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency along with having a low-fat diet. Supplementation is an option but being fat soluble be mindful of levels. Magnesium assists in the activation of Vitamin D, so ensure adequate levels of Mg before you
Whilst carbs are generally demonised in human and pet health, if you want to reap the rewards of fibre, you’ll have to play fair with carbohydrates. So, let’s look at carbs for what they really are. A carbohydrate is a molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which is why you may often see them noted CHO. Their primary function is to provide energy. Carbohydrates are made up of three components, fibre, starch, and sugar. Sugar is a simple carb. Having fewer molecules to digest and breakdown, it sends an immediate burst of glucose into the blood stream. This is the one that tends to cause a ruckus. Fibre and starch, however, are complex carbs, having longer chains of molecules. Starch takes longer to digest, having a more gradual effect on the body and fibre is a non-digestible complex carbohydrate. So, whilst fibre possibly doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and carbohydrates are routinely demonised, the heath benefits are often overlooked. Fibre, you may be surprised to learn, can be a key player in maintaining absolute gut health and supporting anxious behaviours. 1) Fibre to support your dog’s gut barrier If fibre and resistant starch can’t be digested, what happens to it? It gets fermented by the bacteria living in the gut. This produces short-chain-fatty acids, also known as SCFAs. The most common SCFAs produced are acetate, butyrate and propionate and they all have unique roles. They provide fuel for intestinal epithelial cells, which strengthen the gut barrier and butyrate is known for its role keeping the junctions of the barrier nice and tight. Not only that but SCFAs are able to stimulate mucus production, which is vital for creating a barrier between the external environment and the underlying gut epithelial layer. Mucin production plays an important role in protection from harmful pathogens and immunity. Findings here 2) Fibre to support your dog’s well-bein As you have seen, non-digestible fibre gets fermented into SCFAs in the gut. SCFAs also exert effects on the brain. Not only have all examples of SCFAs been found in the brain, suggesting they can cross the blood-brain-barrier, they appear to modulate neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by the body’s nervous system. Acetate has been shown to affect levels of glutamate and GABA. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in virtually every major excitatory brain function. GABA is the brakes; it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA facilitates sleep and reduces both mental and physical stress, creating a calm mood for your dog. In the same strand, it seems all SCFAs can affect levels of tryptophan which is the enzyme involved in the synthesis of serotonin and we all know that serotonin is the happy chemical! Generally, the inclusion of dietary fibre has been deemed a highly appealing approach, which is simple and relatively low risk if you are looking to help support your dog’s mental well-being. Findings here 3) Fibre as a prebiotic for your dog Here is another word you may have come across, but along with probiotics and synbiotics, not really understood which one is which, or whether either even does anything! Well, prebiotics were first defined as “non digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or limited number of bacteria in the colon, thus improving host health.” So, possibly without even knowing, if you included non-digestible fibre in your dog’s diet, you were likely including prebiotics already. All prebiotics are fibre. But not all fibre is prebiotic. Prebiotic substances have demonstrated the ability to manipulate the gastrointestinal ecosystem of the dog, improving the composition of their microbiota and overall improving immune system function in dogs. Short-chain-fructooligosaccharides and oligofructose seem to modulate the intestinal microbiota and aid absorption of certain minerals, whereas mannooligosaccharide exhibits a positive effect on immune system function. Yet is it noted that supplement studies are carried out on healthy dogs; little evidence exists considering the role in canine disease. That said, there are a range of foods that contain naturally occurring prebiotics including dandelion greens, berries, bananas, flaxseed, apples, carrots, asparagus and of course mushrooms! 4) Fibre for your dog’s heart Cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory disease and diet is often considered the cornerstone for CVD treatment. Many studies have demonstrated that high amounts of dietary fibre can significantly reduce the risk of CVD. It is thought that fibre reduces cholesterol and fatty acid absorption and reduces glucose absorption along with decreasing insulin secretion. SCFAs, which are fermented from dietary fibre, also have anti-inflammatory properties and inflammation is central to complications associated with CVD. Findings here 5) Fibre for your dog’s overall health Dietary fibre adds bulk to the stool, which can alleviate cases of constipation. Not only that, but healthy bowel movements are essential to anal gland health in the dog. On its journey, dietary fibre attracts water and turns it to gel during digestion, this not only slows the absorption of glucose but can trap potentially harmful substances. In the same strand, it can speed the transit of food through the digestive system which facilitates regular bowel movements. Findings here Commonly Used Fibre Although fibre is generally an umbrella term, there are fibres within fibres. Cellulose consists of glucose units bound by linkages that can only be broken down by microbial enzymes, those found in the colon. Cellulose is an effective stool bulking agent. Pectins are found in the skins of fruits, being water soluble and rapidly fermentable. Gums are viscous and sticky polysaccharides found in the seeds of plants; they tend to have a variable fermentation rate. Psyllium husk is a form of soluble fibre, it contains mucilage which swells when in contact with fluid, forming a gel. Psyllium can help to improve faecal consistency. Fructo-oligosaccharides are polymers than contain up to nine sugars. FOS enters the colon intact and then is fermented by bifidobacterial and lactobacillus. FOS is fermented into SCFAs. This fermentation also reduces intestinal pH which can inhibit the growth
Chewing is one of the habits we’d like to encourage our puppy to stop as soon as possible. Not only for the trail of destruction they leave in their wake, but for their own safety. Whilst I’m not advocating that destructive chewing should be encouraged; opportunities to chew can in fact be a helpful strategy for helping your dog manage their stress. Stress, like chewing, often gets a bad rap because both usually have negative connotations attached. But stress is a psychological and physiological response to events that alter our norm, or if you want to get technical, our homeostatic balance. Eustress, known as good stress, can enhance performance, but distress is when the dog is not coping. This results in a range of physical and emotional challenges. The Biology of Stress There is no doubt about it, our modern world has many sources of stress, for us and our dogs. There are two systems at play in a stress response. The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. These are two divisions of the autonomic nervous system which regulates involuntary physiological processes. In short, it’s a system that neither you nor your dog has much conscious control over. When faced with a stressor, the sympathetic nervous system releases a flurry of hormones to boost the body’s alertness including adrenaline and noradrenaline. It quickens the heart and breathing rate. This system increases blood glucose levels and fight, or flight is triggered. Energy is directed to limbs and the brain because that is where it’s needed. Energy is diverted from the digestive and excretory systems, which is why stressed dogs may sometimes suffer with digestive issues such as loose stools and a lack of appetite. When the stressor has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in to bring the body back into balance. The only way I can remember the difference in the systems is to imagine a parachutist sleeping with a plate of food. This system slows the heart and breathing rate. It provides an energy conservation response – allowing the body to recover. This is known as the rest and digest phase. What’s interesting is that whilst the first release of adrenaline into the bloodstream may dissipate within 15 minutes, the glucocorticoids that follow can take anywhere from 2-6 days to return to a baseline. This means that if our dog’s system isn’t given sufficient recovery time, cortisol levels can soon creep up, day after day. This then becomes chronic stress which can have a detrimental impact on our canine friends. This also explains the idea behind trigger stacking. You know those weeks where things just go from bad to worse but it is the most minute inconvenience that sends you over the edge. The Psychology of Stress Stress can enhance performance, the actual response increases alertness. Blood is diverted to the brain, heart, lungs and muscles which all need to work well to deal with the stressor presented. Short-lived stress can also result in result in new brain cells being produced; when tested, animals perform poorly, immediately after the stressful event, but better two weeks later. This is because cells need time to mature. The issue is when dogs are exposed to chronic stress and are unable to cope with it. When the sympathetic nervous system is always activated, there becomes an imbalance in the hormones flooding the body. The parasympathetic system doesn’t get a chance to re-balance things. It’s almost a double-edged sword – good stress increases alertness, but the very increase in alertness means the dog is unable to recover. The stressed dog may present with a range of typically defined anxious behaviours like excessive drooling, grooming or panting, they may be more vocal than usual with barking or howling. These dogs present with high levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone which is released by the body during times of stress which tells us biologically that the dog isn’t sufficiently recovering from stressors. Chronic stress triggers maladaptive changes in the body and brain, which can significantly affect how the brain works. This is not ideal for any dog. One of the neurotransmitters released by the recovery system (the parasympathetic nervous system) is acetylcholine and it is clear that when there are disruptions in the release of it, issues with attention, learning and memory follow. This is why well managed training classes are vital. If the very same training class causes a stress response, then successful learning is unlikely to follow. Not only that, but one of the primary targets in the brain for stress hormones is the prefrontal cortex. This region controls functions like working memory, distraction, novelty seeking and decision making. In short, a chronically stressed dog may be more easily distracted, more likely to seek novel experiences (less likely to respond to their handler), poor at decision making and struggle to remember key behaviours. Stress can also manifest in excessive panting in the dog. We know that dogs can only sniff or pant, they can’t do both at the same time. We also know that sniffing lowers heart rate. If the stressed dog is panting, they can’t sniff, which means they can’t even utilise that stress-reducing mechanism. This is where chewing can help. Not simply allowing your dog to chew anything he gets his teeth around, but controlled opportunities with a purpose. Study after study have demonstrated that chewing can counter the effects of stress. Not only does it reduce stress hormone levels, it also limits sensory processing of external stressors. In short, it keeps your dog’s attention off things it doesn’t need to be paying attention to. At the same time, chewing is known to improve alertness; it shortens reaction time and increases vigilance. This is thought to be due to the increase in heart rate during the chewing task which increases cerebral blood flow and brain activity. So, chewing for the dog can help them rebalance their stress levels and also improve their alertness ready for training sessions. There seems to be
One of the most abundant minerals in the body along with calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is essential to bodily function. Whilst there is some disagreement on the numbers, anywhere from 60-70% of the body’s magnesium is found in bone; the rest is in cellular fluid and soft tissue. Absorbed primarily in the small intestine,it soon finds its way to regulate muscle contraction (including the heart),blood pressure, insulin metabolism and to synthesise DNA, RNA and proteins! Not only that but it plays a key role in the nervous system for nerve transmission and neuromuscular coordination. It has also been found to protect against excitotoxicity. Rarely heralded for these qualities, it is an easy nutrient to miss; several human nutrition textbooks certainly do. So, let us explore this trusty element (Mg)in a little more detail and how it is particularly important to overall health. What is Magnesium? Magnesium is a chemical element; it is found in the Earth’s crust and found dissolved in sea water with sodium and chlorine. It is essential to all cells in the human body and activates some 300 enzymatic reactions necessary for metabolism. It interacts with ATP (energy carrying molecule), DNA and RNA. Plants too require magnesium to synthesise chlorophyll (the green pigment found in plants), which is essential for photosynthesis. Magnesium helps promote the absorption and metabolism of other minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium. Not only that but it also plays a role in the utilisation of B-complex vitamins and vitamins C and E. Magnesium is the second most abundant mineral in your dog’s body, after potassium. It has a role throughout the body, so let’s start at the top. Signs of Magnesium deficiency Possible signs your pet is deficient: Muscle cramps Seizures Nervousness Low stress tolerance Anxiety Depression ‘Behavioural issues’ GI upset (often constipation with low levels) Loss of appetite and nausea Pancreatic dysfunction decreased glucose tolerance Fatigue Heart arrhythmia Hypertension Urinary disorders in cats The Role of Magnesium in Neurological Disorders Magnesium is essential in nerve transmission and neuromuscular conduction. It is also thought to be protective of excessive excitation that can lead to neuronal cell death. What this means is, it is thought to be of benefit in cases of chronic pain, anxiety and depression. It’s all to do with neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are in short, the body’s chemical messengers. They are the molecules used by the nervous system to shuttle messages between neurons, and from neurons to glands or muscles. Communication between neurons occurs at tiny gaps called synapses. One neuron (presynaptic neuron) releases a chemical (neurotransmitter) that is received by the other one (post synaptic neuron), which subsequently alters that neuronal function. Receptors can be designated as either excitatory or inhibitory; excitatory if they increase the likelihood of an action potential, and inhibitory if they decrease the likelihood a neuron will fire an action. The body thrives when it is in balance, maintaining homeostasis. Think of it as if you got into the car and just carried on driving, ignoring stop signs, junctions, other cars etc. Chaos would ensue. Inhibitory neurotransmitters are the highway code, stop signs, roundabouts etc; they ensure balance. There are two particularly relevant neurotransmitters, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate. Glutamate is excitatory and GABA is inhibitory. GABA counters Glutamate; they are the ying:yang of neurotransmitters. GABA relaxes and sedates, which is why low levels of GABA are often linked to anxiety or mood disorders (in humans). Magnesium is thought to modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission. Low magnesium levels have been suggestive of a supportive environment for excitotoxity; in short, there was too much glutamate at the party which resulted in cell death. Not surprisingly, this results in neurological decline/disorder. Magnesium seems to inhibit the receptors which glutamate acts on. Through this mechanism, it is also thought that GABA availability is increased. Findings here (Interestingly, the mineral zinc also down regulates glutamate response). Findings here In humans, many studies have demonstrated that magnesium is neuroprotective; this is particularly relevant for anxious or fearful dogs. Findings here Magnesium and the Heart Magnesium deficiencies have been linked with cardiovascular disorders, including high blood pressure and abnormal rhythms. There are a number of mechanisms in which magnesium supports heart health and function. Magnesium naturally competes with calcium which is essential in generating heart muscle contractions. Calcium stimulates the muscle and magnesium counters it; helping them to relax (this is also why magnesium is used in cases of spasms). When magnesium levels are low, calcium can overstimulate heart muscles causing a rapid or irregular heartbeat. As we have mentioned, magnesium is key to maintaining balance. Findings here There are also studies that suggest low levels of magnesium have been linked to low HDL (good) cholesterol, high triglycerides, and total cholesterol. This suggests that magnesium could be protective in cases of heart disease. Findings here Magnesium and Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants; potentially leading to damage. Oxidants are reactive species,and some are free radicals. Reactive species are important in many physiological processes, but the over production can cause problems. It is thought that magnesium may attenuate free radical production in one of two ways. Firstly, it may directly inhibit free radical production and secondly, it may facilitate the scavenging of free radicals. Low magnesium levels have been linked with reduced antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium. In short, low magnesium has been linked to greater levels of free radical production and low-level production of other antioxidants. Findings here Magnesium, Glucose Metabolism, and Insulin Resistance When food is eaten, it makes its way through the stomach and into the intestines; it is converted into glucose or blood sugar (the body’s fuel). In response, the pancreas produces insulin which helps cells absorb glucose for energy, now, blood sugar levels start to fall. High glucose calls for high levels of insulin and if this is repeated regularly, the body can stop responding to insulin; or stop producing it all together. Magnesium plays a
Zinc is a nutrient that all humans and pets need to stay healthy – it is involved in many functions in the body. Zinc helps fight disease and aids wound healing. It assists a range of hormones in their roles like insulin, growth hormone, and those produced by the thymus. It is also essential for healthy skin, eye, and brain function. Whilst still relatively unclear, there also seems to be an increased risk of certain cancers with low circulating levels. In case you hadn’t noticed, zinc is involved in many processes in the body and when deficient, can cause a whole host of issues; perhaps some you never would have considered. So, let’s look at its function in a little more detail and what happens when things go a little awry. Functions in the body Immunity The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins that defend the body. All cells depend on a regular supply of zinc to function and none more so than immune cells with their high rates of proliferation and differentiation. One of the mechanisms that zinc helps protect the body is by stabilising cell membranes. Deficiency can cause damage to epidermal cells and to the linings of the gastrointestinal and pulmonary tracts. Consequently, this facilitates the entrance of potential pathogens into the body. It has been repeatedly proven that low levels of circulating zinc results in suppressed immune responses and increased susceptibility to infectious agents. In short, zinc brings the army rather than a brigade. Inflammation It is well established that zinc mediates inflammatory response, it reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. Whilst inflammation is a natural process that serves to protect, constantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with a range of chronic disease, so modulation of inflammation can be a useful preventative agent for pet health. Findings here Zinc as an antioxidant It’s easy to disregard the purpose of antioxidants when we are bombarded with superfoods containing them everywhere we turn, but they are a crucial component to a healthy system. When cells generate energy, free radicals are produced as a consequence. Think of them like the exhaust fumes of work. These fumes then need to be neutralised by antioxidant defence mechanisms. If there is an imbalance, oxidative stress results which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Overproduction of free radicals is linked with cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorder, inflammation, and advanced ageing. Zinc performs as an antioxidant, through a range of functions. On one hand, it is key in stabilising membrane structures, likely from its capacity to prevent lipid peroxidation. This is where free radicals steal electrons from cell membranes, resulting in cell damage. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation can decrease lipid peroxides. Its relationship with metallothionein and copper is also of interest. Metallothioneins are a family of proteins which detox heavy metals, scavenge free radicals and have anti-inflammatory processes; zinc causes an increase in metallothionein. Findings here What is particularly interesting is that metallothioneins (MTs) play a pivotal role in tumour formation, progression, and drug resistance. MT expression varies from tumour to tumour, but there are promising markers when we are looking at cancer outcomes. Findings here Copper is also critical in processes to remove free radicals. They key is in the balance of zinc to copper for this process to work efficiently as excess copper levels can actually result in oxidative damage and interfere with cellular function. Findings here Hormonal regulation Zinc has a key influence on the endocrine system. Comprised of a number of glands in the body, it includes the ovaries, testes, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal and pituitary glands. The effect of low zinc levels on the endocrine system includes: – Reduced conversion of thyroxine to triiodothyronine (these hormones play an important role in weight regulation, energy levels, internal temperature, skin and hair health and nail growth.) Findings here – Reduced activity of thymulin (induces differentiation and function of T cells, which are crucial to immune function). – Lowered insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels (important during growth periods). – Affected synthesis, storage and secretion of insulin (zinc deficiency is linked to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease). Findings here Hypothyroidism is a common cause of hair loss in pets – what is often forgotten is that zinc and other trace elements, like copper and selenium are required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Deficiency in these elements can result in hypothyroidism. Likewise,thyroid hormones are essential for the absorption of zinc, which is why hypothyroidism can result in acquired zinc deficiency. At MPN, if your dog presents with allergies and itchy skin, we always recommend checking thyroid function. Brain Function Zinc is essential for brain development and physiology. Low zinc has been associated with alterations to behaviour, abnormal central nervous system development and neurological disease. There is demonstrated decreased nerve conduction, neuro-sensory disorders and obvious mental lethargy. Zinc is known to affect neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Findings here In practice, low zinc is associated with increased anxiety, aggression, and depression like behaviour, along with an impaired sense of smell and taste. This poses food for thought in cases of dog reactivity and working dog performance. Eye Health Zinc is found in ocular tissue, particularly in the retina which is why zinc supplementation is often used to aid retinal health. Studies have shown that supplementation can reduce the progression of macular degeneration (eye disease). It has also been linked to reduction in vision loss. Findings here Skin Health The skin has the third highest abundance of zinc in the body. Its concentration being higher in the epidermis than the dermis. As we have already established, zinc stabilises membrane structure which is key to skin health. Zinc has regularly been 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
When we’re out walking our dog and they are panting, we rarely pay any attention, we know that it’s a typical behaviour associated with exercise. Equally, if it’s gotten a little warmer, we expect panting (within reason). But is there a time when panting can indicate something which does require some further attention? It’s a behaviour that we ask pet guardians about in a My Pet Nutritionist consult, so let’s get to the bottom of what panting is, and if it’s anything to worry about. What is panting? Panting is characterised by fast, shallow breaths, a wide-open mouth, and an extended tongue. It’s generally associated with a dog trying to cool down, also known as thermoregulation. Cooling results from the inhalation of cooler air and exhalation of heat along with the evaporation of water in the dog’s respiratory system. The respiratory system in dogs is made up of their mouth, nose, trachea and lungs and it serves two main functions. Firstly, like in humans, it is how the body exchanges carbon dioxide and oxygen. In general, healthy dogs will have a resting respiration rate of anywhere between 15 and 40 inhalations and exhalations a minute. The typical respiration rate when panting increases 10-fold, so up to 400 inhalations and exhalations per minute is expected. It’s second function is to regulate body temperature. A normal body temperature for a dog is between 38.3°C and 39.2°C. An increase by just 1-2°C can have major effects on the dog’s system. They therefore rely on panting as their primary means of expelling heat. There are three known patterns of panting: inhalation and exhalation through the nose, inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth, inhalation through the nose and mouth and exhalation through the nose and mouth. It is suggested that the most effective cooling system is when air is directed through the nose and out through the mouth. So why don’t dogs sweat to cool down? The human mechanism for cooling down is to sweat. As sweat evaporates, we cool down. Due to the thick coats dogs have, sweat just wouldn’t evaporate resulting in a thick, furry coat full of sweat! Nice! Dogs do have sweat glands, but on their paws. It is rare to see a dog with sweaty paws after exercise. You will tend to find sweaty paws in response to stress – which is why you’ll see damp patches on the table at the vets or groomers. What are the triggers and causes for a dog panting? Exercise This is a well-known cause for panting in dogs. Exertion increases heart rate and overall body temperature. Therefore, to regulate their body temperature, dogs will pant. Heat It is suggested that it can take from 7-60 days for a dog to acclimatise to a temperature change in the environment. This can be influenced by body shape, size, coat type and length and the overall health of the dog. Some of the breeds that are more sensitive to an increase in environmental temperature include: Pugs, Lhasa Apso, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and French Bulldog. These are known as brachycephalic breeds and due to their small nasal passages and short windpipes, they don’t pant as efficiently as other breeds. This puts them at a much higher risk of heatstroke. Dog Days of Summer Anxiety/Fear/Phobia Many dogs who suffer with anxiety or fear will pant. It is thought that the fear response increases the heart rate which in turn raises the body temperature. There are usually other signs that accompany panting in a fear response, such as yawning, pacing, crying, whining, shaking, lip licking or hiding. Storms and holidays with fireworks are often a source of anxiety for dogs, so it is quite common to see more panting during these times. There are many ways to help relieve anxiety in dogs including: Thunder Jackets, Plug-in diffusers – these release calming pheromones which mimic those of nursing dams when comforting their litter. Creating a safe place – a covered crate or a space under the stairs or a table. Top Tips for Anxiety in Cats and Dogs 6 Nutritional Tips for Anxiety in Dogs Panting accompanied with shaking is a typical stress response in dogs so consider whether there has been any change to their daily routine, even the smallest changes can be worrying for some dogs. Is panting a symptom of a long-term health condition? It can be. Heart failure When the heart is no longer pumping oxygenated blood efficiently, body parts and tissues will become oxygen deprived. The easiest way to correct this depletion is to increase respiration which often results in panting. Symptoms of heart failure include: Fatigue, Difficulty breathing, Loss of appetite, Weight loss, Coughing. Older dogs are more susceptible to heart issues. The ageing process naturally causes your dog’s organs and systems to deteriorate. Keeping Your Senior Dog Healthy Heart failure can also occur as a result of heartworm disease. Heartworms are spread through mosquitoes. Infective heartworm larvae migrate through the dog’s body until they reach the heart and blood vessels in the lungs. Symptoms of heartworm include: Coughing, Intolerance of exercise, Laboured breathing/panting. Natural Worming Options for Pets Obesity Overweight dogs will often pant excessively. This is due to the strain placed upon the cardiovascular system. In determining whether your dog is a healthy weight, you should be able to see a waistline, feel the ribs and from a bird’s eye view, your dog should have an hourglass outline. Maintaining a healthy weight in your dog should be achieved through species appropriate diet with portion control and regular exercise. Obesity in Pets Part I Obesity in Pets Part II Low Fat Fish Cushing’s Disease This is when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenal glands, two small glands which sit on top of the kidneys. Investigations of the cause will usually be tumours found on the pituitary or adrenal gland or
Did you know herbs have a wealth of protective polyphenols-plant compounds with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects? Not only do they have these wonderful medicinal actions for us humans many uses apply to our pets to. Millions of years before the first human walked the earth, creatures large and small were using plants as their primary source of healing. Today western society is spoiled by the concept of making problems go away quickly so we can get on with life rather than taking the longer route towards finding the cure. This is an incredibly big problem in the veterinary world, how they use allopathic medicine like prednisone,steroids, NASAIDs and the over use of antibiotics that suppress the immune system more. These are all a ‘quick fix’ and mask the problem. Although allopathic medicine does have its place, common conditions can be supported successfully with the use of herbs. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we use holistic principles and philosophies and treat and find the cause, rather than suppressing symptoms. While using these wonderful herbs, they enable us to support the natural healing mechanisms of the body and help our pet’s homeostasis; the state of harmonious balance. I have listed some of the wonderful herbs we regularly use in clinic today that have astounding results, alongside diet and other nutraceuticals. Nature itself is the best physician. Hippocrates ASHWAGANDHA Is a small evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) is commonly known as ‘Indian Winter Cherry’ or ‘Indian Ginseng’ It belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. This lovely shrub is considered as an adaptogen, meaning it promotes balance in many different systems of the body. It has amazing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune amphoteric, nervine, antispasmodic, chemoprotective activity and a wonderful immunomodulator. It’s species name, somnifera means ’sleep –inducing’ in Latin. Somnifera indicates it’s traditional Ayurvedic use for supporting somnolence or sleepiness. It is one of the most important herbs ofAyurveda (the traditional system of medicine in India) and can be traced back to 6000 BC (Charak Samhita, 1949). Ashwagandha for humans and dogs help to regulate and boost the immune system and reduce anxiety. It supports a healthy response to stress and mental wellbeing. Human studies have shown it to lower high cortisol levels significantly. Ashwagandha contains carotene, vitamin C, iron, calcium, flavonoids, antioxidants and essential minerals that support hundreds of biological functions in the body. Recommended Cytoplan Organic Ashwaganda based on 200mg per 10kg of weight. PARTS USED – Root COMMON USES -Stimulating the thyroid (dogs with hypothyroidism), anxiety, fatigue, nervous exhaustion (adrenal fatigue), immunity, rheumatoid arthritis, adrenal lymphoma, lymphosarcoma and sexual hormonal balance. SLIPPERY ELM Is a deciduous tree that can grow to 80feet tall. They are 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. The name is developed due to the mucilaginous inner bark which pioneers in North America chewed for quenching thirst. It was also used by physicians during the American Revolution. Today it is best used in the digestive track, where it serves as a soothing, protecting and lubricating demulcent and general astringent at the same time. 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 also having anti-inflammatory properties that is soothing of the respiratory system which is known to help with kennel cough and very soothing on the mucous membranes that reduces inflammation. 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. Greens for Healthy Pets have a lovely sustainable sourced slippery elm based. PARTS USED – Inner bark COMMON USES – Digestive tract, respiratory tract, skin MILK THISTLE A native of the Mediterranean region ofEurope, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has become naturalised in many portions of North America. In many areas it has earned the reputation of being an invasive weed that has been used for over 2000 years.Milk thistle is cultivated throughout much of the world for its medicinal seeds and is effective in protecting and regenerating the liver due to the chemical it provides called silymarin (which is a mixture of 3 compounds known assilybin, silydianin and silychristine). Because of the benefits that have been examined in humans it has also been approved as beneficial for pets. The liver stores many toxins which can lead to many diseases in our pets including kidney disease, pancreatitis, cancer and diabetes. According to Mark E. Richardson in his article entitled The True Causes of Allergies, your pet’s liver can be overproducing histamines because it has too many toxins to deal with. As our pets are exposed to so many environmental toxins that we can’t control it’s a good idea to detox regularly with milk thistle especially at the end of every season. Avoiding chemical flea, tick, worming treatments and over vaccinating will also reduce the toxic load we expose them to. Milk thistle contains high amounts of essential amino acids and minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron,manganese, zinc and copper. Greens for Healthy Pets Organic Milk Thistle. PARTS USED – Ripe seeds COMMON USES – protecting and strengthens the liver/gallbladder and a good detox PARSLEY Originally a native of southeast Europe and west Asia, parsley is now cultivated worldwide. The most common varieties are curly and flat leaf. This is a must have in your home or garden as it is one of the most versatile, cheap and easy to grow. Parsley (Petroselinumcrispum) leaves and stems are very nutritious, containing up to 22percent protein and impressive amount of vitamins A, C, B 1,B2,and K, calcium, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, niacin,magnesium, manganese, chlorophyll, phosphorus as well as providing fibre and phytonutrients – wow impressive?
We see acid reflux rather frequently. It’s usually for a number of reasons and can be a symptom that may end up being more of a problem than anticipated. It’s not a nice thing for doggos to experience and is often telling you something is not quite right and finding out what that is, is paramount. So read on my lovely peeps, resolve your doggo’s blessed reflux. What is acid reflux? Acid reflux in dogs, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, occurs when the acid (chime: mix of acid, salts and bile) from the stomach moves into the oesophagus. It can obviously cause some discomfort and although a symptom in itself (that is not deemed dangerous), it can lead to other issues. Reflux can cause irritation, inflammation and wear on the lining of the oesophagus, leading to possible ulcers. If left for long enough, this can cause narrowing, thinning, or necrosis of the oesophagus. Also a constant regurgitation (a common symptom of acid reflux) can cause vomit to enter a dogs’ lungs and lead to further damage or aspiration pneumonia. Symptoms may be as follows: Bad breath Constipation, diarrhoea and bloating Burping, gagging, or minimal vomiting/regurgitation after a meal Dry cough Wheezing Pain after eating, such as restlessness and hunching over Inactivity or lethargy after meal Loss of appetite Weight loss There are many factors that may cause GERD, and these should be systematically evaluated when creating a treatment plan, aiming to address the reason as opposed to the disease itself. What role does acid play in the gut? Appropriate acid levels in the gut are paramount. HCL is also responsible for breaking down dietary proteins aiding in the absorption of nutrients. Healthy levels of acid (HCL) eliminates bacteria and viruses and prevents the overgrowth of pathogens in the upper GI tract, so hypochlorhydria (low HCL) can be a risk factor for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), fungal overgrowth, intestinal permeability and possible sensitivities and allergies. Acid in the stomach can be too high but most commonly, is presents as too low, incapable of fully digesting and emptying food into the small intestines, allowing chime to sit in the stomach and allowing regurgitation. There is often the misconception that it’s often too high and therefore must be suppressed by drugs. Research has proven that a lack or suppression of gastric acid (HCL), has been associated with an increase in bone fractures, possible autoimmune disease, impaired absorption of B12, iron and magnesium. Poor gut health and reflux can be linked to allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, itching and rashes, fatigue, anxiety, cancer, and so much more. In short, if the gut isn’t functioning at full capacity, then neither is your pet’s health. Why is your dog experiencing acid reflux? Stress is often a low grade release of cortisol that can slow down digestion, creating a bolus of food in the stomach, that can sit around, coming up as regurgitation, rather than emptying into the small intestines in a timely fashion. Poor gut motility sometimes linked to poor food (dry food) or neurological dysfunction. Structural issues can be the cause such as obstruction, a loose dysfunctional lower oesophageal sphincter, hiatal hernia or inflammation caused from disease such as megaesophagus. Food intolerances, sensitivity and allergies can create immune dysfunction and a less hospitable digestive environment. Poor gut microbiota, yeast overgrowth, bacterial overgrowth, SIBO (small intestinal overgrowth), sometimes from antibiotic use. Poor immunity and gut immunity (integrity of the ‘one cell epithelial of the gut’), can cause inflammation and a lower level of acid which can slow down protein digestion and cause regurgitation. Disease such as a liver disease, pancreatitis, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). Nutritional deficiencies. Being overweight. Conventional Veterinary Approach to Acid Reflux Vet’s often used drugs as an intervention and whilst it might alleviate initial symptoms, it is not a long term solution and implicates longer term issues. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), inhibit the gastric acid production and are amongst the top 10 most commonly prescribed drugs in the world for humans and pets. Pro-kinetic medication is sometimes used to help move food through the digestive system and strengthen the oesophageal sphincter muscles. The above aren’t really successful options long term and most certainly do not address the cause. Whilst inhibitors may give short term relief, a more holistic approach is far more successful than unnaturally suppressing HCL levels. The conventional approach generally believes that acid is overproduced. Whilst this is possible, it is deemed to be the reverse in many circumstances. How Diet and Supplements can Help The gut is the epicentre of immunity and health. If your dog’s digestive system is not working correctly, then nothing else will be. A symptom of acid reflux is telling you there is a dis-ease in the body and something needs to change to rectify it. Determining the reasons why are key. Is the food suitable for your dog? Are you feeding a commercial dry food? Are there nutritional deficiencies? Is there stress? Is the gut functioning properly? Nutrition Looking at suitable diets and food for your pet is essential. A fresh and balanced diet rich in easily digestible proteins, good fats and vegetables (fibre) can help support gut microbiota and stomach acid levels. Home made cooked or raw food are often best in this instance Findings here Processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation in your dog’s stomach, decrease acid levels, triggering acid reflux symptoms. Certain foods can often be an aggravator of reflux, so understanding what might be bothering your dog is essential. If feeding a fresh diet has not worked and you are at a loss. Doing a food sensitivity test can help in removing the culprits. An elimination diet is the best way forward as intolerance and allergy testing can be inconclusive. Low dietary fibre intake is associated with decreased stomach and gut motility and delayed gastric emptying. Low fibre findings are mostly found in humans, but our counterparts experience the same pathogenesis in acid reflux and adding insoluble fibre, may help. Findings here Checking
Let’s get talking about gastrointestinal health. There’s a lot involved in keeping your pet healthy and the main area to focus on is the digestive system. We haven’t talked about pooh for once, which is a relief. I’m sure you will agree…. Intestinal issues and disorders are among the most common reasons for trips to the vet whether it be diarrhoea, constipation, IBS and IBD’s and so forth. So, having a healthy gut is more than firming up dog poop and preventing those night time rumbles. It is central to health and one of the eight key factors to functional medicine. It is connected to everything that happens in the body and that’s why we always look to the gut when we start helping pets with chronic health problems. Poor gut health can be linked to allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, itching and rashes, fatigue, anxiety, cancer, and so much more. In short, if the gut isn’t functioning at full capacity then neither is your pet’s health. What the Gut does for you and your Pet Intestinal health could be defined as the optimal digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. It helps to regulate and promote functions throughout the entire body as it absorbs nutrients that support all bodily functions from energy production, hormone signaling, skin health, mental health, immune signaling and toxin and waste elimination. Before we leap into the 7 steps for optimal digestive health, I want to cover the 5 elements to the function within the gut (ecosystem, immunity, gut-brain connection, detoxification and assimilation and absorption). Ecosystem; there are bugs in the gut that form a diverse ecosystem of friendly bacteria that must be in balance for your pet to achieve optimum health. The term now coined for your gut ecosystem is the microbiome. It refers to the collection of genomes from all the microorganisms in the gut environment. This includes bacteria, virus and fungus. Here we will focus on the good bacteria; prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics. Prebiotics are types of dietary fibre that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut that are often found in certain fruit and vegetables (such as asparagus and bananas), chicory, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, konjac and some fermented foods. To obtain therapeutic effect, prebiotics found in these foods are often extracted and given as supplements (these being Inulin, FOS, GOS, Arabinogalactans and so on). These beautiful prebiotics help the gut bacteria produce nutrients for your pet’s colon cells such as short chain fatty acids such as like butyrate, acetate and propionate. These fatty acids can also be absorbed into the bloodstream and improve metabolic health such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Be warned they can cause gas and should be ventured carefully. Then we have good bacteria often referred to as probiotics (probiotic strains). They are live, good, friendly bacteria that help to promote balance in the intestines. They work by increasing (stabilising) the number of good bacteria in the gut, providing a network of communicating bacteria that help support and induce certain functions in the gut. Dietary nutrients may be converted into metabolites by intestinal microbes (probiotics) that serve as biologically active molecules affecting regulatory functions in your pet. They can help to protect the gut mucosa, preventing gut inflammation, leaky gut and other intestinal or systemic disease states. Good bacteria can also attach to the cells and release substances that help prevent bad bacteria from accumulating. In fact, their function is wide and still a lot unknown. If too many of the wrong bacteria, parasites and yeasts can proliferate by a poor digestive ecosystem, this is where issues begin creep in in terms of symptoms (gas, bloating, diarrhoea, itching), yeast infections, food intolerances, leaky gut syndrome, inflammation and then ultimately immune dysfunction where we start to see disease creep in. We then have postbiotics, they are the non-viable bacterial products or metabolic byproducts from pre and probiotic microorganisms that have biologic activity in your pet. Research indicates that postbiotics can have direct immunomodulatory and clinically relevant effects in the body of animals and humans. So in a nutshell this is the ecosystem of the gut. Immunity; approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, so making sure your pet’s digestive system is in tip-top condition is essential. Gut immunity is the ‘one cell-thick layer’ lining of the gut that protects your pet from the toxic environment. Although composed of only a single cell layer, the intestinal epithelium forms a barrier against penetration of bad microbes. Defects in barrier function contributes to the development of inflammation of the gut. Epithelial cells of the small intestine are coated in a glycocalyx of mucins and other glycoproteins that can interact with and trap bacteria in the mucus. If that barrier is damaged and your pet gets ‘leaky gut’, he can become intolerant to foods, that usually may be digested perfectly well. The immune system will become overactive, and it will begin producing inflammation throughout the entire body. Filtering out the good molecules from the bad molecules and protecting the immune system is another important factor in gut health. Gut-brain axis; there is the second brain, gut-brain connection. Did you know that your pet’s gut actually contains more neurotransmitters than the brain? In fact, the gut has a brain of its own. It is called the “enteric nervous system” and it is a very sophisticated. Messages constantly travel back and forth between the gut-brain and the head-brain and when those messages are interfered with in any way, health will suffer. This is often how food and digestion can have a massive impact on behaviour in animals. Detoxification; the gut has to get rid of all the toxins produced as byproducts of your pet’s metabolism (see how I didn’t mention pooh?). It can also help get rid of certain pathogens and toxins that are ingested on a daily basis. The liver supports digestion by processing the nutrients absorbed by the small intestines and secretes bile into the small intestine to help emulsify and digest fats. The bowel is required to metabolise and detoxify this matter with the
