In anxiety and pain, MPN have often worked with other practitioners, including massage therapists, as a wonderful adjunct to nutrition. Massage has long been recognised as a valid form of healing with humans, its practice dating back around 5000 years, if not more. With canine massage we are not looking to reinvent the wheel, we take what we know is of benefit and apply it to our dogs. So how can we use this with our dogs? We can look to split this question into three separate answers, exploring the versatile use of massage. PAIN Pain comes in many different forms and can occur for various reasons including musculoskeletal issues, injury or surgery. Compensatory tension can occur when a dog adjusts their gait and weight bearing distribution to alleviate pressure on an area that is painful. Massage can look to restore balance, addressing the root of pain and the domino effect it sends across the body. Massage is a vital tool in a multimodal approach to pain management, combining complementary, alternative and conventional practices together. CONDITIONING A human athlete has extensive plans in place to reach optimum physical fitness, the same can be provided to our canine athletes. We have working gun dogs where stamina and strength need to exceed in their performance. Then there are the show ring dogs, examples of their breed need to be supple and well toned. Massage can be used to smooth out the muscle foundations to then build structures of strength to perform at their best, in the interest of injury prevention and condition maintenance. Check it out EMOTIONAL We think it’s fair to say that most people who have been for a massage can agree that they feel “relaxed?” An hour of stillness away from the hustle and bustle of life. Nervous, hyperactive or reactive dogs need this time to unplug too. Stagnant cortisol and adrenaline sits in the tissue and then floats around the bloodstream, contributing to a chronic state of stress. This can then be reignited by the postman at the door or an encounter with an off lead dog having the recall of a teaspoon. Massage can help to dislodge these from muscle tissue and drain out of the body, this is also why it is important to provide freshwater during a session to aid this detoxification. Pain and behaviour are intrinsically linked. Findings here All the above blend and overlap, you could have a reactive dog that is acting out due to pain. Or a competing dog that isn’t performing well due to apprehension of an activity they sustained an old injury from. It comes down to listening and watching your dog for subtle signs of pain and changes in behaviour. This includes emotional behaviour, a once happy dog is now grumpy or even behaviour changes in the GI Tract. How would you describe pain to someone? Pain is an extremely personal experience by nature, what you may find uncomfortable another person could find agonising. The same goes for our dogs, depending on genetic traits, life experiences, time period and level of injury will help determine how well your dog manages its own pain levels and responses. Just because on palpation the Labrador didn’t yelp, doesn’t mean it hurts any less than the hypersensitive Chihuahua who yelps before you’ve even touched them. Dogs in their very nature will hide pain in an attempt to elude an air of strength. It is part of their heritage that they hide pain, so be under no illusion that your dog that just jumped off the sofa and yelped is now ready to go on their walk 5 minutes later. For the most part your dog will do ANYTHING to please you, even if it’s to their own detriment. Subtle changes to look for Changes in coat- Oxygen and nutrient starved muscles under the dermis have no resources to send nutrients upwards in the hair follicles. Is the fur coarse and perhaps the skin is flakey? Heat- A natural response to inflammation, the body sending resources through oxygenated blood to best protect a joint for example. As much as this is important for preservation, too much heat and swelling can in itself become more of a painful issue than the joint itself. Digits- Digits are a huge tell tale sign of uneven weight distribution across the limbs. Are the toes sat flush, what is their ROM, fluid or stiff? Are the toes splayed and constant trembling of the upper part of the limb causing the weight distribution to shift from distal to proximal digits. Look at nail wear, is it even, overgrown? All can be signs of issues elsewhere in the body, work from the ground up. The most common reason that a dog will come to my clinic is for pain management. One of the biggest give aways of subtle tension is how the fascia responds to manipulation. FASCIA One of my most favourite things to talk about, alongside species appropriate nutrition.Fascia is a collagen based 3D web structure, located throughout the body for it’s fibrous strength and versatility. With soft tissue work, manipulation of the superficial and deep fascia is inevitable, located beneath the dermis and enveloping the muscles and other structures in the body. Not only are the structural properties of fascia vital for your dogs health, but its receptor abilities cannot be underestimated. Nociceptors-Rich in myelinated and un-myelinated nerve endings, it has ability to report pressure and pain to the brain. Findings here Proprioceptors-Spatial awareness, the ability to aim for a target and hit it. A dog is able to look at you, but reach its hind limb forward to scratch their ear. Findings here Interoceptors-Emotional state becoming a full body experience. Feeling anxious and a tightness comes across your chest. Findings here Taking the above roles of fascia into account, we can look to understand its effect on the physical and emotional health of your dog. In clinic, massage can be a wonderful diagnostic tool to point
Joint issues like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylitis, hip dysplasia, lameness, luxating patellas or other inflammation and/or damage, can occur for a high proportion of dogs. We usually put it down to age, being overweight, activity and breed but joint issues do not discriminate. Around 1 in 5 dogs, only over the age of 1 can experience joint issues and this raises significantly over the age of 4. Joint supplements are one of the most searched for supplements for dogs and so I wanted to touch on this as there are the good, the bad and the ugly. I don’t want to talk about brands but how to choose a good joint supplement. Here at MPN, we don’t get sponsored to recommend brands as we wish to remain impartial. There are some professionals who have been recommending brands due to incentives. It may well be those products are good, but how do we know that? So the best way to tackle this, is to understand how to best pick a joint supplement. There are five major corner stones to joint health, 5 major physiological processes and impactions that affect the joint. These are digestion, inflammation, degradation, oxidation and joint lubrication. We call it the 5-TIONS and if we understand what is happening and what ingredients help with those physical elements, then we can choose wisely. When looking at joint health you need to consider all mechanisms responsible for the disease and then how to select ingredients to support those processes. · Digestion; for a number of reasons, digestion can become compromised and the mucosal wall, the one cell epithelial, can become less integral and become ‘leaky’. A damaged intestinal lining is permeable, allowing larger, undigested food particles and intestinal microbes to escape into the bloodstream. The food particles that leak into the bloodstream are viewed by the immune system as foreign bodies, causing an immune system response. The microbes that escape into the bloodstream can also cause an immune system reaction. These microbes are often gram-negative gut bacteria whose outer membranes contain molecules called lipopolysaccharides(LPS). Lipopolysaccharides trigger the immune system. Gut microbiota also has a role to play in the function and aetiology of RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). · Inflammation; it’s generally the inflammation and rubbing of joints that create pain and stiffness. Immune responses to allergens or stress can create an inflammatory cascade, known as the cytokine inflammatory cascade that can create a systemic inflammation, affecting joint health. An activated immune system produces antibodies that can travel in the bloodstream and create an inflammatory response in other parts of the body, including joints, leading to arthritic pain and swelling. · Degradation; is the main reason for the breakdown of the joint matrix. Degenerative joint disease, often osteoarthritis (OA), is a common “wear and tear” disease that occurs when the cartilage that serves as a cushion in the joints deteriorates. This condition can affect any joint but is most common in knees, paws, hips, and spine. The joint matrix and connective tissue need to be supported by components that replicate the structure of joints, naturally. · Oxidation; increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress may play a key role in joint destruction and in particular, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Free radical damage can create more degradation and inflammation, so looking to support this process with natural antioxidants to help create a protection and further degradation, is essential. · Joint Lubrication; synovial fluid within the joint matrix is incredibly important to support cushioning and movement. Alterations in synovial fluid (SF) lipid composition have been linked to both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This needs to be supported in a joint formula when choosing your product. What ingredients can be considered for the 5-TIONS DIGESTION N Acetyl Glucosamine: is a wonderful form of glucosamine that has an affinity to the healing of the gut mucosa, healing ‘leaky gut syndrome’. Findings here Green Lipped Mussel: GLMs are rich in glycosaminoglycans and glycosaminoglycan precursors, known as GAGs. An important GAG found in GLMs is chondroitin sulfate a well-documented structural ingredient for connective tissue found in the mucosal wall of the digestion. Findings here INFLAMMATION Green Lipped Mussel; the fatty acids in green lipped mussels with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) are the most abundant. These are the important fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation. GLM’s are natural COX inhibitors just like NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), so they can obtain the same pain free results without the negative side effects. They are also natural LOX inhibitors too. Findings here Devils Claw: is a flowering plant of the sesame family. Its root packs several active plant compounds and is used as an herbal supplement and its botanical name, Harpagophytum, means “hook plant” in Greek. Some studies suggest that compounds called iridoid glycosides, found in devils claw, may also have antioxidant effects. This means the plant may have the ability to ward off cell-damaging effects of unstable molecules called free radicals. Findings here Boswellia Serrata: shows suppression of inflammation and mechanism of action of extract might be linked to lipoxygenase and/or cycloxygenase. Providing maximum inhibitory response as compared to other fractions. The result strongly suggests that the oleo-gum-resin of B.S can be used efficiently as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Findings here Curcumin: has proven to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators that are intimately involved in inflammation are biosynthesised by pathways dependent on cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. The role of LOX and COX isoforms, particularly COX-2, in the inflammation has been well established. Findings here MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): is an organosulfur compound and often used for it’s anti-inflammatory and structural capabilities for joint health. In invivo, MSM reduced cytokine production involved in the inflammatory process. Ginger: contains anti-inflammatory compounds that function in the same way as COX-2 inhibitors and may help joint inflammation and namely OA (Osteo Arthritis). Findings here DEGRADATION Glucosamine HCL and
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
Many dogs experience some kind of joint problem in their lifetime. This can be due to some kind of injury, strains, sprains, fractures, hip or elbow dysplasia, knee problems like torn cruciate ligaments, patellar luxation and Arthritis. Did you know 1 in 5 dogs suffer from Arthritis? So, what exactly is Arthritis and which is the most prevalent in dogs. Arthritis refers to many related conditions involving inflammation of one or more of the joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD) is the most common we see in dogs today and is named because the problem is caused by the bones (Osteo). Arthritis in pets can also be caused by infection (septic arthritis or bacterial arthritis) or by the body attacking itself in an immune system malfunction (Rheumatoid Arthritis). The risk of Arthritis increases with age but it can develop at any age. Larger and giant breeds are most likely to get OA so it would be sensible to start adding supplements to support their joints at approximately a year old. A study that was carried out during 2013 found that 200,000 UK dogs were affected. Risk factors associated with osteoarthritis diagnosis included breed (e.g. Labrador, Golden Retriever), being neutered, higher bodyweight and being older than eight years. Research here What is inflammation Inflammation is a normal part of the immune response. Think of the last time you scraped your skin, got a bug bite, or had a pesky splinter you just couldn’t get out. Chances are the affected area got swollen and red, even hot or painful. This is inflammation at work, and in cases of acute injury, it’s a good thing! The inflammatory response is basically your immune system gathering defences to the injured tissue, helping to protect and heal the affected area. This is done by increasing blood flow to the area, gathering immune cells, causing pain to stop you from using injured tissue, and protecting the tissue in other ways that we call Acute Inflammation. Many of the chronic diseases afflicting today’s dogs result from Chronic Inflammation which isn’t such a good thing and can be avoided in some cases. The conventional veterinary community, typically relies on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), commercial prescription diets and Adequan injections to treat OA in dogs. In some cases, certain vets may also recommend glucosamine and chondroitin. Ironically, most commercial prescription OA diets contain grains, gluten and/or white potato-all of which can promote inflammation. These diets can also contain a pro-inflammatory ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. NSAID’s – prolonged use can cause damage or injury to tissues of the liver, kidneys and bone marrow (Dodds& Lassin, 2013). Arthritis or DJD can affect one or more joints and is one of the most frequent causes of lameness in dogs. Osteo Arthritisis characterised by: deterioration of the joint cartilage called articular cartilage; a formation of bony growths or spurs on the joints, calledosteophytes; changes in the subchondral bone (the bone below the articular cartilage); and joint inflammation. These changes occur following alterations in both the biomechanical and biochemical properties of the joints (Logaret al., 2007; Sanchez & Balligand, 2005; Zhang et al.,2012). Some might say it is in the genes. Historically doctors have viewed and treated arthritis as a structural disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage and its subsequent effects on the joints, but that view is changing with thanks to a new tool to measure gene expression, including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),differential display and DNA microarray analysis. Even if we have genetics to consider, nutritional intervention can help support and hopefully prevent this from occurring or at least progressing. Possible Causes of joint issues Leaky Gut Leaky gut syndrome has become an epidemic in people and animals. About 70-80% of the immune system is housed in the gut, so making sure it’s in tip-top shape is key to good health. Since balance of bacteria in our gut influences the balance of our immune system, an unbalanced gut microbiota with too many opportunistic pathogens, can shift the immune system to an increased inflammatory state. Gut Guardian can help address leaky gut. Gut Guardian Inflammatory diet The role of inflammation in many diseases is significant, especially in pets that aren’t receiving a high number of dietary antioxidants. Inappropriate foods such as kibble are ultra-processed and inflammatory. They may contain grains, lectins, gluten and white potato that promote inflammation in the body. Kibble is cooked at high heat, a process called extrusion, that destroys many vital nutrients and enzymes. Your dry food will contain anywhere between 18-60% carbohydrate and we know that sugar raises inflammation. Common meats used in these foods are often chicken and pork. Both high in omega-6, pushing inflammation further, if not coupled with a good omega 3 source. Feed a species appropriate, fresh whole foods diet if possible, preferably raw or lightly cooked. Fresh foods are lower in carbohydrate content and are naturally anti inflammatory compared to carbohydrate foods. Natural sources to support joints are oily fish; salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel as these are the best source of DHA and EPA that are proven to help reduce inflammation. If your dog can’t eat fish due to an intolerance or just doesn’t like it, algae oil is a good plant-based alternative that you can find on the link below. Other sources, that contain smaller amounts of vitamin D foods are organic beef liver and egg yolks. Plant based Vitamin D can be found in parsley, alfalfa, nettle, dandelion and rosehips. Unlike us humans, dogs get very little vitamin D from the sunlight on their skin, so nearly all their vitamin D must come from their diet. Link here for a variety of carefully selected supplements by Green’s for joint health. Drugs, other toxins and over vaccination Avoid unnecessary steroids, antibiotics and (NSAIDs) all of which lead to an unbalanced gut microbiota. Prescription deworming, flea and tick prevention that contain pesticides can play havoc on the immune system so these should be avoided and used only
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?
Slim fat doggy. We are a globally obsessed about the fat content of foods, limiting fats when we need to lose weight, reducing certain fats in the belief that they are bad for us. The truth is, it’s about balance, it’s about less carbohydrates and more about the quality of proteins and looking at the beautiful essential fats that our dog’s require. Dogs utilise fats rather differently to us but the premise is the same, good fats equals good health. What are fats? The main macronutrients for health are proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Proteins and fats are responsible for many bodily functions. However, carbohydrates are a pure source of energy only and given that the dog only produces a minimal amount of amylase by the pancreas, their need for carbs is very low indeed (think beautiful vegetables here). Fats contain 2.5 times more energy than protein or dietary soluble carbohydrate. Around 90% of dietary fat is made up of triglycerides that are made up of fatty acids and a glycerol. In a fat molecule, the fatty acids are attached to each of the three carbons of the glycerol molecule with an ester bond through the oxygen atom. Here’s the boring bit about classifications of fatty acids…. ‘There are different classifications of fatty acids based on the length of their carbon chain, by the presence or absence of double bonds, the number of double bonds, the position of those bonds along the carbon chain, and by their melting point. Fats with no double bond at all are called saturated fats. Fats containing fatty acid chains with a double bond are called unsaturated fats.” Saturated fats contain the maximum level of hydrogen atoms possible and have no double bonds. Unsaturated fats, some of the hydrogen atoms are missing and have been replaced with double bonds between the carbon atoms. Monounsaturated fats, have one double bond. Polyunsaturated fats, have two or more double bonds. Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA’s) can be divided into two main groups: Omega-6 and Omega-3. The difference between the two is where the first of the double bond occurs. Omega 3 fatty acids, the first double bond occurs on the third carbon atom. In Omega 6 fatty acids, the first double bond is on the sixth carbon atom, counting from the methyl end. Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid (LA), arachidonic acid (AA) and gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Omega-3 fatty acids include alpha linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). What fats are essential for my dog’s health? Your dog requires both saturated and unsaturated fats but in particular balance. If that balance is out, particularly with the polyunsaturated fats, inflammation can occur and therefore, health issues arise. It is proven that dogs metabolise up to 95% of the fats they consume even though fat digestion is more far more complex than breaking down and assimilating protein and carbohydrates. Fats are a highly digestible and accessible form of energy for doggos and absolutely essential for health. Fats have many vital roles within the body; Energy production Development of all cells Neurological function Production of hormones Reproductive support Reduce inflammation Healthy skin and coat Nutrient absorption (such as vitamin A,D,E,K) Let’s talk about the most known and essential to health. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fats help to control hormones in the body such as regulating inflammatory response and blood pressure. Omega-6 fatty acids produce immune hormones that increase inflammation. Omega 6 fatty acids also help with blood clotting, brain function, and normal growth and development, helps stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism, and maintain the reproductive system. A diet rich in Omega-6, can often cause skin issues and aggravate allergies, arthritis and any possible inflammatory disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are part of the phospholipid bilayer in the membrane of your dog’s cells. This means that they help regulate cellular communication in every area of the body. Omega-3 fatty acids form a large percentage of brain matter and are the foundation of pro and anti-inflammatory compounds. The balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is an important part of a healthy immune system and balances out inflammation. A diet poor in Omega-3 can lead to chronic disease and autoimmune disease. Findings here A ratio of approximately 4-1 Omega-6 to Omega-3 is considered optimum for a dog’s diets. Many commercial dog foods contain ratios of 20-1 and sometimes ratios up to 50-1 (often seen in foods that contain high amounts of corn, naturally high in Omega-6 EFAs). This will result in an Omega-3 deficiency and a huge amount of inflammation. If you feed your dog a commercial dog food, it will more than likely be too high in pro-inflammatory Omega-6 fats. And if you feed your dog a raw meat diet that isn’t raised 100% on pasture, they too may be high in pro-inflammatory Omega-6 fats. Sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Omega-3 fatty acids, ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is often found in certain plants such as flax seed, sacha inchi seed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, avocado flesh only and oysters. Although ALA foods and supplements are not a substitute for fish or algae oil, due to the high Omega-6 content also, they can be an excellent additional supplement to include in the diet and added to certain meat sources. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are often found in high levels and good ratios in fish (these have the most anti-inflammatory effect). Found in salmon, tuna, trout, cod, krill, oysters, seabass, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Non animal sources containing DHA and EPA are phytoplankton and marine algae oil. Although these are wonderful additions to your dog’s diet, they do not contain as much DHA and EPA as fish. They therefore don’t exert as much of an anti-inflammatory effect. Fish and fish oil Whole fish is a wonderful addition to the your dog’s diet but ensuring you don’t feed fish from the Pacific due to radiation, heavy metals and toxins, is essential. Feeding small fish such as krill,
These babies hold such wonderful health and anti-inflammatory effect, mostly known to support joint health. GLM’s contains around 90 different fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulphate), glutamine (a glycosaminoglycan precursor), vitamins C and E and minerals including zinc, copper and selenium. The synergy of these nutritional components work in perfect harmony to support joint and mobility issues in pet. When looking at joint health you need to consider all mechanisms responsible for the disease and then how to address them. These 4 corners of joint health are all well covered by GLM’s: Inflammation; it’s generally the inflammation and rubbing of joints that create pain and stiffness. The fatty acids in green lipped mussels with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) are the most abundant. These are the important fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation. GLM’s are natural COX inhibitors just like NSAIDS (non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs), so they can obtain the same pain free results without the negative side effects. They are also natural LOX inhibitors too. Degradation; is the main reason for the breakdown of the joint matrix. The joint matrix and connective tissue need to be supported by components that replicate the structure of joints, naturally. GLMs are rich in glycosaminoglycans and glycosaminoglycan precursors, known as GAGs. An important GAG found in GLMs is chondroitin sulfate a well-documented structural ingredient for joint support. Oxidation; free radical damage can create more degradation and inflammation so we need to support this with natural antioxidants found in GLM. Vitamin C and E are both abundant in GLM’s and essential for joint care. Joint Lubrication; synovial fluid within the joint matrix is incredibly important to support cushioning and movement. Alterations in synovial fluid (SF) lipid composition have been linked to both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). GLMs provide polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs), the building blocks for cartilage and joint fluid. There are many things to consider in joint health and diet is primary. If you need to know more, please check consultations. Caution must be taken if you think there could be a shellfish allergy. If not, your pet just got real lucky! In our professional opinion and years of using this ingredient, we can safely say it’s totally groovy and a much safer and effective alternative to NSAIDS in joint support! A blog that, for a change, is short and sweet, just the way you like it! MPN Team x
This might be as dry as a rice cake and to be honest, we thought we might be able to put you to sleep but all joking aside, although this blog doesn’t give you exact solutions, you can see how we look at allergies and how we approach itchy pets with great knowledge and success. Now put on the kettle and don’t read this horizontally in bed; falling asleep is guaranteed. Although this is from a scientific and pathophysiological perspective, I’m yet to meet a conventional veterinarian who looks at itchy pets in the same way. Allergy/itching is one of the most prevalent problems seen by vets and My Pet Nutritionist to date. It’s almost become our life’s work to understand how and why this happens as we get clients everyday with the same issues. Natural means is really the only way to go to solve this issue but to do this successfully, we need to understand the complex immunity and physiological pathways and address is with nutrition and supplements. In short, itching and allergies are due to an overactive and underachieving immune system as well as possible genetic and nutritional snips and deficiencies. The immune system is so finely tuned you wouldn’t get your breath. There’s so much we don’t know and some of the following has thin scientific research. In more than basic terms the immune system is split into 2 parts, Th1 and Th2 (actually there is a more newly discovered TH3 and TH17 but let’s not complicate things). Both parts should work in harmony and balance. Th1 and Th2 cells are maintained in a carefully regulated balance. If a bacterium enters the body, it activates Th2 cells that dominate the network to begin a cascade of immune events leading to an antibody response that clears the infection. If a virus enters cells in the body, it activates Th1 cells which dominate and instruct the killer cell response to clear infected cells. Once the infection is cleared up, suppressor cells are activated to shut down the dominate response and bring the network back into what we call a resting state. If the suppressor cells do not act to bring the network back to a resting state, a pathological Th1-or Th2 dominated immune system results. A Th1 dominated immune system is characteristic of food intolerances and autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes where the immune system is attacking normal tissues. A Th2-dominated immune system is characteristic of allergies and cancer and so forth. The incessant itching arises from an excessive and dominant reaction in the immune system. In Th2 allergic reactions (IGE), histamine is the compound released. There are several things we need to consider to piece it all together. Breeding has a lot to do with it and can dominate how well they will be in life, unless you have people like us on board. Factors to be considered are: Genetics; it’s like a lottery and no matter what kennel club certifications you have there are no guarantees. Certain breeds are always more at risk. Foetal development and birth; how healthy is the mother, what is she fed and how many litters she has sired previously, all come into play. Certain breeds don’t experience the healthy birthing through the canal such as some French Bull dogs. C-section is proven to under develop the much needed microbiota in your pet’s gut and can pre determine how balanced immunity will be. During pregnancy the mother is TH2 dominant which means so is your pup or kitten when born, this is cleverly put back into balance during weaning. Breast feeding and weaning; feeding from mother and getting the first colostrum and being fed like this for a good 10-12 weeks is so important for immunity and reactions. Many people arrive home with their new pet at 8 weeks’ old which is way too young. This might not allow for puppy or kitten to modulate immunity and come out of TH2 dominance and balance nicely. Environmental challenges in the early months; Initial vaccinations are important but timing is essential in allowing the immune system to respond accordingly. Also being exposed to different proteins and a healthy diet helps build a positive immunity and reaction to foods in future months.The first few months determine a lot and you don’t always have control over this. How our pet interfaces with the world, very much dictates whether immune dysfunction comes into play from the above points. The below considerations need to be looked at in its entirety not individually. Causative factors of itching to be considered: Physiological and emotional stress; we know stress triggers inflammation and a TH2 dominance, those with allergies are naturally be more TH2 dominant. Intestinal permeability; allowing for the escape of undigested proteins and pathogens through the gut wall and directly into the bloodstream, evoking prolonged inflammatory immune responses. Stress, diet, poor microbiota and environmental toxins can all destroy epithelial mucosa that cause intestinal permeability. Altered gut microflora; c-section, early weening, stress, diet, hormones and so on can effect gut bacteria and immunity. Hormonal imbalances; cortisol, oestrogen, thyroid hormones are actively associated with histamine behaviour and imbalance of immunity TH2 dominance. We de sex most of our dogs and wonder why they have so many issues. I’m glad no one gave me a hysterectomy in my first few years of life. Diet & nutritional deficiency; poor or an inappropriate diet can trigger TH1 or TH2 dominance and so will make reactions worse. Some foods such as wheat, grains, soy, gluten and corn are known foods to elicit reactions but it can get really complicated. Vitamin D and zinc are the most prevalently deficient in animals with allergies. Genetics; certain genetic polymorphisms affect immune TH1/TH2 dominance, DAO/MAO polymorphisms mean genetically your pet is less able to metabolise/breakdown histamines in the body. We know histamine to be the most related immune response to intolerances and allergies (a.k.a Histamine intolerance). Blog on Histamine Intolerance here. Heavy metal toxicity; we don’t need
Alison has majored her career in new product development for both the health and pet food industry. Although she develops pet foods, she adores NPD of supplements, as it really tickles her fancy for science and creativity. She loves bio chemistry but there’s also innovation and an artistry to formulating good and effective supplements. Here My Pet Nutritionist shares pointers as to how to choose the right supplements for your pets. You’ll sometimes get professionals and non-professionals saying supplements are a waste of money and not worthwhile. This is true if you 1. you don’t know what the issue is and blindly choose something to help the problem or 2. buy something that hasn’t been formulated well or contains inferior ingredients. For a supplement to work there has to be fine tuning to a product. We follow a principle called the 8 element system which is a naturopathic approach at looking at several body systems to consider what happens in its entirety and not looking at masking a problem. Like pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals can just mask an issue, if all aspects of health are not looked at. When formulating a product, we consider energy, immunity, digestion, detoxification, structure, neurological, hormonal and stress levels (including inflammation). We always develop synergistic blends that work in perfect harmony to establish nourishment, balance and restoration no matter what the situation. As you can imagine diet alone cannot often achieve this, especially if symptoms or disease are showing. Supplements help to modulate systems and food alone often cannot do this (although food is also incredibly important). The main criteria for choosing a good supplement · Know what your pet requires; problem specific or nutritional deficiencies for example · Check the source of ingredients; provenance of herbs, extraction or types of minerals · Clinically tested for absorbability; no point in taking it if your pet can’t absorb it · Clinically tested for pureness and safety · Manufactured by a legit R&D company · Well-priced for what you are getting 1. Know what your pet requires (problem specific or nutritional deficiencies for example) It’s important to know what is going on for your pet before purchasing a/several supplements for them. There are some wonderful tests to check mineral status for pets that can be used to establish any nutritional deficiencies in your pet. Don’t allow for blood tests they are inconclusive due to the blood leaching minerals from other parts of the body to try and obtain equilibrium, thus creating an unclear picture of health. If you have been to the vet and received a diagnosis such as arthritis or a nutritional deficiency, then you can get looking for your ideal supplement. If you are at a loss and there are lots of things going on for your pet, this is when coming to see someone like myself can help. 2. Check the source of ingredients; provenance of herbs, extraction or types of minerals used and so forth The source of any ingredient is important. If it’s a herb, it’s good to know it’s provenance, purity, extraction method and also how it is delivered. We love herbs and they have a beautiful nutritive and supportive role for so many systems in the body. Herbs can be adaptogenic so can up or down regulate a process in the body. This is clever and intuitive and unlike any pharmaceuticals we know of, however the purity, extraction and delivery method is important to how effective it may be. For example, we would choose organic for those herbs that are commonly used and extensively farmed. Echinacea is one of the most abundant and commonly used herbs in the industry but a mass farmed batch from China is probably less nutritive and clean than an organic echinacea grown in the Swiss Alps at high altitudes. Every herb and every ingredient has a story. Look to see what companies write about their ingredients used and why they have selected them. Give the brand a call and put them to the test. The type of substrates (binders) in minerals are also important. Different forms of mineral perform different mechanisms but may not be as bioavailable as another. Calcium and magnesium are great examples of this. Calcium carbonate is the cheapest calcium option on the market and the most wildly researched calcium in the pet industry. However, we know from research that calcium carbonate harder to absorb even though it’s around 40% pure calcium. Calcium citrate is probably second in line for expense but much better absorbed and around 20% pure calcium. Therefore we tend to choose better absorbed options such as citrate. 3. Clinically tested for absorbability; no point in taking it if your pet can’t absorb it I sometimes use registered ingredients that can claim and supply clinical data to support the product and gives sound piece of mind as to how effective it is. An example of this is with curcumin. Curcumin is an active extract and effective curcuminoid compound found in turmeric. Turmeric is something everyone seems to be talking about at the moment, whether buying a supplement or just reaching into the kitchen cupboard. And rightly so, this is an awesome and effective ingredient for many health related issues. However, we don’t use regular turmeric or curcumin as it’s hard to assimilate in the body. We therefore use and look out for certain patented curcumins such as Ultrasol® or Curcuwin® that have proven increased bioavailability by making them water soluble or liposomal without having to use added ingredients such as Bioperine®. Bioperine® a pepper extract is well researched for increasing other ingredients bioavailability by interfering with a process called glucuronidation in the liver. It slows down the metabolism and excretion of curcumin thus extending it’s life. MPN prefer to work with ingredients that solely enhance processes within the body and not dampen them down and so avoid ingredients like Bioperine®. Research does show that curcumin is also better absorbed with the whole turmeric that contains a number of curcuminoids. Therefore we like to see a plain
