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?
I am writing this blog today because I keep seeing a bashing of the use of supplementation of vitamins and minerals for your dog and I think it can become confusing and taken out of context. I wanted to create a whole picture of your dog’s health, the nutritional profile of food, common deficiencies, genetic mutations and malabsorption issues, that can affect this entire picture of health and where deficiencies can most certainly lead to concerns such as poor digestion, skin issues and disease. I am not an advocate of throw it in and see happens, but I am an advocate for addressing nutritional shortfalls in a diet that can most certainly lead to other issues if left unturned. So this blog is about balance, retrospect and highlighting that there isn’t always a generic approach to feeding. Food supplements are an umbrella for functional ingredients whether they are wholefoods, probiotics, fatty acids or vitamins and minerals. Food supplements are big business and rightly so as certain supplements can offer unique and effective support in some cases. Many of us may know about chamomile and valerian for calming, medicinal mushrooms for immune support, glucosamine and green lipped mussel for joint support and probiotics for digestive support and immunity. The list is endless when it comes to wonderful supplements we can use, some of great quality and efficacy and some not so great. Supplements are a wonderful addition to a healthy diet if used correctly and can support disease. Today I wanted to mention the use of vitamins and minerals and the controversy surrounding them. Gut Guardian Vitamins and minerals, unless from wholefood source, and believe me I’ve been in the industry long enough to know this process is far from the ‘wholefood’ dream you are sold, are derived from a number of sources that may be deemed synthetic. This seems to be a dirty word in the industry at the moment and without people knowing much about it, they tend to give it a bad wrap. Whilst I am not an advocate of overloading the body with additional vitamins and minerals, I do know how transformative they are when used in deficiency or disease and also in some cases, prevention. Foods nowadays don’t tend to provide the levels of nutrients expected and required from what we call a balanced diet. This is why it’s become such a huge industry in the health sector. Looking at pets, this trend closely follows. Due to agriculture, farming and depleted soils, food doesn’t always offer the nutritional profile we are led to believe (no one meat source or vegetables will contain the same amount of vitamins and minerals). Creating recipes is something I have to do on a weekly basis. I love working with the power and transformative therapy of food but I do on occasion like to ensure a little added vitamin and mineral are provided when I know it is something that often shows up as a deficiency due to depletion or that a particular dog will require additional support. For example, there are some beautiful zinc rich foods that you can include in your dog’s food on a daily basis if you create your own food at home. Whether this be from oysters, pumpkin seeds, venison and other red meats but as a formulator of foods, it’s easy to see how many meals, even over time, don’t quite hit the mark for the amounts required by dogs. Research has proven that zinc is one of the hardest minerals to absorb due to it being pipped to the post by so many other minerals and around 60-85% of zinc in the diet is not well utilised and absorbed. I hope I am painting a fair picture here, it’s simply about balance and looking at possible shortfalls. In my practise, I work with due diligence and a fine tooth comb. As a functional medicine practitioner, I work off a grid that maps all bodily systems over a 12 page questionnaire. We look at this sytem as well as history, presenting symptoms and possible diagnosis. I would call it a jigsaw puzzle that I piece together, trying to fill in any missing pieces. I can quite often tell if there is a deficiency but I do often work with tests to make sure the more dangerously stored nutrients such as A,D,E and K are tested. Unfortunately there is poor testing for minerals and whilst some might still offer blood tests, this often gives inaccurate readings unless your dog is at death’s door. There are a number of symptoms associated with deficiencies that when taking in the whole picture of health, can often tell you a lot about the pathophysiology and the health state of your dog. Fresh foods are incredibly important for a number of reasons. They provide enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients and fatty acids that are all essential for good health. Vitamins and minerals are only one factor and aspect when we look at ‘nourishment’. However, vitamins and minerals are incredibly important and involved in 1000’s of biochemical pathways in your dog’s body. Whilst food source is always preferable, we can see that there can be many reasons for dog’s not to absorb effectively. The most common deficiencies I see in clinic today are vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc. Obviously this is not exclusive, just my overall experience. Reasons for nutritional deficiencies Poor commercial food I don’t even know where to begin. Most foods are so void of any nutrition after they have been cooked to high temperatures, several times over, a premix of vitamins and minerals have to be added to provide any nutrition at all. This isn’t good basic nutrition and i am not a fan of any commercial food unless home cooked style or raw. To further the problem even more, many commercial pet food in the EU do not fulfil nutritional requirements. Only 6% (6/97) of wet and 38% (30/80) of dry food were fully compliant
Let’s chat about gastrointestinal health. There’s a lot involved in keeping your pet healthy and the main area to focus on is the digestive system. Digestion is important and there are some poor pooches and pussy cats out there whom are diagnosed with inflammatory Bowel Disease, namely Crohns and Colitis. Intestinal issues and disorders are among the most common reasons for trips to the vet whether it be diarrhoea, constipation, IBS and today’s focus, IBD’s such as Crohns and Colitis. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Colitis and Crohns are conditions resulting from an inflammatory response in the gut. They are characterised by the infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells into the intestinal mucosa. The lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may become thickened and/or ulcerated, overreactive and less integral, with lessened gut acid and an imbalance of good gut microbiome (the good bacteria in the gut). Nutrient absorption may be compromised and the passage of food and waste material through the gastrointestinal tract may be altered. This can lead to a very sick pet. There is a genetic correlation in IBD but this disease is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Some breeds of dog do however seem to be more susceptible to the disease such as Schnauzers, French Bulldogs, Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs and Alaskan Malamutes. Findings here The signs of IBD may include one or more of the following; Chronic diarrhoea, loose stools or constipation Difficult or painful bowel movements Bloated, tender abdomen and gas Fresh blood and/or mucus in the stool Chronic or intermittent regurgitation/vomiting (often a sign common in cats) Loss of appetite Lack of energy Weight loss While many other problems can also cause these symptoms, when they become more frequent and chronic, then the diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can then be given. Colitis by definition is inflammation of the lining of the colon. This can be inflammation only or can turn into ulcerative colitis where the integrity of the bowel lining becomes compromised and ulcerates. Colitis is usually limited to superficial layers (mucosa, superficial part of the submucosa) of the colon. Crohns by definition is Inflammation in different areas of the digestive tract from the mouth through to the anus and tends to affect the deeper layers of the bowel wall. When a pet has IBD, his stomach lining can become irritated, causing food to move through his system faster or gut motility can become slower. Over time, the lining of the digestive tract can ulcerate, thicken and become irritated from the inflammatory cells. Healthy cells that usually fight off bacteria and other invasive allergens will build up within this area of the body, causing diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, and abdominal pain. Possible Causes of IBD’s A poor, inadequate processed pet food can cause inflammation in the GI tract. Food allergies and sensitivities to foods such as beef, chicken, milk, eggs, corn, wheat, and soy or flavourings and colourings are common, commonly found in many processed pet food. Stress is often a low grade release of cortisol that can slow down digestion causing digestive dysfunctions, leading to inflammation. Dysbiosis (bacterial overgrowth in the gut) is highly linked to autoimmunity and in particular digestive disease (IBD). Dysbiosis leads to increased intestinal permeability, loss of immune tolerance, immune response, activating immune cells and specific microbiome (good bacteria) shifts. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), is commonly found in the bowel and highly associated to IBD. Histamine and allergic response, impacts SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), that in humans is linked to IBD’s. Parasitic infections can take hold when the GI is not functioning well and immune function is compromised. Stress leads to mast cell activation via binding of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) to mast cell CRH receptor sites increasing inflammation and IBD’s. Poor immunity and gut immunity (integrity of the ‘one cell epithelial of the gut’), can cause over-reactivity and inflammation (IBD). This can arise from birth from not being weaned effectively. Adverse drug reactions or over-medication and vaccination, which can create a hyperactive immune state and may be a factor in IBD’s. Conventional Veterinary Approach to IBD Vet’s often use bland prescription diets of poor quality and certain drugs as an intervention to reduce inflammation and common symptoms. 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. Acid reflux can be a symptom of an IBD. Whilst inhibitors may give short term relief, a more holistic approach is far more successful than unnaturally suppressing HCL levels. Pro-kinetic medication is sometimes used to help move food through the digestive system and strengthen the oesophageal sphincter muscles in acid reflux, a known symptom of IBD’s. Prednisone or other similar steroids, may me used to address the inflammatory nature of IBD’s. This does however negatively impact the immune and endocrine system and in human conventional medicine, is being used less and less. Long term this is a very damaging drug. How Diet and Supplements can Help 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, poor gut motility, proliferation of bad bacteria and so forth. Certain foods can often elicit an unwanted immune response, so understanding what might be causing your pet to react is essential. If feeding a fresh diet has not worked, doing a food sensitivity test can help in removing the offending culprits. Nutriscan sensitivity test: check your pet at home easily for food sensitivity. https://nutriscan.org 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 IBD and
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
We can’t tell you how much My Pet Nutritionist talk about anal glands and pooping with people. We can wake up to pictures of my client’s dog’s poop on my phone (on a daily basis). It’s a real thing people! Anal gland issues and sloppy pooh are problems that you pet parents come up against every day. We know from research, that just over 10% of dogs will have issues with their anal glands, in their lifetime. Cat’s also have anal glands but we don’t see this issue crop up in the vets as commonly due to the nature of their social habits. Although anal glands are supposed to empty as faeces are passed, this doesn’t always happen. Over time the anal glands can fill up and can become inflamed, impacted and pretty painful. There can be many reasons why, some simple and some more complex. There are a lot of things we can do naturally for anal gland issues, so read ahead peeps. Function and Symptoms The anal glands function is to release pheromones, enabling the communication between dogs and other mammals, including cats. The anal glands located on the lower sides of the anus, produce a fluid with a scent that identifies him or her, communicating sex, health and approximate age to other animals. This is the reason why dogs sniff each’ others bottoms and love mooching for ‘scents’. These sacs excrete fluid when the dog/cat has a bowel movement. Discharge in the anal glands should be liquid and if the ducts are open then your dog should have no issues. As faeces pass through the anus, the anal glands become expressed and voila, pheromones are released and communication with the outside world begins. If your dog has impacted anal sacs, they will experience some or all of the below symptoms: Scooting (dragging bottom on the floor) Licking or biting at the bottom area Difficulty sitting or standing On rare occasion, chasing the tail Some vets may recommend removing the glands if the problem is consistent and severe but this SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN, unless there is disease of the glands, such as cancer. Personally, I’ve seen some awful cases with removed anal glands, as it disrupts the function of the anal sphincter and interferes with the body’s ability to cleanse. They are really unwell dogs and end up displaying other issues, longterm, that are incredibly difficult to support. Always seek a second opinion. It’s all in the Pooh Poor quality bowel movements can contribute to anal glands becoming impacted. So what should a healthy stool look like? To fully express the anal glands, the faeces need to look quite bullet like, powdery and dry. Your dog should not strain but a firm, pick-up-able poop, that one is able to hold between the thumb and middle finger (without it breaking), is an optimum poop. This will aid in the anal glands expressing more efficiently. Check out our guide on pooh here. The Ultimate Dog Pooh Guide Other reasons for Anal Gland Issues Sometimes a dog’s anal sac issues can be a symptom of broader systemic issue. This is where our consultation services can be really help. We often find by looking at the 8 systems cycle in functional medicine, we can consider every element of health and see what might be under lying. So here is how we look at the problem. Stress; low grade stress (commonly experienced by many dogs) can interfere with the function of the gut, slowing digestion and the transit of food. Gut microbiota (good bacteria) that supports digestive function can also be destroyed by the effects of stress. Addressing stress can be really helpful. Digestion; poor quality bowel movements can contribute to anal glands becoming impacted. Constipation and diarrhoea can produce stool that isn’t sufficient for the task of emptying the anal sacs. This often allows for constipation or diarrhoea, preventing solid faeces passing over the anal sacs. Supporting healthy levels of digestive and pancreatic enzymes and good levels of gastric juices (HCL), are incredibly important for a healthy functioning bowel. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and yeast infections have potentially been linked to more frequent anal gland issues. Good bacteria in the gut is essential for optimal function, preventing bad bacteria and yeast overgrowth. Also checking for worms and parasites can be helpful in anal gland dysfunction. Immunity; food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities are due to an under functioning or overly sensitive immune system. It is key to establish if your pet is reacting to any foods, as this can affect digestion. By eliminating them, rebuilding immunity (gut) and addressing inflammation, this can directly impact your pet’s digestive system and anal gland excretion. Neurological; many nutrients are essential for the nervous system and this is a complex system. One key mineral is magnesium, essential for neurological function and in particular the vagus nerve that connects the gut-brain axis. Deficient magnesium can cause a slow ‘peristaltic’ movement within the bowel (a motion that pushes food through the bowel). If this isn’t functioning well, the slow passage of food can equal slow transit of food, creating constipation, slow detoxification and impaired anal sac fluid emptying. Detoxification; is a network of systems but the liver and gallbladder are most closely connected to digestive function helping with fat digestion (emulsification). The liver must be working effectively for the digestive system to work efficiently and reduce the toxic load on the anal glands. Structure; hereditary malformations of the anal glands could also be a cause. This is less common but worth exploring if nothing seems to help. Structure and integrity of the connective tissue with regards to stomach muscles, back muscles, back legs and so forth is supportive in allowing your dog to defecate effectively. Stooping, squatting and pushing all require strength of the body. Some dog’s who are lame will have problems expressing. Working on the structure of your dog’s body can be helpful, if this is an issue. Hormones; low oestrogen can lead to chronic constipation in
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
Here at MPN, we see a number of different cases whether it be itching/allergies, cancer, pancreatitis, IBS, IBD, liver and kidney disease and more. There’s a lot that goes into a consultation at MPN and its bespoke to your pet. No 2 clients are going to get the same plan. However, Bentonite clay is one of the ingredients can that be applied to a lot of these problems as an initial support. So, let’s get the dirt on clay! See what I did there? Does your dog dig for soil or want to eat cardboard? Does your cat try and eat litter? Then Bentonite could be just what they are looking for. Clay has been used with the following issues successfully and supported by research for both humans and animals: · Skin issues and Allergies · Digestive issues · Pancreatitis · Kidney and liver Support · Immune support · Parasites · General detoxification My favourite, which is Bentonite clay, can be interchangeably referred to as Montmorillonite clay and are both regarded as an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate clay from the Smectites family. They are both named after regions they come from but in nature they have the same structure and have a much higher absorption capacity than other clays found in nature and on the market. It has been used and eaten since ancient times as humans believed in its therapeutic benefits. So let’s chat about Bentonite clay and its wondrous abilities. Skin issues and Allergies Due to many skin issues arising from immune reactions and toxicity, Bentonite can be calming and cooling both applied internally and externally. Internally Bentonite clay has proven to remove many different bacteria and fungi, including candida albicans, that can lead to skin issues. It can help support and excrete histamine from the bowel (histamine, we know can create intense itching and can accumulate whether your pet is experiencing allergies or not) and clay can help support liver and kidney function which is essential when detoxification is required due to the above. Applied externally (clay being wet and made into a paste) can help hotspots, wounds, calm itching and help fungal infections. This is our favourite on the market for EXTERNAL application only. Digestive issues Clay can positively affect digestion by boosting gut flora and ridding the digestive tract of any unwanted toxins. One trial states that bentonite may help nutrient absorption through increasing gut flora activity. We know gut flora (microbiota is essential for digestive health and good immunity). Bentonite clay has for a long time been considered as an effective treatment for diarrhoea, IBS and IBD. A trial in 1961, was shown that orally administered bentonite treated 97% of cases with different causative factors of diarrhoea. These being virus infection, food allergy, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, and food poisoning. This is pretty incredible don’t you think? Pancreatitis Clay can be a wonderful addition to a diet in EPI(Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) especially when stools are upset and voluminous. In pancreatitis the pancreas becomes inflamed and enzyme production is less than desired. A trial with montmorillonite clay improved diarrhoea, enhanced intestinal mucosal integrity and the production of digestive enzymes in animals found here. Kidney and liver Support Bentonite can really help kidney and liver function. Two examples of how this may help. Bentonite is a natural phosphate binder which is a essential support in kidney disease. The excess phosphates and urea that the kidneys can’t clear can be greatly helped by Bentonite clay and will allow your pet to feel much better, improving appetite and energy level. SerumUrea is a by-product of kidney disease and poor function. Bentonite is shown to promote the diffusion of urea from blood vessel to intestine, and inhibits the absorption of urea in intestine here. Also Bentonite clay was able to restore liver function during exposure to toxins. And it didn’t affect their digestion of good nutrients here. Immune support We know Bentonite clay supports digestion and over 70% of the immune system resides in the digestive system. We know effective detoxification supports general immune function but we also know cancer and Bentonite have a direct correlation. Bentonite has been shown to inhibit the growth of human cancer cell lines U251 (central nervous system, glioblastoma). It seems that bentonite clay surfaces, controls the levels of metabolic growth components here. It has also been shown to demonstrate an anti-bacterial affect and the ability to pull pathogens out of the bowel here. Parasites Bentonite helps to clear intestinal parasites by dehydrating them, binding to them and then pulling them out of the body. Clay may also be used externally to suffocate and kill parasites on your pet. Dry powder can be put over your pet’s coat or pasting wet clay for a period of time. Just to warn you folks, this could get messy. General detoxification Clay has first and foremost always been considered as a detoxifier. It ultimately helps many of the above issues due to its detoxifying nature. Bentonite clay is negatively charged and so manages to attract and pull out toxins that by nature are positively charged. Clever isn’t it? If your pet has been on a processed diet, been exposed to allergens, pathogens, parasites, vaccinations or just plain fatigued and trying to eat soil, then Bentonite clay is a wonderful supplement to consider. Clay is basically ideal for most of the pet population if taken with caution. How to use Bentonite Clay Bentonite clay needs to be given on an empty stomach and not to be fed food, herbs or medications until at least 2 hours after consumption. Please make sure dose is considered for your pet’s size and health and check with a healthcare professional first if unsure. Also select a reputable and established supplemental clay as it can naturally contain heavy metals and quality can differ between brands. Caution must be taken when given and reassessed after a period of administration. Make sure clean and filtered water is available at all time. The very essence of
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
Many clients come to My Pet Nutritionist with their itchy pet, usually dogs, in complete dismay after trying several things to alleviate the itch. Some of these wonderful people have gone all out, trying a fresh diet, raw food, supplements, testing for food and environmental allergies, food sensitivities and so on. Whilst being armed with lots of information and avoiding the ‘supposed culprits’ the itching has not got any better. If anything, at times, it seems worse. We have specialised in functional medicine for a very long time and in the exciting world of human nutrition, we are closely studying genomes, genetic polymorphisms and how nutrition can influence health, based on our genetic make-up. Welcome to the world of epigenetics and nutrigenomics! Although we are studying the dog genome (not cats of yet), we are far behind in comparison to the world of human nutrition. Dogs in particular share a lot of the same pathophysiology in function and disease. We have therefore applied a lot of what we have learnt and researched in the human arena to pet’s health and gaining some great results. In particular, with itchy dogs and what we know in human nutritional terms as ‘histamine intolerance’. Histamine is a necessary part of physiological functions in animals such as protecting against infection and inflammation. It regulates gut function, especially the release of gastric acid as part of the breakdown of proteins in the digestion of food, it acts as a neurotransmitter affecting cognitive function and in dogs helps to deal with anxiety. Histamine is either stored or inactivated by degradative enzymes, Histamine-N-methyltransferase or Diamine Oxidase (DAO). DAO will reside in the GI tract where nearly all histamine from food is metabolised (destroyed/eliminated) by DAO. Due to genetics or nutritional deficiency DAO and Histamine-N-methyltransferase production can be lacking and therefore histamine can build up and here in lies the problem. Histamine can also be naturally occurring in foods or can release additional histamine known as a ‘histamine liberators’. Those naturally containing high histamine foods are often fermented such as kefir and sauerkraut and other foods such as tomato and spinach. Foods known as liberators are those such as strawberries, citrus fruits and nuts. Histamine levels only continue to rise the longer the food sits within the gut and ferments. You’ll find many nutritionists are recommending fermented foods for digestive health and itchy dogs. This can make the problem 10 times worse until the issue at hand is resolved. Even certain drugs such as antihistamines can cripple DAO function and make symptoms worse. So you see, even if you remove foods that you know your dog to be intolerant or allergic to, if they eat foods containing or releasing high amounts of histamine or don’t naturally produce enough enzymes to break them down, symptoms won’t be relieved. In our practice we go on a naturally low occurring histamine diet, considering the reactivity of the immune system, improve DAO and methylation function by adding in certain nutritional ingredients such as magnesium, vitamin C, B6, methyl folate etc, all whilst considering every system within the body. To find out more or to book a consultation with MPN, please check us out. We hope this helps folks! MPN Team x
Looking from a holistic perspective, there are many factors as to why a dog may be predisposed to being itchy. This could be genetics, the environment and how effective a dog’s immune and detoxification system is. We live in a highly toxic environment where our pets are often over vaccinated, fed highly processed diets and have those genetic predispositions we just mentioned. Puppies are also all too often weaned off of mother’s milk too early, to allow for a fully acquired immune system. There are a few reasons why your pet could be itchy but either way, it’s a physiological, immunological response that needs to be put back into balance. Whilst detecting the reasons why, addressing the inflammation caused, can sometimes be tricky. Hundreds of cats and dogs have come to us with the complication of knowing what elicits the reaction but even still, can’t get a handle on the scratching. This is where we use a layered approach to looking at all elements of the physical body. The cause of itching in dogs is largely due to allergies. Approximately 1 in 5 dogs have allergies that are often diagnosed as Atopic or Contact Dermatitis. This could be from a number of allergens such as grass, moulds, foods, household items and parasites. Allergies in dogs often manifests in constant scratching, rashes, ear infections, weeping eyes and hotspots and can become a real problem for dogs and their owners. It’s actually one of the most common complaints we see in clinic today. So your cat or dog is probably scratching, licking their paws, backs of legs and belly. They may also be sneezing, have weeping eyes and ear problems. To start to fix a problem, we need to know what is causing it. There are generally 3 main reasons why your dog may be itchy. Understanding the causes can help us in our steps to an itch free dog. 1. Environmental allergies. This is caused by inhaled allergens and this could be to certain pollens, dust, mould, household products and may be all year around or just seasonal. An environmental allergy accounts for the majority of dermatitis in dogs. 2. Food allergies are less common but intolerances and sensitivities are very common. The most common food suspects are corn, maize, chicken, beef, soy and gluten but the list can be endless. 3. Contact allergies.This is often a reaction to parasites such as fleas, or mange, grass or household products such as detergent you’ve used to wash bedding for example.Flea contact dermatitis is probably the most common of all of these. It’s important you get a diagnosis by your vet or a clinic like My Pet Nutritionist, as we need to know what your dog is reacting to. In rare cases itching can be due to more serious disease such as kidney disease or thyroid disease, so make sure you get this checked out by a professional. Many tests for sensitivities and allergens are not very accurate but for foods we currently use Nutriscan. http://www.nutriscan.org Environmental allergy testing is some of the most accurate and we suggest going to your vet for this. Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system that perceives harmless substances as threats and intolerances caused by poor functioning gut health. Once we identify those substances, removing them are important but we still need to consider other steps to get results. Imagine your immune system is a scale. It’s tipped far one way and we need to get it back into balance. Quite often, if the offending allergens, foods etc are removed, your pet can still experience itching. Each positive step you take is one step closer to that scale being completely in balance. Supporting digestive health can be a first step in aiding allergies and intolerances. Nutrition Poor quality food in itself generally depletes the body and immune system. You see, it’s all about the immune system working effectively for an itchy dog. Many commercial diets are lacking in antioxidants and enzymes that are abundant in fresh, raw foods and lightly cooked foods. These elements are essential to well-being but are killed by high heat processing in all of the cooked, packaged dry and tinned foods on the shelves today. Dry food for example contains very high starch content even if your dog food does not contain grain. The starch is required to stick the kibble together and starch equals a high sugar content. Sugar is bad for your cat and dog as the sugar can feed different bacteria, virus, yeast and cancer. Not to mention itching dogs. If you suspect your pet has a food allergy or sensitivities and you haven’t done a test yet or the test is inconclusive, then an elimination diet also known as a ‘feeding trial’ can be a thorough way to detect the offending foods. An elimination diet involves feeding an extremely simplified diet for 12 weeks observing any signs of intolerance such as itching, diarrhoea, weeping eyes and a yeasty smell. After 12 weeks of a simplified and uniform recipe, we start introducing different protein sources and sticking to one per week and observing reactions. It’s always good to start with single proteins your cat or dog has not previously been introduced to such as kangaroo or horse. Don’t feed treats other than the pure meat you are feeding for main meals that week. Treats if possible should be avoided. Clean filtered bottled or even better still, distilled water should be given, not regular tap water. Sometimes we check for allergies and intolerances and there aren’t any. This could be simply because the coat and skin is dry and there’s a lack of omega oils in the diet (this should always be considered first), but sometimes and more often there’s an issue called Histamine Intolerance. Detoxify General lifestyle choices and toxic overload, challenges the immune system and puts it under more pressure every day. To help the itch, we must remove toxicity in your cat and dog’s life. Your
Many dog owners ask My Pet Nutritionist, why their dog is eating grass. The truth is, eating things that are not deemed a food, is rather common among dogs and often not a concern and referred to as pica. However, there are certain health related reasons why pets can be prone to eating grass. It’s known as an emetic and helps to purge and rid the body of unwanted substances such as foods. Here are some reasons why your dog may be dining out on grass! Grass is an emetic Most of you may be well aware that dogs will sometimes eat large amounts of grass in an attempt to make themselves throw up. After they consume a large amount of grass, they’ll often display some nauseous behaviour and then they’ll vomit. It’s completely normal for your dog to vomit occasionally but if this is a general occurrence then this must be looked into. Dogs are intuitive and selective and know what’s for them best in terms of intentionally ridding their system of something that could be toxic, or making them poorly. In short, a dog may be eating grass due to illness or eating something unsuitable. Dogs may eat grass to fulfil a nutritional requirement. This could be to enrich their diet with fibre. On a natural and raw diet, vegetation can add so much fibre, prebiotic and nutritional diversity. This is essential for a good functioning gut and nutritional status. We know that grass contains an abundant source of fibre and since grass is a living green food it contains phytonutrients. It’s high in potassium and also contains chlorophyll that helps aid in cleansing the body. It could be a way of easing nausea, gas or digestive issues and disease. Grass has soothing properties that can aid digestive comfort. If you suspect it could be digestive issues and grass eating is also accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhoea or constipation then get this checked out. I always consider a natural enriched diet that is appropriate for dogs. They may be suffering from parasites such as intestinal worms. Plant material may increase intestinal motility and help to eliminate intestinal parasites. Being an emetic this may help expulsion of unwanted parasites via vomiting also. Its instinctive and enjoyable. Some dogs consider this pastime fun and may eat grass to occupy themselves. Please note vomiting grass and food on a weekly basis is not within the normal remit. Always consider the quality of the food your feeding and mental stimulation you are providing your dog. To ensure a happy and healthy dog my recommendation is always to look at natural, home cooking (researched and balanced), raw diets and better commercial home style diets, raw diets and raw dehydrated. Probiotics and prebiotics help repopulate and fortify the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut, while digestive enzymes provide what the entrails or the guts of their prey species would provide. These enzymes provide a rich source of amylase, lipase and protease, which can help your pets process food much more successfully. Chlorophyll in liquid form can help reduce grass eating and provide a slight detoxifying effect that your dog may require. It is full of trace vitamins and minerals and very much mimics the nutrition offered from grass. Wheatgrass is also a wonderful thing to grow in your garden or apartment, for your dog to graze on and obtain the pleasure and benefit from a nibble here and there. We hope you found this beneficial. MPN Team x
