A common query here at My Pet Nutritionist, is the reasoning behind why a dog or cat may sneeze so often, and how to stop it. In this blog, we will look deeper into the reasons pets may sneeze, and what we can do to help them. Excitement The excited sneeze…. Yes, it is a thing! Have you ever been greeted by your dog doing short sneezes when you’ve returned home? If so, don’t panic! Another excitement related sneeze you may witness as a dog owner, is a very strange part of doggie communication. It’s a calming signal. Dogs display calming signals when they are comfortable with a situation, or ready for play – this is when they sneeze! Other calming signals include yawning, lip licking, turning the head to the side, and many other not-so-obvious cues; these often display discomfort, and tell other dogs “I need to slow down a bit”, or “I’m uncomfortable in this situation”. Environmental Allergies/Hayfever Common through certain times of the year, especially in the summer months, environmental allergies can cause a variety of issues, from respiratory problems (including sneezing) to contact/skin allergies. Just like us humans, dogs and cats can get hayfever too, and of course, sneezing is a symptom. So what can we do to help those suffering with environmental allergies? Work on gut health; most of the immune system is in the gut, so gut health is just as important for environmental allergies as it is dietary allergies and intolerances! Check out our canine gut health supplement, Gut Guardian here! Feed fresh food! Dry food can contain various microscopic moulds, storage mites and aflatoxins which can lead to environmental allergies. Consider a quercetin supplement; this is a natural antihistamine! Findings Here Findings Here Nasal tumour Nasal tumours, known as Nasal Adenosarcinomas can be a reason for a dog or cat excessively sneezing. This will usually be paired with bloody discharge, and snoring during sleep. Nasal Adenocarcinomas are 50% more common in dogs than they are in cats. This type of tumour is usually found in older dogs, and can be a very aggressive tumour. Though it rarely spreads from the nasal passage, it can spread to lymph nodes, brain and lungs. Seeking veterinary attention is crucial. It’s thought that nasal tumours could be as a result of environmental pollutants including household cleaning products, car and tobacco fumes, and others often faced in an urban environment. Dog breeds such as the Airedale Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Poodle, Beagle, Collie, German Shepherd and Labrador are genetically predisposed to Nasal Adenosarcinomas. In order to help those suffering with nasal tumours: Switch to natural cleaning products Try to avoid further unnecessary exposure to other environmental toxins by walking in more rural places Follow veterinary oncologists advice Check out our cancer guides! (part 1, part 2 and part 3) Findings Here Findings Here Foreign object Foreign objects can be easily lodged inside a dog’s nose – they do spend much of their day sniffing, after all! A particularly annoying, but very common, foreign body often found inside the nasal passage is a pesky grass seed! These get stuck in dogs noses quite regularly, and due to their barbed shape, they’re very difficult to dislodge, and easily work their way further into the nose. What to do if you suspect your dog has a foreign body in their nose: Seek veterinary assistance! The nose is a sensitive area, and it’s crucial not to mess with it at home! Try to avoid letting your dog sniff in seeding grasses. Scatter feed in snuffle matts and other dog-nose-friendly items! Findings Here Findings Here Reverse sneezing This one is a common one – and can be quite concerning at first! It’s scientific name is paroxysmal respiration, and it is caused by irritation of the soft palate, or a muscular spasm in the back of the throat, where the passageway splits into the trachea and windpipe. Reverse sneezing presents as rapid inhalation while making a snorting noise; almost as if the dog is sneezing inwards, as opposed to expelling air. While this can affect any breed, those who are overweight or are brachycephalic may be more prone to it happening. So what can we do to reduce the risk of this happening? Use a harness to reduce pressure on the neck area Keep your dog at an ideal bodyweight Try to keep your dog as calm as possible Explore BOAS if your dog is brachycephalic and this happens regularly Look into helping your dog with possible environmental allergies (read above) How do you stop reverse sneezing when it’s happening? Method 1: gently hold the dog’s head up, and rub the neck to make the dog swallow Method 2: gently cover the dog’s nostrils to make the dog breathe deeply Findings Here BOAS Brachycephalic Obstructive Airways Syndrome is a condition suffered by many brachycephalic individuals, whereby one or more of the breathing pathways are compromised due to the anatomy of the dog or cat’s snout, head and neck. Sneezing, particularly reverse sneezing, is common in those suffering with BOAS when their soft palate is too long. The irritation to the soft palate causes the sneeze. Those with such breeds may wish to seek veterinary assistance, and have a BOAS grading, and possibly surgery to correct the compromised pathways. Findings Here Findings Here Kennel Cough/Upper Respiratory Infections Much like a common cold in us humans, bacterial upper respiratory infections (URI) and kennel cough can present as wheezing, sneezing, and coughing. Those suffering with mild to severe URIs, or severe cases of Kennel Cough may require antibiotics. Most dogs do recover from kennel cough by themselves. If your dog is given the Bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine, it’s important not to rule out kennel cough as a possible reason for your dog’s symptoms – the vaccine does not always stop the dog from contracting it! Read more on the kennel cough vaccine here! How can we support a dog with kennel cough? If the dog has
Immunity is no doubt at the forefront of most pet owner’s minds. Everyone wants their pets to live a long and healthy life, so keeping a strong immune system is essential. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help many pet owners through their own experiences of disease in their pets, so we thought we would put together this blog on the cornerstones for a strong immune system in your pets. 1. Gut Health Gut health is key to general health of all species, whether it be human, canine, feline, or even smaller furry pets! Virtually all aspects of health can be improved through good gut heath. Around 70% of the immune system is found in the gut! Quite a staggering figure, but a very important fact to keep in mind when it comes to our pets’ health. In an unhealthy gut, the immune system becomes massively impaired, leading to a potential multitude of health issues, including those allergy dogs we so often help here at My Pet Nutritionist. Many things can damage the gut, including chemical flea and worm treatments, poor diets which are processed and/or high in ingredients containing lectin, contact with household and garden chemicals and much more. It’s imperative to gut health, to feed fresh, and limit the exposure to all toxins! Using a mucilage herb for those with damaged guts, helps to heal the gut; these include slippery elm, marshmallow root, and deglycyrrhised liquorice. Teaming these with a probiotic allows the gut to flourish, as a damaged gut will leak the good bacteria which forms a large part of the immune system. Gut Guardian 2. Methylation DNA Methylation is a very important chemical process within the body. This process includes the chemical modification of DNA during replication of cells. Gene expression can be altered through methylation too. So, why is this process an important part of keeping the immune system strong? Various malignant cells, including those for lymphoid cells (produces immune cells B, T and NK) and myeloid cells (related health issues, such as Mast Cells) replicate through a process called hematopoiesis, making these cells ‘hematopoietic stem cells’ (HSCs). Myeloid cells are not ones we want replicating in the body, as they can lead to various types of tumour. Here’s where the process of Methylation comes in to play! Methylation has the ability to regulate HSC differentiation – in other words, it reduces the risk of the Myeloid cells replicating, and forming tumours, but increases differentiation of lymphoid cells. For more information on the types of cells involved in immune responses, read our blog here! Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here 3. Healthy Brain and Endocrine System The Endocrine System is what keeps the body’s organs in good health, through homeostasis. The endocrine system and immune system used to be thought to work independently from one another, but more recently, it was discovered that the two systems work hand in hand to keep the body healthy, and control infection. The immune system uses a mixture of immune receptors and cytokines to fight infection, and the endocrine system uses hormones to regulate metabolism in the body’s organs. As an example, one of the most important regulations aided by both systems, is the metabolism of glucose. Insulin is produced by the endocrine system to regulate glucose levels in the blood, and helps the body to fight infection. Cytokines aid the body during glucose spikes by increasing responsiveness of the peripheral organs to the endocrine system. When the organ becomes more responsive to the signals from the endocrine system, greater amounts of the required hormone can be produced. The brain produces so many important hormones for health of the body, and to help fight a variety of infections, so it is important to keep the brain healthy and free from inflammation. Supplementing your pet’s diet with plenty of omega 3 is a great way to keep inflammation down. To read more about the endocrine system, and the importance of hormones, read our blog here! Findings Here Findings Here 4. Circulation and Lymphatics The lymphatic and circulatory systems are an important part of immunity, and keeping the immune system strong. The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid from bodily tissues, removing cellular waste, absorption of fat soluble vitamins from dietary sources, and helping to fight infections. The circulatory system works with the lymphatic system to transport the cellular waste and excess fluid around the body, and away from the relative organs. The interstitial fluid (found between tissues) is what provides the body’s cells with important nutrients, and a way of removing any waste from the cells. The lymphatic system acts as a taxi for antigens and antigen-presenting cells to transport them through the body to places of infection. This enables the antigens to fight the infection in question, and expel waste. Findings Here Findings Here 5. Detoxification Finally, detoxification is essential for immune health. The body is exposed to a host of toxins, just by going through daily life. We live, generally, in a very toxic world, so detoxifying the body is essential. Detoxification aids methylation, which as discussed above, is a very important process for a strong immune system. Liver Guard Heavy metals can be picked up and consumed very easily in our pets – traces can be found in food, and heavy metals are also in abundance in vaccinations. Those who have received vaccinations during their lives, whether only one has been given at an appropriate age as a puppy, or they’re given regularly (if given regularly, over vaccination occurs, making the risk of vaccinosis higher; read more here) the likelihood that your pet has heavy metals in the bloodstream is high. Heavy metals disrupt metabolic functions in vital organs, as well as reducing the ability to efficiently absorb vitamins and minerals from dietary sources. Detoxification can be achieved through feeding a fresh, preferably organic diet, minimising exposure to environmental and veterinary toxins, occasionally offering Epsom salt baths, supplementing the diet with milk thistle (this
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we deal with a lot of cases involving thyroid health and disease. These problems can be supported through nutrition; and there are some important vitamins and minerals that contribute to thyroid health. Read on to learn about the importance of vitamins and minerals for thyroid health! What is the Role of the Thyroid? The thyroid is one of the major glands in the body, which can be located in the neck, close to the trachea. It is controlled by another important gland, the Pituitary Gland, which is found at the base of the brain. The thyroid gland released various hormones, which are important for regulation of metabolic rate, heart rate and function, proper muscle function, cognitive development, growth and bone maintenance, and health digestion. Findings Here To find out more about hormones and their role in the body, read our blog: Hormones and Their Role in the Body Thyroid Diseases There are a number of thyroid diseases. Let’s look at a few. Hyperthyroidism When a dog has hyperthyroidism, the thyroid is over-active, meaning it produces too much of the associated hormones. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include: Behavioural changes, such as anxiety Restlessness Fatigue Overheating Diarrhoea Increased thirst Muscular weakness Itching Hyperthyroidism can be a dietary illness. Some years ago, thyroid glands were often recommended as part of the offal in a dog’s raw diet, however this was knocked on the head when studies began to show hyperthyroidism was a risk due to the consumption of excess hormones in the thyroid gland being consumed. Findings Here Read more about Hyperthyroidism in dogs here: Ultimate Guide to Hyperthyroidism And in cats here: Hyperthyroidism in Cats Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is the opposite of Hyperthyroidism, whereby the thyroid gland is under active. When the thyroid is underactive, it doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones required for so many bodily functions. Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include: Weight gain Lethargy Low tolerance for cold temperatures Excessive shedding and baldness Dark skin pigmentation Dull coat and dry skin Reduced heart rate Dry eye Read more about hypothyroidism here: Ultimate Guide: Hypothyroidism Goiter These are caused by the lack of signals from the pituitary gland to the thyroid gland, which causes the thyroid gland to function improperly. Clinical presentation of a goiter, is swelling in the neck area, due to the thyroid gland being enlarged. While the goiter itself is not necessarily life threatening, it does signify an underlying condition which needs to be investigated by your veterinarian. Symptoms of goiter include: Swelling of the neck area Rapid weight loss Wheezing and shortness of breath, both at rest and during activity Difficulty swallowing Reduced appetite Goiters are often caused as a result of congenital (from birth) hypothyroidism. Findings Here Cancer The final major potential thyroid related health problem is Thyroid Carcinoma – a malignant tumour of the thyroid. The cause of this condition could be one of may things, and would be difficult to pinpoint unless on a case by case basis. It is, however, suggested that Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) may play a role in the formation of this cancerous tumour. Read more about the role of thyroid hormones here: Hormones, and Their Role in the Body Some cases are able to be helped through surgery, which is a procedure called thyroidectomy. Dogs undergoing this surgery will require daily medications for life. Some thyroid carcinoma patients undergo therapy with radioactive iodine. The path of treatment very much depends on the condition and placement of the carcinoma. Prognosis of those with thyroid carcinomas is generally good, to excellent. Symptoms of thyroid carcinoma include: Swollen mass in the neck area Difficulty swallowing Noisy/difficult breathing Change in bark Increased thirst and urination Rapid weight loss Findings Here Findings Here Important Vitamins Vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential, fat soluble vitamin, used for metabolic purposes, as well as digestion, heart rate regulation, muscle health, and many other bodily functions. One of the uses of vitamin D, is to reduce the risk of hypothyroidism. There are many links between vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism, as proven through various studies, which show a low content of vitamin D in serum samples from patients suffering with hypothyroidism. Sources of Vitamin D include: Egg yolk Salmon Red meats liver Findings Here Findings Here Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency has been linked to thyroid issues, particularly hypothyroidism. Vitamin A deficiency is often associated with iodine deficiency; iodine is incredibly important to consume in the correct amounts to avoid hyper- and hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency contributes largely to hypothyroidism. Sources of Vitamin A include: carrot sweet potato liver spinach kale broccoli oily fish eggs Read more about Iodine here: The Importance of Iodine in Dogs Findings Here Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 is absolutely essential for healthy thyroid function. It is responsible for utilising iodine in the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. If the body is lacking in Vitamin B6, the thyroid is unable to produce thyroid hormones, which has a major knock on effect on other bodily functions. Sources of Vitamin B6 include: banana avocado (flesh only) egg spinach liver red meat oily fish Findings Here Findings Here Vitamin B12 Another deficiency common in those diagnosed with hypothyroidism is Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell metabolism, which is massively linked to the thyroid gland. When the body lacks Vitamin B12, it is at a higher risk of pernicious anaemia. This is found most commonly in patients who have been diagnosed with an autoimmune thyroid disease. Sources of Vitamin B12 include: beef chicken oysters lamb egg turkey pork oily fish Read more about Vitamin B12 here: Why Your Dog Needs Vitamin B12 Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Important Minerals Iodine As previously mentioned, Iodine is essential for thyroid function as it is the mineral that is used to produce thyroid hormones. Too little iodine can cause hypothyroidism, too much iodine can cause hyperthyroidism. Iodine consumption also highlights the importance of a meat
Whether you are purchasing for your own pet, or for a friend or family member, buying pet products, just like food, can be a bit of a minefield. When more and more of us are trying to live sustainably, can we do this with our pets too? We’ve popped together some things to consider before you buy that next toy, chew, grooming product or bed! The Problem with Plastic It’s clear that the majority of pet products on the market are unfortunately made from plastic. Not only have we got the global issue of too much single use plastic, but it is actually harmful to health (yes, that includes our canine companions too)! A common chemical used in the production of plastic is bisphenol A, also known as BPA. We’re sure you’ve heard of it. Studies have shown that BPA affects the reproductive systems of laboratory animals suggesting it disrupts hormones, and many more body functions. Not only that but you will often find phthalates in plastic toys too. These are what makes the toy more flexible and durable. These too are known as endocrine disruptors. We know that plastic doesn’t break down (you only have to look at the poop of a post-toy-assassination) so when your dog has gotten bored of that particular toy, you’ll dispose of it, but it can’t be recycled, so it will just end up in landfill for hundreds of years! If you are looking to raise a plastic free pooch, it’s not as hard as you think. Opt for toys made out of natural materials like cotton, rope, canvas, wood, wool or bamboo. You can even make your own out of old T-shirts or towels (reusing and recycling is much better for the environment). The other thing to check when you purchase, is how durable the product is. You want to make sure it is safe; that it doesn’t have small parts that can be chewed and swallowed. Squeak toys are the worst! Dogs instinctively want to get to the squeaker, but it’s easily swallowed and can cause an obstruction. You want an item to last, so if your dog is a toy-assassin, then it’s just a waste of money buying one you know will be killed in a matter of seconds! Whilst toys are often gifts of choice, chews and treats are firm contenders too! But this can be even more of a minefield for dog owners! It pays to look at the labels of chews or treats. You need to recognise the ingredients listed. Ideally, the first ingredient should be a meat protein. View chews and treats like you would when searching for a new dog food. Whilst it’s a complementary addition to their diet, it still needs to be beneficial to their health! Look at where it is made and source as local as possible. If you are raising a plastic free pet, then opt for packaging that is totally recyclable or biodegradable too. If you choose natural chews, they often don’t even need packaging! If you are considering buying grooming products for your pet or family member pets, again reduce plastic where possible. Shampoo bars are becoming increasingly popular. They are often cruelty free and do not contain parabens, phthalates or sulfates. Most shampoo bars come in paper packaging which is 100% recyclable. Choose brushes with natural bristles and wooden handles. Perhaps bedding or blankets are your next purchases? Choose items that are machine washable, so you can keep them for a longer period of time as opposed to disposing of them when they get too dirty! When you are washing them, pop them in a guppybag. This acts as a microfilter, stopping tiny plastic particles from getting into the water system. This is especially important for fleecy items as they are made from plastic (albeit recycled). Whilst you may be trying your best to buy safely and sustainably, it can become an issue when friends or family buy for your pet. Many of us have accepted gifts knowing they will just end up in the bin. This is sad for a number of reasons. The sale has already taken place, so there has been indication of demand and secondly, it’s another item in landfill. Consider setting up a wish list for your pooch, with safe and sustainable items on. Or, start buying these products for friends and family and explain why you are so excited about them. Hopefully, they’ll too see the benefits and pass them on the next time they buy a gift. As Bernadette Jiwa suggested “…in a world where it’s easy to be cheaper and faster than the competition, we now recognise the limitations…humans are wired to do what feels good and what feels good to customers right now is to use their choices and purchasing power to support the building of a better tomorrow.” Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Keeping your home clean with a pooch is easier said than done, most of the time. It would be fairly accurate to say it’s like trying to brush your teeth whilst eating chocolate. Whilst most of us accept that our homes will always have some dog hair attached to the sofa and muddy paw prints by the door, there are some top cleaning solutions that can help keep your home odour free and clean! Here we have put together our top 5! Find a good odour neutraliser! It’s fairly common for many pet-parents to be conscious of dog odour when visitors call in, often the routine is to have a mad dash around the house with an air freshener before they walk through the door. This temporarily hides the odour, but what if you could prevent it getting to that stage? Air fresheners work on this thing called volatility. They break down and dissipate into the air which changes its scent. But a study carried out on 25 home fragrance products found a whopping 133 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 24 of these VOCs were classified as toxic or hazardous to humans Findings Here Dogs are more sensitive than humans, on a huge scale. If we were to detect a teaspoon of sugar in a cup of coffee, dogs could detect a teaspoon of sugar in a million gallons of water. Their sense of smell is 40 times greater than ours. So if air fresheners can seem overpowering to us as humans, multiply this massively for the impact on our pooch! For that reason, an odour neutraliser is a much safer option. Baking soda works wonders, as do charcoal filled bamboo bags! Stock up on white vinegar! Another household staple with dogs is white vinegar. An equally super odour neutraliser. This is great if you have a puppy or an older dog who sometimes has accidents. Findings Here If your pooch does have an accident, mop up the urine as best you can and then apply vinegar to the area. Some pet owners dilute white vinegar in a mop bucket of hot water and mop their non-porous floors with it just to keep any odours at bay too! Check their bedding! It’s easy as pet-parents to get caught up with buying that new bed for our dog. The blue one, the brown one? The memory foam one, or that one with sides? Whilst we’re so busy looking at the appearance and how comfy it is, we often forget to check the label. Can it be washed? It may sound such a simple thing, but you’d be amazed how many dog beds are on the market and you can’t actually wash them or at least strip the covers. Most owners would wash their own bedding weekly or fortnightly; why should this be any different for our pets? Keeping their bedding clean reduces odour in the home, but it also keeps any bugs at bay too! Wash as per the manufacturer’s instructions, but stay away from any fabric softeners. You can wash in white vinegar if the odour is getting a little too strong! Air/sun dry where possible. Don’t just hide it! As we’ve already mentioned, as pet parents we are often conscious of our homes smelling of dogs. It’s super easy to get into that cleaning routine where you just plug in scent diffusers, light candles, spray air fresheners and generally browse the cleaning aisles at the supermarket to find ways to make your lounge smell better. But, not only are many of these products toxic to you as a human, but long term exposure has been linked to eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea and in some cases have been linked to cancer. The best way to avoid these risks is to prevent the odours forming in the first place. Buy washable blankets and bedding. Consider wipeable sofas and chairs – leather type for example. If you are ever in the position to be replacing flooring, consider how easy it is to keep clean – are they non-porous and moppable? Air your home as much as possible, it may not be easy in certain climates. Can you afford an air purifier? Vacuum or sweep up regularly, if you have a double coated breed this probably looks like a daily occurrence. Rubber bristle brushes are a lifesaver when you have a furry four legged friend! It’s worth investing in a handheld rubber bristled brush too, to remove hairs from curtains and fabric sofas! 5) Regularly groom your pooch! You can clean your home as much as you like, but if you have a smelly pooch, you’re making your life 10 times harder than it needs to be! Brush them regularly, to remove any dead hair. This reduces how much will be floating around your home. If needed, maintain regular grooming appointments with a grooming salon – if you have a spaniel whose paws are magnets to mud and water, keep them trimmed! This way, they carry less water and grime and they’re also easier to dry on the way in through the door! On that note, keep a dog towel by the door. If you’ve gotten stuck in the rain on a walk, towel dry him when you return, paws included. We all know how much a wet dog smells! Dogs have bacteria and yeasts on their skin which can be a bit pongy. As a wet dog dries, the water evaporates which brings those stinky molecules into the environment and to our noses! Drying them as much as you can will help prevent that wet dog smell! Whilst cleaning a house with a dog in it can seem a never-ending task, it’s certainly better to prevent odour and dirt build up as opposed to hiding it. Find your staple odour neutralisers and regularly wash things around your home. We are huge advocates for using natural products where possible around the home, if you would like to learn
Caring for our pets can become a bit of a minefield – the more we know, the more we realise there is so much more to know! We thought we’d share 6 of the things we think every pet owner should have in their toolkit. Slippery Elm Slippery elm is a deciduous tree found in forests of the eastern half of the USA and Canada. Slippery Elm is related to the American Elm (ulmus americana) and is sometimes called Red Elm or Moose Elm. It is best used in the digestive tract, where it serves as a soothing, protecting and lubricating demulcent and general astringent at the same time. It creates a mucilage lining where it soothes the passage of food, inflammation and is believed to protect and heal the mucosal lining. The inner bark of the Slippery Elm is not only packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B complex, C, K, calcium, magnesium and sodium, but it is thought to have a number of properties including: Demulcent – when mixed with water, it results in a sticky substance known as mucilage. Demulcents are often referred to as mucoprotective agents and this is why slippery elm is often used to soothe the lining of the digestive tract. It is a common addition when tackling acid reflux. Laxative – data has suggested that slippery elm can enhance bowel movements. Urinary health – slippery elm has been seen to calm the irritation and inflammation associated with urinary infections. Antioxidant capacity – slippery elm contains tannins which display strong antioxidant capacity and protection against reactive oxygen species. Anti-inflammatory – mice models have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in the stomach and intestines. In addition, slippery elm has been seen to influence immune system activity. Skin health – the phenolic compounds found in slippery elm have been seen to modulate inflammatory skin disease. Use with Caution: if allergic to elm trees in pregnancy There is also the suggestion that as slippery elm coats the digestive tract, it could prevent absorption of other medication or herbs; sometimes it may be advised to offer slippery elm at different times to others. Sadly, the tree is declining so slippery elm should be reserved for circumstances where alternatives are ineffective. In many instances slippery elm can be substituted with plantain (Plantagosp.) If a more mucilaginous remedy is needed, marshmallow root (Altheaofficinalis) is an excellent alternative. Sustainable sources should always be sought after. Probiotics Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when ingested in adequate amounts. They are not to be confused with prebiotics which are selectively fermented ingredients that result in specific changes in the composition and/or activity of the gut microbiota. Synbiotics are products that contain both. Probiotics are live microbes that can be formulated into many different types of products from food to supplements. The most common probiotics you’ve come across will likely be lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. They are reported to suppress diarrhoea, exhibit antimicrobial activities, reduce irritable bowel symptoms, prevent inflammatory bowel disease and support gut integrity and overall health. The more we are learning about probiotic use, the more we are realising that the benefits associated are bacterial strain specific. What this means is the devil is in the detail. In addition, to function as a probiotic, the bacteria must: – Survive the acid and bile in the GI tract – Adhere to intestinal cells or colonise areas within the tract – Exclude pathogenic adherence – Produce acids, or other compounds which antagonise the growth of pathogens – Be safe, non-invasive, non-carcinogenic and non-pathogenic The primary bacterial populations included in probiotics that have been seen to benefit both cats and dogs are lactic acid bacteria, especially lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and enterococci. – Enterococcus faecium (two strains) – Lactobaciullus acidophilus – Bifidobacterium animalis However, Lactobacillus rhamnosus is also known to be of benefit to dogs, as is saccharomyces boulardii. Why Probiotics Are Good For You and Your Dog Colloidal Silver Silver is recognized to have antimicrobial activity. There are three main ways in which it achieves this. Firstly, silver cations can form pores and puncture the bacterial cell wall by reacting with the peptidoglycan component. Secondly, silver ions can enter into the bacterial cell, both inhibiting cellular respiration and disrupting metabolic pathways resulting in generation of reactive oxygen species. Lastly, once in the cell silver can also disrupt DNA and its replication cycle. For these reasons, colloidal silver can have many uses. Clay Bentonite clay can be interchangeably referred to as Montmorillonite clay and are both regarded as an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate clay from the Smectites family. They are both named after regions they come from but in nature they have the same structure and have a much higher absorption capacity than other clays found in nature and on the market. It has been used and eaten since ancient times as humans believed in its therapeutic benefits. Due to many skin issues arising from immune reactions and toxicity, Bentonite can be calming and cooling both applied internally and externally. Internally, Bentonite clay has proven to remove many different bacteria and fungi, including candida albicans, that can lead to skin issues. Applied externally (clay being wet and made into a paste) can help hotspots, wounds, calm itching and help fungal infections. Bentonite clay has for a long time been considered as an effective treatment for diarrhoea, IBS and IBD too. A trial in 1961, was shown that orally administered bentonite treated 97% of cases with different causative factors of diarrhoea. These being virus, infection, food allergy, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, and food poisoning. In addition, Bentonite clay is negatively charged and so manages to attract and pull out toxins that by nature are positively charged. Leucillin Leucillin is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal solution which has many uses. It is a solution containing HOCl (hypochlorous acid). HOCl is an endogenous substance in all mammals and is effective against a broad range of microorganisms. Neutrophils, eosinophils, mononuclear phagocytes, and B lymphocytes produce HOCl in response
Time and time again we see that our pets are contaminated with a range of chemicals and toxins, but recent data indicates that they boast even higher levels of contamination than us humans. Let’s take a look at the data and see how we can reduce contamination. How Contaminated Are Our Pets? In a recent study, dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 of 70 industrial chemicals tested, including 43 chemicals at levels higher than those typically found in people. The chemicals included: plastics and food packaging chemicals heavy metals fire retardants stain-proofing chemicals Average levels of many chemicals were substantially higher in pets than people, with 2.4 times higher levels of stain- and grease-proof coatings (perfluorochemicals) in dogs, 23 times more fire retardants (PBDEs) in cats, and more than 5 times the amounts of mercury. Dog Contamination Blood and urine samples have shown contamination with a range of chemicals, including 11 carcinogens, 31 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, and 24 neurotoxins. Cat Contamination Cat samples contained 46 chemicals altogether, including 9 carcinogens, 40 chemicals toxic to the reproductive system, 34 neurotoxins, and 15 chemicals toxic to the endocrine system. Endocrine system toxins raise particular concerns for cats, since they include the thyroid toxins and fire retardants, PBDEs. Thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism) is a leading cause of illness in older cats and it is regularly linked to fire retardant exposure. Hyperthyroidism in Cats Let’s look into individual exposure in a little more detail and some evidence backed links to certain health issues. Potential Exposures: – A dog eating scraps from the floor may swallow dirt and dust tracked in from the outdoors and contaminated with heavy metals and pesticides. – Dogs and cats often eat food processing and packaging chemicals that contaminate their food, day after day and year after year, resulting in cumulative exposures. – Chew toys might contain plastic softeners. – Foam beds might be infused or coated with fire retardants and stain-proofing chemicals. – Plastic water bowls might leach hormone disruptors. Evidenced Links to Health Issues: – “Teflon toxicosis” has been the cause of death for hundreds of pet birds nationwide whose lungs filled with blood after they breathed in toxic fumes from overheated, non-stick pans – what may this be doing to our pets? – Studies show bladder cancer at a higher rate in dogs living near industrial areas or if their owners use lawn and garden weed killers and insecticides. – In addition, in a case-control study of bladder cancer in household dogs, the cancer risk was significantly increased by the use of topical insecticides. For 1-2 topical applications per year, bladder cancer risk was increased by 1.6 times, whilst more than 2 applications per year the risk was 3.5 times greater. – Lead toxicosis has been found in dogs and cats in homes with chipping lead-based house paint. – Malignant lymphomas are found in dogs whose owners use certain lawn pesticides. – Mouth cancer (oral squamous cell carcinoma) has been found in cats exposed to certain flea repellents. We must also consider the foods that we are feeding our pets. A massive recall was initiated in March 2007 after many pets became sick or died after eating certain brands of pet foods. Poisonings of pets were traced to the presence of melamine and cyanuric acid in imported wheat gluten that was used for pet food production. Findings Here According to the Environmental Working Group: “These events highlight the vulnerability of pets and their owners who, due to insufficient government oversight over chemicals present in pet food, are left to trust that the pet food industry will regulate itself.” The list of potential contaminants is endless, which can leave us a little disheartened as pet owners. But, information is power, and if we know what could be compromising our pet’s health, we can take steps to mitigate the damage. We can limit exposure to contaminants as much as possible by opting for a low-tox lifestyle. What does a low-tox lifestyle look like? Plates instead of plastic bowls Non-toxic grooming products Steam mops White vinegar and baking soda for cleaning Wooden floors or tiles with washable rugs instead of carpets Natural flea and worm options Fresh food diet Filtered water Natural garden care and insect repellents Air purifiers – machines or bamboo charcoal bags Safe plants (for both cats and dogs) The thing to remember is that many of us have become accustomed to sweet smelling homes, but all we really need is a clean home. Wash rugs, blankets and beds frequently (in white vinegar to keep wet dog smells at bay) and if you have guests coming over, pop a vase of (safe) flowers on the table. We regularly see how a high-tox lifestyle has compromised pet skin health, along with their gut and liver function. And as we can see from the evidence, contaminants are implicated in many more health issues in our pets. If you would like any support in optimising your pet’s health, then please check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
We’re all guilty of it, when we bring pets into our lives, we pull out all the stops. We research everything because we want to give them the best life possible and whilst our bank account may be empty, our hearts are full. But, in this process, we often forget to care for ourselves. This is especially true if we are supporting a poorly pet. The issue here is that we can’t pour from an empty cup. The reality is that if we want to care for our pets in the best way possible, we must also care for ourselves. We wanted to share our three non-negotiables when it comes to supporting pet owner health. Sleep! Sleep is vital for health. Sleep not only supports immune function, brain health, muscle recovery and more but it also plays a key role in optimal mental health. Poor sleep is regularly linked to depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. Sufficient REM sleep facilitates the processing of emotional information too, which can be even more important for us owners supporting a poorly pet. Practicing good sleep hygiene is essential, but we can also consider how our own nutrition influences our sleeping too! Chrononutrition is the study of how when we eat influences our health – for example, shift workers eating during nighttime have reduced insulin tolerance compared to those who eat during the day. Furthermore, rising early, and feeling alert when doing so is linked with better dietary control. In other words, we are more likely to make good food choices if we rise with the sun, and go to bed with the moon. This is particularly important when we consider how our food choices in turn affect how we feel and behave (we’ll look at this a little later). Top Tips for Improved Sleep: – Try grounding – Studies have shown that walking barefoot outside (where safe – think on the grass in the garden) improves both sleep and mood. – Try blue blockers – artificial light suppresses melatonin production and this is the hormone that helps us feel sleepy. Most of us head to bed with our phones or shortly after watching TV for a couple of hours. Consider looking at blue blockers for screen time and try to disconnect from technology completely for a couple of hours before bed. Engaging in that heated discussion on social media just before bed results in your body amping up, not calming down, so be realistic on whether it’s the blue light keeping you awake or what you’re exposing yourself to. – Increase oxygen in your bedroom – some of the best “oxygen boosting” plants include: English Ivy, Aloe Vera, Areca Palm, Snake Plant and Peace Lily. – Avoid excitotoxins in your diet – you tend to find excitotoxins in processed foods, but they do go by a range of names including: carrageenan, MSG, aspartame, E numbers, BHT and other preservatives. Just like the name suggests they ramp up activity in your nervous system – which isn’t ideal if you’re trying to settle for the evening. What’s really interesting is that studies have shown (in the absence of worry and anxiety about said pets), that having pets in our lives improves our sleep efficiency and quality too! We can often get into a much better routine when we have pets in our lives, and routine is key to optimal sleep! Move More! Being dog owners, we tend to head out in all weathers anyway, but this really is so important for our health. Not only the cardiovascular benefits of physical exercise, but just simply being outside in nature. Our species has existed for thousands upon thousands of years – but even the oldest cities have only been around a fraction of that! What this means is that we largely evolved in nature, and this environment therefore shaped our brains – for want of a better phrase, going back to nature almost takes us back to our roots. – Being in nature is seen to improve sleep scores – Spending time in green spaces simply makes us happier – Mental stress scores significantly reduce when we live in urban areas with increased green spaces – Time in nature improves our relationships with others and also cognitive functioning It’s easy to look outside at the pouring rain and opt for some enrichment games instead, especially if your ever-expanding to-do -list is staring back at you, but we know that being in nature supports our stress resilience and tolerance. Heading out for that brisk walk could be just what you need. Regular physical activity can also support our own digestive health. Exercise is known to increase blood flow to our digestive system and it can also modulate metabolism. Not only that but physical activity can help relieve stress, meaning our digestive system can do what it does best with the resources it needs. Regular exercise has also been seen to reduce symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome in humans. Eat Well! Every cell in every body has a job to do, and to do that job, it needs certain compounds. We get those compounds largely from the diet. If we want to be functioning well enough to care for our pets, then we need to nourish ourselves too! For us owners caring for a poorly pet, we can feel many emotions. Feeling overwhelmed is a form of stress and we know that stress increases the demand placed on the body – you can think of it like a dump of nutrients. Whenever we are stressed, we use nutrients to produce the stress related hormones, and then our body uses many nutrients in order to break them down and safely eliminate them. In cases of chronic stress (and anxiety and depression), we regularly see deficiencies in Omega-3 fatty acids, along with B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and more! Not only that but we regularly see depression and anxiety in those who eat low
Your dog may have recently undergone surgery or sadly suffered an injury when out on a walk. We know the importance of rest for healing, but if there is trauma to the skin in the form of a wound, can we support that process? Let’s take a look. The Wound Healing Process Wound healing, as a normal biological process in the body, is achieved through four precisely and highly programmed phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. For a wound to heal successfully, all four phases must occur in the proper sequence and time frame. Hemostasis consists of vascular constriction, platelet aggregation, degranulation and fibrin clot formation. When tissue damage results in bleeding, fibrinogen is converted at the wound into fibrin by the action of thrombin, a clotting enzyme. Fibrin molecules then combine to form long fibrin threads that entangle platelets, building up a spongy mass that gradually hardens and contracts to form the blood clot. During inflammation there is neutrophil infiltration, monocyte infiltration and differentiation to macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration. Proliferation consists of re-epithelialization (formation of new epithelial and skin appendages), angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), collagen synthesis and ECM (extracellular matrix) formation. During remodelling, there is collagen remodelling and vascular maturation and regression. Wounds that exhibit impaired healing, including delayed acute wounds and chronic wounds have generally failed to progress through the normal stages of healing. These wounds frequently enter a state of pathologic inflammation due to a postponed, incomplete, or uncoordinated healing process. Factors That Can Affect Wound Healing Oxygenation Oxygen is important for cell metabolism, especially energy production by means of ATP, and is critical for nearly all wound-healing processes. It: prevents wounds from infection Induces angiogenesis Increases keratinocyte differentiation Increases migration Promotes re-epithelialization Enhances fibroblast proliferation Enhances collagen synthesis Promotes wound contraction In wounds where oxygenation is not restored, healing is impaired. Infection Infection, not surprisingly, also influences wound healing. Age Many clinical and animal studies at the cellular and molecular level have examined age-related changes and delays in wound healing. It is commonly recognized that, in healthy older bodies, the effect of ageing causes a temporal delay in wound healing, but not an actual impairment in terms of the quality of healing. Interestingly, exercise has been reported to improve cutaneous wound healing in older humans as well as aged mice, and the improvement is associated with decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the wound tissue. Stress Studies in both humans and animals have demonstrated that psychological stress causes a substantial delay in wound healing. Caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s and students undergoing academic stress during examinations demonstrated delayed wound healing. Medications Many medications, such as those which interfere with clot formation or platelet function, or inflammatory responses and cell proliferation have the capacity to affect wound healing. Systemic glucocorticoids (GC), which are frequently used as anti-inflammatory agents, are well-known to inhibit wound repair via global anti-inflammatory effects and suppression of cellular wound responses, including fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. In animal models, systemic use of ibuprofen (NSAID) has demonstrated an anti-proliferative effect on wound healing, resulting in decreased numbers of fibroblasts, weakened breaking strength, reduced wound contraction and delayed epithelialization. Obesity An increased frequency of wound complications has been reported for obese human individuals undergoing surgery. Recent findings have documented that adipose tissue secretes a large variety of bioactive substances that are collectively named adipokines. Both adipocytes themselves as well as macrophages inside the adipose tissue are known to produce bioactive molecules including cytokines, chemokines, and hormone-like factors such as leptin, adiponectin, and resistin. Adipokines have a profound impact on the immune and inflammatory response. Not only this but in obese individuals, there is increased pressure on the wound, decreased vascularity in adipose tissue and additional skin folds which may harbour infectious pathogens. Obesity in Pets 1 Obesity in Pets 2 Nutrition Carbohydrates Glucose is the major source of fuel used to create the cellular ATP that provides energy for angiogenesis and deposition of the new tissues – to this end, there may be an argument for easily digested carbohydrates in the recovering dog. Protein Protein is one of the most important nutrient factors affecting wound healing. A deficiency of protein can impair capillary formation, fibroblast proliferation, proteoglycan synthesis, collagen synthesis, and wound remodelling. A lack of protein also influences immune system function, with resultant decreased leukocyte phagocytosis and increased susceptibility to infection. Not only this, but collagen is the major protein of connective tissue. Collagen synthesis requires hydroxylation of lysine and proline, and co-factors such as iron and vitamin C. Glutamine is a major source of metabolic energy for rapidly proliferating cells such as fibroblasts, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and macrophages. To this end, it is important for wound healing. Fat Essential fatty acids are thought to affect pro-inflammatory cytokine production, cell metabolism, gene expression, and angiogenesis in wound sites, suggesting an important role in wound healing. Micronutrients Low levels of Vitamin C result in impaired healing, and have been linked to decreased collagen synthesis and fibroblast proliferation, decreased angiogenesis, and increased capillary fragility. Also, low vitamin C leads to an impaired immune response and increased susceptibility to wound infection. Whilst healthy dogs are generally able to synthesise their own Vitamin C, there may be a consideration for additional dietary sources during times of high need. Vitamin A behaves as an antioxidant, which protects membrane integrity, in addition it has been associated with increased fibroblast proliferation, modulation of cellular differentiation and proliferation, increased collagen and hyaluronate synthesis, and decreased MMP-mediated extracellular matrix degradation. MMPs play a role in protein breakdown (which is a necessary process – as long as there isn’t too much). Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to have a role in decreasing excess scar formation in chronic wounds. Animal experiments have indicated that vitamin E supplementation is beneficial to wound healing. Magnesium functions as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in protein and collagen synthesis. Copper is a required cofactor for cytochrome oxidase, for cytosolic antioxidant superoxide dismutase,
If you are a current pet owner or have been in the past, there is a 99% chance your pet has had pain medication at some point in their life. Or they have at least had it prescribed or suggested for them. For us to fully weigh up what we are administering to our pets, it makes sense to start with the basics. So, how do pain medications work in pets? Pain medications come in different forms, but there are a few common ones: NSAIDs Opioids Paracetamol NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are exactly what they say on the tin – they are used to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is an immune response. When something becomes damaged or threatened in the body, compounds are released which kick start an immune response to help fight the threat or heal the trauma. A Guide to Inflammation in Pets NSAIDs are typically divided into groups based on their chemical structure and selectivity. They include: acetylated salicylates (aspirin) non-acetylated salicylates propionic acids (ibuprofen) acetic acids (diclofenac) enolic acids (meloxicam) anthranilic acids (meclofenamate) naphthylalanine (nabumetone) selective COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib) The main mechanism of action of NSAIDs is the inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX). Cyclooxygenase is required to convert arachidonic acid (a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid) into thromboxanes, prostaglandins, and prostacyclins (which are all inflammatory mediators). The therapeutic effects of NSAIDs are therefore attributed to the reduction of them. Many NSAIDs are not selective, meaning they take out all COX enzymes; this is beneficial if we are targeting inflammatory mediators, but COX enzymes also carry out other roles in the body. COX1 enzymes play a role in: protecting the gastrointestinal tract renal blood flow platelet aggregation This is why proton pump inhibitors are often administered alongside NSAIDs, the reduction in stomach acid secretion is thought to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. In addition, there is also evidence of long term NSAID use and chronic kidney disease. The administration of certain NSAIDs can also trigger hypersensitivity reactions. Non-selective NSAIDs exert effects by inhibiting COX-1 and subsequently shift arachidonic acid metabolism from prostaglandin (especially PGE2) synthesis toward pro-inflammatory cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTs) such as LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4. Overproduction of LTs leads to activation of mast cells and eosinophils, which can result in typical allergic symptoms like itching and hives, along with bronchoconstriction. This is worth noting if you have a particularly sensitive dog. Opioids Opioids function primarily in the nervous system; they inhibit neurotransmitter release. The Neuroscience of Pain Morphine is commonly considered to be the archetypal opioid analgesic and the agent to which all other painkillers are compared. There is evidence to suggest that as long ago as 3000 bc the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum, was cultivated for its active ingredients. But, it wasn’t until morphine was isolated from opium in 1806 by Sertürner that modern opioid pharmacology was truly born. In 1847 the chemical formula for morphine was established and this, coupled with the invention of the hypodermic needle in 1853, led to the widespread clinical use of morphine. How Does It Work? Opioid receptors are distributed throughout the central nervous system and within peripheral tissue of neural and non-neural origin. Opioids reduce excitability of neurons, and decrease the release of nociceptive neurotransmitters like substance P. See our blog on The Neuroscience of Pain above to learn more about this. Because opioids work in the nervous system, in essence slowing everything down, the concern is that they may do it a little too well and knock everything a little out of whack. As we know the body likes balance, and it does everything in its power to keep it that way. To this end, behavioural side effects of opioids include panting, vocalisation, salivation, nausea, vomiting, defecation, and sedation or hyperactivity. Physiological side effects of opioids in dogs may include central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, usually accompanied with little to no change in cardiac output, ileus, and urinary retention. Findings Here Paracetamol It has been assumed that paracetamol probably acts through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. This is the pathway through which the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) act. Much investigation has focussed on paracetamol’s inhibition of the COX enzyme because its analgesic and antipyretic effects are similar to those of aspirin, the archetype NSAID. However, paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory activity, or does it inhibit production of the pro-clotting TXAs. In addition, paracetamol does not appear to have a major effect peripherally; its action appears to be mostly central. It seems reasonable to assume that although there may be some effect on COX enzymes, this effect is different from that seen with typical NSAIDs. Because of this, other mechanisms of action have been considered. It is thought that serotonin has a major role in modulating pain perception. Serotonergic drugs are used in the treatment of migraine headaches in humans and combined serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have been used in chronic pain management. It has been considered that paracetamol, in effect, activates serotonin pathways to influence pain perception. Other data has indicated that when cannabinoid receptors are blocked, paracetamol loses its action, suggesting the endocannabinoid system may play a role in paracetamol’s actions too. Findings Here Whilst we may not know the full mechanism of action of paracetamol, it is possibly the widest used pain medication The side effects usually associated with paracetamol include: yellowing of white of eyes or gums (jaundice) reduction in appetite vomiting or diarrhoea blood in faeces Are There Any Other Pain Medications Worth Mentioning? There are a number of products on the market which target pain, but they could fill a book, so we’ll just take a look at two more. Librela Librela is an injectable which targets pain in cases of osteoarthritis. The active ingredient in librela is bedinvetmab which is a monoclonal antibody. This antibody (or protein) is trained to recognise and attach to a protein known as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Once attached it prevents NGF from attaching to its own receptors on nerve cells and therefore
It can feel like we are bombarded with information to boost our immune function, and as immune system health is key to survival, this seems like something we should be interested in. We also talk about immune responses a lot here at My Pet Nutritionist, so should we be boosting our pet’s immune systems too? What if we told you that immune boosting isn’t really something we want to do? Read on to find out why we believe immune boosting is a myth. The Immune System When the body is invaded by bacteria, a virus or parasites, an immune alarm goes off, setting off a chain reaction of cellular activity in the immune system. Specific cells are deployed to help attack the invading pathogen. Those cells often do the job, and the invader is destroyed. But sometimes, when the body needs a more sophisticated attack, it turns to a more specialised set of cells. These cells are like the special ops of the immune system—a line of defence that uses past behaviours and interactions to tell it exactly how to deal with the threat. The immune system is responsible for all of this, and not surprisingly is has many systems to mobilise action. We tend to explore the immune system in terms of innate immunity and adaptive or acquired immunity. Innate immunity is what everyone is born with – it’s a type of general protection. Acquired (adaptive or specific) immunity is not present at birth. It is learned. It’s easy to consider the immune system as an “us against the germ” fight, it’s also easy to think of the immune system as binary. There are either threats, or there aren’t. But how do we figure out what aren’t threats? This is where the concept of immune tolerance comes in. Immune Tolerance Immune tolerance is an active state of unresponsiveness to specific antigens in an effort to prevent destructive over-reactivity of the immune system. It prevents an immune response to antigens produced by the body itself or recognised from a prior encounter. It’s Evolutionary Immune tolerance is an evolutionary benefit – mounting an immune response is resource demanding, and sometimes brings some collateral damage with it. If tolerating an antigen conserves resources and doesn’t result in overt threat or damage, then it makes biological sense to do so. There are two types of immune tolerance: self-tolerance and induced tolerance. Self-tolerance refers to the ability of the immune system to recognize and therefore not respond to self-produced antigens. If the immune system loses this ability, the body can start to attack its own cells, which may cause an autoimmune disease. Induced tolerance occurs when the immune system actively avoids responding to an external antigen. This tolerance is induced by previous encounters with that antigen. Immune tolerance mechanisms are separated into two categories: central tolerance and peripheral tolerance. Central tolerance occurs during lymphocyte development in the thymus and bone marrow. In short, if any developing T or B cells become reactive to self, they are eliminated. Peripheral tolerance mechanisms occur after mature lymphocytes are released into the lymph nodes or other tissues. When T cells that are reactive-to-self escape into the periphery, this mechanism ensures they are either deleted or they become functionally unresponsive to the antigen. The Immune System as A Seesaw We can think of the immune system as a seesaw and immune responses need to be balanced. Immune tolerance helps balance the seesaw as our pet’s make their way through life. It is different from non-specific immunosuppression and immunodeficiency. Immune tolerance prevents inflammatory reactions to many innocuous airborne and food allergens found at mucosal surfaces (and more). How is Immune Tolerance Developed? Immune tolerance is only induced via exposure to the antigen in question and it is thought that the timing of this exposure is crucial. This is where the hygiene hypothesis has been largely considered. The Hygiene Hypothesis Early exposure to a diverse range of “friendly” microbes—not infectious pathogens—is necessary to train the immune system to react appropriately. The immune system is like a computer; it has software, but it needs data. The microbial ecosystem in various mucosal sites is important for the development of the immune system. The young gastrointestinal tract is colonised soon after birth by a variety of commensal bacteria that influence the development of the immune response both in the gut and systemically. The mucosal immune system in the gut must avoid adverse immune responses to dietary antigens and commensals in the new microbial ecosystem while remaining able to mount an effector response to pathogenic organisms. In an ideal world, our pets will develop a heathy immune system, and they will have sufficient immune tolerance but also eliminate threats when necessary. But we don’t always live in an ideal world, and so loss of tolerance, along with excessive tolerance can occur. Loss of Tolerance Loss of tolerance results in an overt immune response. This could be in the case of allergy, but also autoimmunity. T and B lymphocytes are key players for immune responses, and during the T and B lymphocyte differentiation process, the regulation of each progression step is influenced by a potent network of transcription factors specific for each cellular state. Recent studies indicate that both T and B lymphocyte development are under epigenetic regulations which suggests a genetic consideration in immune function, but that modifiable lifestyle changes could influence gene expression. Environmental factors, such as ultraviolet rays, infections, nutrition, and chemicals, also participate in the pathogenesis of both allergies and autoimmunity. Excessive Tolerance Excessive tolerance may lead to invasion by microorganisms or parasites, or to development of cancer. The Immunity Boosting Myth This idea of immune tolerance is in opposition to immune boosting. Ideally, we want an immune seesaw. We want responses to be balanced to whatever they are facing, not boosted and over-zealous and likewise, not lazy! We want an immune system that has 20/20 vision. So, how do we support this in our pets? Exposure to bugs – let
In human realms, we trace the importance of iron back to the Egyptians, Hindus, Greeks and Romans. During the 17th Century, iron was used to treat chlorosis (green disease) which was a condition resulting from iron deficiency. But we didn’t really understand the importance of inorganic iron until around 1932 – this is when we found out about its role in haemoglobin synthesis. As we’re always a little behind in our canine findings, we possibly still to this day don’t respect this trusty mineral as much as we should, so here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d explore it in a little more detail and it’s importance in pet health. Functions of Iron Oxygen transport Oxygen storage as myoglobin Energy production Cofactor for multiple enzymes Production of neurotransmitters and thyroid hormone We understand the important role of iron when we look at how tightly regulated it is in the body. The body has three unique mechanisms for maintaining iron balance and preventing deficiency and overload: Storage of iron Reutilisation of iron Regulation of iron absorption Iron from food is mainly absorbed in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Iron can be in ferrous state (Fe2+) or ferric state (Fe3+). Fe3+ is not directly absorbed, but Fe2+ is easily absorbed. In the intestine, Fe3+ is converted by ferric reductases into Fe2+ and then when required by the body, iron is transported by transferrin (a blood-plasma glycoprotein) to bone marrow and other tissues. Iron is required for the transport of oxygen, oxygen storage in muscle, and is also a component of energy production. After absorption, any iron that isn’t needed, is stored as ferritin in the liver, spleen or bone marrow. During times of high need, iron is then released. Most of the iron in the body is contained within red blood cells. Red blood cells have been noted to have a life span of around 115 days but when they reach the end of their life span, they release iron. The resultant liberated iron can be reused to produce new erythrocytes in bone marrow, stored as ferritin or released back into systemic circulation. Iron Disorders Iron deficiency anaemia is the common condition associated with decreased iron levels, resulting in low circulating haemoglobin and reduced myoglobin. In dogs, iron deficiency anaemia is usually secondary to some form of chronic blood loss, but it is also seen in puppies fed poor diets or who have severe parasitic infections. Signs of Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Pale gums Low energy Weight loss Laboured breathing Increased heart rate Signs of blood loss Iron deficiency is also associated with lower T and B lymphocyte, macrophage, and neutrophil function and so immune function can be significantly compromised. Your Pet’s Immune System On the other side of the scale, iron toxicity is generally associated with over-the-counter supplementation. At the cellular level, iron can impair metabolism in the heart, liver, and central nervous system. Iron is generally tightly bound to proteins in the body, preventing reaction, but in times of overload it becomes available in free form which disrupts oxidative phosphorylation, catalyses lipid peroxidation, forms free radicals and ultimately leads to cell death. It is this reactivity that ensures levels are tightly regulated in the body. This is largely through absorption regulation. There is no controlled mechanism for the excretion of excess iron, which would suggest that the average body would consistently possess sufficient levels. This sadly, is not the case. Daily losses for the average body are through the gastrointestinal tract via exfoliation of cells, and through the skin and urinary tract. Periods of growth and development have higher needs and pregnancy too increases the demand. Factors Affecting Absorption There are many dietary factors that affect absorption of iron and subsequently influence iron regulation in the body. There are two sources of iron: Haem is found primarily in meat and meat products Non-haem is found in plants. Haem is generally well-absorbed, whereas non-haem absorption is largely affected by other factors. Common inhibitors of iron absorption are phytates, tannins, starch, and proton pump inhibitors. Phytate binds to minerals, rendering them less available and they are commonly found in nuts, grains, pulses and tubers. Whilst tannins have been suggested to have antioxidant properties they play an inhibitory role in iron absorption. That said, unless you offer your dog tea on a regular basis, tannins are unlikely to be an issue. Proton pump inhibitors do exactly what they say on the tin. Gastric acid is secreted from cells found in the stomach. These cells contain proton pumps to secrete this very acid. Proton pump inhibitor medications come along and turn off these pumps, which stops the secretion of gastric acid. Unfortunately for us, stomach acid is important in releasing iron from ligands in food and in solubilizing ferric iron by converting it to ferrous form, so low levels of stomach acid can impair iron absorption and utilisation. Findings Here However, studies have demonstrated that when a multivitamin was administered alongside PPIs, iron absorption was not affected. The vitamin C found in the multivitamin is thought to be protective even alongside PPI medication. Vitamin C is seen as a potent facilitator of iron absorption because ascorbic acid reduces ferric to ferrous iron, which is therefore absorbable. Iron Regulation The central regulator of iron homeostasis is hepcidin. If hepcidin genes are removed, the host becomes loaded with iron. Iron is regulated through a negative feedback loop. Its presence stimulates hepcidin production and in turn blocks dietary iron absorption. In cases of iron deficiency, hepcidin is suppressed, allowing increased absorption of dietary iron. As the name suggests, hepcidin is a hormone produced in the liver and its synthesis is modulated by iron, inflammation and erythropoietic signalling. High hepcidin levels are noted during times of infection and in health issues like chronic kidney disease. Kidney Disease in Pets High hepcidin levels block intestinal iron absorption and macrophage iron recycling, effectively withholding iron from invading pathogens. Iron and Inflammation When inflammation is prolonged,
