Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we help pet owners with a host of different health conditions. One we see from time to time, is Spondylosis in dogs. Us humans can get Spondylosis too, but it tends to be more common in our canine companions than it does in their owners. This blog post aims to help you get a better understanding of Spondylosis in dogs, including what it is, how to spot the signs and symptoms, and how you can support the body naturally. What is Spondylosis? Spondylosis, called Spondylosis deformans in the veterinary world, affects the spine; more specifically, the vertebrae – the bones that make up the spine. It’s a degenerative condition, which means it gradually gets worse as the patient ages. Those with spondylosis have bony spurs growing on their vertebrae, known as osteophytes. But why are these growths bad news? The vertebrae protect the spinal chord – probably one of the most important parts of the body as it sends signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and vice versa, and ais also involved in reflexes and coordination. The body spurs growing on the underside of the vertebrae can rub on the spinal cord, causing damage, which then has a knock-on effect to the dog’s sensory capabilities, and ability to move freely. Spondylosis can be widespread, with bony spurs forming along the entire spine, or localised, where they only form in one or two spots. It is most commonly seen in the lower spine, AKA the Lumbar Region, as well as hips and tail. In particularly bad cases, bony spurs can fuse vertebrae together, making mobility tricky. Spondylosis is quite common in aging dogs, especially those who are heavier set, such as giant breeds, or breeds with cobby bodies, and short legs, but it can happen at any age and breed, depending on the cause, which we will look at shortly. The most commonly affected breed is the Boxer, where estimates suggest around 70% of elderly individuals over the age of 9, have been diagnosed with the disease. Findings Here Symptoms of Spondylosis The somewhat strange thing about symptoms when looking at a potential diagnosis of Spondylosis, is that there are very few clinical signs presented, especially not those specific to the condition. Some symptoms you may notice include: Spinal pain: hunching of spine, lameness, unwillingness to walk, difficulty laying down and standing up, general reduction of mobility Behavioural changes: your dog may become more reactive due to pain, and the fear of being hurt by another dog bumping them. Yelping when specific areas are manipulated Lethargy General weakness and stiffness Reduced appetite If your dog is displaying these signs, there could be a number of potential spinal issues, so it’s important to consult your veterinarian to grasp a better understanding of the exact issue your dog is having. Causes of Spondylosis So why does Spondylosis occur? It can be a natural part of the ageing process – just through general wear and tear of an older dog. Another cause of the development of Spondylosis, is trauma to the spine from injury, whether it’s minor trauma, like a bump to the spine, a wobbly landing from a higher surface, or repeated over-use of the spine (often seen in sports dogs who do the same movement repetitively), to major trauma such as having been hit by a car, or having had surgery to correct IVDD. A third potential cause of Spondylosis, is genetic predisposition. There are not many predisposed breeds, but the most commonly seen tend to be Boxers, German Shepherds, and Flat Coat Retrievers. Spondylosis can also form as a secondary disease! Between the vertebrae of a healthy dog, lays soft tissue. This enables the discs to act as shock absorbers, and softens impact, keeping the vertebrae separate. There is a degenerative disc disease, previously mentioned in its abbreviated form, IVDD (Inter-Vertebral Disc Disease), in which the tissue between the vertebrae wears away, leaving bone to rub on bone, prompting the formation of bony spurs to re-stabilise the joint. Findings Here Diagnosing Spondylosis As there is usually a lack of obvious symptoms in cases of Spondylosis, it can be tricky to pinpoint a test for it. If your dog is experiences clear signs of back pain, or even just at the vet for their annual health check where the dog displays possible signs of pain, the vet will use your dog’s medical history records to look for potential missed signs. They will perform any neurological and orthopaedic examinations they feel are necessary, and go from there. Your vet will typically want to rule out any other potential health issues before testing further for Spondylosis. A canine physiotherapist may be able to give a better look into mobility and how your dog’s gait is affected through a video analysis. This may be done through referral; however many allow the owner to book directly in with them to discuss the video, and their findings. Once your veterinarian has ruled out the potential for other, perhaps more common health issues, he or she will book your dog in for an x-ray of the spine, which includes the chest and abdominal cavities, naturally. X-rays tend to give a definitive answer as to whether the dog has Spondylosis or not, due to the visibility of bony spurs on the vertebrae. Less commonly, a vet may recommend an MRI scan – these tend to show potential spinal cord damage as opposed to the bony spurs themselves, which can be an important part of recommending the correct treatment. This procedure is usually carried out on referral with a neurologist. Findings Here Conventional Treatments There is actually very little a veterinarian can do in the event of a dog having Spondylosis, as every individual is different. The treatment plan is heavily based on symptoms the individual’s dog is showing, now a generalised treatment plan, which would be the same for all sufferers. Pain medication is regularly prescribed for those suffering
Graves Disease is an autoimmune disease involving the endocrine (hormone) system, specifically the thyroid, which we see from time to time here at My Pet Nutritionist. It can be a worrisome diagnosis for any pet owner, and it’s important that owners of pets with Graves Disease understand what it is, and how they can tailor their pet’s diet and lifestyle to keep on top of symptoms; which ultimately extends their pet’s comfort. That’s where we come in, to provide you our Ultimate Guide to Graves Disease in Pets. What is Graves Disease? Graves Disease is the non-clinical, or common, name for autoimmune Hyperthyroidism. You may have heard about Hypothyroidism quite regularly on social media and other platforms where pet owners connect, particularly on dog based platforms; but you may not have seen much discussion on Hyperthyroidism. Graves Disease is rare, but possible, in dogs but tends to be more of a frequent trouble for our feline companions. It can be found in us humans, too! So what exactly is Graves Disease? What happens when your pet has it? If you want the short answer, the thyroid gland in your pet is overactive – it’s working over time! We feel it’s important to understand more about it though, so read on! Graves Disease is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmunity tends to occur due to a damaged immune system, or in individuals with a genetically compromised immune system. The body essentially attacks itself, as it recognises various proteins and other substances in the body, as foreign. The thyroid is a gland which produces various hormones, essential for a healthy life. The hormones produced and secreted by the thyroid are called triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) – these help regulate the body’s metabolic rate. When there is a deficiency in these hormones, important bodily processes slow down, which causes a host of health issues. Now, when these hormones are too abundant, effects on the body can be equally as disruptive. We will discuss symptoms next. Symptoms of Graves Disease There are various symptoms of Graves Disease which you may notice in your cat or dog. Let’s take a look at some of the main symptoms: Weight loss, often rapid Diarrhoea Nausea/vomiting Swelling of the neck and face Increased urination Increased drinking Increased appetite Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath and increases heart rate Change in pitch of bark Reduced eyesight capabilities Behavioural changes, including anxiety depression, and/or hyperactivity. Causes of Graves Disease The cause of Graves Disease is very much unknown. There is very little research into the causes of Graves Disease. It is often describes as ‘idiopathic’, meaning there’s no known cause. Some studies suggest that one known cause of Graves Disease in dogs (though rare) is as a result of a rapidly spreading cancer, called thyroid carcinoma. In cats, some cases of Graves Disease are secondary to a non-cancerous tumour forming on the thyroid gland called Adenomas. Like in dogs, in rare occasions, malignant tumours known as adenocarcinomas can cause the development of Graves Disease by causing the over production of hormones. It is possible that deficiencies in the diet may contribute to onset of Hyperthyroidism, as well as exposure to chemicals and toxins absorbed by the body, including flea and tick products which are toxins, and end up in the bloodstream, which disrupts the normal functioning of the thyroid. Diagnosing Graves Disease The first step in a diagnosis of Graves Disease, is a physical examination of the neck area of your pet. The purpose of this, is to feel for an enlarged thyroid gland. Secondly, the vet will take a blood sample to test for hormone levels in the blood. If the reading comes back with a value higher than the ideal’ threshold for each hormone, it’s very likely your pet has Graves Disease. If the T3 readings are high, but the T4 readings are ideal, more tests may be required, which would be discussed with the vet. These tests may include further bloodwork, and a urinalysis, which will show potential secondary defects to the heart and kidneys. As the thyroid is involved hormonally with the vast majority of the body’s organs, imperfect bloodwork in relation to other organs, could help show a problem with the thyroid. Conventional Treatments As always, here at My Pet Nutritionist, we like owners to be able to make an informed choice with their dog’s health, and encourage the use of conventional treatments where necessary in life potentially endangering situations, and situations where quality of life becomes the biggest importance. This is of course, alongside as much natural support as possible, and feeding a fresh, therapeutic diet. More on this later – let’s take a look at the conventional treatments your veterinarian may offer. There are various approaches which may be taken. As carcinomas are one of the most common, treatable reasons a dog or cat may have Hyperthyroidism, most are based around treating the cancer. Radioactive Iodine Therapy Radioactive Iodine Therapy is fairly common in practices which offer it as a treatment. The radioactive iodine is injected into the bloodstream, which makes its way to the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland takes the iodine up, causing radiation to be emitted. The emitted radiation then destroys any cancerous tissues around the thyroid, but does not cause any damage further afield. This treatment often results in normal levels of hormone production within mere weeks of the injection, making it extremely effective in curing hyperthyroidism. This treatment option has to be undertaken in a specialist veterinary hospital with licencing to carry and use radioactive substances. The pet must also be kept in the surgery until their levels of radiation are safe for handling. Findings Here Findings Here Medication Some drugs may be offered, to inhibit the production and release of hormones from the thyroid. As the thyroid is overactive, slowing it down is imperative to managing Graves Disease. This method will not cure, but can support the pet in reducing flare ups and secondary health implications. Being the
There are so many aspects of health that we look at here at My Pet Nutritionist. Diet and lifestyle are considered, including vaccination schedules, chemical treatment exposure, the quality of water provided and the cleaning products/household products used in the pet’s environment. However there is another factor often overlooked when it comes to disease – stress! We often say disease is expressed according to how we interface with our environment. The main factors here being nutrition, toxins and stress. Stress can be mental, or physical. Mental stress and physical stress can also be linked. In this blog, we will look at the links between stress, and disease. What is Stress? We all know what stress feels like from time to time (and if you don’t, the rest of us are very jealous!), but how does it look from a biological standpoint? What actually happens in our and our pets’ bodies during stress? Stress responses start off in the part of the brain that deals with emotions; the Amygdala. The Amygdala sends a message to the ‘control centre of the body’; the Hypothalamus, the very centre of the brain. The Hypothalamus then interacts with the autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure etc) to make adjustments in the body, to cope with the stress. The autonomic nervous system is the main system involved in stress responses, and branches into the sympathetic, and parasympathetic nervous systems. These systems are what give the tell-tale signs of stress in your pets (and yourself!), and what help reduce the effects of the stress response. Let’s take a look at some of the common symptoms of stress, caused by the different systems: The sympathetic nervous system Inhibits saliva production Increases heartrate Dilutes pupils Relaxes urinary bladder Inhibits digestive capabilities (read on to find out more on this!) Dilates bronchia The parasympathetic nervous system Promotes saliva production Decreases heartrate Constricts pupils Constricts urinary bladder Stimulates digestive functions Constricts bronchia Stress isn’t always emotional – it’s important to remember this! Common stressors include: Emotional: fear, mental trauma, anxiety Physical: over-exertion, injury, pain Environmental: allergens, pollutants, radiation and rapid temperature changes Biological: bacteria, viruses, parasitic burdens Chemical: pesticides/herbicides, toxins, heavy metals Consumable: ultra-processed foods You can read more about the stress response here! Findings Here Findings Here Calm Complex The Gut-Brain Axis Gut health plays a role in mental health, which means the health of your pet’s gut, is incredibly important to look at if your pet is frequently stressed. The gut is very much linked to every system in the body, and the nervous system is no exception! Bidirectional (both ways) occurs between the gut and the brain, so having a stressed pet, can be a little like a vicious circle, in that emotional stressors can affect the gut, and poor gut health can affect the pet’s emotions. Located in the peripheral nervous system, the main nerve associated with this bidirectional signalling between the gut and the brain, is the Vagus Nerve. Unlike other cranial nerves, which signal between the head and neck areas, the Vagus Nerve reaches all the way through the body, to connect the brain to the gut. The Vagus Nerve is responsible for various bodily functions, including: Allowing for swallowing and vocalisation in the larynx and pharynx Parasympathetic supply to the heart in the thorax, which reduces the heart rate during stressful situations Regulates smooth muscle contraction in the intestine, to enable normal defecation The Vagus Nerve is essential to link the central nervous system to the enteric nervous system to enable healthy digestion. You can read more about the Gut-Brain Axis here! Findings Here Emotional Stress and its Effects on the Body Having an anxious pet can be heartbreaking for the owner – not to mention hard work (which is very much worth it!). Due to the gut-brain axis, we know that emotional stress, doesn’t just stay within the brain! It can cause disease throughout the body, purely down to the fact the Vagus Nerve is an important part of so many systems in the body. The endocrine (hormone) system, and enteric nervous system are both massively affected by poor brain health, and prolonged periods of emotional stress can lead to a host of hormone-related diseases, and disease within the digestive tract. Of course, not all dogs with endocrine or digestive issues are stressed, nor can it always be put down to stress, but stress responses and brain health are very often overlooked – so here is your reminder to check your pet’s mental wellbeing. Think about things you could improve in their life to give them a calmer, more level mental state if they are typically easily overwhelmed, or provide them with a more stimulating routine or space if your dog’s mental health is poor due to boredom. It works both ways! Read on to find out more on how to keep your pet’s stress levels to a minimum. Findings Here Calm Complex Physical/Environmental Stress and its Effects on the Body When our pets go through some form of physical stress, whether it’s injury, or illness, the pressure on the body’s systems (which are already working harder than normal, in order to fight disease or heal injuries) can once again, cause a vicious circle. The added pressure on the body’s systems, makes for the potential for disease to worsen due to stress. We need to help our pets recover in a timely manner with as little emotional stress as possible, in order to reduce stress. Physical and environmental stress can cause emotional stress, which we know can lead to endocrine and digestive upset. Gut damage can then lead to numerous other diseases because 70-80% of the immune system lays in the gut. Chemical/Consumable Stress and its Effects on the Body Chemicals used on the pet, and around the pet as well as what you feed your pet can cause stress on the body, which leads to disease. This is
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see many dog owners worrying about the condition of their dog’s skin. The appearance of keratosis, and risk of secondary infection can be concerning, but there are things we can do to help those suffering with it. Keep reading to find out what it is, and how we can help those with it. What is Keratosis? Usually referred to as Hyperkeratosis, the condition presents as hardened, thickened, and often cracked and very dry skin. The term ‘keratosis’ stems from overgrowth of keratin in the skin. When too much keratin is produced, the skin becomes less supple. Unfortunately, hyperkeratosis often leads to secondary infection when it is not treated promptly. Those with keratosis will usually find it on the paw pads, and nose. While it can happen elsewhere on the body, these are the most common places it is found in our dogs. Many owners ask if keratosis is painful for their dog. Unfortunately keratosis can be very sore and uncomfortable for them, especially those with cracked skin, and secondary infection. The areas can become very inflamed too, which adds to the pain sensation. Causes of Keratosis There are various factors which can lead to your dog getting keratosis. Let’s have a look at some of these. Age is a huge factor in those with keratosis. It is commonly seen in older dogs, of any breed, but it is most commonly seen in elderly cocker spaniels, boxers, beagles, basset hounds, and various bull breeds. Findings Here Infectious Disease Survivors can be more prone to keratosis, specifically those who have had a systemic infection (an infection which affects the whole body), such as leishmaniasis and distemper. Internal upset in the body, very often presents externally as a skin reaction. The skin is very often an outward sign of inward stress. Findings Here Findings Here Systemic Autoimmune Disease such as systemic lupus and pemphigus foliaceus can also lead to keratosis, again, as an outward sign of inward stress. Findings Here Genetic predisposition is a very common cause of keratosis. It is incredibly important not to overlook lineages/parentage of your dog. This is obviously not easily achievable in most rescue dogs, but if you are planning on buying a puppy from a breeder, a history of skin related issues in the breeding stock is very worth asking for. Labradors are particularly prone to hereditary keratosis of the nose, and usually starts between the age of 6 and 12 months, with recurrent flare ups throughout the dog’s lifespan. A lot of healthy individuals who have no other visible reason for the onset of keratosis, will be diagnosed with having idiopathic (no identifiable cause) keratosis. Findings Here Inadequate Diet Type. The method of feeding being used can also affect the possibility of the dog getting keratosis. As always, we would recommend a fresh food diet, as these are minimally processed, and allow ingredients to provide unaltered nutrition. Zinc Deficiency can cause keratosis. Some breeds of dog, namely the husky and the malamute, cannot absorb zinc efficiently, by genetic predisposition. Many other breeds of dog who grow at a rapid rate, mostly giant breeds, may also struggle to absorb zinc efficiently. One of the main reasons we see in a variety of individuals of many breeds, large and small, is zinc deficiency, leading to keratosis – it is the second most common mineral deficiency, and can be tested for through hair analysis and blood testing at the same time. The lack of zinc can contribute to keratosis as it causes the abnormal production of keratin. Findings Here Findings Here Trauma, particularly to one particular area of the skin, keratosis is common. This is because the cells in the skin, called keratinocytes, react to the repeated trauma by producing excess keratin, with the aim of hardening the skin for protection. This is often why many dogs suffer with keratosis on their paw pads; from repeated walking on hard surfaces. Elderly or overweight dogs who sleep or lay frequently on hard floors often struggle with keratosis due to repeated pressure on certain parts of the body. Findings Here Supporting the Body Externally Recovery from keratosis is a two pronged attack, using internal, and external methods. So what can we do externally to help our dogs suffering with keratosis? As keratosis presents as dry skin, the most important thing to do, is moisturise it. Moisturising the area is imperative to healing keratosis. There are so many natural, and very effective products you can use to moisturise. Coconut oil is one of the most popular, and readily available on the market. Other products include an array of natural snout and paw balms from various companies. Look out for those which do not contain unnatural ingredients – look out for products made from one, or a mix of a couple natural oils such as seed oils and coconut oils, and often a combination of dog friendly essential oils and other seed oils. Apply your chosen moisturising product twice per day, and try to avoid letting your dog lick it off. Supporting the Body Internally The second prong of the two-pronged approach, is internal supplementation, and dietary changes. First we’ll look at diet. A fresh diet would be ideal – these give plenty of moisture, vs dry food which contains very little moisture. Fresh foods are also not ultra-processed, so are much more gut, and therefore skin friendly, as there are huge links with the gut and skin health when we look at the gut-skin axis, for which more information can be discovered in our blog. The vast majority of dry foods on the market have been shown to not meet minimum nutritional guidelines, so deficiencies linked to keratosis are very possible. Using balanced fresh food can be much easier to balance, as we know what is in it. Let’s take a look at supplements. In breeds with a zinc deficiency predisposition, it is important to supplement with zinc. Other breeds shouldn’t require this. The other
Paw biting is probably one of the most common symptoms we see among our clients at My Pet Nutritionist. It’s daunting when your dog just wont stop! The noise of paw chewing, every owner of a paw biter knows… it can be draining! Our handy guide may help you understand why your dog is biting his paws, and what you could do to help alleviate it. Exposure to chemicals Exposure to chemicals in various aspects of life, can have a massive effect on your dog’s health – especially gut health, which can lead to symptoms such as itchy paws and undercarriage. Let’s discuss the effects flea and worm treatments, household cleaners, and environmental products can have on itchy paws! Flea and Worm Treatments Flea and worm treatments may seem rather an odd cause of paw biting, as flea and worm treatments are administered either orally, or on the skin. These products are so very damaging to the body, both internally, and externally. Not only can they cause chemical burns, and sore skin, as well as neurological problems, they can also damage the gut. A damaged gut can cause a histamine response in the body, which brings with it, symptoms such as excessive itching and licking, including paw biting. We would recommend switching to natural alternatives for flea and worm prevention. Household Cleaning Products It’s important to be mindful of the ingredients used in household cleaning and laundry products. An enormous amount of the ingredients in many laundry products and cleaning products are skin irritants. Try to use as natural products as possible – some natural pet companies stock natural laundry and cleaning products, probiotic laundry and cleaning products, or you can make your own! But my cleaning product states ‘pet friendly’?! Unfortunately, this simply means that it wont kill your pet. Great, but skin irritations are still very prevalent! Dogs make nearly constant contact between their feet, and the floor or soft furnishings, meaning they are more at risk of contact allergies on the feet, causing biting. Environmental Products Navigating around environmental toxins can be extremely tricky. The vast majority of councils in the UK tend to spray weed killer on the streets. These are just one of the environmental products which can contribute to paw biting. Others include patio cleaners, professional astroturf cleaners, grit/antifreeze, and many others. Washing paws after walks is a great idea to help reduce the risk of these toxins affecting the comfort of the dog’s paws. Yeast Yeast tends to have a very familiar symptom, along with the paw biting; a rusty colour on and around the toes. Yeast has two pathways – from the gut, and purely on the skin. Most yeast we see is down to an unhealthy gut, which allows for the overgrowth of candida, however, less commonly dogs may get Malassezia; which is a yeast infection on the skin. Candida Candida is a fungus which occurs naturally on the skin, and in the gut. When it is present in the correct amount, it’s a healthy part of a well-functioning microbiome. The issue comes when candida out competes good bacteria – this leads to a yeast infection. This predominantly occurs in the small intestine, and is aptly named Small Intestine Fungal Infection (SIFO). Overgrowths of candida can be down to exposure to the aforementioned toxins, poor gut health (and therefore a weakened immune system), allergies and intolerances, and antibiotics. As antibiotics not only attack bad bacteria, they also attack the good bacteria, which allows for the growth of fungi such as candida. As yeast thrives on sugar, its important to cut out any high carb, starchy, and sugary foods. Dry food can contain anywhere between 30 and 70% carbohydrates! This means that feeding a balanced fresh food would be the best option. It is also very important to keep on top of, or get to the bottom of allergies and intolerances; running an elimination diet, and healing the gut with mucilage herbs and probiotics is usually the winning combo when getting to the bottom of intolerances. Vaccines, some types of fish such as tuna, and even tap water are contaminated with heavy metals – yeast also thrives on heavy metal exposure, so it’s also important to not use such products, and use filtered water. Working on gut health is very important – you may find our Gut Guardian supplement useful! Findings Here Findings Here Malassezia Folliculitis Affecting only the skin, Malassezia Folliculitis is the skin-specific species of yeast fungus. Often called Fungal Acne, Malassezia causes acne-like pimples on the skin due to the yeast infecting hair follicles. Malassezia can be harder to treat than candida, but thankfully, rarely affects the paws. Findings Here Findings Here You can fund out more about yeast in our blog here! Allergies and Intolerances Unbeknownst to many, allergies and intolerances are very different from one another, and intolerances are often mistaken for allergies. Intolerances are the digestive inability to break down certain foods, specifically proteins. The inability to digest proteins properly, causes intolerances to develop. They can be worked on and improved through gut-work using mucilage herbs, and probiotics such as our Gut Guardian supplement. Allergies are much more severe, and are down to immune modulation – true allergies cannot really be improved. In some cases, allergies are life threatening. An interesting fact, is that in food reactivity cases, on average 10% are true allergies, whereas 90% are intolerances. Food Food allergies and intolerances can affect paw biting, due to poor gut integrity which causes a histamine response by the body. When the body reacts to a sudden influx of histamine, one of the most common symptoms is itching. Irritation can, and often does happen all over the body. Red sores, constant scratching, restlessness, and frustrated panting can all show your dog is itchy. Paw biting is one of these common symptoms too – this shows the dog’s paws are itching, as part of the immune response to foreign particles in the bloodstream. Contact Contact allergies
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we strive to help you decide on the best diet for your pet, including all the add-ons! We advocate feeding a fresh food diet when at all possible, whether that is raw or cooked using one of our balanced recipes. The big question often asked by pet owners is – does my pet need vegetables? The answer depends on the species of pet, and the individual animal! Let’s discuss the feeding of vegetables to pets, which veggies are suitable, and how much and often they should be fed! Do Cats Need Vegetables? Our feline friends are obligate carnivores. This means their diet should consist of meat, offal and bone. Cats will not benefit from a portion of vegetables, as they don’t have the required enzymes for digestion of plants or starch. Cats undergo a process called gluconeogenesis, which turns fats and proteins into energy, unlike many other species whereby carbohydrates are used for energy. During gluconeogenesis, a series of enzymatic reactions occur to achieve the release of energy from protein and fat. Findings Here Cats may benefit from a little wheatgrass and kelp; these ingredients are a great source of fibre which helps digestion and gut motility. They also contain a plethora of nutrition, such as Vitamin E, Zinc, Manganese, Iodine and copper. Kelp can help with plaque control on the teeth, and wheatgrass is great to aid immune health, eye health and vision, and also helps keep oral and gastrointestinal health in check. Do Dogs Need Vegetables? Unlike cats, while dogs are also carnivores, our canine counterparts are facultative carnivores; not obligate. This means they can benefit from a small amount of plant matter. For a more detailed explanation of facultative carnivorism, have a read of our blog: Is My Dog a Carnivore or an Omnivore? A complete meal for dogs does contain vegetables and fruits (collectively known as ‘plant matter’), as well as omega rich meat, fish or algae based sources. Dogs struggling with itchy skin may not tolerate some, or all vegetables – in these cases, vegetables should be avoided. If your dog is on an elimination diet they should not have vegetables, but may include vegetables as part of their elimination trial once protein choices are exhausted. Let’s look at the benefits feeding plant matter can bring! Benefits of Vegetables for Dogs There are a range of benefits plant matter can bring to your dog’s diet. These benefits cannot be sought from a purely meat diet. Polyphenols Polyphenols work alongside antioxidants to protect the tissues in the body from oxidative stress. In turn, this helps prevent cancer, general inflammation in the body, and coronary heart disease. Polyphenols inhibit transcript factors for inflammation by positively interacting with proteins which are involved in expression of genes, which ultimately helps keep inflammation in the body down. Studies also show that supplementing the diet with polyphenols when a dog has diarrhoea is beneficial as it helps reduce inflammation in the intestines. Vegetables high in polyphenols include: berries, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Antioxidants Antioxidants are a very important part of the diet, in order to keep your dog healthy. The body contains lots of free radicals – these are molecules which have an unpaired electron. These are extremely unstable, highly reactive, and can cause the onset of cancer, cataracts, heart disease, and inflammatory disease. They really are very damaging to healthy cells in the body, so we really need to work toward controlling levels of free radicals in the body, using antioxidants. When the diet is rich in antioxidants, free radicals are ‘eaten’ away from healthy cells in the body, which reduces the risk of oxidative stress. Not only is the reduction of oxidative stress a huge benefit to antioxidants, but eye health, cardiovascular health, and brain function are supported, as well as a reduction in inflammation in the body. Healthy ageing is largely down to reducing oxidative stress, so antioxidants are also very important for the ageing dog. Blueberries are excellent sources of antioxidants, as well as spinach, raspberries, and broccoli. Findings Here Findings Here Phytonutrients Phytonutrients bring wonderful anti-cancer and pro-heart health benefits. Studies show links between phytonutrient consumption, and longevity too! As well as these fantastic benefits, phytonutrients play a role in immune modulation, to keep the immune function strong, and prevent various diseases including skin cancer, internal cancers, inflammatory diseases, osteoarthritis, and others. It may also play a role in the management of diabetes, and allergies, as well as having anti-ageing effects. Findings Here Findings Here Choosing Suitable Vegetables for Dogs When choosing suitable plant matter for your dog, you need to consider the Glycaemic Index Rating of the vegetable in question. Glycaemic Index Rating Looking at the glycaemic index (GI) rating of plant matter is a very important part of choosing suitable options. The glycaemic index rates how quickly a food digests and causes a blood sugar spike. The lower the glycaemic index value, the longer it takes to digest that food, and the less likely it is to cause a spike in blood glucose. Higher GI foods digest quicker and cause a blood glucose spike. Try to feed lower GI foods more often, and only feeding higher GI foods occasionally, and sparingly. In general, the lower GI foods tend to be the most beneficial anyway! Findings Here Findings Here Some examples of Low GI foods include: Leafy green vegetables Broccoli Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Spinach Peppers Mushrooms Avocado flesh Herbs Some medium GI foods include: Berries Pear Apple Some high GI foods include: Banana Melon Sweet potato Carrot Parsnip Pumpkin Butternut squash Introducing, and Serving Vegetables When introducing vegetables to your dog for the first time, you may wish to start by giving a little veg, of only one or two varieties to ensure they like the options given and so as not to put them off entirely. If your dog is itch-prone, or has allergies, avoid all medium and high GI
The long debated question in the world of canines; are dogs carnivores, or omnivores? Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we are ready to put the somewhat controversial question to bed! There may be some fine lines between types of carnivore, and omnivores, so read carefully! Carnivores vs Omnivores: Diet As most of our readers will know, carnivorous animals eat, and thrive on meat and meat products only, whereas omnivorous animals eat, and thrive off a roughly equal mixture of meat and plants. Herbivorous animals eat purely plants, and insectivorous animals eat predominantly insects. ‘-carni’ means meat, ‘-omni’ means all, ‘-herbi´ means plant, and ‘-vore’ means eater in latin Biologically, humans are omnivorous. We are biologically designed to eat both meat, and plant matter. Our feline companions are carnivorous; in fact, they’re obligate carnivores, which means they do not utilise any plant matter well. So where does that leave our wonderful canine counterparts? Canines are facultative carnivores! How does a facultative carnivore differ from an obligate carnivore, and an omnivore, we hear you ask! Think of a facultative carnivore as a step between an obligate carnivore (only eats meat), and an omnivore (eats a fairly equal mix of meat and plant matter). Facultative carnivores eat a predominantly meat mased diet, and need this to thrive, but can benefit from a small amount of plant matter, for which more information is available in our blog: How to Balance an 80:10:10. When we look at Phylogenetics (the system which classifies and categorises every living organism depending on it’s evolutionary history), we can see that domestic, and wild dogs are part of the Canidae Family, and in the Order ‘Carnivora’. Other species in this Order, include Grey Wolves (of which our domestic dogs share 99.9% of their DNA), jackals, foxes, wild dogs and dingoes. Findings Here Findings Here The Digestive Tract When we look at the digestive tract of a dog, or any other carnivore, and compare it to that of a herbivore, or an omnivore, there are differences which further prove that dogs are carnivorous. Because a predominantly meat based diet takes less time to digest, carnivores have a much shorter digestive tract than those who eat a large amount of plant matter. The stomach is an important part of the digestive tract, as this is where gastric juices are mixed with food and kneaded using contractions of the stomach, which breaks the food down, ready for digestion. The carnivores stomach is always single chambered, and takes up around 60-70% of the entire capacity of the digestive system, which allows for consumption of large meals, eaten at a quick pace – many pet owners try to slow their dogs down when eating, however this is not necessary, and is actually very natural, unless the dog has an underlying medical condition, whereby digestive capabilities are poor, and eating too fast causes gas and regurgitation. When we look at the intestines of a dog, or any other carnivore, we see they are incredibly short in comparison to that of a species who consumes a lot of plant matter. As there will be little plant matter to digest, and meat is much easier to digest, the intestine doesn’t need to be longer, in order for it to fully absorb the nutrients gained from the diet. Having a short digestive tract, also ensures bad bacteria consumed in the diet are not able to recolonize. A final part of the digestive tract to look at, is pH – the strength of the stomach acid. The pH of a carnivores stomach is extremely low, making it extremely acidic; close to that of battery acid, when in the presence of food! Having such an incredibly acidic stomach, means they are able to digest meat very easily, as well as fight off pathogens within the food consumed. Omnivores have less acidic gastric juices, and herbivores have stomach acid so weak, it is almost pH7 (neutral), which teamed with a longer digestive tract, aids the gentle digestion of plant matter. Findings Here Findings Here Jaw and Dentition Next, we will look at the jaw, and dentition of the carnivore vs omnivore. Lets take a look at the width of an open mouth. Open your mouth, and look in the mirror. Now watch your dog open his or her mouth when yawning, panting, or eating. You will notice a huge difference in size of the oral cavity when the mouth is open. A large opening enables carnivores to catch, kill and rip their prey apart. Omnivores don’t need to do this, so have a much smaller oral opening. The joint in the jaw of carnivores acts as a hinge, and is very stable; in omnivores, the jaw joint is much more complex, and slightly less stable. The muscles in the face, particularly around the jaw area, are so incredibly powerful in carnivores, that the size of the muscle is what forms the slightly angular shape of the dog’s cheeks/face. Omnivores have a much weaker, and therefore smaller muscle here, which is far less noticeable by eye. The third difference regarding the jaw itself, is that omnivores have plenty of side-to-side movement, as well as backward and forward movement; this allows for the teeth to grind plant matter easily, as well as chew animal based matter. In carnivores, the jaw has extremely limited movement, bar up and down. This allows for the jaw to act almost like a pair of scissors, chopping the meat consumed in to smaller pieces in order to make them easier to swallow. On to the teeth! Both carnivores and omnivores have Incisors at the front of the mouth, followed by incisors, followed by molars at the back of the mouth. These, however, have different qualities in carnivores versus omnivores. The incisors of a carnivore are pointed, and short; this enables them to efficiently catch and disable prey. The incisors of an omnivore are not pointed, and are longer in comparison to other teeth in the mouth. The canines
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, acid reflux is one of the most common issues we come across in our consultations. Dogs with acid reflux may have it for a variety of reasons, from allergies to BOAS, and many other reasons in between. These dogs are often less tolerable of some generally preferred diets, so require a specific diet and supplement regime, which we will discuss here! A Bit About Acid Reflux Acid reflux is formally known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). When a dog eats, a mixture is formed in the stomach, comprising of stomach acid, salts and bile; this is called chime. Those with acid reflux suffer from the chime mixture entering the oesophagus. Acid reflux is a symptom of many underlying health conditions, and can be very uncomfortable. While acid reflux itself is not life threatening, it can lead to oesophageal ulcers due to repeated inflammation of the lining of the oesophagus, as well as the potential risk of aspiration pneumonia. Symptoms of Acid Reflux include: Bad breath Regular burping and regurgitation Tenderness of the stomach (bowing is the main sign of this) Constipation or diarrhoea Lack of appetite Lethargy Wheezing and dry coughs Weight loss Acid reflux is often caused by low stomach acid, contrary to what many may assume. Proton pump inhibitors are often prescribed under the assumption that the dog has too much stomach acid, however it’s often the exact opposite issue. This may seem an odd concept, however it becomes clear that when the stomach is lacking acid, it is unable to fully digest food at a high enough rate, so the food tends to sit in the stomach, which is then regurgitated. For more information on acid reflux, read our blog here! Diet When is comes to feeding a dog with acid reflux, it’s important not to feed processed foods. Processed foods such as kibble, are very inflammatory, which ultimately reduces stomach acid. A reduction in stomach acid can be a major trigger for acid reflux, as there’s less acid to digest foods. Fresh feeding for acid reflux dogs can be raw, or lightly cooked. Many dogs with acid reflux find it difficult to tolerate raw food, as the food sits in the stomach for a long time; when it sits in the stomach in chime, gasses are released, and the chance of reflux increases. Cooked food is often the best option. When feeding a cooked food, it is incredibly important to follow a balanced recipe, such as our recipes! Sticking to the leaner protein options such as the white fish recipe may be the best option, as feeding fattier proteins may cause more issue for dogs who are unable to digest efficiently. Acid reflux is often a symptom of allergies, so it’s important to get to the bottom of the dog’s allergies, and eliminate trigger proteins from the diet. To achieve this, an elimination diet should be carried out. Why not book in with one of our team for guidance through an elimination diet? Ensure there is plenty of fibre in the diet. Insoluble fibre increases gut and stomach motility, which is essential for those suffering from acid reflux. Some great sources of insoluble dietary fibre are: Broccoli Leafy greens Cauliflower Carrots Berries Findings Here Feeding a good variety of proteins (if allergy constraints allow), and a variety of plant matter can help ensure there are no vitamin deficiencies, which could contribute to acid reflux. In the human world, bariatric surgery patients often suffer with GERD, due to the inability to consume sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals – nutritional deficiencies can impact our dogs too! Zinc deficiencies are common among acid reflux patients as it is thought that zinc helps protect the lining of the stomach. Findings Here Findings Here Working on getting to the bottom of any allergies and intolerances is important in helping relieve your dog of symptoms too! Allergies and intolerances are largely down to gut health, which causes a knock on effect on acid reflux. It’s also very important to choose the correct supplements to give your dog when suffering with acid reflux. Supplements The first, and most important supplement, or group of supplements we will be looking at, is those that aid gut health. Mucilage Herbs Mucilage herbs include Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, and Declycyrrhizinated Liquorice Root. These herbs are excellent for healing the gut, as they coat the digestive system. They not only help heal the gut, but they also soothe the oesophageal tract which is great for those suffering with acid reflux. Our probiotic and mucilage herb blend, Gut Guardian, may be perfect for your dog! Probiotics Probiotics are essential for a healthy gut. They help the gut microbiome flourish, which in turn aids digestion of foods, reducing the risk of chime sitting in the gut. Our aforementioned Gut Guardian supplement contains a great variety of clean probiotics, so may be a great choice for your dog! Findings Here Digestive Enzymes Some dogs, especially our acid reflux dogs, often suffer from poor digestion, due to insufficient amounts of the required digestive enzymes. When lacking such enzymes, food sits in the stomach in the chime mixture, which is them repeatedly regurgitated. Giving a good digestive enzyme may be pivotal to your dog’s recovery, or management of acid reflux. The two enzymes as play in this situation are Pepsin and Trypsin. Findings Here Rhodiola This is a herb, less commonly known in general, which contributes to responding to physical and mental stressors. As well as aiding those with diabetes, cancer, and anxiety, Rhodiola is great at helping the body cope with the physical stressors acid reflux brings. Findings Here Theanine Theanine is a non-protien amino acid which occurs naturally in tea. It plays a role in the prevention of acid refluc flare ups by increasing GABA activity, and reduce oesophageal sphincter relaxations. Together these reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Findings Here If your dog has acid reflux, and you are unsure what to feed
At My Pet Nutritionist, we understand the importance of hormones in the body, and how the slightest imbalance can lead to both minor, and major health issues. This guide will help you understand the role of hormones within the body. What are hormones? Hormones are found in all living organisms, from mammals to plants. They are substances found in the body which regulate bodily functions, including mental development, physical development, reproduction, and metabolism. What is the Endocrine System? The Endocrine system is comprised of all the organs and glands that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream and into the tissues and organs which use them. Thyroid Hormones Thyroid stimulating hormone While Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced in the brain, by the Anterior Pituitary Gland, it is the most important hormone for thyroid function. TSH is the hormone which is needed to stimulate the production of other important hormones in the thyroid gland. Findings Here Dogs suffering from Hypothyroidism have been proven to have fluctuating amounts of TSH produced, which causes issues when trying to produce the relevant hormones in the thyroid itself, leading to Hypothyroidism. Findings Here Thyroxine Thyroxine, also known as T4, is the most important hormone produced in, and secreted by the thyroid gland. Tyroxine is essential for normal functioning of the heart and muscles, neurological development, digestion, metabolism and weight management, and bone repair/strengthening. Findings Here Findings Here Thyroxine supplements may help physical and cognitive abilities if used as a treatment for patients suffering with hypothyroidism. Findings Here Triiodothyronine Also known as T3, Triiodothyronine is another important hormone produced and secreted by the thyroid gland. It aids the control of metabolic rate, heart rate, neurological development, bone development, and digestion. It goes hand in hand with Thyroxine. Triiodothyronine is particularly important for skeletal development and function. Findings Here Calcitonin Calcitonin is the third important hormone produced by the thyroid, and is used in the regulation of calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. It also helps to protect the body against developing hypercalcaemia, by reducing the levels of calcium in the blood. Where the other thyroid hormones are stimulated by TSH, Calcitonin production is also stimulated by Gastrin; one of the gastric hormones, which aids muscle growth, and contributes to muscle health in aging individuals, as well as gut motility, and production of stomach acid. Findings Here Reproductive Hormones Oxytocin Oxytocin is produced in the brain, in the hypothalamus, and is released by the pituitary gland for use in the reproductive system. This is the hormone responsible for sexual arousal, and bonding between mother and infant. The uterus contracts when stimulated by Oxytocin, so it is an important hormone during labour too. Trust and recognition are also controlled by oxytocin, as well as the bond between the owner and pet. Findings Here Findings Here Progesterone Progesterone is responsible for the preparation of the uterus lining; the endometrium. Once fertilized, the eggs will embed themselves in the endometrium, where they will grow and mature. Relaxin Relaxin is utilised in both the musculoskeletal system, and the reproductive system. In the reproductive system, it aids the growth of the placenta, and also helps imbed the fertilized egg (embryo) into the endometrium. In the musculoskeletal system, Relaxin is involved in cartilage and tendon health, as well as bone and muscle repair Findings Here Findings Here Testosterone Testosterone is particularly important for males, however it is present in females too. In females it regulates breast tissue, and fertility. In males, testosterone not only aids sex drive, but also regulates distribution of body fat, bone density and muscle mass, and it also aids the production of Red Blood Cells, and sperm. When testosterone is taken away too early, through premature neutering, the risk of a huge variety of health problems can increase, including weight gain, arthritis, uneven bone growth, poor bone strength, various cancers, among other health issues. Findings Here Adrenal Gland Hormones Cortisol Cortisol has many functions in the body. It is produced in the Zona Fasciculata, which is in the very centre of the Adrenal Gland. It’s functions in the body include controlling the body’s intake and use of protein, fat and carbohydrates, increasing blood sugar levels, decreasing inflammation, and regulating blood pressure. Cortisol is also known as the ‘primary stress hormone’ – it’s the hormone which helps relax urges of stress or anger, and helps build the bond between owner and dog, alongside the aforementioned Oxytocin. Findings Here Adrenaline This one may be quite self-explanatory. When you think of what it feels like to have an adrenaline rush; this is the role of adrenaline! It causes an increase in blood pressure, expansion of passageways to and from the lungs, heightened pain threshold, more acute sensitivity to sounds and sights, and is also very important for distributing blood to muscles. Findings Here Findings Here Aldosterone Produced in the adrenal glands, Aldosterone is responsible for regulation of water to salt ratios in the body. The amount of salt to water in the body dictates blood pressure, so Aldosterone is essential in the regulation of normal, healthy blood pressure. Findings Here Noradrenaline Produced in the adrenal medulla, this is an important hormone used by the brain. It regulates cognitive function at all ages, and is also an important part of arousal and attention span. Findings Here Pancreatic Hormones Insulin This may be a hormone you most likely will have heard of. Insulin is a massive part of diabtetes. Why is this? The role of insulin is to lower blood glucose levels. Type 2 Diabetes is caused by a spike in blood glucose levels, where insulin is not present enough. This hormone is produced in the pancreas. Findings Here Glucagon Alongside Insulin, Glucagon is also produced in the pancreas, and also helps regulate glucose levels within the body. Glucagon regulates glucose homeostasis by stimulating the production of glucose form the liver. Findings Here Findings Here Somatostatin Produced in the pancreas, Somatostatin inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon, which is
Ever been in the situation where your dog is struggling to poop? You’re certainly not alone – here at My Pet Nutritionist, we have put together this guide with information on how constipation happens, and solutions to help prevent further issues, and get the gut moving again! Diet Dry Food Dry food is incredibly low in moisture, which puts strain on many systems within the body, including the bowel. Kibble products are 8-10% moisture, which dehydrates the bowel. When the bowel dehydrates, gut motility becomes poor, which causes constipation. Raw food is 65-75% moisture, so is a much better choice! Dry food is also typically low in fibre compared to fresh diets. Lack of fibre is another contributing factor to poor gut motility. Raw food bone content Those who feed a raw diet to their pets, will know the basic guidelines for making up a raw diet are 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% offal, plus your plant matter (if suitable for your dog), omegas and other healthy extras. Some dogs don’t tolerate the 10% bone. This could be down to genetics, or simply because the gut needs some work after an abrupt transition from the previous diet. To improve gut health, you may need to add slippery elm or marshmallow root into the regime, alongside a probiotic. For those who just cannot tolerate the 10% bone, you may wish to dilute the bone in the food using boneless raw mince, or even switch to a boneless complete, of which there are a few brands on the market. Alternatively, you can use our recipes. The calcium rich substitute for bone in such products and recipes include Bone Meal, Egg Shell, Kale and calcium-rich seaweed. Specially formulated diets will include the correct amount of specific sources of calcium, whether it be plant material, or through the aforementioned supplements, dependent on the protein source used in the recipe. Some brands tend to have slightly higher bone contents than others despite being labelled as 80-10-10. It’s always worth trying other brands if your dog starts becoming constipated. Protein choices also make a difference regarding the bone content. As an example, a common protein we see dogs constipated on, is rabbit. Rabbits have soft bones (which contain low amounts of calcium), and hard bones (like other bones typical of mammals). Because the softer bones contain less calcium, more bone is often required to hit the minimum FEDIAF guidelines for calcium content, which can cause some dogs to become constipated. If you have this issue, either dilute the bone by substituting a small amount of the raw for boneless mince, looking at changing proteins, or feeding half rabbit 80-10-10, and half other 80-10-10. Those feeding DIY raw instead of premade raw foods, may need to give a day or two of boneless meals (just the muscle meat and offal) following a bone-heavy day. Watching the dogs’ bowel movements is a great way to keep track of what the dog needs in the next meal. Ideas to help get things moving again: Add leafy greens or green beans to the meal Replace a little of the premade diet with boneless mince Add Slippery Elm or Marshmallow Root to the meal Add cooked sweet potato or pumpkin to the meal. Fibre The fibre content and type, your dog is consuming can directly affect bowel movements. First, let’s take a look at the types of dietary fibre and what they contribute to bowel movements. Soluble Fibre: this type of fibre dissolves into water. When it dissolves, a gel substance is formed. Generally speaking, having too much soluble fibre in the diet can reduce movement in the bowel and lead to constipation. Sources include apple, carrots and psyllium husk. Psyllium husk is an exception to the rule of thumb that adding soluble fibres will contribute to constipation as it binds water excess water in the gut, which helps soften stools, as well as solidify them. Insoluble fibre: this type of fibre is found mostly in vegetables, especially in leafy greens. Insoluble fibre helps bulk out stools, and aid movement through the digestive tract. Adding insoluble fibre can also be very useful in the management of anal glands. Ideas to help get things moving again: Add leafy greens or green beans to the meal Add psyllium husk to the meal Add cooked sweet potato to the meal Foreign Object Blockages It is incredibly important to have blockages ruled out by the veterinarian, especially if your dog goes for a long period without defecating, has diarrhoea while straining, is vomiting as well as constipated, is lethargic and has a loss of appetite. All, or even just some, of these symptoms may point toward a blockage, also known as an obstruction in the veterinary world. Obstructions can be anything from impacted bone to parts of toys, cooked bones, and rawhide chews (which should both always be avoided!), or other indigestible items which are unable to pass through the digestive system. The vet, in most cases, will run scans before surgically removing the item. If the item is at the lower end of the intestine, they may try an enema to release it. Very occasionally they may prescribe a glucose treatment to try to get small blockages moving. Findings here Muzzle training may be a good idea for those prone to scavenging. All damaged toys must be removed once damaged, and all dogs should be supervised when playing with toys. Medications Some medications cause constipation. If your dog is on any medications and is constipated, it’s a good idea to ask your vet what the side effects include as this could be the reason, and the dog may need to have a prescription review at the surgery. Medications prone to causing constipation include: Antihistamines (designed to reduce allergy symptoms) Diuretics (such as furosemide and spironolactone, commonly used to treat congestive heart failure. Diuretics help remove pooled fluids) Proton Pump Inhibitors/Antacids (designed to neutralise stomach acid) Iron Supplements Findings here Inflammation and
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we deal with a huge amount of dogs with a variety of allergy symptoms. Some of our clients dogs have been diagnosed with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which is an incurable disease, presented as repeated anaphylactic symptoms. What are Mast Cells? Found in the epithelial and mucosal tissues throughout the body, Mast Cells help regulate the formation of new blood cells, eliminate bacteria and parasites, and vasodilation as well as bone growth, and mineral homeostasis. Mast Cells also regulate cell function in various cell types, including: Dendritic cells Macrophages T Cells B Cells Fibroblasts Eosinophils Endothelial Cells Epithelial Cells While they’re very important parts of the body’s tissues, Mast Cells do produce and release substances which can be harmful in large quantities, including: Histamine Leukotrienes Heparin Proteases Prostanoids Cytokines Chemokines Growth factors What Does Mast Cell Activation Syndrome look like? There are a variety of symptoms associated with MCAS, including: Swelling of the body, either localised to one area, or general swelling. Nausea and vomiting Acute diarrhoea Hives Reduced/low blood pressure Difficulty breathing Difficulty swallowing Inability to stand or walk properly (may seem ‘drunk’) If any of these symptoms shows, it is imperative to seek veterinary attention immediately. If these symptoms occur regularly, then your dog may need to undergo tests for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. What Causes Mast Cell Activation Syndrome? It is unclear what causes MCAS to develop. It is often an idiopathic condition – meaning it happens without clinical reason. As it’s a condition related to allergies and intolerances, it’s important to discover, and eliminate these triggers from the diet, to reduce the risk reaction. One study suggests a possible link to the onset of MCAS, in patients with underlying immune disorders. Findings Here How Does the Vet Test for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome? Blood tests will be carried out on your pet, to check for any elevated levels of histamines (which are released in the presence of a foreign body), tryptase (the markers of degeneration of mast cells, often produced during anaphylaxis), and prostaglandins (fatty compounds with a hormone-like effect in animals, which regulated inflammation). If one, or all of these are present in abnormally elevated amounts, a diagnosis of MCAS may be given, particularly if these episodes are regular, and any prescribed antihistamines calm symptoms down. Findings Here The veterinarian may prescribe histamine 1 and 2 blockers, mast cell inhibitors, mast cell stabilisers, NSAIDs, immune suppressants, or other pharmaceuticals, which inhibit the production of histmaines and tyrosine. One note to remember; some pharmaceuticals block DAO (Diamine Oxidase), which is the enzyme which breaks histamine down. We need histamine removed from the body as soon as possible so this is something to discuss with your veterinarian. How Can we Support the Body? Diet At My Pet Nutritionist, we are all about feeding a fresh diet, whether it be raw, or lightly cooked. Your chosen diet MUST be low histamine. Avoid fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and ACV as these are high histamine, and avoid high histamine plant matter such as spinach, pumpkin, strawberry, and avocado. If making bone broth for your dog, replace the ACV with lemon juice for a lower histamine option! Read more about Mast Cell conditions, and low histamine diets here! So, why is fresh food best for those diagnosed with MCAS? Fresh food doesn’t contain unnecessary bulking ingredients, such as rice, maize/corn, other grains, legumes or nightshades. These ingredients all cause gut damage and/or are biologically inappropriate, and can be a major histamine release trigger. Fresh food is minimally processed. Ultra processed ‘dog food’ is often contaminated with glyphosate, and Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs), which are both damaging to the gut. It’s much easier to work on allergies and intolerances, using fresh food. This is important as we need to keep intolerances under control. Keep the Gut Healthy As with all potential allergy related issues, we need to keep the gut healthy! The gut microbiome is incredibly important to keep immunity strong, and reduce the risk of foreign particles being detected in the blood stream, having leaked from a gut with poor integrity. Any leaked particles will be targeted by histamine responses, which will increase the risk of a MCAS flare up. Some gut health supplements include slippery elm, marshmallow root, Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice Root. These should be paired with a good probiotic. The My Pet Nutritionist Gut Guardian supplement is perfect for dogs requiring gut work! Gut Guardian Work on allergies Ensuring any potential allergies or intolerances are under control is essential! Those suffering with any Mast Cell related conditions must have their histamine levels under control at all times, to reduce the risk of a flare up. As MCAS is heavily related to anaphylaxis, it is absolutely paramount that allergens are completely eradicated from the dog’s diet, and lifestyle. In order to eradicate the allergens, an elimination diet is to be carried out, whereby one single protein is fed for numerous weeks, and is eliminated from the diet if the dog continues to worsen. Once some safe proteins are established, it’s important to stick to feeding only these proteins. Read more on elimination diets here. Supplements As well as the aforementioned gut healing supplements, there are a number of other supplements which may help support the body. CBD: mast cells have cannabinoid receptors (like most cells in the mammalian body), which when inhibited, causes their production to be downregulated. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Quercetin: found in various fruits, green vegetables and stinging nettles, quercetin is a natural antihistamine as it downregulates the enzyme responsible for converting histidine to histamine. Quercetin also reduces production of prostaglandins and histamines as it inhibits the cells responsible for their release. The inflammatory cytokines which cause inflammation as a large part of MCAS, are also inhibited, which decreases their production. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Curcumin: this is the active component of turmeric; the main anti-inflammatory part. Another fantastic benefit of curcumin is that it inhibits
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we love adding vitamin C rich foods to a dog’s diet, even though dogs are able to produce their own Vitamin C, via their liver. However, in some cases, such as during times of stress or illness, supplementing with Vitamin C may be recommended. This blog looks at 5 benefits of feeding vitamin C, Vitamin C rich foods and different ways to supplement this vitamin. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for dogs that plays an important role in several physiological processes in the body. Here are some benefits of vitamin C for dogs, along with references to research studies: Immune system support Vitamin C has been shown to enhance the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells and boosting the function of immune cells. Research has shown that supplementation with vitamin C can improve immune function in dogs (1). Antioxidant protection Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Research has shown that supplementation with vitamin C can increase antioxidant activity in dogs (2). Collagen synthesis Vitamin C plays a key role in the synthesis of collagen, which is an essential component of connective tissue. Research has shown that supplementation with vitamin C can help improve collagen production in dogs, which can support joint health (3). Stress reduction Vitamin C has been shown to help reduce stress in dogs by reducing levels of stress hormones in the body. Research has shown that supplementation with vitamin C can help improve behavioral and physiological responses to stress in dogs (4). Calm Complex Wound healing Vitamin C has been shown to play a key role in wound healing by promoting the production of new tissue and reducing inflammation. Research has shown that supplementation with vitamin C can help improve wound healing in dogs (5). Vitamin C Rich Food to Add to the Bowl Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries are all high in vitamin C. Kiwi: This small, fuzzy fruit is a great source of vitamin C, with one kiwi containing about 70 milligrams of vitamin C. Papaya: This tropical fruit is a great source of vitamin C, with a medium-sized papaya containing about 95 milligrams of vitamin C. Mango: Another tropical fruit that's high in vitamin C, with a medium-sized mango containing about 60 milligrams of vitamin C. Sugar rich fruit should be kept to a minimum in any dog’s diet. Pineapple: This tropical fruit is a good source of vitamin C, with a cup of pineapple chunks containing about 80 milligrams of vitamin C. Sugar rich fruit should be kept to a minimum in any dog’s diet. Broccoli: This cruciferous vegetable is a great source of vitamin C, with one cup of chopped broccoli containing about 81 milligrams of vitamin C. Brussels sprouts: Another cruciferous vegetable that's high in vitamin C, with one cup of cooked Brussels sprouts containing about 75 milligrams of vitamin C. Spinach: This leafy green vegetable is a good source of vitamin C, with one cup of cooked spinach containing about 17 milligrams of vitamin C. Superfoods: Camu camu berries, acerola cherries, amla berries, and goji berries (organic) are all superfoods that are incredibly high in vitamin C. Supplementing Vitamin C in Times of Need Whilst we prefer getting our vitamins and minerals from food, if there is a therapeutic need for your dog, then supplementing is key. When selecting a supplement, it is good to know what you are looking for. A review article published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2006 concluded that bioflavonoids may enhance the bioavailability and antioxidant activity of vitamin C. The authors suggested that the combination of vitamin C and bioflavonoids may be a useful strategy for preventing or treating a variety of health conditions. There are a few similar studies and something we tend to consider when choosing a vitamin C product. Here are some different forms of supplemental vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid: This is the most common form of Vitamin C and is often used in human supplements. It is also sometimes used for dogs, but can cause digestive upset in some dogs. Sodium Ascorbate: This is a buffered form of Vitamin C that is less likely to cause digestive upset in dogs than ascorbic acid. It is also sometimes used in dog supplements. Calcium Ascorbate: This is another buffered form of Vitamin C that is often used in dog supplements. It may be less acidic than other forms of Vitamin C and may be more easily absorbed by dogs. Ester-C: This is a patented form of Vitamin C that is claimed to be more easily absorbed by the body than other forms of Vitamin C. It may also be less likely to cause digestive upset. Liposomal Vitamin C: Often transported in lecithin via soy or sunflower (we prefer sunflower), to help the absorption of vitamin C. A rather new technology and popular among nutritionists. The amount of vitamin C that a dog can tolerate varies based on their size, age, breed, and overall health status. While vitamin C is an essential nutrient for dogs, they can synthesize it naturally in their body and may not require additional supplementation. In general, dogs require approximately 18mg/kg of vitamin C per day, and the recommended daily dosage of vitamin C for dogs is typically around 500mg to 1000mg per day, depending on their weight and health status. However, giving too much vitamin C to dogs can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, and other health issues Conclusion Vitamin C can be a useful addition to your dog’s diet whether
