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
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we regularly see frequent urination as a sign of illness, stress and other diet related issues. The scientific name for excessive urination is Polyuria, and it often comes hand in hand with Polydipsia (excessive drinking). Read our Polydipsia blog here. Let’s discuss what may cause this! Diet The diet you feed your dog may affect the amount of urine produced. Dogs fed on a dry food diet will require a larger intake of water as their food is lacking in moisture which puts pressure on the kidneys. Wet/fresh food on average is around 75% moisture verses a dry food which is around 8-10% moisture. Similarly, high salt diets and treats will affect kidney function. The kidneys require a good amount of moisture to keep them functioning properly; so the dog will feel thirstier, consume more water and then as a result, produce more urine to be excreted. Illness Dogs may experience polyuria as a symptom of numerous health issues. Polyuria tends to go hand in hand with polydipsia as excessive thirst causes excessive drinking, which in turn causes excessive urination. Cystitis/Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) A common observation made by pet owners when their dog has a UTI, or cystitis (UTI of the bladder) brewing, is that the dog begins to urinate more often, and in unusual places. This can be tricky to differentiate from adolescent behaviour in younger dogs but is important to rule out if your dog has been urinating in the house, having been fully house-trained previously. A dog will drink more water when experiencing a UTI in an attempt to flush it through the system, which will result in more urine being produced, and the dog being unable to hold it until their next garden visit. If your dog is urinating in unusual places, be sure to collect a urine sample and take it to your vet for analysis. Findings Here Sickness bug/nausea Sickness bugs often cause nausea and/or diarrhoea, which in turn causes a dog to require more liquid. As the dog will have increased their liquid intake, they will also produce more urine. Encouraging a dog to drink more, means they’re less likely to become dehydrated, even if it results in more urination than is normal for that dog. If you’re struggling to get your dog to drink, bone broth is an excellent powerhouse of nutrients as well as moisture –perfect for a poorly digestion. Bladder stones When a dog has bladder stones, they may urinate more frequently than is normal for that dog, producing only a few drops each time.The urine may contain blood, often due to straining, or a secondary Cystitis infection. There are numerous types of bladder stone, and it’s very important to find out from your veterinarian, which type of bladder stone is present. You can then tweak the diet dependent on bladder stone type – check out our bladder stones blog here. Findings Here Findings Here Kidney Disease/Infection Polyuria is one of the most common, and earliest signs of kidney disease. Dogs with kidney disease may also start to urinate overnight. Other symptoms include nausea, weight loss, lethargy, and changes to bowel movements. During the earlier stages of kidney disease, the kidneys become unable to efficiently concentrate urine, causing the dog to drink more; and subsequently urinate more. Kidney infections (scientifically known as pyelonephritis) also cause damage to the inner part of the kidney known as the Medulla, which filters and dilutes urine. When this is damaged, more water is required to successfully dilute the urine; causing the need for more urination. If left untreated, the ability to properly dilute urine decreases. Findings Here Findings Here Liver disease A staggering 50% of canine liver disease cases present with polyuria. Hepatic encephalopathy (the condition when changes in the brain cause liver disease) and liver shunts damage the liver and can cause false signals to be sent back to the brain via neurotransmitters, which causes an increase in the production of a hormone called Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH). Elevated ACTH secretion causes havoc with the tissues in the body, and causes the dog to require more moisture, resulting in the need to urinate more. Findings Here Cushing’s Disease Dogs with Cushing’s Disease usually produce too much of the hormone, Cortisol. As well as being caused by excessive exposure to Cortisol, Cushing’s Disease can be caused by long term use of glucocorticoids – drugs such as hydrocortisone. Like those with Liver Disease, those with Cushing’s Disease have elevated exposure to ACTH, which ultimately leads to increased thirst, and therefore increased urination. Findings Here Findings Here Findings Here Diabetes Insipidus Just like with polydipsia, polyuria is another very common symptom of Diabetes Insipidus. Of course, there are many other things that may cause polyuria, but Diabetes Insipidus is one of the conditions your vet may wish to discuss with you, often once other conditions have been ruled out via various tests. The most common type of Diabetes Insipidus is Secondary Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus, and your vet may need to instruct a water restriction to be able to measure the concentration of the urine produced. An estimate of 0.32% of dogs in the UK have diabetes, mostly occurring between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Findings Here Findings Here Incontinence Dogs suffering with incontinence may urinate more frequently, but usually in smaller amounts. This is because the sphincter at the bottom of the bladder is weak, or the messages sent from the brain are abnormal, causing the lack of controlled flow. Incontinent dogs will often urinate in small drips through the day when standing, sleeping, walking or getting up from a laid down position. Incontinence can be due to many factors including early spaying (known as spay incontinence), ageing, or even down to genetics when the part of the brain which controls the coordination of the bladder muscles; called The Pons, has a defect. Findings Here Medications Long-term use of certain medications can cause polyuria, including glucocorticoids, phenobarbitone, and furosemide.
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often see excessive thirst as a symptom often related to diet, sickness, disease or behaviour. Many pet owners might notice their dogs drinking more water at certain times, so this guide outlines the basics and possible reasons why, from the not so serious to the serious. The scientific name for excessive thirst, causing excessive water consumption, is Polydipsia. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) define polydipsia as ‘water intake that is twice maintenance requirements’ – dogs consuming more than 100ml/kg bodyweight per day is considered excessive. Dogs may have Polydipsia for a number of reasons, which we will cover in this blog! Findings here Checking for Dehydration First things first, here’s a simple technique called ‘tenting’ which you can use to check if your dog is dehydrated. Gently pinch some of your dogs skin on their side. Does it ping straight back to normal? Yes: your dog is well hydrated No: your dog is dehydrated Gums should be pink and moist. Grey, tacky, or dry gums may show dehydration. Exercise and Environment Just like their human counterparts, dogs if exercising/exerting extra energy and not offered water during their exercise, will become dehydrated. Many will get home and rush straight to their water bowl for a big drink. We recommend taking a portable dog water bowl with you, particularly on longer walks. Filtered water is always recommended. If the weather is warm or humid, your dog will lose water through sweat and panting, so will need to drink more to replenish what’s missing. Diet The diet you choose for your dog may contribute to your dog’s Polydipsia. A fresh food diet (including raw and cooked food), or high quality wet food diet will contain a lot of moisture at around 65-75%. Feeding a dry food, whether it be freeze dried, air dried, or kibble, will sadly be dehydrating, due to lack of moisture at around 6-10%. This may cause a strain on the kidneys also, so many people choose to ‘float’ their dogs meal (adding water to the meal). The salt content in some dry foods and treats, may also contribute to thirst as salt puts extra pressure on the kidneys, meaning a higher water intake is required to help them flush it through. Illness Dogs who have been unwell with a bug, or an intolerance/allergy to a food, causing sickness and/or diarrhoea, may drink excessively, as they lose a lot of water through vomit and faeces. The feeling of nausea may also encourage excessive drinking. There are more specific medical problems of which polydipsia is a symptom. Let’s have a look at those: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) When dogs experience a UTI, they produce a lot of urine. Due to expelling so much urine, their bodies will feel in a constant state of dehydration, leading to excessive consumption of water to replace the lost fluids. This is the first medical condition to rule out as it is one of the more common reasons a dog may drink lots of water. Findings here Diabetes Polydipsia and Polyurea (excessive urination) are two of the most prominent symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus. Of the types of Diabetes Insipidus in dogs, the most common is Secondary Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus and can be of varying degrees of severity. Your veterinarian may wish to rule out other potential conditions first, then may instruct a water deprivation test to diagnose Diabetes Insipidus – this is the only time you should restrict water from your pet; under full veterinary guidance! Findings here Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) Cushing’s disease is caused when the adrenal gland produces too much of a hormone called Cortisol. Cortisol is used in regulation of blood pressure, keeping heart and blood vessels healthy and working smoothly, and reducing inflammation. When there’s too much Cortisol in the body, weight gain, increased thirst, swelling, hair loss, calcinosis cutis, lethargy, and excessive panting can all be symptoms. Dogs with polydipsia suffering from Cushing’s Disease, drink between 2 and 10 times the normal amount for a dog their size. Cushing’s Disease is often mistaken for dermatitis or liver disease. Findings here Findings here Liver Disease Excessive thirst is one of the most common signs of liver disease, showing in around 50% of liver disease patients. Dogs suffering with liver disease, specifically hepatic encephalopathy, have increased production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH for short!), which causes an increase in cortisol in the body, ultimately causing dehydration of plasma cells. Because the plasma cells require more water, the dog’s thirst is increased. Other liver diseases also cause polydipsia. Findings here Hypercalcemia and Kidney Disease Having too much calcium in the blood causes hypercalcemia, which can lead to poor functioning of the heart and brain, as well as weakened bones, and the potential for kidney stones. It’s caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Hypercalcemia is often as a result of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Acute Kidney Disease, hyperparathyroidism, underactive adrenal gland, Cancers and in very rare cases, when the body has taken in too much Vitamin D. Excessive thirst and urinating are the most typical signs of hypercalcemia due to the kidneys being unable to concentrate urine properly. In order to properly dilute urine before excretion, the dog needs to need to drink more to ensure there’s enough water reaching the tissues ofthe kidneys. Findings here Findings here Tumours There are links between polydipsia and tumours in dogs, primarily cancerous tumours involving the kidneys, for similar reasons as in dogs suffering with kidney disease. Polydipsia can also be a symptom of tumours (benign or malignant) due to paraneoplastic syndromes, that are triggered by the formation of a tumour and activates the immune system in an unusual way. Findings here Findings here Pyometra Entire bitches may suffer from open (more common and generally treatable) and closed (life threatening) pyometra. The average age for pyometra is 7.25 years, but it can happen at any age, especially in those who have had multiple seasons. Excessive water consumption is a common symptom
If you have followed us here at My Pet Nutritionist for any length of time you’ll know that we’re all about the fresh feeding of pets. But did you know that even if you can’t commit to a 100% fresh food diet, you can still add some powerhouse ingredients to your dog’s existing diet to reap some rewards? We thought we’d share some great additions that are super-easy to add to your dog’s diet. Green Leafy Vegetables Top of the list for a reason. Green leafy vegetables include spinach, kale, watercress and broccoli. In green leafy vegetables you will find vitamins A, C, E and K along with many of the B-vitamins. These vegetables also contain carotenoids. Carotenoids act as an antioxidant, deactivating free-radicals and limiting the damage they can cause. Green leafy vegetables also contain a rich source of folate, this is after all, where the name came from. Folate comes from the Latin folium, because it was first found in leaves! Folate functions as a coenzyme in many processes in the body. It is needed to make DNA and other genetic material and is essential in cell division. In short, it helps tissues grow and makes cells work. Folate is also involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, so it is implicated in mood and subsequently behaviour too! Being water-soluble, there is a high turnover in the body so we need to replenish this trusty vitamin regularly! Did you know? One particular study showed a reduced rate of bladder cancer when leafy veg was added to the dog’s diet! Findings Here So, lightly steam your leafy greens and add them to that bowl! Mushrooms Mushrooms have been seen to be: Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Antioxidant Prebiotic Anti-diabetic But which ones to feed? Reishi mushrooms are adored for their immunomodulating benefits. Maiitike mushrooms have been used for their antibacterial function. Cordyceps have been seen to inhibit inflammatory responses throughout the body. Findings Here If you are looking to add mushrooms to the bowl, cook them fully, lightly sauteed is fine. If you are looking to use them therapeutically, then please feel free to get in touch for advice and guidance. Eggs There’s a reason eggs are the protein reference. They contain the full essential amino acid profile. Eggs contain essential lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals and trace elements including vitamin A, iron, vitamin B12, riboflavin, choline, zinc and calcium. Egg proteins are distributed equally between egg white and egg yolk, whilst lipids, vitamins and minerals are essentially concentrated in the egg yolk. The yolk is a rich source of linoleic acid and as we know, LA is abundant in the epidermis of the skin, so eggs are a great source of food to support skin health. There are also a range of proteins found in the egg that exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic activity. Avidin is seen to target bacteria, lysozyme is seen to target bacteria, virus and fungi, and cystatin targets the above with parasites included! Where you source your eggs from is essential, free-range birds produce more nutrient dense eggs than caged. Free-rearing results in much higher levels of tocopherol, alpha-tocopherol and lutein content. The anti-microbial function of the egg white is also modulated when hens are exposed to environmental microbes. Findings Here So, if you want to add egg to the bowl, source free-range and organic. You can feed raw or cooked, and the egg shell is perfectly safe to feed too! Can My Dog Eat Raw Eggs? Hemp Seeds (milled) Hemp seeds are incredibly popular for good reason! They possess a perfect ratio of omega 6:3! Hemp seeds contain an Omega 6 fatty acid called GLA (gamma linolenic acid) and research shows that GLA can support production of various prostaglandins and leukotrienes (the compounds that influence inflammation and pain). Some of the prostaglandins and leukotrienes can increase symptoms, while others decrease them. Taking GLA helps support the favoured prostaglandins and leukotrienes, helping to reduce inflammation and disease associated with inflammation such as skin disorders, reproductive issues, arthritis and more! Not only that but hemp seeds are a great source of: protein fibre vitamin E magnesium phosphorous potassium iron zinc They are also a good source of B vitamins, including: niacin riboflavin thiamine vitamin B6 folate (B9) These fresh food additions are generally tolerated by most dogs, when fed in moderation. Start slow, and only introduce one new food at a time. If you would like any more support in what to offer in your dog’s diet, then please check out our services! Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Remember, remember the 5th of November. It’s the 5th of November tomorrow although only celebrated in the U.K. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, this isn’t something we celebrate, well certainly not with fireworks. Of course fireworks aren’t a one-day celebration. We observe many holidays, in different countries throughout the year with fireworks. Sadly, this can be a difficult time for pet parents and their beloved dogs. We would also like to mention cats and other wildlife that are affected by the trauma and injury of fireworks. We decided to compile a top 10 tips, aimed more at your dog, to try and manage some of the stress that may be endured, during these times. Sound Desensitisation Probably too late for the impending f November but for future , playing a fireworks sound effect (many are available free online) at a very low level fora brief period of time can be incredibly help to build a tolerance and desensitisation to loud fireworks. Whilst playing these sounds, we suggest giving your dog a series of small, tasty dog treats and praising them when they remain calm. Then turn the sound off and stop giving treats. Repeat the process with the sound at a low level until your dog looks to you for reassurance. Always be sure to check that your dog is comfortable and not displaying signs of anxiety. Keeping the volume low to begin with is key. Gradually turn up the sound in subsequent training sessions, varying the recordings to include a variety of firework types, until your dog begins to associate the noises with goodies and praise for having a calm demeanour. Schedule a Pre-Fireworks Walk Going for a long walk or spending time playing during the day may help stimulate your dog enough before the fireworks begin. A dog that’s mentally and physically tired might be more likely to sleep. We don’t however advocate exercising your dog into the ground as this can raise cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and may actually heighten anxiety symptoms. Schedule Dinner and Toilet Time Earlier It’s important to time your dog’s meal times and toilet trips well in advance of the night getting dark. Since fireworks typically start early evening, it is good to try avoid going out whilst the fireworks are going off. Give your dog enough time to finish dinner, digest and go to the toilet before the noise begins so that he’s not forced to hold it during an already stressful time. Keep Your Dog Occupied During Fireworks If your dog isn’t too distressed to concentrate, it is good to create some distractions by giving your dog something delicious to focus on like a chew, bone (if they are used to bones),or the use of a kong filled with treats they love. Snuffle mats or search and find games can be helpful or if you dog is used to training; you can maybe create a fun activity. Drown Out the Noise The sound of fireworks will seem like unpredictable booming sounds to your dog. This can be perceived as an impending danger and make a dog feel incredibly vulnerable. While desensitising with a fireworks recording throughout the year will help your dog learn to cope with the noise, an easy way to manage fireworks anxiety during the event, is to try and drown out some of the sound with something more calming to the nervous system. We recommend playing classical music or using a recording specifically for dogs. We recommend ‘through a Dog’s Ear recording’ . Obviously belting out music may be a little alarming but find a volume loud enough to camouflage the sound of the fireworks. Reassure Your Dog You may have heard that comforting your dog in times of stress can reinforce fears. However, unless your dog wishes to be on their own, your dog may benefit from some reassurance and contact, after all a reaction to fireworks is a legitimate fear. Providing comfort during this time may be appropriate and helpful. Read your dog and don’t enforce anything they don’t want to do. Create a Safe Space Shut all blinds and curtains. Sitting in a closed, small room together, with soothing music, allowing your dog to sit or lie where he wants may work out for you. Petting or snuggling with your dog is completely acceptable if they are searching for reassurance. If your dog’s safe place is in his crate or in a small nook in the corner of your home somewhere, you can create a den or cover all sides with a blanket allowing a clear exit at all times. Try ‘Thundershirt’ Very much like swaddling a baby, a snug garment that encases and gently puts pressure on your dog’s torso, touching key acupressure trigger points, can reduce anxiety for stressful events. Get your dog used to wearing an anxiety vest, preferably a few weeks before firework season, allows your dog to become comfortable and acquainted with the garment beforehand. The Thundershirt is designed to help reduce stress in your dog and we have seen some good response to its use. Try Nutrients for Anxiety Chamomile, valerian, skullcap and lemon balm, the amino acid theanine, many vitamin B’s and magnesium are probably the main nutrients to help support anxiety. Foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and other herbs may help greatly as well as considering supplements to aid anxiety or herbal teas given as a treat. Find out more here. Calm Complex Consult with a Professional If your dog’s anxiety doesn’t improve, find a positive behaviourist to help you and your dog work through some protocols to help with relaxation during these times. If your dog’s fireworks anxiety puts them in an inconsolable state, talk with a nutritionist or holistic veterinarian. Anxiety supplements (see above) for dogs may be helpful or if your dog poses a danger to themselves or you, medication may need to be discussed with your veterinarian. In conclusion safeguarding against the least stressful event during fireworks season is a multi-step approach. It
Fats can be a little bit of a minefield, so we thought we’d explore sources of both omega-3 and omega 6 in a little more detail, and how to feed them to your dog. In dogs, the body has a requirement for two distinct EFA families. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 series. Omega-6 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Linoleic Acid (LA)Arachidonic Acid (AA) Omega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Omega-3 fatty acids, ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is often found in certain plants such as flax seed, sacha inchi seed, hemp seeds, chia seeds, avocado flesh only and oysters. Although ALA foods and supplements are not a substitute for fish or algae oil, due to the high Omega-6 content also, they can be an excellent additional supplement to include in the diet and added to certain meat sources. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are often found in high levels and good ratios in fish (these have the most anti-inflammatory effect). Found in salmon, tuna, trout,cod, krill, oysters, seabass, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. Non animal sources containing DHA and EPA are phytoplankton and marine algae oil. Although these are great additions to your dog’s diet, they do not contain as much DHA and EPA as fish.They therefore don’t exert as much of an anti-inflammatory effect. Let’s explore fat sources in a little more detail. Fish and Fish Oil Whole fish is a great addition to your dog’s diet but ensuring you don’t feed fish from the Pacific due to radiation, heavy metals and toxins, is essential. Feeding small fish such as krill, sardines, anchovies and mackerel are better options. Oils in this form can be found too. Oils must not be kept for longer than 3 months and also should be stored in a safe, cool, refrigerated place. Glass tinted bottles or air tight pumps and capsules are best. Always look for antioxidant technology or the addition of tocopherol (vitamin E 4-10 iu for 1 gram is good). Quality is key as is storage to prevent rancidity. Algae Oil Algae are aquatic, plant-like organisms. Algae is always a great option for dogs allergic to or who don’t like fish. Algae sources are also DHA dominant as opposed to fish that are EPA dominant. Phytoplankton Phytoplankton are microorganisms that drift about in water. Phytoplankton are photosynthetic (have the ability to use sunlight to produce energy) and whilst they are plant-like with this ability, phytoplankton are not plants. They do however contain DHA and EPA and hold similar values to algae. Phytoplankton is a good option for those who want a sustainable product, as it can be grown in filtered water, free from heavy metals and toxicity found in the ocean. Hemp Seeds Milled and Hemp Seed Oil (Non Psychoactive) The reason hemp seed oil and hemp seeds milled are so popular is because of the perfect ratio it offers of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids; 3:1. Hempseed contains the Omega 6 fatty acid called GLA (gamma linolenic acid). Research shows that GLA can support production of various prostaglandins and leukotrienes (the compounds that influence inflammation and pain). Some of the prostaglandins and leukotrienes can increase symptoms, while others decrease them. Taking GLA helps support the favoured prostaglandins and leukotrienes, helping to reduce inflammation and disease associated with inflammation such as skin disorders, reproductive issues, arthritis and cancer. Recommended approximate amounts of fats to feed your dog Whole Fish Feed 28-30 grams of fish per 450 grams of ruminant fed. Feed 112-120 grams for every 450 grams of poultry fed. Fish Oil Must be made from sardines, mackerel or anchovies. There will be less toxins and only mostly fed from phytoplankton. Phytoplankton Follow instructions on the phytoplankton you purchase as they frequently differ in volume. Hempseed, Milled Feed 4-6 tsp per 1kg of food. Hempseed Oil Feed up to 1 tsp per 5kg of weight If you are unsure on which fats or how to feed them to your pet, then check out our services to see how we can help. Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Fats get a bad rap in the human world, we were told for decades that fat makes us fat and it’s not great for our cholesterol either. Thankfully, we have more balanced data available and we now know that it’s more about the type of fat that we eat. But, we can still be a little confused about the types of fats available and we can bring this confusion to our dog’s diet too. So, let’s take a look at fats for the canine. The different types and the functions of them around the body. What Are Fats? Dietary fat is a group of compounds (substances made up of two or more elements) known as lipids. They are insoluble in water (hydrophobic). The easiest way to understand this is noticing that you can’t wash fat off your hands without the help of soap. Lipids that are solid at room temperature are usually called fats, whereas those liquid at room temperature are called oils. Lipids can then be further categorised into: Simple: include triglycerides, which are the most common form of fat in the diet. These are the best reserve of food material, and act as an insulator and protector of internal organs. Compound: consist of a lipid and a non-lipid compound; lipoproteins are compound lipids and these are what carry fat around in the bloodstream. Derived: products of simple and compound lipids. These include sterol (sub-group of steroids) compounds such as cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins. Yes you read that right, we need fat to produce steroid hormones like cortisol (regulator of the stress response) and sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone). Fats can then be differentiated by the types of fatty acids they contain. Fatty Acids Fatty acids can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. The difference is in their structure. Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds between the carbon atoms and are therefore saturated with hydrogen. Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond (mono=one). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have two or more double bonds (poly=many). The more double bonds a fatty acid has, the less stable the molecule, which means it is more susceptible to oxidation, resulting in rancidity. This is why fish oils should be stored in a dark, glass bottle and why PUFA rich oils aren’t the best to fry your eggs with. The double bonds found in unsaturated fats can take different configurations, cis or trans. Naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids have cis configurations. However, trans configurations are usually introduced into foods during manufacturing/processing. Trans fatty acids have been known to negatively affect lipoproteins which, in humans, have been associated with a range of diseases. Findings Here The Function of Fat Fat enters the body from the diet and finds its way through the stomach, and into the small intestine. Here it is bombarded with enzymes from the pancreas (lipase), and bile salts from the liver. During this process, fat and cholesterol is packaged into particles called chylomicrons. The fatty acids are now small enough to be passed through the lymphatic system and then into the bloodstream. As triglycerides are metabolised on the journey, the chylomicron gets smaller; resulting in a remnant which is rich in cholesterol. This is then taken in by the liver and repackaged which can then be released by the liver at a later stage. Your Pet’s Lymphatic System Fat as Energy Fatty acids are used throughout the body for a range of functions, primarily energy, but if they are not needed, they can be stored in adipose tissue. Here, they are an energy source for a later stage. They also serve as insulation, protecting the body from heat loss and also from injury or trauma to vital organs. Dogs seem to be more efficient at using fat as energy than humans. It is thought that albumin (a globular protein made by the liver) binds more free fatty acids in dogs than in other species, so the concentration of fatty acids in the blood is higher and therefore the delivery of fatty acids to muscles is higher. So, fat provides energy, but it also contributes to many metabolic and structural functions. Other Functions Of Fat As we have mentioned, lipoproteins provide for the transport of fats throughout the body, and cholesterol is used to form the bile salts necessary for fat digestion and absorption. It is also a precursor for steroid hormones which help control metabolism, salt and water balance, inflammation, immune function and more. Along with other lipids, cholesterol forms a protective layer in the skin too! The body can synthesise most of the fatty acids it needs, but there are some it cannot, and these are known as essential fatty acids. In dogs, the body has a requirement for two distinct EFA families. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 series. Omega-6 Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Linoleic Acid (LA) Arachidonic Acid (AA) Omega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) In most animals, AA can be synthesised from LA, so there isn’t always a dietary requirement for AA (there is for cats). Fatty Acids and Inflammation Eicosanoids are products of the oxidation of the omega families; they are collectively known as prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. Prostaglandins – these are a group of lipids made at sites of tissue damage or infection. They control inflammation, blood flow and the formation of blood clots. Thromboxane is a substance made by platelets which causes blood clotting and constriction of blood vessels. Leukotrienes are proinflammatory molecules; more commonly noticed for their role in allergy response. They are released when the body encounters an allergen or trigger. The amount and type of eicosanoids synthesised depends largely on the availability and type of fatty acid found in cell membranes. Eicosanoids play an important role in the body, they modulate many processes including reproduction, blood pressure, haemostasis (the process to prevent and stop bleeding) and inflammation. They can be synthesised from AA, GLA and EPA, however, those synthesised from AA are proinflammatory compared to those derived from GLA and
We know the nutritional needs of puppies are quite different to the adult dog, but the adult dog in many of our eyes simply remains an adult dog. The reality is that our adult dog will become a senior dog and with that comes its own set of challenges. There are a number of system changes that can occur in the senior dog, and for those your dog deserves more personalised attention, but there are some great nutritional additions that can support nearly every senior dog! Here are 5 of our favourites! Essential Fatty Acids It seems there is a protein that can defend the brain against shrinkage and support its regrowth and repair. It is known as BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). This is important across all life-stages, but even more important if we are looking to maintain sufficient cognitive function in our senior dog. Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been seen to normalise BDNF levels in the brain. They are also thought to be neuroprotective in that they protect neurons from death. Not only that but we know that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in inflammation and when many of our senior dogs can suffer with inflammatory musculoskeletal issues, the inclusion of these compounds in the diet provide a win, win situation! Great sources of Omega-3 for the dog include fatty fish like sprats, sardines, mackerel, and salmon. You can also source a good quality supplement. Essential Fats For My Dog’s Diet Vitamin B12 When including both omega-3 and Vitamin B12 in the diet, higher levels of BDNF are found in the hippocampus and cortex. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that keeps nerve and blood cells healthy. It is also involved in energy production and more. There are no plant-sources of B12, it is produced in the gut of vegetarian animals, then absorbed into their bloodstream, and makes its way around their body. Their tissue then provides B12 to whoever eats it. Adequate stomach acid secretion/production along with intrinsic factor is necessary for the absorption of B12 and these processes can be compromised as both us and our pets age. Sources of B12 include meat, fish and eggs but again, it can also be found in supplemental form. Why Your Dog Needs Vitamin B12 Bone Broth Bone broth is a liquid containing brewed bones and connective tissues. Bones themselves are rich in vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. In addition, brewing connective tissue into bone broth provides the body with natural compounds from the cartilage. You will also find collagen and cooking collagen turns it to gelatin, which provides the body with amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. It is not possible to say how much of any nutrient will be in a particular batch of bone broth, since this largely depends on the type and quantity of the bones and tissues that went into it, but a good rotation of bones and tissues will provide a range of nutrients. A 2017 review suggests that both laboratory and animal studies show that gelatin supplementation increases the amount of collagen in the tissues which may help protect the joints from unnecessary stress, as we mentioned, gelatin is formed by the cooking of collagen. Other data has suggested that collagen can improve knee joint symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and poorer physical function, in humans with osteoarthritis. Protein The word protein comes from the Greek meaning “of prime importance” and it really is. Protein is the building blocks of the body. When our senior dog eats sources of protein like lamb, beef or eggs they are broken down in the stomach and then reassembled by the liver to form new proteins which carry out a range of jobs throughout the body. We have structural proteins which are key components of hair/fur, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. This is why signs of low protein include dry skin, poor coat condition or frequent injuries. Puppies need protein to grow, but on the other side of the scale, our senior dogs require sufficient protein to maintain their structure as they age. Proteins are also crucial to immune system function – many different immune cells like antibodies are made up of protein. Antibodies are those cells that latch onto harmful invaders and remove them. So if we want our dog to have a well-functioning immune system, they need protein. Whilst we know that protein is necessary for muscle growth, we often forget that it’s needed for muscle function too. Different proteins are involved in muscle contraction and relaxation; in short, protein ensures a muscle moves when it needs to. But protein is also necessary to maintain those carefully grown and functioning muscles. Muscle atrophy is common in the senior dog, and this can be influenced by both activity and diet. For this reason, sufficient protein is still necessary for the senior dog. Many moons ago, protein intake was implicated in compromised kidney function, but it must be remembered that these studies were relating to humans who were already diagnosed with kidney disease. Protein intake should be a consideration in kidney and liver issues, but it shouldn’t be avoided in the senior dog. Ultimate Guide to Liver Disease Kidney Disease and Natural Nutrition Green Lipped Mussels (GLMs) GLMs contain around 90 different fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin sulphate), glutamine (a glycosaminoglycan precursor), vitamins C and E and minerals including zinc, copper and selenium. The synergy of these nutritional components work in perfect harmony to support joint and mobility issues in the senior pet. When looking at joint health you need to consider all mechanisms responsible for the disease and then how to address them. Inflammation It’s generally the inflammation and rubbing of joints that create pain and stiffness. The fatty acids in green lipped mussels with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) are the most abundant. These are the important fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation. GLM’s are natural COX inhibitors just like NSAIDS
We’ve all been there, we’re out on a walk and trying to encourage the nose-driven pooch from the scent trail they’ve found. Whilst allowing dogs to sniff is super important for their health, if we’ve already been out 20 minutes longer than planned and cutting it very close to being late for work, we can often wonder if we can use this skill in other ways. Well you can. If you’re stuck in on a rainy or hot day, or simply want to enrich your dog’s life, you can use their incredible nose for some very specific brain games! Read on to learn more about our top five games for nose-driven pooches! 1) Burrito Time! A super-easy one to set up. Grab a towel or a blanket from your closet and grab some treats or freeze/air dried food. Fold the blanket or towel into a fan. So, fold 3-6” of towel back onto itself and continue until you have done it with the whole towel or blanket. Stuff treats or food into the folds. Introduce your dog to the towel or blanket and encourage them to sniff out the treats or food. The idea isn’t to simply drag the towel/blanket, emptying it as you go, but to sniff and nuzzle to get each individual piece of food. 2) Treasure Hunt! With your dog in the same room initially, hide treats or food around your lounge or kitchen. Make them easy to access, so on top of a box or table, or just under a chair. As your dog is seeking them out, label it “hunt” or “seek.” As they understand the purpose of the task, you can make it harder, by placing treats or food in harder to reach places so they need to use their nose; maybe behind a cushion or down the side of a chair etc. Increase the difficulty as they progress. 3) Pot Luck! Start with two plastic cups or plant pots. Hide a treat or piece of food under one of the cups. Encourage your dog to seek out where the food is. They will use their nose to track it. As they get the hang of it you can increase the number of cups or pots and also place the food under more than one cup/pot. You can also leave your dog in another room, set the cups up then let your dog in; here they will only be using their nose as they couldn’t watch where you placed the food. 4) Which Hand? This is a great game if you have kids in the home. You can all get involved. Start with one person having a treat in one closed hand. Your dog will likely seek it out. As soon as they do, reward them with the treat. Then introduce another person, but again only have one treat in one closed hand. You can slowly add more and more people so there is a wall of hands for your dog to seek who is holding the treat. 5) Where’s Your toy? It’s easy to think that those nose-driven pooches will only seek out food, but they will actually seek out their own toys too. Teach your dog the name of their toy by throwing it for them, then as they retrieve it, label the toy. Once they know the name of their toy, you can hide it around the home and ask them to seek it. Place it in easy to reach places initially before working up to harder locations, and don’t let any other dogs play with that particular toy to contaminate it with other scents. As much as you may curse your sniffing dog when you’re running late on a walk, it can be a blessing in disguise when you are looking for new and creative ways to keep them stimulated or enriched. Be patient and set them up to succeed. Progress at their pace but above all, have fun! Let us know if you try any of them – and tag us in your attempts on social media! Thanks for reading, MPN Team
Sadly, there are a colossal number of dogs that suffer with their skin, whether seasonal, or 365 days of the year. So, what on earth is going on? Let’s take a look at the skin in a little more detail, what it is, what its function is and what can go wrong. The skin is actually the largest organ of your dog’s body. It consists of three major layers: The Epidermis – this is the outer layer of skin, the protective layer. The Dermis – this layer supports and nourishes the outer layer. It provides strength and elasticity. Here you will find collagen fibres, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles. Here you will find cells and compounds involved in inflammatory response and therefore allergies. The Subcutis –this in the innermost layer of the skin, here you will find fat and muscles. Subcutaneous fat provides insulation, padding and storage for reserve energy. Not only does the structure of the skin prevent water and electrolyte loss to help maintain body homeostasis, but it forms a protective barrier which helps protect against infections, parasites, and the elements. In dogs, their hair also forms a barrier, therefore hair health is synonymous with skin health, and a dog’s coat type can actually influence skin status. Could My Dog’s Coat Type Contribute to Skin Issues? This protective barrier in fact forms part of the immune system. It is the first line of defence. It does this in two ways: – Through its physical structure – Through its microbiome Gut Guardian The Physical Structure As we have noted, the skin has three layers. Keratinocytes are produced in stem cells and they push their way up through the layers; being smothered in lipids as they go. When they reach the epidermis, they harden and form a tight structure. These eventually shed, and new cells make their way up. Issues arise when this tight structure becomes fragile. We can think of it in a similar thread to leaky gut. What Is The Gut Barrier? In cases of leaky gut, it becomes permeable to larger proteins or pathogens. In short, things from the gut get to places they shouldn’t really be. In leaky skin, the tight structure hasn’t formed, and so potentially harmful compounds can get through the skin layers and go to places they shouldn’t be either. When ours, or our dog’s immune system senses non-self-compounds (those that have gotten through its first line of defence), it mounts an inflammatory response resulting in swelling, itching, pain and so on. If we consider the itchy dog, they gnaw at their paws because they are itchy, this then compromises the skin structure causing further inflammation and so the cycle continues. The other way in which the skin serves to protect is through its microbiome. Not surprisingly when there is dysbiosis in the microbiome of the skin, conditions like atopic dermatitis often ensue. Dysbiosis simply means out of balance. There are good bugs, and bad bugs, and the aim is to keep them in balance. Tackling Atopic Dermatitis In Pets We know that in the canine, there are different species found on different areas of the skin. We also know that the populations found differ between allergic and healthy dogs and that lower diversity is often observed in recurring skin issues in the canine. So, what affects the diversity in the skin microbiome? Colonisation occurs during and immediately after birth. As the newborn puppy moves through the birth canal, he is exposed to a variety of bacteria from the Dam. Once puppy is born and grooming begins, Mum passes even more over to her offspring. What is important to note is that grooming behaviour is significantly reduced in the stressed Mother, and so less microbes are therefore shared with the offspring. This again demonstrates the need to fully research where you have your puppy from. In humans it is thought that the microbiome stabilises somewhat in the first 2-3 years of life, but there isn’t yet a clear answer on this time frame in the canine world. Given the development of a puppy compared to a human child, we can say for certain that those first few months of life are incredibly important. There is also a clear distinction between male and female microbiome, therefore suggesting hormonal influences. This poses food for thought in the neutered pet and how their microbiome is subsequently affected. The environment has a huge impact on the microbiome of the skin. There are noted variations in skin microbial communities between those living rurally and those in urban areas. There is also an increase in chemical use associated with urban living, which also influences the composition of the microbiome. Diversity is significantly reduced with the use of detergents and antibacterial cleaning products. Potentially pathogenic taxa is also increased as there are fewer good guys to keep the bad guys in check. This is why skin issues like acne or dermatitis are deemed western diseases; they simply just aren’t found on the skin of indigenous tribes or on that of individuals from non-industrialised societies. Findings Here Unnecessary use of antibiotics also affects the microbiome, along with excessive use of grooming products and of course nutrition. Does My Dog Have a Gut-Skin Axis? Skin Dysfunction When the physical barrier is broken, non-self-compounds can invade the body, kick-starting an inflammatory response. This results in redness, swelling and so on. These can be pathogens, but they can also be irritants. These irritants need to be managed by the body, but in some cases the burden can be too high and so the body remains in a state of chronic inflammation. This is why removing environmental exposure to toxins is so important in managing skin issues. Does My Pet Need To Detox? Skin issues often go hand in hand with food sensitivities, and so an elimination diet here is essential. Elimination Diets For Dogs But skin issues can also be a result of pain. Some dogs will nibble and chew at
