Kennel cough is a broad term covering any infectious or contagious condition of dogs where coughing is one of the main symptoms. It’s sadly a common occurrence in the dog population, so let’s take a look at what it actually is and our top tips for prevention and management. Did you know several viruses and bacteria can cause kennel cough, and often at the same time? They include (but are not limited to): Adenovirus type-2 (distinct from the adenovirus type 1 that causes infectious hepatitis), Parainfluenza virus Bordetella bronchiseptica. Canine Adenovirus Type 2 Infection CAV-2 infection is a common but transient contagious disease of the respiratory tract of dogs, it tends to cause mild fever, nasal discharge, coughing, and poor weight gain. Viral entry is generally by inhalation of infected particles followed by viral replication in the cells of the upper respiratory tract, mucous cells of the trachea and bronchi, bronchiolar epithelial cells, and others. Infection with CAV-2 is generally deemed mild unless complicated with a secondary bacterial infection or coinfections with other viruses like distemper virus. Experimental work suggests CAV-2 reinfection may lead to hyperreactive airways, which is a nonspecific condition where the bronchial mucosa becomes highly responsive to irritation caused by cold air, gases, or cigarette smoke. Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) This virus is a highly contagious ribonucleic acid virus that causes respiratory disease in dogs. Dogs with CPIV may exhibit no clinical signs or mild clinical signs of a dry, harsh cough for around and up to 7 days, with or without fever and nasal discharge. These signs are generally more severe in those dogs with viral or bacterial coinfections. CPIV suppresses the innate branch of the immune system, resulting in the loss of cilia and ciliated epithelium, making the host more favourable for coinfections. This is why it is of concern for immunocompromised dogs, along with puppies, or the senior dog. CPIV survives on nonporous surfaces for 4 to 12 days, but it is susceptible to a range of disinfectants. Bordetella bronchiseptica B bronchiseptica is a gram-negative, aerobic coccobacillus that is often implicated as a complicating factor in dogs with concurrent viral respiratory infections. After B bronchiseptica colonises the airways, it can evade the immune system by expressing various virulence factors that lead to: Direct cellular injury of respiratory epithelium Impaired immune recognition Disrupted immune clearance It seemingly manages to paralyze the mucociliary apparatus—a key component of the respiratory tract’s local defence mechanisms. The mucociliary apparatus moves inhaled debris and potentially harmful pathogens away from the lower respiratory tract, decreasing the risk of colonisation by these organisms. By doing this, B bronchiseptica not only improves its own virulence and chance for colonisation, but also paves the way for infections of the lower respiratory tract. In cases of infection, some dogs suffer mild disease including nasal discharge and intermittent coughing, whereas others develop severe pneumonia. Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRD) The coinfection of these pathogens, among others, manifests as CIRD and they act synergistically to causes respiratory illness. This is why a multifaceted approach to prevention and subsequent management is crucial. Immune Function As you have likely noticed, CIRD is an attack on the immune system. The pathogens hijack many defences which results in the lingering symptoms. So, a well-functioning immune system is the first part of your dog’s defence against kennel cough. Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which as you know if you read our guide to the immune system, they help protect the body against infection. Your Pet’s Immune System Vitamin A helps maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers (skin, respiratory tract etc). It is also important for the functioning of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In the adaptive immune response, vitamin A is necessary for the functioning of T and B cells and therefore for the generation of antibody responses to an antigen. Vitamin A also supports the Th2 anti-inflammatory response. In the innate immune system, vitamin B6 helps regulate inflammation and has roles in cytokine production and natural killer cell activity. In the adaptive immunity system, vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cytokines and antibodies. B6 is also involved in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and maturation and it maintains Th1 immune responses. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones is a great option and contains gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that are helpful in gut healing in immune function. Zinc is a particular powerhouse when it comes to immune function. It has antioxidant effects protecting against reactive oxygen species, it helps modulate cytokine release and also helps maintain skin and mucosal membrane integrity (that first line of defence). In the adaptive immune response, zinc has a central role in cellular growth and differentiation of immune cells. It plays a role in T cell development and activation and supports the Th1 response. We find vitamin D receptors throughout the immune system which demonstrates the role it plays in its function. Vitamin D stimulates immune cell proliferation and cytokine production, and it helps protect against infection caused by pathogens. It also demonstrates an inhibitory effect in adaptive immunity, suggesting that it is in fact an immune modulator. This is often why we notice increased cases of autoimmunity where there is low vitamin D. Further to this, we often note higher rates of infection (with a range of pathogens) when there are existing health issues that involve: The gut Thyroid Kidneys Liver function 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health Liver Health Kidney Disease Therefore, ensuring you take a holistic approach to your dog’s health is vital. But, we do have some tricks up our sleeves when it comes to dealing with kennel cough in dogs. Mushrooms Mushrooms are thought to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular-protective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we work with pet guardians who would move heaven and earth for their cat or dog. Our pets become part of our family; it’s why we want to do the best for them. Do our dogs know this? Is that why we perceive them as being so loyal? Or is it just their nature? Is it quite as simple as us fulfilling their needs, or are there some feelings involved? To get to the bottom of this, it makes sense to go back to the beginning and look at how we actually ended up with these balls of fluff on our sofa. Our modern-day dog is a result of the domestication of wolves. We only have a ballpark figure as there is some confusion as to when this actually occurred. Somewhere between 14,000 -135,000 years ago gives us an idea though. What is clear, is that it happened based on mutual gain. Wolves would seek out food and realise that human camps were a great place to scavenge. Humans accepted the wolves for either protection or companionship. And so, it began. Wolves who were more accepting of humans would access more food and therefore stood a better chance of surviving. They would then produce off-spring who would follow in their parent’s footsteps and learn that humans = food. Humans would accept friendly wolves and likely kill aggressive wolves thereby also influencing which wolves would survive. So very early on, wolves learned that loyalty to humans equalled safety and food. We can almost suggest that we have selectively bred dogs who are dependent on us. Studies have shown that if you present a dog with an impossible task, they will attempt it, but soon look to their owner as if to ask for help. Cats on the other hand will continue to attempt the task in ignorance of their owner. Findings Here So, are dogs loyal because they have to be? Not necessarily. Studies have also shown, that when a dog is forbidden food, he will obey the wait command for as long as the commander has direct sight of the food. If the commander closes their eyes, the dog will disobey and take the food. Findings Here This could suggest that dogs are loyal because they think we want them to be. Dogs are incredibly good at reading human cues especially when we are upset. Dogs show more interest in a human when they are crying as opposed to simply humming or talking. Dogs will nuzzle, sniff and lick both their owners and complete strangers. Findings Here Of course, you could argue that dogs have simply learned to do this. Chances are, if you’ve been upset and your dog has come over to you and nuzzled you, you’ve perhaps smiled, or made a fuss of them. Dogs learn from the consequences of their behaviour, so they may have simply learned that by doing this, they get a happy response with a pat on the head. This isn’t a hard push when we learn that along with humans, when dogs are interacting with their owners, their oxytocin levels also increase. Oxytocin is released during pleasurable social experiences, often dubbed the love or cuddle hormone. So, it does go both ways. When we interact with each other, we both get an oxytocin surge which makes us both feel warm and fuzzy! Win win! It does therefore make sense that a dog’s loyalty is a way to keep us around – especially if it makes them feel good. A recent study has shown that dogs have evolved new muscles around their eyes which allows them to raise their eyebrows, so to speak. This is something wolves cannot do. It is suggested that this raising of the eyebrows triggers a nurturing response in humans because it makes the dog’s eyes seem bigger and look sad! It seems that dogs are still evolving to “need” us more, or at least keep in our good books! Findings Here So, it seems that dogs are loyal because it means they get what they need, like food and shelter. But they also feel just as warm and fuzzy when they interact with us. They’ve learned to read our behaviour and what they need to do to keep us around. What is particularly interesting is that they are still evolving to develop features which will keep us nurturing them. Could this suggest that their loyalty may only get stronger? The take home? Even if you have the most independent and aloof dog, they still depend on us to care for them. This is a huge responsibility, and one most of us don’t take lightly. If you would like any support with your dog’s health, then please check out our range of services to see if we may be able to help. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
Did you ever get warned that kissing a stranger was like kissing everyone they had ever kissed too? Sadly, the same advice applies to our dogs too! Luckily when we’re talking about canine oral papillomas, they can’t be transmitted to humans, but these warts are caused by a virus which can be passed between dogs. So what’s the lowdown on canine papillomas? And why do our dogs get them? Here at My Pet Nutritionist, they seem to be the topic of the year so let’s take a look at them in a little more detail. What is the Canine Papilloma Virus? Warts in dogs are caused by infection with canine papilloma virus (CPV). They appear as lesions mostly found on the lips and muzzle and have a cauliflower like appearance. They can also grow on the oral mucosa which can affect eating and swallowing. In most cases, they are left untreated and may resolve within 3-12 months of presentation. CPV is transmitted through direct contact with another infected canine, and it spreads relatively easily. But as it’s a virus, its understandable that it most commonly strikes dogs with weakened or underdeveloped immune systems (which is why they are more common in younger dogs). The virus will also more easily settle in injured skin, so if a dog suffers with pre-existing skin issues they may be at an increased risk. The Immune System 101 When the body is invaded by bacteria, a virus or parasites, an immune alarm goes off, setting off a chain reaction of cellular activity in the immune system. Specific cells are deployed to help attack the invading pathogen. Those cells often do the job, and the invader is destroyed. But sometimes, when the body needs a more sophisticated attack, it turns to a more specialised set of cells. These cells are like the special ops of the immune system—a line of defence that uses past behaviours and interactions to tell it exactly how to deal with the threat. Through exposure to the virus, he body learns how to deal with it, which is why older dogs don’t always develop lesions even if they are living with another dog who does. But as we know, there are many things that can affect how well the immune system is functioning. Lifestyle and environmental factors can dictate if the immune system is fast and efficient, or whether it’s as much use as a chocolate teapot. What can affect immune function? Sleep Sleep is widely studied for its evolutionary benefits. It is crucial for most daily functions and in humans suffering sleep restriction, they have attention lapses, slowed working memory, reduced cognition and depressed thought. Studies have shown a significant reduction in activity in dogs experiencing sleep restriction. Findings Here One of the main purposes of sleep is to consolidate memories or learning. This has also been found true in dogs. Learning affects sleep structure which ultimately decides whether you retain the information or not. Interestingly, in studies, those dogs allowed to sleep after learning a new command were more likely to retain the command at a later date, than dogs allowed to walk or play. So, if you want to train your dog, they need their sleep. Findings Here But it is clear that sleep and the circadian rhythm significantly influence immune functions. It is thought that sleep facilitates the function of immune cells and also their redistribution to lymph nodes. In addition, in clinical studies, sleep on the night after experimental vaccinations produced a strong and persistent increase in the number of antigen specific cells and antibody titres. This suggests that sleep plays a role in immunological memory. Findings Here Under laboratory conditions, dogs will sleep around 13 hours per day. But this is very generic. Older dogs will sleep more as they tend to experience periods of broken sleep. Puppies too will sleep a lot more – generally 18-20 hours. Stress Since the dawn of time, both us and our dog’s ancestors have been subject to evolutionary pressure from the environment. The ability to respond to environmental threats or stressors such as predation or natural disaster enhanced survival. In mammals, these responses include changes that increase the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the heart and skeletal muscles. We know this as the stress response, or rather more specifically the fight or flight part of the stress response. But this serves as a redirection of resources, and data clearly suggest that chronic stressors suppress cellular and humoral responses in the immune system. In short, stress lowers the body’s response to viral load. Have you ever noticed that that pesky cold sore rears its ugly head when you’re feeling a little run down? That said, acute stressors (lasting a couple of minutes) upregulate certain immune pathways. This makes total evolutionary sense. In addition to the risk inherent in the situation, like a predator, fighting and fleeing carries the risk of injury and subsequent entry of infectious agents into the bloodstream or skin. Any wound in the skin is likely to contain pathogens that could multiply and cause infection. Stress-induced changes in the immune system that could accelerate wound repair and help prevent infections from taking hold would therefore be beneficial. The key is balance. Both us and our pets are designed to tackle short term stressors, the issue is when they become chronic and continually deplete our resources. Diet The immune system has a number of cells it can call upon, but these cells need to be made somewhere. In addition, for the messages to get sent around the body and for the antigens to be effectively neutralised, other cofactors and compounds are needed. Whilst the body is incredibly smart and can synthesise certain compounds itself, the majority of them need to come from somewhere and this somewhere is largely the diet. In addition, an activated immune system further increased the demand for energy during periods of infection. The Ultimate Raw Feeding Guide for Dogs Furthermore, the majority
Here at My Pet Nutritionist we often deal with dogs who have either a congenital or acquired liver shunt. There is often some misunderstanding around liver shunts because in medicine there are procedures where a “shunt” is inserted into the brain to drain excess spinal fluid – but a liver shunt is a little different, so let’s take a look at what they are and considerations to make in any treatment plan. Liver Function The liver processes blood and the substances found within it. In a healthy animal, blood draining from the intestines passes immediately through the liver for nutrients to processed and for toxic compounds to be removed. The blood then re-enters main circulation. But in an animal with a portosystemic shunt (liver shunt), a significant volume of blood bypasses the liver, enters main circulation and heads to the heart where it can be pumped around the body. As the blood being pumped around the body is technically unfiltered, toxic compounds can build up. In addition, the liver is unable to break down nutrients or regulate the body’s energy balance. In most cases, a liver shunt is caused by a birth defect. This is known as a congenital portosystemic shunt. But acquired shunts can also occur – this is usually linked to primary liver disease, or a disease involving the normal blood vessels into the liver. Symptoms of a Liver Shunt: Stunted growth Poor muscle development Abnormal neurological behaviour – disorientation, staring into space, circling or head pressing, seizures Drinking/urinating too much Vomiting Diarrhoea Lethargy In addition, if a shunt is secondary to liver disease, then you would also note additional symptoms associated with poor liver function including: Loss of appetite Jaundice Fluid retention Liver Guard Congenital Liver Shunts In this instance, your puppy will be born with their shunt. At present there are 33 breeds that are significantly more likely to have a liver shunt than the general population. They include: Havanese Yorkshire Terrier Maltese Pug Miniature Schnauzer Standard Schnauzer Shih Tzu Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Irish Wolfhound Old English Sheepdog Of interest however, is that in Yorkshire Terriers, the incidence of shunts has increased more than 11 times in the past two decades. In addition, when mating two surgically corrected Yorkshire Terriers, they produce normal offspring. This poses questions around simple autosomal recessive inheritance. Findings Here When the foetus is developing, they will have a large shunt known as the ductus venosus; this carries blood quickly through the foetal liver to the heart. A congenital shunt develops if the ductus venosus fails to collapse at birth and remains intact and open after the foetus no longer needs it, or if a blood vessel outside of the liver develops abnormally and subsequently remains open after the ductus venosus closes. Small breeds tend to suffer extrahepatic liver shunts, which are just one abnormal blood vessel outside of the liver. These are most amenable to surgical correction. A single shunt located inside of the liver is more common in larger breeds and known as intrahepatic – these are still best treated with surgery, but the procedure is more challenging. Surgery for liver shunts focuses on blocking the blood flow through the abnormal vessels so that more of it travels through the liver. Dogs with acquired shunts on the other hand, tend to have multiple abnormal vessels and are often poor candidates for surgery due to their underlying health issues. Acquired Liver Shunts In cases of liver disease, blood flow can become compromised leading to what is known as portal hypertension – or simply, high blood pressure. Like water, blood likes to take the path of least resistance and so APSS (acquired portosystemic shunts) are formed. Clinical parameters would indicate underlying hepatic concerns. In both cases of congenital and acquired, reduced blood flow to the liver also results in atrophy which subsequently affects function. But the liver is a rather unique organ, it is the only one that can regenerate, therefore appropriate intervention and management is essential. Liver Guard Considerations To Make The most common treatment regime (in addition to surgery if appropriate) usually includes a diet change and ensuring intestinal health. The conventional concern with many liver issues is protein intake. When protein is broken down in the body, left behind is ammonia. The liver plays a key role in metabolising ammonia ready for it to be excreted by the kidneys into urine, but when blood flow bypasses the liver, ammonia builds up in the blood and enters systemic circulation – this is what leads to many neurological issues alongside poor liver function. Traditionally, dietary management has included protein restriction to reduce ammonia absorption from the colon, but more recently it is considered that colonic absorption is only significant in those fed poor-quality diets, that contain poorly digestible protein. In addition, it has been established that those with chronic liver disease may develop muscle wasting from being in a long-term catabolic state – with low protein diets leading to increased muscle protein catabolism. Findings Here Therefore we would advocate a fresh-food diet, with highly digestible protein sources. The general school of thought is 2g of protein per kg of body weight. Findings Here Antibiotics are often prescribed in an attempt to reduce intestinal bacterial overgrowth, but there are other considerations to make with regards to intestinal health. Motility – if food sits too long in any one place, problems can start to occur. Stress is one of the key factors which impair motility, so consider your dog’s exposure to any stressful stimuli. In addition, fibre can aid intestinal transit. 5 Reason’s Why Fibre is Your Dog’s Best Friend There are additional factors that can skew the microbial population in your dog’s gut too. What Can Cause Gut Dysbiosis What Can Help Gut Dysbiosis Whilst the liver is unable to effectively metabolise and detoxify, it is important to support this process as much as possible, starting with not overloading it in the first place. Opt for filtered water Feed
We know that physical exercise is one of the pillars of health for our canine friends but getting outside, benefits both them and us in more ways than one. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we advocate a holistic approach to health and well-being, so let’s go a little off the beaten track, and take a step back from nutrition per se for a moment. Did you know that being in nature reduces scores of anxiety and depression? Our species has existed for thousands upon thousands of years – but even the oldest cities have only been around a fraction of that! What this means is that we largely evolved in nature, and this environment therefore shaped our brains – for want of a better phrase, going back to nature almost takes us back to our roots. What the data says: Being in nature is seen to improve sleep scores Spending time in green spaces simply makes us happier Mental stress scores significantly reduce when we live in urban areas with increased green spaces Time in nature improves our relationships with others and also cognitive functioning Findings here Findings here Findings here Not only that, but it is thought that exposure to green spaces reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death and high blood pressure. Findings here Spending time outside is also beneficial for our microbiomes. Nature and The Microbiome The skin can be seen as an ecosystem, composed of living biological and physical components occupying diverse habitats. Disruptions of this ecosystem can result in skin in disorders or infections. These issues call the immune system to action, creating inflammation. Sadly, chronic inflammation is linked to a range of issues throughout the body. Exposure to toxins can disrupt this ecosystem, but it can become imbalanced simply by not having exposure to enough of the “good guys!” We can find these good guys outside, in nature. It is well established that those who live in rural locations possess more diverse bacteria on their skin. But this similarly applies to the microbiome found in the lungs too! A particular study wanted to explore the impact of nature on allergic disease suffered in the lungs. Two groups of mice were housed, one group with potted soil, one with sterile bedding. Mice who had lived on clean bedding were more susceptible to developing lung inflammation in response to asthma-triggering allergens than those housed with soil! As an aside, in this particular study, those housed with soils also scored lower on standard stress tests. Findings here In short, what is concluded is that exposure to soil supports immune tolerance and stress resilience. It is clear that being in nature is beneficial to both our physical and mental health – not only for the rewards of movement. The same applies to our dogs. Nature and Our Dogs We know that exercise improves cardiovascular health and more, but we don’t always have to exercise our dogs when outside. Yes, we said it. Stick with us a moment. Dogs use their nose to explore their environment, and what is particularly interesting is that after activity, their sniffing capacity significantly reduces. Findings here This also applies if they are stressed,stress results in the same physiological responses as activity in many ways. Therefore, it’s clear that getting outside and allowing your dog to “just be” and explore their environment, is of benefit to them. If we return to those studies on mice – as dogs sniff, they are exposing themselves to more diverse bacteria, which could potentially support their immune tolerance. Nose breathing also stimulates the vagus nerve, which as we know is the chief of the parasympathetic nervous system – this is why we often hear that allowing a dog to sniff lowers their heart rate. The simple exposure to soils through their paws and fur can also be of benefit to their whole body. Dogs groom themselves, so the soil they have walked through, is then potentially ingested. The good bugs can help support a diverse community, but this same mechanism occurs with soil laced in pesticide and exposure to harmful pesticides can result in dysbiosis. This is one of the main concerns facing us. Many countries are managing to significantly reduce their usage of pesticides, but others are increasing it. For example, Armenia have seen a 2650% increase in pesticide use since 1990. USA have seen a 125% increase in use. In the UK, we have reduced usage by 34%! Findings here If you would like to explore more about how pesticides and more affect the microbiomes in our dogs, check out our blogs here, And here. On the subject of toxins – rural air has significantly less air pollution than that found in urban locations. It is believed that half of the world’s population are exposed to increasing levels. Findings here Trees remove pollutants from the air and plants are often seen as the “lungs” of an ecosystem because they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. They also act as an ecosystem’s “liver,” filtering atmospheric pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide through their leaves. Trees are particularly effective at removing particulate matter (PM). PM comes in the form of tiny particles of organic chemicals, acids, metals and dust which are emitted from fossil-fuel-burning vehicles and factories, as well as construction sites. The largest of these particles measure up to 10 micrometers across (known as PM10s), which is around a fifth of the width of a human hair. There are also PM2.5s, measuring 2.5 micrometres across, being even smaller nanoparticle pollution. Fine particulate matter can easily permeate the respiratory system, causing lung and cardiovascular issues, but it has also been linked to inflammation and heart disease, so reduced exposure is particularly important and trees can help us here! Summary It is clear that spending time in nature ticks all boxes for all our bodily systems; it supports immune function, cardiovascular health, mental health and more! Dog walks as exercise are necessary – but dog walks in nature are
Being the most common clinical condition in adult dogs, periodontal disease raises the flag on why dental care is so important in optimal canine health. Sadly, here at My Pet Nutritionist, we see it, a lot. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria in the dog’s mouth forms to create a substance called plaque. The plaque sits on the surface of the teeth and with the help of saliva, it hardens to form tartar. Not only does it sit on the teeth, plaque and tartar seeps into gum lines which causes inflammation. Over a period of time, this inflammation and presence of bacteria causes damage to the structures surrounding the teeth; causing receding gum lines and eventually tooth loss. These bacteria can also travel to other parts of the body, causing a range of additional health concerns. So, let’s look at periodontal disease in more detail and what we can do to prevent it! But, before we get to the diseased mouth, let’s take a look at a healthy mouth. The Canine Mouth Puppies are born without teeth and they then develop 28 of them. They will shed these between 4-6 months of age as their 42 adult teeth erupt. A dog will possess: incisors canines premolars and molars Incisors are used for cutting food; dogs have 6 upper (maxilla) and 6 lower (mandible). Next come the canines, which are used to grab and tear food, there are 2 canines in the mandible and 2 in the maxilla. The premolars are used for chewing, tearing, and biting; there are 8 in both the mandible and maxilla. Finally, molars are used to crush food; dogs have 4 in the maxilla and in the mandible. Teeth in fact provide the first step of digestion, but over their lifetime and in consideration of genetics and poor hygiene, many dogs will lose most, or all of their teeth. Dental Disease From the moment a tooth erupts it is exposed to food, saliva, and bacteria. Periodontal disease occurs when there is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which forms plaque. Eventually,this hardens to form tartar. This can sit in the gum line causing inflammation, known as gingivitis. Left untreated, further harm occurs which results in periodontitis, where teeth fall out and damage can occur to the surrounding bone. Signs your dog has dental disease: Bad breath Pawing at his mouth Reluctance to eat Food or toys will have blood on them Smaller breeds are statistically more likely to suffer with periodontal disease, as are brachycephalic breeds. Their teeth are often closer together which means food and bacteria can more easily get stuck. But what is also interesting is that it is generally accepted that the inflammation and resulting tissue damage is due to an improperly regulated immune response to bacterial infection, and not solely from the bacterial pathogens themselves. This suggests that if your dog already has immune mediated health concerns, then they may be at a higher risk of dental disease. Findings here The point to make is that gingivitis is thought to be reversible, whereas periodontitis is not. Not only is the mouth and teeth a concern, but the bacteria found in the mouth of your dog can be released into the circulatory system, which then travels through the body. It has been found to damage cardiac tissue causing endocarditis (infection and inflammation in the heart). Studies have also shown that periodontal disease is linked to increased insulin resistance and kidney, and liver issues. Findings here All things considered, prevention is certainly better than cure, so what can we do? 1) Avoid ultra-processed refined foods Ultra-processed food is defined as any food that undergoes multiple processes like extrusion and milling. They may also contain added ingredients that are highly manipulated. Sadly, many dry based dog foods fall directly under this definition. In human Hunter-gatherer studies, it is demonstrated that cavities and gum disease were a rarity, and this remains in modern times; Aboriginals living a traditional lifestyle do not generally get dental disease until they adopt a Western diet. There are a number of reasons for this. The mouth, just like the gut contains its own microbiome. It is a community of microbes that maintain balance; the good guys can keep the bad guys in check. Not only do ultra-processed foods skew the balance in the mouth, but they do also the same in the remainder of the digestive tract. As we know, the gut houses much immune tissue, and so it does in fact train the immune response. As we mentioned early, it is thought that much of the damage originating in the mouth is due to an improperly regulated immune response and not solely the bacterial pathogens themselves. For this reason, we would advocate the removal of an ultra-processed diet for oral and gut microbiome health. For more information on the microbiome in your dog, check out our blog here. 2) Dental Sticks There are a number of chews on the market promoting oral health, but it is actually the mechanism of chewing that helps to reduce build up. Chewing stimulates saliva which produces anti-bacterial agents, helping to keep the mouth clean. Not only this but the abrasion that occurs during chewing helps to scrape deposits off the teeth. What type of chew is best? Here’s what the data suggests: Raw bones reduced mouth bacteria by 79% Daily brushing reduced it by 70% and, Marketed dental chews reduced it by 54-60%. Findings here Raw bones lead the way in reducing bacteria,and the added bonus? You know exactly what you are feeding. There is no long list of ingredients to consider. If you are opting for raw bones, ensure they are a manageable size for your dog; chicken necks and wings are a great place to start if you’ve never fed them before! If you’d learn to learn more about the benefits of chewing for your dog, check out our blog here. 3) Diet It is thought that periodontal disease may be related to
We all understand the importance of taking our dog for that daily walk – not only to provide physical exercise, but to sniff, play and have a stroke from the neighbours. Yet, what we sometimes forget, is the importance of mental stimulation for our faithful friends. Not only are brain games known to help ward off cognitive decline, which is crucial for our ageing pets but brain games help reduce stress and manage anxious behaviours too! Findings here Time and time again,when given the choice, animals will always choose a more complex environment. So, as we look to support optimal health in all ways we can here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d compile some of our favourite brain games for dogs! 1) Name Game! Here, we are teaching our dog the name of all his toys. Encourage your dog to retrieve one of his toys. As soon as he collects it, label the toy, “ball!” “rope!” etc. Repeat and praise as he retrieves it. Start with one or two toys. If he doesn’t falter to retrieve the correct toy, introduce more toys. This game is testing his memory as well as his recognition. This game is perfect for those toy orientated dogs – providing they don’t choose to run off with the toy and ignore you. If this happens, calmly ignore them until they return. Remember, you are praising and providing attention for the behaviour you want to see! You can always use this game to introduce tidy up time – as you ask your dog to retrieve specific toys, hold your hands over an allocated storage box. As he brings the toy to the box, label the behaviour “tidy!” Praise and reward. 2) Spin the bottle! Perfect for those food orientated pooches. You will need: A sturdy plastic bottle (we know it’s not eco, but not so bad if you are able to recycle) A cross bar – a piece of doweling or bamboo Pierce holes on opposite sides of the bottle – large enough so you can push the cross bar through. You should be able to hold the cross bar and the bottle will spin around on the bar. Put some small treats into the plastic bottle to start with, so it’s easy for your dog in the first attempt. Food orientated pooches will immediately sniff out the treats in the bottle and attempt to get them out. They need to learn to spin the bottle, so the treats fall out. Once they have figured out the basic idea of the game, you can make it more difficult by using a range of sized treats, so some fall out quite easily, others don’t. Or you can move you hands to the cross bar and provide some resistance as they spin the bottle. Remember to make allowance for any additional food/treats in allocated mealtimes. It can soon add up! 3) Gone Potty Another one for those food orientated pooches and another one to make them think. What you will need: High value treats 3 plastic plant pots Start with one pot upside down and place a treat underneath it. Allow your dog to watch you place the treat. Encourage your dog to knock the pot over to get to the treat. Introduce another plant pot – allowing your dog to watch which pot you put the treat under. Eventually, you can be working with the three plant pots. Your dog has to figure out where the treat is – he may have watched you, or he may have sniffed it out. Watch for impatient dogs who just knock all the pots over to find it; a different game may be best for them; brains over brawn after all! 4) Shy Dog! What you will need: Post it notes Treats Place a post-it-note on your dog’s nose. He should instinctively paw at it to remove it. As he does, praise and reward him. Repeat. Don’t worry if he removes it, just apply another one. As he paws to remove the note, label the behaviour “shy dog” or whichever command you think fits. Repeat. Eventually, he should be a shy dog, on command. 5) Treasure Hunt A super-easy brain game is the good old treasure hunt. First of all, figure out which reward your dog places a higher value on. Offer him food and toy rewards on the ground. Watch the reward he chooses first. This will be your treasure. Whichever he opts for, you are going to hide it around your home. Place treats/toys behind cushions,curtains, under tables or stools, behind doors, in boxes etc. Just be mindful that you place the treasure where it’s safe to access and you’re sure your dog won’t just barge their way around your home to find it! You may have to show your dog where you are hiding the treasure when you first introduce this game, just until they get the hang of it. You can build tidy up time into this game if you are using toys too! Inadequate mental stimulation can present in many ways from pacing and destruction to self-licking and self-harm. To support our dog’s health and well-being, we need to provide for both his physical and emotional needs. Brain games are a great place to start! Whilst we may conjure up images of our dog’s equivalent of Sudoku, brain games simply provide cognitive challenge. The important thing is to provide just enough challenge – if your dog seems disinterested, try a different game, if they seem frustrated, end the session with something you know they can do, and try to approach the game in a different way next session. As Ignacio Estrada poignantly suggested, “if a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” The same applies to our dogs. Thanks for reading! Team MPN x
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we are often presented with a range of tests, that seemingly identify what your pet is allergic to. These tests will often even highlight how severe the allergy is. But do you want to know a secret? They often don’t help. We realise that this may a bold statement, so we’ll explore the mechanism behind allergies in a little more detail, and why there are better tools to establish what’s going on in your pet. An allergy is an unnecessary immune response to an innocuous substance, but a true allergy can be fatal. Immune Responses The innate immune system provides the first line of defence; broadly divided into physical/chemical barriers and nonspecific response. The physical barriers include the skin and mucosa of the digestive and respiratory tracts. Saliva, tears, and mucous all help to provide a barrier, as does the microbiome of the skin and gut and of course stomach acid. Hair inside the nasal capacity also traps pathogens and environmental pollutants. Pathogens that sneakily get past these first defences are next welcomed by the nonspecific innate response. Here cells recognise and bind to pathogens and engulf them. White blood cells are recruited to the site of infection, leading to the well-known inflammatory response. The inflammatory response, whilst often on the receiving end of bad press, is a vital response to injury, infection,trauma, and other insults. Mast cells release histamine, and histamine causes blood vessels to widen, there by increasing blood flow to the area and so, we have the usual signs like redness, heat, swelling and pain associated with inflammation. Mast cells are particularly numerous at potential sites of injury like the nose, mouth, feet, internal body surfaces and blood vessels. Histamine is also stored and released from cells in the stomach. Histamine is involved in stomach acid secretion, but it also has effects on smooth muscle which is why it is thought to be involved in increased peristalsis (movement of food through the digestive system) in food allergies. This is why antihistamine use can be implicated in poor digestive function. The inflammatory response is also a key player in the third line of defence, adaptive immunity. This system is likewise activated by exposure to pathogens, but it uses an immunological memory to learn about the threat and adjust its response accordingly. The adaptive immune response is much slower to respond to threats and it relies on fewer types of cells to carry out its work. Some of these cells manufacture immunoglobulins which are proteins that circulate in the blood stream and bind to antigens (allergens). Immunoglobulins also known as antibodies, abbreviated as Ig, are involved in our dog’s systems when they fight off infections, but they are also involved in sensitivities or allergic reactions to things in the environment or food. A food allergy or other allergic response is caused by an IgE antibody reacting towards that allergen. IgE binds to mast cells to promote histamine release. IgA is an antibody that lives in mucous membranes, inside nasal cavities, and lungs. It helps to protect the respiratory tract as a first line of defence. IgM is the first immunoglobulin that is encountered in an infection, or vaccines for the first time. IgG is the work horse antibody; it is the soldier, the memory antibody. This is what gets drafted when your dog is exposed to something they have already figured out a response to. Here in lies the problem – many allergy tests claim to test IgG. IgG is the memory antibody – so all this is really indicating is exposure. Tests Available Blood – this test is where a sample of blood is taken. It has been noted to measure total IgE antibodies found in the blood, but there are also specificIgE tests which measure the level of antibodies in response to particular allergens. Other blood tests measure IgG antibodies. There are many test providers to be found online – so what they measure is usually very individual. Fur – these tests are usually carried out using bio resonance technology which measures the frequencies emitted from the hair sample. It is based on the idea that unhealthy cells or organs emit altered electromagnetic waves due to DNA damage. Saliva – these tests generally measure IgM, IgA and IgG. It is thought that the same immunoglobulins that are generally found in the blood, are found in the saliva, but this way is less invasive. That said, there are food sensitivities that are deemed non-IgE, meaning they don’t recruit IgE antibodies, which would suggest a blood test would be inconclusive, despite showing symptoms like vomiting, bloating and diarrhoea. What the Data Shows: Testing often show positive results for apparently healthy dogs (not demonstrating any symptoms of discomfort). Findings here There are often no clear differences in positive reactions between allergic dogs and healthy dogs. Findings here There is no clear difference in total IgE and IgG before starting an elimination diet, and completing an elimination diet, despite there being symptomatic improvement when re-challenged. Findings here When comparing saliva and fur samples from healthy and allergic dogs, the distribution of positive and negative results was no different to that expected by random chance. This sample also include fake fur. Findings here This doesn’t mean the reaction doesn’t occur – what this means is that that testing is inconclusive. For that reason, elimination diets remain the gold standard for diagnosing adverse food reactions in dogs. Findings here A true allergy can be fatal, but true allergies are less common than you would think. In our pets, we are generally tackling sensitivities, and this often starts with a poorly functioning digestive system. In normal conditions, the digestive tract should be impermeable to antigens. When it is damaged, antigens can boldly go where no antigen has gone before, resulting in the immune response we discussed earlier. The inflammatory response, if prolonged, can result in further damage, permeating other antigens, and so the cycle continues. Therefore, gut healing is so
You are what you eat! This is a phrase that has dominated the media for decades. On a biochemical level it’s true – each cell in the body has a function, to carry out that function, it needs nutrients, co-factors and energy. Whilst some nutrients and cofactors can be synthesised within the body – in one way shape of form, what cells need must come from somewhere, and that somewhere is the diet. This also applies to the cells that tell us, and our dogs how to behave, or more interestingly, influences how us or them feel. So, can food affect behaviour? It sure can! But the full answer needs a little more explanation, so grab a coffee and join us as we take a look at the link between food and mood, and specifically which compounds or foods may play a role. What is Mood? Mood is the way us or our dogs are feeling at a particular time and they can change – depending on internal and external factors. Although they can change – moods still have physiological symptoms – for example, during anger, heart rate increases and in humans, a noticeable red flush to the face. When calm, heart rate reduces. Being focussed or distracted is also a mood and this is largely affected by biochemical processes too. In this case, the right balance of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, and these chemical messengers are in fact a key element in how food can influence behaviour. Neurotransmitters are like the nervous system’s carrier pigeons. The main neurotransmitters that do that work are acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, histamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters can be excitatory, or inhibitory. They either make something do something or stop something doing something. Like an accelerator and a brake pedal. All of these neurotransmitters must be made from something. We can think of it like a recipe for behaviour – we have main ingredients, but we also need some seasoning (co-factors)! So, let’s take a look at the recipe book for some of the heavy lifting neurotransmitters. Acetylcholine Acetylcholine stimulates muscle contraction, both skeletal and smooth. It is also involved in attention, memory, and learning. Acetylcholine is needed in high amounts during waking hours, but in low levels during restorative sleep. In most cases acetylcholine is excitatory. What is of interest is that acetylcholine is released by nerve cells during times of mild stress (or concentrating on learning something new), so during these times, demand is increased. Acetylcholine is synthesised from choline and it is carried out in the liver. Sources of choline include egg yolks, liver, kidney and seeds. Dopamine Dopamine can be both inhibitory and excitatory depending on the receptors it acts upon. It contributes to the control of voluntary movement and influences learning, attention, and emotion. It is largely associated with reward mechanisms in the brain and plays a part in pleasure seeking. Dopamine gets particular interest in incarcerated humans, but also in aggression in dogs. Aggressive dogs have been found to have significantly different alleles for dopamine receptors than their non-aggressive counterparts; short form alleles demonstrate greater impulsivity. Whilst it is easy to suggest that aggression and impulsivity is in the genes, there are processes that can regulate gene expression. DNA methylation is one such epigenetic mechanism. If you would like to know more about this then check out our blog here. Findings here Dopamine is synthesised from phenylalanine and tyrosine which are both amino acids. Sources of phenylalanine include dairy, eggs, nuts, chicken, beef, pork and fish. Sources of tyrosine include chicken, turkey, fish, bananas, yoghurt, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Dopamine is broken down by a couple of enzymes, and there can be genetic variants which affect how quickly it occurs –for some, dopamine may hang around a little too long, for some it may disappear incredibly quickly. Increased breakdown can lead to attention deficit behaviour and often fatigue like behaviour. On the other side of the scale, decreased breakdown is sometimes noted in aggressive behaviour. Altered protein intake can sometimes help to balance this out. GABA GABA is the primarily inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, this stops the firing of neurons and we call it the breaks on the brain. By inhibiting neural activity, GABA facilitates sleep, reduces mental and physical stress, lowers anxiety, and creates a calmness of mood. Its relationship with glutamate is key to overall balance. GABA also modulates intestinal motility,gastric emptying, and gastric acid secretion. Findings here GABA’s recipe includes an amino acid too, glutamine. Sources of glutamine include beef, chicken, dairy, fish, eggs, cabbage, spinach, carrots, kale, and papaya. Serotonin Serotonin has a wide-ranging role in the body including regulation of energy balance, food intake, and GI and endocrine function. But its behavioural processes include mood, perception, reward, anger, aggression, appetite, memory and attention. In cases of canine aggression, serotonin levels are found to be significantly lower than their non-aggressive counterparts. Serotonin is synthesised from tryptophan, but you might already know this! However, in times of stress, tryptophan gets stolen. We’re not lying. It’s called the “tryptophan steal”. Tryptophan also feeds another pathway in the body, known as the kynurenine pathway which is a necessary pathway, but in times of stress or inflammation this pathway steps up a notch and siphons the little tryptophan we did have! Foods to boost serotonin: Banana Pineapple Pomegranate Strawberry Spinach Nettle Kiwi Lettuce Tuna Turkey Chicken Oats Nuts and Seeds Glutamate Glutamate has excitatory effects on nerve cells, and it can actually excite cells to their death. Both too much and too little glutamate are harmful. The oversupply of it can lead to seizures, and environmental stress can significantly enhance glutamatergic release. Findings here But like everything in the body, we’re looking for goldilocks – just enough! Glutamate occurs naturally in protein-containing foods like diary, mushrooms, meat, fish and some vegetables. Histamine Histamine is a transmitter in the nervous system and a signalling molecule in the gut, skin, and immune system. It is
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we know that every cell has a job to do, and it needs certain nutrients to do those jobs. The cells of the immune system have a particularly important job to do and so they too need to be fuelled properly. So, we’ve collated our top foods that you can add to the bowl to support immune function in your dog. The list is not in order of importance, just simple options to pop in! 1) Red Bell Peppers Red bell peppers contain almost three times the amount of Vitamin C that an Orange does! We all know that oranges are touted for their immune supporting functions, but citrus fruits can sometimes cause some digestive discomfort for our furry friends (not all though). Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which as you know if you read our guide to the immune system, they help protect the body against infection. 2) Broccoli Broccoli is packed full of vitamins and minerals. You will find vitamins A, C and E, fibre and antioxidants in these little green trees! Vitamin A helps maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers (skin, respiratory tract etc). It is also important for the functioning of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In the adaptive immune response, vitamin A is necessary for the functioning of T and B cells and therefore for the generation of antibody responses to an antigen. Vitamin A also supports the Th2 anti-inflammatory response. Broccoli also contains a phytochemical called Indole-3-Carbinol. This compound is formed from a substance called glucobrassicin found in broccoli and other brasscia vegetables such as brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and turnips. Indole-3-carbinol is formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed or lightly cooked and show some exciting new research on their anti-cancer effect. Findings here The Ultimate Raw Feeding Guide for Dogs Rich in Vitamin C, it is also packed full of antioxidants like beta carotene. Not that you would know it because the chlorophyll hides the yellow-orange pigment. Beta carotene is converted toVitamin A in the body but beta carotene, like all carotenoids is an antioxidant, which protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals are produced by macrophages whilst fighting off invading germs, and these free radicals can then damage healthy cells leading to inflammation, so a diet rich in antioxidants can help mitigate the damage! Best to lightly cook spinach before you offer it to your dog though! 4) Turmeric This bright yellow spice has been used for years as an anti-inflammatory, but it is also known as an immunomodulator. It interacts with dendritic cells, macrophages and both B and T cells. But it also interacts with cytokines and this is why we generally note it’s role in the inflammatory response. The inclusion of turmeric has been seen to increase antibodies to particular antigens and overall, it is seen to improve both innate and adaptive immune function. 5) Poultry There’s a reason why you were always told to eat chicken soup if you felt under the weather! Poultry like chicken and turkey is high in vitamin B6. In the innate immune system, vitamin B6 helps regulate inflammation and has roles in cytokine production and natural killer cell activity. In the adaptive immunity system, vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cytokines and antibodies. B6 is also involved in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and maturation and it maintains Th1 immune responses. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones is also a great option and contains gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that are helpful in gut healing in immune function. 6) Shellfish Many types of shellfish are packed full of zinc and this is a particular powerhouse when it comes to immune function. It has antioxidant effects protecting against reactive oxygen species, it helps modulate cytokine release and also helps maintain skin and mucosal membrane integrity (that first line of defence). In the adaptive immune response, zinc has a central role in cellular growth and differentiation of immune cells. It plays a role in T cell development and activation and supports the Th1 response. Cooked mussels are a great addition to your dog’s bowl and are easily picked up in the supermarket. 7) Mushrooms! Not only are mushrooms a great source of B vitamins, but they contain the less talked about mineral selenium. There are such things known as selenium-dependent enzymes which can act as redox regulators and antioxidants; so,selenium can help protect against free radicals too! Not only that but selenium is involved in T cell proliferation and it also has a role in antibody production. Lightly cook mushrooms before offering them to you dog and check out the range of species that have additional health benefits too! 8) Kale One of the leafy greens, kale is rich in folate, or vitamin B9. B vitamins are required to convert food into energy and the demands placed upon the body during sickness can mean more of a demand on this process. Not only that but folate plays a role in maintaining natural killer cells and plays a role in mounting a sufficient antibody response to antigens. Folate also supports Th1 mediated immune responses. In cases of folate deficiency, immune function is often impaired. Low Fat Kangaroo 9) Liver! Whether you opt for cooked or raw, liver is a good source of vitamin D. We find vitamin D receptors throughout the immune system which demonstrates the role it plays in its function. Vitamin D stimulates immune cell proliferation and cytokine production and it helps protect against infection caused by pathogens. It also demonstrates an inhibitory effect in adaptive immunity, suggesting that it is in fact an immune modulator. This is often why we notice increased cases of autoimmunity where there is low vitamin D.
What You Need To Know About The Dog’s Digestive System Here at My Pet Nutritionist, most issues that we are faced with involve the need for some form of gut healing. And so, we thought we’d pop a handy guide together, to explain the function of the digestive system, and how it all works. We like to think of it as a journey that food goes on, so, pop on your seatbelt, and come along for the ride. Gut Healt Gut health relates to the whole of the digestive tract, which officially starts in the mouth and ends with, surprisingly, the rear end, or more biologically accurate, the rectum and anus. In humans, digestion begins in the mouth. We physically break down food with our teeth, and salivary enzymes get to work. This is slightly different in the dog. The structure of their teeth means they are equipped for ripping and tearing, and then swallowing larger chunks of foods, whereas us humans have flat surface teeth made for grinding. A dog’s saliva also has a different composition to humans. Studies have demonstrated 2,532 different proteins between human and canine saliva. Canine saliva plays more of a role in protecting against inflammation and functioning as an anti-microbial. Dogs also have lower amounts of amylase than humans and there appears to be no, or very little, salivary amylase present in canine saliva. It is regularly concluded that because a dog is carnivorous, amylase activity in the species is not as dominant. Findings here For this reason, digestion in the dog really starts in the stomach. As food travels down the food pipe (oesophagus), it passes through the lower oesophageal sphincter. These sphincters are important, as they keep parts of the digestive system separate; if they don’t shut or open properly,there may be complaints like acid reflux. The stomach is like a washing machine; it physically churns food around, but it also releases enzymes, acid, and hormones to break it down into a usable form. An enzyme is a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes speed up chemical reactions that break down food molecules into something that can be used by the body. Pepsin is an enzyme released in the stomach, from what we call chief cells. It serves to digest protein. The stomach also releases hydrochloric acid, more commonly known as stomach acid from the parietal cells. This highly acid environment causes proteins to lose their characteristic folded structure which exposes the bonds of the protein. Pepsin (having been activated by the stomach acid) can then get to work on these bonds. Stomach acid also inhibits the growth of many microorganisms which is helpful to prevent infection. Digestive hormones are also made in the stomach (and small intestine, but we’ll get there later). The two G’s are released in the stomach, being gastrin and ghrelin. Gastrin stimulates the release of stomach acid when it senses the stomach has been stretched. Ghrelin on the other hand, also produced in the stomach tells the brain that the body needs to be fed; it increases appetite. In the stomach, food is turn into a substance known as chyme, and this moves to the small intestine. The small intestine is full of tiny, carpet like projections called villi and microvilli, which increases the surface area of the organ. These projections allow for nutrient absorption. In short, they allow whatever is in the small intestine to reach circulation. The pancreas feeds into the small intestine and is like the factory of the digestive system; producing enzymes and hormones to further digest the chyme. The pancreas produces: Lipase – think lipid, breaks down fat. Protease – think protein, breaks down protein. Amylase – helps to break down starch. It also produces a range of hormones: Insulin – promotes the absorption of glucose from the blood into the liver, fat and skeletal muscle cells, Glucagon – the messenger which tells the liver to release stored sugar, Gastrin and amylin – whilst most of the G is release in the stomach, some is made in the pancreas too. Amylin helps control appetite and stomach emptying. To further assist with digestion, bile acids are made by the liver, and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is secreted into the small intestine and helps with fat digestion and absorption. To this end, they are also important for the digestion and metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins. As we move through the small intestine, we hit another gateway known as the ileocecal valve. This gateway acts like a watchdog. If it notices under-digested food coming through, it hits what we know as the ileal brake, halting the movement of the upper gut movements. This is a crucial feedback system for nutrient absorption in the small intestine. There is a link between this mechanism and peptideYY, which is produced in the last part of the small intestine known as the ileum. This hormone inhibits intestinal transit (for better absorption of nutrients) and has been associated with higher-fat levels,which is why fat in the diet is associated with higher levels of satiety. Findings here And then we are into the large intestine. The large intestine is responsible for four main things: Hydration The large intestine reabsorbs fluid and electrolytes. Here the contents from the gut turn from liquid to solid (that runny poop – hasn’t spend enough time in the large intestine for some reason). The Microbiome Here resides the microbiome. That community of microbes that is gaining a lot of attention, for good reason. There are microbes found throughout the GI tract, but the majority of them are found here. These guys can make vitamins, amino acids (building blocks of protein), hormones and chemical messengers. They train the immune system, strengthen the gut barrier, communicate with other vital organs including the brain, prevent invasion from the bad bugs, influence gut movement and function and love eating fibre! Nutrient Absorption Whilst most of this occurs in the small intestine, thanks to the
It always takes a couple of years for data to start filtering through, but in 2018, a survey of veterinary professionals believed that rates of obesity are increasing year on year. It is thought that 51% of dogs and 44% of cats in the UK are overweight. That is just over half of the population of dogs and nearly half of the population of cats. These numbers are up on the last data sourced in 2015. 100% of veterinary professionals are concerned about the prevalence of obesity and the health issues it can lead to. In the words of James Smith PT, we’d love to tell you it’s as simple as a calorie deficit, but here at My Pet Nutritionist, we know that obesity is in fact a multifactorial condition, which can make it a hard nut to crack. But we also know that the health of your pet depends on it. So, we’re not about to grab a hammer, instead we’re going to take a look around the cookware store and find the right nutcracker to do the job. Fancy a trip? The Health Issues Associated with Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk factors for developing: Cancer Diabetes Heart disease Osteoarthritis and degeneration of joints Urinary bladder stones Surgery complications Respiratory difficulties Kidney disease All things considered, its easy to see why obesity significantly reduces lifespan and why it is something that really needs to be addressed. What is obesity? Obesity is defined as an accumulation of excessive amounts of adipose tissue. It is generally a state of positive energy balance. When food is ingested, it is digested and metabolised. The body uses the nutrients it needs and converts the main macronutrients to energy. All energy in the body is produced by the breakdown of ATP, adenosine triphosphate. ATP is found in all cells in all the body, but as it is a large molecule, not so much can be stored. In nearly every living thing, this energy comes from the metabolism of glucose. There are three relevant energy systems. 1. ATP-P This is where the body uses all the ATP it has stored in its cells. This is the simplest energy production process; and if we were to consider it in human terms, this is the system that your 100m sprint would utilise. 2. Glycolytic System This system runs on glycogen, which is stored glucose. In human terms, this system provides moderate power and moderate duration. Both the ATP-PC and Glycolytic system are anaerobic, meaning they don’t require oxygen to produce ATP. 3. Oxidative Syste This system, as its name suggests does involve the use of oxygen to product ATP. This system cannot produce energy as quickly as the other two, but it can produce it continually and for a longer duration. This system can use stored carbohydrates and fats for fuel. In human terms, this would be the system that the marathon runner would access! So, in short, glucose is used as energy, but unused glucose can be converted to glycogen to be stored in the liver and muscles. If there is still leftover, then it is converted into fatty acids and stored in adipose tissue. This makes evolutionary sense; there would be a reserve during periods of low food availability. However, as you have noticed, fat too can be used as an energy source, and protein can be broken down into amino acids and then converted to glucose in a process known as gluconeogenesis. This is where the calorie in, calorie out idea comes from. An overabundance of any of the three macronutrients, can be converted into fat for later use. And the idea that obesity comes from reduced activity comes from the reasoning that those reserves aren’t actually used. On a simplistic level, this makes absolute sense and for the pet who is starting to look a little more round than usual, a simple reduction to their daily intake or a longer walk, may just tuck that waist in a little more. But there are many more factors at play here. Fat is the New Norm Do you know your pet is overweight? In an 8000-household study, 68% of surveyed owners report thinking their pet is the perfect weight. 67% of surveyed owners did not see obesity as a concern. Interestingly, a recent report from the NHS in the UK identified that 67% of men and 60% women were overweight or obese. 20% of Year 6 children were also classified as obese. Findings here Whilst we acknowledge there are faults in BMI scores, it still highlights a valid point. Sadly, pet obesity has many parallels with human obesity and according to the NHS, fat is the new norm for humans. As we know, we learn from experience and so, if we are consistently exposed to something, it becomes accepted. If we are consistently exposed to round pets, without a waistline, do we accept it? But, our pets need a waistline. They should tuck-in behind their ribs, and underneath. Whilst you shouldn’t be able to see their ribs, you should be able to feel them. They should not look rectangular from any angle, side or above. What treats are you offering your pet? Whilst for us humans, a decadent chocolate pot may be a weekend treat, dog treats have somewhat lost their novelty. Treats can be a useful resource during training, and in some cases, high value are necessary, but for some, treats are used as a way to prevent feelings of guilt when pets are being left home alone. Depending on how many times you leave the house, these can soon add up! 1. Table scrap We’ve all been there, those eyes looking up at you whilst you’re eating. Whilst that cubic inch of cheese only warrants 68 calories of your daily 2500 (call it 3%), for your 9kg Scottie Dog, that’s nearly 20% of their daily calorie allowance. If begging at the table is an issue, it is possible to remove the pets to
