Of course it can. But, we wouldn’t be doing us, you as pet owners, or the pets in your care any justice if we didn’t go into a little more detail. Here at My Pet Nutritionist we’ve seen hundreds of pets with joint concerns. Prevention is better than cure and this is where nutrition can certainly play a role. Even in chronic degeneration, there are changes that can be made for the better. Sadly, there are genetic dispositions to joint issues, and we can’t change that, but we can do a little bit of damage limitation. There’s certainly a lot to cover, so let’s get cracking. The Skeleton The Skeleton is essentially a supporting framework. It consists of strong, mineralised bone which form a sophisticated system to facilitate movement. Bone is a light, yet strong connective tissue consisting of around 30% collagen and other matrix proteins with around 70% minerals. These minerals include calcium and phosphorus, but magnesium, sodium and potassium are also present in conjugated form. Bones come together to form joints. The type of joint formed determines the degree and direction of motion. For example, joints with a ball and socket formation allow for a rotation whilst hinge joints only allow for bending and straightening. In a joint, the ends of the bones are covered in cartilage, which helps reduce friction as joints move. With age, this cartilage can degrade. Tendons connect muscle to bone and are made up mostly of collagen. Ligaments surround joints and help to stabilise them. They also connect bone to bone. Bone Formation Also known as ossification, bone formation is a process where new bone is produced. Bone starts as a cartilage model which gets slowly replaced. Osteoblasts are the cells that form new bone; think of it as a blast that spreads, and osteoblasts spread to form new bone. Osteoblasts secrete osteoids which are simply unmineralized bone tissue. Soon after the osteoid is laid down, inorganic salts (calcium and phosphorus) are deposited which forms the hardened material that we know as bone. Inappropriate levels of calcium and phosphorus during growth therefore understandably contribute to bone deformities and skeletal disorders. Diets high in phosphorus, particularly with low calcium reduce bone mass and density. We see this in the, now thankfully rare, disease in horses. Big head disease, more common in countries like Australia, is also known as bran disease or Miller’s disease. The colloquial names demonstrate immediately the dietary link. Clinically termed hyperparathyroidism, it affects the skeleton of horses. The horse’s bones slowly demineralise due to the low levels of calcium found in their system. The low calcium levels are usually due to one of two reasons. Calcium bioavailability due to high levels of phytates in bran, Calcium bioavailability due to oxalate containing grasses. As we know, phytate is when phytic acid binds to a mineral. Phytic acid is the principal storage form of phosphorus, and it binds to zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium and more! What this means is that the mineral it binds to is less available. Sadly, phytic acid is found in plant-foods like grains, nuts and legumes and for us pet owners, of note, it is found in wheat, barley, rice and maize; the same ingredients found in many commercial pet foods. There is therefore the possibility that phytate can affect calcium bioavailability and be of detriment to bone formation, growth, and maintenance. Oxalic acid is an organic compound found in many plants including leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. This too can bind to minerals including calcium and then becomes calcium oxalate. This not only results in low calcium levels, of detriment to bone formation, growth and maintenance but may also lead to renal issues and/or failure. It seems however, that high phosphorus and high calcium diets blunt the effects of each other. These two minerals interact in the gastrointestinal tract to limit absorption of the other. Therefore, a calcium: phosphorus ratio of 1.1:1 to 2:1 is recommended for dogs. On the subject of the gastrointestinal tract, most minerals are absorbed largely in the small intestine (although they can be absorbed from any portion in the GI tract). So, the digestive tract needs to be working as it should to aid absorption and therefore utilisation of the minerals. Inflammation within the GI tract is often linked with vitamin and mineral deficiency. Findings Here Furthermore, those suffering with inflammatory bowel conditions are often treated with medications like glucocorticoids to reduce the inflammation caused by the disease. In the process, these medications disrupt the development and maintenance of healthy bones. Bone formation proceeds outwards from ossification centres; short bones tend to have one in the middle whereas long bones typically have three, one at each end and one in the middle. Ossification, or bone formation continues until there is a thin strip of cartilage left at each end of the bone. This is known as the epiphyseal plate, or growth plate in the dog world. When the bone reaches full adult maturity, the cartilage is replaced with bone and “sealed” for want of a better word. Glucocorticoids have a direct, inhibitory effect on the growth plate, as demonstrated by in vivo and organ culture studies. Glucocorticoids slow longitudinal bone growth by inhibiting chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy, and cartilage matrix synthesis. In vivo, dexmethasone, a potent synthetic glucocorticoid, infused directly into the proximal tibial growth plates of young rabbits caused a 77% inhibition in growth. Findings Here It would therefore be appropriate to consider the root cause of any inflammatory conditions alongside any treatment plan. When considering calcium and phosphorus absorption, it pays to consider vitamin D because it stimulates the intestinal absorption of those minerals. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in foods like oily fish, liver, and eggs. Being a known contributor to bone health, when puppies are fed a diet lacking in Vitamin D, they can develop Rickets. However, at the other end of the scale, puppies fed too much vitamin D experience impaired ossification (bone formation).
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
On average, a dog may spend 3.3 minutes eating grass, per day. Now, when there are 1,440 minutes in a day, it doesn’t seem that much does it? However, when most dogs head on over to a grassy tuft and start eating, most owners start to worry, it’s certainly a question we are asked often here at My Pet Nutritionist. This is largely due to the common misconception that dogs who eat grass are nutritionally deficient or because vomiting sometimes follows a grass-eating session, they have an upset tummy. Well, we’re here to explore why grass-eating may not be what you think it is, and we’re talking about cats too! Plant Eating Mammals can be roughly divided into three groups: Carnivores, Omnivores, Herbivores, Plants are the primary food source of herbivores and relatively abundant in the environment. The composition of plant tissue is quite different from animals; plant cell walls are rich in carbohydrates especially cellulose, which is difficult for animals to digest. Furthermore, several plants contain toxic compounds as built-in defences (to prevent being eaten). For these reasons, herbivores have developed unique digestive systems to detoxify these compounds and obtain nutrients from these plant cells. Cats, however, are unable to detoxify phenolic compounds found in plants. The Struggle of The Cat in Our Toxic World But there is historical evidence of plant material ingestion in carnivores, both cats and dogs. Some suggest it’s accidental intake, whereas others argue there may be some advantages to plant eating. So why do dogs eat grass? Illness One particular study explored grass eating in dogs. All dogs participating in the study had a full health check carried out by a vet and they were deemed in good health. There were no reported parasites and did not have any diagnosed digestive issues. In 12 dogs, 709 grass eating events occurred. Vomiting only occurred after 5 events. The researchers concluded that there was no evidence grass-eating was linked to sickness. Findings Here Gut Guardian Could it be that we tend to pay more attention to the instances that end in vomiting and therefore consider it sickness related? As humans we do seem to be hard-wired to remember negative experiences as opposed to positive ones. Findings Here Deficient Diet There is also little evidence to support the idea that dogs eat grass to gain vital nutrients they aren’t receiving from their usual diet. When explored, there was no indication that dogs fed a table scrap, commercial or raw food diet were more or less likely to eat grass. You’d think there would be some nutritional differences across the range of diets – but all dogs across that range of diets were still prone to grass-eating. Findings Here So, is grass just a food source to dogs? When considering how much grass dogs eat and when, it is clear that dogs eat more grass before their usual mealtime. Dogs tend to eat more grass in the morning, then as the day wears on, time spent eating grass, reduces. Findings Here This data could suggest that grass-eating is simply a hunger response. As grass is often widely accessed, it’s an easy food source! Parasite Control Grass-eating behaviour is an innate predisposition inherited from wild canid ancestors. It is believed that purging on plants was an effective way to control intestinal parasites. Plant-material is difficult to digest and so it passes right through the digestive tract. As it passes through the tract, it takes the parasites with it. They are then simply pooped out. Findings Here Here it’s easy to panic and think, if your dog is eating grass, he must have worms; but no studies to date have shown this to be the case. Our dogs are simply demonstrating a behaviour that is innate to them. Dogs under the age of one are noted as more frequent grass-eaters than older dogs. We can firstly consider this a behaviour; like babies, puppies also explore their world through their mouth, but researchers have suggested this is more likely related to their ability to fight pathogens. Maintenance metabolism, the energy required to maintain homeostasis, scales fractionally with body size and as such, smaller animals require more metabolic energy per unit of body mass. Therefore, energy loss caused by parasites has higher consequences for smaller carnivores. It is in the younger dog’s interest to ensure they remain free of parasites. The same applies to cats. The energetic cost of parasite load is relatively high for the cat. In evolutionary sense, they would have also had a higher exposure to potentially harmful pathogens through increased food intake. Plant eating in cats has also been considered a way to evacuate hair or undigested materials. Sugar-cane-derived fibres have been seen to reduce the size of hairballs in the scat of domestic cats. An interesting cycle is proposed in the cat. Fleas are the main ectoparasite in the cat, and self-grooming with their rough tongue is one of the main removal strategies. As the flea load increases, the intensity of grooming increase, which is likely to increase ingestion of its own hair. So, plant eating could be a control for both ecto and endo parasites in the cat. Findings Here Liver Guard Is Eating Grass Bad For Dogs? Whilst some dogs do vomit after eating grass, it’s not usually linked to any further complications. The issue arises when dogs eat grass that has been chemically treated. There are many reports of glyphosate toxicity; a common product used to control weeds. Accidental exposure has resulted in vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. Dogs also develop respiratory distress. Cats appear more sensitive, more often resulting in fatalities. Findings Here Glyphosate and My Dog You also have the risk of toxic plants which are not limited to, but include: Sago Palm Tomato Plant Ivy Amaryllis Gladiola American Holly Daffodil Milkweed Castor Bean Azalea/Rhododendron Tulip Chrysanthemum Begonia Oleander There is little evidence to suggest any nutritional or illness related reasons for a dog to eat grass and there is consistency
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we take a holistic view of your pet’s health. So, whilst we focus primarily on nutritional adjustments we can make, we look at everything else that is going on for your pet too. Not surprisingly we find that stress is a key player in many of the concerns brought to us. Most of us are familiar with the concept of stress, but do we truly understand the mechanism and the far-reaching impact it has on the body? Stress is huge, so we’ll try to condense it as much as we can. Stay with us. Despite the biological stress response being around for millennia, we first started paying attention to the actual response in the early part of the 1900s. Walter Cannon was the first Professor of Physiology at Harvard, and he was particularly interested in how the body managed to maintain its balance even when faced with things that could threaten it’s being. Building on this, Hans Selye established that no matter the stressor, each body (and brain) experienced the same cascade of responses. He also proposed that during the response to one stressor, our ability to withstand another is diminished. We often reference his theory when we discuss trigger stacking – and we’ve all been there – that day, when you miss your alarm, you spill the milk as you’re putting it in your coffee, then you lose your keys – and your ability to manage challenges that day just seems reduced. But on a biological level, we also see that when we are going through particularly stressful times, our immune system isn’t quite as nifty as dealing with threats and so we start picking up bugs and that old faithful cold sore rears its ugly head. The same concept applies to dogs, and if you sadly share your life with a reactive dog, you’ll see trigger stacking in them too. Equally, if they live with chronic stress, their immune function may go rogue too. This is why we always consider stress levels in those dogs who suffer with inflammatory skin issues. What is Stress? The official response starts in the brain. The amygdala, being the part of the brain that deals with emotions, sends a message to the hypothalamus which is like the command centre of the body. It communicates with the rest of the body through the autonomic nervous system which controls involuntary body functions like breathing, blood pressure and heartbeat. The autonomic nervous system is then split further into two branches, the sympathetic nervous system, and the parasympathetic nervous system. These are the systems that we are particularly interested in in the stress response. The Sympathetic Nervous System This system is known as the fight or flight system. We can think of it like the gas pedal of the stress response. This system: Dilates pupils – to see oncoming danger, Inhibits saliva production, Dilates bronchia, Increases heart rate, Inhibits the activity of the digestive system, Relaxes urinary bladder, This system is like a redistribution centre. When the body is faced with a stressor that can challenge body homeostasis, it redirects resources to re-balance. Blood is sent to the limbs to mobilise and why waste energy on food digestion? But this is where we see many issues. As we know, to absorb and utilise nutrients the digestive system needs to do its job. If the stress response is inhibiting the action of the digestive system, then it can’t do what it needs to. As part of sympathetic response, corticotropin-releasing-factor (CRF) is released. The name isn’t particularly important, but it seemingly plays a considerable role in altering gastrointestinal functions. It has been found that CRF: Inhibits gastric acid secretion Inhibits small intestine transit Increases intestinal permeability Increases visceral sensitivity Gastric Acid Secretion Gastric acid is a digestive fluid formed in the stomach, produced by parietal cells. The highly acidic environment in the stomach causes proteins from foods to lose their folded structure (denature) which exposes the peptide bonds. It is therefore a key player in protein digestion. Gastric acid secretion is regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve and by the hormone gastrin which stimulates the parietal cells. There is also an increased risk of infection with reduced gastric acid secretion. Low or no gastric acid can reduce the disinfectant properties of the gastric lumen. Gastric acid suppression is also associated with the development of food intolerances and allergies. Findings Here Small Intestine Transit The small intestine is chiefly involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, it receives pancreatic secretions and bile through the hepatopancreatic duct to aid its functions. In the stress response, it is thought that this mechanism encourages vomiting to expel potential pathogens, as in the large intestine, transit time is increased, again to aid expulsion. Poor motility can lead to small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which is frequently implicated in nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, weight loss and bowel changes like diarrhoea. Findings Here Intestinal Permeabilit The intestinal barrier is made up of tight junctions which allows the absorption of nutrients whilst limiting the transport of potential harmful antigens. Early stress and chronic stress have been seen to increase intestinal permeability both through TJ function and mucous degradation. Animal studies have demonstrated that early life stress impairs development of mucosal barrier function, becoming a predisposing factor to intestinal disorders in adult life. However, these stress induced changes do seem to respond to probiotic intervention. Probiotics have been seen to restore colonic tight junction integrity and enhance the mucus barrier. This is largely because stress impacts the bacterial community found in the gut. Studies have shown that early life maternal separation, for example, results in a significant decrease in fecal lactobacillus numbers, three days post separation. Mothers who report feeling stressed have a significantly higher number of proteobacteria and lower lactic acid bacteria. Findings Here Visceral Sensitivity Evidence suggests that long term stress facilitates pain perception and sensitises pain pathways. There is a clear gene-environment interaction which
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we have clients and followers from all over the globe, but most of the team is based in the UK and we’ll admit, the changing climate gets us a little hot under the collar with the risks posed to our canines. So, here is our ultimate guide to summer living with canines. Exercising Dogs During the Summer It’s seen world over, no matter when their Summer arrives, we are bombarded with images or stories of dogs suffering with heat stroke. For some it is fatal. Sometimes it’s obvious how the dog has succumbed, other times, well-meaning owners just haven’t realised the true impact of certain exercise on their dog in the heat. So how do we deal with the heat? How do we keep our dogs exercised and stimulated? Firstly, we need to get a handle on heatstroke. As you may, or may not, know; to cool themselves, dogs pant. They don’t sweat like us humans (they do have some sweat pads in their paws, so if they are stressed, you may notice sweaty paws at the Vets). But when panting isn’t enough to maintain the status quo, their body temperature rises. If this isn’t corrected quickly enough, it causes problems. Symptoms of Heat Stroke Severe panting, Difficulty breathing (particularly if your dog already has any respiratory problems), Severe salivating, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Raised temperature, Blood in urine, Nose bleeds (and other bleeding problems), Ultimately, collapse and coma, Factors that increase risk of heatstroke: Lack of water, Enclosed space, Excessive humidity, Obesity, Intense exercise, Old age, Cardiovascular disease or respiratory disease, Lack of acclimatisation. Prevention is better than cure, so here are our top tips: Firstly, only walk your dog at the coolest times of the day. Even if this means getting up earlier and going to bed later. It may also be necessary to shorten your usual walk, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ensure free access to fresh filtered water at all times, Check the temperature of the pavement – if you can’t hold your hand to it, your dog can’t walk on it. Keep your dog inside, even out of the garden at the hottest parts of the day. Put fans on or air con if you have them! If you have a sheltered spot in your garden, consider setting up a dog pool. Remember to change the water regularly though! Consider investing in cooling mats or cooling jackets. Water Hazards For Dogs It is almost instinctive to want to take our dogs near water on a hot day, but like everything in life, that too has its risks. Blue/Green Algae – when in doubt, just stay out! When present in water, there is an unmistakable hue. Blue/Green Algae thrives in warm, nutrient-rich water and will form “blooms.” It naturally occurs in lakes, ponds, canals, rivers, and reservoirs around the world. They are a type of bacteria, known as cyanobacteria, which can produce toxic chemicals that are harmful to the health of people and animals. When ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, weakness, lethargy, and seizures. It can also be fatal. Blue/green algae is often found in water where there is a film or scum like appearance. Country parks sometimes have warnings up, or their websites will identify any recent blooms so it’s always worth checking sources before heading out. Findings Here Water Intoxication Aside from the assumed risk of drowning in water, for dogs who play and retrieve a lot in water there is also the risk of water intoxication. This is when your dog has ingested far too much water for their body to handle. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal distention. Further symptoms include weakness, coma, seizures, and ataxia. Be mindful if your dog swallows water when they are retrieving and keep their time in the water to a moderate level. Findings Here Rip tides – in a very general sense! Whilst you may not be at the beach, we’re talking about all bodies of water that may have fast and strong currents. It could be a rip at the beach or simply a fast-flowing section of river. Before you let your dog venture into any water, watch it for a few minutes. Watch the flow, watch for any white water as this will help you figure out any underlying currents. You need to be sure the water is safe and that your dog is capable of swimming in it. Smaller dogs or less able pooches may struggle with even the slightest of currents, so again, when in doubt, just stay out! Waterborne illness! There is always a risk of water borne nasties, especially in stagnant pools of water. So: Opt for fresh and flowing water where possible, Don’t allow your dog to drink from the water source, provide fresh water from home/a bottle, Rinse them off when you get home, Watch for any changes in health or behaviour over the next couple of days. Keeping Dogs Stimulated If your walks are shorter, or even not existent on some days, then brain games are a great way to keep your dog settled. Treasure Hunt! Ideal for both food and toy orientated dogs, you can hide either high value treats or toys around the home or garden. At first, hold the treat or toy out in front of your dog and allow him to watch you where you hide it. Encourage him to find it. Praise him when he does, giving him the treat or allowing him to play with the toy. Repeat and as he finds the treasure, label the behaviour; for example, “hunt.” Start with hiding the treasure in easy to access places, eventually moving to harder to reach locations. Name that toy! Providing your dog doesn’t destroy his toys as soon as look at them, we can teach him the names of them. Start with one toy. Throw the toy and encourage him to retrieve the toy. As he brings you the
If you have a Dalmatian, chances are, you’ve been told or have read that he should really be on a low purine diet. We could easily make a list of low purine foods for you, but that wouldn’t be true My Pet Nutritionist style, so let’s take a look at the function of purines, and although they affect a range of cellular processes, they can be somewhat problematic for some dogs. What are Purines? Purines are one of the most common chemical compounds on the planet. There are both endogenous and exogenous. Exogenous purines are absorbed by the body through the foods eaten, and endogenous purines are made by the body itself. Purines and pyrimidines are the two families of nitrogenous base that make up nucleic acids – in short, they are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. A, C, G and T are the letters of DNA code, and they stand for: Adenine Cytosine Guanine Thymine Adenine and Guanine are both purines, and the rule of base pairing means that a purine will always pair with a pyrimidine. Purines have a number of functions in the body: Signalling molecule Provide energy Control cell growth Part of essential coenzymes Contribute to nervous system function (including neuronal development). It’s easy to see that purines perform many important functions in the cell, and so the balance between its synthesis and degradation is essential. When purines are catabolised, the result is uric acid. In all other mammals, apart from humans and Dalmatians, uric acid is then converted to allantoin, which is a very soluble excretion product. For us humans and those unlucky dogs, we excrete uric acid, through the kidneys (with some excreted through the gastrointestinal tract). Now uric acid is suggested to behave as a potent antioxidant. It is also thought to maintain blood pressure under low salt conditions and has been seen to function as an anti-inflammatory in certain diseases, but when levels become too high, in a condition known as hyperuricemia, problems can ensue. In humans, this can result in diseases such as kidney stones and gout and may cause hypertension. In Dalmatians, high uric acid levels result in bladder stones. Bladder Stones Bladder stones are rock-like formations of minerals that form in the urinary bladder and are more common than kidney stones in dogs. There may be a large, single stone or a collection of stones that range in size from sand-like grains to gravel. The general signs of bladder stones similar to the signs of an uncomplicated bladder infection or cystitis. – Hematuria (blood in the urine) – Dysuria (straining to urinate). Hematuria occurs as the stones rub against the bladder wall, irritating and damaging the tissue and causing bleeding. Dysuria may result from inflammation and swelling of the bladder walls or the urethra (the tube that transports the urine from the bladder to the outside of the body), from muscle spasms, or from a physical obstruction to urine flow. Large stones may act almost like a valve or stopcock, causing an intermittent or partial obstruction at the neck of the bladder, the point where the bladder attaches to the urethra. Small stones may flow with the urine into the urethra where they can become lodged and cause an obstruction. If an obstruction occurs, the bladder cannot be emptied fully; if the obstruction is complete, the dog will be unable to urinate at all. If the obstruction is not relieved, the bladder may rupture. The Natural Guide to Urinary Tract Health for Pets Other causes of urate bladder stones include liver diseases such as portosystemic shunts. The Lowdown on Liver Shunts in Dogs Dalmatians demonstrate a genetic mutation which affects their urate transport in the liver and kidney. Of interest, additional studies have found the same mutation in some Bulldogs and Black Russian Terriers. That said, the haplotype is not fixed for these breeds and so it suggested the disease could be eliminated through selection of the gene pool. There are schools of thought that the diseased allele arose through selection for more distinctive spots on the dalmatian, as smaller spotted Dalmatians are less likely to suffer the condition. Findings Here This is a point to note, as not all Dalmatians do form stones. Genetic mutations aside, there are additional factors which can affect purine metabolism and subsequent uric acid formation. High levels of uric acid are often associated with: Kidney disease Liver disease Endocrine and metabolic conditions – diabetes for example There are also schools of thought that high levels of uric acid are implicated in poor pancreatic function too. Findings Here Uric Acid and The Microbiota It is thought that around 1/3 of uric acid excretion occurs via the intestinal pathway. When uric acid is excreted into the gut, it is then metabolised by resident bacteria. What is interesting is that when kidney function is impaired, uric acid will mainly be eliminated by the intestine as compensation. It’s not therefore not entirely surprising that there is a correlation between efficient uric acid metabolism and certain strains of bacteria found in the gut. Human studies have found a significantly reduced bacterial diversity in patients suffering with gout compared to controls. Findings Here If we get into the science of it, Escherichia coli is thought to secrete an enzyme known as xanthine dehydrogenase which participates in the oxidative metabolism of purines, so as much as we pop E.coli on our baddies list, in this instance, it actually helps us (in moderation)! Findings Here It does go to show however, that if you do have a dog who isn’t efficiently metabolising purines, their gut health should also be something to focus on. 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health Low Purine Die There are a number of breeds who are listed for their purine metabolism problems, they include: Dalmatian Beagle Basset Hound Bulldogs Cocker Spaniel Bichon Frise Miniature Schnauzer Lhasa Apso Miniature Poodle Yorkshire Terrier Dachshund Irish Terrier Irish Setter Newfoundland Black Russian Terriers As yet, there are
One of the most controversial discussions in the pet world is the link between diet and heart health – sadly, there are a number of reasons why heart function can be compromised, including genetics. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we don’t think you can look at a health issue without considering the normal functioning of the system, so we thought we’d explore heart health in a little more detail. Let’s get cracking. The Cardiovascular System The cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels (veins and the arteries). The function of the heart is to pump blood. The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs, where oxygen is added to the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from it. The left side pumps blood to the rest of the body, where oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues, and waste products are transferred to the blood for removal by other organs (like the kidneys). The heart is a hollow, muscular organ, divided into 4 chambers. There are upper chambers on both the left and ride sides of the heart called the left and the right atria. There are also 2 lower chambers called the left and right ventricles. A series of valves keep blood flowing in one direction through the heart. Each ventricle has an inlet and outlet valve. A heartbeat is actually the sounds of different valves closing. How does a Heart Beat? The heart beats because of electrical currents. Rhythmic electrical impulses or discharges cause the contraction of muscle fibres in the heart. At rest, the discharge is around 120 times per minute in a cat and 60-120 times per minute in the dog. Heart sounds are produced by the rapid acceleration and deceleration of blood and the resulting vibrations in the heart due to the circulation of blood. In dogs, 2 heart sounds can normally be distinguished. Calcium plays important roles in the electrical activity and pumping function of the heart. Calcium particles enter the heart muscle during each heartbeat and contribute to the electrical signal. When calcium is removed, relaxation is triggered. Potassium too plays a vital role at a cellular level. It’s movement in and out of cells helps maintain a regular heartbeat. Low levels of potassium lead to irregular contractions. When there is a high level of a compound in the body, it is termed, hyper, when there are low levels of a compound in the body, it is termed hypo. Sadly, too high and too low levels of all the above can result in irregularities in heart function. Hypokalaemia – low potassium Severe hypokalaemia is likely to cause skeletal muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Causes: Excessive diuretic therapy Vomiting and diarrhoea Diabetes Medications – steroids Conditions including Cushing’s Syndrome and liver failure. Hyperkalaemia – high potassium In this case, cardiac arrhythmias are common. Causes: Insulin deficiency Certain medications (NSAID’s, ACE-inhibitors) Potassium containing antibiotics Hypercalcaemia – high calcium Hypercalcaemia may present as fatigue, depression, confusion, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, peptic ulceration, or pancreatitis. Cardiac arrhythmias can occur. Causes: Parathyroid related Vitamin D intoxication Hyperthyroidism Vitamin A intoxication Cancer-related Renal failure Hypocalcaemia – low calcium Cardiac arrhythmias will be noted. Causes: Decreased intake of Vitamin D Vitamin D malabsorption Parathyroid related Acute renal failure Sodium is also important for heart health. It initiates contraction in muscles, in both skeletal and cardiac. Sodium deficiency is associated with restlessness, tachycardia, polyuria, and dry and tacky mucous membranes. The current minimum requirement for sodium has been established at 13.3mg/kg bw for dogs, but a higher quantity is suggested for bitches during gestation and lactation. In addition, greyhounds and sled dogs are allocated a higher requirement based on their high levels of exercise. At present, commercially available dog foods provide sodium intakes in excess of minimum requirements. Whilst some posit that dogs are increasingly adaptable to sodium intake, a study carried out in 2003 identified 82 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy. They established that those with congestive heart failure ate significantly more sodium than those dogs without congestive heart failure. It pays to note that 25% of total daily sodium intake came from treats and table scraps, however. Findings Here Heart Murmurs Heart murmurs are vibrations that can be heard coming from the heart or major blood vessels and generally are the result of turbulent blood flow or vibrations of heart structures, such as part of a valve. Murmurs are typically described by their timing, their intensity, and their location. Not every murmur indicates a heart disorder, however. A heart murmur is like when you hit some white water on a usually calm river. Congenital Murmurs and Acquired Murmurs Congenital murmurs are associated with heart defects that the pet was born with. However, sometimes the defect is only detected later in life. An acquired murmur is a murmur that a pet acquires during their life. These can be benign, but more often (especially in dogs) are associated with developing heart disease. Heart Disease causing Murmurs Mitral valve disease (MVD) is a common acquired heart disease accounting for about 75% of cardiac disease seen in dogs in general practice. Prevalence of MVD increases with age and can be seen in high-risk breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is most common in small-medium sized breed dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the other main acquired heart disease seen in dogs. It can be primary in origin or secondary to dietary deficiencies or doxorubicin toxicity (chemotherapy medication). DCM has been reported in Dobermans and Golden Retrievers but other large or giant breed dogs have also been described. DCM is characterised by ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. This poor systolic function means that a heart murmur is often low grade in its intensity. As DCM is regularly considered an inherited condition, it has been posited that certain breeds may need higher concentrations of amino acids like taurine and l-carnitine. Taurine and Heart Healt Taurine is the most abundant intracellular sulphur-containing amino acid. Although it can be
Well, it turns out it’s nutrition and hydration week and it couldn’t be a better time with the increasing temperatures we’ve experienced here at My Pet Nutritionist. So, we thought we’d take a look at the importance of water. We know both us and our pets need it, and we should probably drink more than we actually do, but do we know why? Well, we will at the end! What does Water do? Water is possibly the single most important nutrient for the body. It has a range of functions: 1) It functions as a solvent that facilitates reactions and also transports nutrients around the body. 2) Water is able to absorb heat from the processes occurring in the body, without the overall body temperature changing too much. 3) It further contributes to temperature regulation by transporting heat away from working organs through the blood. In other species it also evaporates as sweat, but dogs unfortunately don’t have this mechanism. Whilst small amounts of sweat will be apparent on their paws during times of stress (think vet visit),they actually pant to cool down. 4) Water is crucial in the digestive process; it is a key player in hydrolysis, which is the splitting of larger molecules into smaller molecules (through the addition of water). 5) The kidneys also use large quantities of water when eliminating waste. Water loss is a natural process. Urinary excretion is the largest loss, but dogs will also experience faecal and respiratory loss. Faecal loss is usually minimal,and only becomes an issue when there are associated health issues. In diarrhoea for example, water is absorbed in the large intestine so if food hasn’t spent enough time there, it will be expelled in diarrhoea form. This can be a result of motility dysfunction caused by stress for example, or if the body perceives it contains something harmful/pathogenic. In dogs especially, evaporation occurs from the lungs during respiration. The reason water drinking is encouraged in warmer weather is often less to do with cooling dogs down, and more to replace the water lost during panting. A dog’s total water intake comes from three possible sources: – Water present in food, – Metabolic water, – Drinking water Water Present in Food The amount of water available in food, depends on the type of food it is. Commercial dry food can contain as little as 7% water. Canned foods can contain up to 84% water. Fresh food diets can be both cooked and raw. Meat in its cooked form can average around 60% water and when raw, around 75% water depending on the cut. Dogs will generally compensate for the water content differences by voluntary intake of water – you’ll notice a dry fed dog will voluntarily drink more than a can fed dog for example. Metabolic Water This is the water produced during the processes that occur in the body when metabolising fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Metabolic water produced per 100g Fat – 107ml Carbohydrate – 55ml Protein – 41ml In the grand scheme of things,metabolic water is relatively insignificant as it only accounts for 5-10% of the total water intake in most animals. Drinking Water There are a range of factors that can affect how much water a dog chooses to drink, their environment, their diet, levels of exercise, overall health, and life stage. Voluntary water intake will increase in warm environments and during/after exercise. This is to replace that lost during respiration,panting, and energy metabolism. One study also found that when dogs were fed a diet of 73% moisture, they obtained 38% of their water needs from drinking water. But when their diet only contained 7% water, voluntary water intake increased to 95% of their total intake. Findings Here Voluntary drinking will also increase in diets with a high salt content. Generally, dogs are accurately able to regulate their own water levels, when they have access to freshwater. Water Loss and Dehydration Thirst is triggered in the canine at a bodyweight loss of 0.5-1% due to dehydration. Dry protein also increases dehydration. Water containing protein maintains levels best. Findings Here Back when animal studies were less ethical, dogs needed to be resuscitated after 10-20 days of complete water deprivation (whilst still being fed). Signs of Dehydration Loss of skin elasticity Loss of appetite Vomiting Panting Pale, sticky gums Prolonged capillary refill Dry nose Dry eyes Lethargy Some of these signs may be noticeable at just 5% drop in water volume. There are also links between cognitive function and dehydration. Dehydration has been linked to a reduced blood flow to the brain, humans appear more tired and less alert. In states of 2% water loss,there is a decrease in both speed and efficiency in psychomotor tasks. A state of dehydration likewise induces the stress response in the body. Findings Here Hypertonicity additionally causes mast cell degranulation. Hypertonic dehydration occurs when there is an imbalance of water and salt in the body. Mast cells are those ones that contain granules rich in histamine which are a key player in the inflammatory response. So, there are schools of thought that dehydration can exacerbate inflammatory responses (including allergies). This is of particular interest in sensitive dogs who eat a low moisture content diet. Water Toxicity On the other side of the scale,water toxicity does exist. This is more often connected to secondary drowning, whereby a dog ingests high levels of water when playing near or in a body of water. Early signs of toxicity include restlessness, salivation, and vomiting. Toxic Water It is clear that our pets need free access to fresh drinking water, along with a high moisture diet, but there are also considerations in the type of water you offer to your pets. The UK’s water supply is one of the best in the world yet drinking water quality varies from region to region. Chlorine is one of the ways in which our drinking water is disinfected. When chlorine is added to water, it destroys the membrane of microorganisms
One of the most popular herbicides in the world, it was first patented by Monsanto in 1974. Since then, glyphosate tolerant genetically modified crops were commercialised, paving the way for its increasing use, year on year. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, this makes our stomachs churn a little, and we’ll let you know why. What is Glyphosate? Glyphosate is a systemic, broad-spectrum herbicide. This means that it moves throughout the plant, and kills any plant not genetically modified to resist it. Glyphosate is a strong chelating agent; it creates complexes that immobilise the mineral micronutrients of the soil (calcium, iron,magnesium, manganese, nickel, zinc) making them unavailable to plants. It also acts as a powerful antibiotic – killing all bacteria in the soil. Due to its antibacterial properties, glyphosate has been reported to affect the gut microbiota of animals, killing the beneficial bacteria and leaving the pathogenic ones behind. This has been linked to adverse effects in farm animals, which feed on glyphosate-treated soya and corn feed. For more information on the importance of a diverse microbiome, checkout our blogs: Here Here Here Glyphosate and Health The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO), classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen”, following a thorough analysis performed by 17 independent world leading experts from 11 countries using only publicly available studies. The conclusion on experimental animals was based on two experiments where mice had developed malignant tumours as a result of exposure to glyphosate alone. Findings Here. Glyphosate and Hormone Glyphosate alone and glyphosate-based products alter the hormone metabolism in different mammalian cell lines and have been reported to reduce the conversion of androgens to oestrogens (resulting in production of more male than female hormones). In experimental studies with mice, glyphosate-based products also alter the reproductive hormone metabolism and reduce fertility. Findings Here. Glyphosate, Growth and Development Experimental animals exposed to glyphosate have given birth to foetuses with increased heart malformations and abnormalities, absent kidneys, distorted ribs, lungs and skeleton, as well as embryonic deaths. Findings Here. Glyphosate and the Nervous System Glyphosate and glyphosate-based products have been seen to affect the growth and development of nerve cells also. Glyphosate has been reported to disrupt the function of brain nerve signalling, brain cell organelles (mitochondria) and cause neuronal cell death. Findings Here. Whilst these all offer food for thought; we’re going to focus on cancer research a little further. When concluding that it is a probable human carcinogen,researchers took into consideration the strong evidence of genotoxicity (DNA damage) and oxidative stress (tissue/cell damage) in humans and laboratory animals following exposure to glyphosate-pesticides and its metabolites. As we know, the first step to cells becoming cancerous is unusual DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) structure. DNA contains the instructions that ours and our dog’s cells need to develop, live, and reproduce. These instructions are passed down from parents to their offspring. Every cell must undergo growth, and then it must die. Cancer cells on the other hand receive aberrant instructions. Of interest here is the concept that these instructions are passed down from parents to their offspring, and in relation to glyphosate, it has been established as genotoxic. Here, you not only have to consider your dog’s exposure to the product, but that the damage could be seen in future generations, and equally, your dog could be experiencing health issues because of their parent’s exposure. This is of particular concern when a study highlighted glyphosate has been found in several commercial cat and dog foods on the market. Findings Here. As it is sprayed on many crops, and most commercial foods are crop based, this is of little surprise. Glyphosate has been implicated in the disruption of proteins crucial to detoxification pathways; it affects the host’s ability to remove other environmental chemicals, causing them to be more nephrotoxic than they would otherwise be. This is why, many reviews are now linking glyphosate to kidney disease of unknown origin and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Findings Here. Again, this is a worry if these modifications can be passed from generation to generation. Are dogs becoming less efficient at removing environmental chemicals, in a world where we have never had more? We don’t know the answer to that question, but its certainly worth considering. If you would like to learn more about detoxification pathways and toxins found in the home, check out our blogs: Here Here Here How much are us and our pets actually exposed to? Many laboratory tests have demonstrated the possible absorption of glyphosate in the gastro-intestinal tract of humans and mammals, as well as absorption through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. In 2012 the German magazine Oko-Test found traces of glyphosate in wheat flour, oats, and bread in 14 samples out of 20 analysed. In 2014 the Moms Across America group and the SustainablePulse information website reported the presence of glyphosate in human milk in 3 out of 10 samples. In 2015, the National University of La Plata in Argentinadetected traces of glyphosate in 85% of the sample tampons purchased in supermarkets and all analysed samples of medical gauze and cotton. In 2016, research conducted by Boston University and AbraxisLLC revealed the herbicide’s presence in 62% of conventional honeys and in 45% of organic honeys. In 2016, another two studies conducted by the Munich Institute of the Environment and the Consumer Magazine 60 Millions de Consommateurs, found traces of glyphosate in 14 beers, among the best known in Germany (Beck’s, Paulaner, Warsteiner, etc.) and in panty liners from the feminine hygiene company Organyc. In Italy, 100 food products based on flour and 26 samples of drinking water were analysed by the magazine Test-Salvagente, they found traces of glyphosate in half of the food and in two samples of water. Findings Here. The fact that it finds its way into so many different products really shines a light on how we need to pay attention to everything we are exposed to or expose our pets to – including their
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often track many health concerns back to the administration of flea and tick treatments. Whilst correlation is not causation, there is still a correlation. So let’s take a look at how they work and see if we can understand why we don’t recommend them. Grab a cuppa, and sit tight! Permethrin, discovered in 1973, is predominantly administered as a spot-on formulation but has also been formulated in collars. A bit wordy but, permethrin works after contact with the arthropod and absorption into the arthropod either directly through the outer cuticle or through ingestion during feeding on the host. Permethrin is distributed throughout the arthropod nervous system. As this occurs, it interferes with the voltage-gated sodium channels of neurons by slowing down the activation and inactivation process of the sodium channel gates and significantly prolonging sodium ion influx. What this means is that it causes continuous nerve charges, resulting in restlessness, incoordination, tremor, paralysis, respiratory failure, and eventually arthropod death. It acts on the nervous system of the flea to kill it. Permethrin is touted for its fast metabolism in dogs – but cats lack the same enzyme necessary for this process, so any cats that are in contact with dogs who have been treated often show signs of toxicity – hypersalivation, motility disorders, lameness and in some cases death. Check out our article on cat detoxification here. Flea repellence is difficult to appropriately define and measure because fleas attack and bite so rapidly after arriving on the host – for this reason, it is claimed that products like this are designed to reduce flea numbers in the household, rather than to prevent new fleas from taking a bite. Fluralaner is a novel, recently developed chewable tablet, and a molecule of the isoxazoline class. Isoxazolines block the ligand-gated chloride channels of both GABA and glutamate receptors (and as we know these are chemical messengers in the nervous system). After oral administration and absorption int he digestive tract or topical administration and transdermal absorption, fluralaner is rapidly distributed by the circulatory system and maximum plasma levels are on average reached within 24 h after oral or approximately 7 days after topical administration in dogs. This compound has a slow-clearance rate in the body. Fluralaner is a systemically distributed anti-parasitic agent and, by definition, is not a repellent. The reason these products are used is to mitigate the risk of tick-borne disease is to disable the critter when they have latched on to your dog but a review carried out on the efficacy of flea and tick products concluded that there are no currently available acaricidal treatment that can completely prevent transmission of tick-borne diseases. Findings here The other reason these products are used is often if there are known allergies to fleas. But as these products don’t repel, you still run the risk of contact whilst the flea is being killed from ingesting the toxic compound. So, if these products don’t repel, is there anything we can do that can? 1) Start in the Garden! Plant pots of lemon balm, sage, rosemary, lemongrass, basil, and mint! These aromas are great for repelling those pesky fleas! Lemon balm, or Melissa officinalis L., grows natively in West Asia,North Africa, and parts of Europe. As the name suggests, lemon balm has a lemony scent and flavour. And whilst you’re growing some, you may as well note the additional benefits: Antiviral Antispasmodic Improve cognitive function Promote digestion and mitigate griping pains Antioxidant Hepatoprotective Immunomodulatory Findings here 2) Apple Cider Vinegar! ACV can be added to water to support gut health in the dog, but it can also be used as a coat rinse – the smell is particularly repellent, to most! Never use neat, always dilute with filtered water. 3) Neem! Neem has a range of functions including: Fungicide – effective in cases of ringworm, yeast overgrowth and many more fungi species Antibacterial – neem has effectively suppressed several species of pathogenic bacteria Antiviral Insecticidal Controlling intestinal worms Findings here 4) Mint! Not just a breath freshener, it also repels pesky visitors. However, peppermint has been seen to possess the following benefits too: Antibacterial: Peppermint has demonstrated antimicrobial effects against a range of nasties, including:e.coli, salmonella, streptococcus, staphylococcus, Enterobacter and more! Attention is being paid to its role against multi drug resistance bacteria. Antifungal: Peppermint ha sbeen seen to have good fungicidal action against candida, and dermatophytic fungi. Findings here The reason we have considered additional benefits of these herbs is because worse outcomes are usually associated with a poorly functioning system – and so, in repelling nasties, and mitigating the risk of a burden, it is essential to take a whole health approach to parasite control. Ironically, the very administration of some of these treatments is often associated with a subsequently poorly functioning system. Reviews have even concluded that there is strong evidence that products not only target fleas and ticks but they compromise the health of the non-target species, in this case, the dog. Findings here And so, the single best thing we can do to support the overall health of our pets is provide a fresh, whole-food diet, use natural repellants, to find out more, click here. The body has cells, which have jobs to do. To do those jobs, they need nutrients, and whilst some nutrients can be synthesised in the body, many are ingested through the diet. Ensure the diet is full of bioavailable protein, fat, and a range of micronutrients. In order to fight any nasties that appear, a strong immune system is key, check out our article here to learn more about the function of the immune system here and for some top foods to help support it here. If you are concerned that any treatment you have administered has compromised your dog’s system, as the above review highlights, then check out our article on detoxification here and also ensure you are supporting their gut health here. If you would like any support with your dog’s health,
Whilst we often reference lip licking in anticipation food, there are a number of reasons why dogs especially, may demonstrate this behaviour. Some may even surprise you. So, let’s take a look at some of the more common reasons for lip smacking, or licking, that we see here at My Pet Nutritionist. 1) Anticipation of Food! We can head back to Pavlov and his dogs to put this behaviour into context. Most of us are familiar with the concept of conditioning that Pavlov introduced – he paired a bell with food, and eventually, the dogs would salivate in anticipation of the food, just by hearing the bell. This increase in salivation will encourage lip licking to help manage the extra fluid in the mouth! But what is also interesting is that food also stimulates the reward system in the brain – and the physical response to this type of reward is often saliva – again, the lip licking is a mechanism to manage the extra fluid in the mouth. 2) Lip Licking in response to stress! Not surprisingly, stress can result in hypo (too little) and hyper (too much) salivation! Either way, lip licking is often the result. On the one side, activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), redirects resources and in doing so, digestive functions are sacrificed. As saliva is an important part of the digestive process, production is therefore reduced. The resulting dry mouth can encourage lip licking behaviour. Licking is also a maternal behaviour – they would clean and groom their offspring, soothing them during the action. Many dogs demonstrate licking behaviour because it elicits positive responses. It is well demonstrated that those born to Mothers who engaged in grooming/licking behaviour, are more resilient to stress, and develop more appropriate coping mechanisms. Findings here That said, increased salivation can be implicated in certain health issues that are exacerbated by stress – here salivation may be a side effect of an underlying issue, like acid reflux. 3) Acid Reflux Acid reflux is where stomach acid ends up somewhere it shouldn’t. As we know, the body is pretty nifty and has a few tricks up it’s sleeve to deal with rogue compounds. In response to the irritant in the oesophagus (stomach acid), salivary glands can over produce in an attempt to neutralise it. Ironically, acid reflux can be a result of reduced salivary production in the first place. There are a number of causes of acid reflux, poor lower sphincter functioning, abnormal oesophageal clearance, altered mucosal resistance and delayed gastric emptying (which is why it can be implicated alongside stress). If you would like more information about tackling acid reflux, then check out our blog here. 4) To smell better! Dogs use their tongues to enhance their sense of smell. When they lick a surface their transfer molecules via their tongue to olfactory receptors and then to the vomero nasal organ. When a dog keeps their nose wet, they are lowering the surface tension of the scent molecules so they can be translated better! Dogs are incredible at detecting minute traces in their environment – this also applies to information from us humans. We must consider whether our dog is attempting to gain more information about those around him when he is licking his lips. 5) Gastrointestinal Disorder Lip licking is often paired with nausea,along with excess salivation, lack of appetite, increased swallowing and lethargy. For this reason, it is often considered that lip licking is more likely associated with some gastrointestinal disorder or discomfort. One particular study sought to investigate this. Dogs demonstrating excessive licking behaviour were studied. In 14 of 19 licking dogs, gastrointestinal abnormalities were noted. They included: Delayed gastric emptying Irritable bowel syndrome/disease Food intolerances or allergies Pancreatitis Gastric foreign body Giardia Researchers concluded that full gastric health should be considered in any dog presenting with excessive licking behaviour. Findings here If you would like a head start on supporting your dog’s digestive health, then check out our blogs here: The Dog’s Digestive System 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Your Pet Natural Guide for Pets IBD Pancreatitis and a Natural Nutrition Regime 6) Disorders of the Mout Gum disease is an inflammatory condition,symptoms include bad breath, drooling along with mouth and tongue inflammation. Sadly, bacteria can be translocated from the mouth into the rest of the body, often causing secondary infections and issues. For more information on dental care for your dog check out our blog here. But disorders of the mouth aren’t limited to periodontal disease. They can also include lip disorders found in those breeds with dropping upper lips and lower lip folds (like spaniels,bulldogs and St. Bernards). The lips accumulate moisture, becoming the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The lip folds can become fowl-smelling,inflamed, uncomfortable and swollen, resulting in your dog licking them to try to soothe them. Keeping these folds is therefore essential to your dog’s health! As is supporting their skin and oral microbiome. Please check out blog on puppy microbiome here. Your dog can also develop lip wounds – from a rogue branch or grass seed that has gotten wedged. If you are concerned about your dog’s lip licking behaviour – checking in their mouth is a good place to start. These are the more common reasons why your dog may be licking their lips, but they are not the only ones. Your dog may lip his lips for any one of the following reasons: Medication side effect Infectious disease Car sickness Reluctance to swallow (irritation/blockage) Inflamed tonsils Structural defects in the mouth Metabolic disorder (liver or kidney issues), Natural Guide To Liver Disease and Natural Nutrition Guide to Kidney Disease. Abscess. Disorder/blockage of the salivary glands Pain Whilst we can’t change the structure of your dog’s mouth, we have a wealth of experience tackling gastrointestinal disorders in the canine. If you are concerned about excessive lip licking in your dog and are wondering where to start, check out our services to see
Whilst not our general remit, here at My Pet Nutritionist, we often see the longer-term impact of infection or infestation of certain parasites in dogs. We can often trace digestive discomfort to parasite treatment protocols too! For that reason, we thought we’d explore parasites in a little more detail. Parasites can be endo or ecto. The difference is their habitat. Endo = lives inside the host Ecto = lives on the surface, outside of the host. Ectoparasites The most common ectoparasites include ticks, mites, fleas, lice, mosquitoes, and flies. We are interested in them because: They may cause cutaneous lesions which may lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections and various kinds of dermatitis, They can induce immunopathological responses, especially allergic reactions, with flea allergic dermatitis (FAD)being the most important They can transmit pathogens They may be zoonotic or transmit zoonotic infections Their control is part of maintaining healthy pets – he direct health implications of ectoparasite infestation can be more than skin deep, for example heavy blood sucking arthropods can cause anaemia. Fleas In Europe the most common flea species found on dogs, cats and on other small mammalian companion animals are Ctenocephalidesfelis, followed by C. canis, Archaeopsylla erinacei (hedgehog flea), and occasionally other flea species such as Ceratophyllus gallinae, Echidnophagagallinacea (poultry fleas), Spilopsyllus cuniculi (rabbit flea) and Pulexirritans (human flea). Fleas are 1–6 mm long, flattened wingless insects, with robust hind legs enabling jumping and possess a mouth adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood. Once emerged from the pupa, adult male and female fleas start to actively seek a host. In the absence of a host, they can only survive for a few days. After the first blood meal, they need daily blood meals for survival and usually remain on the same host for the remainder of their life. Maximal recorded longevity is 160 days, but most fleas survive for about one to three weeks as they are groomed out by the host. Non-allergic animals may have few or no clinical signs and only show occasional scratching due to irritation caused by fleas or their bites. Animals that are allergic or develop an immunological reaction to flea saliva, show pruritus, alopecia, broken hairs, and scabs with crusts. Moist dermatitis may also be seen. In chronic cases, the skin shows thickening and hyperkeratosis. In young, old, or sick animals, heavy infestations with a large number of fleas can cause anaemia. Infection with tapeworm can be an indication of a current or recent flea infestation. Ticks Female ticks can increase their weight up to 120 times as they engorge with blood; when fully engorged they can measure around one centimetre in length and resembles a small bean. Ticks spend a variable time on their hosts;in some species, each stage feeds for only a short period of one to two weeks.Generally, ticks are seen as vectors of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and nematodes affecting both companion animals and humans. Infections can be transmitted in saliva as the ticks feed or, more rarely, after the tick is ingested. Generally, tick infestation is highly seasonal; in the UK and central Europe there are typically two peaks, one inMarch to June and a second in August to November. Ticks can be found all over the body but the main sites are the non-hairy and thin-skinned areas such as the face, ears,between the toes and perianal regions. Removal of blood, in heavy infestations and under certain circumstances, may lead to anaemia. The wound caused by a tick bite may also become infected especially if the if the tick is forcibly removed and the mouth parts remain in the skin. Attached engorging female ticks, which can measure 1 cm in length, are easy to see. The main concern of ticks is their role as vectors of pathogenic agents which cause a range of tick-borne diseases. Demodectic Mange Mites Female mites are up to 0.3 mm long, males up to 0.25 mm. Demodex mites in dogs are considered a normal community found in the skin and are seen in small numbers on many dogs without any clinical signs. They spend their entire life in the lumen of hair follicles, but in heavy infestations, they invade the sebaceous glands. Demodex mites are unable to survive away from their hosts. Demodectic mange caused by D. canisis a common skin disease in dogs. Newborn puppies usually acquire mites fromtheir mothers via direct skin contact during nursing, and so the first sites ofinfestation are the upper lip, eyelids, nose, forehead and ears. Over time, mites colonise the skin overmost of the body. Demodex spp. don’t infest other animal species(including humans) and although transmission of mites may occur during directcontact between older animals, the disease is not considered to be contagioussince most animals that develop demodicosis are thought to suffer from anunderlying condition or a genetic defect that compromises their immune systems. Endoparasites When we look at endoparasites, we are generally considering some type of worm. Roundworm Toxocara canis and toxascaris leonine are two species of roundworm that are known to affect dogs. Both are long, white and spaghetti-like in appearance and absorb nutrients from the infected dog. Roundworm larvae will initially infect adog’s intestinal tract but can burrow their way into other bodily tissues and organs. As the larvae mature, they will move onto the lungs to develop, then upto the airway before being coughed up and swallowed again, re-entering the intestine to complete their lifecycle. Toxascaris leonina however, do not move around the body and have a far simpler lifecycle. Tapeworm Tapeworms are flat, segmented little creatures. They belong to the cestode familyof intestinal worms. The tapeworm uses its hook-like mouth parts to attach to the wall of the small intestine. The adult worms may reach 30 cm in length. As the adult matures, individual segments, called proglottids, are passed in the faeces of an infected dog. The proglottids are about 12 mm long and about 3mm wide. They are easy to recognise as grains of rice. Tapeworms must first passthrough an intermediate
