As we look at photos or videos of dogs devouring their food, when we are dealing with a fussy eater, the question we always sit with is; why won’t my dog do that? Being a fussy eater can be technically defined as an eating disorder, and there are a number of causes. From behavioural to biochemical, let’s take a look at the complex world of the fussy eater and we’ll share our top 5 tips for dealing with them. Eating Behaviour Appetite and hunger are largely controlled by the brain and a range of hormones. In the brain the hypothalamus receives information from the digestive system like stomach extension, chemical nature of ingested food and the metabolic activity of the liver and uses it to maintain energy balance. It also receives information from the emotion/reward system. Food is a rewarding object that induces pleasant emotions. Studies have demonstrated that when the reward value of food decreases, so too does eating motivation. Sadly, these studies often include the injection of lithium after eating, which causes discomfort, but it does give us food for thought, pun intended, if our dog is eating food which may be causing them discomfort. The most discussed hormones when we are looking at appetite and hunger are leptin and ghrelin. Leptin is produced in adipose cells, or fat cells. So, the more fat cells there are, the more leptin is produced. In short, the more fat that is available in reserves, the less you need to eat. Ghrelin is predominantly secreted in the stomach, and it too modulates cells found in the hypothalamus by increasing excitatory inputs and decreasing inhibitory inputs. Here we are talking about neurotransmitters. Ghrelin is seen to have a large influence on the release of dopamine via increases in cell excitability. As dopamine is involved in reward and motivation, ghrelin is thought to target the motivational functions geared to gaining food and to select those which are more rewarding (high calorie). However, there are also other mechanisms in which the dopaminergic system comes into play for the fussy eater. A central feature of the dopamine neuron response is that it is triggered by unexpectancy. After receiving an unexpected reward like food (or how many likes our recent post has got on social media) a dopamine surge is elicited. For the dog who ends up with the same bowl of food every day, there is no longer unexpectancy. The other neurotransmitter that gets a little attention in terms of eating behaviour is serotonin. Serotonin has a well confirmed role in the regulation of eating behaviour. Serotonin is a key player in feelings of nausea – so higher levels could be produced in response to something not sitting quite right in the digestive system. What’s super interesting is that serotonin is metabolised largely by monoamine oxidase (MAO) so it stands to reason that MAO inhibitors can contribute to high levels in the body. Sadly, certain insecticides found on flea and tick collars contain MAO inhibitors. We must also consider the cascade of hormones that are released during the stress response. Stress is a redirection of resources, and this includes away from digestive function. If our dogs are exposed to acute or chronic stress, it could remove their desire to eat. That said, as an owner managing a fussy eater, the owner too can become stressed and anxious that the dog isn’t getting the nutrients they need to thrive. Unfortunately for us, dogs have incredible olfactory capabilities, meaning they can smell our stress! They also have this capacity to mirror our emotions. And so, when they don’t eat, we get stressed, so they get stressed and may be even less likely to eat. So what does all of this mean? If you have investigated further and there is no underlying health issue that could be causing your dog to be a fussy eater, they could: Be suffering discomfort from the food they are eating, whether this is a sensitivity, or issues with digestion. They are then less likely to want to eat it next time for fear of feeling poorly. Have an undesirable body score – there is a difference between the occasional fussy eater, and the chronic fussy eater. If your dog is only occasionally refusing food, they may well just not need it at that moment. Be bored with their food – this often applies to many commercial foods – dry food we’re looking at you. Having the same bowl of food every mealtime removes the sense of unexpectancy. Be stressed or sense our stress – have there been any recent changes to your routine? Are you more stressed than usual? Has their walking route changed? Have they had an altercation with another dog on a walk? Are there any new pets in the home? Have you moved any furniture? Have you noticed any other changes to your dog’s behaviour? Have there been any changes to your behaviour? Our 5 Top Tips for Managing a Fussy Eater: 1) Establish mealtimes! There’s no unexpected reward if a bowl of food is always laid out. 2) Ditch the dry! What is more boring than the same bowl of pellets every mealtime? Offer fresh food with a range of tastes, aromas, and textures. In addition, variety is the spice of life – use novel proteins – what’s more unexpected than novelty? This can also be helpful if you are concerned your dog may have a sensitivity to certain foods. Finally, cooking alters the aroma and texture of many foods so this can be a great way to entice if needed. 3) Use mealtimes as opportunities to enrich your dog’s life! Offer food in bowls or plates, or even on wooden boards. There is no categoric link between height of feeding and gastric torsion in dogs, so consider at what level you offer their meals; do they need to be raised if they are struggling with any musculoskeletal issues. If they are in pain whilst eating,
Gone are the days when you could walk into a pet shop and have the choice of three types of food: the cheapest, middle of the road and the most expensive. Thank goodness! But we now have a new problem. What on earth do I feed my pet? Do I feed dry kibble? Quite simply, NO. But what about the rest? Canned? Dehydrated? Commercial Cooked? Home Cooked? Commercial Raw or DIY Raw? At My Pet Nutritionist, we can help guide you. In an age of choice, is there a “best diet”? Obviously human research demonstrates fresh feeding over processed foods is far healthier for us and can prevent disease. this applies to our pets too however our job is to look at the pet, holistically and consider all constraints involved. Whilst we know there are rules of thumb for optimal health, much like for us humans, all pets are different. There may be a perfect diet for your pet, but that same diet may not be perfect for your neighbour’s pet. So let’s explore the different foods available to you, what we like about them and what considerations need to be made, if in fact they are your foods of choice. Raw Feeding Raw feeding is just that, when you feed meat, fat, bones etc in their raw state. Within raw feeding there are a number of approaches. You may come across phrases like BARF which stands for biologically appropriate raw feeding, or RMB which stands for raw meaty bones, you may also come across PMR which is prey model raw and more will no doubt appear over the coming years. The basis of a raw diet comes from considering the evolution of the dog. Dogs came from wolves, and before domesticated by humans, would largely fend for themselves; eating whole prey; eyes, brains, guts galore (although there is some data that suggests the guts were often left, which leads to the suggestion that dogs avoid greens when given the opportunity, but this isn’t always the case and some leafy greens pack some punch in terms of nutritional value). The biggest concern around raw feeding is contamination and so, we must practice appropriate handling techniques when handling any raw meat, just read the packaging on your raw chicken fillets. The more recent development is around antimicrobial resistance. Whilst raw food poses a risk, so does the inappropriate use of antibiotics, excessive use of disinfectants and sanitisers, livestock rearing techniques and pesticide use along with many more. Within raw feeding you may come across the 80-10-10 method. This is where you feed 80% meat, 10% bone and 10% offal (organs). This is what most commercial raw food manufacturers offer, in a ground state, as a basis for their meals. But you can also formulate a raw diet to FEDIAF guidelines, again some raw food manufacturers provide products that meet these requirements and offer complete foods. Raw food is in its original state, apart from being processed through a meat grinder in pre-made minces, what you see is what you get. Feeding a raw diet has been associated with a range of improvements and health benefits in pets: Digestibility of crude protein and fat is improved in raw foods compared to dry practical pet foods. Dogs fed a RMB diet have a significantly more diverse microbiome than commercially dry fed dogs. Dogs being fed a RMB diet demonstrated a high digestibility of nutrients. Generally, the size of stool is deemed as a measure of digestibility in pet food manufacturing and in raw fed dogs, stool size significantly diminishes (suggesting improved digestibility). Dogs fed dry kibble compared with a raw food diet have demonstrated altered immune cell gene expression. Keto diets have been seen to improve outcomes in pets with cancer; a raw diet is largely based on keto principles. In a randomised clinical trial in 2012, the positive effect of a raw diet was reported in relation to the formation of calcium oxalate uroliths. Lower calcium excretion was found in the urine of dogs eating a commercial RMBD, compared with excretion in dogs eating a commercial dry extruded diet. An initial analysis of the Dog Risk data (Helsinki University), has revealed a decrease in the incidence of atopy and allergy in dogs that eat RMBDs. It appears that an RMBD fed at a young age has a positive influence on reducing the incidence of atopy in the population. Eating raw meat, raw bone and cartilage gave the strongest association of any the food items consumed in the study. Results have indicated that raw food, fed at a young age, could protect German shepherd dogs from CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia). All findings here Dogs fed raw food often have less plaque build up and white teeth on raw food. Pets have a dietary requirement for protein and fat. Protein to build and repair cells, fat to provide energy, insulation and to act as signalling molecules. They also have a requirement for a range of micronutrients, those vitamins, and minerals. Meat, bones and offal are full of available nutrients, in their original state. Raw is perfectly able to provide nutrients for your dog to thrive, but the dietary plan may take some tweaking to get it right. Some dogs take to bone straightaway, some need a little longer. Some can tolerate 10% offal, some start to get black, tarry poops without an offal free meal or day. The Poop Gives you the Scoop As much as we’d like to tell you the eyes are the window into the soul; when you’re feeding a pet, if you want to know what’s going on inside, keep a watchful eye on their poop. Too much bone in a raw food diet starts to give white, crumbly poop. Too much offal is usually a black and tarry poop. There are other indicators too, but here at My Pet Nutritionist, we’re not averse to a poop pic, so if you are worried about your dog then please feel free
When we talk about toxins at My Pet Nutritionist, we are talking about flea and tick treatments, worming and even households chemicals. The extra sprays of air-freshener, the over-powering smell of disinfectants and most things in the home being wiped with fabric softener. In a pet-free home, as a grown adult, it’s entirely your choice what you expose yourself to and if you want your home smelling like that, then go for it! But when you make the decision to care for a pet, who can’t tell you when they are feeling nauseous or have a headache, you have to think a little more carefully. How many of you go to a friend’s home and notice the sweet smell of their air freshener or carpet cleaner? But when you get home, you can’t smell your own? This is because we develop a tolerance – our homes may not smell strongly to us, but they may to our pets. Especially our dogs. Dogs possess an extremely strong sense of smell. Which is why they have found themselves with some of the most impressive jobs in the world; some become medical detection dogs as they can detect minute changes in a person’s odour, signalling disease. It is believed that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000-100,000 times that of an average human. They could detect the equivalent of one drop of liquid in 20 Olympic sized swimming pools! Findings here So, even if we can’t detect a compound in our environment, it’s safe to say, our dog probably could. Your dog is detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Now, they detect these in cancer sweeps (different cancers will produce different VOCs), but most of us know of VOCs for the bad rap they have. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate under normal atmospheric conditions (room temperature, low boiling point), compromising air quality. It’s fairly obvious when you spill some fuel at the garage, or you’ve recently painted your kitchen. The odour is compounds in the air, that you breathe in and subsequently stimulate/inhibit your olfactory receptors. Findings here VOCs are found everywhere. They are released by many everyday items including: Cleaning Products – detergents, bleaches etc Air Fresheners Paints Deodorants/Perfumes Fabrics Rugs Vinyl flooring Wood Burners Cigarette Smoking Printers and photocopiers This list is not exhaustive but covers the main culprits in most homes. But why are they a problem? Many VOCs have been proved as carcinogenic. That is, they are known to cause cancer. This largely depends on length of exposure, but it is still a risk. Findings here Many studies are showing the moderate to strong increase in respiratory distress or allergic effects of exposure to VOCs. As you would expect, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat is regularly reported. It stands to reason there would be an increase in allergies reported when exposed to certain VOCs. How bad is it? The health effects of a certain VOC will depend on its chemical nature and also the degree of exposure. Exposure can include ingestion, respiration and absorption through the skin. Here, we wondered whether a long-coated dog, or cat is any worse off? If the compounds stick to their coat? They are carrying the compound around with them. But we have not yet found any data to explore this query. Consider that your pet will spend a good 20-23 hours a day in your home, accounting for a 1-2-hour walk or a prowl at night time. Obviously less if they attend day care or come to work with you. But that is a high level of exposure – you are likely out of the home for a much larger part of the day. Whether you work 8-10 hours, or you are part time and then nip to run errands. In humans, it is clear that VOCs disrupt hormones and reproduction which subsequently affects the development of babies and children – it’s not a push to suggest this could happen with our pets, so it’s advised to be even more mindful with pregnant bitches, litters of puppies and when you bring your new puppy home! Findings here In an age where we want our homes grey and white and smelling of spring flowers all year round, we are inadvertently exposing our pets to some pretty harmful compounds. So, what can we do about it It’s not as hard as you’d think. Firstly, if you are re-decorating, try to do so at times of the year where you can have windows and doors open to bring fresh air through the home. Also, opt for water-based paints as these contain much lower level of VOCs. If you are unsure, speak to your local DIY or paint supplier and ask for a low content specifically. Store partly used paints and solvents in the garage or shed, where people and pets are unlikely to spend much time. If you know you won’t ever use it again, offer it to friends or family to use or simply dispose of. When cleaning, check the labels of the products you use for common harmful VOCs including: Acetone Butanal Carbon Disulfide Dichlorobenzene Ethanol Formaldehyde Terpenes Toluene Alternatively, opt for environmentally friendly products. There are so many new companies popping up who use natural ingredients to help keep your home in tiptop condition. Most are also conscious of plastic usage. We recommend products from Iron, Method, Ecover and Velvet, you dissolve a sachet of product in water in a bottle that you are reusing. The ingredients are plant-derived and essential oils are used for fragrance where possible. They smell great. White vinegar is a great product to have in the home, it’s a powerful odour neutraliser. Perfect if you are toilet training or are worried that your home smells of wet dog! Activated charcoal is also a great odour neutraliser and air purifier. Pop bags around your home, in your car etc and you’ll soon notice odours disappear. Some gift companies have even started making bouquet style bags, specifically for this purpose! Citrus
In humans, the definition of anxiety is a feeling of unease, a worry or fear. It can be mild or severe. It’s quite easy to label these feelings ourselves, but as our four-legged friends haven’t yet figured out how to talk, what makes them anxious can be difficult to pin down. What we do know is they demonstrate stress behaviours alongside triggers, so we can intimate they feel anxious. What is clear, is that these behaviours aren’t great for our four-legged friends, so whilst we can also tackle the triggers, there are certain nutrients that can help modulate anxiety too. We have collated 5 of our top Fido-friendly-foods that can be safely added to their diets. Fatty Fish In dogs, the body has a requirement for two distinct Essential Fatty Acid families. The Omega-6 and Omega-3 series. Omega-6 Linoleic Acid (LA) Arachidonic Acid (AA) Omega-3 Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Fatty fish contain Omega-3 fatty acids which have a number of biological effects in the body. To start us off, studies have shown that aggressive dogs are characterised by low Omega-3 fatty acid status. This does not indicate causation, but there is certainly a correlation. Findings here Omega-3’s, in particular DHA, play critical neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory roles in the brain. Supplementation of omega-3 has been seen to: – Improve cognitive function Findings here – Reduce anxious symptoms Findings here – Reduce aggressive behaviours Findings here – Reduced stress-related hormone production Findings here Omega-3s are classed as polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acids can be saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated. The difference is in their structure. Saturated fatty acids contain no double bonds between the carbon atoms and are therefore saturated with hydrogen. Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond (mono=one). Polyunsaturated fatty acids have two or more double bonds (poly=many). The more double bonds a fatty acid has, the less stable the molecule, which means it is more susceptible to oxidation, resulting in rancidity. This is why fish oils should be stored in a dark, glass bottle and why PUFA rich oils aren’t the best to fry your eggs with. Fats also act as carriers for fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K which means that low-fat diets can affect the metabolism of these crucial vitamins. Much data has highlighted that low vitamin D status is associated with anxiety and depression, so fatty fish helps modulate the metabolism of vitamin D too (if it is present in the diet of course). Findings here Sources to include: – Mackerel – Salmon – Sardines Oysters Whilst you may struggle to get your hands on oysters, what we’re really interested in is their zinc content. In the human literature, zinc is a trait marker of a mood disorder. Zinc deficiency is regularly associated with depression and anxiety, and supplementation often improves mood and cognitive function. Zinc plays a role in many metabolic processes, including enzyme catalysis, cell signalling and DNA replication and transcription. What this essentially means, this mineral is involved in neural development, learning, memory and mood. We know zinc plays a role in mood because we find zinc enriched neurons in parts of the brain associated with emotions. Before we knew better, in rat studies, we found that increasing zinc levels reduced rat-fighting behaviour and when supplemented alongside anti-depressant medication, rats developed improved resilience. The issue we have is that zinc also plays a role in the inflammatory response and likewise the down regulating of the same response. So, when we are in a state of chronic inflammation, when zinc should be in the nervous system, modulating, its instead crusading with the inflammatory (or anti-inflammatory) team and the brain is left with neurotransmitters where they shouldn’t be, or not even where they should be! Whilst it stands to reason that low dietary intake results in low levels of zinc, phytates found in cereals, corn and rice also inhibit zinc absorption. There are also some breeds who are predisposed to zinc deficiency, for example, certain sled dogs. Foods high in zinc: Oysters, beef, chicken, pork, hemp seeds, shiitake mushrooms and red meat. Whilst brazil nuts, tuna and oysters are also high in selenium, red meat is an easy addition in your dog’s diet. Another mineral, low levels of selenium are regularly reported in cases of anxiety, depression and fatigue. Findings here Selenium’s prime function is as an antioxidant. It works as a component of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme which protects cell membranes and red blood cells from damage by free radicals. However, it is thought to modulate mood through its involvement in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones. Selenium deficiency is thought to dysregulate thyroid function and therefore play a role in mood disorders. Not only that but selenium has been found to exhibit modulatory effects on the dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems which are all involved in the regulation of mood and behaviour. One of the mechanisms is to inhibit the degradation of serotonin, resulting in an overall increase in levels. Selenoproteins also demonstrate antioxidant properties on dopaminergic neurons vulnerable to oxidative stress. Findings here Food Sources of Selenium: Pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, oysters, eggs, shiitake mushrooms and white meat. The word protein comes from the Greek word proteios which means of prime importance. Amino acids are the basic units of proteins and are held together by peptide linkages to form long protein chains. For the dog there are certain amino acids that are essential; they cannot be synthesised by the body, so they must be supplied by the diet. These include: Arginine Histidine Isoleucine Leucine Lysine Methionine Phenylalanine Threonine Tryptophan Valine For the cat, this also includes taurine. These amino acids found in certain foods,are precursors to certain neurotransmitters. Tryptophan, which is found in chicken and turkey, is the precursor to serotonin. Manipulation of serotonin through supplementation or depletion of tryptophan has established a role in higher order brain functions, memory, and mood. Low dietary tryptophan is associated with anxiety-like behaviour and increased defensive aggression. Tryptophan
Autoimmune disease, irritable bowel disorders, lupus, thyroid issues, eisonophilic skin disorders, chronic skin disease and allergic dermatitis, not a list any owner wants to pair with their pet, but sadly all of these diseases can be vaccine-related conditions. We can identify them as vaccine related conditions because symptoms are concomitant with vaccination date. We deem this reaction as vaccinosis. And sadly, it is far more prevalent than we could even imagine. At MPN, we see the correlation of vaccination and disease in many of our clients. So let’s take a look at where we started, and how we ended up in such dire straights. The smallpox vaccine was introduced in 1796 after Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had previously caught cow pox didn’t catch smallpox. The idea was that exposure to killed or weakened virus/bacteria that cause disease can prime the immune response, but it doesn’t actually make the host sick. So, vaccinations allow the host to develop immunity without having to suffer the disease. To this end, smallpox is now declared eradicated. There is no doubt that vaccination has been progressive in public health concerns, for both humans and pets, but they were never meant to make the host sick. For a number of reasons, the current vaccinations schedule for our pets, is. There is increasing evidence that over-vaccination is associated with the development or aggravation of immune-mediated disorders and chronic diseases in individual pets that are genetically predisposed. This raises a particularly interesting element that has perhaps been missed when developing the blanket vaccination schedules for our pets. Twin studies, in humans have demonstrated there is a clear genetic role in vaccine response. A growing list of genes have been associated with immune related functions critical to immunological response and much data is concluding it is the status of these genes that is key to immune response. Human data is highlighting that this is one of the reasons vaccines can either elicit partial, complete or failure to protect individuals treated under the same conditions. This would also suggest that the opposite is therefore true; gene status could elicit partial or complete adverse reaction, or hopefully failure to demonstrate adverse reaction. Genes are a set of instructions and there are a number of factors that can affect how they are expressed. This is likely understood in the canine world to some extent because most vaccines are advised as safe for healthy dogs but not those with a compromised immune system. So, what constitutes a compromised immune system? The primary role of the immune system in dogs is to protect against foreign invaders, or abnormal cells that invade or attack. The immune system must distinguish between self and non-self. Substances that stimulate a response are antigens. These can be contained within bacteria, viruses or microorganisms or cancer cells. They may also exist on their own, like pollen or food particles. There are three lines of defence, physical barriers, non specific immunity and specific immunity. Physical barriers are the first line of defence, they include the skin, the cornea of the eye and the membranes lining the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive tracts. The key is to keep these barriers unbroken. These barriers are also defended by bacteria and secretions that contain enzymes that can destroy harmful bacteria. Examples include eye tears, secretions in the digestive tract and the microbiome in the gut. Nonspecific immunity should be present at birth; it treats all foreign substances in the same way. Inflammation results in white blood cells travelling into tissues to kill invading organisms and remove injured cells. Specific immunity is acquired and developed as the immune system encounters different antigens, it learns the best way to attack and develops a memory for that specific antigen. It takes time to develop a response, but in future encounters, the response is more rapid. Specific immunity involves the action of lymphocytes (B and T cells), antibodies, antigen presenting cells and cytokines. Most vaccines work by stimulating the development of specific immunity. But the immune system does not always function properly, it can be underactive and overactive. An underactive system puts the animal at risk of infection, but an overactive immune system can attack parts of its body that it misidentifies as being foreign. This is what happens in autoimmune conditions. The immune system can also overreact and produce too many antibodies or other chemicals; these are what we see as hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. Not only do we have to ensure the physical barriers remain healthy, but we also must ensure that responses are just right. We know that genes play a role in this, but so does the environment your dog (exposure to toxins, chemicals and pesticides etc) alongside nutrition. Each cell in every body uses chemical reactions to build some of the materials that it needs, converting substances provided by the diet into other chemicals necessary for normal functioning. This is why the immune system has its own micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) requirements. For example, Vitamin A helps to maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers like the skin and respiratory tract, Vitamin D stimulates immune cell proliferation and cytokine production, helping to protect against infection, B12 has roles in natural killer cell functions just as folate maintains natural killer cells. Many micronutrients play a role in protecting against reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species which are produced when pathogens are killed by immune cells. Findings here So, there are many things that can compromise an immune system, which also informs whether the dog is a candidate for vaccination and indeed subsequent and frequent booster vaccinations. Signs your Dog may have a compromised immune system: Tiredness/lethargy Increased stress levels Digestive issues Slow healing wounds Frequent infections (eyes, ears etc) Delayed growth/development Skin sensitivities/allergies Joint stiffness and disease Other diagnosed disease If your dog is suffering with any pre-existing health conditions, it pays to consider titre testing. No animal should be vaccinated with a compromised immune system.
A global infection of both humans and animals, leptospirosis is on the tip of most owners and dog professional’s tongue. Caused by the pathogen icleptospira spp. it is a major zoonosis, with infection acquired from wild and domestic animals. Canine leptospirosis presents very similarly to the syndromes presented in other species with hepatic, renal and pulmonary ramifications. In short, it’s pretty rough, but vaccine induced immunity is restricted to serologically related serovars and is generally very short-lived; therefore, needing annual revaccination. If there are more than 230 serovars belonging to at least ten pathogenic species, does the vaccine even pose benefits? Or do the risks outweigh them? We are going to look at the science and explore both sides to this story. Fancy coming along for the journey? Leptospirosis is characterised by fever, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhoea, renal failure, haemorrhages and ultimately death. However, for those who recover, they may become asymptomatic renal carriers for extended periods and shed infectious leptospires into the environment. This is a large source of infection, as rats can be carriers but do not show signs of infection. Whilst treated dogs can shed leptospires, so can vaccinated dogs. This raises the first red flag; is this potentially increasing exposure? Most signs of leptospirosis become apparent in the first week after infection; younger dogs, less than 1 year of age tend to get the most severe forms of leptospirosis and 87-100% of infected dogs will have some degree of renal implication. There do appear to be different clinical parameters of the infection: Peracute Disease: super-sudden onset which usually affects younger dogs with an overwhelming exposure. The large amount of toxin causes rapid death before the kidney or liver disease even occurs. Acute Disease and Subacute Disease: this is the classic form which manifests as fever with bruising and bleeding, general muscle pain and painful abdomen from kidney and/or liver disease. There may be jaundice and inflammation in the eyes. Chronic Disease: recurring fevers, chronic hepatitis, chronic kidney disease, uveitis, poor appetite and weight loss. However, leptospira interrogans sensu lato is sensitive to doxycycline which is a readily available antibiotic. Leptospires are cleared from the blood within 24 hours of starting antibiotics. But it does take around 7 days to clear from the urine. Prognosis, depending on organ damage is 80-90% with appropriate treatment. There are, however, other serovars, like the pomona which is associated with more severe disease and in severe kidney cases, dialysis can be required which is often limited. So, whilst treatment is largely effective, if started soon enough, there was clearly enough concern to develop a vaccine. Vaccination against leptospira interrogans sensu lato is available for the seravars canicola, grippotyphosa, pomona and icterohaemorragiae. Some vaccines coverall four serovars, whereas some cover two of the four. This is where you will recognise the common lepto two or four vaccine. Vaccination against canicola and icterohaemorragiae has been traditional for dogs and vaccination overall, has been seen to reduce the severity of the disease, but will not prevent infected dogs from being carriers. Note, it supposedly reduces severity, it doesn’t necessarily prevent occurrence. The leptospirosis vaccine was soon associated with a higher chance of vaccine reactions. This is a result of human research into leptospirosis. In the U.K. in 2014 , over 2000 reports of Novibac L4 adverse reactions have been reported to the VMD (Veterinary Medicine Directive) and around 120 suspected deaths related to vaccinosis. In addition to this, data suggested that the severity of the disease was associated with the intensity of the immune response. In short, the more intense and early the response, the more severe the disease. Findings here If our immune system, and our dog’s, is primed to take out antigens and protect, why does a more intense response seem to make things worse? An intense immune response induces a high level of inflammatory cytokines which can result in severe tissue lesions. Immunity is like the porridge in Goldilocks. It can sometimes be too cold (lacking) and sometimes too hot (overzealous). Ideally, we want it, just right. There are many things that affect immune responses, in the case of lepto, a more intense response was associated with previous infection. Fever was induced by virulent injection in previously immunised rabbits whereas non-immunised rabbits exhibited no fever after injection. So, in this case, the immunised rabbits fared poorer than non-immunised rabbits. See where we might be going with this? So we are vaccinating to potentially reduce, not prevent the severity of infection but here it appears those rabbits immunised, had a more severe reaction to exposure. But, stress, nutrition and the environment can all affect immune responses too. So too, can genes. This can help explain why some animals are more, or less susceptible to pathogens (or vaccines) than others. And explain the age-old statement, but my dog was fine! It therefore raises no eyebrows when reports appear of clinical leptospirosis in numerous dogs when they had previously been vaccinated. You’ll remember this from earlier, when it was deemed to reduce severity, not necessary prevent occurrence. This was however, associated with vaccine type. In short, the dogs were vaccinated against only two of the many pathogenic serovars. So, in walked Lepto 4. But these new vaccines were associated with further increases in vaccine reactions, not limited to local swelling or hypersensitivity, but including cardiac abnormalities. Specifically, heart murmurs appearing between first and second vaccination. Findings here What is particularly interesting in studies exploring the use of lepto 4 vaccines, is that dogs demonstrated antibodies to serovars not vaccinated against. Researchers have therefore concluded that natural exposure (not vaccine exposure) to serovars provide positive titre results. Not only that, but in cases of vaccinations up to 1745 days previously, some dogs still demonstrated antibodies. This raises a question around the need for such frequent booster vaccinations. The take home from this particular study was “seroconversion following vaccination differed considerably among individual dogs.” Yet they still concluded that, “in the light of the high incidence and
Anxiety…the word that gets 337,000,000 hits on google. Many of us and our dogs would say, around that many things make us anxious in any one day, but anxiety for the dog can sadly be very life-limiting. Common signs include panting in the absence of exercise, pacing, salivating in the absence of food, inappropriate vocalisation, hyper-arousal, or lethargy and repetitive or compulsive behaviour. Not only that, but there are recognised cases of separation anxiety in the dog where they will dig at exit points, toilet inappropriately and the above behaviours become worse when separated from their guardian. Causes of anxiety are vast, what some dogs will find exciting, others will find stressful. This is where a better understanding of anxiety lies. In humans, anxiety is defined as a fear or worry, whereas stress is a response to a threat or situation. In the dog, if we consider separation anxiety, whilst dogs may respond to the trigger of you picking your keys up, or getting your coat, they exhibit a stress-response. Seeing as bonfire night is upon us, we thought we would talk about how to support and modulate this stress response. Stress is a response in the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system primes for flight or flight. The parasympathetic nervous system then comes along to balance it all out, and primes to rest and digest. Whilst this is a very generic overview of the stress-response, there are many processes that are going on, on the inside. To this end, certain nutrients can support and modulate stress responses and help to maintain a balanced system. Magnesium Often noted as the ultimate chill pill, magnesium is an essential nutrient that many are deficient in. Its low levels are regularly established incases of depression in humans, so it is clear it plays a role in mood modulation and the stress response. Findings here Magnesium affects a number of neurotransmitter systems. Firstly, it inhibits excitatory neurotransmitters. Excessive excitation can lead to the death of brain cells, which affects the overall structure and functioning of the brain. Magnesium also acts as a cofactor in the serotoninergic system. As we know serotonin is the happy chemical, and low levels of magnesium are regularly linked to low serotonin levels. Not only that, but magnesium excretion is increased during times of stress. Catecholamines and corticosteroids enhance the shift of magnesium from inside the cell to outside of the cell leading to increased urinary excretion. In turn, low magnesium levels increase the release of stress-associated hormones. This unfortunately creates a cycle of a reduced resistance to stress. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts and seeds. The ones packing the highest punch are spinach and pumpkin seeds. Magnesium is also necessary for calcium absorption, so balancing these levels is key. High levels of calcium increase the need for magnesium. High dosages of vitamin D can also induce magnesium depletion. As an aside, magnesium competes with fluoride in the body and will decrease absorption, minimising the impact of fluoride in the body. Knowing that magnesium is a key player in many of the systems necessary for balanced mood and can be depleted further in times of stress, it pays to add magnesium rich foods to your dog’s diet. L-Theanine An amino acid found in tea leaves; its relaxing effects have been noted in humans for a while now. This is appearing to be true for our canine companions too. In mammals, L-Theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier within an hour after administration. It appears to remain in the plasma and brain for several hours after. L-Theanine isseen to facilitate the generation of alpha waves which are indicative of a relaxed but awake and alert state. L-Theanine helps regulate the usual stress responses like increased blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol secretion. In dogs, L-Theanine treatment has been seen to reduce anxiety scores during storms in fear of humans. Findings here There is also evidence for L-Theanine improving cognitive function and performance in test situations. Findings here It is thought that because of its similarity to glutamate, it can interact with the same receptors, therefore playing a role in neuroprotection against glutamate toxicity. There are also reports of increased GABA activity in the brain following L-theanine administration and we know that GABA is the brakes of the brain. Findings here Green tea contains the highest L-theanine content, and in moderation is perfectly safe to offer to your dog. Alternatively, there are a number of L-theanine supplements available. Findings here Vitamin D Every tissue in the body has vitamin D receptors, but it is the ones in the brain we are most interested in. Vitamin D activates genes that regulate the immune system and release neurotransmitters. In humans, vitamin D receptors are found in the same brain regions that are linked with depression, so we know it has an impact on mood; seasonal affective disorder ties in with this. It is thought that vitamin D plays a role in calcium balance in neurons, which helps to balance excitatory and inhibitory pathways in the brain. Not only that but vitamin D is linked to the regulation of nerve growth factor which is essential in neuronal survival. Offspring of vitamin D deficient mothers often experience learning and memory problems with altered grooming behaviours, and we know that grooming in most mammals is calming and comforting. Findings here The long and the short of it, vitamin D deficiency is regularly noted in cases of anxiety. Findings here Dog’s don’t have the same ability to synthesis vitamin D from the sun as we do, so they rely solely on dietary sources. Sources of vitamin D include oily fish, red meat, liver, and eggs. There are several health issues that affect absorption of vitamin D, like IBD and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency along with having a low-fat diet. Supplementation is an option but being fat soluble be mindful of levels. Magnesium assists in the activation of Vitamin D, so ensure adequate levels of Mg before you
Whilst carbs are generally demonised in human and pet health, if you want to reap the rewards of fibre, you’ll have to play fair with carbohydrates. So, let’s look at carbs for what they really are. A carbohydrate is a molecule made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which is why you may often see them noted CHO. Their primary function is to provide energy. Carbohydrates are made up of three components, fibre, starch, and sugar. Sugar is a simple carb. Having fewer molecules to digest and breakdown, it sends an immediate burst of glucose into the blood stream. This is the one that tends to cause a ruckus. Fibre and starch, however, are complex carbs, having longer chains of molecules. Starch takes longer to digest, having a more gradual effect on the body and fibre is a non-digestible complex carbohydrate. So, whilst fibre possibly doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and carbohydrates are routinely demonised, the heath benefits are often overlooked. Fibre, you may be surprised to learn, can be a key player in maintaining absolute gut health and supporting anxious behaviours. 1) Fibre to support your dog’s gut barrier If fibre and resistant starch can’t be digested, what happens to it? It gets fermented by the bacteria living in the gut. This produces short-chain-fatty acids, also known as SCFAs. The most common SCFAs produced are acetate, butyrate and propionate and they all have unique roles. They provide fuel for intestinal epithelial cells, which strengthen the gut barrier and butyrate is known for its role keeping the junctions of the barrier nice and tight. Not only that but SCFAs are able to stimulate mucus production, which is vital for creating a barrier between the external environment and the underlying gut epithelial layer. Mucin production plays an important role in protection from harmful pathogens and immunity. Findings here 2) Fibre to support your dog’s well-bein As you have seen, non-digestible fibre gets fermented into SCFAs in the gut. SCFAs also exert effects on the brain. Not only have all examples of SCFAs been found in the brain, suggesting they can cross the blood-brain-barrier, they appear to modulate neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by the body’s nervous system. Acetate has been shown to affect levels of glutamate and GABA. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in virtually every major excitatory brain function. GABA is the brakes; it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA facilitates sleep and reduces both mental and physical stress, creating a calm mood for your dog. In the same strand, it seems all SCFAs can affect levels of tryptophan which is the enzyme involved in the synthesis of serotonin and we all know that serotonin is the happy chemical! Generally, the inclusion of dietary fibre has been deemed a highly appealing approach, which is simple and relatively low risk if you are looking to help support your dog’s mental well-being. Findings here 3) Fibre as a prebiotic for your dog Here is another word you may have come across, but along with probiotics and synbiotics, not really understood which one is which, or whether either even does anything! Well, prebiotics were first defined as “non digestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or limited number of bacteria in the colon, thus improving host health.” So, possibly without even knowing, if you included non-digestible fibre in your dog’s diet, you were likely including prebiotics already. All prebiotics are fibre. But not all fibre is prebiotic. Prebiotic substances have demonstrated the ability to manipulate the gastrointestinal ecosystem of the dog, improving the composition of their microbiota and overall improving immune system function in dogs. Short-chain-fructooligosaccharides and oligofructose seem to modulate the intestinal microbiota and aid absorption of certain minerals, whereas mannooligosaccharide exhibits a positive effect on immune system function. Yet is it noted that supplement studies are carried out on healthy dogs; little evidence exists considering the role in canine disease. That said, there are a range of foods that contain naturally occurring prebiotics including dandelion greens, berries, bananas, flaxseed, apples, carrots, asparagus and of course mushrooms! 4) Fibre for your dog’s heart Cardiovascular disease is an inflammatory disease and diet is often considered the cornerstone for CVD treatment. Many studies have demonstrated that high amounts of dietary fibre can significantly reduce the risk of CVD. It is thought that fibre reduces cholesterol and fatty acid absorption and reduces glucose absorption along with decreasing insulin secretion. SCFAs, which are fermented from dietary fibre, also have anti-inflammatory properties and inflammation is central to complications associated with CVD. Findings here 5) Fibre for your dog’s overall health Dietary fibre adds bulk to the stool, which can alleviate cases of constipation. Not only that, but healthy bowel movements are essential to anal gland health in the dog. On its journey, dietary fibre attracts water and turns it to gel during digestion, this not only slows the absorption of glucose but can trap potentially harmful substances. In the same strand, it can speed the transit of food through the digestive system which facilitates regular bowel movements. Findings here Commonly Used Fibre Although fibre is generally an umbrella term, there are fibres within fibres. Cellulose consists of glucose units bound by linkages that can only be broken down by microbial enzymes, those found in the colon. Cellulose is an effective stool bulking agent. Pectins are found in the skins of fruits, being water soluble and rapidly fermentable. Gums are viscous and sticky polysaccharides found in the seeds of plants; they tend to have a variable fermentation rate. Psyllium husk is a form of soluble fibre, it contains mucilage which swells when in contact with fluid, forming a gel. Psyllium can help to improve faecal consistency. Fructo-oligosaccharides are polymers than contain up to nine sugars. FOS enters the colon intact and then is fermented by bifidobacterial and lactobacillus. FOS is fermented into SCFAs. This fermentation also reduces intestinal pH which can inhibit the growth
Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on healing the root cause of disease; encompassing a range of modalities from herbal medicine, mind-body exercise, acupuncture and of course nutrition. Nutrition encompasses food energetics which are based on the idea that certain foods have certain profiles and can subsequently be used to change the profile of the body. Yin energy is cold or cool, and there are certain foods which have cooling properties. Yang energy is warm or hot, and there are certain foods which are warming. There are also neutral foods,which are thought to have little impact on body profile. It is also thought that flavours can act upon certain organ systems and therefore create a desired health benefit. Not only that, but TCM also advocates a seasonal approach to good health. Creating a holistic view of health, it is easy to nod in agreement with many of the TCM ideas, so let’s explore them in a little more detail. Yin and Yang Yin Yang theory forms the basis of TCM; the idea that balance is key. When a deficiency exists, it should be toned up. When an excess exists, it should be reduced. If there is too much heat, it should be cooled. When there is too much cold, it should be warmed. If dampness is present, it should be dried and so on. Yin and Yang is also assigned based on heat signs. Heat and cold can be both deficient and excess; the goal is to be in harmony. Generally speaking, active, young, and outgoing pets are described as yang. Whereas older, quiet, and shy pets are described as yin. Some animals will self-regulate, the older quiet yin cat may choose to sleep in a warm window, whereas the young yang,excited puppy might jump in the water to cool off. However, we can help yang animals remained balanced by adjusting the environment. For the yang pet, provide cooling environments and foods. Include plenty of shade, air conditioning,fans, and misting. Offer fish, turkey,banana, duck, celery, kelp, spinach and broccoli. For the yin pet, provide warming environments and foods; space to sunbathe, heaters and blankets. Offer mutton, deer, chicken, ginger, chicken liver, squash, and pumpkin. Maintaining the yin-yang balance is key to ultimate health and TCM dictates that its disharmony is the basis of all disease. Yang Excess Yang excess is produced by the invasion of excessive heat, yin us unable to counteract the warming properties so an excess heat condition appears. Treatment requires the heat to be dispelled. Clinical signs: Acute onset Short course Younger age No general weakness Hyperactive High fever Red or purple tongue Strong and fast pulse Yin Excess Yin excess occurs when there is an invasion of excessive coldness. Clinical signs: Acute onset Short course Younger age No general weakness Pain Swelling or oedema Loose stool Pale or purple tongue Strong and slow pulse Yang Deficiency Yang deficiency occurs when yang is lower than normal, but yin is at its normal level. The warming properties of yang are insufficient to equalise the cooling properties, resulting in a cold condition. Clinical signs: Chronic onset Long course Older age Coldness at extremities Edema Loose stool Urinary incontinence Chronic pain/weakness Weakness in rear limbs Infertility Pale tongue Weak and deep pulse Yin Deficiency Yin deficiency is when yin is lower than normal, but yang remains stable. This heat condition is named a false heat. Clinical signs: Chronic onset Long course Older age General weakness Thirsty Lower degree of fever Restless or anxious Prefers cool Red and dry tongue Thready and fast pulse These patterns are then used, by a qualified practitioner, to classify clinical conditions and develop a treatment plan. TCM for Itchy Dogs Whilst the clinical manifestation of skin issues overall becomes quite complex in TCM, the general thought is that most conditions are heat invasions, with damp elements and yin deficiencies. When presented with seasonal allergies, eczema, itching, erosions with pus, alopecia, hot spots and dermatitis, a cooling diet is recommended. In cases of geriatric dryness or dandruff and chronic skin conditions a neutral or cooling diet is recommended. Cooling meats include turkey, ocean fish, rabbit, and white fish. Cooling vegetables include spinach, broccoli, celery, kelp, cabbage, cucumber, and melon. Sesame and flaxseed oil are also cooling. Low Fat Fish Neutral meats include pork, bison, duck, beef liver, pork liver, goose, mackerel, sardines, herring, salmon, and tuna. Neutral vegetables include carrots, green beans, peas, and shiitake mushrooms. Olive oil is also classed as neutral. If we are to consider foods to drain damp, they include beef, beef kidney, lamb kidney, mackerel, and sardines. Along with parsley, lettuce, parsnip, pumpkin,and seaweed. TCM for Skeletal Health With many skeletal issues facing dogs, it is no surprise we want to know if we can use food energetics to our advantage. What is particularly interesting, is that cases of rheumatoid arthritis can present as either hot or cold. The cold pattern is described in humans (dogs have yet to learn how to speak) as cold feelings in the limbs and joints, stiffness, or pain in a joint or muscle which is relieved by applying warmth. Symptoms increase with exposure to cold. The heat pattern is associated with hot, red, and swollen joints with severe pain generally relieved by applying cold. Although diagnosed across the board as rheumatoid arthritis, both hot and cold patterns exhibit different biological markers. Both patterns share the same expressed genes, but they appear to have different signalling pathways. T cell proliferation and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines appear to be increased in hot pattern RA patients. There also appears to be more severe collagen destruction in hot pattern RA too. Cold pattern RA appears to have a higher rate of protein and fat mobilisation demonstrating a more obvious muscle breakdown. Cold pattern patients also demonstrate a reduced hypothalamic-pituitary-axis function which is associated with a decreased stress response which goes someway to explain the higher fatigue level reported in cold pattern RA. Findings here RA, to most is considered
When looking at the nation’s dogs we have a major issue on our hands, a topic that can stir up emotive responses from owners and something that animal professionals may have a tricky time addressing… OBESITY From an owners perspective, they only want the best for their dog, and to be told their dog is overweight can be hurtful to hear. Your animal professional hasn’t seen those puppy dog eyes, peering over the plate looking for crumbs. Or the look you get when you need to nip out and you’re compelled to give them a treat as compensation. From an animal professional perspective, we see that overweight dog walk into our clinic and our heart sinks. Desperately wanting to tell you the list of byproduct diseases of obesity and give you a long list of things to change for your dog’s health. Instead, we softly mention they could stand to lose a little weight, to be met with a look of shock and disheartened words. Please don’t think we are here to make you feel that you’re not doing your best, we are here to guide you and want you to have the most time with your beloved pet. As much as it may be a tough conversation to have, we as animal professionals have a duty of care to animals in our clinic, and weight management is something that we need to be discussing more. For us it isn’t simply a case of sprinting around the park and cutting back portion sizes, there is so much more that we can do and it starts by inspecting what is in the dog’s bowl. Say for example your dog is on processed kibble, cutting back portion size when looking at the calorie deficit model for weight loss may have some impact. However,with your older dogs they will reserve reduced energy levels caused by food restriction, meaning weight loss can be very slow or stationary. Most processed dog food has a high percentage of carbohydrates, and this is where the issue lies. When a high volume of carbohydrates hit the GI tract, this causes a rapid increase in blood sugar and insulin levels. If the body cannot use this energy quickly enough, the leftovers get shunted into fat cells held in adipose tissue. Now going on a slight but relevant tangent, arthritis is a byproduct of obesity. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting the joints and shows a higher prevalence in overweight dogs. Findings here If adipose tissue has a larger surface area caused by obesity, this increases the amount of pro inflammatory adipokines. So not only does additional physical pressure cause inflammation, but inflammation responses are increased tenfold with adipokines also jumping on an arthritic joint. Findings here So we know that carbohydrates increase blood sugar and insulin and lead to a cacophony of different issues, of which I’ve briefly discussed one. How can we look to combat this and get the best from our dog’s health, well for a start you can cut the carbs or at least look to reduce them. At MPN, we are hugely passionate about species appropriate diets and have seen incredible progress with pain management, all from just swapping to fresh foods. Even if you can’t make the leap to fully raw feed or fresh feed, there is plenty of middle ground that you can address, that will help towards a healthy life for your dog. Supercharging the bowl Whether you’re a keen raw feeder or just wanting to liven up the bowl by adding in some fresh, there is plenty of choice. Focusing on musculoskeletal health, our first port of call is adding things high in glucosamine and chondroitin. Both are complex sugars found within the structures of cartilage. Studies have indicated that these have a positive effect on pain management and ROM increase associated with Osteoarthritis. Findings here If you have compromised cartilage, you can heal with cartilage and these are super easy to source for your dog’s bowl, from bone broth, raw beef trachea to green lipped mussels (GLM). By supporting the joint health of an overweight dog, we can encourage further ROM and decrease inflammation, all working towards weight loss, there is a lot of research around turmeric (curcumin) and ginger (gingerol). Findings here Other favourites of ours for targeting joint inflammation are ACV, chamomile, fresh small fish and sunflower seeds. There is a huge amount of free radical damage (oxidative stress) created from excess adipose tissue and so looking at antioxidants to support this can be helpful. A diet high in colourful, fresh vegetables and Vitamin C can be fabulous in this instance. Findings here Lifestyle management If your dog is overweight, their joint health is likely already under pressure, but we can add some simple changes in place to reduce this strain. Start by increasing the length of your dog’s exercise, but reduce the pace. By having your dog run around the park doesn’t necessarily mean they will burn off more calories. High-impact activities will increase inflammation responses and then facilitate a pain response. Count your dog’s steps, have them on a lead next to you and go that bit further with less pressure, rather than seeing them flail around on the horizon chasing a squirrel. Be present and enjoy the walk with them, as much as it’s good for your dog, it’s good for you too! Oh no, here comes the fun police… ball flingers. Ball flingers can cause such horrific damage to your dog’s musculoskeletal structure over time, from huge repetitive stress crashing through the body when they come to a stop. If you’re not ready to put the ball flinger down, maybe drop the amount of times you throw it, or ensure warm up and cool down regime, the aim being to reduce inflammation and injury. Even things like ramps into the car and little stairs for the sofa make a tremendous impact on keeping inflammation and strain at bay. Therapies If your dog is
Joint issues like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, spondylitis, hip dysplasia, lameness, luxating patellas or other inflammation and/or damage, can occur for a high proportion of dogs. We usually put it down to age, being overweight, activity and breed but joint issues do not discriminate. Around 1 in 5 dogs, only over the age of 1 can experience joint issues and this raises significantly over the age of 4. Joint supplements are one of the most searched for supplements for dogs and so I wanted to touch on this as there are the good, the bad and the ugly. I don’t want to talk about brands but how to choose a good joint supplement. Here at MPN, we don’t get sponsored to recommend brands as we wish to remain impartial. There are some professionals who have been recommending brands due to incentives. It may well be those products are good, but how do we know that? So the best way to tackle this, is to understand how to best pick a joint supplement. There are five major corner stones to joint health, 5 major physiological processes and impactions that affect the joint. These are digestion, inflammation, degradation, oxidation and joint lubrication. We call it the 5-TIONS and if we understand what is happening and what ingredients help with those physical elements, then we can choose wisely. When looking at joint health you need to consider all mechanisms responsible for the disease and then how to select ingredients to support those processes. · Digestion; for a number of reasons, digestion can become compromised and the mucosal wall, the one cell epithelial, can become less integral and become ‘leaky’. A damaged intestinal lining is permeable, allowing larger, undigested food particles and intestinal microbes to escape into the bloodstream. The food particles that leak into the bloodstream are viewed by the immune system as foreign bodies, causing an immune system response. The microbes that escape into the bloodstream can also cause an immune system reaction. These microbes are often gram-negative gut bacteria whose outer membranes contain molecules called lipopolysaccharides(LPS). Lipopolysaccharides trigger the immune system. Gut microbiota also has a role to play in the function and aetiology of RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis). · Inflammation; it’s generally the inflammation and rubbing of joints that create pain and stiffness. Immune responses to allergens or stress can create an inflammatory cascade, known as the cytokine inflammatory cascade that can create a systemic inflammation, affecting joint health. An activated immune system produces antibodies that can travel in the bloodstream and create an inflammatory response in other parts of the body, including joints, leading to arthritic pain and swelling. · Degradation; is the main reason for the breakdown of the joint matrix. Degenerative joint disease, often osteoarthritis (OA), is a common “wear and tear” disease that occurs when the cartilage that serves as a cushion in the joints deteriorates. This condition can affect any joint but is most common in knees, paws, hips, and spine. The joint matrix and connective tissue need to be supported by components that replicate the structure of joints, naturally. · Oxidation; increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress may play a key role in joint destruction and in particular, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Free radical damage can create more degradation and inflammation, so looking to support this process with natural antioxidants to help create a protection and further degradation, is essential. · Joint Lubrication; synovial fluid within the joint matrix is incredibly important to support cushioning and movement. Alterations in synovial fluid (SF) lipid composition have been linked to both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This needs to be supported in a joint formula when choosing your product. What ingredients can be considered for the 5-TIONS DIGESTION N Acetyl Glucosamine: is a wonderful form of glucosamine that has an affinity to the healing of the gut mucosa, healing ‘leaky gut syndrome’. Findings here Green Lipped Mussel: GLMs are rich in glycosaminoglycans and glycosaminoglycan precursors, known as GAGs. An important GAG found in GLMs is chondroitin sulfate a well-documented structural ingredient for connective tissue found in the mucosal wall of the digestion. Findings here INFLAMMATION Green Lipped Mussel; the fatty acids in green lipped mussels with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid) are the most abundant. These are the important fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation. GLM’s are natural COX inhibitors just like NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), so they can obtain the same pain free results without the negative side effects. They are also natural LOX inhibitors too. Findings here Devils Claw: is a flowering plant of the sesame family. Its root packs several active plant compounds and is used as an herbal supplement and its botanical name, Harpagophytum, means “hook plant” in Greek. Some studies suggest that compounds called iridoid glycosides, found in devils claw, may also have antioxidant effects. This means the plant may have the ability to ward off cell-damaging effects of unstable molecules called free radicals. Findings here Boswellia Serrata: shows suppression of inflammation and mechanism of action of extract might be linked to lipoxygenase and/or cycloxygenase. Providing maximum inhibitory response as compared to other fractions. The result strongly suggests that the oleo-gum-resin of B.S can be used efficiently as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Findings here Curcumin: has proven to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators that are intimately involved in inflammation are biosynthesised by pathways dependent on cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. The role of LOX and COX isoforms, particularly COX-2, in the inflammation has been well established. Findings here MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): is an organosulfur compound and often used for it’s anti-inflammatory and structural capabilities for joint health. In invivo, MSM reduced cytokine production involved in the inflammatory process. Ginger: contains anti-inflammatory compounds that function in the same way as COX-2 inhibitors and may help joint inflammation and namely OA (Osteo Arthritis). Findings here DEGRADATION Glucosamine HCL and
When we’re out walking our dog and they are panting, we rarely pay any attention, we know that it’s a typical behaviour associated with exercise. Equally, if it’s gotten a little warmer, we expect panting (within reason). But is there a time when panting can indicate something which does require some further attention? It’s a behaviour that we ask pet guardians about in a My Pet Nutritionist consult, so let’s get to the bottom of what panting is, and if it’s anything to worry about. What is panting? Panting is characterised by fast, shallow breaths, a wide-open mouth, and an extended tongue. It’s generally associated with a dog trying to cool down, also known as thermoregulation. Cooling results from the inhalation of cooler air and exhalation of heat along with the evaporation of water in the dog’s respiratory system. The respiratory system in dogs is made up of their mouth, nose, trachea and lungs and it serves two main functions. Firstly, like in humans, it is how the body exchanges carbon dioxide and oxygen. In general, healthy dogs will have a resting respiration rate of anywhere between 15 and 40 inhalations and exhalations a minute. The typical respiration rate when panting increases 10-fold, so up to 400 inhalations and exhalations per minute is expected. It’s second function is to regulate body temperature. A normal body temperature for a dog is between 38.3°C and 39.2°C. An increase by just 1-2°C can have major effects on the dog’s system. They therefore rely on panting as their primary means of expelling heat. There are three known patterns of panting: inhalation and exhalation through the nose, inhalation through the nose and exhalation through the mouth, inhalation through the nose and mouth and exhalation through the nose and mouth. It is suggested that the most effective cooling system is when air is directed through the nose and out through the mouth. So why don’t dogs sweat to cool down? The human mechanism for cooling down is to sweat. As sweat evaporates, we cool down. Due to the thick coats dogs have, sweat just wouldn’t evaporate resulting in a thick, furry coat full of sweat! Nice! Dogs do have sweat glands, but on their paws. It is rare to see a dog with sweaty paws after exercise. You will tend to find sweaty paws in response to stress – which is why you’ll see damp patches on the table at the vets or groomers. What are the triggers and causes for a dog panting? Exercise This is a well-known cause for panting in dogs. Exertion increases heart rate and overall body temperature. Therefore, to regulate their body temperature, dogs will pant. Heat It is suggested that it can take from 7-60 days for a dog to acclimatise to a temperature change in the environment. This can be influenced by body shape, size, coat type and length and the overall health of the dog. Some of the breeds that are more sensitive to an increase in environmental temperature include: Pugs, Lhasa Apso, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and French Bulldog. These are known as brachycephalic breeds and due to their small nasal passages and short windpipes, they don’t pant as efficiently as other breeds. This puts them at a much higher risk of heatstroke. Dog Days of Summer Anxiety/Fear/Phobia Many dogs who suffer with anxiety or fear will pant. It is thought that the fear response increases the heart rate which in turn raises the body temperature. There are usually other signs that accompany panting in a fear response, such as yawning, pacing, crying, whining, shaking, lip licking or hiding. Storms and holidays with fireworks are often a source of anxiety for dogs, so it is quite common to see more panting during these times. There are many ways to help relieve anxiety in dogs including: Thunder Jackets, Plug-in diffusers – these release calming pheromones which mimic those of nursing dams when comforting their litter. Creating a safe place – a covered crate or a space under the stairs or a table. Top Tips for Anxiety in Cats and Dogs 6 Nutritional Tips for Anxiety in Dogs Panting accompanied with shaking is a typical stress response in dogs so consider whether there has been any change to their daily routine, even the smallest changes can be worrying for some dogs. Is panting a symptom of a long-term health condition? It can be. Heart failure When the heart is no longer pumping oxygenated blood efficiently, body parts and tissues will become oxygen deprived. The easiest way to correct this depletion is to increase respiration which often results in panting. Symptoms of heart failure include: Fatigue, Difficulty breathing, Loss of appetite, Weight loss, Coughing. Older dogs are more susceptible to heart issues. The ageing process naturally causes your dog’s organs and systems to deteriorate. Keeping Your Senior Dog Healthy Heart failure can also occur as a result of heartworm disease. Heartworms are spread through mosquitoes. Infective heartworm larvae migrate through the dog’s body until they reach the heart and blood vessels in the lungs. Symptoms of heartworm include: Coughing, Intolerance of exercise, Laboured breathing/panting. Natural Worming Options for Pets Obesity Overweight dogs will often pant excessively. This is due to the strain placed upon the cardiovascular system. In determining whether your dog is a healthy weight, you should be able to see a waistline, feel the ribs and from a bird’s eye view, your dog should have an hourglass outline. Maintaining a healthy weight in your dog should be achieved through species appropriate diet with portion control and regular exercise. Obesity in Pets Part I Obesity in Pets Part II Low Fat Fish Cushing’s Disease This is when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, also known as hyperadrenocorticism. Cortisol is produced and stored by the adrenal glands, two small glands which sit on top of the kidneys. Investigations of the cause will usually be tumours found on the pituitary or adrenal gland or
