A question that often pops up here at My Pet Nutritionist so we thought we’d do a whistle stop tour on the gallbladder and some of the more common issues that can arise when it’s not functioning as it should. Let’s get cracking. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits just under the liver. Its function is to store and concentrate bile, a yellow-brown digestive juice produced by the liver. It is part of the biliary tract. When food enters the small intestine, a hormone known as cholecystokinin is released, this tells the gallbladder to contract and secrete bile into the small intestine, through the common bile duct. There are two important functions of bile: Bile contains bile acids, which are critical for digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. Many waste products, including bilirubin, are eliminated from the body by secretion into bile and elimination in faeces. Bile contains water, electrolytes and a battery of organic molecules including bile acids, cholesterol, phospholipids and bilirubin. Sadly, the build up of these very compounds can lead to a number of problems in the gallbladder, they are known as canine gallbladder diseases and include: Biliary Sludge Gallbladder mucoceles Gallstones Gut Guardian Biliary Sludge Gallbladder sludge is a collection of cholesterol, calcium, bilirubin, and other compounds that build up in the gallbladder. It is more technically known as biliary sludge. It is not technically a condition on its own, but it’s presence can lead to further issues. Gallbladder sludge has been associated with: Obesity Rapid weight loss Cholecystitis – the swelling and inflammation of the gallbladder. It can result in bile trapped in the gallbladder, causing pain, vomiting, and bloating Blocked biliary ducts – these allow the gallbladder to drain – if sludge can’t escape, it accumulates Of interest, biliary sludge has been associated with acute cases of pancreatitis. In human cases, where no cause of pancreatitis could be found, upwards of 30% of patients showed evidence of biliary sludge. Findings Here If the initial cause of gallbladder sludge is rectified, then it often resolves on its own. However, if the factors remain, gallbladder sludge can lead to gallstones. Gallstones Gallstones are not surprisingly, small stones that form in the gallbladder. It’s when there is an imbalance in the usual liquid composition of bile inside. Because inadequate emptying or infrequent gallbladder movement are usual factors that increase the likelihood of gallstones forming, it’s easy to see how biliary sludge can lead to gallstones. Risk Factors for gallstones; Obesity, Older age, Disorders of the digestive system, Rapid weight loss, Signs and Symptoms of gallstones: Vomiting Jaundice Loss of appetite Abdominal pain Fever Discomfort after eating Gallstones are more commonly seen in older dogs, and often in smaller breeds like miniature schnauzers and miniature poodles. They may be identified in the gallbladder, common bile ducts, hepatic, or interlobular ducts. They are generally composed of cholesterol, bile pigments and calcium carbonate. Gallbladder mucoceles (GBM) A gallbladder mucocele is an abnormal accumulation of bile laden mucoid material within the gallbladder, resulting in bile duct obstruction. Mucins, which play a major role in the development of gallbladder mucoceles, are a family of polysaccharides secreted by mucosal epithelial cells of the gallbladder, stomach, intestines and other organs. Mucins act as surfactants and play a mucoprotective role by preventing self-digestion of mucosal epithelium by digestive juices. A gallbladder mucocele is characterized by the excessive secretion of mucin from gallbladder epithelium. Dogs who have suffered with GBM have ranged in age from 3-14 years old, but middle to older aged dogs are thought to be at a higher risk. A genetic mutation has also been found on the ABCB4 (MDR3) phospholipase flippase transported in Shetland Sheepdogs and others. There is an increased incidence in these dogs along with Miniature Schnauzers and Cocker Spaniels. Findings Here Signs and Symptoms of GBM: Loss of appetite Lethargy Vomiting Diarrhoea Jaundice Abdominal pain or discomfort The underlying cause of GBM is essentially unknown, but there are considered associations. For example, gallbladder mucoceles has been associated metabolic disruption. Dogs with GBM: are characterized by significantly diminished antioxidant capacity demonstrate altered energy metabolism have abnormal lipid metabolism demonstrate presence of xenobiotics compared to controls In addition, those dogs with GBM formation show increases in certain compounds that suggest they are in a state of excess metabolic energy. This is why these dogs show lower levels of pantothenate, riboflavin and nicotinamide riboside because there is an increased demand for these compounds in energy transportation. Findings Here There is also consideration given to hydration state; studies have indicated an underlying defect in electrolyte, acid-base or fluid transport. Findings Here Finally, the formation of gallbladder mucoceles has been associated with certain medication use: Dogs with GBM were 2.2 times as likely to have had reported use of thyroxine 3.6 times as likely to have had reported treatment for Cushing’s disease 2.3 times as likely to have had reported use of products containing imidacloprid (insecticide) Findings Here Supporting Healthy Gallbladder Function Maintain an ideal body score Obesity in Pets – Part One Obesity in Pets – Part Two Support digestive function Low Fat Kangaroo The Dog’s Digestive System Optimal Gut Health Pancreatitis: Natural Guide for Pets Stay hydrated! Offer filtered water and ditch the dry! Offer antioxidant rich foods! Berries and leafy greens are a great place to start! Dietary Patterns Studies have indicated that the consumption of sugar, refined grains, processed meats and low-fat food products are associated with increased risk of gallstone disease. Likewise, the intake of nuts, fruits, vegetables and omega-3 PUFAs is associated with reduced gallstone disease. Supportive nutrients in terms of gallbladder health include fibre, magnesium, and vitamin C. Findings Here Why Is Magnesium So Important to Your Pet Why Fibre is Good For Your Dog Why Chia Is So Good For Your Dog Issues with the gallbladder are sadly not that simple, there are several factors to consider. If you are concerned about your dog’s gallbladder or liver
Histamine intolerance (HIT), more technically known as enteral histaminosis, is characterised by the development of problematic symptoms after the ingestion of histamine containing foods. However, current schools of thought are that HIT is not solely due to dietary histamine exposure, but exposure along with insufficient or impaired histamine detoxification. We can see the raised eyebrows from here, so here at My Pet Nutritionist, we thought we’d take a closer look at this issue. What is histamine Histamine is a transmitter in the nervous system and a signalling molecule in the gut, skin, and immune system. It is synthesised from the amino acid histidine which is in fact an essential amino acid for humans and dogs. It is primarily associated with the functioning of the immune system. During an immune reaction, histamine is released from mast cells throughout the body and contributes to the physical changes necessary for the immune system to fight the pathogen, like the increase in blood pressure, temperature, swelling, and constriction in the lungs. Histamine is released to carry out a function and then it is removed, or it should be, efficiently. Detoxification of dietary histamine normally occurs in intestinal epithelial cells via the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO) as well as histamine-N-methyl-transferase (HNMT) in the liver. The term histamine intolerance is used similarly to lactose intolerance in humans (LIT). LIT, with a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, shows parallels to the definition of HIT, with a deficiency of the GI enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). DAO is a secretory protein stored in structures of the plasma membrane and is responsible for the degradation of extracellular histamine. The expression of DAO is restricted to certain tissues, mainly the small intestine, colon, placenta and kidneys. In the intestine, DAO activity increases progressively from the duodenum to the ileum and is located mainly in the intestinal villi. On the other hand, the enzyme HNMT is expressed in a wide range tissues including the kidneys and liver, the spleen, colon, prostate, ovaries, spinal cord cells, trachea, and respiratory tract. The gateway for dietary histamine is the intestinal epithelium. So, although HNMT is also present in the gastrointestinal tract, the more highly expressed DAO plays the major role in protecting the body against exogenous histamine, whether originating from ingested food or generated by the intestinal microbiota. What Can Cause Deficiencies in DAO? There are polymorphisms in the genes that encode for the DAO enzyme, but certain medications, including over the counter products are seen to inhibit the activity of DAO enzyme too. They include: Analgesics – morphine, NSAIDs Antiarrhythmics Antibiotics Antifungals Antimalarial Diuretics Motility agents Muscle relaxants Vitamins – ascorbic acid, thiamine Findings Here Furthermore, several inflammatory bowel pathologies affecting mucosal integrity are known to result in impaired DAO activity. DAO activity has been proposed as a marker of the integrity of intestinal mucosa. In inflammatory bowel diseases, reduced DAO activity was related to the degree of mucosal damage. In one human study, DAO activity was significantly reduced in cases of ulcerative colitis compared to the control population. gut guardian can help support histamine intolerance and allergies. Findings Here Gut Guardian Prevalence of DAO deficiency in HIT In human studies, 80% of patients showing symptoms of HIT also demonstrated DAO deficiency. Symptoms of HIT include: urticaria pruritus diarrhoea abdominal pain vomiting constipation cough rhinitis If DAO production is low, histamine blood serum will inevitably be high. This is where the liver needs to be functioning effeciently, to assist with excess histamine metabolism. Liver Guard Diagnosing HIT Currently the general rule of thumb is that two or more symptoms of HIT are being presented. Other gastrointestinal pathologies should also be dismissed. Low histamine diets are recommended in the short term, to establish remission or improvement in symptoms. Low Histamine Diets Foods that potentially contain high levels of histamine are: a) those microbiologically altered, such as fish and meat, or derived products that may have been preserved or processed in unsuitably hygienic conditions. b) fermented products, in which the bacteria responsible for the fermentation process may also have aminogenic capacity. If you would like more information on low histamine diets check out our blog here. Low Histamine Diets for Dogs More are now acknowledging the role of DAO inhibitor medications and the result on histamine load. In addition, we must consider how the health of the gut may be influencing enzyme capacity and so we really need to take a look at the bigger picture. Does My Pet Need to Detox 7 Steps to Optimal Gut Health for Pets If any of this is ringing a little true for your dog, then please check out our services to see if we may be able to help. Thanks for reading, Team MPN x
The microbiome was first defined in 1958. It was identified as the collective genome of the microorganisms that share body space. These microorganisms include bacteria, archaea, virus, and fungi. It is believed that 90% of human cells are not of human origin; hence the saying we are only 10% human. Microorganisms of the microbiome therefore provide an important genetic variation. Bacterial genes provide diversity and functions that human cells do not have. This similarly applies to our pets. The microbiome is an important modifier of disease and an essential component of immunity. Dysbiosis of the many microbiomes have been associated with a range of disorders and each day we are learning more about more about the community inside and on top of us, and our pets. Whilst our research is still getting a handle on things, and there are many things we still don’t know much about, we know that certain things can skew the microbiome to result in dysbiosis, and there are somethings than can help it sort itself out. Let’s take a look. The intestinal microbiota is the collection of all microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. The microbiome is the collective genome of these microorganisms. Bacteria make up most microbial cells, showing an increase in abundance from the stomach to the colon. The predominant phyla in the GIT of healthy dogs are: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria But each individual animal will have their own personal profile. A note on testing… it would stand to reason, that if we know the bugs that contribute to healthy microbiomes and those that can start to run amok, if we could test for them, then we could tailor a microbiome for health? This is a great concept and one that is gaining traction in the human world, but we still haven’t established a perfect microbiome or microbiota. As it stands, we need to learn more – and acknowledge that our microbiomes are unique – what may be perfect for your dog, may not be perfect for mine. We know that certain bacterial groups have consequences – both beneficial and potentially deleterious. For example, certain dietary carbohydrates can be fermented by the microbes in the gut – in this process, they produce short-chain-fatty-acids. These are known as butyrate, acetate and propionate. On the plus side, these compounds are anti-inflammatory, they maintain intestinal barrier function, regulate motility (the movement of the digestive system) and also provide energy for epithelial cells. On the downside, they can activate virulence factors of enteropathogens. In addition, bile acids also seem to be a major regulator of the gut microbiota. Liver health is therefore implicated in microbiome composition as reduced bile levels are associated with bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. Secondary bile acids have been seen to inhibit the growth of clostridum difficile, Escherichia coli and more. They are also seen to modulate glucose/insulin secretion from the pancreas. Bacteria in the gut produce these secondary bile acids and so if they aren’t present, their antimicrobial function is missed! Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have significantly reduced bacterial diversity, with lactic acid bacteria Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae increased, likely because of overgrowth associated with maldigestion. As we know, the pancreas produces enzymes that help digestion, so if this isn’t occurring upstream in the digestive process, it can cause problems further down. If you would like to know more about the digestive process that occurs in the dog, check out our blog: The Digestive System of the Dog Many studies have highlighted the alterations in bacterial diversity in a range of conditions in the dog. So, what can result in these alterations in bacterial diversity? Generally, the major types of dysbiosis fall under 4 categories. Abnormal substrates in digestive tract Loss of beneficial commensal bacteria Increase in total bacterial load Increased pathogenic bacteria Abnormal Substrates in Digestive Tract The most common here are undigested nutrients – if there is low stomach acid, digestion is impaired resulting in undigested nutrients moving through the digestive tract. If the pancreas isn’t fully functioning and releasing those helpful digestive enzymes, the same applies. The other abnormal substrate includes medications – which may result in changes in the microbiome. Loss of Beneficial Commensal Bacteria The most common cause of loss of commensal bacteria is the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSA) – BSAs aren’t fussy – they’ll do their job perfectly, taking all bugs with them – this includes those beneficial commensal bacteria that keep the bad guys in check, and which help produce metabolites for optimal functioning. Of interest here is the mechanism by which antibiotics can affect the chemical transformation of pesticides. Antibiotics, through their bug killing capacity, have been seen to suppress enzymes required in hepatic metabolism and also increase intestinal absorption leading to improved bioavailability of pesticides and therefore skyrocketing their risk factor. Findings Here Increase in Total Bacterial Load This is more relevant in cases of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. When we reference the microbiome, we are considering the microbial community found in the whole of the digestive tract. Generally, the further down we go, the more bugs we find. For this reason, we would expect the majority of the bugs to be found in the colon. SIBO is when there are higher numbers found in the small intestine. Low stomach acid can contribute to the development of SIBO – and the administration of proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines can both suppress gastric acid secretion. Poor motility can also contribute to the development of SIBO, and stress can be a huge factor that contributes to motility issues. In short, if the digestive system isn’t moving, food particles sit where they shouldn’t. Increased bacterial load is what occurs in yeast issues for example. Candida is harmless when kept in check, but for a number of reasons it can overgrow. If you would like to learn more about yeast, check out our blog: Is your Dog a Yeasty Beast? Increased Pathogenic Bacteria No-one will knowingly ingest pathogenic bacteria – we can’t speak for
In our last My Pet Nutritionist article we explored the range of factors that can contribute to a less than happy gut including: Antibiotics, Overuse of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors and antihistamines, Poor liver function, Poor motility, Digestive disorders, Poor pancreatic function, Inflammation in the gut, Stress Environmental toxins, Dietary choices. And more! Why is this important? The microbiome plays an immense role in both health and disease. It has been seen to affect how food it utilised and absorbed – and in actual fact, you aren’t what you eat, you are what you absorb and utilise! This goes for pets too. The microbiome has also been implicated in obesity. Findings Here The microbiome can produce metabolites which can support immune function, modulate inflammation, and influence behaviour. A happy microbiome also forms a defence barrier so is an important part of gut healing if dealing with pets who suffer with sensitivities. So, if we know what can result in gut dysbiosis, is it something we can prevent? And is it something we can reverse? Let’s take a look. First of all, we are looking at puppyhood to prevent dysbiosis. Until recently, it was believed that foetus development occurred within a sterile uterus, however increasing evidence indicates that the foetus develops in an environment that is not entirely germ-free. Many microbial species have been detected in the umbilical cord, the amniotic fluid and the foetal membranes in apparently normal pregnancies without any indication of inflammation or disease. After birth, the new-born acquires microbes from the environment, food, and nearby animals and humans. In the first month of life, gut microbiota is less stable, and its biodiversity will increase over time. Gut Guardian Alongside this microbial colonisation, the immune system must learn to tolerate antigens present in the environment. Colonisation in the early life stages occurs in conjunction with the development, expansion, and education of the immune system. This suggests that during the first colonisation steps, factors with a negative impact on microbiota composition could pave the way for disease in subsequent years. At this point, delivery mode, along with maternal nutrition and environmental exposure are key factors to consider in promoting a healthy gut in your puppy. As your puppy is growing it is essential to: Avoid the overuse of antibiotics – we are not denying that antibiotics are lifesavers, but they can often be prescribed inappropriately. Avoid the overuse of medications – again, some medications are beneficial in acute disease episodes, but the long-term use of many medications often serves as a band-aid – if you are using chronic proton pump inhibitors or antihistamines for your pet, please check out our services to see if we can help. Support normal motility – avoid stressful triggers and work in conjunction with a behaviourist if your dog struggles with stress resilience. Limit exposure to environmental toxins – cleaning and grooming products, pesticides, plastics, contaminated water etc. Is Your Toxic Home Affecting Your Pet The Importance of (Clean) Water Does My Pet Need to Detox The other factors on our list need a little further discussion. Poor Liver Function The liver is an essential organ of the body that performs hundreds of vital functions. We often call it the powerhouse of the body here at My Pet Nutritionist. Some of its main roles include removing waste products and foreign substances from the bloodstream, regulating blood sugar levels, and creating essential nutrients. In addition, it is involved in: Albumin Production: Albumin is a protein that keeps fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissue. It also carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes through the body. Filters Blood: All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver, which removes toxins, by-products, and other harmful substances. Regulates Amino Acids: The production of proteins depends on amino acids. The liver makes sure amino acid levels in the bloodstream remain healthy and it also plays a role in rearranging amino acids into new proteins. Regulates Blood Clotting: Blood clotting coagulants are created using vitamin K, which can only be absorbed with the help of bile, a fluid the liver produces. Resists Infections: As part of the filtering process, the liver also removes bacteria from the bloodstream. Stores Vitamins and Minerals: The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper. Processes Glucose: The liver removes excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen. As needed, it can convert glycogen back into glucose. Bile Production: Bile is a fluid that is critical to the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Bile acids also affect the balance of flora and gut motility, which ultimately affects microbiota composition. But of further interest, there seems to be a bi-directional relationship here as gut dysbiosis is also then implicated in poor liver function and subsequent liver disease. We’re not kidding when we say we need to consider a whole-body approach to health (and disease). And so, if you are looking to support the microbiome, we also need to be supporting the liver (and more – but one step at a time!). Liver Guard Poor Diet – as the liver plays a role in metabolism and detoxification, the less burden we place on it, the better. Bioavailable, nutrient dense foods are best – which is why we advocate a whole-food, fresh diet. Stress – again, the liver plays a role in detoxification, so if the body has plenty of stress hormones to break-down and excrete, the burden on the liver will be increased. Avoid stressful triggers as much as possible. Endocrine disease/disorder – vet checks can establish if this is a consideration that needs to be made but underlying endocrine issues can contribute to impaired liver function. Infectious agents – many infections may affect the liver, and so testing for this is beneficial. Immune support can then be useful in a liver healing plan. Vaccinosis – here we are looking at the burden
Coprophagy,the technical way of saying a dog’s (or other animal’s) tendency to eat their own or other animal’s poop, is possibly more common than you may think, and certainly an issue we are told about here at My Pet Nutritionist. Throwback to the 1940’s and 1960’s and studies on rabbits and rats respectively suggested that it occurred due to vitamin synthesis and the frequency depended largely on nutritional requirements during growth or aging. So, much like Chinese whispers, we have come to the understanding that our dog is eating their poop because they are deficient in something. Findings here. You could stop reading there and have an answer to your question, but you would be wrong. Firstly, your dog isn’t a rat or a rabbit. There’s a little more to this less than desirable habit, so let’s delve a little deeper. What is coprophagy? Coprophagy is common in rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas. Rabbits even excrete two types of faeces; hard and soft. Soft faeces are re-ingested but hard faeces are not. If rats are prevented from the act, then they require dietary supplementation of thiamin, biotin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin K. Findings here. Based on this information, if you were to notice a dog commonly eating their own poop you would consider that they too did it for nutritional reasons. But it all comes down to the digestive system. In rodents and rabbits, bacterial synthesis of nutrients occurs in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Here, little absorption occurs. By eating their own faeces, it gives them another shot at absorbing the nutrients, for want of a better description. So why do dogs eat their own poop? Well, it has its own name, so it’s nothing new. Canine conspecific coprophagy is regularly mentioned to vets and use alike, and is a regular search term on the world wide web. Some argue that it is a sign of an underlying medical issue,for example: 1) Enzyme deficiency As we know, a key part of the digestive process is enzymatic breakdown. Without key enzymes, food will pass through undigested. There is a school of thought which suggests the dog will eat their own faeces, to give themselves another chance at digesting the food and utilising the nutrients; exactly like the rodents did. 2) Increased appetite There are certain conditions which increase appetite, like diabetes and thyroid issues and so in an attempt to meet their ravenous needs, a dog will eat anything in sight! On the same side of this coin – there are others that argue a dog will eat his own faeces if he is being underfed. That said, the number of obese dogs is increasing year on year, so, before you alter his feeding amounts, check out our blogs: Here and Here. Others argue that it’s not necessarily a health issue, but more a psychological issue. Some have noted that it can occur in bored dogs; whether the dogs are simply amusing themselves, or in fact it’s attention seeking behaviour. For example, many owners don’t like dogs eating poop, so when they spot it, they give the dog attention;despite it being a negative interaction. Think of it like the child who misbehaves as soon as the parent takes that important phone call. However, in order to get a handle on the true reason, a study was conducted that looked at the diet of coprophagic dogs, it looked at house-training, their eating habits and what behaviour modifications had successfully been used in managing it. Findings here. This study found that the diet of the dog had no significant impact,therefore suggesting no nutritional basis for the behaviour and coprophagic dogs were just as easily house-trained as non-coprophagic dogs; so, they still maintained a typical aversion to faeces like most dogs. Interestingly, those dogs who ate their own poop, were more readily described as greedy eaters. Sadly, the success rate of behaviour modification to stop the dog eating their own poop was close to zero. Let’s see if their like of other animal’s poop sheds anymore light on the reasoning behind this particular behaviour. Why do dogs eat cat poop? The most likely explanation is that whatever hasn’t been absorbed by the cat during their digestion, attracts the dog to eat the poop. In some commercial cat foods, compounds are added to make the food palatable; these aren’t always absorbed by the cat, so they just come out the other end. Why do dogs eat another dog’s poop? There’s little evidence to suggest a nutritional basis for eating another dog’s poop. The factors relating to a dog eating faeces include: Greedy eating Breed group (hounds and terriers are more likely to do so) Multiple dogs in the house Eating dirt Eating cat stools It doesn’t appear to make a difference whether they are eating their own, or another dog’s poop – if they are going to eat poop, they’re going to eat poop. Why do dogs eat wild animal poop? When you’re out on your walks with your poop eater, he’s probably found rabbit or horse poop. Why are they drawn to it? The explanation could lie in their plant-eating habits! With horses and rabbits being herbivores, are dogs seeking the plant content of their poop? Again, grass-eating is not linked to nutritional deficiency or illness. Some owners perceive it as a way for dogs to make themselves sick. But dogs fed commercial, table scrap or raw diets were no more prone to grass or plant eating than the others. The answer to this question takes us back to their ancient beginnings. Plant-eating seemed to play a role in controlling internal parasites. Plant material passes through the intestinal tract, wrapping around worms and thereby clearing them out. Findings here. The parasites would then be found in the faeces, which leads us to another reason why a dog would eat poop – to keep their den clear of parasites. Some domestic dogs take themselves off to the furthest point
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
We know that physical exercise is one of the pillars of health for our canine friends but getting outside, benefits both them and us in more ways than one. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we advocate a holistic approach to health and well-being, so let’s go a little off the beaten track, and take a step back from nutrition per se for a moment. Did you know that being in nature reduces scores of anxiety and depression? Our species has existed for thousands upon thousands of years – but even the oldest cities have only been around a fraction of that! What this means is that we largely evolved in nature, and this environment therefore shaped our brains – for want of a better phrase, going back to nature almost takes us back to our roots. What the data says: Being in nature is seen to improve sleep scores Spending time in green spaces simply makes us happier Mental stress scores significantly reduce when we live in urban areas with increased green spaces Time in nature improves our relationships with others and also cognitive functioning Findings here Findings here Findings here Not only that, but it is thought that exposure to green spaces reduces the risk of type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death and high blood pressure. Findings here Spending time outside is also beneficial for our microbiomes. Nature and The Microbiome The skin can be seen as an ecosystem, composed of living biological and physical components occupying diverse habitats. Disruptions of this ecosystem can result in skin in disorders or infections. These issues call the immune system to action, creating inflammation. Sadly, chronic inflammation is linked to a range of issues throughout the body. Exposure to toxins can disrupt this ecosystem, but it can become imbalanced simply by not having exposure to enough of the “good guys!” We can find these good guys outside, in nature. It is well established that those who live in rural locations possess more diverse bacteria on their skin. But this similarly applies to the microbiome found in the lungs too! A particular study wanted to explore the impact of nature on allergic disease suffered in the lungs. Two groups of mice were housed, one group with potted soil, one with sterile bedding. Mice who had lived on clean bedding were more susceptible to developing lung inflammation in response to asthma-triggering allergens than those housed with soil! As an aside, in this particular study, those housed with soils also scored lower on standard stress tests. Findings here In short, what is concluded is that exposure to soil supports immune tolerance and stress resilience. It is clear that being in nature is beneficial to both our physical and mental health – not only for the rewards of movement. The same applies to our dogs. Nature and Our Dogs We know that exercise improves cardiovascular health and more, but we don’t always have to exercise our dogs when outside. Yes, we said it. Stick with us a moment. Dogs use their nose to explore their environment, and what is particularly interesting is that after activity, their sniffing capacity significantly reduces. Findings here This also applies if they are stressed,stress results in the same physiological responses as activity in many ways. Therefore, it’s clear that getting outside and allowing your dog to “just be” and explore their environment, is of benefit to them. If we return to those studies on mice – as dogs sniff, they are exposing themselves to more diverse bacteria, which could potentially support their immune tolerance. Nose breathing also stimulates the vagus nerve, which as we know is the chief of the parasympathetic nervous system – this is why we often hear that allowing a dog to sniff lowers their heart rate. The simple exposure to soils through their paws and fur can also be of benefit to their whole body. Dogs groom themselves, so the soil they have walked through, is then potentially ingested. The good bugs can help support a diverse community, but this same mechanism occurs with soil laced in pesticide and exposure to harmful pesticides can result in dysbiosis. This is one of the main concerns facing us. Many countries are managing to significantly reduce their usage of pesticides, but others are increasing it. For example, Armenia have seen a 2650% increase in pesticide use since 1990. USA have seen a 125% increase in use. In the UK, we have reduced usage by 34%! Findings here If you would like to explore more about how pesticides and more affect the microbiomes in our dogs, check out our blogs here, And here. On the subject of toxins – rural air has significantly less air pollution than that found in urban locations. It is believed that half of the world’s population are exposed to increasing levels. Findings here Trees remove pollutants from the air and plants are often seen as the “lungs” of an ecosystem because they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. They also act as an ecosystem’s “liver,” filtering atmospheric pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide through their leaves. Trees are particularly effective at removing particulate matter (PM). PM comes in the form of tiny particles of organic chemicals, acids, metals and dust which are emitted from fossil-fuel-burning vehicles and factories, as well as construction sites. The largest of these particles measure up to 10 micrometers across (known as PM10s), which is around a fifth of the width of a human hair. There are also PM2.5s, measuring 2.5 micrometres across, being even smaller nanoparticle pollution. Fine particulate matter can easily permeate the respiratory system, causing lung and cardiovascular issues, but it has also been linked to inflammation and heart disease, so reduced exposure is particularly important and trees can help us here! Summary It is clear that spending time in nature ticks all boxes for all our bodily systems; it supports immune function, cardiovascular health, mental health and more! Dog walks as exercise are necessary – but dog walks in nature are
You are what you eat! This is a phrase that has dominated the media for decades. On a biochemical level it’s true – each cell in the body has a function, to carry out that function, it needs nutrients, co-factors and energy. Whilst some nutrients and cofactors can be synthesised within the body – in one way shape of form, what cells need must come from somewhere, and that somewhere is the diet. This also applies to the cells that tell us, and our dogs how to behave, or more interestingly, influences how us or them feel. So, can food affect behaviour? It sure can! But the full answer needs a little more explanation, so grab a coffee and join us as we take a look at the link between food and mood, and specifically which compounds or foods may play a role. What is Mood? Mood is the way us or our dogs are feeling at a particular time and they can change – depending on internal and external factors. Although they can change – moods still have physiological symptoms – for example, during anger, heart rate increases and in humans, a noticeable red flush to the face. When calm, heart rate reduces. Being focussed or distracted is also a mood and this is largely affected by biochemical processes too. In this case, the right balance of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, and these chemical messengers are in fact a key element in how food can influence behaviour. Neurotransmitters are like the nervous system’s carrier pigeons. The main neurotransmitters that do that work are acetylcholine, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, histamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters can be excitatory, or inhibitory. They either make something do something or stop something doing something. Like an accelerator and a brake pedal. All of these neurotransmitters must be made from something. We can think of it like a recipe for behaviour – we have main ingredients, but we also need some seasoning (co-factors)! So, let’s take a look at the recipe book for some of the heavy lifting neurotransmitters. Acetylcholine Acetylcholine stimulates muscle contraction, both skeletal and smooth. It is also involved in attention, memory, and learning. Acetylcholine is needed in high amounts during waking hours, but in low levels during restorative sleep. In most cases acetylcholine is excitatory. What is of interest is that acetylcholine is released by nerve cells during times of mild stress (or concentrating on learning something new), so during these times, demand is increased. Acetylcholine is synthesised from choline and it is carried out in the liver. Sources of choline include egg yolks, liver, kidney and seeds. Dopamine Dopamine can be both inhibitory and excitatory depending on the receptors it acts upon. It contributes to the control of voluntary movement and influences learning, attention, and emotion. It is largely associated with reward mechanisms in the brain and plays a part in pleasure seeking. Dopamine gets particular interest in incarcerated humans, but also in aggression in dogs. Aggressive dogs have been found to have significantly different alleles for dopamine receptors than their non-aggressive counterparts; short form alleles demonstrate greater impulsivity. Whilst it is easy to suggest that aggression and impulsivity is in the genes, there are processes that can regulate gene expression. DNA methylation is one such epigenetic mechanism. If you would like to know more about this then check out our blog here. Findings here Dopamine is synthesised from phenylalanine and tyrosine which are both amino acids. Sources of phenylalanine include dairy, eggs, nuts, chicken, beef, pork and fish. Sources of tyrosine include chicken, turkey, fish, bananas, yoghurt, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Dopamine is broken down by a couple of enzymes, and there can be genetic variants which affect how quickly it occurs –for some, dopamine may hang around a little too long, for some it may disappear incredibly quickly. Increased breakdown can lead to attention deficit behaviour and often fatigue like behaviour. On the other side of the scale, decreased breakdown is sometimes noted in aggressive behaviour. Altered protein intake can sometimes help to balance this out. GABA GABA is the primarily inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, this stops the firing of neurons and we call it the breaks on the brain. By inhibiting neural activity, GABA facilitates sleep, reduces mental and physical stress, lowers anxiety, and creates a calmness of mood. Its relationship with glutamate is key to overall balance. GABA also modulates intestinal motility,gastric emptying, and gastric acid secretion. Findings here GABA’s recipe includes an amino acid too, glutamine. Sources of glutamine include beef, chicken, dairy, fish, eggs, cabbage, spinach, carrots, kale, and papaya. Serotonin Serotonin has a wide-ranging role in the body including regulation of energy balance, food intake, and GI and endocrine function. But its behavioural processes include mood, perception, reward, anger, aggression, appetite, memory and attention. In cases of canine aggression, serotonin levels are found to be significantly lower than their non-aggressive counterparts. Serotonin is synthesised from tryptophan, but you might already know this! However, in times of stress, tryptophan gets stolen. We’re not lying. It’s called the “tryptophan steal”. Tryptophan also feeds another pathway in the body, known as the kynurenine pathway which is a necessary pathway, but in times of stress or inflammation this pathway steps up a notch and siphons the little tryptophan we did have! Foods to boost serotonin: Banana Pineapple Pomegranate Strawberry Spinach Nettle Kiwi Lettuce Tuna Turkey Chicken Oats Nuts and Seeds Glutamate Glutamate has excitatory effects on nerve cells, and it can actually excite cells to their death. Both too much and too little glutamate are harmful. The oversupply of it can lead to seizures, and environmental stress can significantly enhance glutamatergic release. Findings here But like everything in the body, we’re looking for goldilocks – just enough! Glutamate occurs naturally in protein-containing foods like diary, mushrooms, meat, fish and some vegetables. Histamine Histamine is a transmitter in the nervous system and a signalling molecule in the gut, skin, and immune system. It is
An elimination diet – the wand of all wands. Or at least we would like to think so. Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we regularly utilise elimination diets in our healing plans. But there is often some confusion over their purpose and how best to use them. So, we thought we’d cover, what they are, what they hope to do, and what they can’t do. What is an elimination diet? An elimination diet, also known as exclusion diet, is a diagnostic procedure used to identify foods that an individual/animal cannot consume without adverse effects. Adverse effects may be due to food allergy (IGE), food intolerance (IGG), other physiological mechanisms, or a combination of all of the above. The point to note here is that it is a diagnostic tool – not a long-term lifestyle and in some cases, a means to give the immune system a welcomed break. People often look at certain foods being the culprit or the saviour. But what’s really happening is the bodies inability to deal with certain antigens effectively. As we know, the immune system functions like a radar – always on the lookout for potentially harmful compounds. But, through regular activation it can become hypersensitive and seemingly forget that it does have a tolerance capacity too. Immune Tolerance In the body, there are two types of immune tolerance, one is self-tolerance, and this prevents the development of autoimmune disease. The body accepts its own cells and doesn’t try to kill them (so kind!). But there is also this idea of induced tolerance. Induced Tolerance Induced tolerance occurs when the immune system actively avoids responding to an external antigen. This tolerance is induced by previous encounters with that antigen. An example of induced tolerance is a deliberate manipulation of the immune system to avoid the rejection of transplanted organs or to provide protection from allergic reactions. But induced immunity needs a fully functioning immune system to make the right calls at the right time – this is the basic premise of why we want to carry out an elimination diet. To see what foods might elicit a reaction. Through the removal of antigenic compounds (the foods potentially wreaking havoc), you remove the adverse responses pulling on resources and you can then spend time supporting the various systems in the body, including the immune system, to get your ducks in a row. Why would you do an elimination diet? An elimination diet is often the first port of call for dogs suffering with allergies, intolerances, inflammatory conditions and also behavioural issues. This last point often raises a few eyebrows –but as we know, immune responses are intricately linked with the brain and subsequently behaviour. We not only have sickness behaviour, which makes us hunker down and prevent the spread of virus (evolutionary purpose for survival), but pain simply makes us, and our dogs, miserable. In cases of irritable bowel syndrome, there is a noted visceral hypersensitivity too, which in a nutshell means an even higher sensitivity to pain (and sadly an increased propensity to be miserable). The take home? Allergies, intolerances and inflammatory conditions are all an immune response. So, the point is to lighten the load on the immune system. But we can’t forget there are differences between allergies and intolerances. A food allergy or other allergic response is caused by an IgE antibody reacting towards that allergen. IgE binds to mast cells to promote histamine release. This is an immediate response and in some to certain food allergens can be fatal (anaphylaxis). Hives or instant rashes and swelling can be seen. IgA is an antibody that lives in mucous membranes, inside nasal cavities, and lungs. It helps to protect the respiratory tract as a first line of defence. IgM is the first immunoglobulin that is encountered in an infection, or vaccines for the first time. IgG is the work horse antibody; it is the soldier, the memory antibody. This is what gets drafted when your dog is exposed to something they have already figured out a response to. When you have a food intolerance, we tend to discuss it in terms of IgG. Symptoms usually begin within a few hours of eating the food that you are intolerant to. Yet, symptoms can be delayed by up to 48 hours and last for hours or even days, making the offending food especially difficult to pinpoint. IgG’s are mostly raised from the barrier mucosa in the digestive system. After a meal, there are both antibodies and complexes of food antigens bound to specific IgG’s. These complexes are quickly cleared by the reticuloendothelial system. Clinical observations suggest that due to gut inflammation and permeability (leaky gut), the digestive system is unable to digest the proteins effectively which subsequently raises IgG response to certain foods. We know that chronic intestinal inflammations and permeability are related to and possibly responsible for food IgG sensitivity. 90% of food reactivity comes from IgG’s. Just to confirm, intolerances can be changeable but allergies tend to be for life and only account for around 10% of food reactivity. IgG’s come in different categories but to keep it simple, they are generally defined as cyclic or fixed. A common IgG reaction is cyclic and can take around 3 months to disappear/change. A fixed Intolerance tends to linger for longer and can take around 6 months to disappear/change. So how do we move forward? We prime and reset the digestive system, and this includes starting with an elimination diet but also gut healing and immune balancing protocols. We follow the 4 R’s. – Remove – carry out an elimination diet. Remove offending foods, one at a time and note changes in symptoms. Quite often, even offending foods can be reintroduced at a later stage. – Repair – support immunity and gut healing with ingredients like slippery elm, de-glycerised liquorice, glutamine, andN-acetyl-glucosamine. It is also important to consider how existing medications are affecting gut healing for example, steroid use impairs intestinal absorption which is linked to several gastrointestinal dysfunctions. But, because of their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities,
Here at My Pet Nutritionist, we know that every cell has a job to do, and it needs certain nutrients to do those jobs. The cells of the immune system have a particularly important job to do and so they too need to be fuelled properly. So, we’ve collated our top foods that you can add to the bowl to support immune function in your dog. The list is not in order of importance, just simple options to pop in! 1) Red Bell Peppers Red bell peppers contain almost three times the amount of Vitamin C that an Orange does! We all know that oranges are touted for their immune supporting functions, but citrus fruits can sometimes cause some digestive discomfort for our furry friends (not all though). Vitamin C contributes to immune defence by supporting various cellular functions of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which as you know if you read our guide to the immune system, they help protect the body against infection. 2) Broccoli Broccoli is packed full of vitamins and minerals. You will find vitamins A, C and E, fibre and antioxidants in these little green trees! Vitamin A helps maintain structural and functional integrity of mucosal cells in innate barriers (skin, respiratory tract etc). It is also important for the functioning of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In the adaptive immune response, vitamin A is necessary for the functioning of T and B cells and therefore for the generation of antibody responses to an antigen. Vitamin A also supports the Th2 anti-inflammatory response. Broccoli also contains a phytochemical called Indole-3-Carbinol. This compound is formed from a substance called glucobrassicin found in broccoli and other brasscia vegetables such as brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens and turnips. Indole-3-carbinol is formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed or lightly cooked and show some exciting new research on their anti-cancer effect. Findings here The Ultimate Raw Feeding Guide for Dogs Rich in Vitamin C, it is also packed full of antioxidants like beta carotene. Not that you would know it because the chlorophyll hides the yellow-orange pigment. Beta carotene is converted toVitamin A in the body but beta carotene, like all carotenoids is an antioxidant, which protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals are produced by macrophages whilst fighting off invading germs, and these free radicals can then damage healthy cells leading to inflammation, so a diet rich in antioxidants can help mitigate the damage! Best to lightly cook spinach before you offer it to your dog though! 4) Turmeric This bright yellow spice has been used for years as an anti-inflammatory, but it is also known as an immunomodulator. It interacts with dendritic cells, macrophages and both B and T cells. But it also interacts with cytokines and this is why we generally note it’s role in the inflammatory response. The inclusion of turmeric has been seen to increase antibodies to particular antigens and overall, it is seen to improve both innate and adaptive immune function. 5) Poultry There’s a reason why you were always told to eat chicken soup if you felt under the weather! Poultry like chicken and turkey is high in vitamin B6. In the innate immune system, vitamin B6 helps regulate inflammation and has roles in cytokine production and natural killer cell activity. In the adaptive immunity system, vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cytokines and antibodies. B6 is also involved in lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation and maturation and it maintains Th1 immune responses. Stock or broth made by boiling chicken bones is also a great option and contains gelatin, chondroitin and other nutrients that are helpful in gut healing in immune function. 6) Shellfish Many types of shellfish are packed full of zinc and this is a particular powerhouse when it comes to immune function. It has antioxidant effects protecting against reactive oxygen species, it helps modulate cytokine release and also helps maintain skin and mucosal membrane integrity (that first line of defence). In the adaptive immune response, zinc has a central role in cellular growth and differentiation of immune cells. It plays a role in T cell development and activation and supports the Th1 response. Cooked mussels are a great addition to your dog’s bowl and are easily picked up in the supermarket. 7) Mushrooms! Not only are mushrooms a great source of B vitamins, but they contain the less talked about mineral selenium. There are such things known as selenium-dependent enzymes which can act as redox regulators and antioxidants; so,selenium can help protect against free radicals too! Not only that but selenium is involved in T cell proliferation and it also has a role in antibody production. Lightly cook mushrooms before offering them to you dog and check out the range of species that have additional health benefits too! 8) Kale One of the leafy greens, kale is rich in folate, or vitamin B9. B vitamins are required to convert food into energy and the demands placed upon the body during sickness can mean more of a demand on this process. Not only that but folate plays a role in maintaining natural killer cells and plays a role in mounting a sufficient antibody response to antigens. Folate also supports Th1 mediated immune responses. In cases of folate deficiency, immune function is often impaired. Low Fat Kangaroo 9) Liver! Whether you opt for cooked or raw, liver is a good source of vitamin D. We find vitamin D receptors throughout the immune system which demonstrates the role it plays in its function. Vitamin D stimulates immune cell proliferation and cytokine production and it helps protect against infection caused by pathogens. It also demonstrates an inhibitory effect in adaptive immunity, suggesting that it is in fact an immune modulator. This is often why we notice increased cases of autoimmunity where there is low vitamin D.
Constipation is the infrequent or difficult passage of faeces. As pet owners, we may pay more attention to the size, colour and consistency of bowel movements and not necessarily notice that our companion hasn’t “gone” for a while. The first hint we may notice is straining when out on a walk with our dogs, or our cat spending more time in the litter tray than usual. When they do go, faeces are dry and hard. Constipation is something that we are asked about regularly here at My Pet Nutritionist, so let’s take a look at what actually occurs in the digestive tract in cases of constipation, what can cause it, and some top tips for managing it. The Digestive Syste Unlike us humans, our pets lack salivary enzymes and so the digestion of their food doesn’t really start until it hits the stomach. As food travels down the oesophagus, it goes through a gateway known as the oesophageal sphincter before getting to the stomach. The stomach is like a washing machine, it churns the food and releases detergent-like compounds to break the food down. Food is turned into a smoothie like consistency known as chyme, which then makes its way to the small intestine. The small intestine is covered in tiny,carpet-like projections known as villi which are vital for nutrient absorption. In short, these villi allow the goodness found in the food to get to the rest of the body. But for that to happen, the chyme needs to be broken down further. Here is where the pancreas comes in. The pancreas is like a factory, it produces enzymes that help to digest food, along with hormones that help control how much sugar is in the blood too. The liver also produces bile acids which are secreted into the small intestine from the gallbladder to help with digestion and absorption of fat. Just to make sure digestion is targeted from all angles, the lining of the small intestine also contains enzymes that break down food too! After the small intestine has done its job, the unabsorbed bits (including fibre) move into the large intestine. But it must go through the ileal brake first. This is like a watchdog; if it spots under-digested food coming through, it tells the upper-gut movements to shut down their party. The large intestine also plays a role in nutrient absorption, simply because it houses trillions of microbes that can help digest things that have so far been indigestible. These microbes also produce messenger molecules to the brain, reducing inflammation and signalling satiety amongst other functions. The large intestine also reabsorbs fluid and electrolytes. During this process,the contents in the gut turn from liquid to solid, so the longer the food remains here, the more water is absorbed and therefore the more solid it is. Sloppy poops spend significantly less time here. At the end of the large intestine, the rectum stores and compacts the waste, before the brain receives the signal to release the accumulated waste though the anus. But how does food move through this system? As the intestine looks much like a computer game from the 1980s, we’re pretty sure gravity isn’t completely in charge. Well, it isn’t. The movement of food through the system is largely thanks to a carefully curated orchestra of muscle contractions. On of these programmes is peristalsis, which are wavelike contractions. Earthworms actually use this mechanism to drive their movement. The other is segmented contractions which generally occur in the small intestine. In the large intestine, mass movements propel the chyme/faeces towards the rectum. What is particularly interesting is that the gut can function independently of the brain, so it can do all of this without any conscious thought. Digestion forms part of the parasympathetic nervous system, appropriately dubbed rest and digest. This leads us into our first possible cause of constipation… Stress When the body feels stressed, resources are redistributed to organs and functions that need them. Sadly, the digestive system is not one of them. Stress can result in a temporary halt to digestive function (of course,stress can also result in projectile diarrhoea, but we never said the body was an easy study did we!). Without the nod to continue its work, waste can sit, waiting for the signal to release. Changes in Routine The digestive system also displays circadian rhythm variations. There is evidence that peristalsis has its own routine. Gastric emptying rates are slower in the evening, and the migrating motor complex (think of it as the road sweep after a car accident, clearing the small intestine between meals) is slower at night too! Not only that but the liver seems to have its own circadian regulation to synchronise with periods of feeding and fasting. Findings here Factors which inform circadian rhythm: Light Mealtimes Sleep Exercise Temperature If your pet has recently experienced changes to their mealtimes, walk times, or had disrupted sleep, this could play a role in their changing bowel habits. Dehydratio This is particularly relevant to cats. They historically have a low thirst drive and sadly, chronic kidney disease is a risk factor for constipation (diagnosis is increasing year on year). As we noted earlier, the large intestine reabsorbs fluid, and it is here that generally dictates how solid the poop is likely to be. The body always wants to maintain homeostasis, so it will always try to balance its levels. For the cat who isn’t gaining much moisture from their diet, there isn’t much water to reabsorb in the large intestine, but by gum, it will try! This is why we always advocate a fresh food diet for your pet. Always have fresh, filtered water available too. A worthwhile read on cats, hydration and kidney disease here. Obstruction Obstruction can be as sinister as it sounds, blockages caused by foreign objects like toys, plastic bags or elastic bands, but it can also be a medical obstruction caused by a tumour, abscess or granuloma. That said, as pets regularly groom themselves, they
Another one of the most common issues brought to us here at My Pet Nutritionist is Atopic Dermatitis. Most commonly seen in dogs, it can also occur in the cat. Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial disease process, but it is defined as a genetically predisposed inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease often associated with IgE (immunoglobulin) against environmental allergies. The prevalence of AD is thought to be 10-15% of the canine population. Symptoms will include: Scratching Chewing Licking Recurrent skin, ear and anal gland inflammation and infections Hair loss Thickening of the skin It is thought that genetic abnormalities, along with an altered immune system and skin barrier defects all play a role. So, lets take a look at AD in a little more detail. Where it comes from and what, if anything, we can do about it. Genes Multiple gene expressions involved in skin barrier function and inflammation have been seen to go awry in canine atopic dermatitis. They have been both up and down regulated. Gene expression is like the instruction pamphlet that comes with your washing machine. Issues in gene expression is like you being sent an instruction manual in a different language and inadvertently using the 60-degree wash on your cold wash items! It’s not going to end well. Well, cheeky genes who aren’t doing what they’re supposed to, often doesn’t end well either. In dogs suffering with atopic dermatitis, data has shown: 361 genes that instruct inflammation, wound healing or immune response were up regulated. 226 genes that affect skin barrier function showed decreased mRNA. mRNA is a messenger; so low concentrations result in fewer messages. Findings here This is why certain breeds are known to suffer with AD, specifically, German Shepherds, Labradors, Boxers, West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs, Bull Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Springer Spaniel, Poodle, Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer and Pugs. That said, these predispositions are also linked to geographical area, which also demonstrates how the environment can interact with genes. There is much attention being paid to the idea of epigenetics; how behaviour and the environment can affect how genes work. This is why, even if your dog is genetically predisposed, you shouldn’t throw in the towel, just yet. Skin Barrier Defects The skin is the first line of defence in our trusty immune system. This goes for our dogs too. If the skin isn’t as robust as it needs to be, then pesky allergens or irritants can get in and start to knock on doors of our second line of defence; inflammation. It is believed that part of the defects found in the skin barrier in AD cases is due to decreased concentrations of filaggrin. Not only can this be due to a genetic encoding error, but certain enzymes in the skin can breakdown filaggrin. The more enzymes, the more filaggrin gets broken down. Filaggrin is a protein found in the skin, and it binds to keratin filaments. This forms a structure within the skin cells. Filaggrin is essential to skill cell maturation, and in forming the outermost protective layer. It also forms part of the natural moisturising substance found in the skin; without it,cells dry out. This is why low levels of filaggrin result in dry, cracked skin. There is also evidence that filaggrin associated atopic eczema is more likely to lead to food sensitisation and inhalant allergens. Findings here Despite there being a genetic cause for filaggrin deficiency, the importance of maintaining a robust skin barrier is essential. Please take a look at our top tips for promoting skill health here. Altered Immune Response As we have mentioned, if pesky allergens or irritants get past the first line of defence, they soon feel the full wrath of the immune response. What starts with inflammation, will venture to a targeted attack in order to eradicate the invader. In the case of a defective skin barrier, the system will regularly be exposed to potential threats, of which the immune system must deal with. This constant state of firefighting ensures a steady level of inflammation throughout the body, which is why cases of dermatitis are often paired with food sensitivities. This is why tackling chronic inflammation is a key part of a dermatitis plan. As you have likely gathered, ensuring a robust skin barrier is essential in managing atopic dermatitis, but so is modulating the immune response and inflammation. Here are our top tips in tackling those three areas. Polyphenols Polyphenols are known to interfere with pro-inflammatory mechanisms. They have been seen to act upon keratinocytes which attenuate skin inflammation. Not only that but they have been seen to hamper toxicity of bacteria which regularly colonises the skin of atopic dermatitis affected patients. Polyphenols have been seen to inhibit the activation, proliferation, and function of Th2 cells which are key players in allergic reactions. Specifically, in the inflammatory response in allergic reactions. This has also been demonstrated during re-exposure to the allergen, suggesting that offending allergens may even be reintroduced at a later stage. Polyphenols are micronutrients found in certain plant foods; they are packed full of antioxidants. Their original role in the plant is to protect against UV radiation and of course aggression by pathogens. For that reason, they tend to contribute bitterness, astringency, colour, flavour, odour and oxidative stability. Under the umbrella of polyphenols, you will find phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes and lignans (and a few more). Along with being anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, the antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds is also key to skin health. Oxidative stress is the imbalance between free radicals (the exhaust fumes of work) and antioxidants. Oxidative stress can damage the structure of the skin and negatively influence immune system function. Interesting, polyphenols have been seen to alter certain gene expression in the dog. Findings here So, all things considered, they are pretty nifty things to offer in your dog’s fresh food diet. Phenolic Compounds for The Dog Blackberries Raspberries Strawberries Blueberries Apple Pear Curly Kale Broccoli Green Tea (organic and decaffeinated) Parsley Chamomile Pomegranate Be mindful
