As in the human population, the incidence of allergies in pets seems to be increasing. While allergic humans may often sneeze, wheeze or even have serious respiratory difficulties, allergic reactions in pets are mostly characterized by skin problems, exacerbated by their primary symptom—itching and scratching. Dog allergies fall into three main categories: flea allergic dermatitis, atopy, and food allergy. Many pets can be affected by one or more allergy.

 

 Food Allergy

 

Food allergy is an allergic reaction to one or more ingredients in a pet’s food. The most common allergens are beef and milk products, cereals (wheat, corn, soya), chicken and eggs. The exact cause of a food allergy is not known. Perhaps a change in the pet’s immune system causes certain ingredients to be perceived as “foreign,” initiating inflammatory mechanisms to fight off the perceived “intruder.”

 

The most common symptoms of a food allergy are itching, licking or chewing. Otitis Externa (ear infection) along with other skin problems are also common in conjunction with food hypersensitivity. Some pets may also have diarrhea and other digestive problems. Symptoms can appear at any age, whether a pet has just started a new diet or has been eating the same food for several years.

 

The only effective way for your veterinarian to diagnose a food allergy is to put your pet on a “hypoallergenic” or “exclusion” diet for a minimum of 8–12 weeks. Such a diet contains ingredients to which the animal has not been exposed in the past. Because the source of protein causes most allergic reactions, exclusion diets use proteins—often venison, fish or duck—that are normally not found in regular pet food. An exclusion diet may comprise home-prepared food or prescription commercial hypoallergenic products.

 

If your pet has a food allergy, there should be a significant reduction in the symptoms after the recommended period on the exclusion diet. To identify all the food allergens, your veterinarian will recommend adding a single protein back into the diet every 1–2 weeks, while watching for a recurrence, or worsening, of symptoms. If this happens, the veterinarian will recommend removing the offending ingredient from the diet.

 

The best way to treat your pet’s food allergy is to carefully monitor his or her diet, in order to avoid flare-ups.

In rare cases, your veterinarian may also prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids.

 

 

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), often called “flea bite hypersensitivity”, is a skin disease caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva. A

single flea bite can trigger the disease’s intense itching. Dogs with FAD chew and bite their backs, legs, bellies or tails. This often leads to “hot spots”, or localized hair loss and skin infections. You may find fleas and flea dirt (the flea feces look like black specks) on your pet, although many dogs with FAD have very few fleas, since they are constantly licking and chewing.

 

Your veterinarian looks for the usual signs (scratching, skin sores, the presence of fleas and/or flea dirt). He or she may also perform a skin test to confirm that fleas are causing the problem, as FAD symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, including external parasites (mites, lice), infections and other allergies, that cause severe itching.

 

The best way to treat FAD is to prevent fleas from attacking your pet. Various insecticides and insect growth regulators that eliminate flea infestations are available. Your veterinarian can recommend the right product for your pet. Daily vacuuming and frequent washing of your pet’s bedding can also reduce your home’s flea population.

 

To break the “itch-scratch” cycle that leads to skin infections, your veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids, antihistamines and essential fatty acids to relieve irritation. Warm water baths and anti-itching shampoos and conditioners also help.

 

What is most important to realize is that there is no cure for FAD: your pet will always be allergic to flea bites and you must be continually on your guard to prevent further problems. Flea prevention is a must.

 

 Atopy

 

Atopy, or environmental allergy, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen, molds, house dust mites and animal dander (skin or hair fragments). It is most common in dogs, but some cats are also affected. The incidence of atopy depends as much upon a pet’s genetic susceptibility as exposure to the allergen itself. (An allergen is any agent causing the allergic reaction.) Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Dalmatians, and Chinese Shar-Peis are particularly prone to atopy.

 

Itching, mostly around the face, feet, lower chest and belly, is the primary symptom. Depending on the cause, this may occur only seasonally (pollen) or year-round (molds, dust mites and dander). “Hot spots”, other skin infections and ear problems can develop. Frequent scratching due to chronic irritation may lead to hair loss. These signs can be seen from 4 months to 7 years of age but are typically first noticed around 1–3 years of age.

 

Atopy is confirmed through a process of elimination. Other causes of itching, such as fleas, mites, lice, bacterial and yeast infections, as well as food allergies, must be ruled out first. Your veterinarian will ask you for a detailed history of your pet’s itching problem. Skin or serum (blood) testing for different allergens may then be performed to help pinpoint the exact cause.

 

Atopy is a lifelong condition and there is no known cure. However, there are a number of ways to manage the problem :

 

One of the most important things you can do to give your dog a long and healthy life is to ensure that he or she is vaccinated against common canine diseases. Your dog's mother gave her puppy immunity from disease for the first few weeks of existence by providing disease-fighting antibodies in her milk. After that period it's up to you, with the help and advice of your veterinarian - to provide that protection.

 

Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or "killed" viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your dog's immune system to produce disease-fighting cells and proteins - or antibodies - to protect against disease.

 

The immunity that a puppy has at birth begins to diminish sometime between 6 and 12 weeks. It is then usually time to begin the initial vaccinations, which will be repeated once a month until the puppy is about 3 to 4 months old. Thereafter, your dog will require repeat vaccination at regular intervals for the rest of his or her life. Above all, follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian - if there is too long an interval between the first vaccination and the booster, your dog may have to undergo the series all over again.

 

Most veterinarians believe that your pet should be protected against those diseases which are most common, highly contagious and which cause serious illness. Such diseases could include Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Tracheobronchitis and Rabies. Other vaccinations may be recommended, based on your veterinarian's evaluation of the risks posed by such factors as your dog's particular heredity, environment and lifestyle.

 

Vaccination against this often fatal, hard-to-treat disease is absolutely essential. Highly contagious, it is spread by discharges from the noses and eyes of infected dogs. Symptoms can include listlessness, fever, coughing, diarrhea and vomiting; convulsions and paralysis may occur in the disease's final stages. The distemper virus attacks many organs, including the nervous system, which may be permanently damaged, even if the dog recovers.

 

Just as with the human common cold, this respiratory-tract infection is easily transmitted from one dog to another, so vaccination is imperative if your pet will come in contact with many other dogs in such situations as obedience training or boarding at a kennel. Caused by various airborne bacteria and viruses, including Canine Parainfluenza virus, Canine Adenovirus Type II and Bordetella Bronchiseptica, you'll first notice its onset by your dog's dry, hacking cough.

 

Very contagious, debilitating and widespread, the disease caused by this virus emerged in many parts of the world only in 1978. Spread through infected feces, the highly resistant virus can remain in the environment for many months. Symptoms include high fever, listlessness, vomiting and diarrhea. Vaccination is the only certain method of preventing this potentially fatal disease, which is most severe in young pups and elderly dogs.

 

This incurable viral disease affects the central nervous system of almost all mammals, including humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of infected animals (which can include skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats) through bites or any break in the skin. Vaccination will provide your pet with much greater resistance to rabies if he is exposed to the disease, but you must be aware that there is no cure once it occurs. For this reason, many municipalities absolutely require that all dogs receive rabies vaccinations on a regular basis. Plus, you will definitely have to prove that your dog is vaccinated if you travel with him - whether across the United States or around the world.

 

Caused by Canine Adenovirus Type I, this disease is transmitted among dogs by contact with secretions, such as saliva, infected urine or feces. Its symptoms are similar to those of the early stages of distemper. Causing liver failure, eye damage and breathing problems, the course of this disease can range from mild to fatal. Vaccination remains the best protection.

 

After evaluating your dog's particular situation and risk factors, your veterinarian may also recommend vaccination against other infectious diseases. These might include

LEPTOSPIROSIS, a bacterial disease which attacks the kidneys and liver

CANINE CORONAVIRUS which attacks the intestinal system

LYME DISEASE, transmitted by ticks to both dogs and humans results in chronic arthritis and, sometimes, death. This disease is more common in the northern parts of the United States.

 

Like any drug treatment or surgical procedure, vaccinations cannot be 100% guaranteed. However, used in conjuction with proper nutrition and acceptable sanitary conditions, vaccination is clearly your pet's best defense against disease. Plus, when you consider what treating a serious illness can cost you and your beloved dog in terms of both money and distress, prevention through vaccination is extremely cost-effective.  

Ticks are small spider-like acarids and fleas are insects, but these two tiny creatures have at least one thing in common—they are both parasites that feed on your cat’s blood and can cause a lot of discomfort and more serious health problems.

Flea bites may go unnoticed on some pets, cause slight irritation in others and produce extensive itching, red lesions, hair loss and even ulcers in those animals with flea allergy dermatitis, which is the result of extreme sensitivity to flea saliva. Severe flea infestations can cause anemia, especially in kittens. Fleas can also transmit several diseases, as well as tapeworm. Ticks are “vectors” or carriers of a number of diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever which can sometimes be transmitted to humans.

 

 About fleas…

Adult fleas are wingless insects, generally smaller than a sesame seed, who feed on the blood of animals. Their proportionately enlarged back pair of legs gives them an extraordinary jumping ability. Hanging on to your pet’s fur with their claws, their needle-like mouth parts bite through the skin to suck up blood—in quantities of up to 15 times their body weight daily in the case of female cat fleas.

 

If one flea finds your cat an attractive food source, you can be sure that other fleas will, too! They mate, with females laying 30–50 eggs per day. These eggs will drop to the ground within 8 hours and, as soon as 2 days later flea larvae will hatch and hide in dark places on the ground, on carpets or in upholstery. After about a week of feeding on adult flea droppings, crumbs, flakes of skin, etc., the larvae spin cocoons to become pupae. The pupae can remain in this stage for very long periods of time. As early as a week later, the pupae develop into adult fleas and emerge from their cocoons when they sense that a cat or other animal host, is near. The cycle—which can take as little as 12 days or as long as 180 days—can then begin again.

 

Ticks are wingless creatures that live exclusively on the blood of animals for three of the four stages of their life cycle. They are equipped with an apparatus called Haller’s organ which senses heat, carbon dioxide and other stimuli to allow the ticks to locate the presence of an animal food source. Once found, they crawl on and embed their mouth parts into the animal’s skin and proceed to suck up its blood.

 

You should inspect your pet regularly for ticks, especially if they have been outside in areas where there are woods or tall grasses. A thorough combing within 4 to 6 hours of exposure to such environments can help prevent ticks from attaching themselves to feast on your pet. Should you find a tick, it should be removed immediately, as the longer it is attached to its host, the greater the chance for disease. Do not touch the tick. Wear gloves and use tweezers to carefully grasp the exposed section of the tick’s body near your pet’s skin. Gently pull until the tick lets go. To dispose of the tick, wrap it in several tissues and flush it down the toilet. Do not crush, burn or suffocate it, as any one of those actions may spread infectious bacteria.

 

 

The best way to control flea problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Fortunately, developments in veterinary parasite control in recent years have made the twofold goal of eliminating fleas on pets and preventing further infestations much easier to achieve. Available for both cats and dogs, new insecticides and insect growth regulators in easy-to-use topical or oral forms not only eliminate any existing fleas, but also work long-term to prevent future infestations. This is accomplished either by killing the parasites before they can reproduce or by preventing their eggs from developing into normal adult fleas. Consult your veterinarian for advice about the proper product for your pet. Furthermore, thorough daily vacuuming of high-traffic areas and frequent washing of your pet’s bedding will also go a long way in reducing the flea population in your home.

Some of the same types of topical or oral products used to control flea infestation are also effective against ticks. Such treatments should be combined with daily examinations and tick removal for those pets, especially cats, who are frequently outdoors in areas with high tick populations. Ask your veterinarian for information about the situation in your locality. Clearing brush and long grasses and removing leaves, grass clippings and other organic debris will also help reduce the presence of ticks by disturbing their natural outdoor habitats.

If, despite your best efforts at control, you find that fleas or ticks have crawled (or jumped) on board your pet, you will have to use a product that will kill and/or repel the parasites. These include once-a-month topical treatments, or more regular use of sprays, powders, dips, shampoos, collars and, to combat fleas, oral or injectable medication. Once again, you should ask your veterinarian for advice about what the most appropriate product is for your pet . And remember, it is perfectly normal to see live fleas or ticks on a pet immediately after a topical treatment, spray, shampoo, collar, etc. is applied. Many believe that this means the product is not working, but the fleas or ticks have to fully absorb the product before they will be affected, which may take from a few hours to a few days.

 

 Facts about fleas

Worldwide, there are about 3,000 different types of fleas, but the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is the most common to be found on cats and dogs.

 

Adult fleas can jump 600 times an hour. Each jump, in terms of the flea’s size, is the equivalent of a person clearing a 50-story building.

 

The record jump for a flea is 13 inches.

 

In just 30 days, 25 adult female fleas can multiply to 250,000 fleas. Tips about ticks

A female tick can lay up to 3,000 eggs.

 

Except for eggs, ticks need a blood meal to progress to each stage of their life cycle.

Some ticks can live for more than a year without a meal.

 

In very rare cases, toxins secreted by ticks can cause pet paralysis. 

 Checkup time now comes twice a year

As your dog ages, regular checkups at the veterinarian’s become more important than ever. In fact, at this stage of your pet’s life, it is recommended that he or she receive a thorough examination every 6 months, as adult dogs can age as much as 3 years (in human terms) within the period of one calendar year. Besides the usual complete physical examination, your veterinarian may conduct a urine and fecal analysis and blood work. Ultrasound and other imaging tests may be recommended to detect early heart or internal organ changes.

 

Most importantly, you should tell your veterinarian about any noticeable change in your dog's physical condition or behavior. A problem that you may assume is simply related to your pet's advanced age may actually be the result of a treatable medical condition. For example, your dog's reluctance to exercise may not stem from the normal decrease in energy that comes with age, but from arthritis or a heart condition - both of which can be managed with the proper treatment. Regular, semi-annual checkups can thus help your veterinarian work out a suitable preventative health program for your pet and catch any problems sufficiently early to provide effective treatment. Working together, you can both ensure that your dog's senior years will be healthy and happy ones.

 

You should also ensure that your dog is comfortable while eating. Most pet owners place food dishes and water bowls on the floor, but this may be a source of discomfort for a large or overweight dog, or for one whose arthritis makes it difficult—or even painful—to bend down. Many pet supply outlets have eating tables that are specially designed with cut-outs for food and water containers and are available in various heights to suit various sizes of dogs. Or you can fashion your own inexpensive solution to this problem: for example, a plastic crate covered in a towel to absorb spills.

 

Separation anxiety is a behavioral disorder that occurs when a dog experiences anxiety related to its separation (even for short periods) from family members to whom they have bonded. As a result, the pet engages in problematic behaviors which can include signs such as destruction, vocalization, inappropriate elimination, behavioral depression and others. The degree of anxiety (and the resultant behaviors) depends on the individual patient, but the end result can be very stressful to the affected pet and may significantly impact relationships with their human family members. 

 Veterinarians estimate that separation anxiety may affect up to 17% of dogs in the United States. Of those cases, nearly 60% go undiagnosed. A critical factor in many cases appears to be a high degree of attachment (termed hyperattachment) between the dog and a family member. The dog becomes emotionally dependent on the company of this individual and shows anxiety when they are absent. Signs that may be associated with separation anxiety include:

Although some signs, such as destruction, are easy to recognize, others are much more difficult. A pet owner is unlikely to know a pet spends the day pacing unless the dog’s activity area is videotaped. Also, signs commonly seen with separation anxiety can be observed with other problems too, such as puppy chewing, submissive excitement and fear responses. A thorough history and medical work up may be needed to rule out other conditions and arrive at a final diagnosis of separation anxiety.As with many humans, it is believed many behavior problems in the dog stem from disorders in brain function. Recognition of such disorders and the neurochemicals that determine behavioral patterns has led to the development of strategic approaches to treatment that involve a combination of pharmacotherapy with behavior modification training. These more specific pharmacologic interventions can accelerate and enhance the benefits of behavior modification by targeting specific neurotransmitters of the central nervous system.Now there is a new tool to help dogs with separation anxiety. Eli Lilly and Company has recently introduced Reconcile ™ (fluoxetine hydrochloride), the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved by the FDA for treatment of canine separation anxiety in conjunction with a behavior modification program.In a clinical field trial, 73 percent of dogs receiving Reconcile ™ showed significant improvement within eight weeks, compared to behavior modification training alone (51%), and 42 percent of dogs receiving Reconcile™ showed significant improvement within eight weeks, compared to behavior modification training alone (18%). The once daily, chewable, flavored tablet is available in four weight specific tablets strengths for dogs. Reconcile™ reduces inappropriate behaviors, minimizes the pet’s distress and increases receptivity to the BOND ™ at-home behavior modification training program.The BOND™ behavior modification program is an easy-to-implement, at home training plan developed by Lilly and a team of veterinary behaviorist as well as veterinarians. The simple plan allows pet owners to take an active role in the treatment of their dog’s separation anxiety. Dog owners whose dogs have been prescribed Reconcile™ receive educational materials to enable them to follow an easy four-step training plan to reinforced positive pet behavior with helps to reduce or eliminate inappropriate responses to anxiety. Components include a take-home DVE, printed materials and in-home reminders so the whole family can reinforce behavior modification training for the dog.The most common adverse reactions recorded during clinical trials where calm or lethargy, reduced appetite, vomiting, shaking, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive vocalization, aggression and, in infrequent case, seizures.Factors Associated With an Increased Risk of Separation Anxiety:

References1.        Lilly Market Research with Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians, February 20062.        Schwartz, S. 2003. Separation Anxiety Syndrome in Dogs and Cats, JAVMA, 222:1526-15323.        Overall, KL. 2001. Dealing with Dogs Affected by Separation Anxiety, Veterinary Forum, Dec:40-53    Protect Dogs From HouseholdDangers

Pet proofing your home

Just as parents ‘childproof’ their home, so should pet owners ‘petproof’ theirs. Four-legged members of the family, like infants and small children, are naturally curious and love to explore their environment with their paws, claws and mouths. But they can’t know what is dangerous and what is not... so it’s up to you to make your home a safe haven. The following tips can help ensure that your pet enjoys a long, happy and accident-free life in your care.

 

 

 All around the house

Screen windows to guard against falls.

Don’t let young pets out on balconies, upper porches or high decks.

Many house plants, including dieffenbachia, elephant ear, spider plants and more are poisonous if eaten. Remove them or put them out of reach in hanging baskets.

Puppies love to chew when they’re teething, so unplug, remove or cover electrical cords.

Don’t leave a room unattended where a fire is lit or a space heater is being used.

Plastic bags may be fun to play with, but they can suffocate.

If your pet can put something in his mouth, he probably will. Don’t leave small, sharp, easily swallowed objects lying around.

 

 In the garage

Pets like the smell and taste of antifreeze and windshield washer. Tightly cover their containers and wipe up any spills.

Paint, gasoline and other dangerous chemicals should be stored out of reach.

 

 In the kitchen, laundry room & bathroom

Never leave burners or irons on unattended.

Dangerous household chemicals such as bleach and ammonia should be stored out of your pet’s reach.

Close washer and dryer lids-your pet might climb in and become trapped.

Keep toilet lids down - small pets can actually drown, if they fall in.

Medicines, shampoo, suntan lotions and other personal care items can kill your pet. Make sure he can’t get hold of them.

 

 Out in the yard

Some outdoor plants, like ivy and oleander, can be poisonous to pets.

Keep pets away from lawns and gardens treated with chemicals.

Store garden tools and chemicals securely. Keep garden sheds locked.

Cover swimming pools and hot tubs - your pet might fall in and not be able to get out.   Dog-gone disasters

 

Eliminate hooks or similar objects placed at your dog’s shoulder height - his collar or harness could become tangled and he could choke.

A tall perimeter or invisible electrical fence around your property will minimize the risk of your dog running out into traffic or roaming far from home.

 Home for the holidays

Tinsel and icicles, Christmas tree lights and glass ornaments will be sure to tempt your pet’s curiosity - but all could be lethal if chewed or swallowed.

Poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are poisonous to your pets.

 

Canine Dental Health CareYour pet counts on you for protection

With major advances in treating serious infectious and other pet diseases, oral disease –most importantly periodontal or gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar– has become the number-one health problem for dogs. It’s estimated that without proper dental care 80% of dogs will show signs of oral disease by age three. With your help, your pets can have healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.

 

 

 A nutritious diet Chew treats recommended by a veterinarianRegular brushing at homeYearly dental checkups by a veterinarian

 

 Good dental health begins with the proper diet

The wrong kinds of food can cause dental distress in pets. Feeding your dog a dry food rather than a moist, canned one will, through its mild abrasive action on the teeth, help remove the bacterial plaque that can harden into tartar. Dry food also provides adequate chewing exercise and gum stimulation. Avoid giving your pet sweets and table scraps as they may also increase plaque and tartar formation. Your vet may recommend the use of special dry foods designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, especially if your pet is prone to dental problems due to his breed or individual genetic history.

 

 

Dogs need to have their teeth brushed in order to eliminate the dental plaque that can cause tooth decay and the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. You should begin a regular, daily brushing routine when your puppy is between six and eight weeks of age. Even older dogs can be trained to accept having their teeth brushed. You simply need to introduce the activity gradually and make the experience a positive one for your pet. Reassure and praise him profusely throughout the process and reward him with a very special treat when it’s finished. Here’s how it can be done:

  Phase 1

Start by dipping a finger in beef bouillon for dogs. Rub this finger gently over your pet’s gums and one or two teeth. Repeat until your pet seems fairly comfortable with this activity.Phase 2

Gradually, introduce a gauze-covered finger and gently scrub the teeth with a circular motion.Phase 3

Then, you can begin to use a toothbrush, either an ultra-soft model designed for people or a special pet tooth-brush or finger brush, which is a rubber finger covering with a small brush built in at its tip.Phase 4

Finally, once your pet is used to brushing, introduce the use of pet toothpaste in liquid or paste form. Most of these contain chlorhexidine or stannous fluoride—ask your veterinarian for his recommendations. Don’t use human toothpaste, as it can upset your pet’s stomach. Your vet may also advise the use of an antiseptic spray or rinse after brushing.

 

 

Doing your best to ensure that your dog receives the proper diet and regular brushing at home will help maintain his or her teeth and gums in top condition. To provide optimum dental care at home, you need to start with a clean bill of dental health. That’s where your pet’s veterinarian comes in.

He or she will give your pet a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity to determine whether there are any underlying problems and, especially important, tartar buildup. Brushing removes plaque but not tartar, so if your pet’s teeth do have tartar, your veterinarian will have to remove it with a professional cleaning and polishing, usually accomplished under anaesthesia. After removing the tartar above and below the gum line, your veterinarian may treat your pet’s teeth with fluoride and will provide you with instructions for home care and follow-up.

 A few tips:

 Chew treats, including hard meat-protein biscuits and rawhide chews for dogs, can help remove plaque, and provide stimulation for the gums.Watch out for wood—throwing sticks to dogs can result in splinters and gum damage.Don’t let your pet chew on hard materials like bones or stones. They can wear down, even break teeth, damage gums and lead to infection.

 A few statistics:

 Puppies develop their deciduous teeth at 2 weeks of age, with their 42 permanent teeth starting to appear at 3 months.

Common causes of pet dandruff
Dandruff or scaly skin may simply be caused by dry, poorly hydrated skin.  This is common as most pets eat dry kibble which is very low in moisture and don't drink enough water every day—leading to constant mild dehydration.  The skin is very sensitive to dehydration and will readily become dry and flaky in appearance.  When pets develop medical problems (such as allergies, infections and diabetes), the skin is often the first to indicate a change in general health by becoming roughened and dry.  If your pet develops dry skin or a poor haircoat, consider the following possibilities and talk to your veterinarian:

·         Dry skin or lusterless coats may indicate a deficiency or an improper balance of essential fatty acids in the diet.  Pet foods are notoriously low in certain beneficial fatty acids.  Fatty acids are relatively fragile and prone to break-down by overcooking or improper storage of dry food.  Pets on fat-restricted (weight loss) diets may be at increased risk for deficiency.

·         Dry or irritated skin may be an adverse reaction to foods containing artificial dyes, additives and preservatives.  True food allergy to specific ingredients can also cause dry flaky skin.

·         Flea allergy, ringworm, mites, mange, yeast and bacterial skin infections (yes, even in indoor pets!) will often cause itchiness, skin redness and possibly hair loss along with dry scaly skin.

·         Seborrhea is a skin condition that causes a greasy, oily or dry coat with very scaly skin.

·         Hormonal or endocrine problems (such as hyper- or hypothyroidism, cushings syndrome and diabetes), immune problems (such as lupus) and skin cancer (such as cutaneous lymphoma) are much more serious causes of skin flakiness and most often associated with other complaints of illness.  

There are many causes of skin flakiness and various tests may need to be performed for an accurate diagnosis.  Most often a skin scrape with microscopic examination at your veterinarian's office is the first step.  Occasionally hair or dandruff culture, allergy testing, skin biopsy and/or blood tests will need to be performed.

Natural Remedies for dandruff
If your pet is suffering from simply dry dehydrated skin, bathing and dietary recommendations can often resolve the problem quite readily.

·        Bathing—Choose only detergent-free shampoo, Herbal Shampoo, which contains natural botanical oils and extracts that nourish the skin and coat instead of stripping the skin of its essential oils.  Some pets (notably cats!) are not thrilled with bathing and spray-on conditioners can work wonders for dry skin.

·        Diet—A natural high-quality pet food is recommended to avoid adverse reactions that may be associated with foods containing meat meals, preservatives and other artificial poor quality ingredients.  Canned food should be included as part of a healthy pet diet.  Pets are similar to people in that they rarely drink enough water and live in a state of mild dehydration.  Canned food provides vital water supplementation and is excellent for organ (including skin!) hydration. 

·        Supplements—Fatty acid supplements are crucial in all pets with skin conditions.  Fatty acids help eliminate inflammation within irritated skin and help improve skin moisture and suppleness, regardless of the underlying problem.  Many people are familiar with the omega 3 fatty acids, commonly referred to as fish oils.  There are other beneficial anti-inflammatory fatty acids, therefore, I prefer a broader fatty acid supplement such as Halo Dream Coat.  Its combination of six cold-pressed virgin oils (including fish oil) achieves an ideal ratio of anti-inflammatory fatty acids and is a perfect complement to a natural diet.

Depending on your pet's specific diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend additional therapies but these natural remedies for dry skin will complement most treatment plans.   

 

With flu season in full swing and worldwide concern about 2009 H1N1 ("swine flu") Americans are concerned about the health of their pets. Although to date there have been no reports of 2009 H1N1 infecting dogs in the United States, there is a canine influenza virus that all dog owners should know about.

Dog Flu: H3N8
The dog flu virus (Influenza A subtype H3N8) was discovered in 2004 in racing Greyhounds in Florida. The virus is highly contagious between dogs but there is no evidence it can be transmitted from dogs to humans or other species. Although the virus has only been documented in 30 states, it is likely present throughout the US and is considered endemic in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and Colorado.

Dog Flu is highly contagious and easily spread
Almost 100% of dogs will be infected after exposure to this new virus. Within 2 to 4 days, 80% will develop signs of illness and the other 20% of dogs will remain asymptomatic, although they are still capable of spreading the virus. In all cases, dogs are most contagious before they start showing signs. Similar to human flu viruses, this virus is spread by respiratory secretions and readily contaminates food and water bowls, collars, leashes and bedding. The virus can stay alive on most surfaces for 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours and hands for 12 hours but is easily killed by common disinfectants (bleach, ammonium compounds).

What are the signs of dog flu?
Like other flu viruses, this virus causes acute respiratory infection in dogs. Most dogs develop mild respiratory infection characterized by a moist or dry cough that lasts 2 to 3 weeks despite treatment, cloudy or green nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. More severe infections are possible with pneumonia and high fever. Death has been reported in 1 to 5% of dogs who are severely affected. Unlike other flu viruses, canine influenza is not seasonal and occurs year round. Dogs with canine influenza are often misdiagnosed with kennel cough (Bordatella/parainfluenza) as the signs are usually identical. For this reason, canine influenza cannot be diagnosed only on clinical signs. The most common test used for diagnosis is a blood test which identifies antibodies to the virus as early as 7 days after symptoms start. In order to confirm infection, your veterinarian will need to take another blood sample about 2 weeks later. Other tests are available and your veterinarian may recommend a different sample from your dog.

What is the treatment for dog flu?
Similar to all viral infections, the treatment for canine influenza is supportive. Excellent hygiene and natural nutrition can help dogs mount an immune response and recover within 2 to 3 weeks. Secondary bacterial infections are common and many dogs require broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

What to do if your dog starts showing signs (like coughing, sneezing, runny nose)
Keep your dog at home, away from other dogs and dog owners. Your dog should not participate in communal dog activities or be boarded/groomed. In fact, they should be isolated from other dogs for 2 weeks to prevent spread of disease.

Wash your hands frequently and change your clothes before seeing another dog to reduce the risk of spread. Better yet, don't visit with other dogs while your dog is sick.

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. There is no cure for the flu but your veterinarian can test for flu and offer supportive treatment.
Disinfect surfaces of your home/car that your dog has had contact with before you let other dogs into your home.

Is there a vaccine for dog flu?
In May 2009, the USDA approved the first canine influenza vaccine. The vaccine may not completely prevent infection but vaccinated dogs will develop less severe illness and are less likely to spread the virus to other dogs. The vaccine is not recommended for every dog—only those with an "at-risk" lifestyle. This includes dogs that are boarded or kenneled frequently, go to the groomer routinely, are housed with other dogs, or have frequent dog contact (dog park, doggy daycare, etc). Ask your veterinarian if the canine flu vaccine is right for your dog.

If your dog develops a cough or any other respiratory problem, see your veterinarian immediately for an appropriate course of treatment. You can learn more about dog flu http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/.

 

 

In pets constipation is defined as infrequent and difficult defecation of hard feces. Constipated pets often strain to pass stool and act very uncomfortable. Constipation usually results from food moving too slowly through the digestive system. As a result of the slow passage, the colon absorbs too much water from the stool, resulting in feces that are dry and hard. If constipation has been long-standing it may result in obstipation, a condition where feces are so dry and impacted they are unable to pass. A further complication is megacolon; a permanently dilated and weakened colon that becomes severely impacted with feces and often requires aggressive medical or even surgical management to control. While constipation can affect both dogs and cats, it is much more common in older cats.

Common causes of constipation:

·        Dehydration— dehydration causes the colon to absorb more water from the stool and pets that become dehydrated may suffer from mild to severe constipation. Aging pets frequently experience mild dehydration and can benefit from supplemental water (see remedies below).

·        Excessive ingestion of hair—some animals excessively groom themselves which can clog their digestive system with hair. Keeping hair clipped and routine brushing can help cut down on hair ingestion.

·        Foreign body ingestion—some pets eat unusual substances such as gravel, stones, dirt and plants. Stools produced can be sharp or painful to pass, resulting in straining and constipation.

·        Medications—certain prescription medications may cause constipation. If your pet becomes constipated, ask your veterinarian about any medications your pet is taking.

·        Kidney disease or Diabetes—pets with Kidney disease or Diabetes lose excessive amounts of water in their urine (even though they drink a lot) and live in a perpetual state of mild dehydration and are at risk for chronic constipation. They may also have electrolyte imbalances that lead to poor colon function.

·        Electrolyte imbalance—there are many electrolytes that are necessary for normal digestive system function. For example, low levels of potassium or magnesium may lead to severe constipation.

·        Intestinal disease—inflammation may cause the intestine to malfunction and not move food properly. A cancerous mass or polyp may act as an obstruction to the passage of stool.

·        Orthopedic/neurologic problems—arthritis, incorrectly healed pelvic or back fractures, disc problems or anything that may cause pain will often prevent pets from posturing normally to defecate and result in constipation.

·        Perianal hernias—this is a rip in the muscle around the anus that may allow the colon and feces to become trapped inside. A hernia may be present if there is a swelling under the tail. Hernias can cause constipation or be a result of long-term straining to defecate.

If you suspect constipation in your pet, see your veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying problem that should be addressed. Although many over-the-counter constipation remedies are available for humans, they may be toxic to pets. For example, mineral oil can easily be inhaled into the lungs causing inflammation and possibly pneumonia. Certain enemas can cause life-threatening electrolyte imbalances in pets. While your pet may require one (or more) enemas to alleviate their constipation, these should only be given by your veterinarian. It is best to seek veterinary advice to treat constipation and then begin a program of prevention.

You may try one of the following natural remedies if your pet's constipation is mild or if you are trying to prevent constipation in an older pet.

·        Keep up with routine grooming. If you have a pet with long hair, keep it clipped short and brush it daily to prevent excessive hair intake.

·        Increase water intake! Most pets, like their human counterparts, do not drink enough water to stay well hydrated. Canned food is an excellent source of supplemental water and for this reason, I recommend adding canned food to your pet's daily feeding regimen. If your pet is already eating canned food and is showing signs of constipation, add more water to make the food brothy. Some pets will drink more if a free-flowing drinking fountain is used.  Cats are often attracted to large bowls of water and placing them in various perching locations will often increase water consumption.  I lived with a cat with kidney disease for years and used to leave my bathroom sink on so there was a constant drip—he loved it and it helped maintain his hydration.    

·        Fiber—many pets require a higher level of fiber in their diet to maintain digestive health (especially as they age). Fiber creates a moist bulky stool which stimulates the colon to expel the feces. There are many natural sources of fiber such as pumpkin, fiber-rich root vegetables, bran, psyllium and others that you can try. 

        Probiotics—these live bacterial organisms promote intestinal health in many ways. 

        Multi-vitamin supplement—a vitamin supplement given daily protects against electrolyte or mineral deficiencies that may lead to constipation. 

        Exercise may be just what the doctor ordered!  It has been shown that regular exercise reduces the severity and frequency of constipation in many species.  Try a laser pointer session or some interactive toys to get your pet off the couch.

·        Acupressure/acupuncture—ask your veterinarian for information on this traditional healing practice that involves the application of finger pressure or needles to specific points on the body to facilitate ease of defecation.

More severe or chronic constipation may require stool softeners (e.g. lactulose, etc), prescribed medications (e.g. zantac, cisapride, etc), or surgery to facilitate easier movement of stool through the colon. Your veterinarian can guide you as to the best treatment of constipation for your pet.

 

 

As research continues to shed new light on how food and food additives affect the health of our pets, many new products are showing up in pet food aisles across America.  It can be difficult to know which products have valid scientific research supporting their claims and which are just hype.  Two new areas of interest in pet foods are "prebiotics" and "probiotics".  There has been extensive research done to prove these additives have beneficial effects on digestive health.  Pet owners can be more proactive than ever with their pet's health by keeping prebiotics and probiotics on their shopping radar! 

 

What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are specialized forms of fiber that, when eaten, stimulate the growth and function of healthy or "good" bacteria in the intestine.  A recent study documented that the inclusion of prebiotics to pet food promoted the growth of good bacteria and actually inhibited the growth of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria.  Consumers should look for the labels FOS (fructooligosaccharides), inulin (a type of FOS), GOS (galactooligosaccharides) or TOS (trans-galactooligosaccharides).  These prebiotics have been studied extensively and have been proven beneficial in pets.  

 

What natural ingredients contain prebiotics? Can I feed my pet these foods instead of a pet food with added prebiotics?
Prebiotics occur naturally in foods such as asparagus, chicory, artichokes, garlic, onion, bananas, honey, rye, wheat, oats and soybean.  However, it would take very large quantities of these foods to exert a useful prebiotic effect.  In addition, some of these foods may be toxic to pets in large quantities.  Therefore, researchers have found ways to isolate the prebiotics from these natural foods so pets can more easily benefit from them. 

 

What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live "good" bacteria that when ingested by pets help to restore bacterial balance within the intestine.  Consumers should look for species of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Enterococcus to indicate the inclusion of probiotics to a pet food. 

 

Is there any advantage to feeding a prebiotic and probiotic together?
While many pet foods include only one or the other, foods that supply both a prebiotic and a probiotic provide maximal digestive health benefits.  This is because prebiotics feed probiotics and thus enhance their positive actions.  Feeding both gives your pet the advantage of a maximally improved intestinal bacterial population, improved stool quality and enhanced nutrient absorption. 

 

What pets will benefit from foods with added prebiotics or probiotics? 
For years, it was known that humans or pets taking antibiotics often developed digestive upset due to an imbalance of "good" and "bad" intestinal bacteria.  Supplementing prebiotics and probiotics can help restore the right balance of bacteria after taking antibiotics.  However, antibiotics are not the only thing that can upset the balance of a pet's digestive tract.  Stressful conditions (moving, new pet, new family member, etc), diet changes, age and disease can disrupt the delicate balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria within the intestine.  These changes can occur at any time and regularly feeding your dog or cat a food containing prebiotics and probiotics can help maintain their digestive health long term.

In addition, dogs and cats prone to digestive sensitivity like soft stool or diarrhea may benefit tremendously from a food containing prebiotics and probiotics.  Many of these pets have inflammation within their small intestine which causes bacterial overgrowth or a problem called antibiotic-responsive diarrhea.  Traditionally, antibiotic therapy was the only option for these pets, but a recent study showed that dogs given a prebiotic responded as well as those treated with antibiotics and they didn't have a tendency to relapse with diarrhea if the prebiotic was continued. 

Every pet is likely to benefit from foods with added prebiotics and probiotics.  There have been no side effects or adverse reactions reported with long-term feeding of these products.  Although intestinal bacteria are confined to one area of the body, they exert powerful effects on whole-body health.  Because prebiotics and probiotics promote healthier intestinal bacteria, we will see them become more prevalent in human and pet food products in the future. 

 

 

Food allergy is a common concern for pet owners, however, true food allergy is not very common in dogs and cats, and is a condition that is frequently over-diagnosed by veterinarians.    

Food allergies account for only 10% of all pet allergies.  Flea allergy and environmental allergies (called atopy) are a much more common cause of itchiness and skin problems in pets.  Pets are often misdiagnosed with food allergy when what they really have is food intolerance.  This is an important distinction to make.  Food allergy is a TRUE allergy and a pet shows characteristic symptoms such as severe itching, hives, skin breakouts, etc.  Food intolerance often causes vomiting and diarrhea and does NOT create a typical allergic response.  However, whenever a pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea from a food, owners and veterinarians alike are quick to blame "food allergy". 

 

Real food allergies can strike at any age and can develop to any protein or carbohydrate in a pets food.  The most common food allergens in dogs are beef, dairy products, chicken, wheat, chicken eggs, corn and soy.  The most common food allergens in cats are fish, beef and dairy.  You will note that these foods are the most common ingredients in standard pet foods.  Therefore, these are the foods that pets are exposed to most frequently in their everyday meals.  However, in order for a pet to develop a true allergy, they must not only have this chronic exposure, they must also have the genetic profile to develop an allergy.

For example, most pets eat combinations of the above ingredients EVERY MEAL, EVERY DAY, yet very few pets develop true food allergies.  Again, I stress, this is not a very common condition.  Adverse food reactions, however, are very common and it is hard to predict which pet will react badly to what component of a food. We know pets may react to artificial dyes, preservatives and additives in food (not to mention the gross rendered stuff)....so these are best avoided by the use of natural pet foods.  

 

Common symptoms of food allergy include itching of the face, feet, sides of the body, legs and anal area. These pets will often have yeast ear infections and skin infections that respond to antibiotics, but recur as soon as the treatment is finished. Some pets with food allergy will also have increased bowel movements and soft stool. Again, food allergies should not be confused with food intolerances which generally cause more severe vomiting and diarrhea.

 

Diagnosis of food allergies: 

If you suspect your pet may have food allergies, contact your veterinarian. The only way to truly diagnose a food allergy is to perform a food trial with your pet.  Other forms of allergy testing, such as blood and skin tests, are not reliable for diagnosing food allergy.  Although you will get results from these tests, they don't accurately correlate with food allergies present in either the dog or cat and are NOT recommended by board-certified dermatologists at this time.   

For accurate diagnosis, a food trial should be performed using unique (novel) protein and carbohydrate foods to avoid possible allergens to which your pet has previously been exposed in order to "cleanse" their system of potential allergens.  The “gold standard” of food trials is the home-cooked diet.  The advantage of a home-cooked diet is that it is free of preservatives and other additives which can also cause allergy or intolerance in pets.  Common recipes recommended include protein sources such as venison, rabbit, ostrich, buffalo, or pinto beans.  Some veterinarians recommend the use of commercial hypoallergenic diets or hydrolyzed diets in which the protein source is broken down into smaller proteins so they are less allergenic.  It is important to keep in mind that these smaller proteins may still be allergenic for some pets and may result in food trial failure.  While many pets respond favorably to these options, some pets will not have the response they will on a home-cooked diet. 

The diet trial must be conducted for 8 to 12 weeks before it can be considered successful or unsuccessful.  During this time, your pet must ONLY eat the prescribed food—no table food, scraps, treats, vitamins or chewable medications (even heartworm pills) can be given during a diet trial. If a positive response is seen after this trial, your veterinarian will advise you on how to proceed.  

 

Treatment of food allergies: 

Treatment of food allergies is simple…once the offending ingredients are identified, they must be avoided. As a note of caution, some pets may develop new food allergies in 1 to 3 years, so if a flare-up of itchiness occurs, a new food trial may be warranted.  If you were feeding a home-cooked diet during the food trial and wish to continue, make sure you work with your veterinarian and a nutritionist to balance it specifically for your pets needs.  Otherwise, work with your veterinarian to select a natural diet that will work best for your pet. 

 

 

Following is a series of posts that will help educate pet owners about reading labels and choosing foods they can trust for their pets.  It is easy to be fooled by marketing gimmicks and misleading label claims….pets don't question what they eat…so we must. 

What is really in pet food?   The pictures presented on cans and bags of pet food conjure up images of a chef cooking divine meals of wholesome cuts of meat and vegetables for our beloved pets.  Although this is a lovely idea, it is rarely the case.  When animals are slaughtered for food production, the lean muscle is cut off for human consumption.  The remaining carcass (bones, organs, blood, beaks, etc) is what goes into pet food, commonly known as "by-products", "meal", "by-product meal", or the like.  Read on if you are not faint of heart. 

In addition to the carcasses described above, other "leftovers" from the human food industry (restaurant grease, out-of-date supermarket meat, etc) and "4D" livestock animals (dead, dying, diseased, disabled) may also be found in pet food through a process called rendering.  Rendering is defined as "an industrial process of extraction by melting that converts waste animal tissue into usable materials".  In other words, rendering involves placing livestock carcasses and possibly "leftovers" into huge vats, grinding it up and cooking it for several hours.  Rendering separates fat, removes water, and kills bacteria, viruses, parasites and other infectious organisms.  The fat that is separated becomes "animal fat" that goes into pet food (for example, chicken fat, beef fat, etc).  The remaining dried protein solids become "meal" or meat "by-product meal" for addition to pet food.  Read on for some additional disturbing definitions:
 
By-products (for example, chicken by-products or beef by-products):  clean non-rendered "parts", other than meat, derived from slaughtered mammals.  It includes, but is not limited to lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, blood, bone, fatty tissue and stomachs and intestines freed of their contents.  This is a cheap way for pet food companies to keep the protein levels "high" (although not high quality) while keeping food production costs low. 

Meat Meal (for example, lamb meal):  in this example, all lamb tissues, exclusive of blood, hair, hoof, horn, hide trimmings, manure, stomach and rumen contents that are cooked (rendered).  After cooking, the dried solids are added as "meal" to pet food.

Meat By-product Meal (for example, chicken by-product meal):   chicken by-products (defined above) that are cooked (rendered).  After cooking, the dried solids can be added to pet food. 

Digest:  material from mammals which results from chemical breakdown of clean meat tissues or by-products ("parts" other than meat).  This is often used to give a meat "flavor" to pet foods that don't contain any real meat. 

The raw ingredients used in rendering are generally just leftovers of the meat, poultry and fishing industries.  It is known that the temperatures used in rendering may also alter or destroy natural enzymes and proteins found in these raw ingredients.  These facts indicate there is potentially wide variability in nutrient composition of the final product that ends up in pet food.  In fact, the nutritional quality of by-products, meals and digests often varies dramatically from batch to batch. 

All rendered products are considered "unfit for human consumption".  If we shouldn't eat it, either should our pets!  Rendered products typically have relatively high protein levels, however, the quality of those proteins is often questionable.  In fact, these inferior protein sources are often unpalatable to pets and artificial flavors or fats must be sprayed on the food in order to get pets to consume it.  

Interpreting label claims
So how do you decipher what pet foods are truly high quality?  It is often misleading when pet foods are labeled as "premium", "super premium", "ultra premium" or "gourmet".  What does all this really mean and is it worth the extra money?   Well, mostly…the labeling is just hype.  Products labeled as premium or gourmet are not required to contain any different or higher quality ingredients than any other complete and balanced product. 

Pet foods labeled as "natural" do fall under the jurisdiction of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the regulating body for pet food manufacturers.  AAFCO defines "natural" pet food as having ingredients from ONLY plant, animal or mined sources.  These foods cannot be highly processed or contain chemically synthetic ingredients, such as artificial flavors, preservatives or colorings. 

"Organic" pet foods are those made without the use of conventional pesticides and artificial fertilizers, free from human or industrial waste contamination and processed without ionizing radiation or food additives.  If food animals are involved, they must be raised without the routine use of antibiotics and growth hormones and fed a healthy diet.  Producers must have special certification and follow specific production standards in order to market the food as organic.  There are different levels of organic:  "100% organic" is just that, "Organic" contains at least 95% organic ingredients and "made with organic ingredients" indicates a product contains 70% certified organic ingredients. 

What is in a name?  When it comes to pet food, sometimes not a lot.  The food name is the first part of the label noticed by a consumer and for that reason, fancy names are used to emphasize certain features of a food.  AAFCO has established four rules about ingredients:

1.95% rule:  at least 95% of the food must be the named ingredient.  For example, "Chicken for Dogs" or "Beef Cat Food" must be 95% chicken or beef, respectively.  If the food is "Chicken and Rice Dog Food", the chicken is the component that must be 95%.  If there is a combination of ingredients such as "Chicken and Liver for Cats", the two together must make up 95% of the total weight and the first ingredient must be the one in higher percent in the food.  2.25% or "Dinner" rule:  when the named product contains at least 25% but less than 95% of the total weight, the name must include a descriptive term such as "dinner".  For example, "dinner", "entrée", "grill", "platter", "formula" are all terms that are used to describe this type of product.  For example, "Chicken Dinner Dog Food" must contain at least 25% chicken.  This food could contain beef and possibly even more beef than chicken.  It is important to read the label and check what other meat sources the product contains.3.3% or "With" rule:  this one is tricky.  Many times the "with" label identifies extra or special ingredients, such as "Beef Dinner for Dogs with Cheese" is a food containing at least 25% beef and at least 3% cheese.  But beware of this type of "with" label:  "Dog Food with Chicken".  This dog food need only contain 3% chicken!  Don't confuse that with "Chicken Dog Food" which must contain 95% chicken.  Confusing, right?  4."Flavor" rule:  in this situation, a specific percentage of meat is not required, but it must contain an amount of flavor sufficient to be detected.  For example, "Chicken Flavor Dog Food" may contain a digest or enough chicken fat to flavor the food, but there will be no actual chicken meat added to the food. 

What are ingredients to avoid?
In addition to shunning food with "by-products" and "meals", there are many other food additives that should be avoided.  Corn syrup, propylene glycol and MSG, are artificial flavors frequently used in pet food manufacturing to disguise inferior food quality and some of these additives give dampness and flexibility to semi-moist foods and treats.  Many preservatives are known to be carcinogens in humans. When used in the production of pet food, they limit the growth of bacteria or inhibit oxidation of food.  Examples of preservatives that should be avoided include BHA, BHT, sodium nitrite and nitrate.  Pets are smaller than humans and many of their foods have the same amount of preservatives as ours—studies are inadequate to understand the consequences of chronic intake of these preservatives—but they are best avoided.  Artificial colorings are used in many pet products to entice owners into a purchase; however, they have no nutritional value and may be responsible for adverse or allergic reactions.  Besides, your pet doesn’t care what food looks like— just how it tastes.

What pet food ingredients sound healthful—but aren't?
I think everyone would agree that "chicken meal" sounds like something wholesome and tasty that could be served in any USA household.  In my house a chicken meal would include juicy grilled chicken breast served on a bed of steamed spinach and maybe a little quinoa.  But, don't be fooled, in the pet food industry, "chicken meal" takes us back to the disgusting rendering plant.   

Corn and rice.  Although these foods are often thought of as staples of an American diet, they are considered "fillers" and are not healthful for your pet.  Unfortunately, many pet food companies (even premium ones) use corn and rice as the main ingredients in their foods because they are a cheap way to fill up a bag and still meet basic nutritional requirements.  This has led to industry-wide creation of pet foods which are high in carbohydrates, relatively low in meat protein and are a major factor in the pet obesity epidemic.  Corn and rice contribute to obesity because they are carbohydrates with high glycemic index.  This means they raise blood sugar levels rapidly and create hormonal signals that have negative long term effects on metabolism and weight gain.  These corn and rice based diets are often responsible for chronic symptoms of maldigestion, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. 

Benefits of Natural Ingredients
Natural diets do not contain preservatives or other potential carcinogens—so they reduce the risk of adverse reactions.   Choosing natural foods will eliminate "empty" calories that come from additives and flavorings and contribute to pet obesity.  It has been well documented that dogs maintaining an ideal body weight live 15% longer, and with less disease (especially arthritis) than overweight dogs.  Natural diets contain higher levels of quality protein sources (since there are no fillers or meals) which better address nutritional requirements and may help prevent disease.  Many natural diets also avoid the use of high glycemic index carbohydrates (those that raise blood sugar rapidly), such as corn and rice, due to the negative effects they have on the metabolism and weight gain. 

It seems every day, all of us are becoming increasingly aware that harmful dietary preservatives and synthetic chemicals pose significant health hazards and can negatively affect our overall well-being. The same holds true for our pets.  We have all heard anecdotes about the elimination of disease and improvement in energy by the adoption of a healthful diet and holistic lifestyle. The good news is there are more pet food options to help ensure the same principles of human nutrition are upheld for the four legged members of our families. 

Resources: 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine (www.fda.gov/cvm/ ), Interpreting Pet Food Labels by David A. Dzanis, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN

Association of American Feed Control Officials (www.aafco.org), Pet Food Regulations

 

by Dr. Donna Spector

 

Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM,is a renowned, board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist who has practiced at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and other leading institutions. She is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Spector has written and lectured extensively on topics including nutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney failure and respiratory disease.  She currently works in Chicago, performing independent internal medicine consultations for dogs and cats.

 

 

Certain changes are natural and expected as pets age.  Not every pet experiences the same changes or the same severity of changes—it often depends on the species, breed and any previous injuries or medical conditions.  For example, small breed dogs are more prone to degenerative heart conditions; whereas cats often experience kidney changes with advancing age.  It is best for owners to monitor their pets closely and report any new symptoms to their veterinarian.  Diagnosing problems early, use of appropriate medications or supplements, and changing a pet's environment often contribute to a healthier and happier lifestyle for our geriatric friends. 

·        Skin and coat changes—it is common for pets to develop gray hair on the muzzle and around the eyes as they age.  Although hair may become more dull and coarse with age, it can also indicate nutritional deficiency.  Deficiencies may occur in older pets if they have medical conditions that cause them to have a decreased appetite or a diminished ability to absorb certain nutrients.

Supplementing fatty acids can correct deficiencies and improve hair and skin suppleness.  Daily grooming is helpful to remove old hair (and possibly eliminate hair balls in cats) and spread your pet's natural oils through their coat.  Your pet will also love the extra attention!  Aging pets (especially dogs) commonly get skin warts and masses.  Alert your veterinarian to any new masses so a simple sample can be taken.  The majority of these are benign and generally do not require removal unless problematic (bleeding, etc).  Older large breed dogs often develop calluses on their elbows which can crack and bleed.  Application of a healing salve can help keep the callused skin soft and more supple.  Providing your dog with a softly cushioned or orthopedic bed may help prevent worsening of calluses.

·        Nail changes—many pets develop brittle, cracked nails as they age.  Nails often need to be trimmed more often and care must be taken to avoid splitting the nails.  Have your veterinarian give you instructions in proper nail trimming to avoid painful nail breaks. 

·        Weight changes—weight gain and obesity is a common problem of aging pets.  Obesity is most prevalent in pets over 7 years of age.  Metabolism and activity level often decline with age which creates a decreased need for calories.  Older pets usually require 30-40% less calories than younger pets of the same breed and size.  If food portions (including treats!) are not reduced, these pets will become overweight or obese.  There are many health risks to obesity including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and a shortened length of life.  It is critical to work with your veterinarian to determine how much to feed your senior pet to avoid problems with weight gain.         

·        Arthritis—arthritis can occur in older pets, especially if they sustained any form of joint  injury earlier in life.  Arthritis can range in severity, causing only slight stiffness or it can be extremely debilitating.  Keeping excess weight off pets and providing gentle forms of exercise (e.g. swimming) can help keep the pain of arthritis under control.  Acupuncture has proven useful in many pets with arthritis and there are also many supplements (e.g. glucosamine, green-lipped mussel, etc) and prescription medications (e.g. NSAIDs) that your veterinarian may recommend based on your pets symptoms.   Don't assume that "old age" is causing your pet to "slow down"—it may be pain related to arthritis and something that can be managed.  Don't give your pet medications intended for people with arthritis as some can be very toxic to dogs and cats. 

·        Digestive problems—constipation is a common ailment of the aging pet.  Pets with anal gland problems, arthritis, hip dysplasia or other conditions that may cause pain during defecation frequently experience constipation.  Constipated dogs often benefit from a lower fat and higher fiber diet.  Increasing water intake has been shown to help avoid constipation in both dogs and cats.  Your vet may recommend a natural or prescription laxative to help ease the process of elimination if your pet is very uncomfortable. 

·        Dental disease—this is a common ailment in pets of all ages, however, it can become severe in elderly pets and lead to pain, severe infections, loss of teeth and organ damage.  Many owners of older pets avoid routine veterinary dental cleanings as anesthesia is required, however, there are many things you can do to insure a safe procedure in your pet.

·        Immune function—Dogs and cats have a decreased ability to fight off disease as they age.  Older pets are more likely to experience serious infections (upper respiratory, bladder or UTIs, etc) due to diminished immune function.  Providing your pet a high quality supplement containing antioxidants and vitamins may help them avoid these conditions.  It is important to keep older pets away from any animal exhibiting outward signs of illness or infection.  Talk to your veterinarian about the necessity and safety of vaccinations for your pet.

·        Decreased organ functions—all organs of the body experience degenerative changes with age.  The heart and kidneys are particularly sensitive to these changes.  The heart is a muscle that loses strength and efficiency at pumping over time.  Heart valves often undergo changes that render them poorly elastic and less effective.  Small breeds of dogs are most prone to these changes.  Alert your veterinarian to any changes in energy, activity, weakness or fainting spells your pet experiences.  Xrays and other tests may be performed to evaluate your pet for heart disease.  There are many commonly used medications to improve heart function in pets.  Kidney disease is also very common in older pets (especially cats).  Common symptoms include increased water drinking and urination.  Kidney disease can be very mild to severe and your vet will perform blood and urine tests to determine the extent of your pets kidney disease.  There are many supportive therapies available for this condition.     

·        Urine leakage—it is common for older female dogs to leak a small amount of urine while laying down or sleeping.  This occurs due to loosening of the urinary (urethral) sphincter and dogs have no control over it.  It is not a loss of housetraining or bad behavior, but a completely involuntary accident.  Your veterinarian should examine your dog to check for bladder infection, kidney disease or other possible causes of urine leakage.  If sphincter incontinence is responsible, there are medications which can effectively treat the problem (e.g. PPA).  There are also some minor surgical procedures (e.g. collagen injections) which can help in more severe cases. 

·        Behavior and activity changes—older pets often have decreased activity levels and often do not tolerate stress well.  This may be due to normal aging or conditions such as arthritis or senility.  As pet's age, brain and nerve cells die and are not replaced.  This can create a syndrome of senility, commonly called "cognitive dysfunction".  It is estimated that 60% of dogs 10 years and older will experience some symptoms of cognitive dysfunction.  Pets may experience new problems with separation anxiety, aggression, noise sensitivity, whining or other types of increased vocalization when in stressful situations. They may become disoriented (seeming lost, forgetting how to get back inside the house, stuck in a corner, etc), restless, or experience pacing, aimless wandering, and poor recognition of family members.  These signs can indicate more serious brain problems, so alert your vet promptly if you detect any of these smptoms in your dog or cat.  There are many therapeutic options for cognitive dysfunction including antioxidants, other supplements and prescription medications (e.g. anipryl).  Many veterinarians are embracing the use of acupuncture and other alternative techniques to support brain function in aging pets. 

·        Hearing and vision loss—sometimes deficiencies in sight or hearing can be confused with bad behavior.  If unable to see or hear a person or another pet approaching, a dog or cat may startle and react protectively or aggressively when touched unexpectedly.  They often fail to respond to verbal commands or directions.  If your pet begins experiencing these symptoms, try training them to hand or vibrational signals that can help with declining senses.  Cloudiness or redness in the eyes or sudden vision loss should be evaluated promptly by your veterinarian as these signs can indicate more serious problems. 

In the course of natural aging, there are many things (other than old age) that may cause a pet to slow down.  Have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian at least twice each year to help you identify conditions which may be treatable to provide your pet the best quality of life. 

 

 

Do make sure that your dog’s diet includes at least 18% high-quality protein and 5% fat per serving.

Do consider, in consultation with your veterinarian, increasing the level of fibre in his diet, especially if he suffers from frequent constipation.

Don’t feed your dog between-meal snacks or table scraps.

 The top 10 health tips for senior dogs