People Foods Your Dog Can Eat Safely

HEALTH AND WELLNESS NUTRITION PREVENTION

People Foods Your Dog Can Eat Safely

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As a responsible and informed dog lover you aim to give your dog the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a regular health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. 

There are some human foods that can be safely added to your dog’s meals in moderation to give a nutritional boost to their diet and add a bit of variety to the food bowl though this is mainly for our benefit. Dogs, unlike humans are content to eat the same food every day!

Just a note that any additions to your dogs' meals shouldn’t comprise more than 25 percent of their weekly calorie intake.

As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. 

#1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. 

Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. 

Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. 

#2. Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a good source of available calcium and protein and can assist if your pooch suffers from digestion problems. When choosing yoghurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your dog is slightly overweight, make sure that you pick fat-free yoghurt but not one containing added sugar or an artificial sweetener. Frozen yogurt can make a nice summer treat for dogs.


#3. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. 

For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. 

If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.

#4. Salmon

Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of Omega- 3 Fatty Acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for both skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.

#5. Meat

What dog's nose doesn't go on alert when there's meat around?

If your dog requires extra protein in his diet, cooked unseasoned chicken, turkey, lean mince beef, and chuck steak or roast are an easy addition to his regular food and a good meal replacement if you find yourself out of dog food.

A few rules apply: 

• Always cook meat well. Never serve it raw or undercooked. 
• Avoid fatty cuts, including bacon. 
• Cut meat - and any human food - into easy-to-chew chunks. Ground meat is fine, too. 

#6. Pumpkin


Pumpkin (raw or in a can) is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). 

Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume but this is not necessarily a good thing. 

Keeping the GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy.


#7. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another great source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog.

#8. Green Beans

Green beans (either fresh or canned with no added salt) are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. 

If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of his regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill him up and help maintain his weight.





#9. Broccoli

This vitamin-rich vegetable can be a great occasional nutrition boost for dogs. However, the head of broccoli contains an ingredient called Isothiocyanate which can cause gastric irritation, therefore it shouldn't make up more than 5% of your dog's diet. The stems are probably the safest part for dogs since only the top flowery head contains that harmful chemical.

#10. Carrots

This popular vegetable is packed with vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B1 and B6. Raw carrots are low in calories and constitute a nice canine treat on occasion. Plus, crunching on carrots can be good for your dog's teeth. Cooked carrots can also be fed but don't be tempted to add spices, sugar or salt.

#11. Flax seed

Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. 

Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container. 

#12. Apples

As long as you are feeding your dog a high quality dog food, they likely won't suffer from nutritional deficiencies and there is no need to supplement their diet with raw or cooked fruits like apples. 

An occasional treat is ok but your dog could experience stomach discomfort, including diarrhea.

Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. 




#13. Peanut Butter

Besides its irresistible taste, peanut butter is loaded with large amounts of proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and quality fats, which are all healthy for dogs. 

Peanut butter also contains Omega fatty acids which promotes health and reduces bad cholesterol.

Several brands now offer sugar-free peanut butters which contain xylitol - an artificial sweetener extremely toxic to dogs - so please read the ingredients label to ensure it is not present.

Do you ever cook for your dog? What do you make? Share with us in the comments below.

10 Most Common Dog Health Problems

ILLNESS PREVENTION

10 Most Common Dog Health Problems

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No two dogs are alike. Likewise, no two dog breeds are alike, especially when it comes to their health. Dog health problems range from allergies to heart disease and cancers, and it’s up to us to keep our furkids healthy by understanding some common dog illnesses and diseases.

Depending on the size of your dog, some health problems are more prevalent than others. For instance, large breeds tend to deal with more bone and joint problems, whereas smaller dogs tend to suffer more with organ and breathing disorders. Again, each breed is unique, but it is important to understand what common dog illnesses and health issues affect your pet. 

See below for the most common types of dog health issues and if you think something serious is wrong with your dog, take them immediately to your vet for a health check.

1. HEARTWORMS

Heartworms are a serious and potentially deadly disease in which parasites infect a dog’s heart and arteries. Dogs are exposed to larvae through a mosquito bite and, if unchecked, the larvae can develop into large worms. Symptoms of heartworm disease range from coughing to lethargy, collapsing, and depression (moping or not greeting you at the door).

A heartworm infestation can progress to heart failure and death. Though not always successful, treatment options include medications to kill the parasites and, in advanced cases, surgery. Fortunately, heartworms are easily prevented. Options include oral chews, topicals or yearly injection.

2. SKIN PROBLEMS

Most skin problems in dogs are due to parasites, skin infections, and allergies. The most common skin problem in dogs is demodectic mange, which is caused by a mite that lives in the hair follicles. Common parasites that involve the skin include fleas, ticks, ear mites, and sarcoptic mange mites, which cause scabies. Ringworm is a common skin infection; it’s a highly contagious fungal infection that can cause hair loss or short hair or scaly patches. Allergens such as pollen, mould, and dust mites can trigger itching and rashes.

Dogs can also develop allergies to common dog food ingredients such as soy, corn, wheat, beef, or chicken, triggering skin problems. And some dogs may simply cause irritation of the skin by licking an area too much, possibly from boredom or stress.

To prevent fleas and ticks, ask your vet about available options. If your dog is infected, treatment options include using special medicated shampoos to kill parasites, antibiotics or antifungal medications, and corticosteroids and antihistamines to control itching. Your vet may also prescribe a diet to reduce food allergies or injections to control allergic reactions. 

Since there are so many kinds of allergies dogs can have (from food to flea/tick bites and a wide range of other possibilities), it’s important to look for any change in behaviour when exposed to something new. If your dog goes a few days showing lack of energy, has a consistent cough or sneeze, or if anything else seems out-of-place, you might be dealing with allergies.

First, determine what the allergen is. Common allergies can be treated by changing your dog’s food or the shampoo you use when bathing. Seasonal or environmental allergies can be treated with medications, but those will eventually weaken the immune system if administered repeatedly.

3. EAR INFECTIONS

Ear infections are a common canine health problem, and they can be caused by allergies, yeast, ear mites, bacteria, hair growth deep in the ear canal and more. 

Symptoms your dog may have with an ear infection include:

• Head shaking or head tilting
• Ear odour
• Vigorous scratching
• Lack of balance
• Unusual back-and-forth eye movements
• Redness of the ear canal
• Swelling of the outer portion of the ear
• Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge

Again take your dog to the veterinarian if you think he has an ear infection. In most cases, cleaning and medicating the ear canal will quickly clear up an infection. However, surgery can be needed for chronic infections or if forceful head shaking results in the rupture of a vessel within the outer part of the ear.

4. ARTHRITIS

Arthritis usually, but not always, affects dogs as they grow older. It is the most common health problem in older pets. Your dog will eventually begin to move around less and take more time getting up from lying or seated positions.

Sadly, arthritis cannot be cured, but there are things you can do to make it easier on your pet as he ages. Diet and nutrition are the two biggest things you can do to slow down the aging process in your senior dog. Regular walks and a balanced diet of proper (age appropriate) food will keep your dog’s nutrition levels where they should be. If your dog’s arthritis is severe, your vet can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.

5. DOG OBESITY

Obesity is a common pet health problem. Just as in people, being overweight can have negative health effects on your pooch. Overweight dogs face a higher risk of joint pain, diabetes, and liver disease. 

The signs of obesity might seem obvious, but having regular weight checks is important in order to keep records of your dog’s weight over time. It is important to recognise your dog’s weight gain early to give him the best chance possible for recourse.

A balanced diet (decreasing calorie intake) and regular exercise (increasing calorie output) are the two things needed when your dog is overweight. It’s important to recognise the severity of your dog’s obesity and be sure to administer the right changes in nutrition and exercise. Too much exercise, or too significant a reduction in food, can cause other issues, so you should consult your vet before making any drastic changes to the diet.

6. KENNEL COUGH

Kennel cough is a highly contagious form of bronchitis. It is a respiratory infection and can be easily transmitted from one dog to another when they interact either at doggie daycare, a groomer’s or boarding kennel. Look for lethargy, coughing, leaky nose and eyes or loss of appetite as common signs that your dog might have kennel cough.

Vaccines can be administered regularly to prevent some types of kennel cough. If your dog catches kennel cough you should take him to your vet where he might be prescribed antibiotics that will speed up the recovery process. Keep your dog away from other dogs (especially in public places where the illness can spread rapidly), and give him lots of rest. You can also try using a humidifier or take your dog into a steam-filled bathroom.

7. INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Another common pet health problem in dogs is infectious diseases, notably canine parvovirus and distemper. These and other common infectious diseases in dogs can be prevented by proper vaccination starting when they are puppies.

Canine parvovirus is extremely contagious and potentially deadly, contracted through contact with the feces of an infected dog. Symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Canine distemper is a virus transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s urine, saliva, or blood. It affects a dog’s respiratory system as well as her gastrointestinal and central nervous system and even the eyes, specifically the membranes that cover the eyeballs and the underside of the eyelid. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing and difficulty breathing, fever, sudden loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, discharge of thick mucous from the eyes and nose, and possibly seizures.

An isolated bout of vomiting and diarrhea in dogs is not a cause for concern, but if your dog vomits repeatedly or for more than a day, take him to your vet. Watch for symptoms such as blood in vomit or diarrhea, dark or black diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, fever, or a change in appetite. To prevent dehydration, give your dog plenty of water. After a bout of vomiting, try bland foods such as boiled potatoes, rice, and cooked skinless chicken. To combat diarrhea in dogs, the general rule is to avoid feeding your dog food for 12 to 24 hours or until your vet gives you the go-ahead.

As for treatment, options for canine parvovirus include IV fluids to prevent dehydration, anti-vomiting medication, antibiotics, and anti-pain medications. 

For canine distemper, treatment usually includes IV fluids, antibiotics (if your dog is coughing) to prevent pneumonia, and medications to control seizures. There are currently no medications that can destroy either virus.

8. DENTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums, is very common in dogs, affecting an estimated 80 percent of dogs by the age of 2. It has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and other serious dog health problems. 

Symptoms range from smelly breath to difficulty eating and facial swelling. Treatment may include removing dental plaque and, if necessary, teeth. To prevent dental dog health problems regular check-ups with a vet and regularly brushing your pet’s teeth with dog toothpaste are recommended (your toothpaste can upset a dog’s stomach).

9. DIABETES

Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include changes in appetite, excessive thirst and vomiting. Urinary tract infection and cataracts can occur if the diabetes goes untreated for an extended period of time.

Like humans, dogs should get regular insulin injections (up to twice a day) to control diabetes. Oral medications and a high-fibre diet can also work to reverse the disease and get your dog back to a healthy state.

10. CANCER

No one wants to think about their dog getting cancer but it is one of the biggest killers in dogs and one of the most expensive diseases to treat. Look out for unusual lumps, swelling, sores, lameness, drastic weight loss, or long-lasting changes in behaviour.

One common form of cancer in dogs is skin cancer, characterised by “white patches on the top of the nose and ear tips”.

Early detection will give your dog the best chance for recovery. Treatments include surgery to remove the tumour in some cases, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. In other cases, medications can be prescribed to allow your dog to tolerate the pain better. As with humans, the type of disease and the stage of the cancer can affect the outcome.

Regular vet check-ups and preventive health can keep your dog in top condition. And should you notice any unusual behaviour or symptom, getting prompt attention at the vet’s office will often mean a speedy recovery from a dog illness.

Caring for your Older Dog

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ILLNESS NUTRITION PREVENTION

Caring for your Older Dog

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Even though your dog may be slowing down a little, there’s no reason why his later years should not be some of his most rewarding. After all, he’s wiser as well as older, and with regular veterinary attention, daily care and proper nutrition, your senior dog can still experience a very happy, healthy life.

However, you can’t ignore the fact that your dog’s body condition will change as the years go by. Important bodily functions, normally taken for granted, may start to slow down or malfunction.

Just like humans, the senses eventually start to deteriorate, leading to impaired vision, hearing, taste and smell. Appetite may decrease and very old dogs often get thinner, with the shoulders and spine becoming more prominent.

HOW OLD IS YOUR DOG?

Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog. This fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

But how do you know when your dog is considered to be a senior?

It really depends on the individual dog. In general, giant breed dogs age faster than smaller breed dogs. A Great Dane is considered to be senior by roughly 5-6 years old whereas a Chihuahua would likely only be middle-aged then, and probably not considered a senior until 10-11 years. 

Large breed dogs fall somewhere in between. A Labrador Retriever might be considered senior by 8-10 years of age. Genetics, nutrition, environment; all of these play a role in how fast your dog ages.

In addition to a dog's breed, specific lifestyle factors – such as diet, exercise and medical history – affect how long a particular dog will live.

THE SIGNS OF DOGGY AGEING

The most practical way to tell if your dog is growing old is to observe his or her behaviour and appearance. Simply put, how old does your dog act, look, and feel?

Your dog may develop arthritis or other degenerative diseases that cause him to slow down. He may not be able to walk as far or play as long. He may tire more easily. 

He may have difficulty getting up or finding a comfortable position to sleep in. He may experience apparent stiffness in the joints and have difficulty getting up after lying down, or after a long walk. He may become reluctant to go up and down stairs or have difficulty getting into and out of the car.

Senior dogs frequently suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease and other conditions that may result in weight loss.

On the other hand, some senior dogs may have the opposite problem. Some dogs will become less active with age, essentially becoming couch potatoes, and will gain weight as a result. Obesity in a major health issue in dogs of all ages and senior dogs are no different.

Other signs to watch out for include:

• Thicker, less pliable skin. Rougher and thinner coat, with bald patches or white hairs.
• Deafness, revealed by a failure to respond to commands or calling their name.
• Tooth and gum conditions – look out for food being dropped or excessive salivation and pawing at the mouth. Swellings below the eye may be signs of tooth root abscesses and need vet attention.
• Warts, fatty lumps and even tumours may appear. Check these out with your vet, as early detection may save your dog's life.
• Excessive thirst and frequent or uncontrolled urination.
• Confusion or failure to recognise their surroundings
• Depression, disobedience and occasionally destructive behaviour.

NB: These last two could be indicating that your dog suffers from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) or dog dementia.

• A hazy, bluish cast on the eyes, which is normal and usually does not hinder the eyesight. However, the hazy, whitish growth of cataracts can lead to blindness. Your vet can help you distinguish the difference.
• A tendency to sleep more during the day but sleep less at night. Some dogs may prowl around the house at night because of sore joints, senility or even loneliness.

The day will come when you’ll start spotting the signs of old age but that doesn’t mean you have to wrap your dog in cotton wool and start to worry. You just need to adjust your routine and take a few precautions.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR SENIOR DOG

#1. Daily routine

A consistent daily routine is important to your older dog's physical, mental and emotional health, providing comfort and a reassuring framework.

#2. Proper medical care

Regular check-ups (twice a year) with your veterinarian are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and examinations, talk to your vet about special geriatric screenings for your dog as many diseases are not apparent. Also, try to keep a record of any warning signs and report them to your vet.  Ask for a body condition evaluation during each vet visit. Body condition is crucial to determining whether your senior dog is overweight, underweight, or at an ideal body weight.

#3. Exercise your senior dog 

It can help keep your older dog lean and maintain healthy joints and muscles. However, tailor your dog’s exercise needs to his individual requirements. For a large breed dog, walking around the block is probably just getting started but for a tiny Pug, a brisk walk around the block may be a long trek!

If your senior is not used to exercise, start slow and gradually increase the intensity — and only after you’ve consulted a veterinarian. Also, be careful with short-nosed dogs on hot days as they're prone to heat stress.

#4. Feed your older dog a high quality diet

In general, dogs of seven years and older start taking life a bit easier and, as a result, their nutritional needs start to change once more. Senior dogs are less active and have a slower metabolism, so fewer calories are required. But high-quality, easy-to-digest protein becomes more important than ever, to help maintain overall body condition.

Also, learn to read the dog food label and choose a diet that is appropriate for your dog’s age and lifestyle. You should feed your dog once or twice a day, but may find your dog prefers to eat smaller meals more frequently. This is quite normal, as it’s easier to digest several small meals than a few large ones.

#5. Keep your senior dog at his ideal body weight

• Overweight dogs have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, skin disease, even cancer. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your dog, especially since overweight dogs must be fed carefully to ensure that all nutrient needs are met while still allowing for weight loss.

• Consider fortifying your senior dog’s diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. They have been shown to be useful for dogs with mobility issues due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Nutraceuticals containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also beneficial for senior dogs.

• Consider a special diet if your older dog has heart or kidney disease. For example, diets lower in sodium are sometimes advocated for dogs with heart disease, while diets which help control phosphorus, calcium and other electrolyte levels are given to dogs with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your dog based on your dog’s individual situation.

#6. Healthy teeth and gums

Routine dental care from your vet is very important, as older dogs are more prone to gum disease and tartar build-up. In addition to regular visits to a professional, it's always a good idea for you to check your dog's teeth and gums regularly.

Brushing your dog’s teeth may seem like a silly idea but it can help keep your dog’s mouth healthy. If you cannot brush, consider dental treats and use a dental chew toy that helps keep the teeth clean.

#7. Provide plenty of toys to keep your senior dog occupied. Food puzzles, for example, are not only useful for entertainment but for weight loss purposes as well.

#8. Provide your older dog with special accommodations  

For instance, dogs with arthritis might benefit from soft bedding in the form of a special dog bed or towels/blankets on which to sleep. Ramps can be used to make stairs easier to navigate if they cannot be avoided. 

Even providing carpeting or rugs over hard-surface flooring can help your arthritic dog gain his footing and make it easier for him to get around.

#9. Emotional support

Try to be sensitive to what your older dog is going through and understand that a lot of psychological changes are taking place. Instead of letting it worry you or deter you from adopting a senior dog, use it as a reminder to live in the moment.

Daily care of your older dog requires a little more patience on your part. Your loving care and commitment really helps create true quality of life during these senior years.

Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

HEALTH AND WELLNESS NUTRITION PREVENTION

Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog

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Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores that eat some omnivorous foods. Wild dogs eat a variety of food which consists mainly of prey animals. Prey animals are composed of raw meat, raw bones, organs, other tissue and digested vegetable matter. While dogs are carnivores they do consume a small amount of the vegetable matter contained in the stomach and intestines of their prey. Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to eat this type of diet.

WHAT SHOULD I FEED MY DOG?

Feed high-quality balanced premium commercial food that is appropriate for the life stage and health condition of your dog. Check that it complies with the Australian Standard AS 5812:2011. Foods imported from the US must conform to AAFCO standards for labelling which are much more rigid.

Dog foods must provide the following:

• Energy (measured in calories or kilojoules) which your dog needs for muscle function for movement, a wide variety of bodily functions and to keep himself warm.
• Proteins and other nutrients for growth and repairing body tissues.
• Fats for energy and essential fatty acids.
• Vitamins, minerals and other micro-nutrients to regulate these processes.

You can offer some natural foods to provide some variety including fresh human-grade raw meat (e.g. raw lamb), raw meaty bones and vegetables. Always check with your vet first that raw meaty bones are suitable for your particular dog (e.g. some dogs with misshapen jaws or dental disease may find chewing on raw bones difficult).

Choose human-grade raw meat and raw meaty bones because some pet meat/pet mince/pet rolls/pet meat and bone products can contain preservatives that can be detrimental to the dog's health (e.g. sulphite preservative induced thiamine deficiency which can be fatal). However avoid sausages, sausage meat and cooked manufactured meats as they can contain sulphites. 

Bones must be raw 

Raw meaty bones such as raw lamb ribs (not lamb chops though), raw lamb flaps and raw chicken wings provide several important health benefits including keeping teeth and gums healthy. However, too many raw bones may lead to constipation. Generally one or two raw bones may be offered per week with a few days in between each serving.
The bone must be large enough so that the dog cannot fit the whole bone in its mouth or swallow the bone whole and always supervise dogs when they are eating raw bones.

Never feed cooked bones as these can splinter and cause internal damage or become an intestinal obstruction. 

Avoid large marrow bones (these have very thick outer rims), T-bones, 'chop' bones e.g. lamb cutlets, large knuckle bones and bones sawn lengthwise (as done by some butchers) as dogs may crack their teeth on these. Dogs ‘like’ bones very much and sometimes become protective. Do take care and discourage young children and others from approaching dogs that are eating. 

Dogs may be offered fish such as tinned sardines in springwater, tinned tuna and tinned salmon as a treat occasionally (care with any fish bones). Please avoid feeding fish constantly. 

Dogs may also be offered a small amount of cooked vegetables e.g. pumpkin, carrots etc.

Cooked meat such as boiled chicken or lamb may be offered but ensure there are no cooked bones or onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present. A small amount of cooked plain pasta/rice may be offered but again ensure there are no onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present. 

For more information, please read our post on "15 People Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat".

Provide access to grass (avoid chemically treated grass and toxic plants) - dogs will sometimes eat grass which may provide a source of vegetable matter and micronutrients.

The amount of food required will depend on your dog's size, breed, age and level of exercise, but take care not to overfeed or underfeed. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog, assess your dog's body condition score and provide advice.

Adults dogs should be fed at least twice a day to help avoid canine bloat which can be fatal. Also, dogs should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, to avoid bloat, particularly deep-chested dogs. 

Fresh water must be available at all times.

A WARNING CONCERNING DOG TREATS

A number of Australian dogs have suffered from kidney problems after being fed particular pet treats.

The toxin which causes the illness has not yet been identified and a number of treats from a number of manufacturers could be involved. Researchers have said that it’s difficult to pinpoint the particular treats involved because dog owners often feed several different treat brands to their dogs.

Cases have been associated with some chicken jerky treats, pig’s ears and other porcine products in addition to some chew-type products, mostly but not exclusively of Asian origin.

If you want to feed treats, veterinary researchers advise to use: 

• a small portion of commercial dog food; or 
• an appropriate and safe morsel of human food; or 
• home-made treats prepared under veterinary advice 

If you are using commercial treats, then it would be wise to limit these to occasional use, for example, a small treat once or twice a week.

If you are feeding commercial treats and notice your dog showing the following signs/symptoms then you should see your vet as soon as possible:

• lethargy 
• loss of appetite 
• increased thirst 
• urinating more frequently 

According to research, the illness is normally treatable with most dogs making a recovery if treats are removed from diets completely. But very occasionally more serious illness and death can occur.

Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PREVENTION

Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

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Spring has finally arrived! And with it, come seasonal allergies… 

There are primarily two types of dog allergies: food allergies and environmental allergies. If your dog gets itchy during spring, summer or autumn, he's probably reacting to seasonal, environmental allergens. But if symptoms continue all year round, then it is more likely that his sensitivity has something to do with either his environment or his diet.

Unfortunately just like people, dogs can show allergic symptoms when their immune systems begin to recognise certain everyday substances - or allergens - as dangerous. Even though these allergens are common and harmless to most animals, a dog with allergies will have an extreme reaction to them. Allergens can be problematic when inhaled, ingested or come in contact with a dog’s skin.

These allergens normally include mould and mildew, pollen, and dust mites. As his body tries to rid itself of these substances, a variety of skin, digestive and respiratory symptoms may appear. The good thing is that there are now several ways to treat seasonal allergies in dogs.

What are the general symptoms of Allergies in dogs?

• Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin (also referred to as allergic dermatitis) 
• Increased scratching or chewing 
• Itchy, runny eyes 
• Itchy back or base of tail (most commonly flea allergy) 
• Itchy ears and ear infections 
• Sneezing 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Snoring caused by an inflamed throat 
• Paw chewing or swollen paws 
• Constant licking 

How to help your dog cope with Seasonal Allergies

1. To provide your dog with complete and immediate relief from itchiness, try to bath him regularly to wash away the allergens on his coat and skin. Select a dog shampoo specially formulated for inflamed or sensitive skin.

2. To lessen the significant amount of allergens that your dogs spread all over your house, wash their paws thoroughly each time they come inside the house.

3. Try keeping the spots in your place where your pooch spends most of his time as free from allergens as possible. You can do this by cleaning and vacuuming the floors and his bedding on a regular basis using non-toxic cleaning agents.

4. Since allergies are basically an immune system response, it is crucial to keep your dog’s immune function at its optimum levels and ensure he’s eating a well-balanced diet, free of unnecessary fillers and animal by-products.

5. If your dog is highly susceptible to seasonal allergies, see to it that his diet is remarkably low in grain content, since foods rich in carbohydrates can trigger and worsen inflammation.

The same ways that you cope with seasonal allergies will only help your dog as well. Make sure your air conditioner filters are changed every month, use a vacuum with an allergen filter, and maintain a healthy diet.

For mild allergic reactions and mild itching, your vet can recommend an antihistamine or provide the proper dosage of over-the-counter allergy medication to treat him.

Which Dogs are at risk of getting Allergies?

Any dog can develop allergies at any point during his lifespan.

However allergic reactions seem to be especially common in Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, and flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers.

What Substances Can Dogs Be Allergic To?

A few common allergens include: 

• Tree, grass and weed pollens 
• Mould spores 
• Dust and house dust mites 
• Dander 
• Feathers 
• Cigarette smoke 
• Food ingredients (e.g. beef, chicken, pork, corn, wheat or soy) 
• Prescription drugs 
• Fleas and flea-control products (only a few flea bites can trigger intense itchiness for two to three weeks!) 
• Perfumes 
• Cleaning products 
• Fabrics 
• Insecticidal shampoo 
• Rubber and plastic materials 

Can dogs be allergic to food?

Yes, but it often takes some detective work to find out what substance is causing the allergic reaction. 

Dogs with a food allergy will commonly have itchy skin, chronic ear infections or sometimes gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting, and an elimination diet will most probably be used to determine what food he is allergic to. 

If your dog is specifically allergic to chicken, for example, you should avoid feeding him any products containing chicken protein or fat.

What should I do if I think my dog has allergies?

Visit your veterinarian. After taking a complete history and conducting a physical examination, he or she may be able to determine the source of your dog’s allergic reaction. If not, your vet will most probably recommend skin or blood tests, or a special elimination diet, to find out what's causing the allergic reaction.

How are dog allergies diagnosed?

If your dog’s itchy, red or irritated skin persists beyond initial treatment by a veterinarian, allergy testing, most often performed by a veterinary dermatologist, is likely warranted. 

The diagnostic test of choice is an intradermal skin test similar to the one performed on humans.

The only way to diagnose a food allergy is to feed your dog a prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet exclusively for 12 weeks. 

It is essential not to feed your dog anything but the diet. This means no treats, table leftovers or flavoured medication. This diet will be free of potential allergy-causing ingredients and will ideally have ingredients your dog has never been exposed to. He’ll remain on the diet until his symptoms go away, at which time you can begin to reintroduce old foods to see which ones might be causing the allergic reaction.

If a hypoallergenic diet doesn’t work, you may want to try a bones and raw food (BARF) diet, which uses a combination of foods similar to those wild dogs eat, such as:

• fat
• muscle meat
• organ meat
• bones

This omnivorous diet is believed by many to be healthier for your dog, but it may require an unusual meat source to be successful for your dog, who may be allergic to beef or poultry since both are commonly used in commercial pet foods.

How can dog allergies be treated?

1) The best way to treat allergies is to remove the offending allergens from the environment.

2) Start a flea control programme for all pets before the season starts. Remember, outdoor pets can carry fleas inside to indoor pets. See your veterinarian for advice about the best flea control products for your dog and the environment.

3) If dust is the problem, clean your dog's bedding once a week and vacuum at least twice weekly- this includes rugs, curtains and any other materials that gather dust.
Check out our recent post "10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners" for more assistance.

4) Weekly bathing may help relieve itching and remove environmental allergens and pollens from your dog’s skin. Discuss with your vet what prescription shampoos are best, as frequent bathing with the wrong product could dry out their skin.

5) If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, she’ll need to be put on an exclusive prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet. Once the allergy is determined, your vet will recommend specific foods or a home-cooked diet.

Are there any allergy medications for dogs?

Since certain substances cannot be removed from the environment, your vet may recommend medications to control the allergic reaction: 

• In the case of airborne allergens, your dog may benefit from allergy injections. These will help your pet develop resistance to the offending agent, instead of just masking the itch. 
• Antihistamines can be used but may only benefit a small percentage of dogs with allergies. 
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids might help decrease inflammation throughout the body. Adding them into the diet of all pets - particularly pets struggling with seasonal environmental allergies – is very beneficial. The best sources of Omega 3s are krill oil, salmon oil, tuna oil, anchovy oil and other fish body oils. 
• There are also shampoos that may help prevent skin infection, which occurs commonly in dogs with allergies. Sprays containing oatmeal or aloe are also available. 
• There are several flea-prevention products that can be applied topically to your dog’s skin. 
• If the problem is severe, you may have to resort to cortisone to control the allergy. However these drugs are strong and should only be used under the guidance of your vet.                                                                                   

Are Allergies and Bronchitis related?

Chronic exposure to inhaled irritants (including cigarette smoke) may be a cause of bronchitis in your dog. Bronchitis is characterised by a persistent cough due to inflammation of the airway and excessive mucus production. Treatment may include medication to open breathing passages, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents.

Warning: please remember, your pets just like your children should not be exposed to cigarette smoke.