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How Important is it for You to Understand Your Dog’s Hormones?

October 24, 2016

Hormones! This is a word we often hear blamed for adolescent, or immature behavior for humans, but rarely do we stop to realize that hormones play a major role in our pet’s lives as well. Understanding your dog’s hormones is a critical aspect of caring for their health.

When I was completing my Animal Science degree, the endocrine system was a topic we studied in almost every class. Hormones are so significantly related to our health and the health of our pets, yet they are often not discussed.

Therefore, Carol from Fidose of Reality and myself, are here to discuss with you the importance of hormones to your dog’s health and what you as a pet parent can do to help them maintain ideal levels.

Firstly, let’s clarify some terminology:

Horomones: “Hormones are chemical messengers that have many different functions. The effects of hormones in the body are wide-ranging and varied.” – The Merck Manual

Endocrine System: “The endocrine system consists of a group of tissues that release hormones into the bloodstream for travel to other parts of the body. Most endocrine tissues are glands (such as the thyroid gland) that release hormones directly into small blood vessels within and around the tissue.” – The Merck Manual

Basically, throughout the post, when we refer to a hormone we are referring to a specific hormone with a specific function, but the term endocrine system will refer to how the tissues and hormones work together. Some hormones affect only one tissue in the body, where other hormones actually affect many different systems in the body.

The Problem Children

In my veterinary experience, there were some hormones (or lack there of) that cause many patients a variety of health problems, and can lead to an endocrine system disease. Some of the most common endocrine-related diseases that I saw were:

Hypothyroidism

According to Dr. Karen Becker, there are two ways that your dog can develop hypothyroidism. Either your dog’s body simply stops producing the normal amount of thyroid hormone, or your dog has an auto-immune response where their body is attacking their thyroid gland and depleting the body of the thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism include: Lethargy, Depression, Weight-gain, Dry skin or Hair Loss, or Chronic infections

Breeds Most Commonly Affected: Airedale Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, and Irish setters.

Diabetes

According to Pets.WebMD, diabetes can develop due to a lack of insulin production or a lack of response to insulin in the body. Most dogs with diabetes experience a lack of insulin production and need regular insulin injections. While the disease is manageable, it is important to be urgent and diligent about treatment and management of this disease.

Symptoms of Diabetes include: Increased Water Consumption, Increased Urination, Weight Loss, Change in Appetite, or Lethargy.

Breeds Most Commonly Affected: Australian Terriers, Standard and Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Poodles, Keeshonds and Samoyeds.

Cushing’s Disease

According to PetMD, Cushing’s disease is a disease associated with a benign tumor of the pituitary gland (occasionally on the adrenal gland) that causes hyperadrenocorticism. Hyperadrenocorticism describes a condition where there are excess levels of cortisone in the bloodstream, which interferes with the body’s metabolism and causes stomach upset and hypertension.

Symptoms of Cushing’s include: Lethargy, Increased water consumption, Obesity, Pot-bellied abdomen, Loss of hair & more

Breeds Most Commonly Affected: Poodle, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Terriers such as Yorkies and Dandie Dinmonts.

What Can You Do As a Pet Parent to Protect Your Dog’s Hormones?

1. Understand that many endocrine system diseases are treatable and manageable. Work with your veterinarian and their staff to come up with the best possible plan and solution for you and your pet.

2. Know what endocrine system diseases, if any, are common for your dog’s breed.

3. Understand the symptoms associated with the most common endocrine system diseases.

4. Don’t skip your dog’s annual exam! Because some endocrine system diseases affect the entire body, it is crucial to catch these diseases early.

5. Opt for the bloodwork. Pet’s can’t tell their veterinarian that their leg falls asleep every day, or that their experiencing some stomach pain. For this reason, bloodwork can be so important to assessing your dog’s health during an annual exam.

Just understanding the effect that hormone imbalances can have on your dog’s health is the first step to protecting them from endocrine system diseases.  

For Carol’s Mom perspective on this topic please visit her post at Fidose of Reality.

medicine versus mom

How to Enrich Your Dog’s Life: PAW5 Rock N Bowl

October 24, 2016

I think that every pet parent wants to make sure that their dog’s life is as enriched as possible!

That’s why I want pet parents to know about PAW5.

PAW5 is dedicated to improving the life of every dog by providing the right amount of stimulation and enrichment for your dog’s life. Therefore, PAW5 has created thoughtful products that engage your dog’s mind and provide them with the necessary exercise to avoid boredom.

Boredom in dogs can be one of the number one reasons for behavioral problems and can strain your relationship with your dog. PAW5 keeps in mind that many pet parents work full-time and lead very busy lives. That’s why they created the #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge!

By using PAW5’s products (in addition to DIY and other activities) to learn, think and play with your dog, you can improve their mental, physical and emotional health.

“Dogs need enrichment, plain and simple. They need to interact with their environment, their humans, and other dogs in a number of different ways in order for them to grow and lead fulfilling lives. Presenting them with new challenges, toys, adventures, and opportunities is the key to having a happy and healthy dog, and we’re hoping our Enriched Life Challenge will show people how realistic and easy it can be.” –  PAW5TM Co-Founder, Dennis O’Donnell

PAW5’s Challenge shows pet parents that enriching a dog’s life is about more than just walks and exercise and every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to improve.

The #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge includes 6 different categories of enrichment so that pet parents can discover which one’s work the best for their pet.

1. Sensory

“This includes anything and everything that stimulates your dog’s senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. This is where playing in the grass, rolling in the dirt and splashing in water come in. You can also support this through TV programming, music and scent work.”

2. Feeding

“This is how you can make feeding time challenging, engaging and fun. It’s about putting hunting and foraging skills to use, employing the power of their nose and their brains to get to the good stuff!”

Check out Rooney using the PAW5 Rock N Bowl for dinner!

PAW5 Rock N Bowl from Rachel Sheppard on Vimeo.

3. Toys+Puzzles

“These products encourage your dog to engage and manipulate them to get the desired results…normally treats. But it also includes plush, rubber, rope and fetch toys, and the regular rotation of these so that your pup continues to engage with them.”

4. Environmental

“Adding something new to your dog’s environment can peak curiosity and sometimes increase physical activity. Build a ramp in the backyard, place a mirror in the living room, go play on a playground, go for a hike in the woods.”

5. Social Interaction

“Social Interaction with other people and other dogs builds trust and with other people and other dogs builds trust and self-confidence. Whether you are going to the dog park, to the pet store, in car, or to a friend’s house, engagement with new environments, new people and new dogs will help keep your pup well socialized.”

6. Training

“Training is an incredible time to bond with your dog, building trust, rapport, and some much needed listening skills. Whether you are training the basics or have moved on to trick training, the time spent doing this has great benefits for your dog and your relationship.”

Now that you know the 6 different ways that you can enrich your pet’s life, you can participate in the #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge!

Below is a schedule that you can use to complete the challenge for this week! Each day is designed to provide your dog with all 6 categories of enrichment throughout the day. For those of use who work full-time and aren’t home mid-day, move these times to adjust to your schedule and try as many as you can!

If you have social media, feel free to post videos and photos with the #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge on your social channels. However, please feel free to post updates in the comments, or send me an email with videos and photos to share at mykidhaspawsblog@gmail.com!

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

friday

Challenge Prep

Now that you know all about how the challenge is going to work, you just need to do a little prep work!

Here are the items you will need in order to increase enrichment:

Supplies you’ll need from around the house:

  • An old tupperware or food container with lid
  • Peanut butter
  • A large tupperware or food container, no lid
  • Chicken broth
  • Cardboard box
  • Blanket and two chairs or a pop-up tunnel
  • Muffin Tin
  • Empty paper towel roll
  • Pillow case or dish towel
  • Rubber bands
  • Paper grocery bag

Supplies you may need to purchase:

  • Seven tennis balls
  • Rock ’N Bowl or any other food puzzle
  • Kong or any other treat toy
  • PVC pipe with holes

For DogTV and Mood Music:

Whether or not you participate in the challenge, PAW5 wants to give you the opportunity to make mealtime more fun and enriching with their Rock N Bowl!

Therefore, it’s GIVEAWAY time!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for DogTV, so I may financially benefit from a paid subscription. Additionally, I received a PAW5 Rock N Bowl to try, but I shared it with my readers because I feel that it is a very good product. 

Dogs Left in Hot Cars is Not Just a Summer Problem

September 26, 2016

The conversation regarding dogs left in hot cars has significantly increased in recent years and has led to changes in legislation and the ways law enforcement handle dogs left in hot cars, which is an improvement. However, this important topic shouldn’t be left as a conversation of summer.

Today, in the East Bay it is supposed to reach 100 degrees. Yes, the beautiful Fall Season started last week, but that doesn’t mean that the year’s hot temperatures are behind us. Therefore, I would like today’s post to serve as a reminder that leaving a pet in the car is dangerous throughout the year, not just during the summer.

Here to discuss the dangers of leaving a dog in a hot car and to provide some additional insight is Dr. Sarah Nold, DVM from Trupanion.

While the topic of dogs left in hot cars has been discussed widely in recent years, why do you think some people still believe that cracking the window is enough?

It comes down to awareness. Some people still don’t understand that it doesn’t have to be in the 80’s or 90’s to be too hot or that “I’ll only be a few minutes” can be too long, but that is what we’re trying to change. A study on heat stress from enclosed vehicles found that on average there is a 40-degree increase in internal temperature with outside temperature ranging from 72 F to 96 F.  The study also found cracking windows open did not decrease the rate of temperature rise in the vehicle.  In other words, it can be a relatively cool day and the temperature within your car can still quickly rise enough to put your pet at risk for heat stress or stroke. 

What types of dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke?

Brachycephalic (short-nosed or flat faced) dogs, overweight/obese dogs or those with heavy/thick coats are going to be affected at lower temperatures and in a shorter period of time.  Your dog can also get overheated if it is very anxious or excited while waiting in the car, even on cooler days.

What can pet parents do if they see a dog left in a hot car? 

You could report the make, model and license plate number to any local businesses in an attempt to try to track down the pet’s owner.  However, as it is illegal to leave a dog in a hot car in California and it doesn’t take long for heat stroke to occur it would be best to call 911.

Do you think that car companies and driving apps (like Waze) will start implementing technology to tell people their car is too hot for their dog?

I think this could help for dogs and children, but there are a lot of variables that could make this difficult to be accurate for everyone.  It is still important for people to use common sense.  When in doubt leave your dog home. 

While on a road trip or traveling with your dog, what can people do to keep their pets cool at the gas station or other standard stops?

If possible, this is a good opportunity to take your dog to a shady area to stretch their legs and/or use the restroom.  Frequently offer water, adding ice cubes to the water if available.  While you could leave the a/c running in your car, people passing by may not realize you have done this.  Also, the a/c could fail and you wouldn’t know until you got back to your car. I recommend setting the parking brake on your car if you do choose to leave your dog in the car.

How many heatstroke claims does Trupanion see in California each year?

In 2015, Trupanion saw 250 heat stroke claims from California, a state that has a high number of them with over 20% of all heatstroke claims received come from California. The average amount paid out on claims of heat stroke is around $1,300.

As we will be in cooler temperatures in just a few months, is there anything pet parents should know about leaving their pets in the car when it’s too cold?

Your car can rapidly cool down in cold weather.  Pets that are very young, thin or old are going to be more susceptible to cold temperatures.  It’s best to never leave your pet in the car.  If you are going somewhere your pet can’t come with you it is better to leave your pet at home, with a friend or at a boarding facility.

I want to thank Trupanion and Dr. Nold for sharing insight regarding dogs left in hot cars. Remind you friends and family that the elements can affect their dog’s health much sooner than they anticipate!

Have you ever witnessed a dog left in a hot car? What did you do?

Fire Safety for Pet Parents

September 1, 2016

According to the Redcross.org, September is National Preparedness month, and as I have shared recently, Californians need to be well-versed in fire safety and wildfire preparedness. To give us some excellent insights, I would like to welcome guest blogger Emma Bailey. Enjoy!

Summertime Fire Safety for Pet Parents

Whether it’s the peak of summer or the valley of winter, it’s important to pay careful attention to the well-being of your animal companions. And with high temperatures still ahead, there’s cause for pause when it comes to an array of hot-weather health hazards.

Earlier in the summertime, “National Pet Fire Safety Day” drew attention to one of the most common threats animals face in warm weather: the risk of fire or electrical injury.

Each year over 40,000 household pets die from fire. Approximately 1,000 of these incidences are usually attributed to the pets themselves – highlighting the need for both pet-proofing and constant pet-parent vigilance. Wildfires, outdoor fire, and electrical risks remind us that our animals are vulnerable to smoke inhalation, flame, and the effects of severe storms. This summer, make sure the curious paws in your family are safe by taking some simple precautions ahead of time.

Precaution and Prevention

Always be wary of lighting a fire with pets around. Candles can be bait for pets – especially cats – who are drawn to the light and movement of an open flame. All it takes is a gentle rub from your feline friend and the candle is on its side. Additionally, fireplaces should always be extinguished before you leave the room or home.

The kitchen should be pet-proofed thoroughly before you take off on any summer getaways. Counter-surfing pups on two legs can easily hit the knobs of your stove or other items around the kitchen, and cooking appliances pose an equal threat when it comes to fire and electrical danger.

To that same end, it’s crucial to secure all loose electrical wires and cords in a home, particularly a home with young puppies and kittens. Cords practically ask to be played with and chewed through, which is why you need to protect everyone from electrical burns and fires that could start from frayed wires. Be aware that halogen lights and space heaters can also be fire hazards, particularly around large, more boisterous animals.

Make sure that all of your smoke detectors are in working condition. Smoke detectors that automatically notify the fire department in case of an emergency are, for pet owners, even more convenient. Certain “smart home” devices and surveillance monitors will also help you keep a closer eye on everyone who’s back at home when you aren’t there. A pet camera in the home can help you catch anything before it gets out of hand, while more advanced systems even equip your residence with sensors that know when cats and dogs go beyond any pre-set boundaries.

In Case of Emergency

If disaster does strike, a “good defense” is your best offensive alternative. Your family may already have an escape route mapped out for fire-related emergencies, but don’t forget to include your pets in the plan. If you have more than one animal in your house, it may be a good idea to assign each one to a different family member who can keep track of them in the chaos. Also, as part of your preparation, you should keep collars and leashes near the front door of your home. If your pet gets lost during the panic of a disaster make sure they can be quickly identified and returned to you.

If no one is home and a fire emergency occurs, it’s a good idea to signal with a window cling that there are animals in your home in need of rescue. Write down the number of pets in your home and affix a sticker in a prominent place where firefighters will see it. This will help the firemen who arrive on the scene know just who to look for. Also, if you have young pets, try to secure them in one area with a pet gate while you are away, this will also help the rescuers locate even the smallest creatures.

To get a free Pet Safety Packet (with window clings) you can visit the ASPCA website, or click over to additional online resources with more extensive fire protection information. Our non-human friends fill our lives with immeasurable joy and love, and it’s up to us to protect them in ways they can’t themselves. These ideas will help you and your family members avoid fire and electrical injury too, meaning everyone can enjoy a happier, healthier summer and fall season.

WOW Emma! Thank you for providing MKHP readers with some excellent fire safety tips! Tell us, do you have a fire safety plan?

Guest Blogger Emma Bailey Emma B is a writer and blogger based in Chicago, IL. Luna, affectionately known as Apricot Ears, is a rescue dog with a few stories of her own to tell. Emma will be attending graduate school this fall at DePaul University specializing in International Public Policy. Her favorite food is pistachio ice cream.

 

Probiotics for Pets: Are They a Solution for Your Pet?

August 23, 2016

Medicine versus Mom is back to discuss another very important topic for pets; probiotics!

As a pet parent, you are probably receiving health information from a variety of sources; family & friends, pet blogs (oh, hey!), groomers, pet sitters, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, pet store owners & professionals, holistic veterinarians, integrated health veterinarians, and the list goes on…

When it comes to certain topics like food, or health additives like probiotics, you might hear a lot of different opinions. So today, we would like to provide you with information that can help you make the most informed decision for your pet!

The Importance of Digestive Health

Gastrointestinal upset was a very common symptom for many of the patients I saw at the veterinary hospital. In fact, no matter the reason for the visit, we always asked if a pet had recently had any vomiting or diarrhea. Why? Because any sign of gastronintestinal upset indicated potentially serious health problems for the pet. According to Healthy Pets with Dr. Karen Becker, it is important to understand two critical points about the GI tract:

  • “The gastrointestinal system must be healthy to avoid disease.”
  • “The GI tract is the body’s number one barrier to disease and disease processes.”

Dr. Becker clearly states that in order for a pet to be healthy, their GI tract should be healthy too! In some cases, this is where probiotics can help.

What are probiotics?

According to Nestle Purina, who makes one of the probiotic products I am most familiar with, FortiFlora, probiotics are defined as:

Probiotics are live microorganisms similar to those found naturally in the intestines, which help maintain balance in the digestive tract. After being consumed, they help to inhibit harmful pathogens from colonizing the GI tract.

The most important thing for you to know as a pet parent is that probiotics can do 3 things for your pet:

  • Improve food digestion
  • Assist and boost the immune system
  • Help your pet absorb more nutrients

Although probiotics can be very helpful to your pet’s immune system and integral to their overall health, it is important to not add probiotics to your pet’s diet as a solution to health issues without first discussing with your veterinarian.

Does my pet need probiotics?

This is an excellent question!

If your pet has any of the following symptoms, it might be worth discussing probiotics with your veterinarian:

Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, or Excessive gas

brought on by:

  • Stress
  • Dietary problems
  • Changes in food
  • Antibiotics

The important thing to remember here is that probiotics are not always the solution to vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or excessive gas. If your pet is having these symptoms, a variety of issues could be causing these problems and should be discussed with your veterinarian to rule out other health issues before determining GI imbalance.

What you might not know is that probiotics are present in some pet food recipes, so your pet might already have some probiotics protecting their GI tract. Additionally, some food recipes contain prebiotics which provide food for the good bacteria in your pet’s GI tract. My point is that your pet might already be benefiting from probiotics, the question is, do they need more?

Are probiotics considered a treatment or prevention?

Another great question! In my experience, probiotics are a treatment and potentially a long-term preventative solution. However, as mentioned above, some veterinary and pet professionals might disagree with me.

According to The Whole Dog Journal, all pets can benefit from probiotics. Additionally, some research supports using them proactively during times of stress (i.e. boarding) or after antibiotics. This could be true, but I will once again caution every pet parent to discuss with their veterinarian prior to adding anything to your pet’s diet and overall health plan.

Are all probiotic products created equal?

The answer here is, no!

Not only are all probiotics different from one another, but all pet digestive systems are different. While many of the same types of bacteria are seen in pets, some pets might have a different mix of bacteria than others! Why is this so important?

One of the fundamental rules of holistic pet care is to always remember that no two animals are alike. – The Whole Dog Journal

In a story from The Whole Dog Journal, a pet parent named Tina provides nothing but the absolute best for her Standard Poodle, Curly. However, despite top of the line food and probiotics, Curly is thin, not putting on weight, and having trouble with bowel movements. While there were perhaps a variety of reasons why Curly’s mix of probiotics didn’t work for him, the most important takeaway for any pet parent is that probiotics are not all made equal.

If you are still not convinced, here is a quote from a 2012 article written by the Veterinary Practice News:

Not all probiotics sold in the veterinary market have evidence to support their claims, so veterinarians should make sure that the levels of microorganisms are guaranteed and that the manufacturer can provide support of efficacy. – Grace Long, DVM, MS, MBA, Director of Veterinary Technical Marketing for Nestlé Purina PetCare in St. Louis

What can you do as a pet parent?

  1. Remember, probiotics are an option and a potential additive for treatment of specific GI symptoms.
  2. Always discuss probiotics with your veterinarian!
  3. Make sure that you store your probiotics correctly!

The most effective way of keeping probiotics alive in the packaging process is in a cool, dry environment away from air exposure. – Grace Long, DVM, MS, MBA, Director of Veterinary Technical Marketing for Nestlé Purina PetCare in St. Louis

Do you use probiotics for your pet? If so, what brand? Any tips for other pet parents?

For Carol’s Dog Mom perspective on this topic, please visit FidoseofReality.com!

medicine versus mom

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