Best Natural Proteins in Dog Food

Image: Wikimedia Commons

The best protein comes from actual food instead of powders 

Despite Consumer Reports claims that all dog food is alike, dog owners and veterinarians bed to differ.  There is even a medical condition in dogs called generic dog food dermatosis, where dogs fed only the cheapest dog food possible developed skin problems.  Healthier ingredients make for healthier dogs. 

With dog food, you pay for what you get.  So what do you get in the best dog food?  Check the ingredients label and look for recognizable foods, including natural proteins such as chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, sweet potatoes or soybeans.  The first ten ingredients are the most important to pay attention to as these take up most of the food content.

Meat Proteins: What they Aren’t

The best natural proteins in dog food will specifically list out what animal the meat is from.  It will not read meat, animal fat, animal digest or animal protein.  Those could be a blend of just about anything, including hair, beaks, horns and feces.  Not only do these ingredients not contain the nutrients dogs need to maintain healthy bodies, but these ingredients could be harvested in less than sanitary conditions, such as the sweepings off of an abattoir floor.

Good dog food protiens also will not have the word “flavor” added to it.  For example, one popular grocery store soft dog treat’s first ingredient is beef and cheese flavor.   That’s just a powder that may make the food taste like beef and cheese, but does not contain the nutrients or protein that beef or cheese does. 

Plant Proteins

Dogs, like people, are omnivores.  Pet dogs have successfully transferred to vegetarian, but not vegan, diets.  As any dog owner that has watched her pet eagerly scarf down cat poop can tell you, dogs are not too finicky about their food and whether it contains meat or kitty litter.  Dogs just want their bellies filled.  But they are best off eating 30 to 60% protein in their daily diets.

So, if you do choose to buy vegetarian foods for your dog (or if you see these ingredients listed in your meaty dog food) then you know that there is nutritious protein in the food.  These include eggs, yogurt, soybeans, sweet potatoes, pea protein, oatmeal, pearl barley and other whole grains (not flour).  Although vegan foods are sold for dogs, they tend to be weak in protein, notes Eco Dog: Healthy Living For Your Pet. (Chronicle Books; 2008.)

A few teaspoons of cottage cheese, fresh plain yogurt or cooked eggs (never raw) can help give your vegetarian dog the protein she needs.

References

“Skin Diseases of the Dog and Cat: Clinical and Histopathologic diagnosis.”  Thelma Lee Gross.  Wiley-Blackwell; 2005.

“Eco Dog: Healthy Living For Your Pet.” Corbett Marshall, et al.  Chronicle Books; 2008.

“Don’t pay a premium for ‘premium’ pet food.”  Consumer Reports.  August, 2011.

“The Whole Dog Journal’s Guide to Feeding Your Dog.” Nancy Kerns, et al.  Belvoir Media Group; 2009.

Benefits of Beta-Carotene for Dogs

Helps bolster a dog’s immune system

Choosing a dog food from the mountain of available brands and varieties at a pet store is difficult at the best of times.  But what about foods that proclaims that they contain “beta-carotene?”  What is the big deal about beta-carotene?  Plenty – especially for owners of puppies or senior dogs.  Beta-carotene can help strengthen a puppy or older dog’s immune system.  It also can help support eye health.

These two stages of life – puppy and old age – are when the canine immune system is most vulnerable.  Feedings foods with beta-carotene will not completely protect a dog or puppy from developing illnesses.  All dogs and puppies still need daily exercise, regular vet check-ups and parasite control medication, no matter how much beta-carotene they eat. 

What is Beta-Carotene?

Beta-carotene is a nutrient classified as a carotenoid.  If carotenoid sounds closely like carrot, there’s a good reason why.  Carrots are a prime source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene.  Carotenoids helps cause plants to turn orange, yellow or red.  Because carotenoids only come from plants, you may see them being called “phytonutrients”, which only means “nutrients that come from plants.”

Natural sources for beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, some peppers, yellow fruits, pumpkins, squash and some dark green vegetables like broccoli or chard.  However, commercially made dog food tends to only use carrots or sweet potatoes.  But many dogs like to munch on fresh or cooked broccoli as a treat.  My dogs, Pony and Hugo, enjoy fresh mango and cooked squash.  They can only have pieces about the size of my thumb or they may get diarrhea.

What It Does

Like Vitamin A and Selenium, beta-carotene is an antioxidant.  There is still much we do not know about antioxidants, but they appear to help the body stave off disease and cancer.  But one 2000 study on female beagles suggested that dogs fed beta-carotene had heightened immune responses.  Dogs eating diets completely lacking in antioxidants will develop immunodeficiency diseases, notes Randy Kidd, DVM, PhD.

Beta-carotene is thought to help canine eye health in the way it can sometimes help human eye health.  Mammal bodies easily convert beta-carotene into Vitamin A, needed to maintain eyes.  But just how beta-carotene works on dog eyes are not known because there haven’t been a lot of studies done.  Most “evidence” of beta-carotene helping dog vision are anecdotal. 

In Conclusion

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that appears to help the immune system in dogs and may also help maintain their eye health.  If a dog’s diet is completely lacking in vegetables, then the dog may need supplements to keep from developing an immunodeficiency disease.  RM Clemmons, DVM, PhD suggests a daily dose for dogs be between 10,000 to 25,000 IU, depending on how large the dog is.  But before giving any nutritional supplement, please consult your veterinarian.

References

“Dietary beta-carotene stimulates cell-mediated and humoral immune response in dogs.”  BP Chew, eta l. The Journal of Nutrition.  August, 2000.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10917901

“Supporting your dog’s immune system.”  Randy Kidd, DVM, PhD.  The Whole Dog Journal.  May 2006.  http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/9_5/features/Canine_Immunology_15808-1.html

University of Florida. “Integrative Therapy in Dogs with Nervous System & Other Disorders.” RM Clemmons, DVM, PhD. 1997.  http://neuro.vetmed.ufl.edu/neuro/AltMed/Alt_Med_Neuro.htm

Author’s personal experience.

A Shared Pain: About Arthritis In Dogs

I share my food, my bed and my life with my dog, Pony.  It is also heartwarming to know that we will most likely share the experience of arthritis together.  When she is in her advanced years, I will be in my forties – the time my parents started getting arthritis pains.  

Although Pony and I share mostly everything, this is one thing I would rather keep to myself and not let her have any part of.  But arthritis in dogs is getting more and more common as dogs are living longer.

Prevention For Pony

Pony is a mixed breed, but arthritis in dogs does not check for a pedigree or lack thereof.  It happens for the same reasons it happens in humans – the joints of the body (such as the ankles, neck and hips) are inflamed.  Arthritis is actually an umbrella term for over 100 conditions that make the joints inflamed.  Most are preventable by keeping Pony eating quality food and not too much of it.  Overweight people and overweight dogs are more prone to arthritis than fit ones.

Pony also gets exercised at least six days a week, including walks, tug and fetch.  This not only keeps the weight off, but helps give strength to her overall body functions, such as her skeletal structure and autoimmune system.  When she was a puppy, I fed her a wide variety of good food and tried not to over exercise her.  Some puppies (especially in large or giant breeds) can get weak bones as a result of too much exercise and too little nutrition.

But some causes of canine arthritis are hard to prevent.  An accident or other kind of trauma may bring it on.  This also happens in people.  People and dogs also share a type of arthritis called idiopathic arthritis, where no one yet knows why the joints get inflamed.

Treatment Options

But perhaps, as the years go by, both Pony and I do get arthritis.  We both will need to see medical professionals in order to find out what kind of arthritis we have.  Each kind needs different medicines.  We both will need to stay active even if our bodies are stiff and sore.  We will both need to cut back even more on fatty foods. 

As Pony gets older, she will need less protein and fat in her diet than she does now.  We both can benefit from gentle massage and keeping our bones warm.  Arthritis in dogs has shown to lessen with acupuncture sessions.  Pony takes needles a lot better than I do, so I don’t think I’ll try it for my arthritis.

Causes of Excessive Drooling in Dogs

Please do not use in the place of a veterinarian's diagnosis

Dog saliva or drool is often clear or watery in color, but can be white, depending on the individual dog.  Dogs drool excessively for three main reasons – they are from a breed prone to drooling; they are anticipating food or they are sick.  If you see your dog drooling and he is not staring at food or from a drool-prone breed, then your dog may be sick.  Check the dog immediately for other signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, fever or vomiting.

Dog Breeds Prone to Drool

Dog breeds prone to drool excessively or slobber are usually large breeds with wrinkles around the faces.  They drool constantly in order to help them catch and hold onto a scent.  These dogs cannot stop drooling.  They will even drool in their sleep.  Owners learn to carry around a rag used to wipe off the mouths. 

The bloodhound is a notorious drooler.  Although now a rare breed, bloodhounds can wind up in animal rescues because their owners did not realize how much their new dogs would drool. 

Other drooling dog breeds include the St. Bernard, the Dogue de Bourdeaux, the Great Pyrenees, the Great Dane, the bullmastiff, the English mastiff, the Neapolitan mastiff, the Newfoundland and the Kuvasz.  Other breeds that drool a lot depending on the individual include the Bassett hound, the boxer, the bulldog and the French bulldog.

Bloat

Excessive drooling is a common symptom of bloat or gastric dilation – a potentially lethal digestive disorder similar to colic in horses.  Dogs prone to bloat have wide chests and narrow waists, including boxers, Great Danes, German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Akitas, Irish setters, Standard poodles and golden retrievers.

Other symptoms include retching without bringing up any food, restlessness, panting, whining, pacing, low grade fever, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.  Symptoms begin within one hour of eating.  The dog must immediately be taken to a vet or she could die in as little as 6 hours.

Nausea

Excessive drooling or slobbering is a common symptom of nausea.  My dog, Pony, licks her lips after she starts drooling and right before she throws up or begins to dry heave.  Pony suffers from bilious vomiting syndrome.  But once she starts licking her lips, she is immediately taken outside to vomit or expel bile.

Dogs become nauseated for a variety of reasons, from common motion sickness to poisoning.  Common poisons for dogs include chocolate, over the counter human medications, car lubricants and pesticides.  Call a vet if the drooling is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, coordination problems or constant vomiting. 

Has the dog recently started a new medication?  Excessive drooling can be a side effect.  Call the vet to be sure that the dosage does not need to be reduced or that our dog is not suffering from an overdose.

Other Causes

The stereotypical scene of a rabid dog is the wild-eyed, slobber-plastered St. Bernard in the horror movie Cujo (1983).  But not all dogs that are covered in white or clear slobber along their necks and chests have rabies.

Dogs with mouth sores or periodontal disease will drool as a means to cope with the pain.  Has the dog recently been in a scrap with another animal?  Dogs use their mouths to protect themselves.  This means the mouths will bear the brunt of attacks from another.  The dog needs his mouth checked by a vet in order to help clear up these problems.

Cysts or tumors of the salivary glands can also cause excessive drooling or slobbering in dogs.  Contents of cysts may leak into the dog’s mouth and then drip out of the mouth.  Cysts need to be drained and in some instances need to be surgically removed.

References

ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.  Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD.  Chronicle Books; 1999.

The Howell Book of Dogs.  Liz Palika.  Howell Book House; 2007.

Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM. Howell Book House; 2007.

Dog Breed Info Center. “Dogs that Drooland Slobber.”  

Author’s personal experience.

Image of Polish Tatra Sheepdog from Wikimedia Commons

American Bulldogs: Common Health Problems

American bulldogs are not as prone to health problems as English bulldogs because American bulldogs have longer muzzles and legs. However, American bulldogs are prone to health conditions such as hip dysplasia, atopy and demodex mange, notes Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD, author of ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs (Chronicle Books; 1999.)

Dogchannel.com notes that many American Bulldogs have sensitive skin, but washing with a gentle baby shampoo can help keep the skin from getting itchy. Some dogs will have different colored eyes, but this usually does not denote poor health such as deafness or vision problems.

Hip Dysplasia

Any large, solidly built dog breeds with large appetites are prone to hip dysplasia, not just the American bulldog. The ball of the femur does not fit in properly to the hip socket, causing pain, lameness and sometimes deformity. This is a genetic condition, so any dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia should not be bred.

Although there is still a lot unknown about hip dysplasia, it seems diet plays a big role in whether an American bulldog develops it or not. American bulldogs normally have voracious appetites. This can lead to obesity and filling up on the canine equivalent of junk food instead of nutritious food. Some breeders and owners swear by a raw diet, but many vets frown on raw diets. A dog needs a high quality protein and a low fat diet to help maintain weight and stay healthy.

Atopy

Atopy is the short name for atopic dermatitis or allergic inhalant dermatitis. This is a genetic skin condition seen in a wide variety of breeds and not just the American bulldog. Dogs with atopy are super-allergic to some material such as feathers, house dust, ragweed or pollen. Symptoms include intensely itchy skin, hair loss due to scratching, swellings and sneezing. Dogs, no matter what breed, usually develop atopy before they are three years old.

This is a frustrating but treatable condition, as long as the allergen can be identified. Treatment includes removing the allergen (if possible), allergy shots, oral allergy tablets such as antihistamines to reduce swelling and possibly antibiotics if the dog has scratched or licked the skin open. Affected dogs may need topical creams to stop itching and an Elizabethan collar to stop scratching. Use the gentlest shampoos recommended by a vet.

Demodex Mange

Also called demodectic mange or red mange, this is a type of mange caused by the Demodex family of mites. Unlike sarcoptic mange, demodex mange is not contagious. Demodex mites live inside of individual hair follicles. Adult dogs tend to have immunity to demodex mites, so over half of canines with demodex mange are puppies. But if an adult American bulldog has a chronic health problem, this could lower the dog’s natural resistance to the mites.

Most cases can be managed through anti-parasite medications like Ivermectin; medicated dips and diet changes. The younger the dog, the higher the chances are for a complete recovery. If a dog or puppy does get a relapse, it occurs within 6 to 12 months of the first infection, notes Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

Additional References

• Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, Fourth Edition. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al. Howell Book House; 2007.
• American Bulldog Rescue 
• American Bulldog Association

Image by Priestess1134 from Wikimedia Commons

Irish Red and White Setter: The Original Irish Setter

The Irish setter is one of the most familiar breeds of dog in both American and Europe.  But not many people have heard about the Irish red and white setter, considered the ancestor breed of the Irish setter.  Even today, some all-red Irish setters produce puppies with some white patches.  The popularity of the all-red Irish setter nearly wiped out the Irish red and white setter.  Today, they are rare, even in Ireland. 

Brief History

Like the Irish setter, the Irish red and white setter was bred to be a highly trainable, enthusiastic hunting companion.  It is unknown how old the breed is, but the breed is at least as old as the late 1700s.  But by 1850, fashion dictated that all-red dogs were preferred over red and white coats.  Although the Irish red and white setter was celebrated on an Irish postage stamp in the early 1900s, the breed was in a steep decline.

Both breeds were called the Irish setter and even showed in the same classes.  But by the end of World War II, Irish dog breeders decided to separate the two breeds.  Although some dogs had been imported to the United States in the 1800s, the breed disappeared until more dogs were imported in the 1960s.  By 1997, there was enough interest in the rare breed to start the Irish Red and White Setter Association.

Comparison to the Irish Setter

The two Irish setter breeds differ in more than just color.  Irish red and white setters average 22 to 26 inches tall, slightly smaller than the Irish setter, especially those in America, where taller togs are preferred in the show ring.  Irish setters average 24 to 27 inches tall.  While Irish setters weigh in at 60 to 70 pounds, Irish red and white setters can be as light as 40 pounds but some males can weigh 70 pounds.  Like with the Irish setter, males are generally taller and heavier than females.

Irish setters have long, floppy ears that practically hug the sides of the head.  In contrast, the Irish red and white setter’s ears are set higher and stick out further from the head.  The ears also are usually shorter, too.  The Irish red and white setter is less prone to ear infections because their ears get better air circulation.

Temperament

There are many books, vets and dog owners that will assert that Irish red and white setters are not as scatterbrained as Irish setters.  However, temperament varies widely in individual dogs due to their health and training, so this generalization should be taken with a large grain of salt.

These dogs need plenty of exercise in order to be trainable and to prevent health disorders such as hip dysplasia.  Because they were bred to hunt, these dogs may chase or harass smaller pets but tend to get along with other dogs.  Irish red and white setters do well in canine sports such as agility or flyball and have even been trained to be search and rescue dogs.

References

• The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Dogs, Dog Breeds & Dog Care.  Dr. Peter Larkin & Mike Stockman.  Hermes House; 2005.
•  The Howell Book of Dogs.  Liz Palika.  Howell Book House; 2007.
•  Dummies.com. “Irish Red and White Setter: A Dog forOutdoors.” 
•  Irish Red and White Setter Association 

Image by Pleple2000 from Wikimedia Commons

Wheaten Terrier Dog Breed Temperament

The soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, often called “wheatens” or “wheaties” for short, has both an unusual coat color and an unusual temperament for terriers. Unlike many other terrier breeds, Wheatens are often far more quiet and less prone to yapping at the drop of a hat. When Wheatens vocalize, it’s usually for a good reason. This trait makes Wheatens good watchdogs.

Wheatens have successfully been trained as therapy dogs, particularly for visiting patients in hospitals. Wheatens are intelligent, people-loving animals that can get easily bored and become quite mischievous.

Needs Exercise

Wheatens were bred in Ireland in the 1700s as an all-around farm dog. A Wheaten cleared the barns of rodents, checked the fields with his master and then sat under his master’s chair at the local pub. Wheatens had to deal with people, cats, large animals, loud noises, strange smells and large families but they were also bred to be on the move most of the day.

Today’s Wheatens retain their level-headedness provided they get at least one 30 minute walk per day and plenty of chances to romp in enclosed space. If Wheatens are denied chances at regular exercise, they can get hyper and develop bad habits out of boredom. Wheatens also should never be strictly outdoor watchdogs. They are far more trainable and level-headed when allowed to interact with their family or individual owner.

What About Children?

Wheatens have a great reputation as family dogs, but they still need training and regular exercise. Children need to treat a Wheaten gently and compassionately. They cannot tolerate teasing or tail-pulling. Also, no matter how friendly or long-suffering a dog is, never leave small children under the age of 8 alone with a dog. This is for the dog’s safety as well as the child’s.

Wheatens have a habit of exuberantly greeting friends, which can include jumping up on people and licking their faces. This could potentially knock over or frighten a child. Although Wheatens can be trained not to jump up on people, this training takes time. Jumpy puppies and dogs should be on a lead when meeting a child for the first time, so the owner can help control the dog should they become bouncy.

In Conclusion

Not all soft-coated Wheaten Terriers will behave the same. Individual temperaments are molded by individual health, past history and training. But Wheatens in general are the quietest of the terrier breeds. They love people and try to please. They may develop some silly habits in order to help train their people, such as sleeping on their backs to invite tummy-rubs. But Wheatens need regular exercise in order to keep their temperaments sweet.

Additional Resources

The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Dogs, Dog Breeds & Dog Care. Dr. Peter Larkin & Mike Stockman. Hermes House; 2005.

The Howell Book of Dogs. Liz Palika. Howell Book House; 2007.

Image from Wikimedia Commons