How dogs digest food is often a mystery for pet owners. We know the process shares some similarities with human digestion, but there are some fascinating differences that make canine digestion unique and intriguing.
In this article, we’ll dive into how a dog's digestive system works and how long it takes for them to digest food. We’ll also share some helpful tips on how you can promote your dog’s digestive health for a happy and healthy life.
Let’s dive in!
Compared to us humans, dogs have a relatively simpler digestive system. Yet it’s a fine-tuned mechanism that allows them to break down and absorb the nutrients from the food they eat.
Below, we have explained the entire step-by-step process of how food travels through a dog's digestive system:
The digestion process starts from the mouth when your dog eats the food. Their 42 large and sharp teeth (28 in the case of a puppy) help them to bite and tear up every kind of food, including kibble, meat, and bones. Their strong jaws that move up and down (not side to side) also play a significant role in initiating the breakdown process.
Also, dogs don’t produce saliva to break down carbohydrates in foods. Instead, their salvia only helps lubricate the food, making it easier to swallow and pass through the esophagus toward the stomach.
Once the food reaches your dog’s stomach, it breaks down into smaller particles and mixes with gastric juices. The purpose of this process is to make it easier for the body to absorb nutrients from the food.
However, the actual absorption of nutrients does not occur in the stomach. It’s just the place where solid food gets converted into a mushy semi-liquid substance. This substance is gradually released from the stomach into the small intestine, where all the nutritional benefits from the food take place.
Please note that sometimes, the food that has already gone down can unexpectedly come back up. It’s quite common in dogs, especially those who eat kibble. This happens when they gobble down their food too quickly and they swallow a lot of air along with the kibble. It causes their stomach to expand, and this condition is commonly known as kibble bloating.
As the food starts moving through the small intestine, various nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the food are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine and then transported into the bloodstream. From there, these nutrients are transported and distributed throughout a dog’s body.
The remaining indigestible materials, such as insoluble fiber and some waste products, continue their journey from the small intestine to the large intestine, also known as the colon. This is the place where the water and electrolytes are absorbed, and the fiber is fermented by beneficial gut bacteria. Once all the water is reclaimed, it solidifies and becomes feces.
However, when you’re feeding your dog raw food and vegetables, you might see parts of those in your dog’s stool. This implies that the dog’s body has absorbed the nutrients from the food, and the non-digestible fiber has exited their body.
Feces get stored in a dog’s rectum until it’s ready to be expelled from the body. This happens when the rectum gets full, triggering the contraction of its muscles and pushing the waste out through the anus.
Most vets recommend monitoring the dog’s feces, such as its consistency, color, and frequency, to understand if there are any potential issues with the dog’s digestive health. A healthy digestive system will produce firm and well-formed feces. In case there’s some problem with their health, you may notice changes in the color or texture of the feces, for example, it could either be too loose or too hard.
Ideally, the entire process of digestion takes between 8 to 10 hours. For smaller or younger dogs, it may take 4 hours to digest, while larger dogs may need up to 12 hours.
This digestion process significantly influences a dog's overall health and well-being. During this time, their body is absorbing all of the essential and available nutrients found within the food they eat.
However, the digestion timeline can vary depending on various factors, including:
Different types of foods have different digestibility; for example, raw meat takes less time to digest than highly processed dog food, such as extruded kibble. It’s because the processing and cooking methods can affect the time it takes for the gut and digestive system to break down the food and absorb the nutrients.
Please note that the faster digestibility of raw meat doesn’t make it a “better” option. The quality of the diet and food safety are also important factors to consider when deciding on the best diet for your dog.
Both the size and breed of a dog can influence their digestion time. It’s mainly because large breed dogs have a larger digestive tract, which means the food has to travel for a longer period of time before being converted into feces. Smaller breed dogs, on the other hand, have shorter digestive tracts and, therefore, take less time to digest their food.
Dogs that are more active and engage more in physical exercises tend to have faster digestion compared to less active dogs. It’s because physical activity helps stimulate the blood flow to the digestive organs, making them work more quickly and effectively.
Any underlying health issues, especially gastrointestinal disorders, can significantly impact a dog's digestion time. Additionally, medications prescribed to your dog can also have an effect on their digestion.
If you are noticing sudden changes in your dog’s digestive timing or the quality of their stool, like they are pooping more frequently, then you should consult with a veterinarian to discuss this further.
If you’re a new pet parent, you might wonder how long does it take a puppy to digest food. Is it similar to an adult dog? The answer is no! Puppies have a higher metabolism, which results in quicker digestion and nutrient absorption. Thus, their typical digestion time lies somewhere between 4-5 hours, and that’s why most vets suggest feeding a puppy more frequently than an adult dog. But again, this time can vary depending on their breed and health conditions.
Stress, brought on due to any reason, can affect your dog’s digestive function. It leads to reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, which slows down the passage of food, or it can disrupt their gut biome, leading to an imbalance of the good and bad gut bacteria, impacting digestion and nutrient absorption.
Apart from that, stress can also indirectly affect your dog’s digestive system by decreasing their appetite, leading to less food intake and delayed digestion.
Your dog's water intake is another crucial factor that influences their digestion time. When their water intake decreases, the blood flow to their GI tract also decreases. This slows down the transit of the food, resulting in delayed digestion.
Whereas drinking enough water helps keep the digestive tract lubricated, which assists in the smooth transit of food through the digestive system. It also promotes nutrient absorption and helps in the formation of firmer stool that is easier to pass during defecation.
While you cannot prevent some occasional digestive issues, you can take certain steps to promote healthy digestion in dogs. Here are 8 simple yet effective tips you can follow to get started:
You should provide your dog with a high-quality diet that contains all essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, their food should be free from harmful chemicals, artificial sugars, and fillers, as these can negatively impact their health and digestion.
Being physically active not only supports a dog's digestive function but also promotes their overall health. That’s why it’s recommended that you incorporate various activities like walking and playdates into their schedule to keep them healthy and active.
However, be mindful of your dog’s age and health condition while planning their exercise routine.
Proper hydration in dogs is linked with better nutrient absorption, smoother bowel movements, and reduced risk of constipation. Thus, you should ensure your dog has access to proper, clean, and fresh drinking water at all times.
If your dog is fussy about drinking water, you can give them ice chips, frozen treats, or water-rich fruits like watermelon. But if they are too reluctant to drink, you should consult with a veterinarian to ensure they don’t have any underlying health issues.
Stress has a significant impact on a dog's digestive system. It can reduce their appetite, cause irregular bowel movements, and even lead to health conditions like IBD. That’s why, apart from your dog’s physical health, you should invest in their mental health.
You can try positive reinforcement training, spend quality time with them, provide socializing opportunities, and, most importantly, create a safe and comfortable environment for them to grow and thrive.
This is a common problem in homes with pets. Dogs often beg for table scraps during mealtime, and it can be hard to resist their pleading eyes, but this can cause more harm than good.
In fact, table scraps can often contain or come in contact with ingredients like spices, onions, garlic, or certain artificial sweeteners that are toxic for dogs. These ingredients can cause a range of health problems, including various digestive issues.
You should always feed your dog the right amount of food based on their specific dietary needs, age, size, activity level, and any health concerns. If you aren’t careful, you can easily go overboard with their portion sizes and overwhelm their digestive system, which will eventually lead to issues like bloating, indigestion, and obesity.
Probiotics are the live beneficial bacteria present in your dog’s gut, and prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for probiotics. Together, they can provide many benefits for your dog's digestive health by maintaining a healthy gut environment, improving nutrient absorption, and boosting the immune system.
You can opt for natural probiotic and prebiotic supplements like plain yogurt and chicory roots, or you can consult with your veterinarian about the right commercial supplement for your dog.
Taking your dog for veterinary check-ups can help in maintaining their digestive health and overall wellness. You can use these visits to address any concerns you might have regarding your dog’s digestion and get personalized dietary recommendations.
Furthermore, regular vet visits can help detect any digestive issues at early stages and prevent further health complications.
There you have it - a comprehensive overview of how long it takes a dog to digest food. It might be overwhelming to understand everything at once, but you can gradually familiarize yourself with the various stages and processes of their digestion. This knowledge will help you promote their digestive health and prevent various health complications that can affect the overall quality of their life.
If you have more doubts about your dog’s digestive health, please consult with a veterinarian.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about a dog’s digestion and digestive health:
1. How long does it take a dog to digest food?
Ideally, it can take a dog somewhere between 8-10 hours to digest the food. For smaller or younger dogs, it may take 4 hours to digest, while larger dogs may need up to 12 hours.
But, this timeline can vary significantly depending on your dog’s size, breed, age, activity level, and health condition.
2. How long does it take a puppy to digest food?
The digestion time for a puppy is relatively short when compared to an adult dog. Ideally, they need somewhere between 4-5 hours to digest their food, and that’s why most vets suggest feeding a puppy more frequently than an adult dog.
Also, this time can vary depending on various factors like their activity level and health conditions.
3. How can I promote my dog’s digestive health to ensure proper digestion?
You can take several steps to promote your dog's digestive health, such as providing a balanced and nutritious diet, monitoring their water intake, avoiding overfeeding, considering incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into their diet, and creating a stress-free environment.
More importantly, you should schedule regular vet check-ups to ensure everything is working fine and your dog's health is in good condition.
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Sources:
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/how-long-does-it-take-a-dog-to-digest-food/
https://www.rover.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-dogs-to-digest-food/
You might be a little too familiar with those puppy eyes that stare at you every time you’re enjoying a delicious meal. While sometimes you give in and share a bite with your dog, you might wonder whether the food you are giving them is safe for them to eat.
To help you find an answer to this lingering question, we have compiled a list of 31 foods that you should avoid feeding to your dog. This detailed guide can serve as your go-to reference whenever you find yourself uncertain about what is safe to share with your furry friend.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is a stimulant that mainly affects the central nervous system and cardiovascular systems. It’s particularly concerning for dogs because their bodies are unable to metabolize this substance efficiently. As a result, theobromine gets accumulated in their system, leading to potential toxicity.
The initial signs of theobromine toxicity in dogs include bloody vomiting, increased thirst, elevated blood pressure, muscle twitching, and restlessness. Remember that in most cases of theobromine toxicity, your dog will need medical attention.
2. Grapes
You should never feed grapes to your dog, as they can be highly toxic. Now, even though the specific compound in grapes that causes the toxicity is still unknown, it’s certain that eating this fruit can potentially lead to kidney failure in dogs.
3. Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes that pose similar health risks for dogs as they can cause kidney failure within 48 hours of eating.
4. Onions
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, which is a chemical compound that can lead to the breakdown of red blood cells in dogs, resulting in a condition known as hemolytic anemia. The presence of this compound in onions is the reason why this vegetable and other parts of this plant (onion leaves and stalk) are considered toxic to dogs.
5. Garlic
Garlic belongs to the same plant family as onions, and thus, they share similar characteristics and compounds like N-propyl disulfide and thiosulphate. Both of these compounds can be toxic to dogs and can cause various health issues.
It's important that you keep your dog away from products that might contain garlic. If you suspect your dog has accidentally eaten one of these vegetables or is showing any signs of toxicity, consult a veterinarian immediately.
6. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are considered extremely toxic for dogs. However, it’s still unknown which compound in these nuts causes such negative effects on dogs' health. What we do know is that even a small amount of these nuts can cause severe symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, tremors, fever, and incoordination.
In some cases, these symptoms are temporary, and they resolve themselves within a few days. But it's still advised to visit a veterinarian if your dog has eaten macadamia nuts.
7. Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect your dog’s nervous system and cause restlessness, rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, and tremors. While your dog probably won’t be drinking coffee directly, you should still be cautious of food items that might contain caffeine.
8. Nutmeg
Nutmeg contains myristicin, a naturally occurring compound that can be toxic to dogs. The toxicity level will vary depending on your dog’s size and the amount consumed, but when eaten in large quantities, it can cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, hallucinations, and seizures.
9. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that’s added to baked goods, peanut butter, toothpaste, and sugar-free desserts. It’s safe for human consumption but highly toxic for our dogs because it gets quickly absorbed into their bloodstream, leading to a sudden and rapid release of insulin. This causes a dangerous drop in their blood sugar levels, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, loss of coordination, and even liver failure.
To ensure your dog’s safety, you should make sure they aren’t eating any packaged food like peanut butter that contains xylitol.
10. Yeast dough
You should never feed your dog yeast-based bread dough simply because the dough continues to ferment and produce carbon dioxide gas in the stomach. This fermentation process causes the dough to expand, leading to bloating and gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), which is a life-threatening condition.
Furthermore, yeast fermentation produces alcohol as a byproduct, which can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs. Baking the yeast bread dough might reduce the risk of carbon dioxide and alcohol production, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk completely.
Active yeast used for baking isn't the same as yeast extract and doesn't carry the same risks. Yeast extract is a common ingredient found in some pet food recipes and is considered safe for dogs.
11. Alcohol-infused food
A dog’s body cannot metabolize alcohol effectively, which makes it toxic for them. If they consume alcohol or alcohol-infused foods, it will impact their central nervous system; depending on how much is consumed, it will result in symptoms like disorientation, lack of coordination, and lethargy.
Alcohol poisoning can also lead to difficulty in breathing, abnormalities in heart rate, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most cases, it requires immediate medical attention.
12. Leeks
Leeks, along with garlic and onion, belong to the plant family called Allium. It also contains N-propyl disulfide, the same compound that causes damage to a dog's red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia.
Therefore, just like onion and garlic, you should avoid feeding leeks to your dog.
13. Human medicines
You should always store your medicines in locked cabinets that are out of reach of your dog. These medicines are formulated and dosed for humans, and they can have some adverse reactions and side effects on our dogs.
14. Lemons and limes
While lemons and limes are not toxic for a dog, it’s still not recommended to feed them these citrus fruits in large amounts. The acidic nature of these fruits can irritate a dog's digestive system and potentially cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Lemon and lime fruit and trees also contain psoralen compounds that can cause skin irritation and photosensitivity in dogs.
15. Ice cream
Dogs shouldn’t eat ice cream made for human consumption due to its high sugar content and the potential inclusion of additives and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic for dogs. Plus, eating sugary treats like ice cream regularly can contribute to obesity, dental issues, and diabetes.
If you have a lactose-intolerant dog, you should be extra careful and keep them away from ice cream to avoid any digestive problems.
16. Wild mushrooms
Store-bought mushrooms made for human consumption are generally safe for dogs. However, wild mushrooms can be highly unpredictable as some toxic mushrooms closely resemble edible ones.
Accidentally eating toxic mushrooms can lead to mushroom poisoning and result in symptoms like digestive distress, seizures, liver failure, and acute kidney injury.
17. Fried foods
Fried foods can be really unhealthy for a dog. While a small bite of fried food might not cause harm, it should be avoided in their regular diet. This is mainly because excessive fat consumption leads to obesity, and it even puts a strain on your dog's pancreas, increasing the risk of pancreatitis.
Furthermore, fried foods generally contain excessive salt, which can also lead to health problems and sodium toxicity in dogs.
18. Salty snacks
An occasional bite of a salty snack like potato chips, crackers, or pretzels will probably not harm your dog, but it's still not an ideal choice for their diet. If eaten regularly, the high amount of salt in these snacks can lead to sodium ion poisoning, dehydration, and kidney problems.
Additionally, salty snacks may contain added ingredients, seasonings, and preservatives that can also be harmful to dogs.
19. Fat trimmings
Fat trimmings, whether cooked or uncooked, aren't healthy for a dog. It’s okay if they eat a small amount of these fat trimmings by accident, but regular consumption can cause digestive issues and increase the risk of pancreatitis.
20. Raw or green potatoes
Boiled and unseasoned potatoes can be a healthy treat for a dog. But it’s not true for raw potatoes as they contain a high amount of solanine, a natural toxin that can be harmful to dogs. Green potatoes, in particular, contain higher levels of solanine, and you should avoid feeding them to your dog.
21. Rhubarb
All parts of the rhubarb plant contain oxalates that can have many undesirable effects on dogs. In small amounts, the oxalate content can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting. But when eaten in large amounts, it can lead to swelling and severe pain, followed by heart problems and kidney failure.
22. Fruits with pit
Dogs can eat fruits like peaches and cherries, but you should be cautious about their pits. These small but hard pits can present a choking risk or lead to intestinal blockages if swallowed whole.
Additionally, some fruit pits, like those found in cherries, contain trace amounts of cyanide, a chemical compound that can be toxic for dogs if consumed excessively. Thus it’s recommended to always remove the pits and only feed the flesh of the fruit to a dog.
23. Popcorn
While dogs can eat small amounts of plain, air-popped popcorn, it’s best to avoid giving them store-bought popcorn as they usually contain high amounts of oil, butter, salt, and spices. These ingredients might not cause any harm in small amounts, but when eaten regularly, they can wreak havoc on your dog’s health.
24. Whole Almonds
Almonds aren’t toxic for dogs, but they do have high-fat content and a hard texture, which makes them difficult to digest. They can also pose a risk of obstruction to a dog’s esophagus, intestines, or windpipe.
If you want to offer one or two almonds to your dog as an occasional treat, it's crucial to do so under proper supervision so they’re safely consumed. Alternatively, you can offer them dog-friendly almond butter as an occasional treat.
25. Avocados
Avocados contain persin, a compound that can be toxic to some animals. While dogs can handle small amounts of persin in avocado flesh, it's best to avoid making this fruit a regular part of their diet.
It’s also advisable to remove the avocado pit, skin, and leaves, as they have higher concentrations of persin and they also pose a risk of choking.
26. Raw or undercooked meat
While some dogs can tolerate small amounts of raw meat, there are certain potential risks you should be aware of. For example, raw or undercooked meat might contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort in dogs. In severe cases, these bacteria could cause dehydration and organ failure in dogs.
It’s also important to keep in mind that not only dogs but humans are also at risk of bacterial contamination from handling raw meat. Thus, it's essential to handle and prepare raw meat with caution to minimize the risk of potential health problems.
If you choose to feed your dog a raw diet, consult with a veterinarian and take appropriate safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with raw meat consumption.
27. Raw eggs
Similar to raw meat, raw eggs also carry a risk of bacterial contamination, particularly with Salmonella or E. coli. These bacteria can disrupt your dog’s digestive system by causing food poisoning, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
Additionally, raw egg whites contain avidin, a protein that prevents the absorption of biotin. This could result in severe biotin deficiency, leading to various skin problems, hair loss, and other health issues.
28. Bones (especially cooked)
Dogs love bones, and they’re also a suitable option for providing them with mental stimulation and dental benefits. However, you should exercise caution when feeding bones as they most often pose a risk of choking. Cooked bones, in particular, are dangerous for dogs as they can splinter easily, causing serious injuries in their mouth, throat, or digestive system.
29. Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob also poses a choking hazard, especially for smaller breed dogs and puppies. They can eat small amounts of cooked corn kernels, but they should never eat corn on the cob. There is a big chance that they’ll get too excited and try to gulp it all down, which can make them choke or lead to digestive obstruction.
30. Edible cannabis
Dogs should never eat edible cannabis or any product that contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It can be highly toxic for them and, even in small amounts, can cause symptoms such as disorientation, vomiting, seizures, and respiratory problems.
Also, note that it's important to distinguish between THC and CBD. There are some hemp-labeled products containing CBD available for dogs; these are considered safe for them as CBD is a non-psychoactive compound. The emphasis should be on avoiding THC.
31. Pecans
Pecans contain a compound called juglone, which is harmful to dogs. It can cause various digestive issues like severe vomiting and diarrhea. These nuts are also susceptible to growing a particularly dangerous mold called mycotoxins. And if your dog accidentally eats a moldy pecan, they might experience seizures and tremors.
Phew! That was indeed a long list of foods that can be harmful to our dogs. But you should be vigilant and mindful of what your dog is eating throughout the day. There are some foods like chocolates and grapes that should be strictly avoided to prevent any serious health issues, but there are other foods like almonds and avocado that can be given to dogs in small amounts.
We understand that it can get overwhelming quickly, so don’t hesitate to consult with a veterinarian to better understand what’s best for your dog.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about a dog’s diet:
1. What are the 10 most toxic foods for dogs?
While dogs have different sensitivities, there are some common foods that are known to be potentially harmful to them, including chocolates, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, caffeine, xylitol, nutmeg, and alcohol-based products.
If you’re confused regarding what’s safe for your dog, you should consult with a veterinarian to fully understand their nutritional needs and health conditions.
2. What fruit can't dogs eat?
Dogs shouldn’t eat grapes (and raisins) as they are considered highly toxic for their health.
Apart from that, you should be cautious about fruits with pits (like cherries and avocados) as they can pose a risk of choking and intestinal blockage. You should properly remove the pits and only feed the flesh of such fruit to your dog. But remember that even though these fruits aren’t toxic, they should still be fed in moderation as a supplement to a well-balanced diet.
3. What should I do if my dog has eaten something they aren’t supposed to eat?
In case your dog has eaten something they shouldn't have, you should take prompt action to ensure their safety.
First, you should assess the situation to determine what your dog has eaten and how much they have consumed. If the amount ingested is small, and depending on the food, it could be appropriate to monitor the closely for any adverse reactions.
However, if they have consumed a known toxic substance or questionable food in larger quantities, you should either contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control helpline and follow their instructions carefully.
Sources:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
Raw food diets for dogs are both popular and controversial. While some pet parents consider it a natural and healthy way of feeding dogs, others argue about its safety and nutritional adequacy.
In this article, we’ll help you understand both sides of the debate by exploring the potential benefits and risks of feeding a raw food diet to a dog. This comprehensive analysis will allow you to make an informed decision about what’s best for your furry friend.
Typically, a raw food diet consists of uncooked or minimally processed ingredients, such as raw meat, whole or ground bones, raw eggs, organs, fruits, and vegetables.
The two popular types of raw dog diets include:
Pet parents who choose to feed a raw food diet to their dogs have the option to either prepare a meal at home from scratch with raw ingredients like meat, organs, eggs, bones, fruits, and vegetables or buy commercially available frozen raw food, which usually requires thawing prior to feeding.
Both these options include certain benefits and health risks for a dog. Let’s discuss these in more detail.
There has been some anecdotal evidence that suggests the health benefits of feeding a raw food diet to a dog. However, we still need more studies, research, and scientific evidence to support these claims and determine the true benefits of a raw food diet for dogs.
To give you an overview, below we have discussed the 4 most commonly claimed health benefits of raw foods for a dog:
A raw diet can be beneficial for a dog’s skin and coat as it contains a high amount of protein, which provides the essential amino acids required for building and repairing hair and skin cells. Additionally, the high amount of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals in raw dog food also plays a role in promoting skin and coat health.
The high level of protein and fat in raw dog food can also result in increased energy levels. The protein helps regulate blood sugar levels, which prevents sudden drops in energy levels, and the fat content provides a concentrated source of energy, which further contributes to an active lifestyle.
Raw dog food might prevent allergic reactions in some dogs as it doesn’t contain common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy, which can be found in some commercial dog foods. By avoiding these common allergens, pet owners also claim that a raw diet can help prevent skin irritation, fur loss, and other allergic symptoms in their dogs.
Pet parents claim that a raw dog food diet can lead to smaller stool which is an indicator of better digestion and nutrient absorption. It’s believed that this happens mainly because raw food doesn’t contain any fillers that might be hard to digest for a dog. Plus, raw food ingredients contain live, natural enzymes and more moisture that help improve digestion and produce smaller and firmer stools.
Below we have discussed the various risks involved with feeding raw food to dogs.
Raw food, including frozen raw food, can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which pose a risk to both dogs and humans. If your dog ingests contaminated raw food, they can fall sick and develop symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. In severe cases, exposure to these harmful bacteria can even lead to dehydration and organ failure in dogs.
The bacteria can have similar effects on humans, especially children and those with compromised immune systems. A dog’s food bowl is always placed on or near the ground, which makes it accessible to children who could inadvertently come into contact with harmful bacteria. Even your hands, after handling the food, can further facilitate the spread of pathogens.
In fact, the risk of bacterial contamination is the biggest reason why the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have discouraged feeding raw meat to a dog.
Creating a complete and balanced diet for your dog requires a thorough understanding of their nutritional needs as well as the nutritional content of various raw food ingredients. You’ll have to balance protein, fats, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in the correct proportions to ensure your dog maintains good health.
If you aren’t able to provide a well-balanced diet, your dog will probably suffer from nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to various health issues. For example, if your dog’s diet is deficient in calcium, they will experience muscle tremors, twitching, joint problems, and weakness. Similarly, if they’re eating too much vitamin D, they can develop vitamin D toxicity, which can lead to a range of health problems.
Raw food typically includes bones that can pose a choking hazard, cause damage to a dog’s teeth, or lead to internal damage. These bones can even splinter or break into sharp pieces, which can puncture their digestive system and cause internal bleeding.
Preparing a raw diet for your dog takes time as it involves careful planning regarding the sourcing of ingredients, preparation to handle those raw ingredients, and storage requirements to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. It is a big commitment that demands a lot of time and effort.
A raw diet has its benefits and risks, which should be carefully considered by every pet owner. And if you’re interested in switching your dog’s diet to incorporate raw foods, then we’ll recommend you first consult with your veterinarian. They will guide you in providing a healthy, safe, and well-balanced diet for your dog.
That being said, here’re some things you should consider before changing your dog’s diet:
Your dog’s health condition should play a critical role in deciding a diet. If your dog has some sort of health condition that might have weakened their immune system or caused damage to their kidneys or liver, then a raw diet could be potentially harmful to them. They won’t be able to digest the high amount of protein and fat from the raw diet, which would lead to further health complications.
Additionally, dogs with compromised immune systems are at a much higher risk of bacterial contamination from raw food. Therefore, it's always recommended to consult with an animal nutritionist or a veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your dog based on their individual health conditions.
Different dog breeds have different caloric requirements based on their activity level. High-energy breeds like Siberian Huskies and Border Collies require more calories to support their active lifestyle than low-energy breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs.
It’s important to determine your dog’s caloric requirements and feed them an appropriate diet based on their activity level to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding and maintain a healthy weight.
The nutritional needs of a dog depend on various factors such as their age, weight, and breed. For example, a puppy needs more protein and fat to support their growing body, while a senior dog needs more fiber and antioxidants to support their joint health and immune system.
In order to feed them a well-balanced raw diet, you should not only understand your dog’s specific nutritional requirements but also figure out the nutritional value of each raw food ingredient. And do keep in mind that the nutritional value of raw food ingredients varies depending on the source and the quality of the product.
Without proper training, there is a risk of certain nutrients falling below or above the necessary requirements, potentially compromising your dog's health.
While most dogs love the taste or smell of raw meat and bones, some dogs are picky eaters who would turn up their noses to a new diet. If your dog is also a fussy eater, you might want to rethink changing their diet or gradually introduce them to a raw food diet in small amounts.
Preparing a raw food diet from scratch is time-consuming. Even if you choose to buy a frozen raw food diet, it still requires a lot of time and effort to thaw the food before feeding, ensure you handle the food properly, and maintain good hygiene. It's also worth noting that good-quality raw food ingredients will probably cost you more than commercially available dog food.
You should consider these factors before making a decision about your dog's diet. If you have a busy schedule and a limited budget, then choosing a raw food diet may not be a sustainable choice in the long run.
While many pet owners claim that they have seen significant improvements in their dog’s health after switching to a raw food diet, most veterinarians will suggest that the risks outweigh the benefits. Ultimately, we need more studies and scientific evidence to determine the true benefits of a raw food diet for dogs.
If you’re still considering a raw food diet for your pup, you should consider the potential health risks, including bacterial contamination, risk of choking, and nutritional deficiencies. We would recommend you do your due diligence and consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Let’s also answer some frequently asked questions about feeding a raw diet to dogs:
1. Is a raw diet safe for dogs?
A raw diet can be safe for dogs if you use high-quality raw ingredients that are free from contaminants and sourced from reputable suppliers. But continuously feeding a raw food diet without consulting a veterinarian can lead to other health problems like nutritional deficiencies.
2. How good is a raw diet for dogs?
Many pet parents claim that they have noticed health benefits ranging from improved skin and coat health to increased energy levels in their dogs after switching to a raw diet. However, most of these are anecdotal claims are not backed by proper scientific evidence.
There are, however, many health risks of feeding a raw diet to dogs. The biggest danger is that raw food may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which pose a risk to both dogs and humans. There’s also a possibility that a dog can suffer from nutritional deficiencies if you aren’t able to properly balance the protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, and other nutrients in their raw diet.
3. Is a raw diet good for dogs with allergies?
It’s believed that a raw food diet is good for dogs with allergies since it doesn’t contain common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy, which can be found in some commercial dog foods. But whether or not a raw diet will suit your dog depends on the specific allergens that are affecting them.
You shouldn’t consider a raw diet as a cure-all for allergies, as some dogs can still get an allergic reaction on a raw food diet. Thus the best course of action is to consult your veterinarian and identify the allergens that trigger allergic reactions in your dog. You should get their guidance to create a customized, well-balanced meal plan to prevent and manage your dog's allergies.
4. Is a raw food diet good for dogs with sensitive stomachs?
Pet parents who choose to feed a raw diet to their dogs claim that the raw ingredients have helped in improving their dog’s digestive health and alleviating the symptoms associated with sensitive stomachs. It’s possible due to the fact that raw food is unprocessed and easier to digest for dogs.
However, we need more studies and scientific evidence to support these claims. In the meantime, it’s recommended to consult with a veterinarian if your dog is suffering from sensitive stomach issues.
Sources:
https://www.dutch.com/blogs/dogs/raw-diet-for-dogs
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/raw-dog-food-dietary-concerns-benefits-and-risks
Becoming a dog parent is a big responsibility. You need to invest a lot of time and energy in ensuring they can enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life. It can sound overwhelming, but don’t worry; we’ll help you navigate through the journey of raising a happy and healthy dog.
In this article, we have put together 11 tips that will help you learn more about how to keep your dog healthy. These simple tips will allow you to keep your pup feeling their best.
1. Provide a Well-Balanced Diet
2. Exercise Regularly
3. Provide Plenty of Fresh Water
4. Schedule Regular Vet Visits
5. Keep an Eye on Their Weight
6. Keep them Well-Groomed
7. Focus on Their Mental Health
8. Brush Their Teeth Regularly
9. Dog-Proof Your Home
10. Spend Quality Time With Them
11. Educate Yourself on Pet Care
Let’s discuss these tips in more detail.
We know the importance of feeding a healthy diet to a dog, but it can be hard to understand what constitutes a well-balanced meal. That's why the best way to ensure your dog receives a good diet is to consult with a veterinarian. They can recommend good-quality dog food brands and necessary supplements based on your dog’s nutritional needs. They can also advise you about the feeding frequency and portion sizes.
But in general, below we have listed a few things you should know when feeding your dog a healthy diet:
Regular exercise is very important for maintaining the physical and mental health of a dog. It helps in improving their digestion, strengthening muscles and bones, reducing stress, and preventing various diseases. However, the amount of exercise they need depends heavily on their age and breed.
For example, a puppy requires more regular exercise but for a shorter amount of time a day vs. adult dogs. Similarly, low-energy breeds, like Chihuahuas or Bulldogs, require less exercise than high-energy breeds, like Border Collies or German Shepherds.
If you’re a new dog parent, you should understand their requirements and establish a regular exercise routine that works for both of you. It’s also recommended to try different types of exercise, like frisbees and tug toys, to keep your dog interested and engaged.
Furthermore, if your dog is reluctant to exercise, you might need to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Your dog’s body needs proper hydration to perform vital functions like regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and removing waste products from the body. And just like us, they also have a natural instinct that tells them when they are thirsty and need to drink water. So make sure you keep their bowl filled with fresh drinking water at all times.
As a general guide, a dog needs an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. So if your dog weighs 50 pounds, they need around 50 ounces of water daily. But this can vary depending on the weather conditions, medication, and activity level of your dog.
Also, in case you notice anything unusual, like they aren’t drinking enough water or are suddenly drinking a lot more, then it might be a signal for an underlying health problem. You should consult a veterinarian in such situations.
Regular vet visits allow a veterinarian to monitor your pet's overall health, identify potential health issues, administer proper vaccinations, and provide preventive care that’ll help keep your dog happy and healthy. Ideally, you should schedule at least one veterinary check-up every year, but some dogs might need more frequent visits depending on their age and health.
During these visits, you can expect your veterinarian to perform a thorough physical and dental examination of your dog. They might even prescribe supplements or medications to maintain proper nutrition.
Obesity is a common health issue in dogs. It’s often caused due to overfeeding, lack of exercise, or certain medical conditions. If left untreated, it can lead to numerous health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and joint problems.
Thus it’s important for you to recognize the early signs of obesity and take the necessary steps to monitor and manage your dog’s weight from an early age.
Below are some practical tips you can follow to prevent obesity in your dog:
Use measuring cups or food scales to determine the recommended serving size for your dog
Encourage regular exercises like walking, playing fetch, and other physical activities
Give them a healthy and well-balanced meal that contains quality protein, fats, fiber, and other nutrients. Look for the AAFCO statement that says the food is complete and balanced for the life stage of the dog.
Avoid feeding them table scraps
Follow the 90/10 food rule to ensure that their treats don’t exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake
If you notice signs of obesity, including weight gain, difficulty in walking, shortness of breath, abdominal sagging, etc., reduce their daily calorie intake by 10% and consult a veterinarian.
Grooming your dog isn’t just about making them look good, it should be an essential part of their well-being as it helps maintain their physical health and hygiene. For example, bathing them once a month helps to keep their coat free of dirt and parasites, while regularly brushing their coat helps remove dead hair, prevent matting, and distribute oils throughout the coat.
Similarly, other grooming practices like cleaning their ears helps prevent infections, and regular teeth brushing can prevent dental problems.
Now, how often you have to perform these grooming tasks depends on your dog's breed, coat type, activity level, and health condition. If they have thick coats, they might need frequent brushing, similarly, if you have a breed that’s more prone to ear infections, you should check and clean their ears more frequently.
Also, depending on your dog's coat type and grooming needs, you can also consider visiting a professional groomer for regular grooming sessions.
Just like humans, dogs can also experience mental health problems, ranging from anxiety, stress, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias. These can be caused due to an underlying health condition, traumatic past experiences, change in environment, lack of socialization, or aging.
You should look out for some common signs of mental health problems in dogs, including excessively licking, barking, or whining, destructive behavior, lack of appetite, trembling, etc. If you suspect your dog has a mental health problem, you should consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Furthermore, we recommend you follow these tips to prevent or manage your dog’s mental health issues:
Socialize your dog by taking them to dog parks, organizing play groups, and introducing them to different people
Maintain a proper and consistent routine
Buy fun puzzle toys to keep them busy and entertained
Use positive reinforcement training
Avoid aversive training like yelling or leash popping
Create a calm & safe environment at home
Avoid any sudden environmental changes
Consult a veterinarian in case of a traumatic incident like an accident or loss of a companion
Dental health is often an overlooked aspect of a dog’s health. But you should know that poor dental hygiene can result in a buildup of plaque and tartar which cause a number of oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum inflammation, gingivitis, bad breath, and periodontal disease.
These dental problems can also affect your dog's overall health as the bacteria in the plaque and tartar can enter their bloodstream and increase the risk of liver, heart, and kidney diseases.
To avoid these problems, you should take good care of your dog's teeth by regularly brushing them with a toothbrush and toothpaste that’s specifically designed for dogs. Apart from that, you can also offer your dog dental chew toys and water additives to promote good dental hygiene.
Dogs are naturally curious, which means they can easily get into things that can be dangerous or harmful to them. That’s why you should make your home safe and secure by removing any dangerous items or potential hazards that can cause injury or illness to your dog.
Here’re some tips you can follow to dog-proof your home:
Keep your medications and household chemicals on high shelves that are out of reach for your dog
Secure trash cans or place them inside a cabinet
Move electrical cords or use cord covers
Use childproof latches or baby gates to prevent them from entering unsafe areas like the pantry or storage rooms
Don’t leave loose items like coins or jewelry within your dog's reach
Spending quality time with your furry friend can be incredibly beneficial for both you and your dog. It can provide them with the right mental stimulation and a feeling of companionship while helping you relax and de-stress after a hard day.
You can either take them for a walk to explore the outdoors, play games like fetch, or teach them new tricks. If you are too tired for this or you want to relax, just snuggle up with them while watching TV and spend some time together. You will quickly find out what activities your dog prefers.
For every new pet parent, the most important thing is to continuously educate yourself about your dog’s needs and requirements, which can vary based on their breed, age, and health conditions. This allows you to learn and understand more about their personalities, behavior, nutrition, training, and safety. It also makes it easier to provide them with the care they need to live a happy and healthy life.
You can start by reading books and online resources, attending workshops, and consulting with veterinarians or animal trainers. There are also many online groups and forums that you can join to connect with other dog owners to share experiences and for support.
Keeping your dog happy and healthy includes taking care of their physical and mental well-being. It requires a combination of regular exercise, a nutritious diet, socialization, proper grooming, preventative care, and loads of love and attention.
Additionally, it also includes scheduling regular veterinary check-ups to identify and treat potential health issues and administer proper vaccinations. This also gives you an opportunity to talk to your veterinarian about creating a customized nutrition and exercise plan as per your dog's age, breed, and activity level.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about keeping a dog healthy.
1. How do you keep your dog healthy?
Keeping your dog healthy is a big responsibility that requires attention to both their physical and mental well-being. It includes providing a well-balanced diet and regular exercise that promotes a healthy weight and proper growth. It also includes keeping them well-groomed, maintaining good dental hygiene, and taking preventative care.
2. How much exercise does my dog need?
How much exercise your dog needs depends on their age and breed. For example, puppies are very energetic, and they might need more regular exercise, but for a shorter time, vs. an adult dog. Similarly, there are some low-energy breeds, like Chihuahuas, that need less exercise than high-energy breeds, like Border Collies.
Ultimately, it's best to work with a veterinarian to determine an exercise routine for your dog.
3. How often should I schedule vet checkups for my dog?
Generally, it’s recommended to schedule vet checkups once every year, however, some dogs might need more frequent visits depending on their age and health.
Sources:
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/healthy-safe-dog-vet-advice
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/6-things-keep-your-dog-healthy/
Every pet parent takes the health and well-being of their dogs seriously. It includes providing proper nutrition, exercise, and routine veterinary care. However, one aspect that often goes overlooked is their dental hygiene.
In some cases, it happens due to time constraints, lack of awareness, or difficulties in getting a dog to cooperate with brushing. While in other cases, pet owners are simply not aware of how often they should brush a dog’s teeth.
This can be a serious situation because neglecting your dog's dental health could lead to many health issues for your furry friend. That's why, in this article, we want to discuss the importance of regular brushing and also share some dental care techniques that will help ensure your dogs have healthy teeth and gums.
Let's dive in!
Just like humans, dogs also need proper oral hygiene. If you aren’t brushing their teeth regularly, it can lead to the accumulation of food, which will then progress to the development of plaque and tartar.
If left untreated, the buildup of tartar can cause gum inflammation, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. This would result in a lot of pain and possible loss of one or more teeth.
Not to mention, the bacteria in the plaque and tartar can also enter their bloodstream and cause health problems in other parts of their body. It can even increase the risk of liver, heart, and kidney diseases.
Thus it’s important to regularly brush your dog's teeth to prevent any serious health complications. Also, if you suspect any dental problems, it's best to first consult a veterinarian and address the issue as early as possible.
Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth at least once a day. However, this can be challenging for many pet parents; therefore, it’s recommended that you brush your dog's teeth at least 3 times a week.
It’s also best to start brushing your dog’s teeth early because, as puppies, they’re more receptive to new experiences, which means that they are more likely to accept brushing as a normal part of their routine.
If you are introducing tooth brushing to an adult dog, it can be much harder as they are not used to the sensation of a toothbrush or toothpaste, leading them to resist the process. You’ll need more patience and a lot of positive reinforcement to help them accept brushing as a regular part of their routine.
Below we have discussed 5 key steps that will help you get started with brushing your dog’s teeth:
1. Make Them Feel Safe
It’s normal for a dog to be scared of getting their teeth brushed, especially if they are not used to it. You should make them feel safe by setting up a cozy spot with all their favorite blankets and toys. You can also use verbal praise and encouragement to create a positive association with the brushing experience.
2. Buy The Right Tools
You should buy toothbrushes and toothpaste that are specifically designed for dogs because they need a smaller and softer brush that can fit comfortably in their mouth. Similarly, your dog's toothpaste should be formulated in a way that it’s safe to swallow. It’s also helpful to buy toothpaste that contains flavors that your dog will enjoy, such as chicken or peanut butter.
Please note that you shouldn't use human toothpaste for dogs as it contains ingredients like fluoride and xylitol, which can be harmful to a dog. You should also avoid using household products like baking soda instead of toothpaste, as these can be abrasive and can cause damage to the enamel on your dog's teeth.
3. Let Them Taste the Toothpaste
Once you have everything ready, start by letting your dog sniff or taste a little bit of the toothpaste. This will help to familiarize them with the flavor and texture of the toothpaste, making them feel more comfortable with the brushing process.
4. Massage Their Gums
Start by rubbing a finger or a soft cloth over your dog’s teeth around the area where the gum touches the tooth surface. This will give you a good understanding of how to handle their mouth, and it’ll also help in making them feel more comfortable with something touching their teeth.
In some cases, this process even helps loosen any food that might be stuck in their teeth.
Note: You might want to leave things here if this is your first time attempting to brush your dog's teeth. You can try massaging their gums for a week or two before actually brushing their teeth with a toothbrush.
5. Start Brushing Slowly
When your dog is ready, start by slowly and gently brushing a small area in circular motions. You can use your other hand to lift their lips and clearly see their teeth and the gum line.
Remember that you don’t have to brush their entire mouth all at once. You can begin with just brushing a few of their teeth for 5 seconds and then give them a break and some positive reinforcement.
It’ll take some time to get used to the entire process, but eventually, as you and your dog will become more accustomed, it should only take 30-60 seconds to brush their teeth.
In addition to regularly brushing your dog’s teeth, you can also incorporate other dental care options that’ll help maintain their oral hygiene. Below we have discussed 4 such hassle-free techniques:
1. Dental chews
Dental chews can be a great addition to your dog’s dental care routine. These delicious treats have a unique texture and ingredients that help in scrubbing a dog’s teeth while removing plaque and tartar buildup.
2. Water additives
Water additives are similar to mouthwash, but instead of spitting, your dog can safely drink them with their regular drinking water. These additives contain various enzymes, probiotics, and natural antimicrobials that can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while promoting fresh breath.
3. Hard chews
Hard chews are also effective in removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth. When your dog chews on these treats, it promotes saliva production, which helps in cleaning the teeth and gums. Also, the texture of some hard chews acts as a scrub which assists in the removal of plaque buildup.
4. Professional dental cleanings
Professional dental cleaning by a veterinarian at least once a year can help prevent dental problems and promote good oral hygiene. They use specialized tools to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that might be missed by regular brushing.
Additionally, they can even perform a thorough examination of the dog's mouth to look for any early signs of dental problems.
Note: None of these dental care options are a replacement for regular brushing. These are simple practices that you can incorporate with brushing to prevent any oral health problems in your dog.
Regular brushing is very important for your dog’s overall health and wellness. It helps prevent various dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. However, it’s crucial to take things slow and work on making your dog more comfortable with brushing. You can start with brushing their teeth once a week and then gradually increase the frequency to at least three times a week.
In case you have any further doubts or concerns, you can consider consulting with a veterinarian before brushing your dog’s teeth.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about brushing a dog’s teeth:
1. Do you have to brush your dog’s teeth every day?
Ideally, it’s recommended to brush your dog's teeth once a day. However, if you find that hard, you can stick to brushing their teeth three times a week.
2. How long should I brush my dog’s teeth?
It would depend on your dog's comfort level. If you’re starting out and they’re a bit hesitant, you should give them breaks after every 5 seconds. But once you and your dog become familiar with the entire process of brushing, it shouldn’t take more than 30-60 seconds to brush their teeth.
3. Can I use baking soda to brush my dog’s teeth?
No, you shouldn’t use baking soda to brush your dog’s teeth, as it has a high alkaline content. It can be abrasive and can cause damage to the enamel on your dog's teeth.
Also, if swallowed, baking soda can upset the acid balance in your dog’s stomach and digestive tract.
4. Is it okay to use human toothpaste to brush my dog’s teeth?
No, you should never use human toothpaste to brush your dog's teeth as it contains ingredients like fluoride and xylitol, which can be harmful to a dog. You should buy toothpaste that’s specifically designed for dogs, as it’s safe to swallow. Many of these toothpastes also contain flavors like chicken and peanut butter, which encourage a dog to cooperate during teeth brushing.
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Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brushing-teeth-in-dogs
https://www.petmd.com/news/view/how-often-should-you-brush-dog-teeth-and-cat-teeth-37925
Leading vet
As a pet parent, seeing your dog vomit is traumatic enough, but seeing them vomit blood is downright scary. Why do dogs vomit blood? What are the different causes? What should you do if they vomit blood? How is it treated? There are many different reasons for hematemesis, the medical term for vomiting blood, but all of them are serious and require a visit to your veterinarian.
It seems like a silly question, but realizing that your dog is vomiting blood may not be straightforward. Hematemesis, the medical term for vomiting blood, can look different depending on the nature of the bleeding. Most pet parents will recognize the presence of frank blood. Though the amount of blood can vary, frank blood will be bright red and will be recognizable as blood. Acute or sudden bleeding from the mouth or esophagus is usually associated with frank blood in the vomit. However, blood that has been in the stomach for any length of time will have a very different appearance. Blood will coagulate, or clot, and stomach acid and enzymes will partially digest it. So instead of appearing red and looking like red blood, it will be brown and granular, like coffee grounds. In fact, because of its striking similarity in appearance, this type of bloody vomit is medically known as coffee ground emesis.
Now that you have determined that your dog is vomiting blood, what is next? There are many different reasons why your dog may be vomiting blood. All of them are serious and require a visit to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian will examine your dog and run diagnostic tests to determine the cause of blood in your pet’s vomit. Here are some of the possible causes of hematemesis (blood in vomit):
One common cause of blood in vomit happens when a dog chews on a foreign object and develops lacerations in their mouth or esophagus. Since the bleeding is acute, it usually appears like frank blood in their vomit. You should have a high index of suspicion if your dog is a chewer, especially if they have a fondness for chewing sticks or bones. Sticks and bones can splinter and cause lacerations to the oral or esophageal mucosa. Your veterinarian will examine their mouth carefully for the presence of foreign objects or lacerations. If your veterinarian suspects a foreign body in their esophagus, they may recommend x-rays or endoscopy.
Tumors of the mouth, esophagus, or stomach can lead to blood in vomit. Depending on the location of the lesion and the amount of bleeding, the appearance can vary from streaks of blood to coffee ground vomit. Associated signs and symptoms include weight loss and blood in stool, which can have a black tarry appearance. Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination, and may order additional studies, like lab work, x-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, a barium study, or endoscopy.
In dogs, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition caused by chronic inflammation of the gut lining. The actual cause of inflammation is usually unknown but can be due to infection (bacterial or parasitic) or the gut’s reaction to a protein in their diet. Most dogs with inflammatory bowel disease will have diarrhea although some will have diarrhea and vomiting. Your veterinarian will examine your dog and may order endoscopy with tissue biopsies, a fecal to look for parasites, and lab work.
Coagulopathy refers to problems with blood clotting and can cause of variety of bleeding-related complications, including vomiting blood. Coagulopathy can be due to a variety of different reasons, such as liver disease that affects the liver’s ability to make clotting factors, hereditary disorders like Von Willebrand’s disease that affect platelet function, leukemia that invades bone marrow and disrupts platelet production, diseases like disseminated intravascular coagulopathy that “consume” platelets, low platelets due to infections (tick-borne illnesses) or autoimmune disorders (immune thrombocytopenia), hereditary disorders like hemophilia that affect production of clotting factors, and toxicity with drugs that affects clotting, such as rat poison (warfarin) or NSAIDS. Since the list of possible underlying causes is rather broad, your veterinarian will need to obtain a detailed history and perform a complete physical examination. The diagnosis can be established by ordering tests that check clotting or platelet numbers.
As mentioned already, rat poison can lead to hematemesis by affecting clotting factors. Other chemicals can be corrosive and irritate a dog’s esophagus or stomach leading to gastric upset, vomiting and hematemesis. Likewise, some plants, like sago palms, are toxic to pets when ingested and can cause your dog to vomit blood.
An ulcer occurs when there is breakdown of the gastrointestinal lining. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as medications (steroids, NSAIDS), inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders that affect the liver, kidney, or adrenal glands, toxicity from heavy metal poisoning, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, and infections with helicobacter species.
Pancreatitis refers to inflammation of the pancreas. In dogs, the most common cause for pancreatitis is dietary indiscretion, which is the medical term for eating something that they should not. Unlike their wild relatives, domestic dogs are not used to eating fatty foods. When dogs eat human food or trash, it can cause inflammation of the pancreas. The symptoms of pancreatitis are abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Pancreatitis is diagnosed by ordering blood work that measures the levels of pancreatic enzymes, like amylase, lipase, and trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) and/or an abdominal ultrasound.
Some types of parasites like hookworms and whipworms attach to the intestinal lining and suck blood. These parasites have anticoagulants in their saliva to prevent blood from clotting. Although hookworm and whipworm infestations typically cause anemia, hematemesis may occasionally be seen.
Vomiting blood is a serious problem. If you see blood in your dog’s vomit, take your dog to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian will examine your dog and order tests to find the underlying cause of the problem. Your veterinarian needs to identify the reason for hematemesis before they can initiate treatment.
After examining your dog, your veterinarian will likely recommend diagnostic testing to help determine the cause of your dog’s vomiting. Here are a few of the tests your veterinarian might recommend and how they can help them determine the cause.
In order to determine the cause of bloody vomit, your veterinarian will likely recommend a complete blood work panel that includes a blood count to determine if your pet is anemic and also a chemistry panel to look for organ function, electrolytes and more. In addition, they may want to do special blood tests that determine if your pet may have a bleeding disorder, also known as coagulopathy. Additional tests, like a pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity test, to determine if your pet has pancreatitis, serum gastrin to determine if your dog has a gastrinoma, and bile acid tests (pre and post-prandial) to look for liver issues.
If your veterinarian suspects parasites, they will order a fecal test. A fecal test requires a fresh stool sample. Using a microscope, your veterinarian will look for parasite eggs and larvae.
Your veterinarian will likely want to do abdominal radiographs to look for foreign objects, fluid or masses in the abdomen, and more. Sometimes they might need to do a series of radiographs using contrast to improve the sensitivity of the study. Veterinarians can also use abdominal ultrasound to get more information about your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and why they are vomiting up blood. If there is a concern that the blood is coming from the esophagus, they may need to take radiographs of the neck and chest as well. Endoscopy, which involves inserting a long flexible tube with a video camera to examine the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, may also be necessary. During this procedure, your veterinarian may take small samples, or biopsies, to diagnose cancer, ulcers, and more. In dogs, MRI and CT scans are rarely done for abdominal problems due to the need for anesthesia and their expense.
Treatment varies based on cause!
Since the causes of hematemesis are extensive, the treatment depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will take a history, perform a physical examination, and likely need to order imaging and blood work to establish the diagnosis. The urgency for the treatment also depends on the cause and extent of the bleeding.
For example, hematemesis due to eating rat poison (warfarin), is an emergency and can be fatal if not promptly treated. Warfarin poisoning is treated by giving vitamin K which reverses the effect of warfarin. Likewise, hematemesis from a foreign body can be an emergency if the foreign body causes an obstruction or perforation. In this case, the treatment is emergency surgery to remove the foreign body and/or repair the perforation. Other causes of hematemesis may require chronic medical treatment.
For example, treatment for inflammatory bowel disease may include diet changes and medications, like steroids. Hematemesis due to bacterial or parasitic infections is treated with antimicrobials. Pancreatitis may require hospitalization and is often treated with supportive care (IV fluids), antiemetics (vomiting medications), and possibly antibiotics. Despite the various treatments (depending on the cause), the first goal of treatment is always to stop the bleeding. The next goal is to stop symptoms your dog may have like vomiting, nausea, pain and inappetence.
Of course, the best treatment is always prevention. One of the most common causes of hematemesis in dogs is due to giving pets human medications. Many people do not realize that dogs are more sensitive to common over-the-counter human medications. Unfortunately, people often give their pet human medication thinking they are doing something to help their pet. For example, if their dog has arthritis, they may give them ibuprofen, thinking it will help alleviate their pet’s pain. Unfortunately, if not properly dosed for their dog, ibuprofen can cause a gastric ulcer and hematemesis. Likewise, giving your pet another pet’s medication can also be dangerous. Medications are dosed based on weight and health. Giving an older chihuahua in kidney failure your 90 lb. Doberman’s medication can be deadly.
To be safe, never give your dog human medications, even over-the-counter medications, or another pet’s medications without consulting with your veterinarian first.
Poisons like rodenticides or rat poison are a major cause of hematemesis in dogs and a very preventable one. Be sure to keep all poisons, especially deadly chemicals like rat poison, locked away from pets. If you have dogs or cats, ideally avoid using these types of poisons as curious pets often get into poison or may come in contact with a poisoned rat. Likewise keep all chemicals safely out of reach of pets.
If you have pets, check your house and yard to ensure that you do not have any plants that are toxic to pets. The list of poisonous plants is extensive. For a list of toxic plants, consult the ASPCA’s pet poison control. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
If you have a puppy or dog that chews up things, the best way to keep them safe is to puppy proof your house. Keep items that can be ingested like shoes, clothing, rocks, sticks away from pets. Fence off areas in your yard that have rocks and sticks and put away stuff in the house or crate your dog to make ingestion of foreign bodies less likely.
Parasitic infections are easy to prevent by keeping your pet on year-round parasite preventatives. Depending on the year-round preventative, it can also keep your dog free from heartworm, fleas and ticks.
While not all causes of hematemesis are preventable, routine wellness visits are the best way to detect illnesses early. Early detection generally leads to early intervention and better outcomes.
Hopefully, this blog has given you some idea of why your dog might be vomiting blood and some ways to prevent this scary thing from happening in the first place. Most importantly, remember that if your dog vomits blood, any amount, call your veterinarian right away for advice or bring them in to your veterinarian or your local veterinary emergency clinic.
Panting is normal dog behavior. They may pant after a walk, on a hot day, or sometimes even when they're relaxed. But if excessive panting is disrupting your sleep or theirs, it might cause concern.
Now there are many reasons why dogs pant at night, and we’ll explore each one of them in this article. We’ll also help you understand what you can do to help your dog if you notice excessive panting.
So let’s dive in!
Usually, dogs pant to help regulate their body temperature. Unlike humans, our dogs don’t have sweat glands all over their bodies. It’s because their entire body is covered in fur, which wouldn’t allow their sweat to evaporate if the sweat glands were located on their bodies. Hence, their sweat glands are located in a much more efficient location, i.e., their paw pads.
But unfortunately, sweating through paw pads alone is not enough to cool down their body and release heat. Therefore, they pant to allow moisture to evaporate from their tongue, mouth, and respiratory tract. This helps to prevent overheating and maintain a healthy body temperature.
Interestingly, dogs can also use panting as a way to calm themselves when they feel excited, scared, or even anxious. However, excessive panting can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
Below we have outlined the various reasons that can lead to excessive panting at night. We have also included some tips on what you should do to help your dog find relief in such situations.
Overheating or heatstroke is one of the most common reasons for excessive panting. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions that are hot and humid, excessive physical activity, and underlying health conditions such as obesity.
Additionally, some dog breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, find it difficult to breathe and pant because of the structure of their faces, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.
If your dog is having a heatstroke, you might also notice other signs like:
What should you do?
It’s important to act fast in such situations as a heat stroke can have severe consequences, including organ damage and even death. So if you suspect your dog is having a heatstroke, follow these steps:
1. Move them into an air-conditioned room or a room with a fan.
2. If they’re sleeping with you on your bed, move them to a tiled or concrete floor, as your bedding might be the reason they’re feeling hot.
3. Offer them cool water to drink.
4. Put cool, wet towels on your dog's head, neck, and chest to bring down their body temperature.
5. You can also pour cool water on their body to help lower their body temperature. But make sure the water is cool and not icy cold.
If, even after doing all this, your dog is still panting excessively and their body temperature continues to rise, you should seek medical treatment from a veterinarian to prevent any potential complications.
How to avoid this situation?
No pet parent wants to handle this kind of situation, thus we’d recommend you follow these tips to prevent heatstroke in your dogs:
Just like humans, dogs can also feel anxious and stressed, which can lead to excessive panting. It can happen in response to various factors, such as changes in their environment or routine, loud noises, fear of separation, or some kind of past trauma or abuse. Sometimes, they might even feel anxious after a bad dream.
In addition to excessive panting, when a dog is experiencing stress or anxiety, you may notice other signs, like:
What should you do?
In such situations, you might be able to provide relief to your dog by identifying and eliminating the root cause of their anxiety. For example, if they’re getting scared of loud noises, you can either eliminate the source of the noise or bring them into a separate room away from that noise.
Similarly, if they’re anxious due to a bad dream, you can bring them to your bed to cuddle and make them feel safe and secure.
But if there is a bigger underlying cause of your dog’s anxiety, you should provide them with appropriate care and support. This could involve positive reinforcement techniques, anxiety relief vests, therapies, supplements, behavioral training, and proper veterinary care.
How to avoid this situation?
Anxiety and stress are very common in dogs, and in some cases, it’s recommended to seek professional help. However, you can also make small changes to help prevent anxiety and stress in your dog:
You should also consider consulting your veterinarian to better understand and address your dog’s anxiety and stress situation. It’ll help you provide them with a happy and healthy life.
Dogs have a natural instinct to hide pain, which makes it harder for us to detect their distress. But while they can hide pain, they aren’t very good at hiding their symptoms which include excessive panting to reduce discomfort and stress.
Some other common signs that might indicate your dog is in pain include:
What should you do?
If there aren’t any noticeable signs of injury, you probably won’t be able to determine the cause of your dog’s pain. They might have some internal injury, dental problems, infections, or digestive issues. The pain can also be a sign of other health problems like arthritis or pancreatitis.
Therefore, the best course of action in such situations is to consult with a veterinarian. They’ll help you identify the root cause of your dog's pain and provide them relief.
How to avoid this situation?
It won’t be possible to prevent pain in dogs, especially if it’s caused due to another health problem. But it is recommended you take the following precautions to avoid something unexpected:
Dogs have a curious nature, and they do tend to put random things in their mouths just to learn about the objects. If you aren’t careful, they might ingest something poisonous, like a toxic food ingredient, certain plants, or human medications. It can lead to poisoning, which can result in excessive panting.
But in almost every case of poisoning, your dog will exhibit other symptoms like:
What should you do?
If you suspect your dog has been exposed to something poisonous, you should act promptly. Since you cannot be sure what caused the poisoning, you cannot predict how it will affect your dog. It can either lead to some minor digestive problems or a life-threatening complication.
The first course of action should be to either call your veterinarian or the animal poison control helpline. They’ll guide you on how to proceed depending on your dog’s condition.
How to avoid this situation?
Below are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting exposed to something poisonous or toxic.
Various medical conditions, including heart disease and respiratory problems, and medications like steroids and painkillers can also cause dogs to pant excessively. If your dog is experiencing this symptom from their medication, you can talk to your veterinarian to adjust their medications to provide them relief.
But if their disease isn’t yet diagnosed, you should get them examined by a veterinarian to find the underlying cause of the excessive panting.
Panting is normal for dogs, especially when they’re hot or excited. But if there is excessive panting, it can be a sign of an underlying problem.
We’d recommend you call your veterinarian if:
There can be a number of reasons why your dog is panting at night. It can happen due to something small, like a bad dream, but it can also happen due to heatstroke or an underlying medical condition. You should be attentive and look out for additional symptoms that might indicate a bigger problem.
Furthermore, we recommend you consult with your veterinarian to understand what’s happening. This will not only help you prevent any unforeseen situations but also provide the fastest relief to your little pup.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about why dogs pant at night:
1. Why is my dog panting at night?
Panting is normal for dogs, but excessive panting at night can be a cause of concern. It can happen due to a variety of reasons, including overheating, excitement, anxiety, stress, pain, or a medical condition. You should consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s excessive panting.
2. Should I take my dog to a veterinarian if they’re panting at night?
Excessive panting can be due to a number of reasons, including anxiety and stress. You can try to calm your dog by providing them some water and taking them to a more comfortable place in your home. But if their panting continues, you should take them to a veterinarian.
Additionally, if your dog is showing other symptoms like fever, refusing to eat or drink, lethargy, or even aggression, you should call your veterinarian immediately.
3. How to calm a dog panting at night?
How you approach the situation will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding your dog. If they’re panting without any other symptoms, they might be anxious or stressed about something, and you should make them feel safe and secure.
Whereas if they’re panting with visible signs of discomfort and pain, you should take them to a veterinarian to seek proper treatment.
Sources:
https://www.santacruzveterinaryhospital.com/site/blog/2022/02/28/why-is-my-dog-panting-at-night
Potatoes are a beloved comfort food. They’re consumed in many ways, including mashed, roasted, fried, and even baked. But the question that every pet owner wants answers to is whether or not potatoes are safe for dogs.
The answer is not as simple and straightforward as a "yes" or "no," which can be a little confusing. But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll try our best to cover all aspects and talk about the dos and don'ts of feeding potatoes to your furry friend. So, let's dive in…
It depends on how you have prepared the potatoes - dogs can eat cooked, unseasoned potatoes in small amounts. But if the potatoes are prepared with other ingredients and toppings like salt and butter, they won’t be so healthy for your little pup.
Also, you shouldn’t feed raw potatoes to your dog as they contain solanine which is a natural toxin (we’ll talk more about this later in the article). It’s recommended to cook the potatoes as that will reduce the amount of solanine and makes the vegetable safe for consumption.
Additionally, if your dog has any health problems like diabetes or obesity, you should refrain from adding potatoes to their diet and talk to your veterinarian about other healthy food options.
Potatoes have an impressive nutrient profile which makes them a staple in many dishes around the world. Some of the key nutrients that can be found in potatoes include:
1. Carbohydrates
Potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates, which can be a great source of energy for active outdoor dogs that love running and other physical exercises. This nutrient also helps support digestive health and brain function in dogs.
2. Fiber
Potatoes contain dietary fiber that can help support your dog’s digestive health. It can help keep the food moving through the digestive tract and absorbs excess water in the stomach, which prevents irregular bowel movements, constipation, and diarrhea. Fiber can also help promote the growth of good bacteria and prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria in your dog’s gut.
3. Vitamins
Potatoes contain a variety of vitamins, including immune-boosting vitamin C, which is also a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin B3, which is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They also contain small amounts of vitamin B6, which is required for healthy brain function and the synthesis of DNA.
4. Minerals
Potatoes also contain several minerals, including calcium, which helps in building strong bones and teeth, iron which is required for the formation of red blood cells, and magnesium which supports proper muscle movement. They’re especially rich in potassium which helps maintain proper nerve function and heart health.
5. Antioxidants
Potatoes contain carotenoids and polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants. They help protect a dog’s body against the harmful effects of free radicals that can lead to oxidative stress and cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. These antioxidants can also help prevent various inflammatory diseases like pancreatitis and IBD.
Potatoes are an incredibly versatile vegetable, and you can cook them in so many different ways, but not every way is safe for dogs. Below we have briefly discussed the best ways to feed potatoes to a dog:
You should never feed raw potatoes to your dog because they contain solanine. It’s a natural toxin that the potato plant uses as a defense mechanism against pests and predators. This toxic chemical is found in varying amounts in different parts of the potato plant, including the leaves, stems, and skin.
You should also know that a damaged potato plant produces more solanine, which often results in green patches or sprouts in a potato. This makes them more harmful than regular raw potatoes.
Now in small amounts, solanine won’t cause any adverse reaction in your dog. So if you have a healthy dog who has accidentally eaten some raw potato, there’s nothing to panic about. You just need to monitor their condition and look out for signs of digestive distress, like vomiting or diarrhea. You should contact your veterinarian for advice only if you notice anything unusual.
But to avoid any risks and unforeseen consequences, keep your dog away from raw potatoes and especially avoid potatoes that are visibly green or sprouted.
Cooking potato breaks down solanine and makes it less harmful to dogs. Thus it’s always recommended to feed your dog cooked potatoes, and mashed ones are the best option. All you have to do is boil and mash a small potato without adding any other ingredients like milk or butter. You should also refrain from adding any seasoning, like salt, pepper, garlic, and onion.
Your dog doesn’t need these seasonings to add flavor to their food. Also, these additional ingredients and seasonings can be harmful to their health as they can lead to many digestive problems, vomiting, diarrhea, and other health complications.
Fried potato dishes like french fries, potato wedges, and hash browns are popular human foods. But it’s not recommended to share these treats with your dog as they’re cooked in a lot of oil and may contain seasonings, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in excess.
Moreover, fried foods can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs. In the long run, these kinds of foods can also cause weight gain, pancreatitis, and other major health problems.
Roasted potatoes made for humans aren’t considered healthy for dogs as they contain excessive oil or butter. But you can make dry roasted or air-fried potatoes for your dog without any oils. You just need to be careful about not adding any seasoning like salt and pepper and feed only a small amount of these roasted potatoes as an occasional treat.
Dogs can eat plain baked potatoes in moderation. But you have to make sure these potatoes don’t contain any toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, or other seasonings, as that can be harmful to a dog’s health.
Packaged potato products like chips are also not considered healthy for dogs. They contain a lot of preservations, fats, and seasonings that can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system. Some of these treats also contain onion and garlic, which can be toxic for dogs.
Potato salad contains boiled potatoes, so are they safe for dogs? The answer depends on your salad recipe. A typical potato salad might contain ingredients like onion, garlic, or mayonnaise, which aren’t considered safe for a dog. But if you have prepared a potato salad with dog-safe ingredients, you can share a spoon full with them.
In small amounts, cooked potatoes are safe for dogs. But before going ahead, let's discuss a few caveats about adding this vegetable to your dog’s diet:
The biggest danger with potatoes is overeating. This vegetable contains high amounts of carbohydrates and starch, which can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and digestive problems. They can also cause nutritional imbalance or malnutrition in dogs.
Therefore, you should consider potatoes an occasional treat only. Also, if you’re trying to figure out the appropriate serving size of potatoes for your dog, try to follow the 90/10 rule that states 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from a healthy and well-balanced diet while the remaining 10% of their daily calories can come from treats like potatoes.
Furthermore, you can also talk to your veterinarian to determine the exact amount of potatoes to add to your dog's diet.
Dogs can eat potato peels, but it’s generally not recommended as they can cause some digestive distress. Also, potato peel contains oxalates, which are fine in small amounts, but when eaten in large amounts, it can lead to kidney problems in dogs.
To avoid anything unforeseen, we’ll recommend you remove the peel of the potatoes before feeding the vegetable to your little pup.
While it’s not that common, your dog can still get poisoning from raw potatoes as it contains solanine. If, in case, they have accidentally eaten a large number of raw potatoes, they might show symptoms like:
If your dog shows any of these symptoms of solanine poisoning after eating potatoes, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Although it’s rare, dogs can have an allergic reaction to potatoes. Thus it’s best to gradually introduce them to new foods and keep a close eye for any signs of an allergic reaction, including:
If you notice any of these signs of potato poisoning, consult with a veterinarian immediately.
Dogs can eat potatoes if they’re cooked without any seasoning or additional ingredients. They contain high amounts of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can perfectly supplement your dog's diet.
You just need to be cautious about portion sizes, as potatoes contain high amounts of carbohydrates and starch. Consider them as an occasional treat, and make sure it doesn’t exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake.
If you have any further doubts or questions, feel free to consult with a veterinarian before adding potatoes to your dog’s diet.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about feeding potatoes to a dog:
1. Can dogs eat potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat plain cooked potatoes but in moderation. This vegetable contains many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. The only thing you need to be careful about is that the potatoes are cooked completely, as raw potatoes contain solanine, a natural toxin. Also, avoid adding any seasonings or topping to the potatoes before feeding them to your dog.
2. How much potato can I feed my dog?
A potato should be an occasional treat in your dog’s diet. Ideally, the appropriate serving size will depend on your dog’s size and health condition, but you can also follow the 90/10 rule that states 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from a healthy and well-balanced diet while the remaining 10% of their daily calories can come from treats like potatoes.
Do make sure your dog isn’t overindulging, as potatoes contain high amounts of carbohydrates and starch, which can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and digestive problems. They can also cause nutritional imbalance or malnutrition in dogs.
3. Can dogs eat potato chips?
Potato chips aren’t considered healthy for a dog as they contain a lot of preservations, fats, and seasonings which can lead to many health issues, including obesity, blood pressure, and even pancreatitis in dogs.
If your dog accidentally eats one or two potato chips, there won’t be any immediate harm. But in the long run, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog potato chips or any other processed human food.
4. Can dogs eat potato skin?
Dogs can eat potato peels, but it can cause some digestive distress. It also contains small amounts of oxalates, which, when eaten in large amounts, can lead to kidney problems. To avoid any unforeseen situation, it’s recommended to remove the peel of the potatoes before feeding the vegetable to your dog.
5. Can dogs with diabetes eat potatoes?
Potatoes contain a high amount of carbohydrates, which can result in blood sugar spikes. Therefore it’s best to avoid feeding them potatoes and consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to their diet.
You can also talk to your veterinarian about other healthy treat options for your sick pup.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-potatoes/
Leading vet
Every dog owner has had to clean up after their pet’s diarrhea. Besides being messy, the problem with your pet having diarrhea is that the causes range from mild to medical emergency.
To make matters harder for pet parents, what do you do if your dog has diarrhea but seem fine? Do you wait for it to get better on its own or rush to the ER?
This blog will list the various causes of diarrhea in dogs and with the goal of helping pet parents learn when it is safe to watch and wait, and when they should contact their veterinarian or go to the ER.
As previously mentioned, the causes of diarrhea in dogs range from mild conditions that usually resolve on their own, to life-threatening conditions that require emergency surgery. Here are some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs:
1. Dietary indiscretionDietary indiscretion is the most common cause of diarrhea in dogs. Dietary indiscretion is the fancy medical way of saying your dog ate something they shouldn’t have. For example, eating garbage, cat litter, cat food, or a big helping of human food can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to diarrhea, lack of appetite, and even vomiting.
2. OvereatingOvereating even their normal healthy diet can put a lot of stress on your dog’s digestive system. As a result, their body struggles to digest the extra food and ends up expelling “surplus food” as diarrhea.
Eating contaminated food or drink, such as uncooked food, garbage, old eggs, etc. can lead to food poisoning and an upset stomach.
Diarrhea can be a common symptom if your dog has food allergies or any type of food intolerance.
5. PoisoningYour dog can eat poisonous toxins, plants, and chemicals from the backyard or even during their walk in the park. In most cases, an upset stomach and diarrhea will be the first few symptoms of poisoning in your dog.
6. Eating Human FoodNot every human food is safe or healthy for a dog. In fact, they can even get diarrhea by eating oily and fatty human food.
Any abrupt changes in your dog’s diet will disturb their digestive system and lead to diarrhea. When changing your dog’s diet, it is always a good idea to gradually mix-in their new food.
8. Side Effects of the MedicineA lot of medicines can have unwanted side effects. If you recently started a new medication, check with your veterinarian if it could be a cause of their diarrhea.
9. VirusMany viruses including parvovirus, distemper, herpesvirus, and rotavirus cause diarrhea in dogs.
10. BacteriaSimilar to viruses, many bacteria, such as clostridium, helicobacter, and campylobacter can cause diarrhea.
11. Intestinal BlockageIntestinal blockage occurs when your dog eats a foreign object that is unable to pass through their intestines. The usual symptoms are vomiting, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, and lack of bowel movements. Initially, with a partial obstruction, diarrhea can be seen. Intestinal blockage is a life-threatening condition that requires surgery.
Parasites including intestinal worms and protozoal parasites, like giardia, can attach to the intestinal wall and cause diarrhea in dogs.
13. Stress
Any change in the physical environment, like loud outside noises, boarding, or even meeting new people can make your dog stressed and trigger “stress diarrhea.”
14. Ulcers
Ulcers can form due to various reasons. Ulcers can damage the protective lining of your dog’s digestive tract leading to many health issues including diarrhea.
Various bowel diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect your dog's intestines and cause chronic diarrhea.
16. Metabolic DiseaseDifferent types of metabolic disorders can cause diarrhea in pets. Liver diseases in dogs can cause various gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including diarrhea. Kidney disease can also cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is one of the clinical signs of advance kidney failure in dogs. Lastly, hyperthyroidism is a common metabolic cause of diarrhea.
17. Exocrine Pancreatic insufficiencyExocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) occurs when the pancreas no longer produces the enzymes necessary to break down food in the intestine. Since the food cannot be absorbs, EPI causes chronic diarrhea due to malabsorption.
18. NeoplasiaCancer, such as lymphosarcoma, primary intestinal cancer, or metastatic cancer affecting the GI tract can cause diarrhea.
Diarrhea is a common problem that affects our pets. The challenge is knowing when you should worry about it. Although diarrhea it is not normal, just like with humans, diarrhea can be transient and resolve on its own. If your pet has one episode of diarrhea but is eating, drinking, and otherwise acting normally, you can wait and see if it goes away on its own.
However, if your pet continues to have loose stool, or has other symptoms like vomiting, is not eating, or is acting lethargic, you should take them to their veterinarian as soon as possible and remember to bring a fresh stool sample with you if possible.
Below are a few more things that’ll help you decide what you should do when your dog has diarrhea:
Diarrhea often occurs suddenly and can last for days to weeks. Acute diarrhea generally lasts 1-2 days and often goes away on its own. On the other hand, chronic diarrhea can last weeks and typically requires treatment. Chronic diarrhea can lead to weight loss, dry skin, and lack of energy.
If your dog’s diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, or they have other symptoms such as vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal pain, you should take your dog to your veterinarian. Left untreated, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even death.
The color of your dog’s stool can tell a lot about their overall health. In general, a healthy bowel movement is brown in color, but let’s also discuss what other stool colors could indicate:
However, sometimes the color of your dog’s stool may be due to the food they ate and mean nothing! Let your veterinarian know if you are seeing changes in your pet’s stool color.
When you’re not looking, your dog can swallow many inedible things including toilet paper, a small piece of cloth, sharp sticks, food wrappers, rocks, socks, and many other foreign objects. These objects can get lodged into their digestive tract causing an internal blockage. Diarrhea is usually not a symptom of a foreign body obstruction. The typical symptoms of an obstruction are vomiting, abdominal pain, and lack of eating. However, a partial obstruction can be associated with diarrhea and should be suspected if your dog has a tendency to chew things they shouldn’t. If you think your dog may have eaten something it shouldn’t have, contact your veterinarian right away. Left untreated a foreign body can be fatal.
Depending on the cause, diarrhea can either present itself alone or can be accompanied by other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Vomiting in combination with diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that require you to take your dog to the veterinarian for intravenous fluids and medications to stop the vomiting and diarrhea.
Furthermore, when diarrhea is accompanied by other clinical signs it could be an indication of a more serious underlying health issue.
Acute diarrhea generally lasts 1-2 days and often goes away on its own. If your dog appears otherwise healthy and does not have other symptoms, like vomiting, or lack of appetite, you can observe them at home and feed them a bland diet. Be sure they are drinking plenty of water.
On the other hand, chronic diarrhea can last weeks and lead to weight loss, dry skin, and lack of energy. If your dog has diarrhea that does not improve after one week, they may need medical attention and you should make an appointment to see your veterinarian.
Again, do not wait a week if your dog has other symptoms besides diarrhea, like vomiting, not eating or is acting lethargic. If you pet has other symptoms besides diarrhea, they should be seen by your veterinarian right away.
While these two terms are used interchangeably, they don’t always mean the same thing. Loose stool just means watery stool, while diarrhea means loose stools with increased frequency of bowel movements, like 3 or more per day, or with high volume of water stool.
Nonetheless, both these conditions should not last for more than 1-2 days.
If your dog is passing large volumes of watery stool, they are suffering from explosive diarrhea. This can quickly result in dehydration.
In such cases, you’ll have to make sure they are drinking plenty of water and if after 24 hours their condition doesn’t improve, you should call your veterinarian. If they are not drinking water, see your veterinarian right away.
Sometimes, your dog can pass watery stool due to changes in their diet or overeating. When this happens more than once a day it means they have diarrhea. And as stated above, this can either resolve on its own or they might need medical care depending on the duration and other symptoms.
Finding the cause of your dog’s diarrhea can be challenging. Your veterinarian has the training and tools to help you find and treat the underlying cause of your pet’s diarrhea.
Since there are many different reasons for diarrhea, they’ll likely suggest diagnostic tests to determine the exact cause. Most likely your veterinarian will want a fecal test. Fecal tests allow them to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia.
Since intestinal parasites live in your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, they are usually hidden from view. The only way to detect and identify most intestinal parasites is by doing a fecal test.
Depending on your dog’s other symptoms and examination findings, your veterinarian may also want to do radiographs, also called x-rays, to look for signs of obstruction, cancer, or a foreign body. Finally, your veterinarian may order bloodwork to look for metabolic diseases like liver disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, and more.
Treatment for diarrhea depends on the cause. Mild cases of diarrhea may resolve on their own. If the cause is dietary indiscretion, your veterinarian may recommend a bland diet and avoiding the offending food. If your dog has intestinal parasites, your veterinarian will prescribe anti-parasitic medications targeting the parasite.
On the other hand, metabolic diseases, such as liver disease, diabetes, or pancreatitis may require more extensive treatment, and more serious causes, like intestinal obstruction, may require emergency surgery.
Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-diarrheal medications and/or a prescription diet to treat your dog’s diarrhea.
Although there’s no way to prevent diarrhea, there are some precautions you can take to make it less likely to happen.
First, never change your dog’s diet abruptly. This is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. If you want to change their food, make the change by gradually mixing increasingly larger proportions of the new food over the course of a week until the old food is completely replaced.
Second, avoid sharing your food with your pets. Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and human food is often too rich for their GI tracts. Our good intentions can unfortunately make our pets sick.
Also, keep your pet healthy by taking them to the veterinarian for annual check-ups and make sure your pet is on year-round parasite preventatives.
Lastly, keep your dog away from trash, poisons, and chemicals, and never give them any medication (even over the counter medication) without first checking with your veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for us can be toxic and even deadly to our pets.
If your dog has one episode of diarrhea and otherwise has no other symptoms and appears normal, taking them to the ER may not be necessary as the first course of action. Under these circumstances, it may be reasonable to wait for a day or so to see whether their diarrhea stops on its own.
During this time, you can try some of the following at-home remedies to settle your dog’s stomach and help resolve their diarrhea.
1. Bland DietFeeding your dog a bland diet when they have diarrhea is one of the most common treatments when they’re suffering from diarrhea. Plain white rice, unseasoned boiled chicken, low-fat ground turkey, or egg are a few great options to serve to your dog.
2. Reduce quantitySometimes overeating can result in diarrhea. If you think your dog has diarrhea from overeating, reduce the amount of food you feed them.
3. FastingSome veterinarians recommend skipping a meal or two in order for your dog’s gastrointestinal tract to settle down. Then start your dog on a bland diet. Remember not to withhold water. Be sure your pet is drinking plenty of water as diarrhea causes them to loss fluids and they can become dehydrated quickly. This method is not recommended for puppies and older dogs. To find out if this method is appropriate for your dog, check with your veterinarian first.
Starchy food like boiled potatoes and rice can help reduce diarrhea by binding your dog’s stool and making it firmer.
5. Fibrous DietA high-fiber diet can also help with diarrhea. A high-fiber diet can help remove excess fluid, add bulk to the stool, and promote bowel regularity in dogs. You can add unsweetened canned pumpkin to your dog’s food to increase the amount of fiber they are getting.
6. ProbioticsProbiotics can help prevent and treat diarrhea in dogs. You can either consult with your veterinarian about adding probiotic supplements to your dog’s diet or you can feed them food like yogurt that act as natural probiotics.
7. PrebioticsPrebiotics are the food for probiotics. They work together to support the growth of good bacteria in the dog’s gut which improves digestion and treats diarrhea.
Like probiotics, you can either buy supplements of prebiotics or feed your dog foods like apple, chicory root, oats and bananas that are a rich source of prebiotics. In addition to containing prebiotics, bananas are also a fiber-rich food making them great for the gut.
8. HydrationWhen a dog has diarrhea, their body loses excessive fluid which can result in dehydration if they are not drinking enough water to compensate for the fluid loss. Left untreated dehydration can be fatal. If your pet has diarrhea, be sure they are drinking plenty of water. You can add water to their food and give them ice chips. If they are not drinking contact your veterinarian right away.
Diarrhea is a very common digestive problem seen from time to time in dogs. Hopefully these tips will help you decide if your dog with diarrhea needs to see their veterinarian right away or can wait. Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource to keep your pet healthy. When in doubt give your veterinarian a call. They will help you decide if your dog needs to be seen and can also suggest the best home remedies for your pet.
Peaches are a delicious and versatile fruit that is in the same family as plums, apricots, and cherries. They are often enjoyed fresh as a snack, in baked goods like a cobbler, or as part of a frozen dessert like ice cream.
More importantly, peaches offer a wide variety of health benefits, from improved digestion to reduced inflammation. But are these exclusive to humans, or are peaches safe for our furry friends? And are there any risks that might outweigh the benefits of peaches for our dogs?
Let’s find answers to all these questions in this article.
Yes, dogs can eat peaches but with some caution. This means that while the soft peach flesh is totally safe for dogs, you should be careful about the peach pit and stem as they pose a risk of choking and intestinal blockage, especially for smaller dogs.
You should also know that the peach pit and stem contain a small amount of cyanide known as amygdalin. Although a dog would have to consume a significant number of peach pits and stems to get cyanide poisoning, it is still advisable to remove them before feeding peaches to your dog due to the choking risk.
In small amounts, peaches can be a healthy and nutritious snack for our dog. Below we have discussed 5 reasons why you should consider adding this fruit to their diet.
Peaches contain dietary fiber that can help improve your dog’s digestive health. It can regulate their bowel movements, preventing constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. It can also help promote their gut health by preventing the overgrowth of any bad bacteria, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria, and providing energy to the cells lining your dog’s colon.
Another lesser-known benefit of fiber is that it helps to regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down glucose absorption into the bloodstream. It prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar levels and many other health conditions.
You should also note that fiber is good for your dog, but only when eaten in the right amounts. If your dog is eating too much fiber, it can lead to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. Thus you should monitor their fiber intake and feed them fiber-rich fruits like peaches in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Peaches have anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent chronic inflammation in your dog’s body. They contain a range of antioxidants, such as polyphenols and vitamin C, that can help neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. These are the unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage your dog’s cells, proteins, and DNA.
Furthermore, antioxidants are also known to reduce the risk of various chronic health complications, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, skin allergies, respiratory diseases, and vision-related problems.
Peaches are chock-full of essential minerals that help support many bodily functions, from building strong bones to ensuring proper digestion and other metabolic processes. Here’s a breakdown of all the minerals in peaches and their health benefits:
Peaches contain beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A. It’s an important nutrient that helps in repairing skin cells and regulating body oil and sweat in dogs, which prevents dry, flaky skin, dandruff, and excessive shedding.
Vitamin A also helps in improving eyesight by supporting the formation of cells that make up the retina and by producing tears that lubricate the eyes, preventing eye infections.
Furthermore, peaches contain vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant with immune-boosting properties. It helps protects a dog’s body against oxidative damage and prevents various skin allergies and infections.
Peaches contain 89% water which makes them a perfect hydrating treat for your dog. It’ll help keep their bodies replenished and re-energized, especially during a hot summer day. Moreover, peaches contain very few calories and zero fat, making them a healthy option for dogs who are either trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
But please make sure that apart from water-rich fruits like peaches, your dog has access to fresh drinking water at all times. It’ll help prevent dehydration, especially during summer.
Let’s discuss some helpful tips to ensure that you can safely and responsibly feed peaches to your dog.
Peaches, themselves, are a safe and healthy fruit for your dog. The danger lies in the peach pit (also called stone) and the stem because they pose a risk of choking and intestinal obstruction. If your dog swallows the whole pit, it might get lodged in their throat or the small intestine. They might even need surgery to remove the pit from their body safely.
If, in case, your dog has accidentally eaten the peach pit or stem, you should watch out for any of the following signs of intestinal obstruction:
If you see any of these signs of intestinal obstruction, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Additionally, you should also know that the peach pit and stem contain a small amount of cyanide, known as amygdalin. Although your dog will have to eat a lot of peach pits and stems to get affected by cyanide poisoning, it’s still wise to keep them away from your dog.
Peaches are a popular fruit, and it is sold in various ways, including canned, dried, preserved, and juiced. Although a fresh and ripe peach is the ideal choice for dogs, you can feed them other peach products if they’re made with dog-friendly ingredients.
For example, typical canned peaches made for human consumption contain a lot of sugar, preservatives, and artificial additives that can lead to various health problems if fed regularly, including digestive issues, obesity, and diabetes. The same goes for every other product made from peaches, including dried peaches, preserves, and peach juices.
Therefore, before feeding anything to your dog, it’s always a good idea to read the labels and ingredients to understand whether the product is safe for your dog.
Peaches, just like every other treat, should be fed in moderation. You shouldn’t allow your dog to overindulge, as this fruit contains high amounts of fiber and sugar that can lead to many health complications and nutritional imbalances.
Ideally, you should consider your dog’s age, weight, dietary needs, health conditions, and nutritional requirements before feeding them peaches. As a general guideline, it's recommended that you follow the 90/10 rule that states 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from a healthy and well-balanced diet, while the remaining 10% can come from treats like peaches.
You can also talk to your veterinarian before introducing any new food to their diet.
You can easily wash and chop peaches into small pieces for your dog. Most dogs will love the sweet and juicy taste of this fruit. But if you want to take things further and experiment with some recipes, you can try the following ideas:
When introducing new food to your dog, you should always start small. Especially if your dog has never eaten peaches, feed them just a slice and see how they react. Although a peach allergy is rare, look out for any of these signs of an allergic reaction:
If you notice any of these symptoms after feeding a new food for the first time, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
Peaches are a safe and nutritious fruit for a dog. They contain dietary fibers that can help support your dog’s digestive health, antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress, and various vitamins and minerals that’ll help support their overall health and well-being.
You should be careful about the peach pit and stem, as they pose a risk of choking and intestinal blockage. They also contain small amounts of cyanide that can be harmful if eaten in large quantities.
If you have any more concerns or you’re unsure about how much peach you should feed to your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about feeding peaches to a dog:
Yes, dogs can eat peaches as a healthy and nutritious snack. Just remember to only give them the peach flesh and remove the pit and stem, as they pose a risk of choking.
Canned peaches contain a lot of sugar, preservatives, and artificial additives that can lead to various health problems if fed frequently, including digestive issues, obesity, and diabetes. If you want to give your dog peaches as a treat, it's best to stick with fresh peaches that are free from artificial sugars and preservatives.
Yes, peach pits (also called stone) can be toxic for dogs as it contains a small amount of cyanide known as amygdalin. They pose a greater risk of choking and intestinal blockage, especially in small dogs.
If you suspect your dog has accidentally swallowed a peach pit, you should keep an eye out for signs of an intentional blockage like loss of appetite, digestive issues, or abdominal pain. In case anything unusual happens, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
It’ll depend on various factors, including your dog’s age, weight, dietary needs, health conditions, and nutritional requirements. But as a general guideline, it’s recommended that you follow the 90/10 rule that states 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from a healthy and well-balanced diet, while the remaining 10% can come from treats like peaches.
Additionally, you can also talk to your veterinarian to determine the exact amount of peaches you can feed your dog.
Peaches contain a high amount of natural sugar, which can be problematic for diabetic dogs. Therefore, it is best to consult a veterinarian before feeding them this fruit.
Also, if your dog has any pre-existing health conditions, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before introducing a new food into their diet. They’ll help you understand whether peaches are a good fit for your dog and how many peaches would be safe for their health.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-peaches/
Cantaloupe is a nutritionally dense fruit that boasts a range of health benefits. It contains very few calories and a lot of vitamins and minerals, which makes it a perfect snack for summer.
But what about our furry friends? Can dogs eat cantaloupe safely? In this article, we'll find answers to this question while exploring the potential health benefits of adding this fruit to their diet.
The answer is yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe safely in small amounts. In fact, this sweet and juicy fruit is a great way to enhance their diet and provide them with some extra nutrients.
Let’s take a deep dive into the various health benefits of cantaloupe for a dog:
Cantaloupe is a great source of dietary fiber that helps support a dog's digestive health. It helps keep the food moving through the digestive tract, absorbs excess water in the stomach, and adds bulk to stool. This helps prevent irregular bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
Fiber also plays an important role in your dog’s gut health. During digestion, it gets fermented into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help to prevent the overgrowth of any bad bacteria, promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, and provides energy to the cells lining your dog’s colon.
An important thing to note here is that fiber is good for your dog, but only when eaten in the right amounts. Too much fiber can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems in dogs. You can easily avoid this situation by monitoring the amount of fiber they’re eating and feed them cantaloupe in small amounts as an occasional treat.
Cantaloupe contains various antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. These antioxidants help neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and damage your dog’s cells. This, in turn, helps reduce inflammation and can help prevent various inflammatory diseases like IBD and pancreatitis.
Furthermore, antioxidants are also linked to various other health benefits. For example, carotenoids are known to help improve eyesight and support healthy skin and coat, whereas flavonoids can help support heart health and cognitive function in dogs.
Cantaloupes are an excellent source of essential minerals that support various bodily functions, from building bones to supporting metabolic processes. Below is a breakdown of all the minerals in cantaloupe and some of their health benefits:
Cantaloupes contain beta-carotene, a carotenoid that helps regulate body oil and sweat in dogs, which helps prevent dry, flaky skin, dandruff, and excessive shedding. It also helps support the growth and repair of skin cells and improve the overall quality of your dog’s skin and coat.
Beta-carotene is also a strong antioxidant that protects the dog’s skin from damage caused by free radicals and supports the immune system, which helps prevent skin allergies and infections.
Cantaloupe contains 90% water, zero fat, and very few calories, so you won’t have to worry about feeding it to dogs who are trying to lose weight or those who are maintaining a healthy weight. You can also share a few slices of this fruit with your dog on a hot summer day to keep their body hydrated and refreshed.
But please remember that cantaloupe is just a hydrating snack. You’ll still have to make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
Now that you’re aware of the various health benefits of cantaloupe, let’s also discuss how you can safely incorporate this fruit into your dog’s diet.
Your dog might love the sweet and juicy taste of cantaloupe, but you shouldn't go overboard when feeding them this treat. Remember that cantaloupes have high fiber content that can disrupt your dog's digestive system if fed in large quantities and lead to diarrhea.
Apart from that, cantaloupes also contain high amounts of natural sugar that can cause a variety of health problems for your dog if they're eating large amounts regularly.
So if you’re planning on adding this fruit to your dog’s diet, you should consider their age, weight, health conditions, and nutritional requirements. You can follow the 90/10 rule that states 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from a complete and balanced diet, while the remaining 10% can come from treats like cantaloupe.
You can also talk to your veterinarian before you add any new foods to your dog's diet.
When feeding cantaloupe, pet owners are often confused about whether their dogs can eat the seeds and the rind of the fruit. The answer is complicated because neither of them are toxic to dogs, but they pose a risk of choking and intestinal obstruction.
The fibrous rind of cantaloupe is hard to chew, swallow, and digest for dogs. If they try to swallow it whole, it might cause severe obstructions, which might even require surgery. Even the small seeds might be harmless for big-breed dogs, but they can be a choking hazard for small dogs and puppies.
If, in case, your dog has accidentally eaten seeds or the rind of cantaloupe, you should watch out for any of the following signs of obstruction:
If you notice any of these signs of intestinal obstruction, contact your veterinarian immediately.
There are various ways in which you can safely feed the sweet and juicy orange flesh of cantaloupe to your dog, including:
Cantaloupe is a safe fruit, but you should take a few precautions before feeding it to your dog:
Just like with every other food, cantaloupe also carries some risk when you aren’t careful about how much cantaloupe your dog is eating.
The high fiber and sugar content of this fruit can have a negative effect on your dog’s health. It can cause many digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Excessive fiber intake can also affect the absorption of certain nutrients and minerals, which might lead to nutritional imbalance and deficiencies.
Similarly, eating too many sugary fruits can lead to tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, and many other serious health problems.
Thus, you should consider cantaloupe as an occasional treat and share them with your pooch in moderation. A good rule of thumb is to follow the 90/10 rule and make sure that treats like cantaloupe don’t exceed more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The remaining 90% of daily calories should come from a healthy and well-balanced meal.
You can also consult with your veterinarian to determine the exact amount of cantaloupe you can feed to your dog.
Cantaloupe allergies are rare in dogs, but it’s still advised to be cautious when introducing new food to your dog. Start small with just 1 or 2 small pieces and then monitor their reactions for the next 24-48 hours for any signs of food sensitivity or allergies.
You should look out for any of the following symptoms of fruit allergies:
If you notice any of these signs of allergy, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Cantaloupe is a dog-friendly fruit that contains dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more good stuff. When fed in moderation, it can help improve your dog’s digestive health and prevent chronic inflammation while providing hydration and nourishment.
However, you should be careful about the rind and seeds of cantaloupe as they can become a choking hazard and can even cause intestinal blockages. It's also important that you slowly introduce a new food into your dog’s diet and monitor their reaction to make sure they don’t experience any negative side effects.
If you have more doubts or questions, you should consider consulting a veterinarian before feeding cantaloupe to your dog.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about feeding cantaloupe to a dog:
Yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe in moderation. It contains dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients can supplement your dog's diet and help support their overall health and well-being.
Cantaloupe rind isn’t toxic for dogs, but it’s hard to chew, swallow, and digest. If your dog tries to gulp it down, it can get stuck in their throat or the digestive system, causing a severe obstruction, which might even require surgery.
If your dog has accidentally swallowed a piece of cantaloupe rind, keep an eye out for how they are reacting. If you notice anything unusual, like loss of appetite or abdominal pain, take them to a veterinarian.
Cantaloupe seeds aren’t toxic for dogs, and they might even be harmless for big-breed dogs. But they do pose a choking risk for small dogs and puppies. Thus it’s best to remove the seeds before feeding cantaloupe to a dog.
If your dog has accidentally eaten cantaloupe seeds, see how they’re reacting. In most cases, the seeds will pass through their stool, but if you notice anything unusual, like loss of appetite or abdominal pain, take them to a veterinarian.
Your dog should eat cantaloupe in moderation and as an occasional treat. You can follow the 90/10 rule that states 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from a complete and balanced diet, while the remaining 10% can come from treats like cantaloupe.
You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much cantaloupe you can feed your dog.
Cantaloupe contains high amounts of sugar, which can be harmful to diabetic dogs. They might not have any adverse reaction from eating a small piece of cantaloupe once in a while, but to be on the safe side, it’s best to steer clear of feeding them sugary fruits.
It’s also recommended that you talk to a veterinarian before making any changes to the diet of your dog if they’re suffering from any health condition.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cantaloupe/
Bananas are a popular health fruit because they are full of nutrients. Plus they’re readily available, easy to carry around for a quick snack, and loaded with natural sugars. But are they great for sharing with your furry friends?
The good news is that bananas are safe for your dog. They’re a tasty treat that can provide dietary fiber, potassium, and other vitamins to your dogs. But you can go overboard as bananas also contain a lot of sugar.
So what is the right serving size for your dog? And are there any other precautions you need to take while feeding bananas to your dog? You’ll find answers to these questions in this article.
Let’s first start by discussing the nutritional value of bananas and how these benefit your dog's health:
Bananas contain both soluble and insoluble fibers that are essential for your dog’s digestive system. The soluble fiber absorbs water and gets fermented in the large intestine. It helps add bulk to the stool thus reducing diarrhea.
Also, their fermentation produces short-chain fatty acids that prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the gut and helps increase the body’s ability to absorb minerals.
Insoluble fibers on the other hand help soften the dog’s stool by attracting water into the intestines and preventing constipation.
Essentially bananas are rich in 3 types of vitamins - vitamin C, B6, and B7. All of which play a critical role in supporting your dog’s overall health.
Vitamin C is very important for your dog’s immune system as it supports the production of white blood cells that help the body fight against infection. Its also a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells against free radical damages, reduce inflammation and cognitive aging in dogs.
And although a dog’s body can synthesize vitamin C on its own, various environmental reasons like stress, growth, injuries, vaccinations, or illnesses can lead to its depletion. In such cases, fruits like bananas can help dogs fulfill their daily nutritional requirements.
Vitamin B6 also serves an important role in your dog’s body as it’s responsible for the production of red blood cells and healthy brain function. It also supports glucose generation, hormone regulation, and immune response in dogs. And unlike vitamin C, a dog’s body cannot make its own vitamin B6, hence you need to feed them supplements like bananas.
The third vitamin that’s found in bananas is B7 more commonly known as biotin. It benefits your dog’s body from the inside to the outside. It promotes healthy skin and coat, proper muscle formation, and supports digestion by metabolizing proteins and fatty acids.
Bananas are loaded with potassium which is a primary electrolyte for dogs. It aids in the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to the body. This exchange is critical as it controls a majority of body functions including heartbeats and contracting and relaxing of muscles.
Potassium also supports muscle growth, kidney function, and absorption of nutrients in your dog's body. Furthermore, it works with sodium to prevent dehydration and move water in and out of the cells.
Although the dry dog food that you feed your dog contains potassium, it might not be enough for your dog's daily requirements. Especially if you have a very active dog, they might need more potassium which they can get from bananas.
Apart from potassium, bananas also contain manganese, magnesium, and copper.
Manganese which is an essential trace mineral is required by a dog’s body to activate many enzymes that support bodily functions including energy production, fat and protein metabolism, bone development, and nerve function.
Magnesium which is found in bone and soft tissues is required for multiple metabolic functions in a dog’s body. It acts as an activator or catalyst for various enzyme systems including the one that transports energy within cells for metabolism and helps build protein.
And lastly, copper aids in the absorption of iron and the formation of dogs' bones, collagen, and connective tissue. It also plays a major role in the creation of myelin, a membrane that protects the nerves in the dog’s body.
The fat content of bananas is very low, thus making them a perfect treat for your dog. You can feed it instead of other fatty and salty foods to manage their weight.
Now that you know all the potential benefits of feeding bananas, let’s move on to discussing the right ways to feed bananas to a dog.
The first few questions that’ll come to a pet owner's mind are how many bananas can dogs eat and how often can dogs eat a banana?
Truth be told, even though bananas are loaded with nutrients and fiber, overfeeding them can lead to various health issues like upset stomach or diarrhea due to the extra fiber content. Natural sugar can also pose a problem if eaten in large quantities.
It’s important that you use bananas as a treat that you serve in between meals. It should never replace their healthy and well-balanced meal.
Now to decide the right amount of bananas you can feed your dog, you should take into account various factors like their age, breed, weight, and existing health conditions. A general guideline is to offer up to half a banana to a large dog and 2-3 slices to smaller dogs.
Talking about the frequency, it’s safe to feed a dog bananas every day. But that could increase their fiber intake and blood sugar levels, so try sticking to 2-3 times a week only. You can alternatively switch between bananas and other healthy treats.
You can also follow the 90/10 rule here by making sure 90% of their daily calorie intake comes from a complete and balanced diet and 10% from treats like bananas.
If your dog suffers from sensitivities or other health conditions, consult with a veterinarian before feeding them bananas.
No, you shouldn’t feed banana peels to your dog. Even though they’re nontoxic, they contain too much fiber that can be hard to digest and cause an upset stomach. Plus the thick skin can cause an internal blockage.
If your dog accidentally eats the banana peel, they might experience vomiting or distress. In such cases, get in touch with your veterinarian just to be on the safe side.
Bananas are safe for puppies. You can feed them 2-3 slices of bananas a few times a week. But remember that puppies usually have a special diet that is made to support their growth. So chances are they are getting the nutrients that are available in a banana from their regular meal.
Hence, it would be ideal to first check with your veterinarian if you wish to add bananas to your puppy’s diet.
There are a few different ways in which you can safely feed bananas to your dog. But before discussing those, let's talk about the ripeness of bananas and what's the best stage to feed them.
The unripe bananas contain a high amount of resistant starch and low sugar content. If your dog suffers from diabetes, you can feed them unripe bananas. But the high amount of starch can make it a little hard to digest.
There’s also a chance that your dog might not like the taste of green bananas as they taste a little bitter.
This is a preferable option for dogs because a ripe banana is easier to digest as the resistant starch gets converted to simple sugar. It's also a rich source of potassium and contains many other essential vitamins and minerals. All of which can be beneficial for your dog's health.
An overripe banana contains many antioxidants that can help your dog fight inflammation but it also contains high sugar content that can be harmful to your dog especially if they have any preexisting health condition like diabetes.
The most convenient and healthy way to feed bananas to a dog is to simply peel and serve. Due to its sweet taste and smooshy texture, your dog will definitely enjoy this treat.
But if you want to take things up a notch, here’re some more popular ways of feeding bananas to a dog:
Bananas can be easily mashed and mixed into any food item. Some pet owners like to add it to their dog’s daily meal, while others like to mix it with dog-friendly peanut butter or yogurt to serve as a treat.
If you choose this option, make sure you use natural peanut butter as the store-bought options are made for humans and can contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. It can be highly toxic to a dog.
If your veterinarian has recommended oatmeal for your dog, you can add banana to that recipe too.
You can simply freeze a few slices of banana in the freezer and serve them as treats on hot summer days. Or you can mash the banana and freeze it into a dog toy such as a kong. Your dog will enjoy licking the treat from the toy and it will keep them busy for awhile.
Banana chips are another safe treat option for your dog. But you have to be careful about the ones you buy from the store. They might contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, salt, or some other seasoning added to increase the flavor. These can be toxic for your dog.
Buy dog-safe banana chips or make some at home by dehydrating banana slices. But remember to keep the recipe simple and not add any additional ingredients.
Banana bread made for human consumption contains a lot of butter, sugar, raisins, and vanilla extract, all of which can be harmful to a dog.
If you want to feed them banana bread you can make some at home using a dog-friendly recipe that contains ingredients that are safe for dogs.
If you’re a pet parent who loves cooking at home then you can definitely try making some delicious homemade dog-friendly treats using bananas.
You can search for dog-friendly recipes for banana cookies, muffins, ice cream, snack bars, etc.
But remember cooking or baking will affect the nutritional value of the fruit. If you’re feeding bananas only for the nutritional benefits, stick to raw ripe bananas.
It's perfectly safe to feed bananas to a dog but in moderation. The high amount of fiber and sugar can disturb your dog's digestive system and blood sugar level if eaten in large quantities.
Also if your dog is suffering from certain health conditions you might want to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to their diet.
Unfortunately yes, some dogs can have a food intolerance and an allergy to bananas.
When feeding bananas for the first time, monitor their health for 24-48 hours for any signs of allergies. Look out for some or any of the following signs:
You should get emergency care for your dog if any of these symptoms appear after eating a banana.
Bananas are a safe and healthy treat for your dog. You can add an appropriate amount of this fruit as a treat to supplement their well-balanced diet. The fiber content will keep their digestive system healthy and the antioxidants like vitamin C will protect their immune systems. Plus the other vitamins and minerals will work together to promote the overall health of your dog.
If you still have any doubts, consider consulting with a veterinarian before adding bananas to your dog’s diet.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about feeding bananas to a dog:
Yes, dogs can eat dried and dehydrated bananas. But make sure they don’t contain any additional ingredients like artificial sweeteners, preservatives, salt, or other seasonings. These can be harmful to a dog.
Yes, your dog can eat ripe bananas. In fact, it is the safest and healthiest way of feeding bananas to a dog.
The unripe bananas contain a high amount of resistant starch which makes them harder to digest and the overripe bananas contain a high amount of sugar which can increase your dog’s blood sugar level.
Yes, dogs can eat bananas for diarrhea. It contains high fiber content that can help the food move along the intestinal tract and add bulk to the stool.
But bananas are not a remedy, if your dog has severe diarrhea they’ll need proper medical care and assistance.
A banana's high amount of natural sugars can pose a problem for dogs already suffering from diabetes. It’s best that you consult with your veterinarian to decide whether or not to add bananas to your dog's diet.
Fried foods in general are unhealthy for a dog. They usually contain a lot of unhealthy fats that can lead to many health problems including weight gain or heart diseases.
You shouldn't feed banana bread made for human consumption to your dog. It might contain additional ingredients like raisins and vanilla extract which can be harmful to a dog.
If you want to feed banana bread to your dog, stick to a dog-friendly recipe that contains ingredients that are safe for dogs.
Bananas are easy to digest and their anti-inflammatory properties can be helpful for a dog who suffers from pancreatitis. But you shouldn’t make changes in their diet, without consulting with a veterinarian.
It’ll depend on the kind of sickness your dog is suffering from.
Banana peels are not toxic for a dog but they contain too much fiber that can be hard to digest for some dogs. It can cause an upset stomach and its thick skin can cause an internal blockage. Thus you should refrain from feeding banana peels to your dog.
Sources:
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/can-dogs-eat-bananas
https://www.newsweek.com/can-dogs-eat-bananas-fruits-dogs-can-cannot-eat-1625828
https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/can-dogs-eat-bananas/
https://www.metlifepetinsurance.com/blog/pet-health/can-dogs-eat-bananas/
https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-food-dog-nutrition/58813-can-dogs-eat-bananas
