Reading dog food labels and claims can sometimes feel like rocket science. There can be unfamiliar ingredients, percentages, nutritional claims, and other technical information that you need to decipher.
But that’s why we’re here! In this article, we will demystify dog food labels and common marketing claims to help you understand what’s good for your dog and what kind of unnecessary marketing jargon you should avoid.
In short, we’ll take you from a label-reading novice to a bona fide expert! But before that, let’s start by understanding how dog food labels are created and monitored and who sets the standards for labeling.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO, is a non-profit organization that has set various standards and regulations regarding the production, labeling, and sale of both animal feed and pet food in the United States.
They have established minimum nutrition requirements for pet food to ensure that it contains all the necessary nutrients for specific life stages of the animal. You might have seen an AAFCO statement on your pet food packaging.
The presence of an AAFCO statement on the label indicates that your dog’s food meets the minimum nutrient requirements for a particular life stage. It also gives pet owners an assurance that the ingredient list, nutritional content, and other claims mentioned on the food label are accurate.
Now, you should note that AAFCO has no regulatory authority. It’s the FDA that regulates the pet food industry by monitoring food labeling, conducting inspections, and enforcing product recalls if necessary.
However, even the FDA states that to be "complete and balanced," dog food must meet one of the Dog Food Nutrient Profiles established by AAFCO.
Many dog food labels have ingredients mentioned in the product name, for example, chicken dog food or lamb dog food. To ensure these product names aren’t false or misleading, AAFCO has set certain rules that are as follows:
If a product name says “all-chicken jerky dog treats,” then the product must be all-chicken meat. But with the exception of any water content (added for processing), decharacterizing agents, and trace amounts of preservatives and condiments (added for processing and product stability).
Since this criteria is extremely strict, it’s unlikely that any dog food product, except treats, will meet this requirement.
This rule applies to products that contain the name of a food ingredient, such as “chicken dog food” or “beef dog food.” It states that the ingredients listed in the product name must contain at least 95% of the product by weight, excluding added water.
The remaining 5% can include vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients added for nutritional purposes or product processing.
If the product name contains additional descriptors, such as “dinner,” “entrée,” “recipe,” “formula,” etc., then the ingredients in the product name should contain 25% of the product by weight, excluding added water.
However, the recipe name can split the 25% rule between ingredients as long as each ingredient is at least 3% of the recipe and together the ingredients are at least 25%. For example, a product named “chicken, rice, and apple formula” could contain 12% chicken, 11% rice, and 3% apple.
This rule doesn't require the largest ingredient to be included in the recipe name. From the last example, the recipe could also contain 20% corn, more than any of the other individual ingredients, and not be required to be listed in the recipe name.
However, recipes that only contain 1 ingredient, such as “Chicken recipe,” will have at least 25% chicken. Thus, the fewer ingredients listed in the recipe name usually means it’s more premium.
If the product name contains the word “with,” it means that the product contains at least 3% of the named ingredients. For example, “Pawsome dog food with salmon and rice” must contain at least 3% salmon and 3% rice.
A product can use a flavor designation in its name or label when there is less than 3% of that ingredient in the recipe. For example, “beef flavored dog food” must contain some ingredient that provides beef flavor.
A product can avoid putting ingredients in the recipe name and give it a fanciful name, such as "Yellowstone Park Recipe." There are no rules or requirements established by AAFCO or the FDA in order to use a fanciful recipe name as long as it continues to meet the minimum nutritional standard.
Now that we have discussed a few basic rules, let’s get to actually reading and understanding dog food labels, specifically the ingredient list and the guaranteed analysis. To get started, you should understand some key components, such as:
Dog food is almost always made with multiple ingredients, and you’ll find them all listed on the package of your dog food and on the brand’s website. Some of the most common categories of ingredients you’ll find include:
1.1 Animal protein
These are the main protein sources and the foundation of any good diet for dogs. The best option, however, is meat labeled with a specific type, such as chicken, salmon, or lamb. This indicates that the meat originated as whole-muscle meat and underwent processing like chopping, cooking, etc. This also makes it the most expensive option.
The next step down is “meat meal.” You’ll find this on the label as “chicken meal,” “salmon meal,” etc. This meal is typically a combination of muscle meat, organ meat, and potentially some bone that has been cooked, dried, and ground. It’s a good option because of the combination of muscle meat and other animal parts providing various nutrients from the animal. However, the ratio of these parts in the meat meal can vary as long as the total nutrients are fairly consistent between batches.
The two lowest levels are “by-products,” which is a catch-all for whatever parts of the animal the renderer wants to/can include, and “meat & bone meal,” which could contain pieces of a variety of animals that were either healthy or sick. These two are usually the least expensive animal protein options and are often avoided by pet owners who shop for more premium foods.
1.2 Grains
Despite what some pet food companies would want you to believe, dogs are omnivores, not carnivores. They are able to effectively eat and digest protein and grains, which provide carbohydrates and fiber. However, some grains are better for dogs than others.
For example, grains like oats, barley, sorghum, and brown rice are healthy and nutrient-dense. Whereas grains like corn, wheat, and soy have low nutritional value and are often used as an inexpensive filler in dog food.
1.3 Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples, blueberries, spinach, etc., are safe and healthy for a dog. If you come across these ingredients listed on a dog food label, it would be considered a good sign as they contain natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
1.4 Fats and Oils
You can also find various fats and oils listed on your dog food label, such as “chicken fat,” “fish oil,” “flaxseed oil,” etc. They are added to enhance the flavor of the food, provide more energy to your dog, and support skin and coat health.
1.5 Supplements and Additives
Dog food also contains various supplements like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, prebiotics, or probiotics to enhance its nutritional profile and support your dog’s overall health.
1.6 Prebiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics are the living strains of good bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut, which may not currently exist in the gut. And prebiotics are fuel for good bacteria that already exist in the gut. If they’re added to your dog’s food, you should be able to find them mentioned on the packaging.
1.7 Flavorings and Preservatives
Dog food can also contain artificial flavorings to enhance palatability and preservatives to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
According to AAFCO, the dog food label must list the ingredients in descending order based on their weight. This means the first ingredient on the list should account for the most weight in a product. Premium foods are usually a source of animal protein, like chicken or beef.
But you need to be mindful of a few things here:
It is not uncommon for some dog food brands to use different names for similar ingredients on food labels. This is done for various reasons, such as market or regional preferences, different processing methods, or for marketing purposes.
Some manufacturers go even further by dividing a single ingredient and listing different names of the smaller components. This is a deceptive technique known as ingredient splitting. It’s usually done for less favorable ingredients with the intention of pushing these ingredients down the list and creating the impression that they are less significant in the recipe.
For example, sugar is a less favorable ingredient in dog food and treats. A brand can divide this ingredient into various forms, such as high-fructose corn syrup, honey, molasses, agave, cane sugar, brown sugar, etc. So if in a recipe, the sugar content is 30% and real meat is 15%, a brand can split sugar into 10% honey, 10% agave, and 10% high-fructose corn syrup. This would allow Chicken to be claimed and listed as the #1 ingredient.
This can be highly misleading when you’re trying to make informed decisions about the nutritional content of your dog’s food. Thus, you should be aware of ingredient splitting, don’t put lots of weight on the #1 ingredient claims, and read the first 5 ingredients in any recipe as that is a more accurate picture of the quality of the pet food or treat.
There is a lot of information you can find on a dog food label to understand the nutritional content and the serving sizes. Firstly, it’s important to look for an AAFCO statement that will ensure the food is indeed “complete and balanced” for your dog's specific life stage.
It is worth noting that AAFCO sets the minimum nutritional requirements for dog food but doesn’t set an ideal standard. Most premium dog foods will exceed the minimum requirements but can leverage nutritional trends and marketing to imply their food is more nutritious than others.
You can also examine the Guaranteed Analysis, a list that highlights the minimum percentage of crude protein and crude fat and the maximum percentage of fiber and moisture present in the food. Depending on the brand, this list can also include information about other nutrients, such as:
Sometimes, the tricky part can be figuring out the serving sizes for your dog. Even though there is a chart of recommended feeding amounts printed on the package based on weight, it’s usually a general recommendation because it doesn’t account for your dog's lifestyle, health, and activity level.
You can consider consulting with a veterinarian to understand your dog’s nutritional needs and the portion sizes of their daily meals.
Some brands include explicit allergen warnings on their dog food label. You might see terms like “contains wheat,” “contains soy,” or “processed in a facility that handles nuts." These warnings are helpful for pet owners who have dogs with allergies or food sensitivities.
But if in case the label doesn’t specify the allergens, you can scrutinize the ingredient list to identify any potential triggers.
As a pet parent, you should be well-versed in reading dog food labels and marketing claims to understand what’s best for your dog’s health. The more important things you can do is examine the ingredient lists (giving priority to the top 5 ingredients), look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement, and read the Guaranteed Analysis. At the same time, it’s equally important to remain cautious of misleading statements and claims that are used as marketing tactics to attract customers.
It would be hard work at first, but once you understand how to read dog food labels, you can make informed choices about your dog's health and wellness.
The regulation of pet food labels is overseen by both the FDA and AAFCO. While the FDA regulates the labeling of pet food products, AAFCO provides guidelines and standards for the labeling. As per their combined guidelines, a dog food label must contain:
This rule states that products that contain the name of a food ingredient, such as “chicken dog food,” should contain at least 95% of the product by weight, excluding added water.
The remaining 5% can include vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients added for nutritional purposes or product processing.
This rule states that product names that say something like “all-chicken jerky dog treats” must be all-chicken meat. But with the exception of any water content (added for processing), decharacterizing agents, and trace amounts of preservatives and condiments (added for processing and product stability).
You should note that this criterion is extremely strict, and it’s unlikely for any dog food product, except treats, to meet this requirement.
If the product name contains additional descriptors, such as “dinner” or “formula,” then the ingredients in the product name should contain at least 25% of the total product weight, excluding added water.
However, the recipe name can split the 25% rule between ingredients as long as each ingredient is at least 3% of the recipe and together the ingredients are at least 25%. For example, a product named “chicken, rice, and apple formula” could contain 12% chicken, 11% rice, and 3% apple.
The 4 most important items that should be included on a pet food label are the product & brand name, net weight, ingredients list, and a Guaranteed Analysis.
Sources:
https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/reading-labels/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/how-to-read-a-dog-food-label/
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/complete-and-balanced-pet-food
A majority of your dog’s immune system is related to their gastrointestinal tract. So, for a happy and healthy dog, it becomes crucial for pet parents to prioritize the digestive health of their pups. Fortunately, you have a powerful tool at your disposal - Prebiotics!
By now, you may have already heard about how prebiotics are good for people, but do you know they’re also great for your dog? In this article, we’ll take a much deeper look into how exactly prebiotics can help support or improve your dog’s overall health. We’ll also share some natural prebiotic-rich foods that you can easily share with your dog.
First, let’s start by understanding what prebiotics are and how they work.
In simple terms, prebiotics are a food source for good or beneficial gut bacteria. They are essentially soluble fibers that do not get digested in your dog’s body. Instead, they pass through the digestive system intact and reach the intestine.
Therefore, the presence of prebiotics is important for the growth and activity of the beneficial bacteria that maintain a healthy gut environment and support digestive health.
Both prebiotics and probiotics work together in order to maintain a healthy gut and digestive system in dogs. However, they aren’t the same thing. While prebiotics are a type of soluble fiber that serves as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics are live microorganisms or strains of beneficial bacteria.
In short, probiotics are live, naturally occurring bacteria found in the gut, and prebiotics are their food. Now, naturally, your dog will have billions of beneficial bacteria in their stomach, but their population can decline due to various factors, including stress, illness, age, etc.
Also, there are lots of different kinds of probiotics, and some may not exist with certain dogs, or some have declined while others are fine. Adding more diversity of good bacteria/probiotics is another reason to incorporate supplements. It’ll help restore the population of beneficial bacteria and support their digestive health.
On the other hand, including prebiotic supplements would help in promoting the growth and activity of these beneficial bacteria.
Some pet owners also choose to give a combination of prebiotics and probiotics to their dogs to support their digestive health. However, it’s recommended to talk to a veterinarian and understand your dog’s health conditions and digestive concerns before adding any supplements to their diet.
Chances are you’re feeding your dog a healthy and well-balanced diet, which may already include some natural prebiotics. So, do you need to give them more prebiotics? To answer this question, you should understand your dog’s health condition and see if they exhibit signs of:
In any of these cases, your dog might benefit from additional prebiotics in their diet. Moreover, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian if your dog has any health conditions and you want to supplement their diet with prebiotics.
Below are the 6 amazing health benefits your dog can enjoy with a prebiotic supplement:
Prebiotics are a source of fuel for beneficial gut bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. It allows them to grow and thrive while also inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli. This helps maintain a healthy gut environment and promotes the overall gut health of your dog.
Furthermore, the beneficial bacteria consume the prebiotics through fermentation, which results in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These acids provide energy to the cells lining the intestinal wall, which promotes the proper functioning of the gut barrier. They also possess some great anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce gut inflammation.
Prebiotics are often recommended for dogs with digestive problems, including diarrhea, constipation, IBS, etc. It’s because prebiotics can help regulate bowel movements and improve stool consistency.
Prebiotics can help improve your dog’s immune function by supporting their gut microbiome. It restricts the overgrowth of bad bacteria, which in turn improves their immune function. Also, prebiotics can contribute to enhanced immune cell activity and the production of immune-boosting substances, including antibodies.
Prebiotics promote the growth of good gut bacteria, which plays an important role in breaking down food and extracting its nutrients. Additionally, prebiotics help in creating a favorable environment in the intestines for nutrient absorption by maintaining an optimal pH level.
Prebiotics can help maintain a healthy weight by supporting your dog’s digestive health. Their ability to create a balanced gut microbiome can also help in improving metabolic function and reduce the risk of obesity in dogs.
Prebiotics are soluble fibers that can help maintain proper blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion and the absorption process. This makes them beneficial supplements for dogs who have diabetes.
Many commercial dog food brands have started adding prebiotics to their recipes. Some of the most commonly found prebiotics in pet food include:
When you’re buying food for your dog, you should read the label and examine the ingredient list to figure out if it contains prebiotics. You can look for any of the above-mentioned prebiotic names mentioned on the label.
Many dog food brands don't call out the specific type of prebiotic found in the food. In such cases, you can look for ingredients that we have listed in the next section.
You can also consult with your veterinarian about specific dog food brands that offer the best prebiotic supplements.
Note:
Some probiotic supplements contain maltodextrin, a sugar compound that has prebiotic effects. You need to be careful about this prebiotic as it’s considered harmful to dogs. That’s mainly because it can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels and, in the long run, can cause diseases like diabetes or obesity.
If your dog often suffers from digestive problems, you should consult with a veterinarian and talk about adding prebiotic supplements to their diet. However, you can also add some natural sources of prebiotics into a dog's diet to support their digestive health.
Some of the best natural prebiotic sources for dogs include:
Bananas contain both fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin. These prebiotics can be beneficial for your dog’s digestive and gut health. Plus, you can easily add this fruit to your dog’s diet as an occasional treat.
Chicory roots are a rich source of prebiotic fiber inulin. They can be highly effective in supporting the growth and activities of good bacteria in a dog’s gut.
To incorporate chicory root into your dog's diet, you can either buy packed chicory root or chicory root powder and sprinkle or grate it over your dog’s regular meal. You can also roast the roots to make a crunchy treat for your dog.
Another convenient way is to buy dog food that already contains chicory roots. Many commercial dog food brands have started using chicory roots in their recipe because of the inulin.
Oats contain prebiotic fiber beta-glucan, which is healthy for your dog’s digestive system and immune function. Thus, you can consider making them oatmeal at home once in a while. Just remember to avoid feeding them raw oats, as they can be hard to digest.
More than half of the fiber content in an apple comes from a substance called pectin. It’s a prebiotic that can help feed the beneficial bacteria and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in your dog’s gut.
You just need to wash and peel the apples before serving, which makes this fruit another hassle-free option for pet owners. However, you need to be cautious about the seeds, stem, and core of the apple as it contains small amounts of cyanide.
If in case your dog accidentally eats a few seeds, there shouldn’t be any fatal consequences. But you should still remove these parts before feeding an apple slice to your dog.
Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain soluble fibers like pectin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which act as prebiotics in the gut. Plus, dogs often find these fruits highly appetizing, making them enjoyable treats for every season.
Mushrooms contain various carbohydrates with prebiotic properties, such as chitin, hemicellulose, mannans, xylans, and beta-glucans. However, the prebiotic content of mushrooms may vary depending on the species and growing conditions.
Some common mushroom species with high amounts of prebiotics include:
Also note that while all these species of mushrooms are generally considered safe for dogs, you should buy them from a store and avoid picking any wild mushrooms. It’s because sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between different species of mushrooms, and confusing a toxic mushroom with an edible one can have severe consequences for your dogs.
Pumpkin is considered super healthy for dogs, mainly because of its high soluble fiber content, which has prebiotic properties. It can help improve your dog’s digestive health by preventing both diarrhea and constipation.
It’s also a versatile fruit that can be served in various ways. You can make pumpkin puree and use it as a food topper or freeze it in molds to make fun treats. You can also stuff the puree in your dog’s Kong toy to keep your dog busy and active.
Just remember to use plain and cooked pumpkin that doesn’t contain any added seasoning, as that can be harmful to your dog’s health. You can also buy a canned pumpkin that doesn’t have other ingredients like spices, seasonings, and artificial sweeteners.
Many commercial dog food options contain some prebiotics that may be sufficient for your dog. But if you want, you can either opt for commercial supplements or natural food sources to add prebiotics to your dog’s diet. You just need to be cautious and understand your dog’s health condition and nutritional requirements before making any changes to their diet.
If you have a perfectly healthy dog who eats a well-balanced meal, then you might not need to add any additional supplements. However, you can still talk to your veterinarian if you aren’t sure about whether or not your dog needs prebiotics.
Additionally, if you choose to give them prebiotics, it’s important to start with small amounts and gradually increase the dosage, allowing their digestive system to adjust to the change.
Remember that prebiotics are essentially soluble fibers, and suddenly, eating too much fiber can disrupt the digestive system. It can also increase the fermentation process, leading to excessive gas production, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
Prebiotics can have numerous benefits for your dog’s health. They can promote gut health by supporting the growth and activity of good or beneficial bacteria while restricting the overgrowth of bad bacteria. It can also support your dog’s digestive health and prevent various health complications.
When selecting a prebiotic source for your dog, it’s important to talk to a veterinarian and understand your dog’s health needs. Accordingly, you can choose prebiotic supplements or consider adding natural sources like chicory root, bananas, or pumpkin to your dog’s diet.
If you have any further doubts about the health benefits of prebiotics for your dog, you can consult with a veterinarian.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about probiotics and their health benefits for dogs:
Whether your dog needs prebiotics or not will depend on their nutritional requirements and digestive concerns. While prebiotics can help support a healthy gut environment and digestive system by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, not every dog requires additional prebiotic supplementation.
If you have a healthy dog who eats a well-balanced meal, then you might not need to add any additional supplements. However, if your dog has sensitive stomach or digestive problems, they can benefit from prebiotics in their diet.
Ultimately, you should consult with your veterinarian to determine whether or not your dog needs prebiotics.
You can either choose commercial supplements or natural food sources like bananas, oats, apples, and pumpkins to feed prebiotics to your dog. You can also opt for commercial supplements that contain prebiotics like FOS, inulin, MOS, or GOS.
If you choose to buy commercial supplements, consult with your veterinarian to understand what would work best for your dog and their health.
There are several fruits, vegetables, and grains that contain prebiotics. For example, banana contains prebiotic fiber inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS); oats contain beta-glucan; chicory root contains inulin; apple contains pectin. These are all powerful prebiotics that can help support your dog’s digestive and gut health.
Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that will pass through your dog’s digestive system intact. They reach the intestine and serve as a food source for good or beneficial gut bacteria like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
Thus, prebiotics help in promoting the growth and activity of these good bacteria while also restricting the overgrowth of bad bacteria like E. coli. This helps maintain a healthy gut environment and supports digestive health.
The time it takes for prebiotics to show results in dogs can vary depending on various factors. But in general, you typically have to wait for a few weeks or months to see a noticeable change in your dog’s health.
Sources:
https://www.veterinarians.org/prebiotics-for-dogs/
Diarrhea is a very common issue that can affect dogs of all ages and breeds. However, for a pet owner, it can be frustrating and concerning to see your dog experiencing discomfort.
To help them out, it’s best to first understand the potential cause of their diarrhea and then decide whether the situation requires home remedies or veterinary assistance. This process can sometimes be complex, so we’ll try to simplify everything and explain what you need to know about managing your dog's diarrhea.
In this article, we will discuss what you can give a dog when they have diarrhea and signs to look out for to determine the seriousness of the situation. But before that, let’s start by understanding what causes diarrhea in dogs.
Diarrhea isn’t a disease; in fact, it’s usually a symptom of an underlying problem. It occurs when something affects your dog’s digestive system and its ability to absorb water, nutrients, and electrolytes.
Some common reasons why a dog may develop diarrhea are:
1. Dietary indiscretion
If your dog has eaten something they aren’t supposed to eat, it can upset their stomach, causing diarrhea. It’s especially common in dogs who have a tendency to get into the garbage and eat something that’s toxic for them. This allows the bacteria or other toxins to enter their digestive system, resulting in bloody or watery diarrhea.
2. Changes in diet
Any unexpected or sudden change in your dog's diet can disrupt the digestive system, causing diarrhea. That’s why it’s recommended to transition them from their old food to their new food slowly over 7-10 days.
It’s also worth noting that any kind of digestive issues during a dietary transition will usually resolve within a few days.
3. Food intolerance or allergies
Allergies or intolerance to certain foods like gluten or lactose can cause digestive upset, resulting in diarrhea.
4. Bacterial or viral infection
Infections from common viruses like Parvovirus and Distemper, as well as bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, can cause gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea in dogs.
5. Ingesting foreign objects
If your dog has accidentally ingested a foreign object, like a toy or sock, it can disturb their digestive system, causing diarrhea. It can be a serious situation, depending on the size of the object. Thus it’s recommended to look out for additional signs of intestinal blockage like vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, weakness, or restlessness.
6. Parasites
Parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or Giardia, acquired through contaminated food, water, or soil, can also cause diarrhea in dogs. In some of these cases, you can even see worms in your dog's stool as white spots.
But if there aren’t any visible worms in the stool, you can look for other symptoms of parasites like weight loss, vomiting, weakness, respiratory issues, and malnutrition.
7. Medications
If your veterinarian has recently started a new medication for your dog, there’s a chance that they can get diarrhea as a side effect. In such cases, you can talk to your veterinarian about the side effects and solutions to correct the problem while on the medication or other medical options.
8. Stress or emotional distress
Stress, emotional distress, or anxiety caused due to any environmental changes or trauma can also trigger diarrhea in some dogs.
Additionally, dogs who are scared of loud noises, thunderstorms, or fireworks can also experience diarrhea. In this case, the problem will resolve on its own when the source of noise is eliminated or the dog feels more safe and calm.
9. Underlying health condition
Frequent or persistent diarrhea in dogs can be a sign of any underlying health issues, like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, liver diseases, kidney diseases, or thyroid disorders. This situation requires medical intervention for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Most cases of diarrhea in dogs can resolve on their own within a day or two. However, it’s still important to exercise caution and look out for additional signs that might indicate a bigger problem.
You should seek immediate veterinary help if:
the diarrhea is severe, frequent, or continuous and has lasted for more than 48 hours
there’s blood in their diarrhea
you notice other symptoms like loss of appetite, abdominal pain, bloating, weakness, fever, etc
you notice any significant behavioral changes like aggression or excessive whining
your dog has pre-existing health conditions
Remember that prompt veterinary visits can help prevent any unforeseen circumstances. So, if you notice anything unusual or you’re worried about the well-being of your dog, consult a veterinarian.
If your dog has experienced a single episode of diarrhea and is otherwise acting normal, there might not be any cause for immediate concern. In such cases, you can try some remedies listed below to help your dog:
1. Consider Fasting
Withholding food from your dog can sound harsh, but it can be beneficial when dealing with diarrhea. If you allow your dog to fast for at least 12 hours, it will help reduce the stimulation in the digestive system, giving it a chance to rest and recover.
However, it’s important to note that the fasting period shouldn’t last more than 12 to 24 hours unless specified by a veterinarian. Also, if you have a puppy or a dog with certain medical conditions, you shouldn’t make them fast without talking to a veterinarian.
2. Provide Water
Diarrhea can put a dog at risk of dehydration due to excessive fluid loss. If left unaddressed, this can lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening problem. Thus, you need to ensure your dog stays properly hydrated during episodes of diarrhea.
You should keep a bowl of fresh and clean drink water near them at all times. If they are reluctant to drink plain water, you can offer them some ice chips or cubes. Another option is to make rice water by boiling plain white rice in a ratio of 1 cup of rice to 4 cups of water.
This rice water can be really beneficial during times of diarrhea as it provides hydration and has a binding effect on the digestive tract. However, please remember to cool down the rice water before serving and refrain from adding any seasonings, as that can be harmful to your dog.
Also, try to use white rice instead of brown rice when making rice water, as it's easier to digest and has a lower fiber content, which can help provide relief to your dog’s digestive system.
3. Give a Bland Diet
After the fasting period is over, you should feed your dog a bland diet for 24 to 48 hours. The best option is to make some plain-cooked white rice, which is a digestible carbohydrate, with boiled chicken, which is a lean protein. This meal is easier to digest, nutritious, and gentle on the dog’s stomach. Plus, the moisture content and binding effect of rice will help your dog recover faster.
The exact amount of rice and chicken you can feed to your dog after diarrhea will vary depending on their size, age, and individual needs. However, as a general guideline, you should start with a very small amount, 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked white rice with 1/2 cup of shredded boiled chicken. You can adjust this portion size according to your dog’s weight and current situation.
If you’re completely uncertain about the appropriate portion sizes, it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian. Also, you should avoid feeding your dog a bland diet for more than 24-48 hours, as this diet doesn’t contain all the nutrients a dog needs.
4. Feed Them Some Vegetables
Apart from a bland diet, you can also give your dog other foods that are rich in dietary fibers, like plain pumpkin, as it will help regulate bowel movements and firm up the stool. But make sure that you’re offering them plain pumpkin that doesn’t contain any added sugars or seasonings.
Additionally, some veterinarians recommend feeding plain boiled white or sweet potatoes to dogs with diarrhea as these starchy foods help in binding your dog’s stool and make it firmer.
5. Offer Probiotics & Prebiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are also called good bacteria, as they help in promoting and supporting your dog’s gut health, digestion, and immune system. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are a source of food for the probiotics or the good bacteria.
Both probiotics and prebiotics can help treat diarrhea in dogs by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the gut and enhancing nutrient absorption. You can either feed your dog foods like dog-friendly yogurt that act as natural probiotics or consult with a veterinarian about adding probiotic and prebiotic supplements to their diet.
6. Take them to a Veterinarian
If you’re worried about your dog’s health and none of the home remedies are providing them relief from diarrhea, then you should seek medical expertise. You can take your dog to a veterinarian for a thorough examination to diagnose the underlying cause of the diarrhea.
They can help your dog by prescribing medications, administering fluid therapy, or recommending further diagnostic tests to identify and treat the specific issue that is causing diarrhea.
Although you cannot predict and prevent diarrhea at all times, you can take the following measures to improve your dog’s overall digestive health and reduce the occurrence of diarrhea:
Feed them a healthy and well-balanced diet
Give them regular exercise to promote their physical and mental health
Avoid making any sudden changes in their diet; if you want to feed them something new, transition gradually over 7-10 days
Don’t feed them table scraps, as that might contain food ingredients that are harmful to dogs
Make sure they are drinking enough water, especially during hot weather or after a play session
When going on a walk, don’t let them eat anything unknown or suspicious
Secure your garbage cans and store your household chemicals and medications in a location that is inaccessible to your dog
Try to minimize stress and anxiety in your dog's life by maintaining a safe and calm environment
Vaccinate your dog against common viruses
Practice good hygiene by maintaining a clean and sanitary environment for your dog
Schedule regular veterinarian check-ups to monitor your dog's overall health
There can be endless reasons why your dog has diarrhea. While in most cases, it’s a result of your dog eating something they shouldn’t have, in rare cases, it can also indicate serious problems like bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal blockage, or any other health issues.
If it’s a single episode of diarrhea with no other symptoms, there’s probably nothing to worry about, and you can take various measures at home to provide relief for your dog. For example, you can provide them with rice water to promote hydration and introduce a bland diet consisting of cooked rice and chicken to soothe their stomach.
But if they’re showing other signs of a bigger problem or diarrhea is persistent despite your efforts, you should consult with your veterinarian for further guidance.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about diarrhea in dogs:
1. What can I feed my dog with diarrhea?
Most vets recommend withholding food from your dog for 12 hours when they have diarrhea. During this time, you can provide them with fresh drinking water, ice chips, or rice water. Once your dog has started to recover from diarrhea, you can feed them a bland diet consisting of plain-cooked white rice, which is a digestible carbohydrate, and boiled chicken, which is a lean protein.
You can also give them some starchy vegetables that are rich in dietary fibers, like plain pumpkin and boiled sweet potatoes. Just make sure you aren’t adding any seasonings to these vegetables, as that can have a bad effect on your dog’s health.
2. What to give a dog with bloody diarrhea?
Bloody diarrhea in dogs can indicate a serious underlying problem. Thus, it’s best to avoid any home remedies and consult a veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog’s bloody diarrhea.
3. What kind of fruits and vegetables can I give to my dog with diarrhea?
It is unlikely that fruits will help improve your dog’s diarrhea, but you can give them some starchy vegetables that contain dietary fibers, like pumpkin and potatoes. These vegetables are easy to digest, and they help in binding your dog’s stool and making it firmer.
However, you should only feed your dog boiled and unseasoned potatoes because raw potatoes are much harder to digest, and they contain solanine, a toxin that can be harmful to dogs when eaten in large quantities.
4. What should I do if my dog's diarrhea doesn't resolve despite my efforts?
If your dog is experiencing frequent and persistent diarrhea, it can be a sign of a bigger problem, like bacterial or viral infections, parasites, allergies, or intestinal blockage. It can also be an indication of underlying health issues, like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, liver diseases, kidney diseases, or thyroid disorders. Or it could also be an issue with the type of food you are feeding.
Therefore, in such situations, you should consult with your veterinarian to identify the cause of your dog’s diarrhea.
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When it comes to choosing dog food, we’re spoiled with choices. There are so many options, from traditional extruded kibble, raw, fresh, and cold-pressed diets. It can be overwhelming to decide what's best for your dog.
What’s worse? There’s a lot of conflicting advice and deceptive marketing that make it even harder to determine the most appropriate diet for our furry friends. That’s why, in this article, we want to give you a comparison of different types of dog food and help you narrow down your options.
Let’s dive in.
Traditional kibble is a popular dry dog food that’s made by combining various ingredients, including a protein source (beef, chicken, fish), grains, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients. These ingredients are mixed together and then fed into an extruder, a machine that cooks and shapes the mixture under high pressure, heat, and steam.
This process is called extrusion, and it does affect the nutritional value and flavor of the raw ingredients. That’s why some manufacturers add extra vitamins and minerals prior to cooking, knowing that enough will remain after cooking to be nutritionally complete.
Some manufacturers also spray flavoring on the final product so that dogs will become more interested in eating the food. This spray is what gives kibble its distinctive smell.
Below are a few reasons why kibble is popular amongst pet owners:
1. Convenience
Kibble is readily available for dogs of all ages and breeds, making it a convenient and accessible option for pet owners. It’s also easy to store, measure, and feed to a dog as it doesn’t require refrigeration or safety precautions while handling.
2. Cost-Effective
Kibble is considered a cost-effective option for pet owners because it's a complete and balanced diet. This means that you won’t have to buy extra food supplements if you’re buying good-quality kibble that contains a balance of all nutrients.
3. Promotes Dental Health
Kibble has a hard and crunchy texture that helps in removing plaque and tartar buildup from your dog’s teeth. Chewing on kibble also helps stimulate the production of saliva, which can neutralize the harmful bacteria in a dog’s mouth. This reduces the risk of dental problems, including tooth decay, bad breath, and various periodontal disease.
Here’re some potential cons of feeding kibble to a dog:
1. Harder to Digest
Kibble is made by cooking and extruding food ingredients at high pressure, heat, and steam. As soon as the mixture leaves the extruder, it puffs up, and this form makes it more difficult for a dog to digest. When a dog eats kibble, it typically floats in the stomach, absorbs moisture, and expands.
Most pet parents who feed kibble have seen their dog throw up an hour or so after mealtime with large, bloated pieces of kibble still intact. The bloating of kibble in the stomach further slows down the digestion process and can cause digestive discomfort.
2. Lower Palatability
If your dog is a picky eater, you might struggle to find them a kibble that they enjoy. This is because the kibble industry has created many different flavor mixes to put on the outside of kibble to make it appetizing for dogs. Different dogs prefer different flavors and can also get tired of eating the same thing for an extended period of time.
3. Highly-Processed Ingredients
The extrusion method of making kibble involves using high heat, pressure, and steam, which is enough to break down and alter the natural composition of the raw food ingredients. In fact, some ingredients have been cooked multiple times by the time it is in its final form, further degrading the natural nutrients.
That’s why, in order to make the kibble nutritionally complete for a dog, manufacturers frequently use synthetic additives, such as vitamins and minerals. They add a higher percentage than is needed prior to cooking, knowing that most of them will burn off during the cooking process.
These additives do help in making kibble a well-balanced diet, but many believe that getting those nutrients from a natural source is more beneficial.
In recent years, raw dog food has become increasingly popular as pet owners consider it a more natural and wholesome option that mimics a dog's ancestral diet. However, most veterinarians, the FDA, and the CDC recommend against feeding raw food to a dog due to concerns regarding its safety and nutritional adequacy.
If you still want to feed your dog a raw diet, you can either prepare the meal from scratch with raw ingredients like meat, organs, eggs, bones, fruits, and vegetables, or you can buy commercially available frozen raw food, which usually requires thawing prior to feeding.
Whatever option you choose, you should be careful while handling and storing raw food to prevent bacterial contamination.
There’re very few studies and scientific evidence that can help in determining the true benefits of a raw food diet for dogs. But there’s some anecdotal evidence that suggests the following health benefits of feeding a raw food diet to a dog:
1. More Palatable
Raw food ingredients like meat and organs are more flavorful and aromatic than processed dry foods or kibble, which makes them more appetizing to dogs.
2. Prevents Allergic Reactions
Unlike kibble or any other commercially produced dog food, raw food diets usually avoid common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. This can help prevent an allergic reaction in dogs with food sensitivities. It can also help in managing various symptoms of a food allergy, such as digestive issues, skin irritation, and fur loss.
However, you should know that some dogs can still get an allergic reaction from certain types of meat or vegetables included in a typical raw food diet.
3. Improves the Skin & Coat Health
Pet owners who choose to feed their dogs a raw diet claim that they have seen an improvement in their dog’s skin and coat. It’s mainly because raw food contains a high amount of protein, which provides the essential amino acids required for building and repairing hair and skin cells.
Below are a few cons of feeding a raw food diet to a dog:
1. Risk of Bacterial Contamination
Raw food ingredients, including frozen ones, can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. This poses a risk to both dogs and humans, as it can cause foodborne illness, which can result in some serious health complications, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and in severe cases, organ failure.
2. Can Lead to Nutritional Imbalance
Dogs need a complete and well-balanced diet that contains protein, fats, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Providing too much or too little of certain nutrients, vitamins, or minerals can have negative effects on your dog's well-being.
If you’re feeding them raw food, you might struggle to find the right balance of all of these essential nutrients in their diet. You’ll need a thorough understanding of your dog’s nutritional needs as well as the nutritional content of various raw food ingredients.
Remember that failure to provide a well-balanced diet can have severe consequences, as it can result in nutritional deficiencies or imbalance and various other health problems.
3. Expensive
Good-quality raw food ingredients are often more expensive than other food options. Unless frozen, they also have a small shelf life, so if you don’t use them within their recommended timeframe, it could result in spoilage and wastage.
4. Risk of Choking
Raw food diets frequently contain bones, which can be a choking hazard for dogs, especially puppies and small-breed dogs. These bones can also splinter or break into sharp pieces, which can puncture a dog’s digestive system and cause internal bleeding.
5. Inconvenient for Pet Owners
Preparing a raw food diet for your dog requires a lot of time and effort. You need to plan ahead about sourcing the raw ingredients and prepare to handle those raw ingredients to prevent contamination. It also requires proper storage at the right temperature to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
Fresh dog food is popular among pet owners who prefer to feed their dog's whole-food ingredients that are free from preservatives, fillers, and other additives. This kind of meal requires minimal processing, and it’s made by mixing and cooking fresh meat, vegetables, grains, and other food ingredients.
Many pet owners prefer to cook their fresh dog food at home, which gives them complete control over the quality of the ingredients and the cooking process, while others prefer to buy vacuum-sealed fresh food packets that have been frozen.
Similar to raw dog food, there’s no conclusive scientific evidence that would state that fresh food is better or healthier than any other form of dog food. However, many pet owners claim that they have seen various health benefits of fresh food, including:
1. More Palatability
Fresh food can be more palatable for dogs as it contains minimally processed fresh ingredients that retain their natural smell and taste. It also contains more moisture than kibble, which can contribute to its increased palatability, as many dogs prefer moist food over dry food.
2. Whole Food Diet
Fresh food contains whole-food ingredients that are minimally processed and usually do not contain preservatives, fillers, or other additives.
Additionally, if your dog suffers from food sensitivities or allergies to certain additives or fillers, you can avoid the risk of an allergic reaction by cooking them a fresh food diet.
Below are a few cons of feeding fresh food to a dog:
1. Bacterial Contamination
Cooking fresh food at home involves handling raw meat and organs, which can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. If not handled properly, these bacteria can cause foodborne illnesses that may result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and in severe cases, organ failure in both dogs and humans.
2. Shorter Shelf Life
Since fresh dog food doesn’t contain preservatives, it has a shorter shelf life compared to commercial dog food. Depending on the ingredients and preparation method, fresh dog food can last anywhere from a few days to a week in the refrigerator.
3. Expensive
Buying good-quality raw ingredients to make fresh food or subscription services that deliver frozen fresh dog food to your doorstep are generally more expensive than commercial dog food.
Cold-pressed dog food is steadily gaining popularity amongst pet owners as a healthier and more nutritious food option. It’s a dry dog food made by gently mixing high-quality ingredients and then pressing them together at lower temperatures for just a few seconds. This method helps preserve more of the natural nutrients, flavors, vitamins, and minerals.
As a result, your dog gets minimally processed and nutrient-dense bite-sized pieces that combine the benefits of both raw and dry dog food.
Cold-pressed dog food has many benefits, including:
1. Easy Digestion
Cold-pressed dog food is gently pressed for only a few seconds, which allows it to break down quickly and naturally inside the stomach, making it easier for dogs to digest. Also, unlike kibble, cold-pressed food doesn't float or expand inside the stomach, which can help prevent digestive problems like bloating and vomiting. The food breaks down faster to allow for maximum nutrient absorption and minimal waste.
2. More Natural Nutrients
Cold-pressed dog food is prepared at almost 3x lower temperatures than dry kibble. This process helps in preserving the natural nutrients, flavor, and aroma of the ingredients. It also eliminates the need for additional flavors to be sprayed on that are added to traditional extruded kibble to enhance its appeal to dogs.
3. High Palatability
Since cold-pressed dog food is not subjected to high pressure and high temperature, it retains more of a natural taste and scent, making it appetizing to dogs. Additionally, the use of minimally processed high-quality food ingredients also contributes to the palatability of cold-pressed dog food.
While there are many health benefits of feeding cold-pressed food to a dog, the biggest potential drawback to consider is its:
1. Limited Availability
Cold-pressed dog food is relatively new (especially in the US market), which means that it may not be as widely available in stores near your home. However, you should be able to find good-quality cold-pressed food online.
2. Higher cost vs. kibble
The availability of cold-pressed dog food brands is somewhat limited, mainly due to the higher cost of sourcing high-quality ingredients compared to large kibble manufacturers. However, it's anticipated that prices will gradually decrease as cold-pressed food gains popularity.
Ultimately, the best choice of food will depend on your dog’s individual needs. But as a responsible pet owner, it's important that you compare the various food options and evaluate their pros and cons before making a decision.
You can stick to kibble if you prefer the convenience and affordability, but keep in mind that it's heavily processed and may not be as nutrient-dense as other types of dog food. Both raw and fresh dog food can be a better option as they contain more natural nutrients, but they bring the risk of bacterial contamination, and their nutritional adequacy is uncertain.
On the other hand, cold-pressed dog food offers a nutritionally rich and minimally processed alternative for your dog, but it's not as widely available at local stores. Nevertheless, you can purchase cold-pressed dog food online.
If you still have any further doubts about what’s best for your dog, we recommend you consult with a veterinarian.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about different types of dog food:
1. Is raw food better for dogs than kibble?
Both raw dog food and kibble have some advantages and disadvantages. While kibble is a more convenient and affordable option for pet owners, it’s made using high heat, pressure, and steam, which breaks down and alters the natural composition of the raw ingredients, reduces its nutritional value, and necessitates the usage of additives for a balanced diet.
Raw food, on the other hand, contains more natural nutrients than kibble, but it also brings the risk of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance. It can also be inconvenient to handle and store raw food for your dog.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your dog’s needs and preferences. In case of any confusion regarding your dog's diet, we recommend you consult a veterinarian for proper guidance.
2. Is cold-pressed food better for dogs than raw food?
Both raw dog food and cold-pressed dog food contain more natural nutrients, flavor, and texture than traditional kibble dog food. But feeding raw food to a dog can be inconvenient for many pet owners, and it also poses a risk of bacterial contamination.
Cold-pressed dog food is a good alternative as it’s made by using a gentle, low-heat process that kills the bacteria but retains the natural nutrients and enzymes in the ingredients and is free of pathogens such as Salmonella and E.coli. It’s also a more convenient option because it’s a dry dog food that doesn’t require refrigeration and is more shelf stable.
3. Do vets recommend a raw diet?
Most veterinarians do not recommend feeding a raw diet to a dog because of the risk of bacterial contamination with harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. If you are making your own raw food diet, vets could have concerns regarding the nutritional adequacy of the diet.
Source:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/feed-my-dog-fresh-raw-food-or-dog-kibble/
Puppies are adorable, but they’re also a lot of work. From providing healthy meals to ensuring their safety, training, and socialization, there is a never-ending list of responsibilities for puppy parents.
And as if all this wasn’t enough, a common challenge that can catch you off guard is the dreaded diarrhea. It’s a messy and concerning situation that requires immediate attention. But why does a puppy have diarrhea? Surprisingly, there can be many reasons for this, and in this article, we’ll uncover the most common ones.
Below we have listed the 6 most common reasons why a puppy can get diarrhea and how you can help them:
Puppies have a sensitive digestive system, and they can experience diarrhea due to any sudden change in the diet. That’s why it’s recommended to always introduce them to a new food gradually. This allows their body to adjust to the new change and reduces the risk of any digestive problems, such as diarrhea.
It’s also worth noting that diarrhea can also be a symptom of food allergies or intolerance. If you have recently introduced them to a new type of food and they are experiencing diarrhea with other symptoms like swelling, itchiness, vomiting, or sneezing, then they might be experiencing an allergic reaction.
What Should You Do?
If your puppy has diarrhea due to a change in their diet, then it will most likely go away on its own in a few days as they adapt to the new diet or once you switch back to their previous diet. But if the diarrhea is caused due to an allergic reaction to the new food, then you should consult with a veterinarian and discuss the cause of your puppy's allergies.
A puppy is more susceptible to bacterial infection since they have an underdeveloped immune system that cannot always help them fight off dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Clostridium.
If your puppy gets exposed to these pathogens through contaminated food, water, or their environment, they could experience diarrhea as one of the symptoms. Some other symptoms that can confirm a bacterial infection include vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, increased irritability, abdominal pain, and restlessness.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect your puppy has a bacterial infection, you should consult with a veterinarian immediately. They can help your puppy by conducting a thorough examination and providing the necessary treatment as per their health condition.
A young and unvaccinated puppy is more vulnerable to contracting a viral infection from other infected animals, contaminated surfaces, or contaminated food and water.
Some common viruses that can affect them include:
Parvovirus: It’s a highly contagious virus that primarily targets the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe and persistent diarrhea.
Rotavirus: This viral infection causes inflammation of the intestines, which can lead to diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. It’s considered a self-limiting infection that can resolve on its own in a few days or a week. However, it’s still necessary to consult with a veterinarian, especially if you have a younger puppy.
Distemper: This is a fatal viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV). It’s often caused by direct contact with infected animals and can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including diarrhea.
Canine Coronavirus: It’s not the same as Covid-19, as it’s caused by different types of coronaviruses that primarily affect dogs and can cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
What Should You Do?
To identify a viral infection, you should keep a close eye on your puppy’s symptoms and note any changes in their behavior, appetite, or energy levels. In case of a viral infection, you’ll see symptoms like fever, coughing, vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, loss of appetite, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and seizures.
If you notice these signs in your puppy, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Furthermore, to prevent a viral infection, you should make sure that your puppy receives proper vaccinations. These vaccines are highly effective in protecting them against deadly viral diseases. You should consider consulting a veterinarian to know more about the appropriate vaccines for your puppy and avoid dog parks until your puppy has had their vaccinations.
Puppies can also experience stress, anxiety, and emotional distress that can affect their bowel movements, leading to diarrhea. Some common stress-inducing situations for puppies can include:
Environmental changes like being exposed to unfamiliar surroundings or moving to a new home
Being separated from their mother or their primary caregiver
Meeting new animals or people
Sudden or unfamiliar loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks
Sudden changes in daily routine like feeding times or exercise schedules
What Should You Do?
If your puppy is experiencing diarrhea due to stress, you can try to comfort them by creating a safe space to relax. If possible, you should also try to minimize their exposure to stressful stimuli, like by taking them away from the source of loud noises and chaotic environments.
If your puppy's stress persists, you might have to visit a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist to determine the cause of their distress.
A puppy's natural instinct tells them to explore their environment with their mouths, which can often lead to accidental ingestion of potentially harmful objects. It’s a very common issue, and it can result in a range of problems, including intestinal blockage and diarrhea.
The severity of diarrhea and other symptoms would depend on what kind of object or toxic product they have eaten. For example, if your puppy has eaten toxic food from the garbage, you might notice signs of food poisoning, like vomiting, abdominal pain, and dehydration. Whereas if they have ingested a small object like a toy, you’ll notice signs of intestinal blockage like loss of appetite, constipation, and lethargy.
What Should You Do?
Ingestion of toxic human food from garbage or any foreign object can be a serious situation that requires immediate veterinary attention. It’s even dangerous if you don’t know what kind of food your puppy has eaten from the garbage because it can be anything toxic, from chocolate, onions, or grapes. These human foods can lead to various complications, including gastrointestinal upset, seizures, and organ damage.
Furthermore, the spoiled or molded food in the garbage can harbor bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli and parasites like roundworms or Giardia. Eating it would increase the risk of bacteria or parasite contamination for your puppy.
Parasites are common in puppies, and they can be acquired from various sources in their environment, like through other infected animals, contaminated soil, water, or feces. Some puppies are even born with parasites if their mother was infected.
Some common types of parasites that can affect your puppies include roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia. Once inside the body, these parasites often cause irritation and inflammation in your puppy’s intestines, leading to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.
What Should You Do?
Parasites often lead to a range of gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, abdominal pain, and pot belly accompanied by malnutrition, weight loss, lethargy, and dehydration. If you notice your puppy is showing any of these signs, you should consult with a veterinarian promptly. They’ll suggest the right treatments and deworming protocol as per your puppy's conditions.
If your puppy had a single episode of diarrhea without any other sign of illness, you might not have to visit a vet. You just need to monitor the situation closely and contact your veterinarian when you notice something unusual, like a change in their behavior or energy levels.
However, there are certain situations that require immediate veterinary help, such as:
The diarrhea is severe or frequent and has lasted for more than 12-24 hours
It’s accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite
There’s blood in your puppy's diarrhea
There are signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry gums, and reduced urine
Your puppy has a preexisting health condition or is on medications
You suspect that your puppy has eaten toxic human food or swallowed a foreign object
You suspect the diarrhea is caused due to bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection
Remember that a prompt veterinary visit in any of these cases will help prevent any unforeseen circumstances.
It isn’t possible to completely prevent diarrhea in puppies as it can be caused by various factors. However, the following measures can help you improve their overall digestive health and reduce the occurrence of diarrhea:
Provide them with a healthy and age-appropriate diet
When introducing them to a new food, do it gradually and keep an eye on an allergic reaction
Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise while training your puppy
Create a safe, calm, and secure environment for your puppy to grow and thrive
Gradually expose them to new experiences, like meeting new people and other animals
Clean and disinfect your puppy’s living area, including their water bowls and toys
Talk to your veterinarian about adding probiotics and prebiotics to your puppy’s diet, as they can help the beneficial gut bacteria and promote digestive health
Puppy-proof your home by securing the garbage bins and storing the household chemicals and medications in a location that is inaccessible to your puppy
Provide them with chew toys to satisfy their natural chewing instincts and prevent them from ingesting something dangerous
Keep up with their vaccination schedule
Schedule regular veterinarian check-ups to monitor their overall health
Diarrhea in puppies can be caused due to various reasons, including a mild digestive upset to a more serious health condition. As a responsible puppy parent, you should monitor their situation, look out for other accompanying signs, and take appropriate measures.
If you suspect your puppy’s diarrhea is caused by a sudden change in their diet, then consider going back to the old diet and introducing the new food slowly and gradually. But if you suspect the cause of diarrhea to be a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection, take your puppy to a vet immediately.
Remember that every puppy is unique, and the causes of their health problems, including diarrhea, can vary depending on various factors. If you’re concerned about their overall health and well-being, you should consider consulting a veterinarian to determine what your puppy needs and how you can give them a happy and healthy life.
1. Why do puppies get diarrhea?
Puppies can experience diarrhea due to a variety of reasons, including bacterial infection, viral infection, stress, parasites, and ingestion of garbage or foreign objects. That’s why you should keep an eye out for the accompanying symptoms to determine the underlying problem.
However, when diarrhea persists for more than 12-24 hours or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should take your puppy to a veterinarian.
2. Is it normal for puppies to have diarrhea?
Puppies have a sensitive digestive system and an underdeveloped immune system that increases the chances of digestive problems. Thus, they can experience occasional diarrhea, but it should not be persistent or too frequent.
In case your puppy is experiencing a lot of diarrhea regularly, you should consult a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
3. What to do if my puppy has diarrhea?
If you have a young and unvaccinated puppy who is experiencing diarrhea, you should avoid any home remedies and consult a veterinarian immediately. However, if you have a slightly older puppy and they have experienced a single episode of diarrhea, you should monitor their conditions and keep an eye out for the accompanying symptoms.
You should consult with a veterinarian if your puppy is also experiencing additional symptoms that might indicate a bigger underlying health problem.
4. Why does my dog have diarrhea all the time?
If your puppy is experiencing diarrhea all the time, then it can be an indication of a bigger health problem, like an infection, parasites, or stress. In such cases, you should consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.
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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
