Rendez Doodles & Moyen Poodles

08/16/2024

Why not take your dog over to visit a Maine Beach. There are lots of beaches in Maine that allow dogs. Many have specific hours, particularly during the busy season, and you should always be aware of the rules and be prepared to clean up after your dog. Check out visitmaine.net for a list of dog friendly beaches on the Maine coast. Have fun! 👣 🐾

08/16/2024

💙 🐶 🐾

08/15/2024

08/06/2024

Tips & Tricks
The simple things that make all the difference!

Puppy biting is natural and a common concern of most new puppy parents – as this is how dogs play. Puppies have VERY sharp teeth, which can be quite painful if and when they get a hold of you. For a healthy and happy canine companionship, your puppy must learn to have a softer mouth… Here are a few of our TIPS & TRICKS:

Be ready with exciting canine chew toys to keep them busy when biting or use these as redirecting tools when needed.

When your puppy bites you during play, it's important to send a clear message that this behavior is not acceptable. Simply walk away. They want your attention, so teach them they only get it if they play nicely. Use timeouts and exercise pens to create space barriers, reinforcing the message that biting is not okay.

Only give them a treat when they lick it from your hand – never when using their teeth. Hold the treat firm and be patient. They will figure it out. You can practice holding onto a treat in your fist, waiting until your puppy leaves your fist alone (no pawing, biting, licking) then mark, “YES” and give them the treat. Repeat but this time, count to (3) once they stop trying to get the treat before marking, “YES” and giving the treat. Then work up to 5, 7, 10, 20 seconds of waiting patiently for the treat. When you do give the treat, they must lick it from your hand. If they use their teeth, hold onto it until their tongue comes out. Remember, patience is key in this process, and your persistence will pay off.

Show your puppy what TO DO. Don't wait for them to bite; when they come running your way, direct them into a sit, mark and reward! Move a few feet away and repeat. Puppies only know dog behavior, so we must show them what behaviors we like.

For more help check out our Puppy Biting program! You'll find it in our Members Only area. You may also schedule a 1-1 session with our trainers to talk specifics. We want you to be successful at raising your canine companion. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions.

Happy Training,
Amy & Team

08/05/2024

Commercial Raw Diets and Food Sensitivities
August 4, 2024 / Nutrition / By Dodds

It’s true that the health and vigor of dogs and cats fed raw diets “shine” in all respects. Commercial raw diets generally have less ingredients, less additives compared to kibbles, more organic ingredients, and more responsibly sourced meat proteins. Raw food absorbability is also greater and it is less processed.

It has also been postulated that raw diets cure food sensitivities such as itching and irritable bowel disorders. So if a veterinary colleague of mine suggests a raw diet and your companion animal improves:

your pet could have had a reaction to specific proteins in the kibble;
kibble processing; or,
kibble additives/preservatives.
This method is similar to a food elimination trial and leads to the quagmire of trying to figure out which one was causing the assault on your pet’s system.

In our book, Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog for Optimum Health, Diana Laverdure and I state:

“Raw food may also pose much less risk of allergic reaction than its cooked counterparts. In saliva studies of allergic people, researchers found that there was a five times greater allergenic reaction to the exact same food when eaten processed versus in its raw, unaltered form. This makes sense, since cooking food breaks down its cellular integrity and exposes neo-antigens (new antigens) that were not there in the original raw form.

If we extrapolate these findings to our canine companions, we can surmise that commercially prepared kibble or canned foods—both of which are cooked at high temperatures—may also be exposing neo-antigens created through the heating process. While still nutritious, these foods could pose a higher risk of a dietary intolerance or immune reaction, especially for animals with already compromised immune systems.”

Note: I emphasize the words “may” and “process”. So, it is not the protein itself but may be how the protein is processed.

Let’s compare this to pizza that you may eat. You may have deduced that one brand of frozen hamburger pizza makes you queasy but another brand of frozen hamburger pizza does not do this. Why does it make you queasy?

Is it the additives or preservatives added?
Is it the ingredient(s) – tomato sauce, crust, hamburger, or cheese?
Is it from what the meat source was fed – soy, grass, corn?
Is it from the processing?
Is it a little bit of everything?
You are not too sure, but this is what you recognize so you avoid the first brand altogether. Unfortunately, your dog or cat cannot tell you this off the bat and it may take a few days to realize a reaction is occurring, but to what? That’s the stumper.

Identifying the Protein

Hemopet’s food sensitivity and intolerance test, Nutriscan, measures IgA and IgM antibodies in a dog or a cat’s saliva.

By detecting high IgA and IgM antibody levels, NutriScan is able to identify changes in the dog or cat’s gene expression when faced with the reactive food, enabling the test to clearly identify the specific protein(s) causing the problem in any diet from cooked to raw.

In essence, NutriScan would precisely tell you what ingredients of the pizza your pet cannot have: crust, meat(s), feed fed to the meat source, or cheese. However, we DO NOT suggest you feed your pet pizza. This analogy is just so you can relate personally to what your pet might be going through.

We can go on and on about this subject, but believe that a client says it best.

Shai NutriScanI had the NutriScan test done after recommendations from my awesome vet in Michigan, Nicole Leveque. We have a now 4 ½ yr old rescue, part Brittany, Pekinese, Yorkie mix. He was itching and biting himself, from his paws to his flanks. I knew it was food “allergies” from the reading I did, but trying unusual species like goat, venison, rabbit, and kangaroo proved to be a crap shoot. I read one doctor’s advice that said if a dog has not been exposed to the food before, they will not exhibit allergy symptoms…not true at all!! I also tried 100% raw diet, as another vet claimed if the dog was fed raw would not exhibit allergies…not true!! Thank GOD we found you and did the saliva food test, and also the blood environmental. Our beloved Shai was so allergic, Dr. Leveque said most she had ever seen! Shai was allergic to EVERY grass possible, including pollen and ragweed. In addition, he was (is) highly allergic to all poultry, venison, rabbit, and fish with the exception of salmon. Shai can safely have lamb, beef, peanut butter, salmon, and eggs. We are eternally grateful to you and your team for restoring Shai’s health and welfare!

08/05/2024

Mark your calenders! We're having our rabies clinic at the Norway Fire Station on Saturday September 21st from 9am to 11am.

08/05/2024

It's HOT out there! ☀️ 🔥 Please be cautious about having your dog accompany you to outdoor events (especially if they are on pavement!) and be sure they have lots of shade and fresh water when they do need to be outside. Do you know how to recognize signs of heat stroke in dogs?

If you observe these signs, get your dog out of the heat and to a veterinarian immediately - heat stroke can escalate fast!

Read more about it here: https://otto.vet/pawsitive-heatwave-solutions/

08/05/2024

When you adopt siblings there is a possibility that one will develop littermate syndrome where they look to their littermate for guidance.

08/05/2024

** UPDATE 8/8/24 ** Nike is still missing from Newry. Please call
at Heidi at 207-890-1932 if you see or have any information on Nike.

** 8/5/24 ** LOST DOG - NEWRY, ME

Nike, a brown and beige pug lab mix is missing from her home on Old Durgin Road. She is 13 years old and weighs 18 pounds.

Nike is SHY - DO NOT CALL OR CHASE HER. If you see Nike or have any information call Heidi at 207-890-1932.
Harvest Hills Animal Shelter

08/05/2024

🚨📌 BEWARE OF KIBBLE MARKETING TRICKS! 🚨📌

Animal protein should be the first ingredient in any quality pet food—ideally, the first two ingredients. But kibble marketers know this and use it to trick you into thinking their food is higher in protein than it really is.

Here’s the catch: The ingredient list shows items from most to least by weight, but this weight is measured before the food is processed. Fresh meats, like chicken or beef, contain a lot of water, while meals, like chicken meal or beef meal, don’t.

When kibble is made, fresh chicken might be listed as the first ingredient. But remember, chicken is about 70% water. Once processed, it loses most of its weight, which means the actual protein content from chicken ends up being much lower in the final product.

For example, if a food lists chicken as 40% of the ingredients, after drying, it might only be 12% chicken. The rest? Likely corn meal or other fillers. 🌽

Want to decode more kibble marketing tricks and ensure your pet gets the best nutrition? Learn more here:https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/3-bullhit-moves-revealed-pet-foods-hide-crappy-proteins/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEaCiZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSMaqJ3Cxx9vps8e4KaIMtkXRZJ4UimWXdhYUUXwN5owOPuSTddf7g-ABw_aem_KmH0XN8O8Xi1XJVnV7Os4A

07/29/2024

Ruby & Grover Australian Labradoodles-ready for homes 8-18-24

07/28/2024

Whole Dog Journal‘s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on dog food, training, behavior, health, and more.

07/28/2024

It turns out your pup can tell — er, smell — when you're overwhelmed.

https://the-wildest.visitlink.me/eEG86T

07/28/2024

Dog tracking devices are devices that can be placed on a dogs collar or harness to collect positional data and transmit it.

07/28/2024

The CDC's new dog importation regulations impose specific requirements on all dogs entering the U.S. starting Aug. 1, 2024. Learn more.

07/28/2024

Reunited 7/25/2024! Sloan made friends with another dog at a nearby farm and the folks there were able to contain her in a car. Welcome home, Sloan!

Missing Mixed breed 18 month old Female from the area of Marshall Conservation area in North Conway NH. Please do not chase. Sloan is visiting the area and got spooked and bolted. 1-855-639-5678

07/28/2024

Ruby & Grover Australian labradoodle puppies. So much fun at 5 weeks! They will grow to 35-40lbs. Medium. Ready for homes 8-18-24.Call or text for more info 207-653-3321 @

07/21/2024

There are four girls and three boys, and will grow to approximately 35-40lbs. Four available now❤️

07/21/2024

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) in Dogs
July 13, 2024 / Nutrition / By Dodds
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat in Dogs
Bloat is a life-threatening emergency that affects dogs in the prime of their life. The mortality rate for gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) approaches 50 percent. The keys to survival are early recognition and prompt treatment.

Anatomy of Bloat

Bloat occurs initially when the stomach suddenly distends with gas and fluid. Them the distended stomach rotates on its long axis, a result called volvulus. As the spleen is attached to the wall of the stomach, it rotates as well.

Not all cases of gastric dilatation become complicated by volvulus. The stomach can undergo torsion, and twist 180 degrees or less, whereas a full volvulus is a twist of 180-360 degrees or more.

The pylorus portion of the stomach is pulled out of position during volvulus, and becomes displaced to the left of the junction of the esophagus and stomach. This squeezes down the duodenum, which prevents fluid and air from escaping the stomach via the pylorus. At the same time, the esophageal-stomach junction is twisted and obstructed, preventing the dog from belching gas and vomiting. Thus, gas and fluid are trapped in the closed-off stomach, which becomes hugely distended as the food ferments. The stomach wall undergoes necrosis once the blood supply is compromised.

This sequence of events typically leads rapidly to acute dehydration, bacterial septicemia, circulatory shock, cardiac arrhythmias, gastric perforation, peritonitis and death.

Bloat usually occurs in middle-aged to older dogs, but can occur at any age. There is often a familial or breed association. Large-breed dogs with deep chests are anatomically predisposed, and include:

Great Dane
German Shepherd Dog
Saint Bernard
Labrador Retriever
Irish Wolfhound
Great Pyrenees
Boxer
Weimaraner
Old English Sheepdog
Irish Setter
Collie
Bloodhound
Akita
Borzoi
Bullmastiff
Chow Chow
Curly Coated Retriever
Scottish Deerhound
German Longhaired Pointer
Grand Bleu de Gastogne
Mastiff
Neopolitan Mastiff
Newfoundland
Bernese Mountain Dog
Doberman Pinscher
Gordon Setter
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Greyhound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Standard Poodle
Chinese Shar-Pei and the Basset Hound have the highest incidence among mid-size dogs. Small dogs are rarely affected, with the exception of the Dachshund varieties, who are also deep-chested.

The clinical history of bloat cases often includes a sudden onset in a healthy, active dog. He may have just eaten a large meal, exercised vigorously before or after eating, or had a large amount of liquid immediately after eating.

Signs of Bloat

The classic signs of bloat are restlessness and pacing, salivation, retching, frequent attempts to vomit, and an enlarging abdomen. The dog may whine or groan when you press on his belly. Thumping on the abdomen produces a hollow sound, like a kettle drum.

Unfortunately, not all cases of bloat present with classical signs. In the early stage, the dog may not appear distended, although the abdomen usually feels slightly tight. The dog appears lethargic, is obviously uncomfortable, walks stiff-legged, and may hang his head. At this stage, one cannot distinguish dilatation from volvulus.

Late signs of impending shock are obvious, including pale gums and tongue, delayed capillary refill time, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, rapid and labored breathing, weakness, and collapse.

Treating Bloat

Whenever there is even a slight suspicion of bloat, take the dog immediately to a veterinary hospital. If is too late for that, be brave and take a clean, sharp knife and insert it quickly into the bloated side of the dog to let the trapped gas escaped from his distended stomach. This emergency procedure has saved lives – then immediately go to the closest veterinary hospital.

At the veterinary clinic, gastric dilatation without torsion or volvulus is relieved by passing a long rubber or plastic tube through the dog’s mouth into the stomach. As the tube enters the dog’s stomach, a rush of air and fluid from the tube will bring relief. The stomach is then washed out. The dog should not eat or drink for the next 36 hours, and will need to be supported with intravenous fluids. If symptoms do not return, the regular diet can be gradually restored.

In contrast to simple dilatation, abdominal x-rays reveal a normal gas pattern but an excess amount of it in the stomach. With volvulus, however, x-rays have a “double bubble” gas pattern, with gas appearing in two sections separated by the twisted tissue.

In volvulus cases, emergency surgery is required as soon as the dog is stable enough for anesthesia. At surgery, the stomach and spleen are re-positioned, unless there is necrosis which requires removing the spleen and even a portion of the stomach.

Preventing Bloat

The risk of recurrence for dogs responding to nonsurgical treatment is 70%. For that reason, dog caregivers and breeders may elect to have the dog’s stomach tacked down to the rib cage to prevent volvulus (gastropexy). Other preventives measures are critical, and include:

Divide the day’s ration into 3 equal meals, spaced well apart.
Do not use a raised food bowl.
Avoid dry dog food.
If you cannot avoid dry dog, moisten it.
Avoid food high in fat (listed in the first 4 ingredients on the label).
Avoid foods that contain citric acid.
Limit water intake.
Restrict access to water for 1 hour before and after meals.
Never let the dog drink a large amount of water all at once.
Avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach.
Research

Bloat is a prime example of the complicated interplay between genetics and environment. Environment not only refers to surroundings, but also to lifestyle and food. Indeed, a small retrospective study from 1996 found that 60% of dogs with bloat also had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While research is ongoing to discover if the two diseases originate from a common cause, whether one influences the other, or if they so happen to exist independently but work together; we still do not have a definitive answer.

One may argue that at least two genes were associated with both disorders in one study (Harkey et al.), but that study focused on Great Danes.

Another study (Piras et al.) highlighted that not all breeds are alike and the complexity of bloat. This study identified multiple cross-breed and breed-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs – variation at a single position in a DNA sequence) associated with disease protection or pathogenicity of bloat specifically.

A similar Great Dane study (Hullar et al.) demonstrated that the microbiome in patients with bloat was impacted or associated with certain innate and adaptive immunity genes by co-examining gut bacteria abundance and diversity in f***s between controls and dogs with bloat.

We do not disagree that these associations show that immune-related genes may play a role in predisposition to bloat by altering the gut microbiome. However, this second Great Dane study found no significant association between dietary intake and bloat simply by comparing the amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, crude fiber, calories and age between the control group and dogs with bloat. They did not account for the type of food (raw, kibble, canned, etc.), or sources of protein, fiber, carbohydrates or fat. Conventional and traditional veterinary clinical experience over the years has shown that wet foods can help prevent episodes of bloat. In essence, they are looking at it from a nutrient-fed perspective yet dismissing nutrient source and absorption, and how genes could interact with those two factors.

References

Gazzola, Krista M, and Laura L Nelson. “The relationship between gastrointestinal motility and gastric dilatation-volvulus in dogs.” Topics in companion animal medicine vol. 29,3 (2014): 64-6. doi:10.1053/j.tcam.2014.09.006, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1938973614000415?via%3Dihub.

Harkey, Michael A et al. “Associations between gastric dilatation-volvulus in Great Danes and specific alleles of the canine immune-system genes DLA88, DRB1, and TLR5.” American journal of veterinary research vol. 78,8 (2017): 934-945. doi:10.2460/ajvr.78.8.934, https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/78/8/ajvr.78.8.934.xml.

Hullar, Meredith A J et al. “The canine gut microbiome is associated with higher risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus and high risk genetic variants of the immune system.” PloS one vol. 13,6 e0197686. 11 Jun. 2018, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0197686, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5995382/.

Piras, Ignazio S et al. “Identification of Genetic Susceptibility Factors Associated with Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus.” Genes vol. 11,11 1313. 5 Nov. 2020, doi:10.3390/genes11111313, https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/11/11/1313.

Understanding Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or “Bloat,” AKC Canine Health Foundation, https://www.akcchf.org/canine-health/top-health-concerns/bloat/understanding-bloat.html.

Originally Published: March 22, 2015

Updated: May 18, 2024

Understanding Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or Bloat A Review of the Current Peer Reviewed Literature

07/09/2024

Ruby3/Grovers Australian Labradoodle babes are two weeks old now!

06/26/2024

It’s that time of year again when fireworks are getting set to go off, and summertime thunderstorms are prevalent. Is your pup ready? Loud noises may scare dogs to the point they run off, hide in fear, or become unable to function. Their survival instincts tell them to do so.

This behavior can be avoided by simply socializing your puppy to loud noises and sounds while they are young, keeping each interaction short and positive. Start now, well before the fireworks are going off. Find anything that makes noise and introduce your pup to it one sound at a time. Be creative, but make sure not to do too much at once. Mix it up throughout the week and ALWAYS give high-value rewards when the loud sounds come out. Stay happy and calm as that will help your pup do the same. When you are calm, they are more likely to be calm. Set your puppy up for success by dropping items on carpet first to dampen sounds, then varying heights once you move to dropping items on hard floors so that the sounds start out quietly.

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in training your puppy to be comfortable with loud noises. Have a friend help you. They can drop the item while you start as far away from the sound as possible, treating your puppy once they hear the sound. Gradually work your way closer and closer to the sound. Do NOT try to scare your puppy. If at any point your puppy stops taking the treat, they are too nervous. So, create space, lessen the sound so it is not as loud, and then gradually build up to getting closer and closer to the loud noises. Also, NEVER force your pup to investigate or move closer. If they startle, simply act confidently and move past whatever is scaring them. Reward them for looking to you for a treat or toy. TIP: I like to play games my puppy loves while the noise is going on around them to keep them relaxed and happy. Play is a powerful motivator in training!

There are many ways to socialize your puppy to loud noises. Bang pots and pans, shoot cap guns, wave tinfoil around your pup. Try playing rock music at different volumes, simulating car doors shutting, vacuums, paper shredders, engines of: lawn mowers, snow blowers, 4-wheelers or motorcycles, CD’s with thunder recordings, chimes, bells, drums, etc. These activities, when done in short and positive sessions, can help your puppy become familiar with a variety of loud sounds. Remember, it’s the quickest way to build success. Do not try to socialize your puppy to every sound at once.

On the night of the actual fireworks or thunder storm, plan to stay a fair distance away from the chaos, depending on how much you could socialize your pup beforehand. Have a plan B ready to go in case your pup shows signs of fear. We do not want the night to be a negative experience AT ALL. For example, if your pup is fearful outside in the dark with loud noises and crowds of people, move inside or drive a few blocks away where the sounds may still be heard but not as loud. If a storm is happening, ensure your puppy is with you inside the house. Play their favorite game or offer high-value rewards to redirect their focus onto something positive. You know your pup best, so be observant of how they are acting and do your best to keep them calm and confident!

Happy Training,
Amy & Team

06/23/2024

Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets
June 16, 2024 / Nutrition / By Dodds
Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets
Mushrooms are fascinating fungi. Think about it: certain mushrooms are the only straight, out of the ground fungi we and our companion pets can eat. Indeed, they are a member of only a handful of fungi like yeast that can be found in foods or are used to make foods such as cheese and bread. Mushrooms, though, are more complex than that; the kingdom of fungi, also called fungus kingdom, is filled with edible, hallucinogenic, poisonous and medicinal mushrooms.

Similar to fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, mushrooms are packed full of certain and essential vitamins, minerals, and have important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, mushrooms have been used by in folk medicines and also served as medicines prior to the development and use of pharmaceuticals for millennia. Nowadays, fungi also are used to make antibiotics, which doctors may use to treat bacterial infections. The resurgence of holistic medicine for people, pets and other species has brought the wondrous properties of mushrooms back into the spotlight as alternatives to more conventional practices.

The use of mushrooms to treat certain ailments is still a science that needs to be applied wisely. Therefore, we recommend you consult with an integrative veterinarian or physician before using them. Additionally, sourcing – regarding harvesting and processing – is always a consideration with any food or herb. Mushroom species can accumulate high concentrations of heavy metals and pesticides. Thus, contamination with toxic compounds may offset whatever potential health benefits they have to offer.

Popular Medicinal Mushrooms

Chaga – Supports the immune system and has anti-cancer properties
Cordyceps – Proven beneficial in some human and animal asthma patients
Maitake – Anti-cancer properties
Reishi – Stimulates and supports the immune system
Shiitake – Contains phytochemicals known to support the immune system and cellular functions
Turkey Tail or Yun zhi – Proven to improve survival in canine hemangiosarcoma patients
Functional Components of Mushrooms

Beta-glucans are the most medicinally-beneficial compound found in mushrooms. They make up to 50% of the cell wall structure of fungi and yeast, and are also found in the cell walls of seaweed and grains. Beta-glucans are polymers of glucose and are of varying lengths and degrees of branching that convey special properties to each fungus and yeast.

Once they are ingested, beta-glucans bind to receptors on the intestinal macrophages (a phagocytic white blood cell), which then carry them to other organs such as spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow and reticuloendothelial tissues. The macrophages metabolize the beta-glucans glucans into smaller, more immunologically active metabolites which bond to and activate the complement receptors on bone marrow granulocytes (stem cells), thus increasing immune competence.

Alpha-glucans are also present in the fungal cell wall. They provide nourishment for sporulation, and help to prolong the survival of the spores by blocking their oxygen intake which slows their metabolism. Alpha-glucans, unlike beta-glucans, are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom, and are not specific to yeast, fungi, grain and seaweed.

These molecules that make up the cell wall of fungi and yeast provide a specific factor that allows them to be recognized not only by other yeast and fungi, but also by other plants, humans and animals. This recognition of fungi and yeast is an innate immune response that exists in both plants and animals to protect them from the old and ongoing threat of fungal invasion, infection, and even death. It is the branched chain beta-glucans, mannans and glycoproteins that provide the molecular recognition factors that trigger the protective immune responses.

Other compounds found in the cytoplasm of the mushroom cell include: terpenes, alkaloids, sterols, phenolic compounds, proteins and fatty acids. The triterpenoids of Chaga and Ganoderma spp. have some potent medicinal properties, such as hepatoprotective, lipid lowering, antioxidant, inhibition of histamine release by mast cells, anti-inflammatory activity, and act synergistically in immune activation when used in combination with beta-glucans.

Sterols are also found in mushrooms. Ergosterol, found in all mushroom, is tested for in documenting fungal contamination of grain. It is a precursor in forming vitamin D2, which is catalyzed by exposure to UV light, except in dogs and cats, who lack the enzyme to allow this conversion of either the ergosterol or cholesterol that is present in the skin of most other mammals.

Functions of Medicinal Mushrooms

Ongoing basic research and clinical trials in human and veterinary medicine have established the value of certain mushrooms in maintaining and balancing a healthy immune system as well as adjuncts or sole therapy in managing and treating various types of cancers.

The so-called Powerful Five mushrooms are described in more detail here:

Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) is a traditional medicinal mushroom with a variety of health benefits such as antitumor, antimutagenic, antiangiogenesis, antiaging, endocrine balancing, and hypoglycemic effects. Cordycepin has many pharmacological activities including immune stimulating, anticancer, antivirus, and anti-infection activities. A variety of chemical constituents, including polysaccharides and glycoproteins, are involved in these activities. Cordycepin down-regulates the immediate hypersensitivity reaction stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. It is an important quality of life enhancing mushroom.

Maitake (Grifola frondosa) means “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. This mushroom is high in β-glucans which some believe makes it more effective than the Turkey Tail mushroom in its antitumor effects that derive from enhancing the immune system response through activation of macrophages, T cells, and NK cells. Maitake is also high in phospholipids and certain lectins, thus supporting brain function, nerve function, and regeneration. It lowers blood pressure, decreases cholesterol (through mevinolin, a secondary metabolite found in many fungi), is hepatoprotective, lowers blood glucose and is anti-diabetic.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is considered as an “elixir of life” in Japan, possessing the ability to enhance vital energy and believed to cure colds. It is high in enzymes, amino acids and minerals. It can reduce blood pressure, decrease blood cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, and fight cancer. Other studies have shown its potential antibiotic actions by stimulating white blood counts, antibodies, and interferon, and inhibiting prostaglandins.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum; Ling zhi), known as the “Herb of Immortality” and “emperor of Mushrooms”, is used in various forms and combinations with other mushrooms, herbs, and antioxidants. It is a Qi tonic in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the activity resides in the polysaccharide, lysosomal enzyme, and triterpene constituents of the fungus. Among its many medicinal properties, it is immune and bone marrow stimulating, analgesic, anti-viral and -bacterial, antihypertensive and liver protective. This mushroom is most recognized for its help controlling cancers by activating cytokines and natural killer (NK) cells. Further, it serves as a potent antioxidant to ward of dementia; It also enhances the quality of line in elderly people and pets.

Turkey Tail (Trametes/Coriolus versicolor, Yun zhi) is a multicolored mushroom easily recognized by its colored patterns resembling the colors of a wild turkey’s tail feathers. It is perhaps best recognized in veterinary medicine today because of the 2012 published double-blind randomized multidose pilot study showing that it significantly delayed the progression of metastases and afforded the longest survival times reported in canine hemangiosarcoma. In addition to the antitumor properties, Turkey Tail also is antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-allergic, immuno-modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective.

Mixing Mushrooms. By using Reishi, Maitake and Shiitake together, their individual positive effects become enhanced. Other mushrooms, Chinese herbs, and antioxidants maybe also added to this synergistic base. For treating lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, the quality and length of life may be extended by adding Trametes/Coriolus to this mixture.

References

Basko IJ. “Medicinal mushrooms: cancer prevention, control, and support.” JAHVMA 2016; 42:11-17.

Bollinger, Ty. “Medicinal Mushrooms Benefits: 5 Stunning Reasons to Consume Them Regularly.” Food Revolution Network, 20 July 2018, http://www.foodrevolution.org/blog/medicinal-mushrooms-benefits/.

Brown, DC, Reetz, J. “Single agent polysaccharopeptide delays metastases and improves survival in naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma.” Evidence-Based Compl Altern Med 2012; Article ID 384301, 8 pp. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/384301.

Isokauppila, Tero. “Medicinal Mushrooms: The Top 5 You Should Know How to Use.” Better Nutrition Magazine, 1 Sept. 2017, http://www.betternutrition.com/features-dept/5-medicinal-mushrooms.

“Medicinal Mushrooms List: The Top 7 You Need to Know About.” Chaga HQ, 28 June 2018, https://chagahq.com/.

Seo, MJ, Min JK, Hye HL et al. “Effect of Cordycepin on the expression of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-17A in C57BL/6 Mice.” J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2013; 23(2), 156–160. http://dx.doi.org/10.4014/jmb.1211.11032.

Silver RJ. “Medicinal mushrooms: The next greatest thing after cannabis.” JAHVMA 2017; 48:36-42, Fall.

Originally Published: September 9, 2018

Updated: May 20, 2024
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