Pet Nutritionist

08/28/2024

We have a weight problem. Too much fat in the food, not enough exercise, too many snacks. No, not just people, but our dogs! One study said that almost 83% of our dogs are overweight! 😱

Canine obesity leads to a litany of health problems: diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, liver and urinary tract malfunctions, pancreatitis, disc disease, ruptured cruciate ligaments, hip dysplasia, surgical complications, compromised immune system, and cancer -- and can take years off your dog’s life.

Lean dogs live longer, healthier lives than those who are overweight. A 14-year study showed that dogs fed 25% fewer calories than their free fed littermates lived nearly two years longer and showed fewer visible signs of aging. They also were a full three years older before they needed treatment for arthritis.

The majority of their owners are in denial. A recent study found that veterinarians considered 47% of their patients (dogs) to be overweight, yet only 17% of the owners agreed. If you can’t easily feel your dog’s ribs and shoulder blades, it’s time to face reality and put your dog on a diet.

Pet Nutritionist is soon coming out with a new course on "How to Make Fresh, Homemade Dog Food". Ditch the kibble and all its unnecessary carbs which is making dogs fat.

Comment below if you'd like more info on the upcoming course!

09/25/2023

https://youtu.be/lH5M6C1EgLg?si=y3qahO9ctHzDqHt2

Instead of “can dogs eat rice?” the question should really be “should dogs eat rice?” And the answer is quite simple: no. But why not ... 📌 Want to learn ho...

09/19/2023

If you want to solve allergies, you have to fix your dog's diet! It makes sense because the skin is the first barrier the body has to protect itself from the environment.

Full study: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/15/1881

08/29/2023

Is Purina Pro Plan a good dog food? NO! 🚫 Here's why:

🔺 It's Ultra-Processed
The individual ingredients in dry dog foods are heated several times during processing, which can cause a significant loss of enzymes, vitamins, amino acids and phytonutrients. Processed foods are also linked to higher mortality rates.

🔺 High Pesticide/Herbicide Foods in the Top 5 Ingredients
The top 5 ingredients are known to carry a large pesticide/herbicide residue. The crops are spray-dried with Roundup, leaving them with more glyphosate/herbicide residue than other crops, even genetically modified ones. Glyphosate is an antibiotic that can kill beneficial gut bacteria and has been linked to cancer and other diseases.

🔺 GMO Foods In The Top 5 Ingredients
Corn and soybean meal are known GMO foods, they are lacking in nutrients compared to non-GMO foods. GMO crops also strip nutrients from soils, require increased pesticide risk and may be involved in bee die-off.

🔺 Rice
Rice is highly inflammatory for dogs and they simply do not need this type of carbohydrate. Purina uses rice as a cheap filler. Plus, arsenic is a significant concern with rice since it naturally absorbs arsenic that can contaminate the water it’s grown in. Arsenic is linked to chronic health issues.

🔺 Natural Flavor
There's nothing natural about "natural flavor". It's added to make processed food more palatable but natural flavor is often either MSG or animal digest, both low quality ingredients with limited safety studies.

🔺 Contains Menadione
Menadione is a synthetic form of Vitamin K that is not required in dog food. It may be linked to immune system dysfunction, oxidative damage to cells, liver toxicity, and allergic reactions.

Purina's "Pro Plan Specialized" line is marketed to dogs with specific issues such as sensitive stomach or weight management needs, and yet their ingredients are high in pesticides and GMOs that can affect sensitive digestive systems. 🙄

Rice is used which is a concern as it can be contaminated with arsenic that is linked to chronic health issues. Regarding ingredient quality, Purina Pro Plan lines use inflammatory seed oils like soybean and sunflower oil, and glycerin which is a sugar that dogs don’t need. These recipes have unnamed animal protein like fish oil, fish meal and poultry byproduct, which make it difficult to know the source or quality of these ingredients.

All-in-all, Purina is a HORRIBLE dog food. Period.

08/29/2023

Trazodone for Dogs: Side Effects & Natural Alternatives

Depression and anxiety are not just human conditions; animals like dogs can also suffer from them. Trazodone is an antidepressant drug commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other behavioral issues in dogs.

Most common side effects of giving trazodone to dogs:

-Gastrointestinal Upset (vomiting, nausea, etc.)
-Increased Drowsiness And Sedation
-Tremors Or Seizures or Shakes
-Changes in Appetite
-Dilated Pupils
-Increased Thirst And Dry Mouth
-Difficulty Breathing Or Shallow Respiration
-Ataxia (Loss Of Muscle Control)
-Colitis (Inflammation Of The Colon)
-Arrhythmia
-Increased Aggression
-Hyperactivity
-Priapism (Persistent And Painful Er****on Of The P***s)

Natural Alternatives to Trazodone:
-St. John’s Wort
-Lavender
-Valerian Root
-Kava Kava
-Passionflower
-CBD oil

Natural supplements can be an effective alternative to Trazodone in treating depression and anxiety in dogs such as:

-Omega-3 fatty acids
-L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP
-S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
-B Vitamins
-Magnesium
-Zinc

Certain foods may help manage depression and anxiety in dogs, such as probiotics and pumpkin seeds. Probiotic-rich foods like kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut keep the gut microbiome in balance and support overall health.

Pumpkin seeds are a source of tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that helps produce serotonin and has been linked to improved mood.

SUMMARY: Natural alternatives like herbs, supplements, foods, and lifestyle changes can be effective in helping manage depression and anxiety in dogs without the side effects associated with Trazodone.

10/07/2022

Human Medications that are Safe and Effective for Dogs and Cats

Gravol (dimenhydrinate): It can help for vomiting dogs and cats- I found it to help many a dog with car sickness. The dog and cat dose is 12.5mg/10lbs twice a day. That equates to 1/4 of a 50mg tablet.

Clear Eyes ( topical eye medication): The active ingredient is napthazoline, and it has been shown to be safe, and often effective for animals with conjunctivitis (red eyes). Apply 2 drops 4 times/day for 5-7 days.

Pepcid (Famotidine): This antacid works especially well for nauseous cats, and dogs with acid reflux. We often used this for cats with Kidney Disease. The dose is 2.5mg/10lbs twice a day, or 1/4 of a 10mg tablet.

Canesten/Monistat: These yeast medications for people can work very well for our animals that get Ear infections. Most dog ear infections are caused by yeast. If your dog has black waxy discharge from the ear, then it is likely a yeast ear infection. Get the cream, apply 1/4 inch into the ear twice day for 7-10 days. Cats often have patchy areas of hair loss from ringworm. This is a fungus and Canesten works well topically. Appy twice a day for 21 days.

Cortisone Cream: The topical steroid creams for people can often help soothe inflamed/irritated skin. In most cases it means using a 1% corticosteroid, which can be applied twice a day for 14 days to the red, inflamed area. Can be used for dog Hot Spots.
Reactine (Ceterazine), Antihistamine. This is a newer generation antihistamine which lasts much longer, and is often more effective than the older antihistamines ( ie Benadryl). It is safe to use on dogs and cats. It works well for allergies, and acute itching ( ie hives). The dog and cat dose is 5mg/10lbs given once a day, meaning 1/2 of a 10mg tablet once daily to a 10lb dog or cat.

Chlorhexidine anti-septic flush. This is the anti-septic scrub that is used in surgery, doing a great job of removing bacteria from the skin. Bite wounds/infections are so common, and the most important thing to first do is flush the wound well with an antiseptic. Chlorexidine can often prevent this from turning into an abscess. Flush 2-4 times/day for 3-5 days. I use the brand Stanhexidine.

Aspirin. This OTC Human Medication is FOR DOGS ONLY. If your dog is in acute pain, and NOT on any other pain meds, or a steroid pill, then you can consider using ASA (Aspirin). The Dog Aspirin dose is 325mg (1 regular strength tab) per 40lbs twice daily. NONE of the anti-inflammatories can EVER be given to CATS.

-- source: Dr. Andrew Jones DVM