All Paws House Calls

25/06/2024

Yesterday we had two wonderful Golden Retrievers, ages 6 and 2, come in for elective surgical procedures. Both dogs had a history of eating a well-known and popular grain free diet for several years. In one dog, an arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) was detected so an x-ray of his chest was taken. His heart was enlarged, so an echocardiogram was scheduled for that afternoon. An x-ray was also taken of the other dog's chest as a precaution, and his heart was also enlarged. He was able to get an echocardiogram same day, as well.

The reports on both dogs just came back, and both of these gorgeous, otherwise perfectly healthy dogs have Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The cardiologist suspects that in both cases it is related to their diet. Thankfully, this condition was caught early, and when fed a traditional diet, their condition should hopefully reverse. Their cases are being reported to the FDA, along with the thousands of others from across the country.

There is no evidence to support feeding grain-free. Most pet allergies are related to environment (pollens, etc) or protein sources. Grain allergies account for a tiny fraction of all food allergies in dogs. Unfortunately, many dogs are becoming very ill or even dying from eating so-called "BEG" diets (boutique, exotic, grain-free), and the terrible thing is nutritionally mediated dilated cardiomyopathy is 100% preventable. There have been zero reported cases of NMDCM in dogs eating foods that meet WSAVA guidelines, currently made by Purina, Hill's, Iams/Eukanuba, or Royal Canin. We strongly suggest if you are feeding a "BEG" diet that you change your dog over to one of the brands listed above. If you have any questions specifically related to your pet, please call us.

We are so hopeful we caught this disease in time for our two beautiful patients to reverse their disease. Their very caring and dedicated owners have already changed their diet to one that meets WSAVA criteria. The articles below will help explain this disease, WSAVA guidelines, and why grain-free was more marketing than science.

http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/11/dcm-update/

https://www.wsava.org/WSAVA/media/Arpita-and-Emma-editorial/Selecting-the-Best-Food-for-your-Pet.pdf

http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/06/grain-free-diets-big-on-marketing-small-on-truth/

https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/dogs-fed-some-popular-diets-could-be-risk-heart-disease/

25/06/2024

This is a problem I have personally diagnosed, not just in Golden Retrievers. The sad part is that the pet stores keep pushing these diets and the advertising is enticing. Please talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog.

Yesterday we had two wonderful Golden Retrievers, ages 6 and 2, come in for elective surgical procedures. Both dogs had a history of eating a well-known and popular grain free diet for several years. In one dog, an arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) was detected so an x-ray of his chest was taken. His heart was enlarged, so an echocardiogram was scheduled for that afternoon. An x-ray was also taken of the other dog's chest as a precaution, and his heart was also enlarged. He was able to get an echocardiogram same day, as well.

The reports on both dogs just came back, and both of these gorgeous, otherwise perfectly healthy dogs have Dilated Cardiomyopathy. The cardiologist suspects that in both cases it is related to their diet. Thankfully, this condition was caught early, and when fed a traditional diet, their condition should hopefully reverse. Their cases are being reported to the FDA, along with the thousands of others from across the country.

There is no evidence to support feeding grain-free. Most pet allergies are related to environment (pollens, etc) or protein sources. Grain allergies account for a tiny fraction of all food allergies in dogs. Unfortunately, many dogs are becoming very ill or even dying from eating so-called "BEG" diets (boutique, exotic, grain-free), and the terrible thing is nutritionally mediated dilated cardiomyopathy is 100% preventable. There have been zero reported cases of NMDCM in dogs eating foods that meet WSAVA guidelines, currently made by Purina, Hill's, Iams/Eukanuba, or Royal Canin. We strongly suggest if you are feeding a "BEG" diet that you change your dog over to one of the brands listed above. If you have any questions specifically related to your pet, please call us.

We are so hopeful we caught this disease in time for our two beautiful patients to reverse their disease. Their very caring and dedicated owners have already changed their diet to one that meets WSAVA criteria. The articles below will help explain this disease, WSAVA guidelines, and why grain-free was more marketing than science.

http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2018/11/dcm-update/

https://www.wsava.org/WSAVA/media/Arpita-and-Emma-editorial/Selecting-the-Best-Food-for-your-Pet.pdf

http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/06/grain-free-diets-big-on-marketing-small-on-truth/

https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/dogs-fed-some-popular-diets-could-be-risk-heart-disease/

05/08/2023

Unveiling the truth about pet dental care myths! 🐾 🚫

It's time to bust the misconceptions and prioritize your furry friend's oral health.

Say goodbye to the myths and hello to expert advice! Let's keep those pearly whites shining bright and their tails wagging with joy! 🐶🐱

13/05/2023

Either avoid foxtail infested areas or put booties and an Outfoxed hood on your pup before heading. This year is going to be ugly.

What are foxtail foreign bodies? Takeaways Foxtails are spiked seed heads found on some plants and grasses. Foxtails can enter the body and migrate into tissues, causing abscesses and infections. Foxtails are especially dangerous to pets in the summer months when they have dried out and hardened. Th...

22/12/2022

11/12/2022

It’s the thought that counts

😄
Artist: Liz Climo

23/11/2022

Keep a Happy Thanksgiving for everyone

29/10/2022

Life is not complete without a cat to serve.

It's National Cat Day! Celebrate your cat with some extra love and attention, and remind yourself how wonderful it is to share your life with these unique creatures.

26/10/2022

Halloween is almost here.
Keep your furry friends near.
Don’t let them eat chocolate or become a Halloween trick.
Keep them indoors, and let them not get sick.
Halloween is almost here
Protect those you hold most dear.

12/10/2022

As temperatures cool, cats will seek shelter in warm engine compartments. Remember to honk and give cats time to escape. A few minutes can save lives.
https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-checkups-preventive-care/cats-and-cars-cold-weather

04/10/2022

01/10/2022

Absolutely!

03/09/2022

Keeping it real

While we’re still learning more about monkeypox and how it moves between different species of animals, here are some answers on how to keep your pets and your family healthy.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/doc/?id=11096753&pid=19239

03/09/2022

With the Excessive Heat Warning this holiday weekend, we wanted to share some information about how you can keep your pets cool and safe!

One big way you can keep your pet safe is by leaving them at home! Even with four windows cracked, car interior temperatures can increase by 20% in only 10 minutes. That’s enough to kill an animal or cause brain damage. ☹️

Visit our website where you can find a car temperature thermometer, steps to keep your pet cool, and warning signs of heat stroke in your pet: https://humanesocietysoco.org/owner-support/hot-car-info/

26/07/2022

Read the room and keep everyone happy

UC Davis animal behaviorist Emma Grigg shares the ways dogs can express themselves.

20/07/2022

I

12/07/2022

Important to read

Research into efficacy and safety is promising, but lack of standards clouds the market

03/07/2022

⚠️ Did you know...MORE DOGS GO MISSING ON JULY 4th than any other day of the year?! We've seen a definite increase in lost and found corgis these past few weeks. Please be sure your and are chipped and kept safe this weekend. What are YOUR best tips to keep your pets safe and calm this weekend??? Share with everyone in the comments! ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️

16/06/2022

Even more

When the weather gets hot, our pets may have trouble adjusting to the rising temperature and need special treatment.  Heat stroke occurs when an animal’s body temperature rises above normal, which causes damage to blood proteins and internal organs and death can occur.  Even when the weather doe...

16/06/2022

Just a reminder

15/06/2022

Take time for you and your pet, you’ll never regret it.

09/05/2022

For those of you looking….

The Rankings Are In.

05/05/2022

05/05/2022

Seeking 3-12 month old kittens that have been diagnosed with FIP and **live near Davis, CA**

04/05/2022

Be careful out there

CGMP/Food for Animals/Prepared, Packed or Held Under Insanitary Conditions/Adulterated

29/04/2022

Anyone?

OZZY! 1 year old Male Cattle Dog needs a home!
Contact The Little Dog House 805-964-2446

26/04/2022

Anyone have room in your heart and in your home?

Adoption fees are being reduced at all of the city's locations in hopes that people will help clear the shelters.