Jerry the Westie

28/11/2023

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/news/20220128/looming-concern-about-copper-dog-food-copper-overload-quietly-killing-our-dogs

Excess copper in commercial dog foods can lead to liver problems. Experts at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine talk about what signs to look for and how to advocate for stronger food regulations.

09/11/2023

https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-symptoms/why-is-my-dog-throwing-up-yellow-bile

Find out how to determine if your dog is vomiting excessively, as well as the causes and treatments for it.

02/11/2023

https://www.nirvananaturopathics.com/blog/traditional-chinese-organ-body-clock

Chinese Medicine’s 24 hour body clock is divided into 12 two-hour intervals of the Qi (vital force) moving through the organ system. Chinese Medicine practiti

02/07/2023

https://tcvmpet.com/products/eastern-food-therapy-for-pets-ebook

Learn how to implement Eastern Food Therapy for your cat or dog at home! Explains food energetics and includes recipes for different medical conditions. Free download.

24/05/2023

https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/heartworm-preventative-necessity-or-not

As a holistic veterinarian I am often asked which natural preventative I recommend for heartworm prevention. This is always a tricky question because there are so many variables that come into play. While there are websites that warn against the use of any and all chemicals in or on our pets, I ofte...

27/03/2023

https://truthaboutpetfood.com/a-pet-food-ingredient-to-be-wary-of-menadione-sodium-bisulfate/

While it’s a little noticed pet food ingredient, Menadione Sodium Bisulfate (and it's many named variations) is one ingredient to look out for and avoid.

20/02/2023

Chances are, if your dog or cat develops a tumor or other malignant condition, your vet may suggest feeding this soon-to-be-released pet food. Here's why following that advice may be a serious mistake, and what I recommend feeding instead, along with eight immune-enhancing add-ins.

30/12/2022

Now we know how to pet-proof a house, keep dogs active, and minimizing pet expenses at ease

05/10/2022

If you've read about taurine before or you're new to this amino acid, you may have some questions about how it factors into your dog's diet.

28/09/2022

"With all the chemical and junk food we have injected into our environment and food chain, it's little wonder humans are now one of the most cancer-stricken animals on the planet, We are in fact in second place, juuussssstt behind dogs... and by 'just' I mean they've lapped us TEN times."

These are the words of Dr Conor Brady, one of the Rawpetmedics and dedicated expert in canine nutrition and health, in his recent blog for Paleo Ridge Raw Dog Food

It's a very informative read if you are looking to protect your beloved pooch from the risks of modern-day living. Conor explains the importance of reducing chemical exposure (and gives a shout-out to us!).

You can read more about how reducing chemical exposure protects pet health in our news post 👇
https://ingenious-probiotics.com/how-pet-safe-cleaning-products-with-probiotics-protect-your-pets/

You can read Conor's full article here 👇
https://paleoridge.co.uk/about-us/news/cancer-conor

24/09/2022

ARE LAUNDRY CHEMICALS AFFECTING YOUR PETS’ SKIN & HEALTH?

If you wash your pet blankets and beds using popular fabric softeners and dryer sheets, that “just washed” fresh smell comes from chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can negatively impact your pets’ health (coughing, rashy, itchy pets, anyone?).

Dr. Anne Steinmann’s UW-Seattle research team found more than 25 VOCs emitted from dryer vents using these products, including well-known respiratory irritants like Acetone, Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde, but also Pentane (which causes skin rashes and upset stomach), Ethyl Acetate (on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list; causes anemia, changes in white blood cells and can damage the liver and kidneys), Benzyl Acetate (can be absorbed through the skin and is linked to pancreas problems) and Alpha-terpineol (causes headaches and nervous system disorders).

Our pets can do without having to breathe in these chemical residues or having to lay on them, so here’s our Forever Dog Tip of the day: replace chemical-laden fabric softeners with a non-toxic DIY option!

Recipe: Mix 6 cups white vinegar with 1 cup baking soda, let it fizz. When the fizz stops, pour mixture into a large glass container with a lid. Use 1 cup per load of laundry.

We highlight all of the of home chemical risks that can negatively impact your dog’s health in the The Forever Dog book, available now for pre-order by clicking here: https://foreverdog.com/about/ -window

22/09/2022

DO CAGES (CRATES) HELP WITH BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS IN DOGS?

The use of cages as a management tool for dogs is an exceedingly common trend adopted by many dog guardians (around 25%).

However, their impact on welfare is questionable. Being confined to a cage inherently means the dog is unlikely to be able to have a number of their species specific needs met:

- It is harder to feel safe
- The dog has less choice over their environment
- Movement is restricted
- Foraging and exploration behaviour is not possible

In addition to this, research published this year by Bleuer-Elsner et al. (2022) indicated that although they could have positive effects on training, signs of distress significantly increase when dogs were caged for behavioural purposes.

This indicates that for dogs, cages are a stressor. Dogs without behavioural problems may be able to cope with being crated, but even if it supports with some training, this does not mean it has a positive effect on their welfare. Therefore to ensure the psychological health of dogs, cages should be used with extreme caution.

For dogs experiencing behavioural problems, the use of cages should be avoided in the vast majority of circumstances. They are likely to result in increased distress and a worsening in the behavioural problem.

Bleuer-Elsner, S., Medame, T., & Masson, S. (2022). The cage as an educational and therapeutic tool for dogs: results of a dog's: owners questionnaire. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 48, 81.

17/09/2022

https://fourleafrover.com/blogs/natural-health/leaky-gut-syndrome-in-dogs

Leaky gut can lead to many chronic health issues. Here's how you can tell if your dog has leaky gut ... and how to fix it.

13/09/2022

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/health/bloat-in-dogs-is-deadly/?utm_content=buffer9b945&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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

12/09/2022

https://www.mypetnutritionist.com/post/how-food-affects-your-dogs-behaviour

You are what you eat! This is a phrase that has dominated the media for decades. On a biochemical level it’s true – each cell in the body has a function, to carry out that function, it needs nutrients, co-factors and energy. Whilst some nutrients and cofactors can be synthesised within the body ...

12/09/2022

https://healthypets.substack.com/p/toxic-ingredients-in-pet-food

Pet food industry says contamination is unavoidable, so processed pet food can contain measurable levels of arsenic, mercury, PCBs, BPA, dioxins and aflatoxins.

09/09/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100044245578564/posts/643152123836301/

Has your dog or cat been showing signs of a food intolerance?

You can find which ingredient is the cause! NutriScan is the #1 comprehensive food intolerance test and the only one I use for my dogs and cats. I’m waiting on my test for Forrest! 🐶

They test for over 100 of the most common foods and food derivatives that pets struggle to tolerate. It is a simple saliva sample that you can do at home.

✳️ Use code JUDY10 for 10% off Nutriscan Food Intolerance Testing at NutriscanLabs.org

08/09/2022

https://www.facebook.com/914162368614162/posts/5985867324776949/

It’s important to take time to rest 🐕

On your dog walks, if your dog wants to rest- let them! Whether your dog is a puppy, adult or senior they might want to rest due to a variety of reasons:
- the heat
- need a good roll in the grass
- tired
- want to watch the world
- just want to chill
- stiff joints and bones from arthritis
- the grass is wet from a sprinkler and that helps cool them off
- need to decompress after seeing triggers
- feel uncomfortable from the food they ate
- are a puppy and don’t yet know how to walk on a leash
- are overstimulated

There are so many reasons why dogs want to rest on walks. Especially when dogs get older- it is a issue to not let them rest as too much walking can worsen their arthritis. However old your dog is- if they want to rest on a walk, let them! If it is safe to do so.

Sometimes we all need to learn from dogs how to and

08/09/2022

https://groomwise.typepad.com/grooming_smarter/2014/03/what-is-carding.html

I get people all the time asking on different online forums "what is carding?" Many people are under the mistaken impression that carding and hand stripping is the same thing. While carding tools and stripping tools look similar they are...

02/09/2022

CoQ10 is an antioxidant crucial for heart function. Clinical benefits for humans with heart failure have been shown in numerous studies, but there have only been a few undertaken to evaluate dogs naturally suffering with mitral valve disease (rather than experimentally induced MVD).

MVD is the most common heart disease found in small breed dogs.

3 ways we are seeing CoQ10 help dogs with MVD:

1️⃣ CoQ10 is a factor required during energy production in muscle cells. CoQ10 supplementation may improve energy availability for cardiac muscle contraction.

2️⃣ CoQ10 may protect heart muscle cells from injury through its antioxidant action.

3️⃣ CoQ10 was found to decrease vascular resistance, therefore allowing blood flow from the heart to move forward more easily.

Because I have been working with Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for many years, I am always improving my protocols for heart disease and I’m very happy more research is being done.

Here is my full write up on heart disease: https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/diagnosing-and-treating-heart-disease-in-dogs-and-cats?_pos=4&_sid=db23bdbb9&_ss=r

31/08/2022

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/supplements-for-your-dog-hidden-ingredients/

Dog supplement makers may not disclose all Inactive Ingredients in their products. Here are some hidden ingredients to avoid in supplements for dogs ...

31/08/2022

Feather meal and cornstarch are some of the ingredients included in the anallergenic dry dog food formula of Royal Canin.

31/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100044392810733/posts/618753926281029/?sfnsn=mo

How to Keep Fleas at Bay 🐕🛡️

Fleas aren't typically attracted to healthy pets. They're drawn to the weakest animals they can find, so one of the best defenses against these pests is to strengthen your pet’s immune health by feeding them a nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate diet, as well as removing the environmental factors that can negatively impact them. 👍

For more ways to protect your pet from fleas and ticks, visit this free guide: https://bit.ly/3wjeUY7

17/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100039950595678/posts/769859471022399/

Tincture Tuesdays! Meet Bee Balm also known as Wild Bergamot. This tincture is warming and stimulating making it good for cool pups (for longer use) and most dogs when used acutely (less than two weeks). You can find this in my store at canineherbalist(dot)com.

15/08/2022

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/the-itch-fix-heal-your-dog-itching/

Bites, allergies, hot spots – there are lots of things that make your dog scratch. Here are 6 natural ways to stop your dog from itching ...

13/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100039950595678/posts/766854581322888/

Flower Essence Fridays! Introducing Teasel. Helps with balancing chakras, building vitality and shy, low confidence dogs. I use Teasel in almost all of my herbal support cases for Lyme. I also use it to help fortify the body against fleas, tick, and parasites. For those of you who are asking does Teasel flower essence cure Lyme? No, it supports healing.

09/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100044245578564/posts/621971039287743/

As AAFCO pursues the renaming of corn gluten meal to corn protein, I'd like to remind you of one simple truth:

03/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100044245578564/posts/618379916313522/

🛑 DCM link to GRAIN-FREE remains UNFOUNDED 🛑

From the first day the FDA and veterinary cardiologists and nutritionists labeled grain-free BEG diets as causing DCM in dogs, I called 🐮💩. This was just a ploy by the large pet food manufacturers using their influence on FDA to single out smaller companies that are gaining an increase in market share.

💰Unfortunately, their ploy worked, resulting in discontinuation of many wonderful pet foods and huge revenue losses for good companies.

❌ The veterinary community has bought into this rhetoric, often recommending a return to poor quality, grain-filled, low-meat diets for pets.

Can certain high quality grains provide benefits for some dogs? Yes.
Do I recommend diets filled with grains or legumes and potatoes? No.

✅ Learn about DCM, taurine, heart disease, and feeding for heart health in my article here: https://drjudymorgan.com/blogs/blog/diagnosing-and-treating-heart-disease-in-dogs-and-cats?_pos=9&_sid=5d54798e4&_ss=r

More great info from:

02/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/154274892089902/posts/1232555560928491/

“𝐂𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭” – 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬 .

There has since at least 1913, been a school of thought that suggests allowing tiny babies to ‘cry it out’, ie, cry until they give up crying, with the parent no longer responding to cries for attention, comfort or contact, is beneficial or indeed, necessary in raising children.

Somewhere along the line this also became the advice applied to puppies, with the warnings that if you did respond to a pups cries for attention, you would as with the child oriented version of this advice, create a needy individual who was insecure and lacking in confidence.

We now know the opposite is true, unfortunately from a dog perspective very few studies are done on dogs, simply because there isn’t the money in it to do them.

So we are left to extrapolate from studies done on children, but that’s actually ok, because a dogs brain is very comparable to the brain of a child under 2 years of age. They have similar needs for comfort, warmth, food, physical contact, social support. They have similar difficulties in communicating orally, in lacking impulse control and lacking fine motor skills.

So here’s the grim truth.

Young mammals left to ‘cry it out’ do not ‘self soothe’. In fact what they learn (Bowlby J. 1960’s) is that after going through a cycle of protestation, then despair, they reach a third phase of detachment – in effect they give up trying to get a response, get comfort or contact and become apathetic. Their distress is still present, they simply have learned it will not be alleviated as a result of their behaviour, they have shut down.

Whilst the theory ran that if you provide attention constantly so that the young mammal in question does not need to cry, or you respond promptly to their cries, they will cry more, seek attention more… in fact the opposite is true.

A study in 1986 demonstrated that the more the mother holds and carries her baby, the less that baby will cry and fuss. Other studies (cross cultural but still human, not dog) showed that those parents who responded quicker to crying babies also have babies who cry far less often!

Going back to puppies – we have taken them from their mothers, their litter mates and their familiar environment.

If we compare our domestic dog to feral and wild dog populations we see that our domestic puppies experience this separation from their primary care giver and litter mates at (on average) between 6 and 12 weeks of age.
Their wild/feral counter parts are in the constant company of litter mates and the near constant company of their parent until weaning. Beyond weaning, they are still in the constant company of littermates, parent and other relatives unless they choose to be alone, which is unlikely to happen before adolescence and the hormonal changes that are related to adolescence.

It is true that domestic dogs and wild or feral canids are not the same, but the difference is that domestic dogs actively want to be with humans rather than with other canids.

That being so, they are in no way equipped to be isolated and alone, any more than the feral or wild dogs would be.

So what are the risks of subjecting a puppy to isolation from a social group or new primary caregiver,and ignoring cries for company, comfort or contact?

* The increased cortisol levels can actually damage or kill off neurons and the neuronal interconnections – this can affect how well your dog copes with stress, anxiety and fear in future, predisposing them to be more reactive and fearful.

*Stress hormones go up faster than they come back down – so that stressful experience is affecting the dog for much longer than you might think. Possibly days.

*Repeatedly putting stress hormones up will inhibit learning, affect sleep, affect bonding and attachment.

*Repeated stressful experiences that the subject cannot escape from leads to PTSD in humans – we have no evidence to suggest that this does not also happen in dogs. Given the similarities between the human and canine brain, it is reasonable to assume dogs can also experience something similar to PTSD.

The short version of all this is – there is no benefit to leaving a dog to cry it out, separation anxiety is normal for puppies, they need to be with someone most of the time!

Separation anxiety as an abnormal behavioural issue comes about as a result of an insecure dog, who has not been taught how to cope by themselves, not as a result of creating a secure, confident dog who is given what they need as a puppy.

©Emma Judson

https://www.thecanineconsultants.co.uk

02/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100039950595678/posts/759094775432202/