Is Homemade Dog Food Dangerous?

The recent recall of commercial dog food manufactured by Menu Foods and other dog food companies continues to escalate as worried dog parents scurry for alternative, safe dog food choices.

To date more than 100 brands of commercial dog food have been recalled after discovery of toxic contaminants that have produced kidney failure and death in dogs nationwide.

Intent on protecting the health and safety of their dogs, many dog parents have opted to prepare dog food themselves at home. The question on many a dog nutritionist's mind these days is whether homemade dog food is a safe and nutritious alternative to commercial dog food.

The American Veterinary Association indicates that the preparation of homemade dog food is not as easy as it seems at first blush. Dogs have specific needs for nutrients that are further impacted by the size, age and breed of dog.

It is a long established fact that if commercial or homemade dog food is introduced or changed suddenly, your dog may experience gastrointestinal distress, manifesting symptoms such as diarrhea.

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, CVMA, concurs and states that dog owners should become familiar with the risks associated with preparing and serving homemade dog food.

A major cause of concern is the risk associated with salmonella poisoning in homemade dog food diets that contain raw meat such as chicken. Raw dog food advocates of diets such as the Bones and Raw Food diet ( BARF), point out the natural and nutritious qualities of a diet that most closely resembles food that your dog would find in the wild. But opponents suggest that meat which has been sold through markets are not quite as fresh, and may expose your domesticated dog to unnecessary health risks.

For those who make the decision to prepare homemade dog food for their best friend, the following list of foods deemed dangerous by the American Veterinary Medical Association, should be excluded from any dog food served.

Alcoholic beverages


Chocolate in any form


Coffee


Moldy or spoiled foods


Onions and onion powder


Garlic and garlic powder


Salt


Yeast dough


Macadamia nuts


Raisins and grapes


Avocado


Hops


Fatty foods


Bones


Milk


Raw eggs


Raw or undercooked meat


Products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol

Obviously, a few items such as bones and raw meat are included intentionally in the BARF diet and this debate between the AVMA and some dog nutritionists continues unabated. If you have any question about a specific food product please consult with your veterinarian prior to feeding that food to your dog.

Some veterinarians challenge the assertion that home made food, even table scraps are inappropriate and unhealthy food for your dog. For example, Dr. Strombeck, professor emeritus of veterinary nutrition at U.C. Davis feels that the commercial pet food industry simply opposes any competition for their marketplace.

This is a revealing insight as the dog food industry was founded during the postwar years in the United States as a means for profiting from industrial and slaughterhouse refuse and waste. Many people believe that their dogs needs commercial dog food. This is utter nonsense. Your dog needs a healthy and nutritious diet, whatever the source.

So, is homemade dog food safe for your dog?

The definitive answer is maybe and maybe not. This is not a cop out on our part but a recognition that dog owners like dog food manufacturers are all different. In both cases the freshness and purity of the ingredients used, the methods of preparation, storage, transport and shelf life all play a factor.

Many options abound including high grade holistic kibble found in specialty dog food retailers and preparing your own dog food at home. If you think that commercially prepared dog food is the best option for your dog, make sure you know exactly what is in your dogs' food by visiting http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html

If you decide to make your own homemade dog food, check with your veterinarian to make sure that the ingredients and recipe include only healthy and safe foods for your dog.

What If Your Dog Has Cancer?

Cancer in dogs is more common that many people would trend to believe. Studies indicate that that approximately 25% of dogs will contract cancer at some time in their life and that almost 50% of all dogs older than the age of ten years will die of cancer

If your dog contracts cancer, the affected areas can include but are not limited to the skin, organs, bone and organs. Cancer in your dog may progress gradually or with rapidity.

The good news is that treatments exist for cancer in dogs . While canine cancer can be fatal it is not necessarily a death sentence. The first thing you must do is determine if in fact your dog does have cancer.

There are ten common symptoms of cancer in dogs, taken primarily from the American Veterinary Medical Association, these are:

• Unusual swelling that either remains or grows

• Sores which will not heal

• A loss of weight in your dog

• Discharge or bleeding from an opening on your dog's body

• Bad breath or offensive odor that emits from your dog

• Trouble eating food or swallowing

• A loss of interest in exercise or a loss of stamina

• Lameness in your dog or evidence of stiffness

• Trouble with urination, defecating or breathing

If you detect any of these symptoms in your dog. Don't panic. Taken individually, theses canine symptoms may be indicative of something that is not cancer and may not be serious at all. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam for your dog. If cancer is the problem, he will help you develop a treatment plan. If canine cancer is not the cause, your vet may prescribe a remedy to alleviate and heal the condition.

Cause of Cancer in Dogs

There are various causes of cancer in dogs. The National Canine Cancer Foundation says that cancer can be attributed to factors such as excessive exposure to carcinogenic agents which include chemicals.

We believe that this should be a cause of concern for any dog parent who regularly feeds commercial dog food to their dog as carcinogens have been discovered to exist in some popular dog food brands. You can find out what is in the dog food you use at http://www.dogs-4life.com/dog-food-that-kills.html
Other causes of canine cancer include viral infections and UV or X irradiation.

What is the Best Cancer Treatment for My Dog?

Because there are different types of cancers, there are different treatments prescribed be veterinary oncologists. The success of treating cancer in your dog hinges on a number of factors. Some of those factors are early detection and diagnoses of the cancer by your veterinarian, and the specific treatment recommended and used in your dog's battle against canine cancer.

Early detection may include your vet doing a biopsy, some X-rays and consulting with an expert in canine radiology to review the results. If cancer is diagnosed, your vet may recommend surgery or refer you to a canine oncologist.

Your best chances for success often depend upon early diagnosis of canine cancer. This is true because in early stages of cancer in dogs there is less likelihood of the cancer having spread to a point where treatment becomes unproductive.

Once an early diagnosis of canine cancer has been confirmed, your veterinary oncologist may suggest a variety of treatment options such as drugs, surgery and/or radiation.

If your dog has been generally healthy, she deserves a chance to live the balance of her life feeling as well as possible for as long a time as possible. If you can extend the life of your 13 year old terrier by a few years, and provide a good quality of life to your dog as a result of canine cancer treatment, your persistence in helping your dog will have been rewarded.

Help, My Dog Is Vomiting

Vomiting in dogs is a very common occurrence and can arise from a wide variety of causes, from simple gastritis to complex diseases of other body systems. Not only is it very distressing for both the dog and owner, it also provides a challenge for the veterinarian. This article explains the multiple causes of vomiting in dogs, including adverse food reactions, and the range of treatment options available.

What is vomiting?

Vomiting is the expulsion of food, fluid or debris from the stomach or small intestine due to coordinated movements of the gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It is important to differentiate this from regurgitation, which is a passive process rather than a coordinated effort like vomiting.

Regurgitation is a sign of disease in the esophagus, such as obstructions (foreign bodies such as a stick, bone or toy, or a stricture), esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) or megaesophagus (dilatation of the esophagus due to weakening of the smooth muscle). The main difference between regurgitation and vomiting is that regurgitation is effortless, while vomiting is accompanied by strong abdominal contractions.

How can I tell vomiting and regurgitation apart?

Sometimes this is not easy to do. Generally speaking, if it happens immediately after eating it is more likely to be regurgitation (though vomiting can still occur then). If the content of the material expelled appears to be completely undigested food, this also supports regurgitation. If the presence of bile can be confirmed though, it is more likely to be vomiting.

Causes of vomiting

The most common causes of vomiting are dietary related, either through dietary indiscretion (e.g. overeating, eating overly rich or spoiled food) which causes acute (sudden) vomiting, or adverse food reactions (food allergies) which can cause chronic (long term and intermittent) vomiting.

However, there are a huge number of other causes arising from either the gastrointestinal system itself (stomach and small intestine) or secondary to disease elsewhere in the body (e.g. liver or kidney disease). Within the stomach, possible causes include:

1. Gastritis (inflammatory disease)

2. Stomach ulceration

3. Stomach cancer

4. Obstruction (foreign bodies, telescoping of intestine)

5. Hiatal hernia (part stomach herniating through the diaphragm)

Possible causes within the intestine include:

1. Infectious diseases (e.g. parvovirus)

2. Worms

3. Inflammatory bowel disease

4. Intestinal cancer

Secondary causes of vomiting that are due to disease elsewhere in the body include:

1. Pancreatitis (infection or inflammation of the pancreas)

2. Peritonitis (infection in the abdominal cavity)

3. Hepatitis (liver inflammation)

4. Kidney failure

5. Pyometra (infection of the uterus)

6. Hormonal deficiencies or excesses (e.g. Addisons disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Septicemia, Calcium imbalance)

Other potential causes that do not fit into the above categories are drug reactions (e.g. digoxin, chemotherapy drugs, NSAIDs) and neurological disorders.

Treatment of vomiting

Vomiting is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Whether or not treatment is appropriate depends upon the individual circumstances. If the dog is only vomiting occasionally, is bright and otherwise normal on examination, treatment is probably not necessary. Some dogs with sensitive digestive systems will vomit once or twice a month regardless of any treatment, and if they are otherwise well this should be ignored.

For acute vomiting cases, the first step should always be to starve the dog for 24 hours (while keeping plenty of water available ad lib). After the period of starvation, the dog should be offered small portions of a very bland food, such as chicken and boiled rice, for a few days. Meals should be fed as smaller portions several times a day, rather than one larger meal.

Though treating the symptom itself will often improve patient demeanor and comfort, it is no replacement for making a correct diagnosis of the underlying cause, and certain drugs can be harmful if given blindly (for example, giving metoclopromide to a dog with a gastric or intestinal obstruction). Certainly cases of acute and severe vomiting require immediate treatment, as dogs can become rapidly dehydrated, develop electrolyte imbalances and aspiration pneumonia otherwise.

Managing the vomiting dog

There are 2 goals when dealing with a vomiting dog:

1. Identify the underlying cause

2. Stop the vomiting in a safe and effective manner

In many cases, anti emetic therapy (the technical term for vomiting is emesis, and therefore drugs used to treat it are called anti emetics) is instigated immediately while the cause is being established.

A veterinarian will start by taking a full history, focusing especially on normal diet, recent medication, vaccination status and the description of the symptoms. He or she must first make sure that the dog is genuinely vomiting and not regurgitating, which has a completely different set of underlying causes. It is also important to get a graphic description of the material expelled, and whether it contained bile, fresh blood or what appears to be coffee granules (partly digested blood).

The next step is a full clinical examination, including carefully feeling the abdomen, taking the dogs rectal temperature and assessing the hydration status. Once this is completed, a veterinarian will have a slightly narrowed down list of differential diagnoses in mind. If the dog is not dehydrated, bright in demeanor, and both vital parameters and feeling the abdomen were normal, the veterinarian will often (and rightly so) make a presumptive diagnosis of gastritis, or gastroenteritis if diarrhea is present too, and prescribe antibiotics to combat the likely bacterial infection. The owner is then likely to be sent home with instructions to starve the dog for 24hrs and give bland food for a few days, alongside the antibiotics. The owner is instructed to monitor the dog closely, and return immediately if there are any signs of deterioration, or 2 to 3 days later for a routine check up.

If there are any findings in the clinical history or the physical examination that trigger concern, then further tests are necessary. The first of these is usually blood tests for hematology and biochemistry profiles. Urine and feces may also be analysed, the latter for either nasty bacteria or parasites. Additional laboratory tests may be required in certain circumstances, such as bile acid stimulation testing if liver dysfunction is suspected, or an ACTH stimulation test to look for adrenal disease.

The next stage of the work up involves imaging. The most useful is abdominal radiography (xrays), but ultrasonography and endoscopy can also be very important. Radiography and endoscopy both have to be carried out under general anesthesia, while ultrasonography can be performed conscious. If the imaging does not reveal the underlying cause then biopsies may be taken, either endoscopically guided or via exploratory surgery. Histopathology of these samples (studying the tissue microscopically) can give vital clues as to the cause, particularly by differentiating between inflammation and cancer.

The final diagnostic option is the therapeutic trial. If the dog gets better on the medication prescribed, then it must have been a certain type of disease that responds to that drug. By this rationale, wormers, antibiotics or an exclusion diet trial may be chosen.

Drugs used in the treatment of vomiting

1. Stomach protectants and antacids

These medications are useful when stomach ulceration is suspected. Examples include sucralfate (acts like a band aid over the ulcer), H2 antagonists (reduce acid production) and omeprazole (also reduces acidity).

2. Metoclopromide

This drug blocks a neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine, which prevents activation of the vomiting centre in the brain (known as the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone). It is only partially effective in doing this though, and has the additional effect of increasing forward motility of the gut. This means it must never be given to dogs that might have a stomach or intestinal obstruction. It can also cause mental changes such as hyperactivity and disorientation.

3. Phenothiazines (e.g. Acepromazine, ACP)

These are effective at blocking the dopamine receptors mentioned above, in addition to other receptors involved in the vomiting reflex. They are usually used when metoclopromide has failed, but also have undesirable side effects such as low blood pressure and sedation.

4. Antihistamines

Histamine receptors are also present in the Chemoreceptor Trigger Zone, the part of the brain that controls the vomiting reflex. Antihistamines are effective in blocking vomiting that is due to motion sickness, but are little use against other causes.

5. Domperidone

Domperidone has a similar action to metoclopromide in that it blocks dopamine receptors and secondarily blocks serotonin receptors, but it does not have the promotility effects of metoclopromide. However, side effects include vulval enlargement and possible effects on fertility.

6. Maropitant

This is a new drug that is a Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist. It can be given orally or by injection, and is extremely effective at stopping vomiting by working both on the vomiting centre in the brain and on the stomach itself. It is deemed so effective at stopping vomiting that veterinarians must be careful to properly investigate potentially dangerous underlying causes, that could be masked fatally by this drug.

Beware of Puppy Mills

All pet lovers have been there. You pass a window of a pet store and find yourself asking "How much is that doggie in the window". If you're looking to add a cute and furry new pup to your life, it may be a harder task than you think. As appealing as that pet store might be, it is important to know where they are getting their animals. Most reputable breeders will not sell their pure bred canines to pet stores. For one thing, the breeder often reflects the quality of the pet. In fact, most pet stores get their dogs from puppy mills.

Although, you may have heard the term "puppy mill" bouncing around you may not fully understand what they are. Most "puppy mills" or "puppy farms" exist solely to breed and sell dogs. On the other hand, well qualified breeders truly care about the purity of the breed and each dog. I certainly can not describe every puppy mill, but it is this profit-oriented mind set plus greed that usually make these "puppy mills" an unfortunate recipe for animal cruelty. In most cases, the new babies are taken from their mothers much too early as soon as they seem big enough to sell and not base on any developmental time line. In extreme cases, the ASPCA or Humane Society is called in on reports of malnourishment.

There are many perfect places to look for man's best friend without taking the risk of supporting this behavior. Your local animal shelter is a wonderful place to start. Even if you're set on a brand new doggie or a specific breed, it would be smart to try your luck there first. Most may not know that mutts tend to be smarter and have less health problems. If you have your heart set buying your little furry friend then you need to look for a breeder who genuinely cares for the animals. This will assure you that the animal is well taken care of and will survive more than a few weeks in your care.

When you choose to buy from a "puppy farm", the owner's main concern is to turn a profit. As long as a puppy looks good enough to be sold, it can be sold. A great dog breeder, however, knows that breeding goes far beyond determining the appearance of a dog. The most important thing is to simply do your research before buying your soon to be pampered pooch.

Yorkshire Terriers - Training Your Yorkie May Be More Difficult Than You Thought

I have three dogs as pets. One of them is Sarah, my Yorkshire terrier. This is the second Yorkie I've owned and now I am starting to see some of the common problems with trying to train these tiny creatures.

Sarah weighs just under five pounds but she has the personality of a huge dog. She is stubborn and has a mind of her own when it comes to behavior. When I give her a bath she fights with the strength of a Doberman. I was very frustrated when I was first trying to train her to follow some simple commands.

Yorkshire terriers are typically lap dogs. Because of their small stature they feel more protected when they are close to their owner. Sarah likes to sit in my lap while I am using the computer, and I carry her with me as I move throughout the house.

The problems arise when I try to get her to do something she doesn't want to do. This can be something as simple as getting her to come to me when I call her name or to walk on a leash without getting tangled around my legs. I spend many hours each day with all three of my dogs, but Sarah seems to require more attention. She is so independent that she reminds me of a spoiled child.

Yorkshire terriers are supposedly very intelligent, but my little Sarah does not seem too bright when I am teaching her some very basic commands. She will sit and come only if the mood strikes her, and then roll over onto her back so that I can rub her stomach.

Because this breed was originally bred to kill rats over in England I think they still believe they are the size that they were at that time. In England, during the 18th and 19th centuries, Yorkshire terriers weighed around thirty pounds. It wasn't until they were brought to the United States during the 1870's that people began to breed them down to the five to seven pound range they are today.

Yorkies are also very hearty and resistant to disease, but my veterinarian says that there are sometimes problems with their hearts and lungs because they have been bred down so small, and also because of inbreeding.

Sarah is a year and a half old now and finally housebroken. That was also very difficult to do, mainly because she seemed to enjoy the attention she got when she had an accident in the house. I tried withholding love when she would go in the house and that seemed to help. I love this little dog very much, but training her has been a challenge. She is also a troublemaker, barking at other dogs when I walk her and stealing food right from under the noses of my other two dogs.

I was finally able to train her, but I had to learn how to do it from an expert.