Canine Heart Disease - Part 1

The most recent lesson in my Canine Nutrition course was on heart disease in dogs. I learned a lot from it, and I realize how much more there is beyond that to learn. I want to share with my readers, however, what I know thus far. I read a very informative and detailed article which I found at www.anaturalhealingcenter.com.

It is titled: Nutritional Therapy in the Treatment of Heart Disease In Dogs, by Robert S. Dove, DVM, CVA. This was actually the results from research and studies which were published in Alternative Medicine, Volume 6, Rev. 2001. (Note: This article is definitely from a medical standpoint, and might be confusing to you if you do not have some form of medical background...like medical terminology, and an intermediate understanding of heart terminology).

One point that I do find interesting is that this research and its findings are from over a decade ago! The reason I marvel at that is, this is information that was concluded quite awhile back...makes me wonder why it hasn't 'caught on' in the veterinary world. That is truly unfortunate, because this is information that every dog owner who has a dog suffering from heart disease needs to know!

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that 1 in 10 dogs has heart disease as a result of multiple dietary factors, including nutritional deficiencies. That is truly sad, and so unnecessary. I believe that the majority of the issue stems from that junk dog food that so many dogs eat for a lifetime. The mainstream dog food manufacturers which so many of us have come to 'trust' over the past many decades are bringing on, if not directly causing these diseases in our canine companions! (I've said it before in blogs, if 'they' don't like me saying that, then change your ways! It is what it is!) This is part of my family, I love my dogs very much, part of my responsibility as a pet parent is to protect them...and that includes the foods they consume!

So anyway, back to the studies conducted. I found it interesting that Dr. Dove considered (prescription) drugs used for heart disease in dogs to have many disadvantages. The use of natural supplementation such as Co-enzyme Q 10 (or CoQ10), Vitamin E, specifically alpha-tocopherol, L-carnitine, taurine, fish oil (aka, Omega-3 fatty acids), magnesium and the herb Hawthorne are much more promising in treatment.  I am all for correcting disease issues in this manner.

The article names a few breeds that are more at risk for developing heart disease, such as the American Cocker Spaniel, the Portuguese water dog and the Doberman Pincher.  If you have one of these dogs, be extra 'protective' over their diet! 

The article suggest the use of the amino acids L-carnitine and taurine to be used together in treatment.  Taurine, by the way is found in high concentrations in the heart tissue.  There is much more anticipated in further research regarding the use of the B vitamins, folate, B6 and B12.

These nutrients can increase life span, improve life quality, reduce symptoms and physical evidence of the disease and decrease mortality rates.  My suggestion would be to discuss these options with your veterinarian if your dog is suffering from heart disease.  If your vet is not familiar with natural supplementation in treatment, then find one who is...it is that important to the longevity and quality of life for your dog.  All treatment needs to be individual and would vary with the breed, age, disease type and severity...every dog is unique when it comes to medical issues. 

Now, this leads me directly to an advantage of the homemade diet.  I know, it's real easy to pour a bowl of kibble and forget it.  However, if you have read many of my blogs, you know this is not sufficient for your dog!  Taurine is found in red meat, fish and poultry, in dairy, especially in milk and eggs.  Vegetables do not contain significant amounts of taurine.  To those out there who feel dogs can be healthy on a vegetarian diet...take heed...they cannot.  Dogs are carnivores...they can only truly be in top health if they are fed a diet of meat and quality fats, just as they would if they lived in the wild.  Bringing them into our environment does not change their dietary needs.

Magnesium also plays an important role.  Brown rice (organic, of course) is a good choice, but not one I add often into my dog's diet.  Magnesium is found in high concentration in chlorophyll (read my blog from May 23, 2012, 'Can I Give My Dog Chlorophyll'? for further information).  This is the green pigment found in plants.

As you can see from just this short blog, nutrition certainly plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of canine heart disease.  It is paramount that you know what your dog truly needs to be healthy.  There are many factors, and I cannot disclose them all in one blog.  That is why I continue to add articles that put the pieces of the nutritional puzzle together in simple terms to give you an advantage from a natural perspective.

I will continue to research and add more about battling this common disease in canines.  I always have your dog's health foremost in my heart and mind.

 

 

Preparing To 'Fall' In

Wow....now that we're 'officially' into our first full day of fall...in retrospect, I wonder what happened to summer? The last 12 months have just been so unusual in the weather department, one can't help but think, 'what's gonna happen this fall and winter'?

There are many things pet parents need to keep in mind as the cooler days set in.  Fall is one of the worst times for allergies.  If your dog suffers from any kind of allergy, you need to stay on top of it in order to keep your dog from suffering needlessly.  Fish oil supplements are great to help ensure your best buddy's skin and coat are healthy.  Springtime, Inc. (www.springtimeinc.com) carries a great Omega 3-6-9 product.

Also, don't think that fleas retire come fall.  Flea eggs can hatch at 40 degrees (F)....so consider temperatures in your area.  The brewer's yeast and garlic supplement I use for my dogs (www.onlynaturalpet.com), I give almost year 'round.  Brewer's yeast is a great overall supplement that canines can benefit from all year.  My dogs are small, so they get one pill every other night.

If you haven't given your dog a bath lately, consider getting this accomplished on one of the warmer days.  Keeping dogs healthy means hygene is up-to-date....don't forget the toenails, brushing the coat, brushing the teeth and keeping around the eyes clean too!

It can become more of a challenge this time of year to have the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to feed your dog if you are serving up home cooked meals.  Farmer's markets are great places to shop for the seasonal foods.  Pumpkin is a great addition to your dog's diet, as is winter squash.  Apples of all varieties with some organic cinnamon and organic whole milk yogurt is a yummy breakfast treat (even for us humans!)

As the nighttime chill creeps in, don't forget to keep your dogs warm.  Small dogs like Maltese, Poodles, Bichon Frise and Chihuahua's don't have undercoats, which means they're going to get chilly quicker, even though their normal body temperature is 100-102 degrees (F).  A doggie t-shirt, sweatshirt and extra blanket can add comfort to overcome and endure temps in the 30's...we're already getting those in my area!

All it takes is a little pre-planning and preparation to ease into the fall months.  If you have something special you do with your canine companion(s), please share your comments. 

Doggie Beef Stew

Another great canine recipe from the Chaplin Doggie Diner:

1 lb. beef for stew (organic if you can find it)
4 small stalks organic celery
1/2 lb. organic mini carrots
2 medium organic red potatoes
1 tsp. organic dried parsley flakes
Dried organic dill weed

Since I have small dogs and one that has no teeth, I ground up the meat in my food processor (raw), and I also grind up the celery.

Peel and cube potatoes, put with carrots in Crock Pot, cover with water (can also use organic beef broth).  Cook on high for 1 hour.
Turn to low heat and cook for 1 hour.

Add meat, celery, parsley, and dill weed (sprinkle about 1/4 tsp. in) and cook on low for additional 45 minutes.

Allow to cool off (so it's warm) before mixing with dry kibble and feeding it to your dog(s).

Do not add any onion (not good for dogs). You do not need to add any additional salt, the celery will give it a nice natural boost of sodium.

Green Eggs (Recipe)

It's been awhile since I posted a recipe, here is a great one to try.  Most people are not aware that okra is a good vegetable for intestinal issues with your dog, like diarrhea.  It doesn't take a lot, and this recipe is quite easy.  You don't need to feed it to them often, but it's a nice 'different' type of vegetable to add.  Mine really liked it the way I fixed it.  You can also cut it up and freeze it for later use.

Sunday morning is scrambled egg morning at the Chaplin Doggie Diner...so this morning there was a special addition to the eggs....okra!

I have 8 small dogs I feed, so you might need to adjust the amounts according to the size of your dog.

2 organic eggs
1 large piece okra (cut into small pieces)
1 T. organic extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. Parmesan cheese

Heat the olive oil in a skillet, add cut up okra and saute until soft.  Add eggs and scramble....when nearly done, stir in Parmesan cheese.  Allow to cool and add to kibble.

Stay tuned for an upcoming recipe, 'Doggie Stew'.

Turning Around Maebelle's Allergies Naturally

You may not realize it, but your dog's diet...what you feed him/her is more than just a meal.  It can be the cause of allergies, disease, behavior problems and other issues that you may not have considered had a connection.

In December of last year, I was asked to foster a little 4 pound Chihuahua coming in as an owner surrender.  The dog had nipped the owner's 22-month old son above the eye, and she was hysterical thinking the dog would have to be euthanized.  Since the gal had contacted her vet (which I take my dogs to), who is a friend of the gal I foster for in rescue who then contacted me, is where I entered the picture.  I agreed to take her. 

I knew before I took her in that she had severe allergies.  The evening that I picked her up, I went through her paperwork...vet bills....lots of them....visits to emergency animal hospitals and vet offices due to allergic reactions.  She was on Prednisone, a steroid, and Zyrtec, an antihistamine used for allergy relief.  She was on a low-fat prescription dry dog food.  She had lost her fur on top of her head, and she just didn't look very healthy.  She was also very timid.

I remember thinking to myself, 'this little girl isn't even 8 years old, and she has been through so much...she deserves to have improved health so she can enjoy life and not be going to emergency rooms on a regular basis.  I knew I had my work cut out for me, and I was certainly up for the challenge.

My first step was to contact her vet...I left a message and he called me back.  I asked him if he knew the source of Maebelle's allergies, and he said he did not, that they had not run any tests on her.  My comment was, 'then it's most certainly nutritional'.  So that's where I started.  If you've read very many of my blogs, you know I am not an advocate of low-fat diets or prescription dog food. (their use in my opinion should be few and far between)

I started weaning her off the dog food, slowly but steadily adding the quality kibble I feed my own, and adding in meats, vegetables, fruits...home-cooked....just like I feed mine.  Maebelle came to us in December, so it was perfect timing from an environmental allergy standpoint to cut back on the Zyrtec.  (I never did give her any of the Prednisone that was packed with the many belongings that came with her).  Going into winter, external allergens are lower.

I started using a great supplement by Vet's Best.  It's a seasonal allergy support.  I kept a close eye out for adverse reactions from reducing the prescription med (Zyrtec) to make sure we weren't going to have problems.  We did not.  Time passed and I continued with the herbal supplement and home-cooked meals.  I was told by her previous owner, she was a 'picky eater'.  She was not too fond of bananas the first time I offered them....but she loves them now!  In fact, there is not much 'picky' about how she eats these days.  The only meat I've found she will not eat is chicken liver...do not know why, as she does like beef liver!

It's been a little over nine months now, and the process of her fur growing back on her head is slow, but it's progressing! She has not had any allergy issues....and you know how bad spring can be, and even summer! Actually, she is weaning herself off the herbal supplement, as she does not take it when offered to her very often.  I had hoped it would not be a life-long need.  Now that her immune system is up to par, and her environment is better suited to her personality, she is thriving! Considering the investment of time, consistency and progress, I ended up adopting her, realizing she was where she needed to be physically to get what she needed nutritionally and emotionally.

As a pet parent, you need to consider many things in regard to your dog's well-being.  Stress is a big factor in health.  This little girl was in an environment with small children (not the best for Chihuahua's), and the gal had a daycare in her home....so LOTS of small kids....most likely poking and being too rough for such a tiny girl. (little kids tend to do that at times) Her nutritional needs were not being met, so her actions and reactions from the nipping incident to the emergency allergy issues came together as the 'perfect storm' so to speak.

Internal and external environment also plays a major role in canine health.   I do not have my lawn chemically treated, and I use natural/herbal cleaning products.  None of my dogs are exposed to cigarette smoke.  I buy organic at every opportunity....milk, cheese, vegetables, grains (oats), meats.  Pesticide and fertilizer residue are just as harmful to animals as they are to people.  All these factors can cause allergies, trigger the onset of many diseases including cancer.  Protect your dog from these at all times or you put your furry companion at risk.

Had Maebelle continued where she was, I really do not know what might have transpired, but I feel it would not have been good.  Thankfully for her, she was taken out of it.  I know she was very much loved by her previous owners, I am not faulting or placing blame on them.  I keep in contact with them by email, sending pictures and updates.  Maebelle is doing well here....she isn't as timid....she interacts with the other dogs (she was an only dog in her other home), and she has really come out of her shell.  She has improved in so many ways, it is truly amazing.  When you give a dog what they truly need nutritionally and in a proper environment, you will have a much happier pet!

Appreciate and Celebrate Your Dog(s)

Recent figures show 37.2% of American households have approximately 73 million dogs (percentage does not include other pets).  We love dogs here in the U.S. for sure! Most people consider their furry companions to  be family...I know I do!  I didn't realize how much I love these sweet creatures until I began volunteering in dog rescue a little over four years ago...by that time I'd already been a pet parent for about 13 years.  I only had one dog up to that point, my Maltese, Clarisse.  Fostering gave me a further appreciation and definitely more experience with dogs.  A lot has transpired over that time, and I could not have imagined the path it would lead me on.

Just as human children have unique personalities, so do canines.  They are much like us, but have obvious and not so obvious differences.  The level of care and concern I have for my own spills over to all dogs.  I have a sincere heart for them and I want to devote my life to doing everything I can for all of them.  So many times I have thought it would not be worth coming home if they were not here....what would I have to come home to? Nothing? Nobody?  Home is truly where your heart is...and my heart longs to help dogs!

I think of the dogs whose paths have crossed with mine and entered into our home...some for a very short while (had a couple of 'over-nighters' once)....some for a longer period....and then those that I have given 'fur'-ever homes to....six of them.  We've even encountered and assisted a couple of strays.  Many years of study and interest in human nutrition has led me to study canine nutrition...this being borne out of necessity somewhat, as the third foster I had (my little Mya), was difficult to feed.  I had never encountered that before.  Previously she had been a breeder dog.  Mya was the stepping stone of a new awareness and direction.

We've had close to a couple dozen dogs since then....each from different backgrounds and situations...mostly from being a stray...a few owner surrenders...vulnerable little critters with no where to go.  I have always been more than happy and willing to open my home to them.  They have taught me so much...really mainly more patience.  I soon came to realize having two dogs is quite different that just one.  Each personality leaving a unique paw print on my heart.

I hope you, my readers have come to appreciate what your dog(s) bring into your life.  They are truly amazing.  I love to watch mine play and romp with each other from time to time.  I get a warm feeling in my heart when I observe them lounging outside in the sunshine in a safe privacy fenced back yard....thankful that I can offer them that.  The kisses and attention they give are priceless.  I love to take them places from time to time...quick errands, visiting, walks at special locations, day trips...I enjoy spending time with them...after all, they are family!

Every day I celebrate these beautiful creatures I share my home with.  They have changed my life and given me new purpose.  I enjoy sharing my bed with them, cuddling and look forward to beginning each new morning because they need me...but even more, I need them!  There are many things in my life that divide my attention, but I am all they have.  I pray I never lose that perspective.  In my desire to help even more, I am seriously considering studying animal law.  I want all dogs to be healthy, happy and safe.  I hope I can play a part in that becoming a reality...I pray you will stand with me so together we can make this happen! Let this journey begin....