Posts Tagged ‘Health’

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Joint support explained: Does your dog have creaky knees (or hips or elbows)?

Monday, October 10th, 2011
dancing healthy dog

With a little joint support your dog will be dancing!

Your dog may not be arthritic, but he may still benefit from some joint support. As the snap of fall chills the air, old injuries or general sensitivity can manifest in creaky joints and stiffness (just as in humans)!  And just as we humans benefit from taking our Glucosamine/Chondroitin and Omega-3 supplements, dogs can also benefit from a little extra joint support.

But what specific dogs should really take joint supplements?

  • Large breed dogs – simply the size of their frame means that their joints sustain more stress than joints of smaller breeds. Larger dogs are also more at risk for joint disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia, even if they’re not showing signs of it yet.
  • Active adult dogs, especially those within the “working” or “sporting” breeds – many working and sporting breeds are notorious for suffering from joint problems, and keeping them active without pain will ensure they stay happy.
  • Adult dogs that seem to have some difficulty with mobility – if you notice your dog seems to have trouble rising after he’s been sleeping, is stiff after exercise or generally seems stiffer than usual, especially as the temperature drops, consult with your vet first, but giving him some extra joint support in the form of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and Omega 3s certainly can’t hurt. Many vets can even prescribe an injectable form of glucosamine that works much faster and more effectively than pills.
  • Overweight dogs – Just as in humans, any extra weight the frame has to carry creates excess stress on the joints and can develop into arthritis. Consider an exercise regimen for your overweight dog – as he sheds the pounds, he’ll love the stimulation from the exercise even more, and he’ll feel better too.
  • Older dogs showing signs of arthritis or other mobility difficulties like stiffness, limping, or  lameness
  • Young large breed dogs – supporting the growth of these large breed dogs with an excellent diet, good exercise regimen, and joint supplements if your vet recommends it will ensure they develop into strong and healthy dogs.
  • Breeds prone to hip dysplasia – chances are, if you have a dog that’s prone to hip dysplasia, you’re already aware of it. Just as with developing large breed dogs, keeping these dogs trim, fit, and healthy through a great exercise and diet routine will ensure they live a long and happily active life.

    The key ingredients you’ll see in joint supplements and what they do:

  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin: You’ve probably seen these two ingredients listed together on just about every joint support supplement, and are even found in many “joint-specific” foods and treats (“Happy Hips!”). These two ingredients work best together, which is why it’s rare to see one without the other. Both are vital to the production and maintenance of the smooth cartilage that covers the bones of a joint. Humans, dogs, and cats of any age can benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements, which simply work in a preventative, truly “supporting” way to help lubricate and maintain healthy cartilage.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found naturally in fish and some oils like flaxseed, these antioxidants help to stabilize cells against the effects of destructive substances including free radicals, the molecules that damage cells, including those in the joints and skin.
  • Antioxidants: Vitamins A, C, E, citrus bioflavonoids, quercetin, DMG, grape seed extract, selenium, and zinc all help to neutralize free radicals. The more one ages, and the more stress one is exposed to (in the form of pollution, poor nutrition, and emotional stress), the more free radicals are produced due to natural “oxidative” action of the cells. So antioxidants help to scavenge up and clear up the oxidants (also known as free radicals) that are a byproduct of this naturally-occurring cellular function. Left to their own devices, the free radicals float around the body and do damage to tissues, resulting in wrinkles (in humans), and poor skin and hair/coat health, and internal ways like pain and decreased joint mobility.
  • MSM: Methysulfonylmethane is a naturally occurring compound and organic source of sulfur used in normal cartilage production is most effective in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin.

Remember, the level of joint support your dog requires depends on a number of factors: age, breed, size, weight, level of activity, and current signs of pain or stiffness.  The best thing to do before starting a joint support regimen is to ask your veterinarian about it during your next annual checkup. He can recommend the best treatment or prevention plan for your individual dog.

 

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Posted in Canine Health, Dogs, Natural Remedies | No Comments »

Natural Remedies: Acupuncture For Your Pet?

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011

Pain, arthritis, digestive problems, kidney failure, allergies, anxiety: these are just some of the ailments and illnesses that acupuncture can effectively treat.

…in animals.

Did you think I was talking about acupuncture for human maladies? You wouldn’t be wrong if so: just as in humans, acupuncture can effectively heal and even reverse many of the similar diseases and symptoms that afflict pets.  Even though acupuncture has been used on people for thousands of years in China, it wasn’t so long ago that the Western world only thought of acupuncture as that weird looking, slightly skin-crawling concept of sticking needles all over one’s body, and… eeek… leaving them there. But the results were solid, people started feeling better, yoga devotees, health fanatics and soccer moms alike started swearing by the treatment, acupuncturists proliferated, and techniques in alternative medicine became commonplace. And as holistic therapies become more and more common for people in the West, so too are they becoming accepted forms of treatment for pets here too (though according to the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, acupuncture has been used on animals for at least 3000 years!).

How does acupuncture work?

The principle of acupuncture is based on the belief that a being’s overall physical, mental, and emotional health depends on the state of its Qi or chi, thought of as an indeterminate and immeasurable life force of vital energy that flows throughout the body. If anything blocks the flow of chi, such as bacteria, virus, inflammation, etc., pain and illness can manifest in a number of ways.

Nerve endings in the body contain trigger points or “acupoints” which are stimulated by specifically-placed acupuncture needles to help release endorphins, reduce swelling, relieves spasms, and ultimately, restores the flow of energy, or chi, through the body to provide relief from pain.

Veterinary acupuncture sessions can last from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the animal’s condition and sensitivity. Veterinarians assess the dog’s condition and ailments, and place the needles accordingly. For example, when searching for the underlying cause of disease, Chinese medicine practitioners will often start with inserting acupuncture needles at the “liver points.” Because the liver filters over a liter of blood every minute, it is responsible for detoxifying, nourishing, replenishing, and storing blood. So it’s not a stretch to believe that the health of one’s liver is a reflection of one’s overall health and well-being. According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy throughout the body, so stimulating these points will help release general blockages and stimulate free flow of chi, which will help heal other ailments throughout the body.

What does acupuncture treat (in humans and animals!)?

  • Musculoskeletal problems: Acupuncture is probably best known for treating these kinds of problems, including pain, stiffness, spinal disc problems, soreness, back and neck pain, degenerative joint disease (like hip and elbow dysplasia), osteoarthritis, and sports injuries.
  • Neurological disorders: Seizures, some paralysis
  • Digestive Problems: Gastric ulcers, vomiting, constipation (the ultimate blockage!), diarrhea, etc.
  • Chronic Conditions: Behavioral and emotional problems like aggressiveness, anxiety, irritation; asthma, allergies, hypo and hyperthyroidism, and skin problems.

How to find a qualified veterinary acupuncturist?

Only licensed veterinarians can practice acupuncture on pets in most states in the U.S., and in those that don’t require a veterinarian acupuncturist also have a veterinary license, it is HIGHLY advisable to seek one out with a license regardless! To find a vet who performs acupuncture and has successfully completed an approved veterinary acupuncture course, contact the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture or the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

Have you ever used acupuncture on your pet? What did you use it to treat? Please share your story with us in the comments below!

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Posted in Canine Health, earthbath, Fun Stuff, Natural Remedies, Pet News | No Comments »

Shiny coats = happy, healthy dogs

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Hair matters. Remember that old shampoo commercial: “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful?” as the model swung her luscious, full, shiny mane of hair in slow motion towards the camera? It was pretty darn effective: sales of that brand of shampoo soared, and the tagline is still memorable today, at least 15 years later.

Even as styles and even ideal weights and body sizes have varied throughout cultures and different eras, shiny, full, bouncy hair has always been desirable, and a sign of youth, health, and attractiveness.

The dog with a pretty, shiny coat and the sparkly eyes will always be adopted first, over the dog with a scruffy, patchy coat with bald spots and dull eyes.

…Oh, did you think I was talking about women?

Well, maybe I was initially. But just as in humans, in dogs, how supple, smooth, and shiny the skin and hair (or fur) appears is an externally visible reflection of overall health.

If your dog has a dull, dry coat, this is an external indication of poor nutritional health. A good diet is essential to good coat health, but just as in humans, a good skin and haircare (or coat care) routine is necessary to supplement a good diet.

Key (food) ingredients to good hair and coat health (take notes, not just for your canine friend, but for yourself too!) are:

  • Linoleic acid: This is an Omega-6 fatty acid that supports the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands in the skin. Without the proper production of skin oils, over time, the coat will look dry and lusterless. In addition, linoleic acid helps to prevent water loss from the skin.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (notably, EPA and DHA): These are considered to be the foundation of healthy skin, and are also recommended to support organ function such as heart and kidney function and joint health. EPA and DHA are the Omega-3 fatty acids that work at the cellular level to help the immune system react optimally when it faces challenges.
  • Vitamins A, C, and E; and Zinc: These vitamins and the mineral Zinc help to neutralize free radicals that can harm cells.
  • B vitamins (including biotin): B’s are critical to proper cellular functioning, including skin and hair health.
  • Choline and Inositol: These substances help to maintain the integrity of skin cells.

Of course, ideal hair/coat-care consists of a two-pronged strategy – from the inside-out (what you eat shows up in your glowing skin and shiny, lush hair/fur), and also, from the outside-in. Your hair (and coat-care) products really do matter. That’s why we’ve spent so much time crafting the best quality shampoo and conditioning products possible. Here are some key things to look for in your pet shampoo and coat care products:

Because dog’s skin and coat is so sensitive, it’s crucial that you never use harsh cleansers - soap can dry skin, remove necessary skin oils, and leave irritating and drying residue behind.

  • The cleansing agents used in earthbath shampoos are hypo-allergenic, soap-free, renewable coconut-based cleansers, which are excellent at cleansing, without drying out the skin or coat.
  • Use a pH-balanced cleanser. Dogs’ skin pH is almost neutral, meaning that the pH balanced shampoos for HUMANS will be much more acidic and as a result, highly irritating to their much more sensitive skin.
  • Moisturizing ingredients and conditioners are key to replacing the nourishing oils that can be washed away, and skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera and oatmeal promote healing of skin irritations and re-moisturize sensitive, dry skin.

 

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Posted in Breeds, Canine Health, Diet, Dogs, earthbath, Grooming, Pet Owners, Shedding, Skin Care | No Comments »

Keep yourself – and your pet – sharp & fit with a daily walk!

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

The benefit to our bodies from physical exercise is a fact we are all aware of, yet most of us still choose to relax on the couch than head out for a run. Yet, regular moderate exercise has been found to be healthy not just for our hearts, but also for our heads. And the same goes for our dogs. For those of us that share our lives with one or more dogs, and walk them daily, chances are we are doing wonders for our brains and our canine friends’ brains, without thinking too much about it.

Many of us are all too aware of the increasing memory loss that is associated with normal aging (those “senior moments” of forgetfulness become all too familiar as the years pass), and fear the extreme form of memory loss and cognitive dysfunction that is Alzheimer’s disease. And memory decline is not an affliction of humans alone: there is a similar syndrome now identified in our pets, known as cognitive dysfunction disorder (CD). If you are curious about identifying symptoms of CD, remember the acronym DISH:

D: Disorientation and confusion, such as attempting to walk through the wrong side of a doggie door.

I: Interactions (changes in interactions, that is), such as an outgoing pet becoming withdrawn.

S: Sleep disturbances, like dogs pacing back and forth or cats yowling through the night for no apparent reason.

H: Housetraining Regression: or Having Accidents.

Of course, if your dog or cat exhibits any behavioral changes, the first step is to consult your veterinarian to rule out any other health problems or diseases first, before attempting to diagnose your pet with CD. CD is further complicated by the fact that, just as in humans, as animals age, they often develop physical problems in addition to cognitive problems, many symptoms of which can actually exacerbate other growing health problems.

But it’s not all doom and gloom: keeping active throughout one’s life (both mentally and physically) has been shown to delay, minimize, or potentially even prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in humans. Since cognitive decline in dogs is very similar to the pattern of mental decline in humans, it’s highly probable that the same kinds of stimulation in the form of mental and physical exercise can help keep your dogs mentally (and physically) fit for life.

In fact, a study conducted at the University of California-Irvine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center looked at cognitive decline in both dogs and people. One group of dogs was enrolled in “continuing canine education” that included more social interactions with other dogs and people, followed a specific exercise regime and ate a special anti-aging diet. The control group of dogs was simply fed the anti-aging diet (but didn’t receive additional mental or physical exercise and training). All of the dogs were given a variety of tests to assess cognitive skills over the study, and the results were definitive: the dogs that received more social interactions, exercise,  and cognitive “enrichment” in the form of learning new tasks and skills did much better than the dogs simply fed the anti-aging diet.

The best thing you can do, right now, for your health and your dog’s health is to take your dog for a walk: The 30-60 minutes a day outside will do both of you good! And remember: old dogs CAN (and should) learn new tricks! It will keep them young!

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Posted in Breeds, Canine Health, Diet, Dogs, earthbath, Pet News, Pet Owners, Staying Active, Training | No Comments »

earthbath features a “how-to” video on brushing your dog’s teeth for Pet Dental Health Month!

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

February is Pet Dental Health Month! You might buy your pet the best organic, locally-sourced food, all-natural treats, walk him daily, and maybe even dress him in designer doggie duds, but do you also give the same level of attention to his doggie dentifrice? Most people don’t know that the most common health problem in dogs is actually periodontal disease. In fact, over 75% of all dogs show symptoms of oral disease by the time they are three! Poor dental hygiene isn’t just about “doggie breath!” In fact, bad breath shouldn’t be an acceptable norm for dogs or cats. Tooth and gum problems can become painful and serious if left untreated and could cause a whole host of health problems, even aggression. Over time, unchecked dental problems can result in plaque and bacteria build-up that can enter the bloodstream and cause serious disease in the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

The best thing to do is to start a dental hygiene routine as early as possible (puppies who have been raised with regular grooming, nail trimming, socializing, etc. will treat these routines like it’s no big deal, and teeth-brushing is no different), but it’s never too late to start!

Unfortunately, once periodontal disease sets in, there is no way to reverse it, although its progress can be slowed or stopped with consistent dental care. Given the unpleasant and painful nature of the symptoms of periodontal disease, including:

  • Bad breath
  • Discolored and yellow teeth
  • Swollen gums
  • Changes in behavior including:
  • Difficulty in chewing (including reluctance to chew/disinterest in toys and treats)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Broken or missing teeth
  • Nasal and eye discharge
  • Blood in the saliva
  • Drooling

…you probably want to do all that you can to prevent the disease from taking hold, or to stop it if it’s already present. Here are the best ways to start a dental hygiene routine with your dog:

1) Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week.

  • You can buy a special toothbrush made especially for dogs, or a soft child’s toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, a gauze pad around a finger, or a cotton swab all also do the job well.
  • Use special dog-specific toothpaste specially formulated for dogs, as this toothpaste is flavored to taste appealing to dogs, and, much like human toothpaste, also contains ingredients that continue to fight plaque formation and tooth decay long after brushing.
  • Focus on the back molars as they tend to develop plaque more quickly than frontal teeth.
  • DO NOT USE human toothpaste because human toothpaste contains foaming ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. In addition, the taste of human toothpaste, baking soda, or salt are all unpalatable to dogs and could upset their tummies or create an allergic reaction.

Here’s a handy 5 minute how-to video by the American Veterinary Medical Association on how to brush your dog’s teeth. It’s so easy!

2) Feed a good quality, excellent dry dog food, without the wheat and corn that can act like decay-causing sugar to the teeth. Dry dog food also acts like mini scrubbies that brush away plaque and tartar, whereas wet dog food creates sticky tartar formation. If you feed wet food to your dog, make sure that the majority of his diet is made up of dry food.

3) Give your dog dental chew toys and bones like knobby toys, rope toys and flossy toys – all of which help to scrape plaque and tartar off of the teeth. Pork skin is also a great choice as it is more digestible and nutritional than rawhide but still scrapes off tartar very effectively.

4) Just as you get yearly dental check-ups, make sure your dog also gets a yearly dental exam by the vet. Most vets actually honor Pet Dental Health month and offer specials on teeth checkups and cleanings during February!

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Posted in Canine Health, Cats, Diet, Dogs, earthbath, Grooming, Helpful Pet Hints, Pet News, Pet Owners | No Comments »

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