It’s crucial for pet parents to recognize the signs of hip pain in dogs in order to provide timely care. In this article, you will learn what causes hip pain in dogs, signs of hip pain to recognize, when to seek help from your veterinarian, and how you can help your dog with hip pain at home. 

Causes of Hip Pain in Dogs

While there are many possible causes of hip pain in dogs, the most common cause is due to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is found in up to 75 percent of certain breeds of dogs, such as the English Bulldog, but is also present in a wide variety of dog breeds (1). 

Hip dysplasia is a developmental disorder characterized by an abnormal ball and socket hip joint, in which the head of the femur (ball) slips out of the acetabulum of the pelvis (socket). This creates significant pain and instability of the hip and will eventually lead to hip osteoarthritis—commonly referred to as arthritis—later in life. Hip arthritis is a chronic condition caused by the gradual deterioration of the cartilage in the joint leading to bone-on-bone contact, scarring of the joint, joint pain, and loss of range of motion in the hip joint. 

While hip dysplasia is the most common cause of hip arthritis in dogs, hip arthritis can also be caused by previous injuries to the joint, joint infections, and being overweight or obese. Dogs who are overweight or obese have excess forces applied to their joints and, over long periods of time, this can cause increased wear and tear on joint cartilage and increased joint inflammation, leading to the development of arthritis. 

Whether hip pain is acute or chronic can give a clue as to its cause. Hip dysplasia and hip arthritis will typically cause chronic hip pain, which comes on gradually and does not go away. Meanwhile, acute hip pain is often more severe, comes on suddenly, and will often resolve if the underlying cause is treated. Causes of acute hip pain include muscle strains affecting the iliopsoas muscle (a hip flexor), pelvic or femoral fractures, and hip luxations (dislocations). 

7 Signs of Hip Pain in Dogs

Here are some possible signs of hip pain in dogs to watch for:

Limping

Dogs with hip pain will often limp in one of their back legs. The limp may come and go and may become more pronounced after strenuous exercise or after lying down for long periods of time. 

Difficulty or slowness to stand up or lie down 

Because the hips have to significantly extend to allow a dog to stand up and have to flex to allow them to lie down, dogs with hip pain often have a hard time or are reluctant to stand and lie down. You will also likely notice that dogs with hip pain rely more on their front legs to pull themselves up from lying down and they may go straight from standing to lying down instead of sitting in between the movements. 

Bunny hopping in the back legs

Dogs who have pain in both of their hips will often have a bunny hop when they are running. Instead of their rear legs leaving the ground at different times, dogs with hip pain will lift up both rear legs and put them back on the ground at the same time—like a bunny. 

Walking with a hip sway

Hip pain will often cause dogs to walk with their hips swaying from side to side, as they use more motion in their lower back to help advance their rear feet forward in order to allow the hips to move less. 

Thigh muscle atrophy

With chronic hip pain, one or both thigh muscles begin to shrink as a consequence of the dog shifting weight off of the painful limb(s). 

Difficulty climbing up stairs or jumping into the car 

A reluctance or difficulty to use the rear legs to climb up the stairs or an inability to jump up into a car is often an indication of hip pain. 

Changes in posture 

Dogs with hip pain often have an abnormal stance and posture caused by offloading weight from their rear legs and hips. You may notice a dog with hip pain standing with their rear legs tucked up under their body and most of their weight shifted forward on the front legs. Their lower back may also appear hunched. If only one hip is painful, the dog will often put the non-painful rear leg under the body while the painful leg is splayed out to the side. 

When to See a Veterinarian

If your dog is showing severe signs of hip pain or if signs of hip pain haven’t resolved after about two weeks of rest, it’s time to take your dog to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will start by asking you questions about your dog’s symptoms and then perform a thorough exam. Ideally, X-rays of the hips should be performed if hip pain is present, especially if it isn’t resolved with rest and pain medication. While chronic hip pain is usually due to arthritis and/or hip dysplasia, other less common causes of hip pain, such as bone cancer, can be missed without performing X-rays. 

It is important that signs of hip pain be addressed promptly, as early treatment of arthritis can slow down the disease’s progression. If your dog is diagnosed with early arthritis or if hip dysplasia is diagnosed before arthritis develops, your veterinarian may recommend omega-3 supplements, joint support supplements containing cartilage-protecting compounds, such as glucosamine-chondroitin and MSM, and may also recommend Adequan injections—another product that helps to protect the cartilage in joints. 

Dog Hip Pain: How to Help 

While professional veterinary care is essential for managing hip pain in dogs, there are also several ways pet parents can help alleviate their dog’s discomfort. These include:

• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing the strain on your dog’s hips. Consult your veterinarian to determine the ideal weight for your dog and establish a proper diet and exercise plan.
• Provide a comfortable environment: Make adjustments to your home to accommodate your dog’s mobility needs. Cover up slick tile and wood flooring with rugs or simple yoga mats to help your dog gain traction when walking. Use ramps or stairs to help them navigate elevated surfaces and minimize the need for jumping. Consider using orthopedic or heated dog beds to provide additional comfort and support. 
• Low-impact exercise: Engage your dog in low-impact exercises that promote muscle strength and joint mobility without placing excessive stress on the hips. Controlled walks, swimming, and physical therapy exercises can be beneficial.
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Ask your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation programs tailored to your dog’s specific needs. These can help improve joint function, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.
• Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, massage, or cold laser therapy may provide additional pain relief for dogs with hip pain. In addition to tried-and-true hip pain treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) made for dogs, CBD supplements may also help to reduce hip pain due to arthritis (2). Discuss these options with your veterinarian to determine if they may be suitable for your dog’s condition.

While there are some home remedies and alternative treatments that may offer temporary relief for hip pain, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian before trying any new approaches. Additionally, you should never give any over-the-counter pain relievers made for humans to your dog, as they can cause serious side effects. 

References

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jor.24178
2. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00165/full?_ga=2.240870016.204596874.1641217632-31046772.1640096551

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These snuggles will also often give you a close encounter with your kitty’s breath. But contrary to what you might think, cat bad breath isn’t normal. Cat breath shouldn’t really have an odor, unless, of course, you just fed them something pungent like tuna or sardines. 

If your cat’s breath consistently stinks like garbage or something that died, or if the odor of your cat’s breath changes suddenly, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes of cat bad breath, how to treat it, and things you can do to prevent it. 

What Causes Bad Breath in Cats? 

If you’re noticing a distinct stink coming from your kitty’s mouth, you’re probably wondering: why does my cat have bad breath? Also known as halitosis, bad breath can affect any breed of cat and isn’t known to target certain breeds more than others. It can be caused by many different things. 

Gum Disease

By far the most common cause of bad breath in cats is periodontal (gum) disease. By only two years of age, 70% of cats will have some form of periodontal disease [1]. Just think about what your breath would smell like and the reaction you’d get from your dentist if you didn’t brush your teeth for weeks, or even years! Since cats can’t brush their own teeth, they rely on us human parents to take care of their teeth for them, and unfortunately, we aren’t always great at this task. 

Why does gum disease cause bad breath in cats? As soon as a cat eats a meal, plaque (a sticky substance containing food particles, saliva, and bacteria) starts to accumulate on the surface of their teeth. If this plaque is not removed by brushing or other methods, it will harden and turn into tartar within a few days. Tartar, which has a yellow-to-brown color, is rough and will then attract more plaque, which leads to more tartar – it’s a vicious cycle. 

Plaque and tartar accumulation first causes gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. If this isn’t treated in time, it will eventually lead to inflammation of the deeper tissues supporting the teeth, which then causes infections below the gums and eventually tooth loss. All of this infection, inflammation, and tooth decay creates very bad cat breath.

Oral Conditions

Aside from gum disease, there are other oral conditions that lead to bad breath in cats. Diseases that cause ulcers in the mouth, such as infections with feline calicivirus and kidney failure, are all associated with halitosis. Cancerous tumors, stomatitis, broken teeth, and foreign objects lodged in the mouth or nose can also cause bad cat breath. 

Non-Mouth-Related Conditions and Disorders

Conditions aside from issues related specifically to the mouth are yet another source of bad breath in cats. However, there will almost always be other symptoms besides bad breath alone that accompany these disorders, including vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, excessive thirst, excessive urination, and a poor appetite. 

Other things that may lead to bad breath include disorders of the digestive system and liver – especially those that induce frequent vomiting. Additionally, if not well controlled, diabetes can cause your cat’s breath to smell weird, sort of like nail polish remover. 

What to Do if Your Cat Has Bad Breath 

There are many things that can be done for cats with bad breath. If you notice that your cat’s breath smells, it’s best to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. They will start with a physical exam to check your cat’s teeth/gums and the rest of their body.

If your cat has red, puffy, or receded gums, or missing or broken teeth, the next step will be to schedule them for an anesthetic dental cleaning. Most veterinarians will perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork, which will also allow them to ensure that your cat’s internal organs are functioning properly and not contributing to the bad breath. The dental cleaning should include full mouth radiographs (X-rays), which allow for a full assessment of the health of your cat’s teeth and gums and help determine if there are any severely diseased teeth that may need to be removed. 

If your veterinarian finds another cause of bad breath unrelated to the teeth and gums, such as untreated diabetes, your cat’s breath should improve once the disease is properly treated. 

Cat Bad Breath Home Remedies

After you’ve gone to your veterinarian to make sure there’s not a serious problem causing your cat’s bad breath, there are some things you can do at home to help improve the condition. 

Unsurprisingly, a tried-and-true remedy for smelly breath is brushing your cat’s teeth. Always use a toothpaste that is specially formulated for pets to ensure that it is safe. Many pet toothpastes are enzymatic. meaning that the toothpaste itself will help to remove plaque even on spots you cannot reach.

If you have never brushed your cat’s teeth before, it is important to start slowly with a finger or finger toothbrush and reward them with a tasty treat afterward. This will help your cat build a positive association with having their teeth brushed. However, some cats may not allow you to brush their teeth no matter what you do. 

The good news is that there are dental wipes, sprays, water additives, treats and prescription diets that have been proven to reduce the accumulation of odor-causing plaque. You can find the names of these products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council at VOHC.org. Your veterinarian can also make recommendations on additional products to address bad breath.

How to Avoid Bad Cat Breath

The best thing you can do to prevent bad breath in your cat is to institute some form of daily home dental care into their routine. Brushing your cat’s teeth once a day is the most effective way to do this. 

If daily brushing does not work for you or your cat, it is important to find the right thing or mix of things that you can do on a daily basis to promote good oral hygiene. For example, it might be more realistic for you to wipe your cat’s teeth with dental wipes twice a week and to feed her dental treats every single day. 

The next best thing you can do is to have your cat’s teeth cleaned and evaluated under anesthesia by your veterinarian on a yearly basis. The current recommendation is for cats to start receiving annual dental cleanings at one year of age [2]. 

Keeping your cat’s mouth clean and free of bad odors will not only prevent them from developing painful, diseased teeth later in life, it can also help to promote better heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver function, and improve their overall longevity. 

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Despite the major health risks posed by this disease and the rising number of cases throughout the US, a recent study found that only about 30 percent of US dog owners had purchased heartworm prevention within the last year (1). 

While most dog parents are somewhat familiar with the risk of heartworms they are often unfamiliar with dog heartworm symptoms. In this article, we will describe common dog heartworm symptoms that all dog parents should know. 

How Does a Dog Get Heartworm? 

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm, Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito takes a blood meal from a dog that is infected with heartworms, the juvenile heartworms in the blood (called microfilariae) develop into infective larvae inside the mosquito. These can then be transmitted to the next dog the mosquito bites, causing them to become infected. 

Any dog can become infected with heartworms. However, dogs with a higher risk of mosquito exposure — such as outdoor dogs, stray dogs, hunting dogs, and dogs living in the southeastern United States — are more likely to develop heartworm disease. 

Once infected, these worms can cause significant damage to the dog’s heart, lungs, blood vessels, and even the liver and kidneys. 

7 Dog Heartworm Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Often, dogs that are diagnosed with heartworms don’t show any abnormal symptoms at the time of their diagnosis. In fact, one study reported that 32 percent of dogs diagnosed with heartworms were asymptomatic (2). This is likely due to routine testing for heartworms, which allows veterinarians to catch this disease early on. 

The longer a dog is infected with heartworms, the more the worms reproduce, and the more likely the dog is to show symptoms of heartworm infection. 

The tricky thing is that many of these symptoms aren’t specific to heartworm in dogs. They are also commonly observed in many other dog diseases and ailments. For this reason, an assessment by a veterinarian is crucial to help determine the cause. 

Still, in order to get that assessment, pet parents need to know what to look for. So here’s a helpful overview of heartworm symptoms in dogs to watch out for.  

What are the First Signs of Heartworms in Dogs?  

1. Coughing 

After migrating through the skin and muscles, juvenile heartworms enter the chest cavity and lungs. They fully mature within the pulmonary arteries, where they will live out their life cycle, which can span 5 to 7 years. 

Since heartworms are not a normal part of a dog’s body, the immune system reacts to the worms causing widespread inflammation. In the lungs, this inflammation causes a pesky dry cough that won’t go away. For this reason, any time a dog has a persistent cough, a visit to the veterinarian is in order for heartworm testing and evaluation.

2. Exercise Intolerance

Another early sign of heartworm disease is difficulty exercising or a sudden reluctance to exercise. 

This can happen for many reasons. But when a dog has heartworms, adult worms living in the blood vessels of the lungs cause those vessels to narrow and not work as well as they should. That can prevent the lungs from exchanging oxygen efficiently. And because moving the body requires oxygen-rich blood, exercise may be more difficult for dogs with heartworms

If you normally take your dog on an hour-long daily walk, and suddenly your pup can’t walk for 20 minutes without wanting to lay down, it’s time for a visit to the vet. 

3. Lethargy

As with infections of any kind, heartworms can make dogs more sleepy and lethargic because their body is busy trying to fight the infection. The direct impact heartworms have on a dog’s heart and lung performance can also contribute to lethargy and low energy. 

Symptoms of Late-Stage Heartworm Disease in Dogs

4. Weight Loss

Advanced heartworm infections can cause dogs to lose weight. As heartworms take up residence in a dog’s pulmonary arteries for longer periods of time, this forces their body to have to work harder to perform basic bodily functions, such as breathing and pumping blood.

This increased exertion requires more calories to sustain it. However, dogs with heartworms typically don’t make up for this need by eating more food. Instead, the inflammation caused by the worms makes infected dogs feel less hungry, which contributes to the weight loss. 

5. Labored Breathing

Another late-stage sign of heartworm disease is labored breathing, which is often a symptom of right-sided heart failure. 

Over time, the right side of the heart has to pump harder and harder to push blood through the narrowed, heartworm-damaged pulmonary arteries. Eventually, this can lead to heart failure and often labored or rapid breathing. Labored breathing should always be treated as an emergency and you should not delay seeking veterinary care, should this occur. 

6. Swollen Belly

The right-sided heart failure seen in late-stage heartworm disease can also lead to a buildup of fluid in a dog’s belly. This condition, known as ascites, happens when blood pools in the lungs because the heart isn’t pumping properly, and fluid leaches from the pooled blood into the abdomen. This causes a dog’s belly to appear more rounded or swollen. 

7. Collapse

Sudden collapse or fainting episodes, called syncope, can be seen in dogs with advanced heartworm disease. This can be a result of heart failure or caval syndrome. 

Caval syndrome is a severe complication of heartworm disease in which heartworms become lodged in the right side of the heart. The worms become tangled and prevent the heart chambers from properly closing. This clump of worms also causes red blood cells to burst, leading to severe anemia and weakness. 

Caval syndrome requires emergency surgery in order to prevent death and even then the chances of survival aren’t great. For this reason, should your dog suddenly collapse, it is important to seek emergency veterinary care right away. 

Heartworm Symptoms in Dogs: Next Steps

If your dog is not on year-round heartworm prevention medicine and you notice any of the symptoms described above, it is important to consult with your veterinarian about the possibility of heartworm disease. 

A veterinarian can usually perform a quick heartworm test during your visit to provide an answer right away. And even if your dog tests negative for heartworms, your veterinarian may be able to diagnose another health concern with similar symptoms before it becomes more serious.

However, ignoring symptoms of heartworm disease or skipping annual heartworm tests could prove deadly, because it reduces your chances of catching the disease when it is still treatable. 

Heartworm treatments for dogs are most effective when the infection is detected before symptoms develop. A dog with heartworm symptoms can still benefit greatly from treatment. However, the cost of treatment is typically higher. And some things, like lung damage, are often permanent.

Do Dogs Need Heartworm Prevention? 

Heartworm in dogs is a serious disease that poses a significant threat to your pet’s health even if it is treated. So preventing heartworm disease from happening is much preferable to treating the disease, whether your dog is diagnosed when asymptomatic or after symptoms develop. 

The good news is that this disease is almost 100 percent preventable with proper, consistent use of preventatives, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. 

The American Heartworm Society recommends dog parents in all 50 states administer year-round, FDA-approved heartworm prevention medication for dogs, as well as limit dog exposure to mosquitos and their breeding environments. 

Talk to your veterinarian about which heartworm prevention is best suited for your dog, based on your pet’s risk factors and lifestyle.

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Given the cost of these delish shellfish, this may be more of a hypothetical question than an actual meal proposal. Still, it’s fun to imagine spoiling our dogs…and even more fun picturing them in a lobster bib!

There’s also the fact that some dogs do raid the trash from time to time, so accidental consumption could be a concern. And in areas where lobster is more widely available and affordable, it might even be something pet parents consider adding to their dog’s meal rotation. 

So in this article, we will let you know if it is OK to feed your dog lobster, how lobster should be prepared for dogs (if at all), as well as the potential risks and benefits of feeding lobster to dogs. 

Can Dogs Eat Lobster? 

In a nutshell: Yes, dogs can eat lobster. Lobster is not toxic to dogs and can be enjoyed by most dogs in small quantities as an indulgent treat.

Want more info? Here’s a deeper dive into the different parts and preparations of lobster and whether they’re safe for crustacean-craving pups.  

Can Dogs Eat Raw Lobster? 

No, you should not feed your dog raw lobster. Feeding dogs raw lobster increases their risk of ingesting harmful bacteria that can cause illness. Plus, raw lobster doesn’t offer any additional nutritional benefit to dogs over cooked lobster meat.   

Can Dogs Eat Lobster Shells? 

No, dogs should never eat lobster shells. Chewing on the thick, brittle lobster shells will cause them to shatter and break, creating sharp edges. These can injure a dog’s tongue, throat, and esophagus, as well as create a choking hazard. Lobster shells that make it into a dog’s stomach cannot be digested and may cause intestinal blockages or, worse yet, perforation of the stomach or intestines, requiring emergency surgery. 

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Lobster? 

Feeding dogs cooked lobster as an occasional treat should be fine in most cases. When preparing lobster for your dog, make sure you only include the meat of the lobster and none of the shell. It’s best to cook the lobster in a simple manner, such as baking, boiling, or steaming the meat. Do not add any seasonings or butter to the lobster as this could make your dog ill. 

Is Lobster Good for Dogs? 

Lobster may be nutritious for dogs in small quantities. Lobster is high in protein, low in calories, and low in fat. Lobster is also a good source of copper, selenium, zinc, and vitamin B12 (1). In addition, lobster is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit your dog’s skin, heart, joints, and brain. 

Despite having some potential health benefits for dogs, it’s rare to see lobster listed as an ingredient in commercial pet foods or treats, likely due to its high cost. However, a few dog foods as well as dog treats and supplements containing lobster are available. 

Is Lobster Bad for Dogs? 

Feeding too much lobster to dogs may be harmful to their health due to a few different reasons. The first is that lobster is quite high in sodium. Eating foods high in sodium occasionally isn’t going to harm a healthy dog. However, some dogs with chronic health conditions such as kidney disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), or heart disease, should not eat salty foods as it can worsen their health. 

Additionally, lobster is high in cholesterol. Dogs with a history of pancreatitis or those with hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, or Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) should avoid eating foods high in cholesterol. 

Another concern with feeding dogs lobster is that lobster, like many other types of seafood, may be contaminated with harmful heavy metals such as mercury and lead (2). Eating foods high in heavy metals can lead to toxicities over time. So lobster should not make up a substantial part of a dog’s diet. 

In addition to general concerns about the risk of feeding dogs lobster, there are specific situations that may present additional risks. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about dogs and lobster.

Are Dogs Allergic to Lobster? 

Just as humans can be allergic to lobster and other shellfish, dogs can also have an allergy to lobster, although it is thought to be much less common. 

Signs that your dog may have a serious allergic reaction to lobster include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, facial swelling, extreme tiredness, difficulty breathing, or collapse. 

If your dog has an allergy to lobster, any serious symptoms would typically appear within a few hours of eating lobster. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog eats lobster, take them to a veterinarian immediately. 

What if my Dog Ate Lobster Shell? 

If your dog got into the trash and ate a whole lobster tail or two, a visit to the veterinarian is in order. Your veterinarian will likely want to monitor your dog and perform X-rays. Since lobster shells can have very sharp edges when they are chewed up, inducing vomiting isn’t typically recommended because it can cause damage to the esophagus as it is coming back up. 

If your large dog only ate a tiny bit of lobster shell, it is reasonable to monitor them for any abnormal signs at home. However, if your dog starts displaying any of these symptoms — making gagging noises, vomiting, stops eating, or not pooping normally — you should visit the veterinarian immediately. 

Can I Feed My Dog Lobster? The Verdict

If you do decide to feed your dog lobster, it is always best to first discuss this with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has any ongoing medical conditions. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis or a sensitive stomach, it is probably best not to feed them any lobster at all. 

When feeding your dog lobster for the first time, start with a tiny amount and observe your dog closely afterward for any signs of an allergic reaction. Lobster should not be fed to dogs in high quantities and it is best to only offer lobster as an occasional luxurious treat.

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Since certain human foods can be toxic to dogs it is important to seek advice from a veterinarian prior to feeding any human food or unusual ingredients to your dog. While cinnamon is safe for humans to consume, the question of whether or not it is safe for dogs to eat is a topic of debate among pet owners and veterinarians. 

In this article, we will explore the potential benefits and risks of feeding cinnamon to dogs and provide guidance on whether or not it is safe to include cinnamon in your dog’s diet. 

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?

In short, yes, dogs can eat cinnamon. The cinnamon spice is non-toxic to dogs and generally well-tolerated in quantities usually consumed by humans. It is ok to give your canine companion small quantities of ground cinnamon as long as it is mixed in with food and they are not allowed to sniff a heap of ground cinnamon, as this may cause irritation of their nose, throat and lungs.

Cinnamon sticks, which are rolled pieces of cinnamon tree bark, should not be fed to dogs. The sticks may hurt your dog’s mouth as he chews it and pieces of the sticks can become lodged in your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. 

It is ok for small amounts of cinnamon to be incorporated into your dog’s food or treats. In fact, many commercially available dog treats contain cinnamon as an ingredient.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Rolls?

Cinnamon rolls can be harmful when fed to dogs. They typically contain large amounts of sugar and butter, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities. The high levels of fat in cinnamon rolls can lead to an upset stomach, unhealthy weight gain, and even pancreatitis, a potentially serious condition. 

Additionally, the uncooked dough used to make cinnamon rolls should never be fed to dogs as it can expand in the stomach, leading to gastrointestinal blockage and serious complications. Cinnamon rolls may also contain raisins, which are very toxic to dogs even in small quantities. In general, it is best to keep all baked goods, including cinnamon rolls, out of reach.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch?

It is not recommended for dogs to eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. While the cereal itself is not toxic to dogs, it is not a suitable part of a dog’s diet. Cinnamon Toast Crunch contains a high amount of sugar, which can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities and if fed over a long period of time may contribute to tooth decay and obesity. Additionally, the cereal contains several other ingredients that are not suitable for dogs, such as artificial flavors and preservatives. Ingesting large amounts of these ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Applesauce?

Dogs can eat some kinds of cinnamon applesauce. If you feed your dog a store-bought cinnamon applesauce, you must pay careful attention to the ingredient list. 

Cinnamon applesauce that has been sweetened with added sugar isn’t recommended. You must also make sure that the applesauce doesn’t contain any sugar substitutes, especially xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs and can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver damage.

Is Cinnamon Safe For Dogs?

Cinnamon is generally safe for dogs to consume in small amounts, but it is not a necessary part of a dog’s diet and should not be given to them in large amounts. 

In high amounts, cinnamon can cause irritation to the mouth and throat, and it can also cause vomiting and diarrhea. According to the Pet Poison Helpline, it would take over 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to cause issues in a dog. 

However, dogs should never be fed cinnamon oil, as it is highly concentrated cinnamon and even small amounts could lead to severe irritation of the mouth and throat. Additionally, studies in rats show that high doses of cinnamon fed over time can lead to kidney disease and liver disease so there are concerns that the same could be true for dogs.

It is also worth noting that cinnamon may be accompanied by other spices in baked goods that are not safe, such as nutmeg. Nutmeg can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, and hallucinations.

If your dog eats a lot of cinnamon or if you are concerned that your dog has ingested a potentially toxic substance, it is important to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Prompt medical attention can help to minimize the potential risks and ensure the best outcome for your dog.

Is Cinnamon Good for Dogs?

Not many studies have looked at potential health benefits of feeding cinnamon to dogs but there are many known benefits in humans. In humans and mice there is evidence that cinnamon may help with blood sugar regulation in diabetics, lower cholesterol, may reduce the risk of cancer, may help prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease as well as act as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. However, even in humans, more studies are needed to determine the proper beneficial dosage of cinnamon while mitigating any potentially harmful side effects.

One short study in dogs did show that cinnamon helped to lower their blood pressure. In the future, we may start seeing cinnamon recommended as a supplement in addition to tried and tested medications for the management of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic conditions. 

However, at this time, if you choose to try giving cinnamon to your dog daily, it is recommended to first speak with your veterinarian and discuss any conditions specific to your dog.

Precautions When Giving Dogs Cinnamon

If you feed your dog cinnamon, ensure that the cinnamon-containing food isn’t high in fat or sugar and you’ll want to closely check the ingredients to make sure there isn’t any xylitol, nutmeg, macadamia nuts or other ingredients that are toxic to. 

If you’re not sure about feeding your dog a particular food make sure you speak with your veterinarian before offering it to your dog.

How to Give Dogs Cinnamon

If you choose to feed your dog cinnamon, make sure to feed only ¼ to a ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon per day to help avoid any possible side effects. 

You can mix the cinnamon in with your dog’s food, just ensure you mix it with canned or moistened food so that your dog doesn’t sniff the powder, which may cause irritation of his nose or lungs. 

There are also many commercially available dog treats that include cinnamon as an ingredient. 

Again, make sure you speak with your veterinarian prior to incorporating cinnamon into your dog’s diet and start with a very small amount to make sure your dog isn’t sensitive to this yummy spice.

The post Can Dogs Have Cinnamon? appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Can Dogs Eat Ham? 

Feeding ham to dogs is not a good idea. Ham is a pork leg that has been cured in salt and often sugar and other spices. This food is also high in fat and calories. For these reasons, pet parents should not feed their dogs or puppies ham. 

Can Dogs Have Ham That’s Fresh, Cured or Smoked? 

Ham comes in many different varieties, such as honey ham, jamon Iberico, prosciutto, and smoked ham. None of these types of ham should be fed to dogs. 

While most hams are cured in salts or sodium containing nitrates, fresh hams are uncured pork leg cuts. Fresh hams are lower in sodium content than their cured counterparts but still typically contain much more sodium than turkey breast or chicken breast and should also not be included in your dog’s diet. 

Most types of hams often contain high amounts of fat, which can also be harmful to dogs. 

Can Dogs Eat Ham Bones? 

Dogs should never be fed ham bones or any bones at all, according to the FDA and most veterinarians (1). If the bone is hollow, it may get stuck on your dog’s lower jaw, requiring an emergency trip to the vet. 

Cooked ham bones become brittle and can splinter in your dog’s mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. This can cause severe pain and could lead to a blockage in the digestive system or, worse yet, a tear in the stomach or intestines. 

Raw ham bones also carry risks. While they are unlikely to splinter, the bones are very hard and can hurt your dog’s mouth or crack a tooth. Raw ham bones may also carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli, which may lead to vomiting and diarrhea that may sometimes become severe. 

Can Dogs Eat Deli Ham? 

In general, dogs also shouldn’t eat deli ham. Whether it’s prosciutto, honey ham, or turkey ham, sliced and deli hams like most types of hams are too high in sodium and may be high in fat. A tiny bit here and there probably wouldn’t hurt, but there are definitely better treat options for your dog that are healthier and less likely to cause an upset stomach. 

Is Ham Bad for Dogs?

Cured meats like ham are high in salt, which can be harmful to dogs. If your dog is fed a commercially prepared complete and balanced diet, their diet already contains all the sodium that they need. Adding in ham in any significant amount can lead to excess sodium, which can lead to bloating, increased water intake, and an upset stomach. Dogs who eat too much ham can potentially experience life-threatening salt poisoning, however, this is very unlikely to occur unless they do not have access to plenty of fresh water. 

Another reason why ham isn’t a good choice for dogs is its fat content. Most hams are quite high in fat, which at minimum may upset your dog’s stomach but at worst could lead to a potentially deadly condition called pancreatitis. Some dogs with underlying health issues, such as diabetes, are more sensitive to added fats in their diets and are at a much higher risk of developing pancreatitis. Certain breeds of dogs, especially Miniature Schnauzers, are prone to pancreatitis and should never be fed ham or any other fatty foods. 

Many hams, especially the wet hams commonly found in the United States during the holidays, contain added sugars that can be detrimental to your dog’s health. 

Risks of Feeding Ham to Dogs

Consider these risks before feeding a dog ham:

• While ham is not toxic to dogs, most varieties contain too much fat, salt, and/or sugar for dogs, which can have a variety of harmful health consequences. 
• The most common side effect of feeding your dog ham would be that it can cause an upset stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. This upset stomach can become more severe and lead to dehydration or pancreatitis. 
• As a reminder, there are many risks that come with feeding dogs ham bones, cooked or raw, so these bones should never be fed to any dog. These risks range from choking to intestinal blockages and even death.
• Even if your dog tolerates being fed ham in the short term, feeding ham over a long period of time can lead to your dog becoming overweight or obese. This is because ham is high in fat and calories and these extra calories can really add up, especially in small dogs, as their calorie requirements are very low. 
• Feeding sweetened ham to dogs frequently can also lead to tooth decay. 
• Many varieties of hams also contain nitrates, which are known carcinogens, meaning they promote cancer. For this reason, feeding ham on a daily or frequent basis can increase your dog’s risk of cancers. 

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Ham

If you’re reading this and you have fed your dog ham in the past and they are currently acting healthy, there is no need to go running to your veterinarian. However, you shouldn’t continue feeding your dog ham for the reasons previously stated. 

If your dog is going to develop an issue from eating ham, they will typically start showing signs of illness within one day. Your dog will be at greatest risk of developing illness from eating ham if they eat a large amount. The smaller the dog, the smaller amount of ham they need to eat to cause them to be sick. If your dog eats a large amount of ham, this should be treated as an emergency and you should take them to the vet right away. Your veterinarian may induce vomiting if the ham was ingested less than two hours prior. If it has been longer than two hours, your veterinarian will likely perform blood work and put your dog on intravenous (IV) fluids and anti-nausea medications and keep them hospitalized for observation. 

If your dog swallowed any amount of a ham bone, they should also be taken to their veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will need to take X-rays of your dog’s throat, stomach, and intestines to check for signs of a blockage or perforation of the intestines. 

However, dogs who have only eaten a small amount of ham may do just fine but should be monitored carefully at home. When in doubt, if you are worried about the amount or type of ham your dog ate, it is always best to reach out to your veterinarian or animal poison control for guidance. Signs that your dog may be seriously ill from eating ham include: 

• Not wanting to eat for longer than a day
• Not wanting to drink water
• Vomiting more than a few times in a day
• Explosive or bloody diarrhea
• Crying when you touch their belly 
• Acting very tired or listless. 

If any of those signs develop, you’ll need to take your dog in for medical care urgently. 

How to Prevent Dogs From Eating Ham

In order to prevent your dog from sneaking a slice of ham, make sure to put food trays and plates up high and out of reach from your dog. You should also make sure that your dog does not get into the trash. Trash cans with heavy lids and those that your dog cannot knock over are best to prevent them from access to leftovers. You can also secure ham bones and scraps in the freezer until trash day if you’re worried about your dog getting into the trash. 

If you absolutely must share bits of your meals or ingredients with your dog, there are safer alternatives to feed than ham. These include turkey breast without any skin or spices, plain cooked pumpkin or squash meat, raw or steamed unseasoned green beans, and fresh or frozen unsweetened cranberries. 

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Jaundice is an uncommon but serious condition in dogs, and while it is not always life-threatening, it can be a warning sign of underlying health issues that require prompt veterinary attention. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for jaundice in dogs, as well as precautions you can take to prevent some of its causes.

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a visible yellow discoloration of the skin, whites of the eyes and gums. Jaundice is a result of excessive levels of bilirubin (a yellow pigment) in the bloodstream or the organs of the body. 

Normally, bilirubin is produced when the body breaks down old or damaged red blood cells. The bilirubin is transported by the bloodstream to the liver, which metabolizes it into a form that can be excreted. Bilirubin is then stored in bile in the gallbladder and ultimately excreted in the stool.

Most people are familiar with jaundice in newborn babies, as it is very common. In fact, according to the American Association of Family Physicians, about 50 percent of full-term babies and 80 percent of premature babies will develop jaundice in their first week of life. Most of the time, jaundice in babies doesn’t need to be treated and is not a very serious problem.

Humans aren’t the only species to develop jaundice. Jaundice is commonly treated by veterinarians in dogs, cats, horses, and a variety of other animals.

What Does Jaundice Look Like in Dogs?

Jaundice can be much harder to diagnose in dogs than in people due to the presence of their fur coats. In dogs with light-colored skin, owners may notice a yellow discoloration on their inner ear flaps or on the hairless parts of their bellies. In most dogs, jaundice will be apparent on their gums, but some dogs have dark gums, making it tough to tell. The easiest place to detect jaundice in dogs is typically the sclera, or whites of the eyes.

Causes of Jaundice in Dogs

When it comes to what causes jaundice in dogs, we need to first break it down by the type we’re dealing with. Typically, jaundice (or icterus) is divided into three main categories: Pre-hepatic, Hepatic, and Post-hepatic.

Pre-hepatic icterus may occur in cases of severe hemolytic anemia (low levels of red blood cells due to bursting of the cells). This happens because there is more bilirubin to process than the liver can keep up with. Possible causes of hemolytic anemia in dogs include:

• Primary autoimmune disease with an unknown cause (most common)
• Tick-borne infections due to Babesia and Ehrlichia
• Reactions to antibiotics such as penicillins and trimethoprim sulfa
• Certain cancers such as hemangiosarcoma
• Venomous snake bites

Hepatic icterus, the most common type of icterus, can occur anytime there is serious liver disease in dogs, which prevents the liver from processing bilirubin or from moving bile into the gallbladder. This can occur due to several different causes including:

• Liver cancer
• Bacterial or viral infections of the liver, also known as hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Ingestion of toxins:
  • Sago Palm
  • Blue-green algae
  • Xylitol
• Drugs:
  • Tylenol
  • Phenobarbital

Post-hepatic icterus in dogs can be seen with obstructions of the common bile duct or gallbladder. Examples of conditions that can lead to post-hepatic jaundice include:

• Severe pancreatitis
• Abdominal tumors
• Gallbladder mucocele
• Gallstones
• Gallbladder rupture

Other Symptoms Associated with Jaundice

According to a recent study in dogs, the most common symptoms present along with jaundice were:

• Vomiting 
• Inappetence 
• Lethargy 
• Fever 

Other symptoms pet parents should watch out for are:

• Increased drinking and urination
• Diarrhea
• Bloating 
• Abdominal pain

Diagnosing the Cause of Jaundice in Dogs

As you can see, jaundice can have many different causes. Since most causes of jaundice in dogs are quite serious, it’s critical that you take your dog to your veterinarian at the first sign of jaundice or any of the associated symptoms. 

Your veterinarian will need to take a detailed history to ensure your dog has not been exposed to any toxins, drugs, or infectious diseases that could be playing a role. Next, she will need to take blood for a complete blood cell count and blood chemistry panel, as well as urine for a urinalysis. This is a good starting point and will guide your veterinarian to the next best steps. 

Most causes of jaundice will also require an abdominal ultrasound to guide the diagnosis. If the jaundice is determined to be hepatic in nature liver clotting tests, leptospirosis testing, and liver biopsies will need to be performed. 

Treating Dogs for Jaundice

Treatment for jaundice in dogs is based on the determined cause or probable cause. However, many dogs with jaundice present to veterinarians in serious to critical condition, and stabilizing them while waiting for the results of testing is imperative. 

Initial stabilization usually involves intravenous (IV) fluids to correct dehydration and possibly IV antibiotics if there is a high suspicion of infectious causes. Dogs with sudden or chronic liver failure often have low blood sugar, which also requires prompt attention by administering a sugar solution.

When jaundice is caused by anemia, treatment often involves blood transfusions and steroids. Dogs that have abnormal blood clotting capabilities often require plasma transfusion, especially before having invasive liver biopsies performed.

Surgery is typically only performed for cases of post-hepatic jaundice where the bile duct or gallbladder is obstructed or ruptured.

Prognosis for Dogs with Jaundice

Prognosis for dogs with jaundice is variable and depends on the cause. A recent study that followed 115 dogs with jaundice showed that about 50 percent of them died from their disease. Of the different causes of jaundice, the prognosis was worse for dogs with pre-hepatic jaundice from hemolytic anemia than those with hepatic or post-hepatic causes. 

How to Prevent Jaundice in Dogs

While there is nothing you can do to prevent all causes of jaundice in your dog, there are a few precautions you can take to prevent certain causes. These include:

• Keeping your dog up to date on her leptospirosis and adenovirus vaccinations
• Never giving your dog over-the-counter medications without first consulting your veterinarian
• Never giving any prescribed medications at higher than recommended doses
• Performing drug monitoring when your pet takes medications on a long-term basis
• Preventing your pup from eating foods containing xylitol, a sweetener found in sugar-free gums and other products, which is toxic to dogs
• Keeping toxic plants such as Sago Palm away from your dog
• Having regular screening blood work performed on your dog as this can help catch issues before they progress to jaundice

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Whether you have an olive tree in your backyard or have been tempted to give in to your pup’s begging when you’re eating a few olives on your cheese board, you may have wondered: can dogs eat olives? 

Continue reading to find out whether or not dogs can eat olives, any possible benefits or risks of feeding dogs olives, and everything you should know before you give one to your dog. 

Can Dogs Eat Olives? 

Yes, dogs can eat olives in moderation. This fruit isn’t toxic to dogs. However, if you are going to feed olives to your dog, you need to pay close attention to how these olives are packaged. 

Olives come in many different colors, they can be pitted or unpitted, soaked in brine, oil or alcohol, and stuffed with pimentos, cheese, garlic and more. With so many varieties available it’s important for pet parents to know what types of olives are ok for dogs. 

Can Dogs Eat Black Olives? 

Yes, dogs can eat black olives. Most black olives are just green olives that have had more time to ripen before they are picked. The important thing to note if you are going to feed your dog olives is that they should never contain pits. 

Can Dogs Eat Green Olives? 

Your pup can also enjoy an occasional green olive. Green olives often come stuffed with pimento peppers. These peppers are not spicy and are also non-toxic to dogs. 

Can Dogs Have Olive Oil? 

In general, feeding olive oil to dogs isn’t recommended if your dog is already eating a complete and balanced commercial diet. Olive oil is the concentrated fat that comes from pressing olives. For this reason, olive oil is much higher in fat and calories per serving than the olive fruits. 

Olive oil does contain many unsaturated fats that are linked to health benefits in humans and it may be recommended by your veterinarian if your dog is recovering from a condition called bile stasis. 

However, since it is pure fat, feeding olive oil to your dog can quickly lead to unhealthy weight gain. Olive oil may also lead to an upset stomach in your dog, or possibly pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition. If you choose to feed your dog olive oil make sure to first speak with your veterinarian. Also make sure to give your dog only unflavored olive oil as some flavored olive oils may contain irritating spices or toxic garlic or onion. 

Dangers of Olives for Dogs

You should never feed your dog olives with pits. The pits are extremely hard and can easily crack a tooth. The pits can also pose a choking hazard or end up causing an intestinal blockage in dogs, especially in small breeds. 

You also shouldn’t feed dogs olives packed in oil. Olives are already naturally high in fat and calories and feeding olives that are packed in oil can make them even more so which may lead to stomach upset, weight gain, or pancreatitis. 

Some olives come packed in vermouth, a type of drinking alcohol. Alcohol is toxic to dogs and alcohol-soaked olives should never be fed. 

Stuffed olives can pose other health risks to dogs. Olives that are stuffed or packed with garlic, onions, or shallots should not be fed to dogs as these ingredients are toxic and can cause their red blood cells to burst. 

Benefits of Olives for Dogs

There have not been many studies looking at possible benefits of feeding dogs olives. Some pet foods contain olive oil as a source of fat. However, based on studies in humans, it is possible that olives may have some health benefits for dogs. In humans, olive oil has proven benefits for heart health and it may help to prevent breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. 

In dogs, common misconceptions are that feeding olive oil to your dog or rubbing olive oil on your dog’s coat will lead to a healthier skin and coat. This is not recommended by veterinary dermatologists and feeding your dog fish oil is recommended instead. 

Olives are rich in antioxidants and other healthful plant compounds that may provide benefits to dogs, but olives shouldn’t be consumed in quantities high enough for this to make an impact on your dog’s overall health. This being said, an olive is a healthier treat option than, say, a piece of cheese or hot dog. 

Precautions When Feeding Olives to Dogs

As previously stated, should you choose to feed your dog olives, they should be pitted, should not be packed in any oils, spices, or alcohol and generally shouldn’t be stuffed–unless pimento-stuffed. 

Because olives don’t generally taste good straight from the tree, they must be cured and this process usually involves infusing them with a high amount of salt. For this reason, olives are fairly high in sodium. You should avoid feeding your dog excess sodium as this can be harmful, especially if your dog has certain health conditions like heart disease. 

Given their small size, olives are fairly high in calories and fat, with a single olive containing between five and fifteen calories depending on its size. Feeding your toy breed two olives per day in addition to her regular food could very quickly lead to weight gain. As a rule of thumb, you should only feed a single olive here and there to small dog breeds and no more than about four olives to large breeds. 

Dogs that are prone to stomach problems and those with a history of pancreatitis should not be fed olives. 

Make sure to speak with your veterinarian before feeding your dog olives if your pet has any health issues and, just like with any new food, start with a very small amount to ensure your dog tolerates this occasional treat. 

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You may be wondering whether you can let your dog eat figs. We’ll answer this question, plus explore the potential benefits and risks of figs for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Figs? 

Yes, dogs can enjoy fresh figs as an occasional tasty treat. However, pet parents must take caution to feed figs in moderation and watch for signs that their dog may have a sensitivity to this fruit. 

Can Dogs Eat Dried Figs? 

It is generally not advisable to feed dried figs to your dog. Although they have a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals, they are much more concentrated in sugars and higher in calories than their fresh counterparts. Dried figs are also very chewy and could potentially pose a choking hazard for dogs or stick to the roof of their mouth or to their teeth.

Can Dogs Eat Fig Newtons? 

You should not feed Fig Newtons or any similar fig cookies to dogs. Aside from figs, Fig Newtons contain added sugars. Regularly giving your dog sugary foods can cause dental cavities and can lead to obesity. 

Benefits of Figs For Dogs

Figs do have some properties that may be beneficial to dogs. Figs contain moderate amounts of fiber that can benefit your dog’s digestive system by promoting a healthy microbiome and helping to keep the gut moving. It isn’t surprising then that a recent study showed that feeding fig paste to dogs alleviates constipation (2). Figs also contain potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, and copper. In addition, figs contain numerous beneficial plant compounds called phytochemicals. These beneficial compounds are likely responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antibacterial properties possessed by figs (1). 

Are Figs Bad for Dogs? 

While feeding your dog a fig here and there may be a tasty and healthy treat, there are some concerns with feeding figs to dogs. 

Figs are naturally high in sugars and are not a low calorie treat. For this reason, it is important not to go overboard on figs, as they may lead to caloric excess and may unbalance your pet’s diet if fed regularly. 

Treats or foods that are regularly fed in addition to a commercially prepared complete and balanced dog food should never make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet. One small fresh fig contains around 30 calories. A 60-pound Labrador could eat up to two small figs per day without a problem, as long as that was the only snack added to his diet. However, an 8-pound Chihuahua shouldn’t receive any more than half a fig in a day. For this reason, if your dog needs to shed some pounds, lower calorie snacks such as green beans or carrots would be a better option. 

Dogs with diabetes should also not eat figs regularly due to their high sugar content, which can make it more difficult for them to keep a stable blood sugar and manage their condition. 

As with any food, some dogs may have a sensitivity or allergy to figs. When feeding your dog figs for the first time, start with a quarter sized piece and then give it a day or so to ensure your dog does not show any signs of stomach or intestinal upset before opting to feed him more of this fruit. 

Giving your dog too many figs could lead to diarrhea, due to the fiber content. Dogs should also never be allowed to chew on the fig leaves or branches or to come in contact with fig tree sap. The fig tree, while not toxic to dogs, does contain both skin and intestinal irritants, which can lead to rashes, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

As mentioned earlier, one of the reasons to avoid feeding dogs dried figs is that they may pose a choking hazard due to their thick and chewy texture. 

Figs and Dogs: The Verdict 

Figs are well tolerated by most dogs as an occasional and tasty snack. They may provide certain health benefits to your dog and could be a good way to alleviate occasional constipation. However, you should always consult your veterinarian prior to feeding any new foods to your dog and discuss any ongoing chronic conditions that may make figs a less than ideal option for your pet. 

The best types of figs to feed your dog are fresh figs. These are less calorically dense and lower in sugar per serving. Don’t feed your dog dried figs or Fig Newtons. Small dogs should be fed no more than half a fresh fig at a time, while larger breeds can enjoy two or three. In general, pet parents should feed their dogs figs no more than a few times per week. 

References

1. Salma, & Shamsi, Yasmeen & Ansari, Saba & Nikhat, Sadia. (2020). FICUS CARICA L.: A PANACEA OF NUTRITIONAL AND MEDICINAL BENEFITS. 10.5667/tang.2020.0001. 
2. Oh HG, Lee HY, Seo MY, et al. Effects of Ficus carica paste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles. Lab Anim Res. 2011;27(4):275-281. doi:10.5625/lar.2011.27.4.275

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You may have wondered if you can share this snack with your canine companion. Continue reading to discover more on feeding dogs cranberries, the potential health benefits cranberries may have for dogs, possible risks, and how to feed them. 

Can Dogs Have Cranberries? 

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat cranberries, but you must be careful about feeding them. Dogs can eat raw cranberries as an occasional treat. They are not known to be toxic to dogs and may even have health benefits. 

However, raw cranberries are extremely tart and a bit bitter, so your dog may not be a fan of this fruit. 

Can Dogs Eat Dried Cranberries? 

Dried cranberries can be given to dogs as a very occasional treat. But before you give your dog dried cranberries or any other dried fruit, ensure that it is free of raisins. Raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs. 

Also, pet parents should be aware that most dried cranberries contain added sugars. Just as in humans, added sugars should be avoided since they can cause weight gain and tooth decay. 

Can Dogs Have Cranberry Sauce? 

While it may be alright to share a piece of turkey breast with a bit of cranberry sauce with your dog at Thanksgiving dinner, feeding dogs cranberry sauce should generally be avoided. It is usually high in added sugars and some recipes may call for grape juice (which can be toxic to dogs). 

Can Dogs Have Cranberry Juice? 

Giving your dog cranberry juice is not recommended due to the high risk that it will contain grape juice. Next time you’re buying cranberry juice at the grocery store, a quick peek at the ingredients will reveal that most cranberry juices, even those that say 100% juice on the label, contain grape juice to help sweeten the juice. In addition, if the juice is not 100% juice, it will likely contain quite a lot of added sugar, which is not recommended for dogs. 

Are Cranberries Good for Dogs? 

Cranberries, like other berries, are chock full of health promoting nutrients. They are high in Vitamin C, which can help to improve immune function, acts as an antioxidant and is vital for bone health, among other things. 

These berries contain other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, which is why cranberries are thought to reduce the risk of cancer, intestinal diseases, and heart disease in humans [1]. Cranberries also contain fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system and may help with weight management. 

You have likely heard that cranberries are used in people for promoting urinary tract health and cranberry supplements are widely marketed to humans that are at risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries are thought to reduce the ability of E.coli, the bacteria responsible for causing most UTIs, to bind to the wall of the bladder and kidneys. For this reason, it is used to prevent the occurence of UTIs both in humans and dogs alike. 

However, in humans, research studies have shown mixed results on the benefits of cranberry supplements for UTIs [2]. In veterinary medicine, the current consensus is that there is not enough evidence to support the recommendation of cranberries or cranberry supplements for dogs that get frequent bladder infections [3]. However, due to the documented anti-infection properties of cranberries and the safety of cranberry supplements for dogs, many veterinarians still recommend cranberry supplements for dogs at risk for UTIs. 

When Are Cranberries Bad for Dogs? 

As stated previously, pure cranberries are safe for dogs but you should be careful when feeding your dogs cranberries. If dogs don’t chew the cranberries, they may pose a choking hazard. 

As with any new food, cranberries may upset your dog’s stomach, especially if you feed too many at one time. 

Cranberry supplements may not be appropriate for dogs at risk of developing certain types of bladder or kidney stones, so it is important to talk to your veterinarian prior to starting any supplements. 

Cranberries and Dogs: Helpful Feeding Tips

Whether you feed raw or dried cranberries to your dog makes a huge difference. For example, a cup of raw cranberries contains only 46 calories and 4 grams of sugar [4]. Meanwhile, ¼ cup of dried sweetened cranberries contains 123 calories and 29 grams of sugar [5]. For this reason, if you feed your dog raw or frozen raw cranberries, you can easily feed him a handful if you’ve ensured it won’t upset his stomach. If you choose to feed dried cranberries, only a few berries at a time should be fed and it would be a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth afterwards. 

Any cranberry products that may contain grapes, grape juice, raisins or artificial sweeteners should be avoided in order to keep your dog from ingesting toxins. Feeding more than tiny quantities of cranberries that have been sweetened should also be avoided as added sugars can lead to weight gain and cavities. 

If you believe your dog has eaten too many cranberries or has eaten cranberry products that may contain the above mentioned toxins, you should contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately for advice. 

References: 

1. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Haiyan-Liu-2/publication/322366922_American_Cranberries_and_Health_Benefits_-_an_Evolving_Story_of_25_years/links/5b15aaf04585151f91fb0240/American-Cranberries-and-Health-Benefits-an-Evolving-Story-of-25-years.pdf
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24084925/ 
3. https://www.iscaid.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Urinary-guidelines.pdf
4. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171722/nutrients
5. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171723/nutrients

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A long-time popular meat substitute is tofu. You may have wondered: can dogs eat tofu? This article explains what tofu is, if you can feed it to dogs, any benefits and risks of feeding your dog tofu, and helpful feeding tips. 

What Is Tofu? 

Tofu originated in China over 1,000 years ago [1]. It is made by taking fresh or dried soybeans and soaking, boiling and straining them to produce soy milk. Then, calcium or magnesium salt is typically added to curdle the milk. The soybean curds are then pressed into tofu – a soft to firm, white substance.

Tofu has a mild taste and often absorbs the flavor of what it is cooked in. It has a spongy texture and is often pan fried or baked prior to serving.

Can Dogs Have Tofu? 

Tofu is non-toxic and safe to feed to most dogs. Dogs, like humans, are omnivores, meaning they can thrive on various foods, including animal and plant-based foods. 

You may wonder if feeding your dog a vegan or vegetarian diet is safe. While it is possible for a dog to eat a complete and balanced diet with plant-based protein, such as tofu, as the primary protein source, this would require the skill of a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure that the diet contains the right amounts and balances of proteins, vitamins, and minerals [2]. Pet parents are advised to only feed tofu in moderation unless they are working with a vet nutritionist. 

Tofu comes in a wide variety of textures. It ranges from silken tofu, which has more of a yogurt-type texture, to extra-firm, which has a meat-like consistency. The main difference between tofu types is the water content and, therefore, the caloric density.

Silken tofu will contain fewer calories per serving than more firm types of tofu. For this reason, giving a small-breed dog like a Chihuahua a small amount of soft or silken tofu may be better than extra-firm tofu, as Chihuahuas have low daily calorie requirements due to their small size. 

Is Tofu Good for Dogs? 

Tofu can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet as an occasional treat. Tofu is a complete plant protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Depending on how the tofu is made, it can be a good source of calcium and magnesium. Tofu is a nutritionally dense food and has high amounts of iron, phosphorus, zinc and other nutrients with relatively few calories per serving. 

Tofu also contains isoflavones. These are compounds that may provide certain health benefits to dogs. Studies have shown that soy isoflavones may prevent weight gain and may aid in weight loss in dogs [3]. 

A soy-based diet may be recommended for dogs suspected of having a food allergy to help alleviate their symptoms. Animal proteins, such as beef, chicken, and dairy, are considered dogs’ most common food allergens. Hypoallergenic diets often contain hydrolyzed soy protein and, in some studies, these diets have been shown to reduce the symptoms of food allergies in dogs [4]. 

When is Tofu Bad for Dogs? 

While tofu is generally considered a safe, occasional treat for dogs, there are some things pet parents should keep in mind.

Watch for allergic reactions or sensitivities. As with any new food, dogs may be allergic or sensitive to tofu. It should be introduced in small amounts at first to ensure your dog doesn’t have a reaction to the tofu. If you feed your dog a small amount of tofu and don’t notice any signs of an upset stomach or itchy skin, it is likely okay to continue feeding tofu as an occasional healthy treat or meal topper. While soy-based foods are not common allergens for dogs, soy and tofu allergies or food sensitivities are possible. 

Keep preparation plain and simple. Pet parents should only feed their dogs raw or plain baked tofu without any added salt, seasonings or oils. Tofu that comes pre-seasoned or in different flavors should be avoided as it may contain garlic or onion seasonings that are toxic to dogs or may have harmful levels of sodium. 

Don’t go over your dog’s calorie limit. As with any treat or food added to your dog’s regular diet, you should not feed more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories from tofu. You should also make sure that you are factoring the amount of tofu you feed into your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake to prevent excess weight gain. 

Tofu and Dogs: Helpful Feeding Tips 

As stated previously, unless you are working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, you should keep the amount of tofu in your dog’s diet to 10 percent or less of their daily calorie intake. 

For example, an average-sized Labrador Retriever can safely consume a standard three-ounce serving of extra-firm tofu, which contains about 80 calories. However, an eight-pound Chihuahua should be limited to ¾ of an ounce of the same tofu. Make sure to read the nutrition labels of the tofu you are feeding because the caloric content of the tofu varies depending on the type. 

If your dog grabs an entire block of tofu off your counter and eats it, it is best to speak to a veterinarian immediately to know if any treatment is recommended. 

When feeding your dog any new food, it is best practice to discuss this with your veterinarian, especially if your dog suffers from any chronic conditions.

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In general, dog poop should be firm and dark brown in color. However, every dog’s stool color and consistency will vary slightly. That is why it is good to know what normal looks like for your dog. 

So what does it mean when you see black dog poop? This article will explain the most common causes of black poop in dogs and will let you know when you should be alarmed. 

Black Dog Poop: Deciphering Color and Consistency 

If your dog’s poop is black, it may indicate a very serious, or even life-threatening illness. However, not all poop that appears black may be abnormal. When looking at your dog’s poop, it is important to take note of the stool’s consistency in addition to the color. 

Unless there is an obvious cause for your dog’s black poop you should contact your veterinarian. Knowing the consistency of your dog’s stool–i.e. hard, crumbly, liquid, soft and sticky, etc.—can help your veterinarian to determine how urgently your dog should be examined, if at all. 

It is also helpful to take a picture of your dog’s abnormal poop so that you can show it to your veterinarian. 

Why Is My Dog’s Poop Black? 

Black dog poop could be caused by:

• Internal bleeding
• What your dog eats
• Medications your dog takes

Internal Bleeding

The biggest concern with black dog poop is that it may indicate digested blood coming from somewhere in the body. 

If your dog’s stool is black and tarry or sticky, he should be evaluated by a veterinarian right away as this is a serious symptom–called melena. Bleeding anywhere in the mouth, esophagus, stomach or small intestines can cause melena. Stomach ulcers are a common cause of this. 

Dogs may develop ulcers as a side effect of taking certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; ex: carprofen, meloxicam, grapiprant) or steroids (ex: prednisone, prednisolone). Certain bacterial infections and parasites can also lead to bleeding ulcers. Other signs of stomach ulcers include vomit that contains blood or what looks like coffee grounds, decreased appetite, and decreased energy levels. 

Black dog poop can also be caused by bleeding tumors located in the stomach, small intestines, esophagus or the mouth. Rat poison ingestion is another cause of bleeding that can lead to black tarry stools and must be treated by your veterinarian right away in order to prevent deadly consequences. 

Other causes of black stools related to bleeding include: 

• Bleeding disorders (Ex: Von Willebrand’s Disease, immune mediated thrombocytopenia)
• Foreign bodies or objects located in the gastrointestinal tract 
• Trauma that leads to internal bleeding (Ex: being hit by a car or falling down the stairs) 

Diet

If your dog’s poop is black in color but it is normal in consistency—especially if your dog is acting normal, carefully evaluate your dog’s diet. If your dog likes to eat dirt or compost that could cause his poop to turn black. While this may not cause him any harm, eating soil can cause an upset tummy and may lead to infestations with intestinal parasites. 

Feeding your dog dark foods, foods with black food coloring, or bloody raw meats can also turn your dog’s poop black. 

Medications and Supplements

In addition, iron supplements and Pepto Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can lead to black colored stools in dogs. 

Another medication that is sure to cause your dog’s poop to turn black is activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is usually administered by veterinarians when dogs have eaten something potentially toxic. The activated charcoal helps to bind to the toxins and prevent them from being absorbed by the body. 

Why Does Dog Poop Turn Black in the Sun? 

Your dog’s poop may look normal when it is fresh but then you may notice that it turns black if left out in the sun. This is a normal change and is not a cause for concern. The cause for this color change isn’t well known. When checking your dog’s poop for color, consistency, and any abnormalities, make sure you are looking at a fresh sample. 

What to Do If Your Dog’s Poop Is Black? 

If your dog’s poop is black for the first time but the stool appears otherwise normal in consistency and your dog is not having any other abnormal symptoms, you should monitor your dog closely. If the poop later returns to a normal color, it is likely not due to anything concerning. 

However, if your dog’s poop continues to be black despite normal consistency, it is best to get him checked out by your veterinarian. Be sure to bring in a stool sample with you to your appointment. 

If your dog has black soft or liquid stool—especially if your dog has other abnormal symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, vomiting, bruising, or pale gums—you should immediately take him into your regular veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital. 

Blood work, X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, fecal testing and other tests may be warranted to determine the cause of the black stool. Since black stool is often due to bleeding somewhere in the body, timely diagnosis and proper treatment is critical.

Veterinary care for cases of black poop in dogs can get costly, especially if your dog requires emergency care. In these situations, a pet health insurance policy, like those offered by Lemonade, can help pet parents defray the cost of treatment. Lemonade’s basic pet insurance accident and illness plan covers many of the diagnostic tests your veterinarian may recommend, as well as treatment options.

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For this reason, pet parents need to do their research before feeding their dogs human food. 

But, can dogs eat cantaloupe? Cantaloupe is one of the most consumed fruits in the United States and is a juicy summer treat. But, is it safe for dogs? This article will give you the ins and outs of feeding cantaloupe to dogs, any risks associated with this fruit, and how to prepare cantaloupe for your pup. 

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? 

Cantaloupe is a safe food for dogs and can be enjoyed as a tasty treat. There are no known toxins within any portion of the cantaloupe fruit, and the vitamins and minerals in this fruit may be nutritious for your dog. 

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe Rind?

It is not recommended to feed your dog cantaloupe rind. The rind is tough and difficult to digest. For this reason, feeding the rind to dogs may cause an upset stomach. If your dog ingests large chunks of cantaloupe rind, it could even cause an intestinal blockage, a life-threatening condition that could require emergency surgery. Cantaloupe rinds can also pose a choking hazard to dogs.  

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe Seeds? 

As previously stated, no part of the cantaloupe is known to be toxic to dogs. You can give a few cantaloupe seeds to your dog here and there. However, the seeds do contain high amounts of fat. For this reason, you should not feed large quantities of cantaloupe seeds to your dog as it may lead to weight gain, an upset stomach, and may unbalance their diet.  

Benefits of Cantaloupe for Dogs

As is the case with most fruits and vegetables, cantaloupe is chock full of nutritious vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may benefit your dog’s health. Cantaloupe is an excellent source of vitamins C and A, potassium and magnesium [1]. 

Vitamins A and C are both antioxidants that improve cellular health and play a role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin A is also crucial for vision. Potassium is an electrolyte and is necessary for muscle contractions and normal kidney, heart and nerve function. Magnesium is important for numerous cellular functions throughout the body. 

While the benefits of eating cantaloupe have not been explicitly studied in dogs, in humans, cantaloupe is known to have a wide range of health-promoting properties. These include anti-cancer, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, liver-protecting and stomach protecting properties [1]. 

Cantaloupe is also a low-calorie food, containing only 54 calories per cup, and can be helpful as a part of a weight-loss program if you substitute your regular dog treats with this fruit [2].  

Potential Dangers of Cantaloupe for Dogs

There aren’t many dangers or risks associated with feeding dogs cantaloupe. However, it is always best to talk to your veterinarian before feeding any new foods to your dog. If your dog has a chronic condition, such as diabetes, your veterinarian may recommend against feeding cantaloupe due to its relatively high sugar content. 

As previously mentioned, cantaloupe rinds can pose a choking and intestinal obstruction risk for your dog, so rinds should never be fed to them. 

When feeding your dog cantaloupe, moderation is key. Most veterinary nutritionists agree that any foods added to your dog’s regular diet should not make up more than 10 percent of their daily calorie intake. The good news is that cantaloupe is low in calories, so you would need to feed a large amount of cantaloupe to most dogs to lead to an unbalanced diet. 

As with any new food, start by feeding your dog a minimal amount of cantaloupe and wait a day or two to ensure that this fruit doesn’t upset their stomach. 

How to Prepare Cantaloupe for Dogs

When preparing cantaloupe for your dog, thoroughly wash the rind before slicing the fruit, as there have been previous outbreaks of food poisoning associated with dirty cantaloupe rinds [3]. Once the rind is washed, slice the cantaloupe, scoop out the seeds (a few left behind won’t hurt), and cut off and discard the rind. Then you can cut the fruit flesh into bite-sized cubes. 

You can serve cantaloupe by itself as a tasty treat or put it on top of your dog’s regular food to make it more exciting for her. When it’s hot outside, try offering frozen cubes or balls of cantaloupe flesh to your pup to cool her off!

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In this article, we will explain what Miralax is, whether or not it is safe to use in cats, what conditions it treats, how to administer it to cats, its common side effects, and dosing information. 

What is Miralax? 

Miralax is an osmotic laxative, which means it draws water into the intestines to soften stools, stimulating bowel movements and easing constipation. The active ingredient in Miralax is polyethylene glycol 3350, or PEG 3350. In 1999, the FDA approved Miralax for use in humans to treat occasional constipation. The product was approved for over-the-counter use in 2006 [2]. 

Most recommended forms of this medication are available to pet parents without a prescription from their local pharmacy. Formulations of PEG 3350 that contain added electrolytes are only available with a prescription. The version of Miralax that is used for cats is the same as the human product.  

Is Miralax Safe for Cats?

Miralax is generally considered a safe medication to give to cats. However, it is always best to confirm with your veterinarian that it is okay to give Miralax to your cat. Miralax should not be given to cats that are dehydrated, as it can lead to further dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. 

Cats suspected of having gastrointestinal obstruction, gastric retention, bowel perforation, toxic colitis, or ileus should also not be given Miralax. PEG 3350 solutions containing electrolytes (eg, CoLyte®, GoLytely®) should be used with caution in cats with inflammatory bowel disease.

What is Miralax Used For in Cats? 

Miralax is most commonly used to relieve and treat constipation in cats. Prescription PEG 3350 containing electrolytes is mostly used to clean out the bowels before endoscopy procedures and to help flush toxins out of the gastrointestinal tract for cats that have eaten something harmful. There are no other currently recommended uses for Miralax in cats. 

In humans, Miralax has recently been found to be more effective than lactulose for treating hepatic encephalopathy (a nervous system disorder brought on by liver disease). Miralax may be useful to treat this condition in cats, but studies are lacking [3]. 

How to Give Miralax to Cats

Miralax comes in a powdered form meant to be dissolved in liquid. However, it is okay to give the powder to cats as long as it is mixed with food, preferably canned or wet food. The powder is tasteless and odorless, so most cats will take Miralax without a fuss. 

When Miralax is used to treat severe constipation or in preparation for an endoscopy procedure, it is generally administered as a liquid solution. It must be given by a trained veterinary professional. 

Miralax Side Effects in Cats

To date, there is only one published study that evaluated the use and safety of Miralax in six cats over 4 weeks. For this reason, side effects are not well known. In the published study, most cats tolerated the medication without side effects, but one cat developed sporadic vomiting [4]. 

Besides vomiting, nausea and cramping are possible side effects of giving cats Miralax. 

It is thought that long-term use of Miralax may cause dehydration, low sodium levels, and/or high potassium levels. Since Miralax pulls water from the body and into the stools, it can make cats dehydrated. It is recommended to feed wet or canned food to cats taking Miralax to help prevent dehydration.

Since Miralax speeds up how quickly things move through the intestines, other drugs and medications should not be given at the same time as Miralax. Other oral medications should be given at least one hour before Miralax administration. 

Miralax should not be given with other laxatives or stool softeners. Miralax should be used with caution with other medications that may cause electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration, such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors. 

Miralax Dosage for Cats

For cats, the recommended dose is generally ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of powder mixed in with food twice daily. Your veterinarian will be able to give you more specific instructions based on your cat’s condition and needs. 

Make sure to speak with your veterinarian before giving your cat Miralax. The best treatment for constipation is to try to determine the underlying cause, which generally requires lab tests and X-rays at a minimum.

Do not give the labeled over-the-counter Miralax dose to cats as this is the dose for humans and is much too large for cats. 

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We rounded up five interesting dog nose facts, plus explore some common dog nose problems. Let’s take a closer look at your dog’s amazing nose!

5 Interesting Dog Nose Facts

There’s a lot that the average pet parent doesn’t know about their dog’s nose and sense of smell. Here are some of the most interesting things about your pup’s sniffer.

A dog’s nose is more intricate than it seems. The nose of a dog is a very complex structure, but we can only see a tiny bit of it. The outer, visible part of a dog’s nose consists of the nasal planum, the black or pink fleshy part of the nose, and the nostrils. When a dog inhales, the air flows into their nostrils and enters the nasal cavity, which consists of the nasal turbinates, scrolls of tissue that are lined by scent receptors. 

The length matters. The length of a dog’s muzzle or snout is one of the reasons why dogs are expert smellers as this length gives more surface area for scent detecting tissues. 

Dogs have special scent-processing centers. When a dog sniffs, the scents detected are transmitted to the olfactory bulb of the brain, an area of the brain dedicated to scent detection and processing. Dogs also possess an organ for detecting pheromones, called the vomeronasal organ. 

Pheromones are chemicals that are produced by other dogs and animals that signal different messages. For example, a dog can pick up on pheromones produced by another dog that feels threatened that would signal that danger may lie ahead. The vomeronasal organ detects these pheromones in the roof of the mouth just behind the front teeth that then travels up through the nose to the olfactory bulb. This organ allows dogs to essentially taste certain scents. 

A dog’s sense of smell is way stronger than ours. Dogs have 30-50 times as many scent receptors in their noses as humans do and the size of their olfactory bulb in their brain is at least 3 times larger than ours, even though their brains are overall much smaller [1]. It is no wonder then that studies have indicated that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than that of humans [2]. 

It is important to take this into consideration in our daily routines. Dogs often find things with strong scents such as deodorizers, air fresheners and smoke unpleasant and irritating. For this reason, try to avoid using these things around your dog to keep his nose healthy and happy. 

Not all dogs have the same sense of smell. However, even among different dog breeds, their sense of smell can vary greatly. For example, a Dachshund has 150 million olfactory receptors, while a Bloodhound has 300 million [1]. 

Dog Nose Problems

It is not uncommon for dogs to develop medical issues with their noses. Symptoms that may indicate a problem with your dog’s nose or his overall health include abnormal nasal discharge, nose bleeds, ulcerations or wounds on the nose, sneezing, and crusting of the nose. 

The most common dog nose problems include: 

• Rhinitis
• Dental disease
• Nasal foreign bodies
• Nasal tumors
• Hyperkeratosis of the nasal planum
• Autoimmune disorders

Rhinitis: This is an inflammation of the tissues inside your dog’s nose. Rhinitis can be caused by allergies, viruses, bacteria, and fungal infections. The most common symptoms include nasal discharge and congestion. 

Dental disease: Advanced periodontal (gum) disease is a very common cause of abnormal nasal symptoms including nasal discharge, nasal swelling, and nasal congestion. 

Nasal foreign bodies: Since dogs frequently have their noses to the ground to pick up on scents, it is common for them to get foreign material lodged inside their noses. In the western United States, it is common for foxtails—a type of spiny plant—to get stuck in nostrils. Symptoms of a nasal foreign body include violent sneezing with a sudden onset and nasal discharge, including blood, coming only from one nostril. 

Nasal tumors: Symptoms include one-sided nasal discharge, nose bleeds, and swelling that deforms the face. Nasal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of nasal tumor in dogs. It is important for biopsies to be used to diagnose nasal tumors, as nasal fungal infections can cause similar symptoms. 

Hyperkeratosis of the nasal planum: This is a disorder found mostly in older dogs and is caused by excess keratin deposits on the nose. This creates a crusty dry appearance to the nose. 

Autoimmune disorders: Discoid lupus erythematosus and pemphigus are two autoimmune disorders that frequently cause abnormal nasal symptoms including ulceration of the nasal planum, loss of nasal pigment, and crusting of the nose. 

Dog Nose FAQs

Since your dog’s nose is such an important part of his overall well being, you probably have some questions about your pup’s sniffer. We did our best to answer some dog nose FAQs about color, texture, and discharge to help you know when to keep calm and when to talk to a veterinarian. 

Why is My Dog’s Nose Wet? 

Dogs’ noses are frequently moist to the touch. One of the reasons for this is that dogs have a thin layer of mucus covering their noses, which helps scent particles to better stick to their noses and improve their sense of smell. Dogs also frequently lick their noses, which helps to keep them wet and allows them to smell and taste simultaneously. 

Why is My Dog’s Nose Dry? 

Most dogs will develop dry noses at some point or another and this is not necessarily cause for concern. Spending time outdoors in the sun or in arid dry climates may cause a dog’s nose to become dry. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, will tend to have dry noses that may be due to a difficulty of licking their noses and increased risk of blocked tear ducts, which normally drain into the nose. 

Why is My Dog’s Nose Running? 

Occasional clear nasal discharge can be normal in dogs. Allergies or nasal irritants, such as smoke or perfumes, can cause a runny nose in dogs. A persistent runny nose, especially if the discharge is thick or anything but clear in appearance, warrants an examination by your veterinarian. 

Why is My Dog’s Nose Changing Color? 

Some dogs are prone to a condition called a Dudley nose or snow nose. This will cause a gradual loss of black pigment on their noses. It may come and go with seasonal changes and is most common in Labs, Golden Retrievers, and Huskies. This is a cosmetic issue only and will only result in a loss of color in the nose without any crusting or ulceration, as is seen with other disorders affecting the nose. 

Why is My Dog’s Nose Bleeding? 

If your dog is bleeding from his nose, called epistaxis, this may indicate a serious problem. A bloody nose may indicate a nasal foreign body, a tumor, high blood pressure, or a blood clotting abnormality. Make sure to take your dog to see your veterinarian immediately if you notice nasal bleeding. 

How to Clean a Dog’s Nose? 

Generally, dogs do not need their noses cleaned. Most dogs can clean their own noses by licking them. However, dogs can sometimes stick their noses somewhere gross or develop a disorder, which may require cleaning. 

Should you need to clean your dog’s nose, clean only the outer surface and do not clean the inside or put anything inside your dog’s nose unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian. If your dog’s nose gets dirty, you can clean it with water and a soft cloth or cotton. Your dog’s nose is very sensitive and delicate, so make sure to only apply gentle pressure or dab it when cleaning.

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For humans, spinach is touted as a superfood and is known to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and triglycerides-lowering properties [1].  

Since spinach is so beneficial to humans you may be wondering: can cats eat spinach? This article will let you know if you should be feeding your cat spinach, how you should prepare spinach for cats, the health benefits and possible risks of feeding cats spinach. 

Can Cats Eat Spinach? 

In general, cats can eat spinach. Spinach is non-toxic to cats and can be enjoyed by most felines without any issues. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that their diet must contain animal products in order to provide all of their essential nutrients. However, you can supplement your cat’s diet with certain fruits and vegetables. In fact, just as fruits and vegetables are beneficial to human diets, they can be beneficial when added to your cat’s diet in small quantities. 

At this time, there are no known studies that have specifically researched feeding spinach to cats but one study in geriatric cats did show that diets supplemented with added fruits and vegetables increased the cats’ lean body mass and improved their kidney function [2]. 

Can Cats Eat Cooked Spinach? 

Cats can eat small amounts of cooked spinach. The biggest concern that veterinarians have with feeding cats spinach is that spinach is high in oxalates, compounds that, when consumed in high amounts, may increase the risk of kidney or bladder stones. Based on studies, cooking spinach has been shown to decrease the amount of oxalates present, thereby decreasing the potential risk of feeding spinach [3]. 

When cooking spinach for cats, it is best to steam or gently saute this vegetable without adding oils, salt or spices. Boiling is not generally recommended because it decreases many of the beneficial nutrients in spinach. 

Can Cats Eat Raw Spinach? 

Raw spinach is also okay to feed cats in moderation. Feeding raw spinach to cats will ensure that the spinach retains the highest amounts of many vitamins. However, raw spinach does contain high amounts of oxalates and should not be fed to cats with a history of urinary tract stones or abnormal urinary symptoms. 

Is Spinach Good For Cats? 

Spinach is chock full of beneficial vitamins, minerals and other health-producing compounds. It is rich in vitamins A, B6 and K, fiber, magnesium, manganese, potassium, folic acid, iron and calcium [4]. These nutrients are essential for different cellular functions throughout our own bodies and our cats’ bodies. 

Listed are benefits of some of the nutrients found in spinach [5]: 

• Vitamin A: Crucial for vision, growth and immune function. 
• Vitamins B6: Important for red blood cell function, immune response and nervous system function. 
• Vitamin K: Allows for normal blood clotting. 
• Manganese: Supports the nervous system and bone development. 
• Fiber: The fiber in spinach can help to promote your cat’s healthy digestion and fiber-enhanced diets are often recommended for pets that need to lose weight. 
• Iron: Supports oxygen transportation throughout the body. 
• Calcium: Crucial for healthy bones and teeth, muscle contractions and nerve impulse conduction. 

Spinach is not a very common ingredient in commercial cat foods but can be found in certain varieties of Hill’s, Purina, and Fancy Feast brands of wet or canned cat foods. 

Is Spinach Bad for Cats? 

Spinach is not bad for cats and it can be a healthy treat or addition to your cat’s diet. However, as with most things, moderation is key. Any treats or foods that you feed your cat in addition to her regular cat food should make up no more than 10 percent of her daily calorie intake. Feeding a higher proportion will unbalance the diet and can lead to nutritional deficiencies and excesses. 

Most cats need to eat around 200 calories per day, which means that no more than 20 of their daily calories should come from extra foods. The good news is that spinach is very low in calories, with one raw spinach leaf containing only about 2 calories [6]. For this reason, it would be hard to give a cat too much spinach. 

For cats with a history of kidney stones, bladder stones, or any history of abnormal urinary symptoms, it is generally recommended to avoid feeding spinach, as this may increase the risk of calcium oxalate stones. However, one small study showed that feeding cats a diet containing high amounts of oxalates did not increase their urinary excretion of these compounds [7]. It instead showed that feeding high levels of low quality proteins increased urinary oxalate levels. 

In general it is best to discuss whether or not you should feed your cat spinach, or any non-standard foods, with your veterinarian. 

Spinach for Cats: The Verdict

In summary, spinach is a super healthy and nutritious vegetable. When fed in small quantities to a healthy adult cat, spinach can be beneficial to your cat’s health and may serve as a nutritionally dense low-calorie treat. 

Avoid feeding spinach to cats with urinary issues or cats with other medical concerns without first speaking to your veterinarian.

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Most people wouldn’t wish the uncomfortable runny noses, headaches, sore throats, coughing, and sneezing that accompany the common cold on their worst enemy. But what about our furry best friends? Can dogs get colds, too?

Yes, they do. This article will explain what causes dog colds, symptoms to watch out for, home remedies that can help, how vets diagnose and treat colds in dogs, and what pet parents can do to prevent them.

Can Dogs Get Colds? 

In humans, the common cold refers to a generally mild viral respiratory illness that can be caused by a variety of different respiratory viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. Dogs also get respiratory illnesses and often suffer many of the same cold symptoms as people do. But, in dogs, this condition is referred to as canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) or, more commonly, “kennel cough.” For this article, we will refer to CIRDC as dog colds, since the disease complex is very similar to colds in humans. 

Colds in dogs are very common worldwide, especially in dogs that are housed with or spend lots of time around other dogs. Most canine colds carry mild symptoms that typically resolve on their own, without the need for medical treatment. 

What Causes Colds in Dogs? 

Dog colds can be caused by infections with one or more viruses or bacteria. Viral causes of colds in dogs include canine adenovirus-2, canine herpesvirus-1, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, canine influenza virus, and canine distemper virus. The most common bacterial causes of dog colds include Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma cynos, and Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. 

As in humans, dog colds are very contagious. The good news is that you’re not likely to catch your dog’s cold, and vice versa. Currently, none of the common dog or human cold viruses or bacteria are thought to be contagious across the species. Colds mostly spread through aerosolized droplets when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. They can also spread via contact with contaminated surfaces. 

Colds affect dogs of all ages and breeds, with no breed or breeds thought to be more prone than others to developing colds. Colds are likely to cause more severe symptoms in very young dogs, very old dogs, and dogs with disorders that suppress their immune systems. 

Dog Cold Symptoms

The symptoms of colds in dogs are similar to those seen in humans. Most symptoms are mild and respiratory in nature. 

The most common symptoms of colds in dogs include:

• Dry cough
• Sneezing
• Clear eye discharge 
• Runny nose 

These symptoms are also seen with allergic rhinitis, or allergies affecting the respiratory system. So if your dog’s symptoms occur frequently or seasonally, be sure to ask your veterinarian whether allergies could be the culprit, rather than a cold.

More severe cold symptoms include: 

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite

Diagnosing Colds in Dogs

Veterinarians typically diagnose colds in dogs based on their symptoms and a history of recent exposure to other dogs. The most common places a dog may catch a cold include boarding and daycare facilities, dog parks, and veterinary clinics. Less commonly, a dog may catch a cold from indirect contact with an infected dog via a water or food bowl. 

If your dog has more severe symptoms of a cold or a cold lasting longer than 1-2 weeks, blood work, X-rays, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for common bacterial and viral causes of colds may be indicated. 

If cold symptoms are accompanied by severe eye and/or nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, or neurological symptoms, testing for canine distemper virus (usually via PCR) would be indicated if the dog is not vaccinated or under-vaccinated for this virus. 

How to Treat Dog Colds

Most cases of colds in dogs, as in humans, do not require treatment and will generally run their course in 1-2 weeks, with coughs sometimes lingering a bit longer. 

During this time, there are some things you can do at home to help ease your dog’s symptoms, like putting your dog in a closed bathroom with a hot shower running. The hot steamy air can help soothe irritated airways and help to loosen mucus secretions and clear up congestion. You can also add small amounts of low-sodium chicken or beef broth to your dog’s water to encourage them to drink and stay hydrated. Let your dog take it easy and avoid intense exercise while they have a cold, to allow their immune system to recover. 

If your pet only has mild cold symptoms, is still eating and drinking well, and has normal energy levels, there’s no need to rush to your veterinarian. You should keep your sick dog at home and isolated from other dogs until they have been symptom-free for about 2 weeks, as the causative agents of dog colds are highly contagious. 

However, if your dog has low energy levels, a poor appetite, severe eye or nasal discharge, symptoms lasting longer than 1-2 weeks, or if they develop any abnormal breathing, you should take them to be evaluated by a veterinarian right away. 

With severe cold symptoms, antibiotics are usually indicated. If your dog has a high fever, hasn’t been eating well (for more than one meal), or is dehydrated, your veterinarian will also recommend intravenous (IV) fluids. Depending on how ill your dog is or if they have developed pneumonia secondary to the cold, they may need to be hospitalized for one or more nights. 

If your dog has mild cold symptoms but a cough that is lingering or severe enough to keep them up at night, your veterinarian can prescribe a cough suppressant, such as hydrocodone to help them feel better. Always talk to your veterinarian before giving any over-the-counter cough medications, as many contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Productive coughs should not be suppressed as this prevents the body from clearing bacteria in the mucus secretions. 

If you do need to take your dog to your veterinarian for treatment of a cold, here is a general idea of the cost of tests and treatments that may be recommended: 

• Physical exam: $40-$150
• Blood work: $120-$300
• Chest X-rays: $125-$300
• Respiratory PCR Panel: $150-$250
• IV fluid therapy: $150-$250 per day
• Hospitalization: $200-$1500 per day
• Antibiotics: $20-$150
• Cough medication: $20-$50

How to Prevent Dog Colds

Vaccinations are one of the best ways that pet parents can prevent or reduce the severity of dog colds. The distemper vaccine is very effective, and pets fully vaccinated against this potentially fatal virus will rarely get distemper. Other vaccines for dog colds (such as the Bordetella vaccine) and vaccines against canine influenza, parainfluenza, and adenovirus will not guarantee that your dog doesn’t get infected with these bugs. However, the vaccines will decrease the severity and duration of symptoms. 

Other preventive measures include keeping your dog from drinking or eating out of communal bowls and limiting contact with other dogs that are currently or were recently showing cold symptoms. 

Related Conditions: 

• Canine Distemper
• Pneumonia 

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This article will explain what antifreeze poisoning in dogs is, the dangers of exposure to antifreeze, signs of antifreeze poisoning, its treatment and how to prevent it. 

Can Dogs Get Antifreeze Poisoning? 

Ethylene glycol, the active ingredient in most antifreeze solutions, is a highly toxic substance when ingested by dogs and humans alike. Dogs are most frequently exposed to antifreeze by licking up fluid leaks from underneath cars, spills in the garage or drinking out of winterized toilets containing the solution. For this reason, outdoor dogs, dogs that spend time in garages and those that live in cold climates are at the highest risk for exposure to this dangerous substance. 

If antifreeze poisoning is not treated within hours, it is frequently fatal. All dogs of any age, breed or size can be seriously harmed by ethylene glycol ingestion. For small dogs, even a seemingly tiny amount of antifreeze lapped up from the ground can kill them.

Dangers of Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs

Consuming ethylene glycol causes kidney injury and kidney failure within two to three days. And it doesn’t take much of this substance to kill a dog. The lethal dose of antifreeze in dogs is under half of a teaspoon per pound of body weight, so a 20-pound dog can be killed by ingesting just under three tablespoons of the liquid.

If you suspect that your dog may have ingested antifreeze, time is of the essence to prevent serious injury or death. You should immediately take your dog to the nearest veterinarian, ideally an emergency clinic. If you live far from a veterinary hospital, contact either the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 for advice. 

Symptoms of Dog Antifreeze Poisoning

Sometimes, pet parents may not witness their dog drinking antifreeze or may not suspect they have gotten into it. For this reason, it is important to recognize some of the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning. 

Ethylene glycol is an alcohol, so the initial signs of ingestion of this substance are similar to what you’d expect to see in a person after a night of excessive drinking. Common symptoms observed 30 minutes to up to 12 hours after ingestion of antifreeze include:

• A staggering, drunken gait 
• Disorientation
• Sleepiness
• Vomiting 
• Drooling
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Seizures or coma rarely occur with ingestion of substantial quantities

After 8 to 12 hours, it often appears that dogs are improving as the signs of drunkenness subside. However, at this phase, internal organ damage is setting in. The following signs may occur at 12 to 24 hours after ingestion: 

• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid shallow breathing 
• Labored breathing 

After 24 to 72 hours, signs of kidney failure start to set in, including: 

• Production of low volumes of urine, or no urine at all in severe cases
• Severe lethargy 
• Vomiting 
• Seizures
• Coma

Treatment for Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs 

If your dog has gotten into antifreeze, you may be wondering if there is something you can do at home to mitigate a poor outcome. The best thing you can do for your dog is to get them to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible. If you live far away from the nearest hospital, contact animal poison control or a veterinarian right away to see if they recommend that you induce vomiting before making the trip.

Once your dog is at the vet, your veterinarian may induce vomiting and/or feed them activated charcoal, a compound that binds up drugs. This option will only be effective if your dog was recently exposed to ethylene glycol, within about an hour, as the body very rapidly absorbs the substance.

If you are unsure if your dog got into antifreeze, your veterinarian will take a detailed history of what has been going on with your dog and ask about where your dog may roam. A thorough physical examination will be conducted to check for symptoms consistent with antifreeze poisoning and a specific blood test to check for the presence of ethylene glycol may be performed. Your veterinarian will also want to run tests to look for signs of kidney damage. 

A urinalysis will also be performed to look for abnormal urine concentrations consistent with a kidney injury and urinary crystals that often develop as a result of antifreeze ingestion. These crystals that form in the kidneys are responsible for much of the damage associated with antifreeze poisoning. 

The most effective treatment for ethylene glycol ingestion is antidote therapy. This therapy must be initiated within 8 to 12 hours to be effective, but the sooner the better. 

IV fluid therapy is also an important part of treatment as it helps flush the body of toxins, treats dehydration, and supports blood flow to the internal organs. In addition to antidote therapy, the most effective treatment for ethylene glycol toxicity is dialysis. This procedure utilizes a particular machine to remove toxins from the blood. Dialysis is the only therapy that may prevent death in dogs once signs of kidney failure have already developed. Dialysis is still a relatively new procedure in animals and there are currently just 25 facilities in the United States that offer this [1]. 

The prognosis for antifreeze poisoning in dogs is fair to good if treated intensively within 8 to 12 hours of ingestion. If a dog is already showing signs of kidney injury when treatment begins, the prognosis is poor. 

The amount of time it will take your dog to recover from antifreeze ingestion depends on how quickly they were treated for it and how much antifreeze they ingested. This may range from days to weeks. Permanent kidney damage is possible. 

Cost to Treat Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs

Pet parents may be wondering how much they can expect to pay for antifreeze poisoning treatments. Costs vary greatly depending on your location and the type of veterinary facility but general estimates include: 

• Physical exam: $40-$150
• Blood and urine testing: $200-$400 per day 
• Abdominal ultrasound: $300-$500
• Antidote treatment: $250-$350
• IV fluid therapy: $150-$250 per day 
• Hospitalization: $1,000-$2,000 per day
• Dialysis treatment: $3,500-$4,500 for two to three treatments 

How to Prevent Your Dog From Getting Antifreeze Poisoning 

The best thing that pet parents can do is to prevent their dogs from getting into antifreeze in the first place. 

If you must use an antifreeze product, pick one that uses propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol, as it is much less toxic to dogs. You should also check underneath your car and promptly clean up any puddles and fix any leaks. 

Keep antifreeze containers securely closed and out of reach of pets. It’s also best to keep dogs indoors and out of garages, especially in freezing temperatures, as water will freeze over, making a thirsty dog seek out liquid antifreeze. 

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By far the most common skin issues that veterinarians treat in dogs are related to allergies. Whereas humans typically show respiratory symptoms such as sneezing from allergies, dogs tend to get itchy and irritated skin. 

The most common kinds of skin allergies in dogs are due to flea allergies, environmental allergies (called atopic dermatitis), and food allergies. Pet parents with allergic dogs know how frustrating allergies can be to manage. But can allergy shots for dogs save the day? Let’s explore the different options, potential side effects, and if they make sense for your dog. 

Allergy Shots for Dogs: Understanding Your Options

There are three main types of allergy shots for dogs: 

• Steroids (glucocorticoids)
• Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) 
• Cytopoint

Glucocorticoids

Commonly known as steroids, glucocorticoids have been the oldest treatment for allergies in dogs. Steroids work to combat allergy symptoms by decreasing the body’s immune reaction to allergens. Steroids, especially the injectable kinds, have largely fallen out of favor for the treatment of allergies due to their wide range of negative side effects. 

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT)

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) injections are what most people commonly refer to as “allergy shots” and are used in both humans and dogs to help desensitize them to the things they are allergic to. 

ASIT is only effective for the treatment of environmental allergies in dogs. For this reason, your dog should have a full allergy workup by your veterinarian to determine the cause of her allergies prior to starting ASIT injections. The diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies) is made once your veterinarian has excluded flea allergies and food allergies as the cause of your dog’s allergy symptoms. 

The first step to starting immunotherapy allergy shots is to have allergy testing performed by veterinarians who specialize in dermatology. If seeing a dermatologist is not an option for you due to your location or for financial reasons, blood allergy testing is an acceptable alternative. 

Once your veterinarian has determined what allergens your dog is allergic to, injections containing increasing amounts of those allergens will be given to your dog to desensitize her to those allergens. Shots are typically given twice weekly until a response is seen and then the frequency is decreased from there. With ASIT allergy shots for dogs, it can take up to 12 months for your dog to respond to this treatment and it is not guaranteed that your dog will respond to treatment. However, an estimated 50-75 percent of dogs show improvement following ASIT injections. 

Cytopoint 

The third and newest type of shot used to treat dog allergies is called Cytopoint (lokivetmab). Cytopoint is a monoclonal antibody that works by neutralizing a circulating protein before it can send itch signals to your dog’s brain. One injection works to stop itch caused by allergies and lasts about 4 to 8 weeks. 

A recent study showed Cytopoint to be effective for reducing itch symptoms in about 88 percent of dogs. The downside to Cytopoint is that it does not have any anti-inflammatory effects and inflammation can be a serious problem for dogs with allergies. 

Why Your Dog Might Need an Allergy Shot

The most common symptoms of allergies in dogs include itchy skin symptoms like licking excessively, biting their skin, rubbing themselves on furniture or carpets, scratching themselves, and shaking their ears. Their skin may also look red and inflamed and they may also develop frequent skin and ear infections. 

Any dog that is showing signs of allergies may benefit from an allergy shot. It is important to talk with your veterinarian about what kind of allergy shot they recommend and why. 

Cytopoint can be given to any dog greater than 8 weeks of age and is labeled as effective for itch caused by any type of allergy. Allergy immunotherapy shots are only effective for dogs with a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, so these are not typically used for very young dogs. Steroids can relieve the symptoms of any kind of allergy but do have a high risk of side effects. 

Benefits of Allergy Shots for Dogs 

Each kind of allergy shot works differently to help control allergies. Steroids help decrease itch and inflammation. Cytopoint helps decrease itch. ASIT injections actually train your dog’s immune system to stop overreacting to allergens that it encounters. For this reason, ASIT injections are the closest thing to a cure for canine environmental allergies that we have. 

Dogs that may benefit from allergy shots over oral allergy medications are those that are very difficult to pill or for busy owners that can’t remember to give oral medications on a daily basis. 

Allergy shots are given less frequently than administering oral medications and may actually be more cost effective than giving your dog lifelong medication to treat allergies (see more about the costs below). 

Side Effects of Allergy Shots for Dogs

The side effects of the three main types of shots used to treat allergies vary quite a lot, with steroids by far having the greatest risk of negative side effects. 

Steroid Allergy Shot Side Effects

While steroids help to reduce the inflammation and itch associated with allergies, they also commonly cause the following side effects with short term use: 

• Excessive thirst and urination
• Excessive hunger
• Panting 
• Lethargy
• Stomach upset 
• Stomach ulcers

With long term use, steroids can cause more serious issues including: 

• Increased risks of infections, including skin infections
• Thinning of the skin
• Calcinosis cutis (calcified nodules in the skin)
• Loss of muscle mass 
• Increased body fat 
• Weight gain 
• Diabetes

For this reason, steroids are typically only given for the short term treatment of severely inflamed skin or ears and then allergy symptoms are typically managed with other injections or oral medications for the long term. 

ASIT Side Effects for Dogs

Allergen-specific immunotherapy shots do carry the risk of causing allergic anaphylactic reactions for some dogs, especially during the early phases of treatment. That is why pet parents should monitor their pups for 30 to 60 minutes after each injection. 

Cytopoint Side Effects

Cytopoint shots are very safe and showed no greater risk of side effects than a placebo in safety studies. 

How Much are Allergy Shots for Dogs?

Steroids are the least expensive allergy shots for dogs and typically range from $20-$40 per injection. The effects of a single steroid injection will typically last for 1 to 2 weeks. 

The cost for Cytopoint injections varies greatly depending on the weight of your dog. Injections for small breed dogs range from $60-$90 and may exceed $200 for giant breed dogs. One injection of Cytopoint will relieve itch symptoms for 4-8 weeks. For dogs with seasonal allergies, they may be controlled with a few injections per year. 

Skin or blood testing is first required to start a dog on allergen-specific immunotherapy injections and the cost ranges from about $400-$800. Then, pet parents can expect to pay between $40 to $80 per month for the injections that are typically administered by pet parents at home. As previously stated, it may take up to 12 months for ASIT injections to start to work, but if they are effective, they will be needed less and less frequently with time. 

While the costs of allergy shots may sound very high, managing your dog’s allergy symptoms with allergy shots can be more cost effective in the long term by reducing the need for vet visits to treat skin and ear infections. 

Other Allergy Medications for Dogs

There are no real cures for allergies in dogs. In addition to shots, pet parents should work with their veterinarians to discuss lifestyle changes, medications, supplements, and diets that can help to lessen symptoms. 

Allergy treatment typically requires a multimodal approach, meaning that more than one medication or treatment is recommended to help to manage symptoms. 

Most dogs with allergies are prescribed medicated shampoos, ear flushes, and/or wipes. These topical treatments help to decrease the number of bacteria and yeast on the skin and for this reason are helpful for treating and preventing the skin and ear infections that frequently result from allergies. 

The most common prescription oral medications used to treat allergies in dogs are Apoquel (oclacitinib), Atopica (cyclosporine) and oral steroids (prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone). Apoquel and oral steroids are typically used early in the course of treating allergies because they have anti-inflammatory properties in addition to providing itch relief and start to work within hours. Atopica is used more commonly for dogs that fail to respond to Apoquel pills or Cytopoint injections. Oral allergy medications are good options for dogs that are too reactive or fearful of injections. 

Oral antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) have been used for allergies in dogs for many years. Diphenhydramine, cetirizine (zyrtec), and loratidine (claritin) may be effective for some dogs with mild symptoms or until you can get your pet in to see their veterinarian. Anti-histamine medications should not be given to dogs at risk for seizures.

The best way to manage allergies is to avoid the triggering allergen. For this reason, dogs with flea allergies and food allergies need to be given consistent flea preventives and fed special diets to best control their symptoms. For dogs with atopic dermatitis, it can be impossible to control the things in your dog’s environment that she is allergic to, and that’s when allergy shots of some kind can be most beneficial. 

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Whether your cat’s medication only comes in liquid form, or you simply prefer the idea of dosing your cat with liquid medicine over pills, here’s a helpful guide devoted specifically to liquid medications for cats. We’ll cover why they are necessary for some cats, common liquid medications, how to give a cat liquid medicine, and what other options are available when your kitty refuses medication. 

Why Cats May Need Liquid Medicine

Many oral medications for cats are available in both pill and liquid forms. If this is the case, your cat’s veterinarian may give you the choice between the two. Whether a pill or liquid will be easier to give is very dependent on the medication, the individual cat, and the pet parent’s comfort level. A recent study showed that most owners preferred giving their cat a pill over a liquid, but that cats tended to prefer the taste of liquid over pills (1). 

Sometimes pet parents will not have the option to choose between giving a pill or a liquid because a medication is only readily available in one format. Some medications, such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam, are only available in liquid form for cats. 

Liquid medications are sometimes preferable when it comes to providing a smaller or more precise dose of medicine. For example, if a tiny kitten needs medication, the veterinarian may be more inclined to prescribe a liquid, as a pill might contain too large of a dose. 

In some cases, the tablet form of a medication may pose health hazards that the liquid form does not. Certain medications, such as the antibiotic doxycycline, can become caustic if taken in tablet form and not followed up with water. That could lead to esophageal strictures—a serious condition that causes narrowing of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. 

Common Liquid Medicine for Cats

There are many different types of medications for cats that come in liquid form, which treat a variety of conditions. Here’s a list of the most commonly prescribed liquid medications and what they do:  

• Gabapentin – This medication is commonly used to treat pain and to help to decrease stress and anxiety associated with veterinary visits and other challenging events.
• Prednisolone – This is a steroid that is used to treat or manage a variety of conditions including allergies and autoimmune disorders.
• Meloxicam – This is an anti-inflammatory drug commonly used to help relieve short-term pain, such as post-surgery recovery pain, or to help manage chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
• Antibiotics (amoxicillin or amoxicillin with clavulanic acid) – These antibiotics are used to treat a variety of infections, from respiratory disorders to wounds. 
• Dewormers (pyrantel, sulfadimethoxine, fenbendazole) – These help treat or prevent intestinal parasite infestations. 

How to Give Cats Liquid Medicine 

Ideally, it’s best (for both pets and parents) to start training cats on how to take medication when they are kittens. A good way to begin is by getting your kitten used to regular oral examinations. Gently open your kitten’s mouth, then reward them with treats, petting, and encouragement. This not only helps you identify any issues with your cat’s oral health, but it will also help your cat feel more comfortable opening their mouth when it comes time to administer medication. 

Before giving your cat liquid medication, it’s also important to make sure you are prepared with everything you will need to set yourself up for success. You will need a thick bath towel, gloves, the appropriate syringe or dropper required to measure and administer the medication, and your cat’s favorite treats or wet food. It is also helpful to have someone else available to help you if you know your cat is difficult to medicate. 

If your cat is currently feeling fine and eating well, you can first try hiding the liquid medication in a small amount of tasty wet food—about the size of a meatball. The stinkier the food, the better it will hide the smell of the medication. Do not apply the medication to an entire meal’s worth of wet food. There’s always a chance that your cat may not eat all the food and won’t get the full dose of medication. Also, if you have multiple cats, you want to be sure that no other cats take medication not meant for them. 

However, adding medication to food is not always recommended. If you have an ill cat who is not eating well, adding medication to their food could create food aversion—meaning your cat might associate the yucky taste of the medicine with their food and be even less inclined to eat.

If this is the case, or your cat doesn’t fall for the meatball trick, the next thing you can try is gently swaddling your cat in a towel and placing them on your lap with their head facing away from your body. This way, you can approach your cat’s mouth from the side with the medicine dropper. That may feel less threatening to your pet than a head-on approach. This position also keeps your cat’s mouth further from your body and allows you to use your arms and elbows to gently secure your cat and prevent an escape. 

Next, offer the syringe or dropper to your cat and let them taste the medication. If you’re lucky, your cat might then readily accept the medication and you can gently trickle it into their mouth.  However, many cats may still resist. Sometimes it can help to put a small amount of a squeezable treat to the tip of the dropper or syringe. Once your cat begins to lick off the treat, depress the syringe or dropper into their mouth. You can follow up the medication with more of the tasty treat as a reward for taking the medication. 

If the above options do not work, here’s another approach: First, use your non-dominant hand to hold your cat’s head steady. If you position your middle finger underneath your cat’s jaw, your index finger on their forehead, and your thumb behind the head at the base of the skull, this will help you control their head and prevent you from getting bitten. 

Next, with your dominant hand, grip the syringe and (coming from the side) slide it in through the corner of your cat’s mouth, into the cheek pouch. Quickly squirt the medication inside the cheek pouch, then remove the syringe and gently hold your cat’s mouth closed. To encourage your cat to swallow, you can rub their throat or gently blow on their nostrils. 

When giving liquid medicine to cats, make sure their head isn’t tilted back and that you never forcefully squirt the liquid into the back of their mouth as that can cause your cat to inhale the medication. If your cat is very squirmy, having one person to hold your cat’s body and one person to administer the medication can be very helpful. 

As always, try to make this as positive an experience as possible, and follow up the medication by rewarding your cat with something they like such as food, playtime, or a gentle brushing session. 

If you have a cat that is becoming very upset with you while you are trying to medicate them, it’s a good idea to take regular breaks and try different methods. Be conscious of your cat’s body language to avoid bites and scratches. Pinned back ears, growling, or hissing is your cat’s way of warning you to back off. If you are ever bitten by your cat, make sure to clean the wound thoroughly and contact your physician right away. 

What if My Cat Won’t Take Liquid Medication? 

If you have tried all of these methods and you are still unable to give your cat liquid medication, speak with your veterinarian about other options for administering the drug. In some cases, the medication can be compounded into a different form, such as a tuna flavored liquid, a chewable treat, or a flavorless capsule. Certain medications are also available as transdermal creams that are applied to the skin on the ear flaps. 

Some medications are not available in alternate forms. In those cases, you may be able to bring your cat into the veterinarian’s office when it comes time for medicating, where a trained professional can do it. Or, better yet, ask if a veterinary technician can come to your home and administer the medication. 

Using a calming pheromone diffuser or spray can also help to calm your cat down during medication time. 

Remember that cats are very attuned to our emotions. If you remain calm and collected when it comes time to medicate your cat, that may help calm them down, as well. Work slowly and reach out to your veterinarian for advice if things are not going well.

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Read on for an in-depth look at UTIs, what causes them, the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and ways to prevent them. 

Dog Urinary Tract: Understanding the Anatomy

The urinary tract of dogs consists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and the urethra. The kidneys are complex organs that, among many other functions, are responsible for filtering the blood and removing excess waste and water in the form of urine. The urine produced by the kidneys is transported by the ureters, small tubular passages, into the urinary bladder. The bladder is responsible for storing urine. Once the bladder is full, the urine is excreted out of another tube, called the urethra. In male dogs, the urethra passes through the prostate, a reproductive organ, and then terminates at the tip of the penis. 

Dog Urinary Tract Infection: What is it? 

A urinary tract infection is an infection mostly caused by different types of bacteria that occurs anywhere within the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, and prostate (in male dogs). It is expected that about 14 percent of all dogs will experience a UTI in their lifetime (1). As in humans, it is much more common for female dogs to experience urinary tract infections than male dogs. This is thought to be due to the closer proximity of the female genitalia to the anus, which increases the risk of bacterial contamination from poop. Any breed of dog can get a UTI, however, it tends to be more common in female breeds with excess skin folds around the vulva, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, or English Bulldogs. Bacteria love to breed in warm, dark, and moist environments, making skin folds an ideal breeding ground. 

What Causes UTI in Dogs? 

UTIs are generally caused by bacteria coming from the skin or the colon that enter the urethra and travel upward into the bladder. Normally, urine is fairly sterile and your dog’s body has several defense mechanisms that prevent her from developing a UTI. This includes acidic urine, the ability to slough the cells that line the bladder to remove bacteria, compounds and white blood cells that destroy bacteria, and many other defenses. Occasional infections occurring one or fewer times per year are likely not due to an underlying disorder. However, when frequent UTIs occur, there is often an issue with the dog that is making her more likely to develop UTIs. 

Besides having excess skin folds around the genitals, dogs with anatomical abnormalities, like ectopic ureters (an inherited abnormality in which the ureters do not enter the bladder at their normal location) or recessed vulvas (small vulvas tucked into the skin), are at increased risk of UTIs. Common symptoms of an ectopic ureter include urinary incontinence (inability to control urination) and frequent UTIs. 

Other conditions that can make dogs more prone to frequent UTIs include: 

• Lack of conscious bladder control (due to a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Urinary incontinence
• Cancer of the urinary tract
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism)
• Diabetes mellitus 
• Male dogs with enlarged prostates

Symptoms of UTI in Dogs

Urinary tract infections are at best uncomfortable and at worst extremely painful for dogs. It is important for pet parents to be able to recognize symptoms of UTIs in their dogs to make sure that they receive prompt veterinary care. Ignoring signs of UTIs in dogs can lead to serious complications, including kidney infections. 

The most common signs of UTI in dogs include: 

• Urinating small amounts of urine more frequently 
• Straining to urinate 
• Bloody urine 
• Having urinary accidents in the house (if your dog is potty trained)
• Fishy or foul smelling urine 
• Increased genital licking 

Less frequently, dogs may have a fever, stop wanting to eat or vomit, but this is usually associated with more serious UTIs, such as kidney or prostate infections. 

Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs

If you suspect your dog may have a UTI, it is important to have her examined by your vet, as there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. Your vet will need to feel your dog’s abdomen to ensure the bladder is not overly distended, which could indicate a life threatening urinary obstruction, and make sure there is no kidney pain, which could signal a kidney infection. 

Your vet will also need to perform a urinalysis, a test of the urine that includes checking the urine concentration, checking a urine chemistry dipstick, and examining a urine sample under the microscope. If your dog is otherwise healthy and does not have a history of frequent UTIs, this may be all that is necessary to diagnose a UTI in your dog.

For dogs that are feverish, vomiting, not wanting to eat, or those that have an underlying condition such as chronic kidney disease, your veterinarian will need to run blood work to evaluate the health of the kidneys and other organs. 

Ideally, a urine culture should be performed to confirm every case of suspected UTI in dogs, but this may not be financially feasible for all pet parents. However, if your dog has a history of frequent UTIs, urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing are necessary. This will indicate the type of bacteria that is causing the infection and determine which antibiotic will be most effective at treating the infection. 

For dogs with recurrent UTIs or those that do not improve with treatment, it is a good idea for imaging of the urinary tract, either with X-rays, ultrasound, a CAT scan (CT), or a combination of these, to be performed. These tests look for urinary stones, signs of kidney infections, tumors, or ectopic ureters, which can all lead to UTIs that are difficult to treat. 

How to Treat UTI in Dogs

When a UTI is diagnosed by a combination of symptoms and testing, antibiotics are indicated in order to kill the bacteria causing the infection. For cases of UTIs occurring two or fewer times per year, a short three- to five-day course of antibiotics is all that may be needed (2). For recurrent UTIs (those occurring three or more times per year) or kidney infections, longer courses of antibiotics are often necessary. 

For recurrent UTIs, it is important to try to address the underlying issue that is making UTIs more likely. For example, in dogs with the most common type of bladder stones, a prescription diet is often used to dissolve the stones. For dogs with ectopic ureters, surgery may be necessary to reposition the ureter to the normal location. 

Home Remedies for UTI in Dogs

There are no home remedies useful for the treatment of UTI in dogs. It is thought that cranberry supplements may decrease the frequency of UTI in dogs prone to infections but there is not enough research to routinely recommend this (2). 

General Cost to Treat Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs

Pet parents can expect the following approximate costs to diagnose and treat a UTI in their dogs: 

• Exam: $45-$105
• Urinalysis (testing and collection): $70-$115
• Urine culture: $170-$350
• Course of antibiotics: $20-$200 (greatly varies depending on the weight of the pet, the antibiotic indicated, and the duration of treatment) 

How to Prevent UTI in Dogs

While preventing sporadic UTI in healthy dogs may not be possible or necessary, there are some things pet parents can do to decrease the risk of certain conditions that make UTIs more common. 

Always have any underlying medical disorders, such as Cushings disease or diabetes, treated, as these contribute to recurrent UTIs.

Even though there is not enough evidence to prove that cranberry supplements are beneficial at preventing UTIs, they are unlikely to be harmful and some studies in humans support their use. Make sure you ask your veterinarian for recommendations on a supplement they trust. 

It is thought that spaying some female dogs, especially large and giant breeds, prior to puberty may increase their risk of a recessed vulva (3). Early spay of females, prior to 3 months of age, has also been shown to increase their risk of urinary incontinence as they age (4). For this reason, pet parents should discuss age of spay with their veterinarian as it may impact risk of urinary issues in some breeds. It is important to note that robust evidence for this recommendation is still lacking and veterinarians are still not in agreement on the optimal age of spay and neuter. 

Obesity, especially in dogs that are prone to excess skin folds, should be avoided as this can make skin folds around the anus and vulva deeper, which can promote the growth of bacteria on the skin near the urethra and lead to UTIs. 

For dogs with recessed vulvas, those prone to skin infections or those with excess urogenital skin folds, keeping the areas around the vulva and anus clean with medicated wipes containing an antiseptic such as chlorhexidine may be recommended to help prevent ascending infections. Ask your veterinarian for recommended products if you think your dog could benefit from this. 

Related Conditions

• Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) 
• Urolithiasis (urinary tract stones) 
• Prostatitis (prostate infection) 

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While it’s true that cats tend to require less water than dogs on a per pound basis and may also better tolerate mild cases of dehydration, it’s unsafe to assume they can exist under the same conditions as their ancestors.

Though they are both part of the same family tree, the lifestyle and diet of ancestral wildcats is very different from today’s domestic cats. Wildcats obtain most of their water from the prey that they eat and maintain high levels of activity. Meanwhile, many domestic cats eat kibble containing little moisture and are often quite sedentary. This may make domestic cats more prone to dehydration, which can lead to or exacerbate certain health conditions. 

But how much water do cats actually need and how long can a cat go without water? Continue reading to find out everything you need to know to keep your cat safe and well-hydrated. 

Why Cats Need Water

All life on earth needs water to survive, and cats are no exception. Roughly 60 percent of your cat’s body is made up of water (1), which sustains many of your cat’s basic bodily functions. Without it, cats would be unable to swallow and digest food. Water is also the main component of blood which is necessary to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. And water plays a key role in producing urine, which helps to rid the body of waste products. 

How much water do cats need? An average-sized healthy adult cat needs about 7 to 8 ounces of water per day. However, how much water your cat actually needs to drink each day can vary depending on the moisture content of their diet. Dry food contains only about 10 percent water, so if you’re feeding your cat a kibble-only diet, you’d want to make sure your pet is drinking plenty of water. Wet or canned food contains 75 percent water, so it would be normal for cats eating this type of diet to drink a bit less. 

Certain health complications could affect how much water your cat requires, as well. For example, cats with kidney disease cannot produce concentrated urine. That means they lose more water when they pee, so they have to drink a lot more water than a healthy cat in order to stay hydrated. Cats with diabetes and urinary disorders should also drink more water. 

How Long Can a Cat Go Without Water? 

Cats should always have plenty of fresh water available to them. However, since feline renal systems are quite efficient when it comes to producing concentrated urine, cats may be able to tolerate short periods without water better than other animals, provided they are healthy. So if you forget to refill your cat’s empty water bowl for a few hours, this will likely not cause an issue. But it’s not a good idea to make it a habit.

Generally speaking, if your cat eats only kibble and you haven’t observed them drinking water for 24 hours, you may not need to worry if your cat is otherwise acting normal. But if your kibble-eating cat hasn’t had any water for 24 hours or more and they’re acting abnormal (poor appetite, yowling, abnormal elimination habits, mentally inappropriate), that’s cause for concern and merits an immediate trip to the veterinary clinic.

If your cat is on a wet food-only diet and they are still eating normally, don’t panic if you don’t see them drinking water for a day or two. Remember that wet food is made up of mostly water, which makes it easier for cats to stay hydrated. Now, if you noticed that same cat wasn’t eating or drinking for a full day, that would be concerning. If such a pattern continued for three or more days, severe and potentially life-threatening dehydration could result. 

If your cat has advanced kidney disease, diabetes, or is on a diuretic for the management of congestive heart failure, dehydration can develop much faster and can become potentially severe within a day. Cats with these conditions should have constant access to water. Cats that are experiencing vomiting and diarrhea can also become dehydrated rapidly. 

Signs of Dehydration in Cats

It is important for pet parents to become familiar with the signs of dehydration in cats, especially if their cat has a chronic illness like kidney failure. The following are signs of dehydration: 

• Dry or sticky gums
• Thick, stringy saliva
• Sunken eyes 
• Skin becomes less elastic 
• Lethargy 
• Rapid heart rate 

If any of the above symptoms occur in your cat, consult with your veterinarian immediately. 

How to Get Cats to Drink More Water

Healthy cats will typically self-regulate their water consumption and drink as much as their body needs. However, cats that are chronically under-hydrated may be more prone to chronic kidney disease, obesity, idiopathic cystitis (abnormal urinary symptoms), or bladder stones. For this reason, pet parents may want to consider ways to increase their cats’ hydration at home. 

Feeding cats all or mostly wet food can help your pet stay better hydrated than cats that are fed kibble-only diets. Kibble-eating cats are likely to drink more water, but studies indicate that the amount of water they consume may still fall short of the hydration contained in wet food-only diets (1). 

But switching to wet food isn’t always a surefire solution to dehydration issues. Some cats may turn up their noses at a wet-food diet, especially if they were fed kibble their whole lives. In addition, some pet parents may consider wet food too expensive or inconvenient. 

Another way to increase hydration for kibble-eating cats is to add water into their kibble. But determining how much your cat will tolerate is a delicate balance. For best results, always start by adding a small amount of water to your cat’s kibble to see how they react to it. If they still chow down, add a little more water to the kibble every time you feed them, as long as your cat continues to eat their food. 

Some cats consider running water more appealing than a static water bowl, so you may be able to up your cat’s water intake with a cat drinking fountain or a dripping faucet. However, this is largely an individual preference so pet parents should experiment with different options to see what their cat likes most (2). 

The location and type of water bowl you use may also play a part in how much your cat drinks. In a survey commissioned by the pet food company Royal Canin, results indicated that, on average, cats preferred drinking bowls with smaller diameters and liked to drink from bowls that were located in a room away from their food bowls (2). 

Cat parents can also try adding small amounts of tuna water or chicken broth to their cat’s water to make it more aromatic and enticing.

Ensuring your cat stays properly hydrated is critical to maintaining their overall health and wellness. But even if your pet requires some coaxing to meet their daily water requirements, these simple steps can help you get your cat to drink more water and stay hydrated. Just remember, if you are worried that your cat is not drinking enough water or is not adequately hydrated, make sure you speak with your veterinarian and take your cat in for an exam immediately if signs of dehydration are present.

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There are many supplements out there for dogs claiming to aid in their digestion. With digestive enzymes for dogs increasing in popularity, it is important to know what these enzymes are, their purpose, and if they will be beneficial to your dog. 

What Are Digestive Enzymes for Dogs? 

The process of digestion can be divided into two separate categories: mechanical and chemical. An example of mechanical digestion is chewing food, which breaks it up into pieces small enough to swallow. Digestive enzymes help with chemical digestion, and their actions help to break down and dissolve foods so that they can be absorbed by the intestines and utilized by the body. 

Humans and dogs alike produce their own digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes are produced mainly in the saliva, stomach, and pancreas of humans. In contrast, dogs produce minimal salivary amylase, so most chemical digestion in dogs begins lower down in the stomach

Without digestive enzymes, both dogs and humans would not be able to utilize the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in our diets. This would lead to weight loss, malnutrition and, over time, even death. 

Types of Dog Digestive Enzymes

Dogs have three main types of digestive enzymes: 

• Lipases
• Proteases
• Amylases

Lipases break down fats into fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Proteases work to break down proteins into individual amino acids, while amylases break down carbohydrates and starches into simple sugars such as glucose. The majority of digestive enzymes in dogs are produced by the pancreas. 

Digestive Enzymes in Dog Food  

Pet parents are always looking to optimize their dog’s nutrition and may be attracted to foods that state that they contain or are coated with digestive enzymes. 

However, at this time, there is no research to support any benefits of including digestive enzymes in dog food that is made to feed healthy dogs. Instead, pet parents should work with their veterinarians to select a high-quality food for their dogs that is complete and balanced. A high-quality diet will provide all the nutrition that your dog needs to produce her own enzymes necessary for digestion. 

If your dog is not producing enough digestive enzymes on her own (more on this to come), then your veterinarian may recommend a digestive enzyme supplement for dogs.

Digestive Enzyme Supplements for Dogs

Some digestive enzyme supplement brands claim that the enzymes in foods are destroyed when food is cooked, so supplementing enzymes is crucial. If your dog has a normally functioning pancreas, however, she does not need any additional digestive enzymes. In fact, one study found no differences in food digestibility among three different groups of healthy dogs who were either fed a commercial kibble by itself, the same kibble with an added plant-based digestive enzyme supplement, or the kibble with an animal-based digestive enzyme supplement (1). 

But for some dogs who have a rare condition called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, supplementation with digestive enzymes is crucial to treating this disease. In these dogs, the pancreas has shrunken (atrophied) or scarred and can no longer produce sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes. This disease may occur as a result of chronic pancreatitis and is more common in certain breeds of dogs, especially German Shepherds.

Symptoms of EPI in dogs include: 

• Weight loss 
• A ravenous appetite 
• Soft, voluminous stools 

If you suspect that your dog may have EPI, it is important to take her to your veterinarian for testing, as other diseases such as cancer of the intestines can cause similar symptoms. If your dog has something called a low serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity (TLI) test result, this is diagnostic for EPI. The treatment of EPI involves supplementing your dog’s food with pancreatic enzymes. The most effective supplement is powdered porcine pancreatic enzymes.

Digestive enzymes used to treat EPI are generally well tolerated but may rarely cause oral bleeding, which can usually be resolved by reducing the dose. Dogs with EPI typically need to be supplemented with these enzymes throughout their lifetimes. 

Keeping Your Dog’s Digestion Healthy 

The most important thing pet parents can do to ensure their dogs’ digestion remains healthy is to feed them a high-quality, complete and balanced diet and to have their stool checked at least annually for parasites.

For dogs who have frequent vomiting, flatulence, loose stool, or other digestive issues, it is important to work with a veterinarian to determine the cause of these problems. 

For occasional or mild issues, giving a probiotic supplement, fiber, or a few teaspoons of plain, canned pumpkin is generally harmless and may be beneficial for your pet’s digestive health. 

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Stress can weaken dogs’ immune systems, cause inflammation throughout their bodies, and can lead to overgrowth of harmful bacteria in their intestines, causing diarrhea or stress colitis. Continue reading to learn about stress colitis in dogs, its cause, symptoms, and treatment options. 

What Is Stress Colitis in Dogs? 

Colitis is inflammation of the colon, or large intestine. Colitis can be acute (short-lived) or chronic (long-lasting). Colitis that is caused by stress, or stress colitis, is a common cause of acute colitis in our canine companions. 

Abrupt dietary changes and infections with parasites are other common causes of acute colitis in dogs.   

What Causes Canine Stress Colitis? 

Any form of stress may cause stress colitis in dogs. Through research on the gut microbiome—the mixture of microorganisms including bacteria and other organisms that live inside the stomach and intestines—we have learned about the negative impact that stress can have. Stress will cause overgrowth of harmful gut bacteria and decreased amounts of beneficial bacteria, which in turn leads to symptoms of intestinal upset like diarrhea [1].  

Stressors that cause colitis can include anything that produces physical stress, such as undergoing surgery or intense exercise, as well as psychological stress, such as staying at a boarding facility, moving to a new home, or introducing a new baby or pet into the household. 

Dogs that are generally more high strung or anxious are likely more prone to developing stress colitis. This can occur in dogs of any age, but it is most commonly seen in younger dogs. No specific breed of dog is known to be at an increased risk of developing stress colitis. 

Symptoms of Stress Colitis in Dogs

When the colon becomes inflamed during periods of stress, it stops being able to absorb as much water, leading to diarrhea and a few other characteristic symptoms. 

Signs of stress colitis in dogs include: 

• Straining to defecate.
• Defecating more frequently. 
• Increased urgency to defecate.
• Mucous in the stool. 
• Small amounts of fresh (bright red) blood in the stool. 
• Soft or loose stool (diarrhea). 

Diagnosing Colitis Caused by Stress

There is no specific test for stress colitis in dogs. If your dog is experiencing signs of stress colitis, it is best to take him in to your veterinarian for a physical examination. Your veterinarian will use the history that you provide as well as the exam and fecal testing to help determine if stress colitis is likely. 

At minimum, your veterinarian will recommend performing a test of your dog’s stool to check for parasites. This generally involves fecal floatation, in which a stool sample is mixed with a solution, spun in a centrifuge machine, and allowed to sit for a few minutes. This will cause most parasite eggs, if present, to float to the top of the solution, which is then visualized under a microscope. 

Depending on your dog’s environment, your veterinarian may also recommend running a Giardia ELISA test, an immunological test which is a more sensitive test for giardia, a microscopic parasite. 

If no parasites are found on fecal tests, your dog has signs consistent with acute colitis, and he has a history of a recent stressful event, such as spending time in a boarding facility, your veterinarian will make the diagnosis of stress colitis.  

How To Treat Stress Colitis In Dogs 

The good news is that stress colitis is thought to be a self-limiting disease, meaning it will resolve on its own without any treatment. However, there are diets, medications, and supplements that can help your dog to recover faster. Treatment for stress colitis usually depends on your dog’s symptoms. 

If your dog is mildly dehydrated, subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids may be administered by your veterinarian. Luckily, serious dehydration that requires intravenous fluids and hospitalization is generally not seen in cases of stress colitis. 

A prescription diet formulated for intestinal upset or a home cooked bland diet, such as chicken breast and white rice, may be recommended by your veterinarian. Pet parents will typically need to feed this diet for three to five days, or until symptoms resolve, and then gradually transition back to their dog’s regular diet. 

Probiotics may also be a helpful tool in shortening the duration of stress colitis. Probiotics contain one or more types of beneficial gut bacteria. It is unknown exactly how they work but they are thought to help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Studies have shown that dogs undergoing stress from being kenneled had lower incidences of diarrhea when given probiotics than dogs that were not [2]. 

Since there are many different strains of probiotics and they are not regulated by the FDA, it is important to ask your veterinarian for advice on choosing a probiotic supplement that is backed by research. 

Prebiotics, compounds that help to encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, may also be recommended for the treatment of stress colitis. Most prescription intestinal diets now contain prebiotics or your veterinarian may recommend adding in a prebiotic fiber supplement to your pet’s diet to help with stress colitis. 

Antibiotics like metronidazole are still commonly prescribed for acute colitis including stress colitis. However, research to support their use is not conclusive and antibiotics may have harmful lasting effects on the gut microbiome. 

For dogs that have known stress colitis caused by certain situations, a prescription drug called Librax (chlordiazepoxide / clidinium) may be beneficial. This drug was developed to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in humans. Pet parents can start this medication just before stressful situations or at the first sign of intestinal upset. Use of this medication has not been studied in dogs so it should only be used for short periods of time and only under the supervision of a veterinarian. 

Other medications that may be prescribed by your veterinarian include sulfasalazine, loperamide, and fiber supplements.

General Cost To Treat Colitis In Dogs

The cost to treat a short bout of colitis in your dog will vary depending on where you live, the size of your dog, and the type of veterinary clinic you go to. However, you can expect the following approximate costs: 

• Physical examination: $45-$80
• Fecal test (float/smear): $45-$65
• Giardia test: $50-$60
• Prescription diet (for up to a few weeks): $35-$85
• Probiotics: $15-$30
• Anti-diarrheal medication(s): $15-$25
• Subcutaneous fluids: $45-$70

How To Prevent Stress Colitis In Dogs

If your dog has a history of developing colitis under stressful circumstances, your veterinarian may recommend the following to prevent stress colitis: 

• Feeding a prescription diet.
• Giving a daily probiotic. 
• Using a calming pheromone spray or diffuser.
• Giving a calming supplement. 
• Giving a prescription anxiety medication. 
• Working with a veterinary behaviorist to manage anxiety.

Depending on the frequency and severity of your dog’s colitis and behavioral symptoms, the above may be recommended for only a short time—before and during stressful events—or as something that becomes part of your dog’s normal routine.   

Related Conditions

• Atypical Addison’s Disease 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

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If you’ve ever seen your dog scooting across your living room carpet or going to town on his rear end, odds are his anal glands are irritated. Anal gland issues are quite common with studies reporting about 12 percent of dogs experiencing an issue during their lifetimes [1]. 

You may be wondering what anal glands in dogs even are or what they do. You’re not alone. Anal glands are mysterious even to many veterinarians. This article will give pet parents an in depth insight into anal glands, common issues with them, symptoms of issues, and treatment options. 

Anal Glands In Dogs: What Are They And How Do They Work? 

The anal glands are fluid-filled pouches that sit just inside the anus of all dogs at about the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. The term anal gland is actually incorrect and the correct term is anal sacs. Dogs do have true anal glands, which are small microscopic secretory glands that sit on the surface of the anus. For this article’s purpose, however, the anal sacs will be referred to as the anal glands, as this is the term pet parents are more familiar with. 

The anal glands are lined by apocrine and sebaceous glands, that, together with bacteria, produce the stinky anal gland contents. The anal glands have little ducts (openings) on either side of the anus. Normally, when a dog poops, their poop will put pressure on the anal glands and their contents will be expelled out of the ducts along with stool. 

Most species of carnivores have anal glands but their purpose is poorly understood. Some theorize that anal glands serve the purpose to communicate or to mark territory. 

Common Anal Gland Problems In Dogs

Anal gland problems are common in dogs. In fact, a study from the UK showed that anal gland impactions were the third most diagnosed problem by primary care veterinarians [2]. 

Some anal gland problems in dogs include:

• Impaction
• Infection
• Abscess
• Rupture
• Cancerous tumor (less common)

Anal gland impactions occur when the glands do not express normally during defecation and become enlarged and clogged. 

Infections of the anal glands, called anal sacculitis, may occur as a result of impaction of the anal glands. If anal sacculitis isn’t treated rapidly or appropriately, this can lead to an anal gland abscess. 

When an abscess develops, there will be significant swelling of the anal gland, redness of the skin over the area and significant discomfort to the pet. When the abscess becomes large enough, it will rupture causing an open wound to develop in the skin over the anal gland that will drain blood and pus. 

Less commonly, the anal glands may develop a cancerous tumor, known as an apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma. While this type of tumor is rare, it is aggressive and spreads elsewhere in the body. This is why it is super important for your dog to receive regular wellness check ups that include rectal exams. 

Symptoms Of Anal Gland Problems In Dogs

Signs that may indicate an anal gland issue in dogs include: 

• Scooting or dragging the rear end on the floor 
• Licking or chewing on the anus 
• Redness of the anus
• Swellings on one or both sides of the anus 
• Metallic or fishy smelling fluid leaking from the anus 
• Bloody fluid or pus coming from the anus 

Other things that can cause signs of rear end irritation include environmental and food allergies, diarrhea, and fleas or flea allergies. 

Anal gland issues are known to affect small breed dogs more commonly. Chihuahuas, Toy and Miniature Poodles as well as Lhasa Apsos are thought to be at increased risk for anal gland disease [3]. 

Anal Gland Expression In Dogs 

Expression of the anal glands occurs naturally when your dog poops. Dogs may also express their anal glands if they become startled or frightened. When your dog begins to show signs of anal gland discomfort like scooting or licking, you should take her to your veterinarian to have them check her glands. 

Your veterinarian will perform a rectal exam with a gloved and lubricated finger and, if the anal glands feel enlarged or the walls feel thickened, an anal gland expression should be performed. This occurs by gently squeezing each gland from the base to the top with the thumb and forefinger and milking out the anal gland contents until they are completely empty. If the anal gland contents are too thick, your veterinarian may instill saline into the glands to aid in expression. 

Many groomers will offer anal gland expression or perform it routinely as part of your pet’s groom. Most veterinarians recommend against having groomers or pet parents perform anal gland expression. This is because most will perform an external expression in which pressure is applied only to the outside skin over the anal glands. This will result in an incomplete expression of the anal glands which can lead to a build up of thick contents, which can lead to impaction. 

How Do You Know If Your Dog Needs Their Glands Expressed? 

Many veterinary dermatologists now believe that routine expression of the anal glands when performed without any signs of anal gland disease, will lead to excessive fluid building up in the anal glands causing them to enlarge more rapidly and requiring even more frequent expression. 

It is also thought that over-expression of the anal glands can lead to inflammation and trauma of the anal sacs, making it more likely for impactions, infections, and abscessation to occur. 

For this reason, it is recommended only to have your dog’s anal glands expressed by a veterinarian when there are signs of anal sac irritation such as scooting, anal licking, anal redness or swelling, leakage of contents, or anal bleeding. 

What To Do If Your Dog Has Anal Gland Problems

Besides having your dog’s anal glands expressed by your veterinarian, there are some things that may help treat and prevent problems with her anal glands. Your veterinarian may recommend flushing out the anal glands with an antiseptic solution and then instill an ointment into the anal glands that contains a steroid and an antibiotic. This will help to reduce inflammation and treat infection.

Things pet parents can do at home to help reduce anal gland issues include adding a fiber supplement to their dog’s diet. Fiber will help to add bulk to the stool and help the anal glands express naturally. Ask your veterinarian if they would recommend this and how much to give your dog. Prescription high fiber diets are also available. 

Unfortunately, research into anal gland disease is severely lacking so it is unknown how well fiber supplementation, or any other supplements or medications for that matter, will improve anal gland problems. 

If your dog suffers from chronic diarrhea and, as a result, is not normally expressing her anal glands, it will be important to work with your veterinarian to determine the cause of diarrhea so that it can be treated. For example, dogs with a suspected food allergy should be put on a prescription hydrolyzed or novel protein diet to see if this helps their symptoms. 

It is suspected that dogs that are overweight or obese are at an increased risk of developing anal gland diseases. If your dog needs to shed a few pounds, work with your veterinarian to develop a diet and exercise program to help your dog lose weight. 

In some cases, dogs that have frequent anal gland infections or abscesses that are not responsive to medical management, surgery to remove the anal glands is recommended. This should be performed by a veterinarian experienced in surgery, as complications from this surgery are common.

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If salmon is healthy for us, it must be just as healthy for our dogs, right? Not necessarily. This article will discuss whether or not it’s okay to feed your dog salmon, how to safely serve it, and some potential risks and benefits of salmon for dogs. 

Can Dogs Eat Salmon? 

Cooked salmon or salmon-based dog foods can be part of a healthy diet for dogs. Over the past few years, pet parents have seen an explosion in options when it comes to commercially prepared dog foods. No longer are the days of chicken or beef only options for our pups. Fish—especially salmon—is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in pet food diets.

Besides feeding your dog salmon-based dog food, you can also feed her fresh salmon as an occasional healthy treat, provided it is boneless and fully cooked. 

Can Dogs Eat Raw Salmon? 

Dogs should never be fed raw salmon, including salmon sushi or sashimi. Feeding raw salmon to dogs can lead to salmon poisoning, a condition known to affect dogs. It is not truly a poisoning, but an infection caused by blood-borne bacteria, called Neorickettsia helminthoeca, that live within a fluke parasite that commonly infects salmon in the pacific northwest of the United States, the pacific coast of Canada, and as far north as Alaska. Infection with this bacterium will cause death in up to 90 percent of dogs within 10 days if not appropriately treated [2]. 

Common symptoms of salmon poisoning in dogs include fever, weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea that may become bloody. 

Raw salmon from other regions may still contain other harmful bacteria and parasites, so salmon should always be heated to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit before it is served to dogs. If your dog has eaten raw salmon, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. 

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Salmon?

Cooked salmon is safe to feed dogs and can provide many nutritional benefits just as it can in humans. However, portion control is key when adding tasty treats to your pet’s diet. 

If you feed your dog a commercially prepared dog food, chances are that it is labeled as a complete and balanced diet. When food is added to that balanced diet at a proportion of over 10 percent of the diet it can cause the diet to become unbalanced and may lead to nutritional deficiencies or excesses. Care must also be taken not to overfeed your dog as added calories can lead to weight gain and contribute to obesity. 

When feeding cooked salmon to dogs, you should feed it plainly baked, steamed, or roasted without adding any seasoning, oil or salt. 

Can Dogs Eat Smoked Salmon? 

Feeding dogs smoked salmon can pose certain health threats. Neither cold smoked salmon—also known as lox—nor hot smoked salmon may be heated to a temperature that is hot enough to kill the bacteria associated with salmon poisoning in dogs. 

In addition, smoked salmon tends to be high in salt content which can be harmful to your dog’s health. 

Can Dogs Eat Salmon Skin? 

Salmon skin can be fed to dogs as long as it is fed in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Salmon skin is high in healthful essential fatty acids and vitamins. However, it also contains more fat and calories than salmon meat does. Feeding too much salmon skin could lead to intestinal upset and potentially lead to pancreatitis, a serious illness. Salmon skin is not an appropriate food for dogs that need to lose weight. 

Can Dogs Eat Canned Salmon? 

Canned salmon is okay to give to your dog. However, it’s best to pick canned salmon that is packed in water with no added oils, seasonings, or salt. 

Benefits of Salmon for Dogs

Just as salmon is recommended as part of a healthy diet for people, it can also be very beneficial when fed to dogs. Salmon is low in saturated fats and is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, potassium and vitamin D [3]. 

Incorporating salmon into your dog’s diet may help improve the condition of her coat and skin, improve brain function, and help bone health. A salmon-based diet may also be helpful for some dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. 

Salmon Oil for Dogs 

Feeding salmon oil supplements may be beneficial and recommended for some dogs. Salmon oil differs from whole salmon in that it contains concentrated amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be recommended by your veterinarian to help with skin issues related to allergies, arthritis, heart disease, or cognitive dysfunction. 

Salmon oil supplements for dogs come in capsules that are given orally or a liquid that you can mix with your dog’s food. 

Salmon for Dogs: Things to Consider 

Salmon can be a great food to offer your dog and may provide benefits to their health. However, feeding too much salmon or feeding salmon too frequently may cause problems. For some dogs, salmon may contain too much oil or fat and may cause an upset stomach. You should start by feeding your dog salmon in very small amounts to make sure it doesn’t cause any digestive problems. 

Salmon or any other foods or treats you are feeding your dog should never make up more than 10 percent of their diet to ensure that the diet remains complete and balanced. The other 90 percent of your dog’s diet should be made up of a commercial dog food that is labeled as complete and balanced. When feeding cooked salmon, choose boneless filets and closely inspect it to ensure there are no bones remaining in the meat. 

There are concerns about the levels of contaminants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and heavy metals like mercury that can accumulate in salmon and may lead to cancer and other health issues when high doses are consumed. However, one study published in 2019 tested commercial salmon and non-salmon containing dog foods and did not commonly find mercury in these diets and, when present, the levels of mercury were unlikely to pose a health risk [4]. The FDA also sets maximum allowable levels of contaminants in salmon. To minimize risk, when feeding fresh salmon to your dog, choose wild caught salmon instead of farmed salmon as it is known to contain less toxins. 

When choosing a salmon oil supplement, ask your veterinarian for recommendations on trusted companies and make sure the manufacturer performs third party lab testing to ensure the product does not contain harmful levels of toxins. Also let your veterinarian know what food you are feeding your dog. Some diets already contain added omega-3 fatty acids, so salmon oil supplementation could potentially lead to an overdose of fatty acids, which could lead to GI upset or, rarely, blood clotting disorders. 

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Continue reading for an in-depth look at distemper in dogs including what it is, what causes it, how vets diagnose it, treatment options, and how you can prevent infection in your pup. 

What Is Distemper In Dogs? 

Distemper is a viral disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV) that mainly attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal (digestive), and nervous systems of dogs. It is frequently fatal. Distemper cannot be cured and may cause lifelong effects in survivors. 

Is Distemper Contagious? 

The canine distemper virus is highly contagious. Distemper infections in dogs can be spread to other dogs, ferrets, and to wild animals. 

Distemper is not a known zoonotic disease, meaning humans are not at risk of infection. Domestic cats can become infected with CDV but are unlikely to show any symptoms. This is not to be confused with feline distemper, which is caused by the feline panleukopenia virus.

If your dog is infected with distemper she may be infectious to other dogs for up to 2 to 3 months after symptoms subside. This is why it is crucial that pet parents isolate sick dogs from other dogs in order to prevent the spread of infection. 

Distemper In Puppies

Young puppies are most susceptible to developing serious disease caused by canine distemper. This is due to their immature immune systems, which decrease their ability to fight infections.

Also, most puppies are not fully vaccinated against distemper until they are 4 months of age, leaving them vulnerable to infection before this time. However, any unvaccinated dog is at risk of developing a serious infection. 

How Do Dogs Get Distemper? 

Distemper is mainly spread by airborne droplets that are expelled when an infected dog coughs, barks, or sneezes. For this reason, it can run rampant in high-density dog housing such as shelters or kennels. Contact with bodily fluids can also spread the virus so shared water bowls, food bowls, and other contaminated surfaces can be a source of infection.

Pregnant mothers may also transmit distemper to their unborn puppies. Any breed of dog is susceptible to serious disease caused by distemper. 

Besides dogs, CDV infection is possible in a wide range of wild animals, including raccoons, coyotes, and foxes, so contact with wildlife is another possible way dogs may become infected. 

Distemper Symptoms In Dogs

The distemper virus initially infects the respiratory tract and eyes and then will move to the digestive system. 

In many cases, dogs can build an immune response to halt progression at this stage. However, in some cases, the virus will begin to attack the nervous system, which often leads to death.  

Early symptoms of distemper in dogs include: 

• Fever 
• Thick green eye and nasal discharge
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Decreased appetite

Within a few days of developing initial symptoms, most dogs will then start to show symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. 

If distemper reaches the neurologic phase, symptoms will often include: 

• Tremors
• Muscle spasms
• Gum chewing fits 
• Focal and/or full body seizures 

Once a dog starts to have generalized seizures from distemper, it is often not controllable with seizure medication and the dog will need to be euthanized to relieve suffering. 

Diagnosing Distemper In Dogs

Since dogs infected with distemper can display a wide range of symptoms, it can be confused for other infectious diseases such as infectious tracheobronchitis (aka “kennel cough”) and parvo. 

The best method of diagnosing distemper in dogs is with a PCR test performed by your veterinarian. Samples for this test are taken by swabbing the eyes, nostrils, and throat. This can be a test specifically for distemper if your veterinarian is highly suspicious of this infection, or it may be part of a respiratory PCR panel, which will test for a variety of bacteria and viruses that cause abnormal respiratory symptoms. 

If your dog has already received one or more distemper vaccines, it is important for your veterinarian to perform a quantitative PCR test, which will help to distinguish between a recent vaccination and a true infection with CDV. 

Distemper In Dogs Treatment

There is no specific treatment or cure for distemper and veterinary care is aimed at controlling the symptoms and preventing secondary bacterial infections. 

If your dog is diagnosed with distemper or an infection is considered highly likely, your dog may need to be hospitalized for a few days or treatment may be carried out from home depending on the severity of symptoms.

General Cost To Treat Distemper In Dogs

The cost to treat distemper in dogs will vary depending on your region, whether or not treatment is performed at an emergency care facility or your primary veterinarian, and the severity of the disease. 

The following are estimates of common diagnostics and treatments that pet parents can expect when their dog has distemper: 

• Physical exams: $45-$65
• PCR testing: $100-$250
• IV fluid therapy: $150-$300
• Antibiotics: $40-$100
• Anti-nausea medication: $30-$60
• Hospitalization (for severe cases): $800-$2,000 per day 
• Seizure medication: $50-$100

Long-Term Effects of Distemper

Dogs that survive infection with distemper often have long-lasting effects from the disease including hyperkeratosis (thickening) of their nose and foot pads. This is why distemper is commonly known as “hard pad disease.” 

Puppies recovered from CDV infections will typically develop enamel hypoplasia of their adult teeth, a condition that manifests as brown irregular indentations on the teeth and makes dogs more prone to dental issues as they age. 

Dogs that developed neurologic symptoms from CDV but do not die will often have permanent tremors or twitches, which may be debilitating. In some cases, neurological issues may only manifest later in life, often after 6 years of age. 

How To Prevent Distemper In Dogs

While distemper is a very deadly disease, with estimated death rates of 30-50 percent in infected dogs, it is also a highly preventable disease. 

Vaccinating dogs against distemper, isolating infected dogs, and preventing contact with wildlife, are all measures that pet parents can take to prevent distemper infections. 

Distemper Vaccine For Dogs

Vaccination is by far the most effective method of preventing distemper in dogs. Puppies should receive their first distemper shot between 6 and 8 weeks of age. This is usually administered as a combination DHPP vaccine or DAAP vaccine that also prevents against other viruses including parvovirus, hepatitis, adenovirus, and parainfluenza viruses. 

After the initial vaccine, puppies will need to see their vets for booster injections every 3 to 4 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age. Until that age, puppies can still get infected with the distemper virus. This is why it is important to keep puppies away from dog parks and unvaccinated dogs until they are fully vaccinated. 

Next, a booster shot should be given 1 year later and then again every 3 years for life. 

The distemper vaccine is well tolerated in most dogs and puppies. Normal side effects include soreness at the site of injection and sleepiness lasting 1 to 2 days after vaccination. 

It is very important to let your veterinarian know if your dog has ever had any abnormal side effects after vaccines. 

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The average lifespan of dogs also varies widely by breed. In general, the smaller the dog the longer the lifespan. Larger breeds of dogs tend to die at a younger age because they age more rapidly than smaller breeds [1]. 

If you are looking for a dog that will stick around for a while, keep reading for a list of the longest living dog breeds. 

10 Longest Living Dog Breeds

The average lifespan for dogs across all breeds is 11 years, with some breeds living as short as 6 years to others living to 17 years [2]. Here, we’ll break down the longest living dog breeds based on average lifespan. 

Yorkshire Terrier 

Average lifespan: 12.8 years 

Also known as Yorkies, these toy breeds only weigh about 7 pounds. They have hair instead of fur that will grow very long unless it is cut, which requires them to be regularly groomed and brushed. Yorkies are pretty healthy overall but most commonly suffer from luxating patellas (knee caps that slide out of place), tracheal collapse, and periodontal (gum) disease. 

Australian Shepherd 

Average lifespan: 13 years 

Australian Shepherds, affectionately referred to as Aussies, are medium-sized dogs in the herding group. They are known for their intelligence and excel at agility and other sporting events. Aussies are very high-energy dogs that will require plenty of exercise and environmental stimulation. When purchasing an Aussie from a breeder, care should be taken to find a responsible source as these dogs are prone to epilepsy. 

Pug 

Average lifespan: 13 years 

The adorable wrinkly-faced Pug dog breed makes for a wonderful companion. While they may be happy to lay on the couch all day, pugs are prone to obesity so care should be taken not to overfeed them and to give them moderate amounts of exercise. Pugs are also prone to a variety of health issues. Being in the brachycephalic (snub-nosed) group of dog breeds makes them likely to experience breathing difficulties which can both reduce the quantity and quality of their life. Pugs also commonly experience eye issues, hip dysplasia, and luxating patellas. For this reason, finding an excellent and experienced breeder is a must. 

Chihuahua 

Average lifespan: 13 years 

Chihuahuas pack a huge personality into a tiny 6-pound-and-under package. These little guys are very portable so they are ideal pets for those who travel frequently or live in apartments. While Chihuahuas tend to be healthy, their most common genetic issues include heart problems, eye problems, and luxating patellas. 

Beagle 

Average lifespan: 13.3 years 

Beagles are small-breed dogs that were bred for hunting. They are great family dogs, but being hound dogs, they do tend to have a loud bark that may be off-putting to some. Beagles have a tendency to become overweight and that coupled with a tendency towards intervertebral disc disease can lead to significant back issues. The Beagle’s adorable floppy ears also make it more likely to develop ear infections so regular ear cleaning is recommended. 

Shih Tzu 

Average lifespan: 13.4 years 

The Shih Tzu is a toy breed that was bred as a companion for members of royalty in China and most are happy to lounge the day away on your lap. This long-haired breed requires daily brushing to prevent matted fur. Shih Tzus are prone to eye issues, allergic skin disease, and breathing issues. 

Miniature Schnauzer 

Average lifespan: 15 years 

These little terriers are spunky and intelligent dogs. They require regular grooming and ear cleaning. Mini Schnauzers tend to have good health but can develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), liver shunts, and bladder stones. 

Pomeranian

Average lifespan: 15 years 

Pomeranians are toy breeds weighing up to 7 pounds. They are defined by their very fluffy coat and have a “big dog” personality. Poms need their coat brushed frequently to prevent matting. Pomeranians are prone to hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), Alopecia X (balding), luxating patellas, and collapsing tracheas. 

Boston Terrier 

Average lifespan: 15 years 

Bostons are sturdy little dogs that are well suited to urban environments. They tend to have a very good demeanor. Boston Terriers should be screened for a variety of health issues prior to breeding including brachycephalic airway syndrome, cataracts, deafness, and skin allergies. 

Miniature/Toy Poodle 

Average lifespan: 16 years 

The small-sized Poodles top most charts for longevity. The toys are teeny tiny and the minis a bit larger. This breed is a favorite dog of groomers as they can rock a variety of dos and fun hair colors. Poodles are known for their high intelligence and trainability. Their health tends to be excellent but they may have issues with hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. 

Longest Living Dog Breeds: Care Tips 

Even if you own one of the above breeds, proper care and nutrition is vital to helping your pup live as long as possible. Here are some tips to follow.

Feed a quality diet. Make sure that you offer your dog a high quality diet that is certified as complete and balanced for her particular life stage. Your veterinarian is your best resource for advising you on the best diet for your dog. 

Keep up on dental care. Small breed dogs are usually the breeds living the longest but also those that have the worst issues with their teeth. To ensure that these breeds live into their teens with a good quality of life, starting dental care, like annual cleanings and brushing teeth, at an early age is strongly recommended. 

Schedule regular vet checks. For dogs entering their senior years frequent veterinary check-ups are key to catching problems like arthritis, heart murmurs, and kidney issues, which commonly arise with old age. If these problems are caught and treated early, your pup can continue to thrive for years to come. 

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Checking for signs of kidney disease in cats is one of the most important reasons that pet parents should take their felines in for routine veterinary exams and lab testing. Kidney disease is very common in cats and is all too often diagnosed late in the course of disease, when the prognosis is worse. 

This article will explain what cat kidney disease is, how it is diagnosed and treated, as well as common symptoms to look out for. 

What is Feline Kidney Disease? 

The kidneys are a pair of organs that serve very important roles in our cats’ bodies. The kidneys are responsible for the following functions:

• Maintaining normal hydration
• Maintaining normal blood pressure
• Getting rid of toxins and waste products from the blood 
• Maintaining normal electrolyte balance
• Maintaining normal blood pH (proper balance of acids and bases) 
• Producing certain hormones 

When the kidneys lose their function, it can wreak havoc on your cat’s body and make her very sick. 

Kidney disease is much more common in older cats. Studies estimate that 1 to 3 percent of the overall cat population has kidney disease [1], while kidney disease was found to affect up to 40 percent of cats over 10 years of age and 80 percent of cats over 15 years of age [2]. 

Certain breeds of cats are more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease than others. Those include Persian, Abyssinian, Siamese, Ragdoll, Burmese, Russian Blue, and Maine Coon breeds [3]. 

Types of Kidney Disease in Cats 

Kidney disease is divided into two main categories—acute and chronic. 

Acute kidney disease, also called acute kidney injury (AKI) or acute kidney failure, comes on very suddenly, will usually make a cat very ill, and requires hospitalization. Acute kidney disease is commonly caused by toxins, such as antifreeze ingestion, certain infections, and urinary blockages. If treated rapidly, AKI may be reversible, however, it will make a cat more prone to developing chronic kidney disease down the road. 

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)—also called chronic renal failure—is much more common than acute kidney disease and is diagnosed when kidney abnormalities (whether found on lab tests or imaging) are present for 3 months or longer. 

The remainder of this article will focus on chronic kidney disease. 

Stages of Kidney Disease in Cats

Most veterinarians use the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) staging system for chronic kidney disease [4]. Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease and is divided into four stages of increasing severity, based on blood levels of creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), two markers of kidney function

Stage I: Cats are rarely diagnosed this early in the course of kidney disease. Persian cats that test positive for the polycystic kidney disease genetic mutation without any laboratory abnormalities would fall into this category. Abnormal kidney structure may also be found incidentally during an abdominal ultrasound that would indicate stage I. No abnormal symptoms are present at this stage. No treatments are recommended at this stage but careful monitoring of blood and urine tests is recommended to monitor for progression into stage II. 

Stage II: At this stage of kidney disease in cats there will be mild changes to blood and urine values. Symptoms may or may not be obvious to pet parents and include an increase in water intake and frequent urination. It is recommended to start your cat on a prescription kidney diet at this stage. 

Stage III: Significant disease is present at this stage of feline kidney disease, and symptoms are usually present. These may include increased water intake, increased urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and poor coat quality. In addition to feeding a prescription diet, certain medications and supplements may be prescribed. 

Stage IV: Also called “end-stage” kidney disease. Cats in stage IV of chronic kidney disease have a poor prognosis and often need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous fluids. 

Causes of Cat Kidney Disease

In most cases, cats with kidney disease have idiopathic disease, meaning the cause is unknown. However, some things known to cause kidney disease in cats include: 

Certain toxins or drugs. Toxins (i.e. ingestion of lilies, antifreeze, and ibuprofen) cause acute kidney injury which may lead to chronic kidney disease

Trauma. This causes decreased blood flow to the kidneys and starves the kidneys of oxygen.

Viral infections. Viral infections including feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may damage the kidneys. 

Bacterial infections. These can lead to long term damage to the kidneys if not treated promptly. 

Kidney stones. Stones block normal passage of urine through the urinary tract causing excess pressure, which damages the kidney that is blocked. 

Polycystic kidney disease. This is a condition characterized by abnormal fluid-filled cysts throughout the kidneys. 

Cancer. Certain cancers including lymphoma and leukemia can infiltrate the kidneys and damage their structure.

Certain autoimmune conditions. These will cause abnormal immune complex molecules to form within the kidneys, leading to damage. 

Diagnosing Feline Kidney Disease

Your veterinarian will diagnose chronic kidney disease primarily based on blood and urine testing. Consistently elevated blood creatinine and/or SDMA levels together with a low urine concentration support a chronic kidney disease diagnosis. SDMA stands for symmetric dimethylarginine, which is an amino acid that is produced when protein is broken down and excreted through the kidneys. 

The veterinarian will also use symptoms provided by the pet parent and exam findings to support the diagnosis. 

An abdominal ultrasound is also very helpful in diagnosing kidney disease in cats, as it provides a detailed image of the kidneys and helps to check for underlying conditions, such as kidney stones and polycystic kidney disease. 

Once chronic kidney disease is diagnosed, blood pressure and urine protein to creatinine ratio testing is important and will determine the need for certain medications. Cats with chronic kidney disease are also more prone to developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) so urine cultures may be indicated from time to time. 

Life Expectancy For Cats With Kidney Disease

It is impossible to predict how long a cat can live once diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, as every cat will progress at different rates. 

However, cats diagnosed in stages I and II that are appropriately managed may live several years. Meanwhile, a cat diagnosed in stage IV would likely succumb to disease within weeks to months. 

Treating Kidney Disease in Cats

There is not a direct treatment for kidney disease in cats. Once a portion of the kidney’s function is lost it cannot be regained. However, appropriate management of the disease can stop or slow the progression of the disease. 

The mainstay of treatment for chronic kidney disease is to feed them a prescription renal (kidney) diet. Cats who eat prescription renal diets may live twice as long as those that do not [5]. These diets are low in phosphorus, moderately protein restricted, contain omega 3 fatty acids and other compounds that are beneficial to the kidneys.

Cats should be transitioned to a prescription diet as soon as they are in stage II or higher. Switching to the diet early on, before the cat has lost its appetite, will result in better acceptance of the food. Transitioning the food very gradually over a few weeks to months is recommended, especially for picky eaters. 

If possible, a wet or canned diet is preferred over the dry version, as cats with chronic kidney disease are prone to dehydration. Pet parents should also ensure plenty of access to fresh water by placing multiple bowls throughout the house or using pet drinking fountains. 

Medications for Cat Kidney Disease

Depending on your cat’s lab test results or symptoms, she may need the following medications or supplements to help manage chronic kidney disease: 

• Blood pressure medication: amlodipine, telmisartan 
• ACE inhibitors: benazepril 
• Phosphate binder 
• Potassium supplement 
• Appetite stimulant: mirtazapine 
• Anti-nausea medication: maropitant

Cats in stages III and IV may also benefit from receiving subcutaneous fluids—fluids administered under the skin—to treat dehydration. Pet parents can be taught to perform this at home to reduce costs and stress on the kitty. 

General Cost To Treat Kidney Disease In Cats 

When chronic kidney disease is first suspected, you will need to bring your cat to your vet more frequently—usually monthly—to have her examined and complete lab testing. 

After the first few months, if the disease is stable, exams and lab work should be performed every 3 to 6 months. 

Cost to treat kidney disease in cats will vary depending on your location but estimates are as follows: 

• Exam: $50-$100
• Blood and urine tests: $100-$400
• Abdominal ultrasound: $500-$800
• Medications (if necessary): $20-$60 per month
• Prescription food: $40-$80 per month

How To Prevent Kidney Disease In Cats 

Since the cause of kidney disease in most cats is still unknown, there aren’t many things that pet parents can do to prevent it. However, certain risk factors do exist. Periodontal disease is a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease in cats as well as humans. Daily home dental care and annual cat dental cleanings can prevent and minimize periodontal disease. 

Cats should be kept away from known toxins and drugs that are harmful to the kidneys. All kittens should be vaccinated against FeLV and vaccination should be continued for adults that spend unsupervised time outdoors. Some veterinarians recommend feeding cats all or mostly wet food to prevent kidney disease but research is still needed to see if this would truly help. 

Remember that early detection of chronic kidney disease is key to a good outcome. Taking your cat to the vet regularly is crucial. Cats over the age of 7 should ideally be examined every six months and receive blood and urine testing at least annually [6]. 

Kidney Disease in Cats Infographic

Related Conditions

• Polycystic kidney disease
• Amyloidosis 
• Pyelonephritis 
• Urolithiasis 
• Hypertension
• Proteinuria

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Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, the thin muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities and helps us to breathe. 

Hiccups are usually short lived and resolve on their own. However, in rare cases, hiccups may become persistent or chronic. The longest recorded case of the hiccups occurred in a man named Charles Osbourne, who had hiccups for over 69 years [1].

But what about dog hiccups? Are they normal? Can dogs even get hiccups? Continue reading to find out.

Can Dogs Get Hiccups?

Dogs, just like humans, normally experience hiccups from time to time. When your pup gets the hiccups you will see that his inhales are followed by dramatic abrupt stops, which may shake his whole chest and belly. You may or may not hear a sound when your dog has the hiccups. 

Hiccups can occur in any breed of dog, with no one breed or breeds known to experience hiccups more frequently than others.

Do Puppies Get Hiccups? 

Most puppy owners will witness hiccups a few times as it is very common for puppies to get the hiccups. Children and puppies alike experience the hiccups more frequently than adults. The reason for this is still unknown but it may be due to puppies’ higher excitement levels and their tendency to gobble up their food. 

Recognizing Hiccups in Dogs

When hiccups occur in dogs they can look pretty similar to hiccups in humans. They can occur even when pups are asleep. However, because most dogs don’t wear clothes, it can appear more dramatic when their chest vibrates forcefully causing some pet parents to run to their vets. 

Other things like coughing, regurgitation, and seizures may be confused for hiccups, however, there are usually features that differentiate them. 

Coughing will cause dogs to open their mouths to expel air and are usually much louder than hiccups. With regurgitation, water or food is typically expelled and regurgitation isn’t rhythmic like hiccups are. Focal seizures, episodes of abnormal neurologic activity in a portion of the brain, can look very similar to hiccups at times as both are rhythmic.

Why Do Dogs Get Hiccups? 

As stated previously, we still do not know why dogs or any other animals get hiccups. However, we do know that certain things can make hiccups more likely to occur. 

Hiccups in dogs may be triggered by: 

• Eating or drinking too quickly 
• Excitement 
• Stress
• Excessive barking 

Occasional hiccups are normal and to be expected. However, if your dog develops very frequent or continuous hiccups, this may signal a serious underlying disorder, so having him evaluated by a veterinarian is important. 

One condition, called synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF) will cause a dog’s diaphragm to involuntarily spasm similarly to hiccups. This is usually caused by low blood calcium levels, which can have other severe consequences in the body [3]. 

Certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can cause hiccups to appear more often. 

Tumors occurring in the brain, chest, or abdomen may also cause chronic hiccups in dogs. 

Additionally, damage to the phrenic or vagal nerves can lead to abnormal hiccups. Dogs attacked by other dogs or those that have been hit by cars could experience injuries to those nerves. 

Diagnosing Hiccups in Dogs

Occasional hiccups are normal and not a cause for concern. Rarely, when hiccups occur for longer than two hours at a time, when they start to interfere with your dog’s daily activities, or if they occur very often, your dog should be evaluated by your veterinarian. If possible, make sure to take a video of your dog while he is having the hiccups and show this to your vet. 

Your veterinarian will likely start with a thorough physical examination, a complete blood cell count (CBC), chemistry panel, and urinalysis. 

Depending on those results and the symptoms your pup is showing, blood calcium levels, chest X-rays, an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan and/or an MRI may be recommended to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s abnormal hiccups. It is important to find the cause of abnormal hiccups because certain causes of dog hiccups can be very serious. 

How to Stop Dog Hiccups

In most cases hiccups will go away on their own without any treatment. Putting a spoonful of sugar on the tongue is a home remedy used to stop hiccups in humans but it is unknown if this is effective for dogs. 

 If your dog is having excessive hiccups, working with your veterinarian to find and treat the cause of the hiccups is necessary to stop them. 

Medications for Dog Hiccups

A drug called chlorpromazine is often used to treat abnormal hiccups in humans [4]. There aren’t any medications routinely used to treat hiccups in dogs. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that may be helpful against chronic cases of hiccups [5]. 

How to Prevent Dog Hiccups 

There are a few things that pet parents can try at home to prevent hiccups in their dogs. If your dog is a very fast eater try feeding him with a slow feeder dog bowl and feeding fewer smaller meals to prevent hiccups. It’s also a good idea to limit strenuous play or exercise right after eating. 

Since gastrointestinal upset can lead to more frequent hiccups, make sure to feed a complete and balanced dog food and avoid feeding your dog too many treats or table scraps. 

Related Conditions

• Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter 

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As we enjoy a delicious bowl of pineapple or eat a slice of pineapple upsidedown cake we may be tempted to share this fruit with our dogs. But as responsible pet parents we know it’s important to do a bit of research first. 

So is pineapple okay for dogs? Is it safe to feed our pups these juicy fruits? Continue reading to learn how to feed your dog pineapple and discover some benefits and downsides to offering your canine companion this food.

Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? 

While pineapple is not commonly fed to dogs (after all—coring a pineapple is a bit of a pain), it is not toxic to them. And pineapple may even carry some canine health benefits. 

Pineapples are packed with healthy nutrients including fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B-6 and magnesium. Fiber plays an important role in healthy digestion and works to keep the gut microbiome—beneficial organisms in the digestive tract—healthy. The vitamin C in pineapples helps to support healthy immune function and is an antioxidant, working to protect the body’s cells from damage. 

Pineapples also contain an enzyme called bromelain. This enzyme helps to break down proteins so it too can benefit digestion. Bromelain’s protein-digesting action is what creates that tingling sensation in your mouth when you eat pineapple. Bromelain is also thought to decrease inflammation in the body and studies suggest a benefit to giving this enzyme to people with arthritis [2]. In addition, some research studies in mice have shown that bromelain also has some anti-cancer properties [3].  

Another possible benefit of feeding dogs pineapple is that it may help to stop dogs from eating their poop, also known as coprophagia. There are no controlled studies to prove this but it is a remedy touted by many veterinarians and pet parents. The theory behind why this may help is that the bromelain in pineapple will increase how much of a dog’s food is digested, thus making their poop less enticing. 

Can Dogs Eat Fresh Pineapple? 

Fresh pineapple can be fed to dogs in small quantities. When pet parents are giving their dogs any unfamiliar foods, it is always a good idea to only give a very small quantity to begin with. That is because dogs with certain food sensitivities or sensitive stomachs, may react poorly to some foods.

Fresh pineapple is very high in vitamin C, which makes it pretty acidic and this acidity may not be well tolerated by some dogs and may cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea. The acidity of pineapple can also damage a dog’s tooth enamel. Feeding a dog fresh pineapple will also increase their fiber intake and giving too much fiber can lead to diarrhea. 

Pineapple is also fairly high in natural sugar. High sugar intake in dogs as in humans can cause weight gain, aggravate diabetes, and cause stomach upset. 

With that being said, if your dog likes pineapple and doesn’t have any stomach issues from feeding it, fresh pineapple is ok to give in small quantities as an occasional treat. Treats should never make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Pineapple? 

Feeding dogs canned pineapple is generally not recommended. Some canned pineapple may come in syrup which contains high amounts of added sugars. Even pineapple that is packed in 100 percent pineapple juice will still contain higher sugar content and calories per serving than fresh pineapple. Canning pineapple also causes this food to lose some of its beneficial nutritional value. 

Can Dogs Eat Dried Pineapple?

Dried pineapple typically contains added sugars so those varieties definitely should not be fed to dogs. However, even the unsweetened variety isn’t a great snack option for your pup. When fruit is dried, the sugars in the fruit become very concentrated and dried pineapple will contain at least three times as much sugar than the same weight of fresh pineapple. This also increases the calorie content per serving. 

Pineapple Cores and Dogs: What to Watch For

The center of pineapples contains a tough fibrous core. It’s the part that most people eat around and discard when eating fresh sliced pineapple. Similarly, dogs should not eat pineapple cores. 

For one, the core is tough to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Most importantly, if a large chunk of pineapple core is swallowed it could lead to an intestinal blockage, requiring emergency surgery to treat. Dogs should also not be fed the outer spiny peel of pineapples for the same reasons. 

Pineapple For Dogs: How To Serve It

If you choose to feed your dog pineapple make sure to only use 100 percent fresh pineapple with no added sugars. As mentioned above, canned pineapple and dried pineapple shouldn’t be given to dogs due to higher sugar and calories. 

Remember to give your dog a very small amount as a trial run to make sure it does not cause an upset stomach. Once you have ensured that he is not sensitive to pineapple you can try the following:

Freeze It

Feed a few small frozen chunks for an occasional refreshing treat on a hot summer day. You can buy pineapple pre-frozen to make it easy. 

Top Your Dog’s Food

Feed a cored and peeled slice on top of your dog’s food to add some tropical flavor to that kibble.

Use It As a High Value Reward

If you’re working on training, you can use a few small pieces of fresh pineapple as an extra tasty treat for a job well done. 

Don’t Overdo Pineapple for Dogs

Just remember when feeding dogs pineapple not to go overboard. An average sized slice of pineapple contains 42 calories [4]. Remember not to feed more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories in the form of treats as feeding more will unbalance their diet. 

This means that a Chihuahua should have no more than ½ a slice of pineapple per day if that is the only treat he is being fed. Meanwhile, a Great Dane could enjoy a few slices. 

If your pet is overweight or obese, make sure you consult with your veterinarian about how many calories per day you should be feeding your dog to help him lose weight. 

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Bouts of loose stool happen to most dogs from time to time. In fact, symptoms of gastrointestinal upset — like vomiting, diarrhea, or loose stool — are among the top reasons that pet parents take their dogs’ to the veterinarian. A 2019 report by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance listed an upset stomach as the most common claim filed for dogs, making up over a quarter of all processed claims (1).

When it comes to health in both humans and animals, more and more researchers are studying the gut microbiome — a mixture of bacteria and other microorganisms that live inside our stomach and intestines. 

The balance of the microbiome plays an important role in normal digestion. And we are learning more each day about how much it affects our overall health. When things are out of whack with the microbiome, loose stool is a common result. 

Causes of Loose Stool In Dogs

There are many different causes of loose stool in dogs. To keep your dog’s gut healthy and minimize the mess, be on the lookout for these common causes:

Abrupt change in diet

One of the most common causes of loose stool can happen if pet parents switch from one brand or type of food to another without performing a gradual diet transition. In general, eating anything that is out of the normal for a dog can cause loose stool. Dogs with a habit of eating food off of the ground or getting into the trash will commonly experience loose stool from this behavior. 

Food allergies

Dogs with food allergies or intolerances will often have loose stools and may also vomit or experience weight loss. If your dog has ongoing or frequent bouts of loose stool, discuss food allergy or intolerance testing methods with your veterinarian.

Infections

Dogs infected with different parasites, bacteria, and viruses commonly experience loose stools. That’s why testing fecal samples is  so important with any case of diarrhea or loose stool in dogs. Common intestinal parasites in dogs include roundworms, hookworms, and Giardia. These parasites also have the potential to be zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans! 

Certain types of bacteria can also cause your dog to have loose stools. Many times this will be due to intestinal dysbiosis, a condition in which the normal mixture of bacteria in the microbiome is disrupted and the harmful bacteria increase in numbers. Feeding dogs raw food diets can also expose them to harmful bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to loose stools, especially in young dogs or those with decreased immune function. 

Another serious cause of loose stools in puppies or unvaccinated dogs is parvovirus (or parvo). This infection can be life-threatening. And any puppy with loose stool — especially when accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite — should be examined by a veterinarian right away. 

Stress

According to recent research on the gut-brain connection, stress can also cause some dogs to have loose stools. Studies show that the gut microbiome affects the way that the body responds to stress and that stress can negatively impact the gut (2). 

Other causes of loose stools in dogs include certain cancers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), certain medications, pancreatitis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), toxins, kidney disease and liver disease. 

Hidden Dangers of Loose Stools In Dogs

Often, loose stool in a dog can be mild and resolve on its own. However, in some cases, loose stools can indicate a serious problem and even be life-threatening. 

While that may sound scary, there are key symptoms and signs pet parents can look for, to help differentiate between a mild or more serious case of loose stools.

Loose stools can be a symptom of various underlying health issues. Should your dog require veterinary intervention or the services of a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, a pet health insurance plan can help manage expenses. A customized policy from Spot Pet Insurance may cover diagnostic tests, medications, and even prescription food if needed to treat a covered condition.

If you notice any of these warning signs, call your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s health and demeanor in more detail. A visit to the clinic may be required to properly diagnose and treat your pet.

Dehydration

When dogs have multiple loose stools in a day—called diarrhea—they can lose more water than they consume, which leads to dehydration. 

When to call your veterinarian: 

• Your dog has diarrhea that does not resolve quickly, especially if the diarrhea is very liquid, frequent, or voluminous. 
• Lethargy (acting tired or sleepy)
• Sticky gums
• Sunken-in eyes
• Loss of skin elasticity 

It is very important to have your dog seen right away if you notice any of these symptoms as dehydration may become life threatening. 

Malnutrition

When loose stool or diarrhea become chronic (lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks), symptoms of malabsorption and malnutrition may start to become apparent, especially if the diarrhea is due to IBD, EPI or cancer. When the intestines are inflamed they will not absorb nutrients appropriately and over time this can have serious consequences. 

When to call your veterinarian: 

• Unusual weight loss
• Loss of muscle mass
• Lethargy
• Dull coat 

Electrolyte Imbalance

Severe diarrhea can also lead to electrolyte imbalances, commonly causing low sodium, chloride, and potassium levels. This is cause for concern, especially for dogs suffering from other health issues. 

When to call your veterinarian: 

• If your dog experiences loose stool and also has Addison’s disease. Depleted sodium levels due to loose stool can lead to seizures.
• If your dog experiences loose stool and also has parvo. Severely low levels of potassium in dogs with parvo can prevent the muscles in the body from functioning normally. 

Sepsis

In some cases, such as in hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE, also called acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome or AHDS) or parvo infections, dogs may become septic. Sepsis is a severe inflammatory response to an infection that affects the entire body. Sepsis requires hospitalization, and if not treated quickly, it can lead to shock, organ failure, and death. 

When to call your veterinarian: 

• Severe explosive diarrhea or stool containing a large amount of blood
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• No appetite 

What To Do When Your Dog Has Loose Stools

If your dog has loose stools that last beyond a few days, has episodes that come and go, has stool that is very watery or bloody, or has any additional symptoms — such as vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, or lethargy — take your pet to see your veterinarian without delay. 

Acting fast when you notice these symptoms is the best way to ensure your veterinarian can appropriately diagnose and treat serious health complications.

With luck, your veterinarian can rule out serious issues. In that case, as with most mild cases of  loose stool, your veterinarian is likely to recommend a bland diet, anti-diarrheal medications, and/or probiotics. 

What To Feed A Dog With Loose Stools 

When dogs are having loose stools, they should typically be fed a bland diet that is easy to digest. Make sure to avoid feeding high-fat foods or treats when your dog is having tummy troubles, as this can make things worse. 

The best dog food for acute cases of loose stools (diarrhea that has been going on for less than two weeks) is typically going to be a prescription diet specifically formulated for gastrointestinal upset. 

These diets will be highly digestible, they contain prebiotics—fiber that helps to feed beneficial gut bacteria—may be low in fat, contain compounds that help decrease intestinal inflammation, and contain lots of moisture (if canned forms are used). These diets are formulated to be complete and balanced so, if necessary, they can be fed long term. 

A home-cooked bland diet may also be recommended for acute diarrhea. A common recommendation is unseasoned, skinless, boiled chicken breast and plain white rice. This type of diet should only be fed for a short period of time as it is not nutritionally complete and balanced enough for long-term feeding.

Pet parents can also try adding a few tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin to their dog’s diet. The fiber in the pumpkin may help to firm up the stools, and most dogs love the taste! 

In cases of chronic diarrhea, your pup’s veterinarian may recommend trying a prescription hydrolyzed or novel protein diet. Dogs with food allergies or intolerances and those with IBD will often improve on these diets. 

Probiotics For Dogs With Loose Stools

Probiotics can be very beneficial to dogs with loose stool. When dogs eat anything out of the ordinary or have certain medical conditions, it can cause a shift in their normal gut microbiome which can then lead to diarrhea. 

Probiotics contain healthy bacteria that help to rebalance things in the gut. And studies show that using certain strains of probiotics may decrease the harmful bacteria that cause diarrhea (3). Probiotics have also been shown to improve the body’s immune function (3). 

Make sure to consult with your veterinarian prior to purchasing a probiotic for your pet. Probiotics are not regulated in the same way that medications are, so you will want to choose a probiotic that is backed by scientific research.  

Preventing Loose Stools in Dogs

While there are many different reasons for a dog’s loose stool, an abnormal gut microbiome is typically a cause or the result of the underlying cause. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for a dog’s overall health and for healthy firm stools. Feeding your dog a well balanced healthy diet is the first step to maintaining a healthy gut. If your dog is experiencing loose stool, that is her body telling you that something isn’t right, and if the symptoms don’t quickly resolve there may be serious health risks. 

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Coprophagia is not unique to dogs and is observed as a natural or even necessary behavior in many animals. Rabbits and rodents, for example, must eat their own poop in order to obtain many essential nutrients [1]. In other young animals, including horses, eating their mother’s poop helps to establish their normal gut microbiome—the good bacteria that lives in the intestines and is essential for health [2]. 

In this article, we will explore why dogs eat poop, when to be worried about it, and what you can do about this gross behavior. 

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop? 

More often than not, eating poop is a normal behavior in dogs. After all, poop is stinky and dogs seem to love stinky things. 

Eating poop also serves a purpose in some cases. For example, mother dogs need to stimulate newborn puppies to defecate and urinate by licking them and will ingest their poop as a consequence. Mother dogs will also eat their pup’s poop in an effort to keep their dens or living areas clean. Most puppies will also go through a phase of eating poop.

Sometimes, coprophagia can be a sign of disease in dogs. Dogs with diseases that prevent their bodies from digesting and absorbing nutrients will sometimes eat their own poop. This is likely the body’s attempt to get more nutrients. 

One such disease is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which occurs most commonly in German Shepherds. In this disease the pancreas does not produce the enzymes that the body needs to properly digest foods. Common symptoms include large, voluminous soft stools, excessive hunger, and weight loss. 

Another more commonly occurring digestive disease that may cause coprophagia is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In IBD the intestines are abnormally inflamed and this leads to decreased absorption of nutrients from the diet. Symptoms of IBD are similar to those of EPI. Certain bacterial and parasitic infections can also lead to dogs eating poop. 

Dogs with diseases or those receiving medications that cause excessive hunger may also be caught munching on poo. Cushing’s disease, a disease in which the body produces too much cortisol (stress hormone) will commonly make dogs very hungry. Similarly, dogs on steroid medications, such as prednisone, may also eat poop due to increased hunger. Phenobarbital, a common seizure medication, will often increase appetite as well. Diabetes can also make dogs hungry enough to eat poop. 

Dogs that eat poop may also have a disorder called pica. Dogs with pica eat non-food items like dirt, sticks, rocks, and sometimes poop. Pica has a variety of causes including psychological and medical issues. Anemia will commonly cause pica so it is important for dogs with pica to undergo blood tests. Pica and coprophagia can also be due to psychological disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and separation anxiety. 

In other cases, a lack of environmental stimulation can be to blame. Some dogs will eat poop because they are bored. If dogs do not get enough physical and mental exercise, they may develop inappropriate behaviors, such as ingesting their own feces. This can be easily addressed by providing them with more interaction, toys, and exercise.

Similarly, some dogs will eat feces because they can. Feces left in their yard may be the most interesting thing they get to smell all day, so they consume it.

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop? 

Some dogs are notorious for raiding the cat litter box and, much to our disgust, feasting on cat poop. For poop-eating pups, it seems that cat poop is extra delicious. 

Cats are obligate carnivores whereas dogs are omnivores. For this reason, cat food typically contains more meat and protein than dog food. This is likely why cat food is pretty tasty to most dogs and their poop may have similar tastes. 

Cat poop is also readily accessible inside the house so it may be easier to get to than dog poop outside. 

Why Do Puppies Eat Poop? 

Puppies explore their new and exciting worlds with their mouths. When puppies eat poop it is likely just a part of this normal exploratory behavior. It has also been hypothesized that puppies may eat their own and other animals’ poop in order to establish healthy gut microbiomes [3]. 

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop 

It is important to train your dog not to eat poop as soon as the behavior first starts because the longer that a behavior occurs the more it is reinforced and the harder it will be to extinguish. Follow these steps to help stop your dog from eating poop.

Remove Access

The first step is to remove your dog’s access to poop as much as possible. As soon as your dog poops make sure to pick it up. If you are crate-training your dog, make sure the crate is only large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around. If the crate is too large, he may poop in it and eat the evidence.  

If you have a cat at home, consider placing litter boxes on a countertop that your cat can reach but your dog can’t, or use a baby gate to prevent your dog access to the litter box. 

Redirect Attention

Next, as soon as you notice that your dog is sniffing or showing interest in poop, redirect his attention to a toy or treat and reward your dog as soon as he leaves the poop alone. You can also work on training your dog to perform a command such as leave it, look or sit every time he goes for poop. Make sure to immediately reward your dog with a very tasty treat as soon as he performs the command. 

Don’t Punish Your Dog

It is important never to scold your dog or chase him when he is eating poop. This will likely just make him scarf down the poop more quickly. It may also lead to fear and anxiety, or may inadvertently reward the behavior. He may associate eating poop with a fun game of chase! 

Check Your Dog’s Diet and Activity Level

If your dog is eating poop, make sure that he is eating a food that is nutritionally complete and balanced as malnutrition may be a factor. It is also important to make sure that your dog receives plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation with toys. Dogs that are bored or unstimulated are more likely to be coprophagic. 

Try Supplements or Powders

There are certain chews, treats, powders, and supplements that you can give dogs that are designed to improve digestive health or are supposed to make their poop taste bad. These will only work if all the pets in the household are given these products until the dog stops eating poop consistently. However, these products won’t work for all dogs. 

Talk to Your Veterinarian

If eating poop has become an ongoing issue for your dog, especially if he has any other abnormal symptoms or behaviors, it is very important to have him evaluated by your veterinarian. 

Your veterinarian will rule out medical causes of coprophagia by performing a physical exam, fecal tests and blood tests. 

If medical issues have been excluded, you have tried training techniques, and you still cannot stop your dog from eating poop, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary behaviorist to help treat a suspected behavioral disorder. 

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With all the pumpkin around you may be wondering whether you can feed pumpkin to your dog. The short answer is yes, but read below to discover how you can give your dog pumpkin safely.  

Is Pumpkin Safe for Dogs? 

Before giving your dog new foods it is always important to do your research and make sure the food is not going to be harmful to your pup. For example, onions, garlic, grapes, and some artificial sweeteners are actually toxic to dogs. 

Pumpkin, however, is safe for humans and dogs alike. Pure pumpkin that does not contain any additives is high in vitamins A and C, contains fiber and is low in calories. In fact, some dog foods feature pumpkin as an ingredient to support digestive health. Many dogs also enjoy the taste of pumpkin.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Pumpkin?

Raw pumpkin is very tough in texture and is much more difficult to digest than cooked pumpkin. However, some dogs may tolerate and enjoy eating small amounts of raw pumpkin or pumpkin rind. 

If pet parents choose to feed raw pumpkin to their dogs they should start with very small quantities and monitor their pets for any signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. 

If choosing to offer pumpkin rind to a dog, the dog should be closely supervised to ensure she is only chewing on the rind and is not swallowing large chunks as this may lead to an intestinal blockage, a very serious condition. 

Make sure not to allow a dog to chew on a Halloween Jack-O-Lantern that’s been sitting out as it may have started to rot and may contain mold.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Pumpkin? 

Canned pumpkin—as long as it contains 100% pumpkin with no added ingredients—such as salt or sugar, is very safe to feed your dog. In fact, veterinarians will often recommend that pet parents add canned pumpkin to their dog’s food to help with diarrhea and constipation symptoms. 

The reason for this recommendation is that the fiber contained in canned pumpkin is thought to ease these symptoms. While no studies have specifically looked at the benefits of using pumpkin to help treat diarrhea or constipation, these recommendations are inferred from other studies on the benefits of high fiber foods for gastrointestinal health. Many veterinarians and pet parents swear by this simple trick.

While the fiber in pumpkin may not make a huge difference to your dog’s gastrointestinal health, the good news is that canned pumpkin in small quantities will not harm your pup and can be a tasty low-calorie treat.  

Again, when buying canned pumpkin for dogs, make sure the only ingredient listed is pumpkin. DO NOT feed your dog canned pumpkin pie filling, as that will be much higher in calories and contain sugar and spices which can upset your pet’s stomach.

How Much Pumpkin Can Dogs Eat? 

Too much of a good thing can definitely be bad when it comes to feeding your dog pumpkin (or any treat for that matter). To make sure that your dog is as healthy as possible, it is important to feed a complete and balanced diet containing the correct proportions of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Most commercially available dog foods are complete and balanced. 

However, if treats or any extra foods that are added to your dog’s food make up more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily calorie intake, this will lead to an unbalanced diet and could lead to health issues. The good news is that plain canned pumpkin only contains about 5 calories per tablespoon so one or a few tablespoons added to your dog’s diet (depending on her size) should not cause an issue. 

So how much pumpkin should you add to your dog’s food? You should start with about one tablespoon for small dogs and up to a half cup for a giant breed dog. This recommendation is based on recommended fiber intake based on your dog’s total daily recommended calories. If trying to use pumpkin for diarrhea or constipation you could slowly increase the amount within reason until the desired effect is seen. 

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds? 

Pumpkin seeds can also be fed to dogs without a concern for toxicity. The concern with pumpkin seeds, however, is that they do contain a lot of calories per serving. While raw, cooked, or canned pumpkin is very low in calories, pumpkin seeds pack about 75 calories into a single tablespoon. High-calorie foods such as pumpkin seeds can very easily unbalance a dog’s diet and also lead to weight gain. In addition, commercial or home roasted pumpkin seeds will often contain added oils that contribute extra calories or sodium that can be harmful to dogs. 

So in general, unless fed as very occasional treats in very small quantities, pumpkin seeds should not be fed to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie? 

Pumpkin pie should not be fed to dogs. Pumpkin pie is high in fat and can upset your dog’s stomach or potentially even cause pancreatitis, a serious medical condition. Also, pumpkin pie usually contains dairy products and many dogs are lactose intolerant. The sugar and high calorie content of pumpkin pie is also not healthy for your dog. 

Furthermore, some lower calorie pumpkin pie recipes may call for xylitol, a sugar substitute that is very toxic to dogs, causing low blood sugar and liver issues. 

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Noise phobias in dogs are actually pretty common. Based on a recent study, an estimated 39 percent of dogs show some symptoms of noise fearfulness (1). Noise phobias are also commonly seen together with other behavioral disorders such as separation anxiety and general anxiety disorder. 

Read below to find out why a fear of loud noises is so common in dogs, how to recognize noise phobias in your pooch, the most common sounds that scare dogs, and what you can do to help your frightened pup. 

Understanding Noise Phobias In Dogs

Noise phobias in dogs are abnormal, intense reactions to one or more sounds. Some of the most common examples include fireworks and thunder. What causes some dogs to develop noise phobias while others have no reactions to loud sounds is not yet completely understood, but environmental and genetic factors are thought to play a role. 

Dogs that were poorly socialized as puppies are thought to be at an increased risk for noise phobias. Puppies have what is called a “critical socialization period” which ends at about 12 to 14 weeks of age. This means that if puppies aren’t exposed to certain sounds, sights, animals, or places in a positive manner by that age, they may develop an abnormal fear response to those things when introduced to them later in life. 

Traumatic events can also lead to a fear of certain noises in dogs. For example, a dog that is left at home with a chirping smoke alarm all day or with a noisy construction project going on next door, may associate these noises with separation, fear, and loneliness. These events can traumatize a dog and induce a severe reaction to those noises and similar noises in the future. 

Dogs do have much more sensitive hearing than humans and this may be partially to blame for their noise reactivity. A sound that is loud to us is experienced at a much higher volume by our dogs. Dogs can also hear sounds at higher frequencies or pitches than humans. We humans can only hear at frequencies up to 20,000 Hz, while dogs can hear frequencies up to 45,000 Hz (2). This means that sounds and noises that are at very high pitches aren’t even detected by the human ear but are heard loud and clear by our canine companions. 

Certain breeds of dogs are overrepresented when it comes to noise phobias, strongly suggesting that there is an inherited component to this condition. It is thought that German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies are genetically prone to these phobias. 

Recognizing Noise Phobias in Dogs 

The following behaviors may be displayed in noise phobic dogs when they hear sounds that scare them: 

• Trembling or shaking
• Pacing
• Panting 
• Hyperalertness 
• Whining 
• Barking
• Drooling
• Hiding 
• Attempting to escape 
• Destructive behaviors
• Urinating or defecating indoors

More subtle dog body language that pet parents should look out for includes pinned back ears, stiffened body position and dilated pupils. 

In dogs with severe cases of noise phobias, they may cause severe harm to their teeth, nails, and other body parts when attempting to escape the noise. 

12 Noises That Scare Dogs

Knowing which noises commonly scare dogs can help you manage your pup’s fear. Here are some noises that may frighten your dog:

Thunderstorms

Thunder noise is one of the most common scary sounds for dogs. But besides the loud booms that are caused by thunderstorms, changes in barometric pressure, the smell of rain, and the appearance of storm clouds may all be involved in causing the fear that is induced by storms. 

Fireworks

Fireworks are likely the most common loud noises that scare dogs. Why is this? Likely because fireworks are really loud and their sounds are random and unpredictable. 

Gun Shots 

Gun shots are very loud to human ears, which is why hearing protection is recommended at a shooting range. For dogs, who hear things at higher intensity, gun shots are extremely bothersome.    

Buses and Trash Trucks 

Dogs probably hate the sounds of these vehicles because they are loud but they also create a variety of high pitched noises such as beeping and screeching. 

Vacuum Cleaners 

Some dogs cower when pet parents go to clean their carpets. Vacuum cleaners are really loud but they also move around your dog’s territory, likely adding to the fear they cause. 

Skateboard Wheels On Pavement 

Skateboards can frighten dogs not only because they are loud but because they make erratic noises as they pass over bumps and as the skateboarder performs jumps and other tricks. A skateboard passing a dog may also initiate the dog’s chase instinct and cause the dog to run and bark after the skateboarder.

Crying Babies 

A wailing infant can sure produce loud and often high pitched noises that some dogs hate.

Construction Noises 

 Jack hammers thwacking, tractors beeping as they move in reverse and hammers banging away make construction zones especially scary for dogs with noise phobias.  

Car Alarms

Car alarms are so loud that they often cause windows and door frames to rattle and may rattle your pup into a frenzy as well. 

Sirens

The loud and oscillating high pitched noises caused by sirens from fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars are frightening to many dogs. 

Jet Airplanes

If you live close to an airport you may notice that your dog behaves fearfully every time a plane flies overhead. This may be especially true if your dog was in a rural area as a puppy and never conditioned to hearing this loud scary noise. 

Air Conditioners or Furnaces 

The sound of an air conditioner or furnace turning on can send some dogs jumping. This is likely due to the sudden nature of this sound, causing them to startle.  

Calming Noises For Dogs 

Certain noises may have the opposite effect on dogs and may help to calm or soothe them when scary noises are going on around them. 

Classical music has been shown to ease anxiety symptoms in dogs in loud shelter environments (3). Playing a sound machine with the sounds of waterfalls or white noise can also help to drown out fireworks or thunder. Pet parents can also find CDs or playlists online that were specifically developed to produce calming effects in dogs. 

In dogs showing symptoms of fear and anxiety, people speaking around them should speak in low and slow tones. 

How To Help Your Dog Overcome Noise Phobias 

Besides playing calming sounds or turning on a sound machine or TV to mask offending noises, there are a few key things that you can try to help your dog with a noise phobia. 

The most important thing to do is to recognize aversions to noises early on and address them right away. Fears intensify the more times that a dog hears that scary noise and eventually the fear can turn into a true phobia. Once a dog has a phobia to one noise, a phobia to other noises will likely occur if the issue is not addressed promptly. 

Pet parents should try to avoid exposing their dog to the sounds that scare them as much as possible. This can be achieved by taking your dog to doggie daycare while you have a construction project going on at home or going to an area where fireworks are banned during the holidays. 

However, avoidance will not always be an option, so you should also work on some training. You can try desensitizing your dog to the sounds he is fearful of by playing a recording of the sound, starting off with a very low volume and gradually increasing the intensity of the sound as tolerated by your dog. This must be done very carefully and using positive reinforcement such as a treat or toy to reward your dog when he is not responding to the sound. Doing too much too soon or ignoring your dog’s body language can make the fear worse. 

Pet parents can also train their dogs to relax in a safe haven, such as a bathroom or closet with a comfy bed so that their pet has a quiet place to retreat to when they are scared.  

Ignoring your dog when he is behaving fearfully and consistently rewarding him as soon as he calms down or starts playing with a toy is another effective training technique. 

 There are various products, such as noise cancelling headphones for dogs, compression garments, and calming pheromones that may be helpful in calming some dogs. 

As always, it is best to have your dog examined by your veterinarian when any fearful behavior develops. Your vet will want to run lab work to make sure there isn’t an underlying health condition, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease that may be contributing to the abnormal behavior. Your veterinarian can also consult you on supplements or medications that may be useful in managing noise phobias. 

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While we humans work hard to prevent and mask our body odors by bathing frequently and applying deodorants and perfumes, dogs don’t really seem to mind their own stench. After all, dogs are often attracted to things we find putrid such as trash and rotting animal carcasses.  

Naturally, dogs tend to have stinky odors around their feet, ears, and rears. That is because these areas contain specialized glands that produce oils and those areas are naturally colonized by yeast and bacteria. However, overgrowth of these yeasts or bacteria due to allergies or other disorders can make dogs particularly smelly and may signal an issue. 

What Causes Fishy Smell in Dogs?

Dogs can sometimes give off fishy aromas. If you are feeding your dog a fish-based diet or supplementing your dog’s diet with fish oil a fishy odor is likely not a cause for concern. 

Otherwise, if your dog smells like fish she may have an abnormal medical condition that needs to be addressed. Dental issues, gastrointestinal disorders, certain infections, and anal gland disorders can all lead to a fishy odor in dogs. Most often this is caused by an overgrowth of certain foul smelling bacteria. 

Reasons Your Dog Smells Like Fish

If you notice that your dog smells fishy, finding the source of the fishy smell is important and can help to narrow down the problem. Read below to discover the most common reasons why dogs smell like fish and what you should do about them.  

If Your Dog’s Breath Smells Like Fish 

Most of our dogs’ breath doesn’t smell great because—let’s be honest here—many of us pet parents do not brush our dog’s teeth on a regular basis. However, fishy smelling breath may signal a problem due to one of the following reasons: 

Dental Issues

Fish-scented breath may indicate a dental problem in your dog. Periodontal disease is caused by infection and inflammation of the structures that surround and support the teeth. Periodontal disease is the most common disease seen in dogs and is present in up to 84 percent of dogs over the age of three (1). If you lift your dog’s lips and see a large amount of tartar, which looks like yellow or brown material stuck to your dog’s teeth, or red or puffy gums, your dog may have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease should be treated by your veterinarian as soon as possible to stop it from progressing.This disease is best treated with regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia and daily home dental care.

Broken or abscessed teeth may also lead to fishy-smelling breath in dogs, so make sure to have your dog’s mouth and teeth examined by a veterinarian to rule out any specific tooth problems. 

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Dogs with food allergies or food intolerances may burp excessively and have trouble digesting food which can lead to fishy breath. If your veterinarian suspects that your dog has a food allergy, she may recommend feeding your dog a prescription hypoallergenic diet.

Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, may also cause foul smelling breath. Symptoms include regurgitation, drooling, lip licking and gulping air. Antacid medications given as directed by a veterinarian often help to control symptoms.

If Your Dog’s Butt Smells Like Fish 

If your dog’s butt is the culprit of the fishy smell, it’s likely an anal gland problem. Sitting just inside the anus, dogs have a pair of fluid filled structures called anal glands or anal sacs. These sacs contain fishy, foul-smelling liquid that ranges from thin and yellowish to thick and grayish in appearance. Dogs naturally express their anal glands when they poop and when they are frightened. 

In certain dogs, their anal glands may not express normally and this can lead to issues including impaction and rupture. While it is unknown exactly what causes some dogs to have anal gland issues, those with obesity, chronic diarrhea, constipation, environmental and food allergies all tend to be at an increased risk of anal gland disorders. 

Symptoms of an anal gland issue include scooting, leakage of anal gland contents, and excessive licking of the area. If your dog’s anal glands are impacted you may see a swelling next to her anus. A ruptured anal gland will cause an open wound next to the anus. If you see any of the above symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet.

Your veterinarian will perform a rectal exam and, if necessary, will express your dog’s anal glands. Dogs without signs of anal gland issues should not routinely have their anal glands expressed. Some veterinarians believe that over-expression, especially the external expression method that is performed by many groomers, may harm the anal glands and lead to issues in the future. 

Weight loss, high fiber diets, hypoallergenic diets and controlling environmental allergies with prescription medications and supplements may help to ease symptoms of anal gland irritation in dogs. In those dogs where none of the above treatments help with their anal gland issues, surgical removal of the anal glands may be recommended.   

If Your Dog’s Pee Smells Like Fish 

Dogs may develop fishy-smelling urine due to a urinary tract disorder. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder or kidney stones, prostate disorders in males, and bladder cancers may all lead to foul-smelling urine. 

If you notice that your dog’s pee smells abnormally pungent, you should take her to see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet and usually begin with a urinalysis (urine test) and possibly a urine culture. If an infection is discovered, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat the infection. If this becomes a recurrent problem or is accompanied by other symptoms such as bloody urine or straining to urinate, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays and/or an ultrasound of your dog’s abdomen to help to diagnose the problem.  

When Is Fishy Odor In Dogs a Problem? 

If you notice a fishy odor coming from your dog and it lasts beyond a few days, you should take her to the vet. 

Veterinarians are trained to detect problems that pet parents may have a hard time picking up on and can guide you on the best treatment for your dog. Typically the sooner issues are diagnosed in dogs, the easier—and less expensive—they are to treat.

How To Help Your Dog Smell Good 

Luckily, there are things pet parents can do to help prevent their dogs from developing that unpleasant, fishy odor. 

You can alleviate bad breath by brushing your dog’s teeth frequently, ideally once daily, with a soft bristled or finger toothbrush and an enzymatic dog-safe toothpaste. Chlorhexidine-based oral rinses available from your veterinarian, dental chews, and prescription dental diets can also help to alleviate bad breath. 

If your dog already has gingivitis (inflamed gums) or more advanced periodontal disease, brushing alone will likely not resolve bad breath and a professional dental cleaning will be necessary. When your dog has her teeth cleaned make sure that your veterinarian takes X-rays of her teeth. This allows for the detection and treatment of tooth root abscesses and other issues that may not be apparent otherwise. 

If your veterinarian has ruled out a dental issue as the cause of fishy breath, she may recommend a special diet or medication to help with a suspected gastrointestinal disorder, which may help to improve your dog’s breath. 

It’s also important to keep up with regular grooming for long-haired dog breeds. However, ask your groomer not to express your dog’s anal glands regularly, since this may lead to more problems. If your dog is licking or scooting her butt, have her anal glands checked by a veterinarian. If they are full, your vet can express them, which should stop odor and discomfort. 

Additionally, it’s important to feed your dog a high-quality complete and balanced diet to keep her skin and coat healthy and her gut-health in check.

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Many of us don’t give a whole lot of thought to our own eyelids, much less our dog’s eyelids. However, a dog’s eyelids serve important functions, and when something goes wrong it can negatively impact a dog’s vision. 

Do Dogs Have Eyelids? 

All dogs do, in fact, have eyelids. But depending on your dog’s breed, they may not be as pronounced as your own eyelids. Just like in humans, a dog’s eyelids are an extension of the skin. They protect the eyes and keep them healthy. 

How Many Eyelids Do Dogs Have? 

Here is where dogs and humans differ. Dogs have three eyelids while humans only have two functional eyelids. 

A dog’s third eyelid—also called the nictitating membrane—is usually hidden, with only a small portion normally visible. If you look closely into your dog’s eyes, you will see a small triangular segment of his third eyelid at the inner corner of his eyes. The third eyelid is typically black, brown, or (rarely) pink.

The Purpose of Dog Eyelids 

Eyelids serve multiple important functions to protect your dog’s eyes. These include:

Protecting your dog’s eyes. Due to the blink reflex, if an object comes near a dog’s eyes, his eyelids will close and prevent the eye from trauma. 

Keeping your dog’s eyes lubricated. Eyelids also help to keep dogs’ eyes moist with tears. Every time your dog blinks, the eyelids stimulate more tears to come out and old tears to drain away. 

Tear production. A dog’s third eyelid is also responsible for producing tears. Tears contain liquid to keep the eyes lubricated, but they also contain important proteins called immunoglobulins which are part of the immune system’s defense in protecting the eyes from infections. 

Dog Eyelid Problems 

Abnormalities and diseases affecting the eyelids are fairly common in dogs. The following symptoms can signal an issue with your dog’s eyelids: 

• Excessive tearing 
• Lumps/bumps 
• Redness
• Swelling 
• Squinting 
• Changes in color

Common dog eyelid problems include: 

Entropion

Entropion is a condition in which part or parts of a dog’s eyelids roll inwards. This causes the outer-haired portion of the eyelids to contact the surface of the eye and leads to irritation. Entropion often causes excessive tearing, eye redness and squinting. The condition makes dogs more prone to corneal ulcers, corneal scarring and dry eye. 

Most of the time entropion is due to abnormal eyelid shape and commonly occurs in many breeds including English Bulldogs, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. Sometimes entropion may be temporary when it is caused by eyelid muscle spasms due to some other painful eye condition. 

Treatment for entropion involves surgery in breed-related cases and treating the underlying eye condition in cases of spastic entropion. 

Ectropion

Ectropion is the opposite of entropion, where a dog’s eyelids turn inside-out. It looks like a dog’s eyelids are sagging. 

Some breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel and Basset Hound have ectropion as part of their breed standard conformation. Ectropion may also be secondary to trauma of the eyelid or previous eyelid surgery. While it’s not as dangerous as entropion, this condition may cause dry eye, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) or conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). 

When necessary, surgery is performed to correct this condition. 

Blepharitis 

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelids and it has many different causes in dogs. Blepharitis will cause red, puffy, and often itchy eyelids. Hair loss around the eyelids may occur as well. Styes, or a small bump or bumps in the eyelid, are due to infection of the eyelid glands and are typically treated with warm compresses, as well as topical and sometimes oral antibiotics. 

Allergic skin disease is another common cause of blepharitis. Dogs with blepharitis due to allergies will often have signs of inflammation or itchiness on other parts of their bodies. Environmental, food, and contact allergies may be responsible. While allergies are not curable, they can be managed with different medications, foods and/or supplements. 

Parasites can also cause blepharitis. The demodex and scabies mites as well as the fungus that causes ringworm can all affect the eyelids of dogs. Oral medications are typically needed to treat these parasites. 

Color Changes to the Eyelids 

Some dogs may develop black spots around their eyes as they age. Sometimes this may not be concerning if the spots are not raised and not crusted. However, any changes in the color of your dog’s eyelids should prompt a trip to your veterinarian, as dogs can develop melanoma or other cancers of their eyelids. 

Eyelid Growths 

Dogs may develop growths or tumors on the margins, or edges, of their eyelids. Depending on the color, shape, and appearance of the growth, your veterinarian may have a good idea if the tumor appears cancerous or not. 

However, the only way to know for sure whether or not a growth is or isn’t a concern is to have it tested either by removing the entire thing or a portion of the growth. If an eyelid margin tumor is rubbing your dog’s eye, it can cause pain and other issues and should be surgically removed. 

Cherry Eye

A “cherry eye” in dogs is caused by a prolapse or protrusion of the third eyelid gland. This causes there to be a red mass at the inner corner or one or both eyes. A cherry eye commonly occurs in young dogs, and brachycephalic breeds (breeds with shortened snouts including Bulldogs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers) are at an increased risk. 

Most of the time a cherry eye requires surgery to treat. The surgery does have a high risk of failure so it should be performed either by a veterinary ophthalmologist or by a general veterinarian that is well trained in this procedure. 

How to Care For Your Dog’s Eyelids 

Unless your dog has an issue with his eyes or eyelids, it is best to leave the eyelids alone. Brachycephalic breeds and any dogs with allergies are more prone to developing eyelid irritation and may benefit from having their eyelids wiped clean on a regular basis. 

Never use soap or other chemicals near your dog’s eyes, as the products can damage the eyes. Just use water and a cotton ball or soft gauze to gently wipe your dog’s eyelids. 

If you notice any abnormalities with your dog’s eyelids, such as swelling, redness, hair loss, discharge, growths, or color changes, it is important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian. 

The post Dog Eyelids: Facts and Common Problems appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Most dog owners have experienced some variation of this scenario at some point or another, and, for some, it may even be a daily occurrence. But why do dogs follow you everywhere? And is this behavior normal? Read below to find out. 

What Does It Mean When Your Dog Follows You Everywhere?

Dogs were first domesticated at least 15,000 years ago (1). They went from being wolves living in packs to dogs living in packs with humans. One of the biggest reasons that humans bred dogs was for companionship. 

For this reason it is easy to see why your dog might follow you everywhere. Humans and dogs have a mutually beneficial relationship, each providing the other with companionship. Humans also provide dogs with food, shelter, and safety.  

Some breeds of dogs, like terrier breeds, are more independent and may be less prone to following their owners. While other breeds are “velcro dogs,” sticking like glue to their pet parents. Toy breeds, such as Chihuahuas, were mostly bred to be our little friends. They tend to bond very closely with one person and will likely follow in their human parents’ footsteps. 

Herding dogs, including Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers, were bred to follow human orders to perform specific jobs. For this reason, they may also follow their owner’s every move. 

If you brought home your dog before the age of about 12 weeks, he most likely imprinted on you, seeing you as a parent-type figure. Puppies will typically follow their two-legged parents very closely and may do so less once they mature and become more confident in different situations. 

Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere? 

Besides having tasty treats in your pockets, your dog may be following you around for the following reasons: 

It’s Time For Dinner or a Walk

Dogs remember their daily routines and if you always feed your pup at the same time of day or go for a walk at seven in the morning every morning, he will get excited around those times and will likely follow your every move in anticipation of his reward. 

They Want Attention

A dog often follows his humans around because he received attention or some other form of reward in return for this behavior. If following their pet parent around leads to treats, play time, or pets, dogs will remember and perform the behavior more frequently. 

Most people will find this behavior endearing. However, if shadowing behavior becomes excessive it may become annoying and can be dangerous to you or your dog if the behavior causes you to trip.

They’re Afraid

Many dogs are scared of certain noises, like fireworks or thunderstorms, and may cling to their pet parents during these times. Our dogs see us as their protectors and staying near to us helps to calm them and make them feel safe.  

They’re Bored

If your dog is laying around all day with nothing exciting to do, he may focus more on you and tend to follow you around more—especially if that is the only action going on around him. 

They’re Trying To Tell You Something 

If your dog suddenly follows you everywhere, try following him back and see if he is trying to lead you somewhere, like outside to go to the bathroom or to an empty water bowl. He just might be trying to get you to notice something.  

Your dog may also begin following you around to tell you he doesn’t feel well or is sick. 

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a very common behavioral disorder, with one study finding a prevalence of 17 percent in a large population of dogs (2). Dogs with separation anxiety tend to follow their pet parents excessively and feel frantic or they panic when left alone. When pet parents make a big deal about arriving home and leaving the house, this can worsen anxiety behaviors. 

Why Do Dogs Follow You to the Bathroom? 

Any of the above reasons may cause your dog to follow you into the bathroom. Dogs also have an excellent sense of smell, so they may find the odors coming from bathrooms intriguing. An unpleasant smell for us is likely an intriguing smell for our dogs. 

Plus, bathrooms tend to have open garbage cans filled with tissues and other waste products that dogs enjoy sniffing through and tearing up. If you notice your dog going through the bathroom garbage, add a lid or keep the door closed!

Why Does My Elderly Dog Follow Me Everywhere? 

As dogs become old or geriatric, it‘s common for them to develop symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), also known as “doggie dementia.” CDS is caused by a degeneration of the brain. Common symptoms include disorientation, change in sleep-wake cycles, and anxiety behaviors. This may be a reason your old dog suddenly acts more clingy. 

Elderly dogs are more prone to developing illnesses and chronic conditions. Therefore, any new behavior could also be the signal of a medical problem. 

How to Stop Your Dog From Following You Everywhere 

Most of the time your dog’s shadowing behavior is nothing to worry about. However, if this behavior becomes excessive, you can try strategies at home to limit your dog’s clingy behavior. 

Increase Your Dog’s Exercise

You can help decrease how much your dog follows you around by making sure he receives plenty of daily exercise. A tired dog is a calm dog. Many dogs will follow their owners around due to boredom. Providing your dog with food-filled toys, treat dispensers, and puzzle toys helps stimulate his brain and alleviate boredom. This will also distract his energy away from you. 

Stop Reinforcing the Behavior

Another thing that pet parents should do is evaluate if they are reinforcing their pup’s behavior. Are you staring at your dog and petting him when he is following you around? This is reinforcing his behavior because you are rewarding the behavior with your attention. 

Instead, try ignoring the undesired behavior and reward your dog by giving him a treat or scratches when he settles down onto his bed or takes his attention off of you to play with a toy. 

Do not scold your dog for following you around. This can lead to fear and may also reinforce the behavior as a result of you giving your dog attention when the behavior is performed. 

Consult Your Vet

If your dog is normally pretty independent, but all of a sudden becomes excessively clingy, it’s time for a trip to your veterinarian. While an increase in shadowing behavior may be due to a behavioral or environmental issue, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. 

A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and run laboratory tests to rule out a serious problem. If no medical issues are detected, and you’d like to give your dog more independence, your veterinarian may be able to recommend a trainer or behavior specialist who can help you address or modify your dog’s following behaviors. 

The post 6 Reasons Your Dog Follows You Everywhere appeared first on Great Pet Care.

Dogs lick for a wide variety of reasons, including communication, and licking is usually a normal behavior for them. Dogs love to explore with their mouths and tongues. However, if any licking behavior becomes persistent or excessive, it may be the sign of a medical or a behavioral disorder. 

The following article will explore the reasons behind why dogs lick things in general and, more specifically, why dogs lick their lips. 

Why Do Dogs Lick So Much? 

Dogs are first introduced to licking behavior by their mothers. As soon as puppies are born, their mothers must lick them to stimulate them to urinate and defecate, as well as to groom them. Dogs learn this behavior and will lick each other or their humans as part of normal social interactions. Licking can also be soothing to dogs. 

Unlike humans, dogs do not have hands that they can use to touch, feel, and explore the world. Instead, dogs use their noses as well as their tongues to explore and learn more about their environments. 

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and if something smells good or pungent, including smells we find disgusting, it will often prompt a dog to lick that object. Your dog may lick your feet because they are stinky. Dogs may also lick things because they taste good to them, such as another dog’s mouth after they’ve recently eaten. 

For some dogs, licking can be an attention-seeking behavior that we unknowingly reinforce. Dogs are very in tune with their owners. If you gave your puppy attention every time they gave you kisses because it was adorable (who can resist puppy breath?), they learned to continue this behavior into adulthood in order to receive attention. 

But not all licking behavior is for attention or a normal part of exploration. A common reason that may cause a dog to excessively lick themselves is allergies. Allergies cause a dog to feel itchy and they will excessively groom to try to alleviate the itch. Dogs may also lick their lips or objects obsessively if they are nervous, stressed, or bored. 

Reasons Dogs Lick Their Lips 

Dogs often lick their lips as part of a normal communication with a strange dog or a human to let them know that they are not a threat to the stranger and to receive feedback that the stranger is also not a threat to the dog (1). 

Besides licking their lips as part of normal communication and greeting others, dogs also lick their lips for the following reasons: 

Hunger

When dogs feel hungry or they smell something delicious, like hamburgers on the grill, they will lick their lips. 

After Eating 

After finishing a meal—when there is still food in their mouth or on their lips—you might notice your dog licking their lips more than normal. 

Fear, Anxiety, or Stress 

When dogs feel threatened or uncomfortable, they will lick their lips. Studies showed that when a dog experienced aggressive behavior from another dog, they would lick their lips. This, in turn, would decrease that aggressive behavior in the aggressor dog (1). Dogs too will display lip licking toward humans when they are scared or uncomfortable, in the hopes that the human will not become aggressive toward them. 

Dogs may also lick their lips when you pet them as a signal that they are nervous or stressed by the behavior. Other dog body language signs of fear, anxiety, and stress include avoiding direct eye contact, a tense body posture, crouching down, pinned ears and a tucked tail. If you see any of these body language signs in a dog, it’s best to stop the behavior, give them some space, avert your eyes, and let them come to you. 

Ongoing anxiety can also lead to chronic behaviors such as lip licking. Anxiety behaviors can be reduced by giving your dog adequate exercise, providing them with interactive toys, ignoring anxious behaviors, and rewarding calm behaviors. Your veterinarian can help diagnose anxiety in your dog and may prescribe anxiety medications if the issue is severe. 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Yes, dogs can develop OCD just like people can, and excessive lip licking can be a symptom. OCD behaviors will typically first occur at or around the age of adolescence. Dogs with OCD will not usually stop when asked to stop the behavior and will do it even when their owners are not around. If you are concerned that your dog has OCD, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian, who may then refer your dog to a veterinary behaviorist, as this can be a difficult condition to treat. 

Nausea 

Similarly to humans, when dogs feel nauseous they will start to produce excess saliva and this in turn will cause them to lick their lips. Other clues that can tell you nausea is the reason for lip licking are loss of appetite, eating grass, or vomiting. If these symptoms are severe or last longer than a day or so, you should take your dog to see the veterinarian. 

Any disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract including inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, food allergies, pancreatitis and intestinal cancers can cause a dog to lick their lips. 

Dental or Oral Issues

Dog lip licking may be due to an issue inside of the mouth. Periodontal disease, an inflammatory condition of the gums and the tissues supporting the teeth, is present in some form in most adult dogs. As dogs age, if they do not receive regular oral care, this disease may progress and lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss. This will often lead to lip licking when the disease is advanced. 

Tumors in the mouth and foreign objects stuck in the mouth may also lead to lip licking. If you notice lip licking suddenly in your dog, make sure you take a good look in their mouth and take them to the vet if the behavior continues and is frequent.

Seizures

Partial or focal seizures in dogs are seizures that only affect a portion of the brain and may only cause subtle symptoms such as lip licking. If your dog suddenly develops lip licking, especially if your dog acts strange before and/or after the behavior begins, this may be a symptom of seizures and your dog should be taken to see a vet as soon as possible. 

Cognitive Dysfunction 

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a disorder similar to dementia in humans and may cause a dog to lick their lips. It occurs in old and geriatric dogs and is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning your veterinarian will diagnose this condition only when other causes of lip licking are excluded. Other symptoms of CDS include house soiling, change in sleep-wake cycles, pacing, vocalization and confusion. 

Why Do Dogs Smack Their Lips? 

While lip smacking may be a bit louder and more annoying than lip licking, the causes of lip licking and lip smacking are not usually very different. 

If a dog were to have severe mouth pain or something else really disturbing happening, the response may be more exaggerated and lead to lip smacking instead of lip licking.

Excessive Lip Licking In Dogs 

Occasional lip licking can be normal dog behavior. But a dog’s licking is considered excessive if it interrupts you or your dog’s day-to-day routine or quality of life. 

If your dog licks their lips without stopping for longer than a minute at a time, this would be considered excessive. If the lick lipping wakes you or them up in the middle of the night, the behavior is excessive. 

You should not scold or punish your dog when they licks their lips. Punishment can increase anxiety and it gives the dog attention, so it can inadvertently reinforce the behavior.

If you think your dog’s lip licking is due to a behavioral issue and not due to a medical issue, you can try some things at home to help decrease or eliminate the behavior. You can try distracting your dog with a food-filled toy when you see the behavior. You can also ignore the behavior by looking away or leaving the room when the behavior occurs. Getting your dog enough exercise may also help control lip-licking behavior.

If your dog suffers from anxiety, however, avoid hyper-focusing on reducing lip licking. In these scenarios, lip licking is normal dog body language conveying that they’re anxious. Instead, focus on reducing your pet’s anxiety, not on reducing the lip-licking itself.

If the behavior occurs despite trying the above suggestions, it’s time to take your pup to the veterinarian. 

When To Be Concerned About Dog Lip Licking

Excessive lip licking often has a medical cause. You should take your dog to the vet if excessive lip licking occurs suddenly and there is no apparent cause for the behavior. This is especially important if your pet is older or you notice any other abnormal symptoms such as a change in appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. 

Before taking your dog to see a veterinarian, it is very helpful to take several videos recording the abnormal behavior. This can help your veterinarian tremendously in reaching a diagnosis. 

During a veterinary appointment, the doctor will do a thorough physical examination. They will look in your dog’s mouth and palpate (feel) the abdomen. Blood, urine, and fecal tests also should be performed. If the tests do not show any abnormalities, the problem is likely behavioral and your veterinarian may recommend working with a behaviorist or trainer. 

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In recent years, cases of canine leptospirosis have been on the rise. The bacteria is more common in warmer and wetter climates. In the U.S., the Midwest, East, and Southwest are considered hotspots leptospirosis infections in dogs, but positive cases are reported nationwide.

USDA-approved leptospirosis vaccines are effective in the prevention of this disease in dogs. 

What is the Leptospirosis Vaccine? 

In the 1960s the first leptospirosis vaccines began to be administered to dogs in the United States and Europe. Since then, vaccination in dogs has become routine at many veterinary clinics across the U.S. However, not all clinics routinely perform or offer this vaccine. This is likely due to the vaccine’s non-core status as deemed by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and the American Animal Hospital Association. 

Given leptospirosis’ widespread prevalence and potential to cause death in dogs, many veterinarians disagree with the vaccine’s status as non-core. In fact, it may be considered a core vaccine depending on the area in which you live. For example, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s hospital considers the lepto vaccine a core vaccine for dogs residing in the state of California. 

The lepto vaccine is available from most general practice veterinary clinics throughout the United States. The law does not mandate vaccination anywhere in the U.S. 

How Does the Lepto Vaccine for Dogs Work? 

There are more than 250 strains of the leptospirosis-inducing bacteria. The bacteria are classified into different subspecies, called serovars, based on different proteins present on the surface of their cells. In the United States the bacteria from the four serovars—Cannicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, and Pomona—account for most, but not all, leptospirosis infections in dogs. For this reason, commercially available vaccines will not prevent against all possible causes of canine leptospirosis. 

The first vaccines available only provided protection for two of the common serovars. The newer 4-way leptospirosis vaccines protect against infections from Leptospira bacteria in all four serovars. The veterinarian community now generally accepts that only the 4-way leptospirosis vaccine be given to dogs since it will provide the most protection against the disease. 

The 4-way lepto vaccine contains inactivated pieces of the bacteria from the four different important serovars. Since the vaccine contains killed Leptospira bacteria, it will not cause leptospirosis in dogs who receive the vaccine. Once injected, the vaccine will prompt your dog’s immune system to produce antibodies which helps fight the Leptospira bacteria. 

In order to produce a sufficient immune response, dogs must receive a booster vaccine 2 to 4 weeks following their first leptospirosis vaccine. 

Leptospirosis Vaccine Schedule for Dogs 

Puppies who are at risk of contracting leptospirosis can receive their first lepto shot as early as 8-9 weeks of age, but many experts recommend waiting until 12 weeks of age. Then, puppies should receive a booster vaccine 2 to 4 weeks later and then annually thereafter. 

Adult dogs at risk of contracting leptospirosis should receive the vaccine annually. If an adult dog did not receive the shot as a puppy or she is significantly overdue for the vaccine, she will need a booster vaccine 2 to 4 weeks after the initial vaccine and then annually thereafter.

Side Effects of the Leptospirosis Vaccine 

Earlier versions of the leptospirosis vaccine reported higher risks for side effects than other common vaccines for dogs. However, newer production methods have significantly reduced the risk for adverse effects with two studies reporting between a 0.4 and 0.6 percent risk of reactions to the vaccine. 

All injectable vaccines, including the lepto vaccine, will commonly produce mild side effects which typically resolve in one to two days. These include: 

• Tiredness
• Soreness and mild swelling at the site of injection 

If these symptoms persist beyond a few days or are causing your dog significant discomfort, you should contact your veterinarian.  

Rarely, a leptospirosis vaccine may cause more serious side effects due to an allergic reaction, also known as a vaccine reaction. Symptoms of a leptospirosis vaccine reaction include:  

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Facial swelling 
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing 
• Collapse 
• Injection site swelling 

Most vaccine reactions in dogs will occur within a few hours of the vaccination. If your dog displays symptoms of a vaccine reaction, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately. Most dogs experiencing a vaccine reaction will recover quickly with prompt veterinary care. 

Prior to vaccinating your pet, it is important to notify your veterinarian if she has had a reaction to previous vaccines. For dogs with a history of mild vaccine reactions, a veterinarian may recommend administering medications prior to giving the lepto vaccine. For those with a history of serious reactions to prior vaccines, veterinarians generally do not recommend the leptospirosis vaccine.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, separating the leptospirosis vaccine from the administration of other injectable vaccines, particularly in dogs weighing less than 22 lbs, may reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. 

Manufacturers of the Lepto Vaccine for Dogs

The following leptospirosis vaccines are licensed for use in dogs in the United States:

Each of the above manufacturers also offers the lepto vaccine combined together with the DAPP core vaccine. 

No one leptospirosis vaccine is currently regarded as safer or more effective than another. 

All featured products were chosen at the discretion of the Great Pet Care editorial team and not directly recommended or endorsed by the author of this article. Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Cost

The cost of a lepto vaccine for your dog can vary greatly depending on your location and whether you visit a low-cost vaccine clinic or a full service veterinary practice. The cost typically ranges from $15 to $35 for the lepto vaccine alone and may be up to $50-$60 for the combination DAPP with lepto vaccine. 

If you have pet health insurance such as MetLife Pet Insurance, your plan may help cover some of the costs of vaccinations. Some plans offer preventative care or wellnes package add-ons that may cover expenses associated with keeping your pet healthy, such as certain vaccines, among many other healthcare perks.

Does Your Dog Need the Lepto Vaccine? 

The question of whether or not to administer the leptospirosis vaccine routinely to all dogs is a hotly debated question amongst veterinarians. It is this author’s opinion that most dogs should receive this vaccine with very few exceptions, which include a history of previous allergic reactions to vaccines and indoor-only dogs.

Leptospirosis exists in rural, suburban, and urban settings across every state in the U.S. In urban environments, contact either directly or indirectly to rat or mice urine poses the biggest threat. In suburban environments, wildlife are a common source of infection. Finally, in rural areas, livestock and wildlife may transmit leptospirosis to dogs. 

While hunting dogs, dogs that swim in lakes or ponds, and dogs living near farm animals are still thought to have a high risk of infection, a recent study found that dogs weighing less than 15 lbs had the highest likelihood of testing positive for lepto. 

Here are some reasons to vaccinate your dog against leptospirosis:

• The disease can be severe and may result in death, especially if the disease is not rapidly diagnosed and treated.  
• Leptospirosis is difficult to diagnose due to the wide ranges of symptoms, including asymptomatic carriers, and may go undetected. Because this disease can mimic many more common diseases, it is thought that leptospirosis often goes undiagnosed and the true rates of infections in dogs are likely much higher than reported rates. 
• It is widespread throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world. 
• Leptospirosis poses a risk to both your dog’s health and your health if your dog transmits the disease to you. 

The post Leptospirosis Vaccine for Dogs: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Great Pet Care.

As the obesity epidemic continues to worsen in people, more and more of our pets are becoming overweight and obese as well. Currently, it is estimated that up to 60 percent of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese (1).

While reducing how many calories an overweight dog eats is most important, exercise is also a crucial component of a weight loss program and can help dogs to maintain their muscle mass while losing body fat. Wondering how much and what types of exercise your couch potato cuddler or rambunctious squirrel chasers need? Read below to find out.

Why Do Dogs Need Exercise?

Although dogs became domesticated at least 14,000 years ago, many of their behavioral instincts and drives can be traced back to their common wolf ancestor. Similarly to wolves, dogs still have instincts to hunt, stalk, and chase prey. And, likewise, they also feel a need and a desire to exercise.

Once dogs became domesticated and humans began to drastically change their sizes and appearances, certain breeds of dogs were bred to perform work in the form of different types of exercise such as pulling sleds or herding sheep. This has created a great diversity in our dog’s requirements for exercise.

How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need?

So how much exercise does a dog need every day? This can be a difficult question to answer and the research is lacking in this field. Generally speaking however, most dogs should get between thirty minutes and two hours of exercise every single day, depending on age, breed, and overall activity level.

It is important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any exercise program for your dog. Your vet can make sure your dog is healthy enough for certain exercises and give you a better idea of your dog’s specific exercise needs.

Breed and Size: Does it Impact a Dog’s Exercise Needs?

Different breeds of dogs were created for different purposes and this has greatly impacted their needs for exercise.

Dogs in the sporting group, such as the friendly Labrador Retriever, were bred to help hunters catch or retrieve game. Herding dogs, such as the Australian Shepherd, were bred to herd livestock. The Siberian Husky, a breed in the working dog group, was bred to pull sleds through miles and miles of snow each day.

Meanwhile some breeds, like those in the toy breed group, which includes Chihuahuas and Pugs, were bred to provide people with companionship and make wonderful lap dogs.

The purpose that each breed was bred for will generally guide the amount and type of exercise that is best for each dog.

How Much Exercise Do Puppies Need?

Puppies have unique requirements for exercise and sleep. In the puppy stage, a dog’s body is constantly putting energy into growth and development. For this reason, you will notice that puppies sleep long and often. In between periods of sleep, puppies typically are very energetic and go through short bursts of wanting to run and play.

While puppies may seem like they have the energy to go all day, their brains are not yet fully developed and they often do not know when enough is enough. Additionally, certain breeds of dogs are prone to developmental orthopedic (bone-related) diseases such as hip dysplasia or osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). For these reasons, it is best not to force a puppy to exercise.

Forced exercise is any amount of activity beyond what your puppy would voluntarily perform with other puppies of a similar age and breed. While your puppy is growing, play with him for only about 15 to 20 minutes at a time and closely monitor his body language. Once he starts showing any signs of being tired such as panting, yawning, or laying down, take that as your cue to stop throwing that toy.

Once your puppy is fully grown, you can begin taking him out with you on runs or start longer sustained periods of exercise.

Exercise Benefits for Dogs

Exercise has a wide range of benefits for our four-legged friends. The most obvious benefits are health benefits. These health benefits include:

Strong muscles. Regular exercise helps to build strong muscles in dogs. Strong musculature can help to support joints and prevent injuries.

Joint support. Maintaining muscle mass is especially important as dogs age and can lessen the symptoms of osteoarthritis, a painful joint disease present in many senior pets.

Heart health. Regular activity also helps to keep your pup’s heart healthy.

Making sure your dog exercises can also lead to behavioral benefits. Have you ever come home from a long day at work and find that your dog has chewed up that favorite shoe of yours? Destructive behaviors such as chewing, barking, and digging may be your dog’s way of telling you that he needs to exercise. Dogs often display destructive behaviors not to spite us, but out of boredom and pent up energy.

Exercising your dog can also help to ease some common behavioral disorders such as separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors.

Types of Dog Exercises to Try With Your Dog

There are endless ways to exercise your dog, so pick an activity that works for both of you. Try out a few of the exercises listed below to find what works best for your dog.

When starting any new exercise, make sure to start small and gradually increase exercise duration.

Walking Your Dog

There is a reason that this tried-and-true activity is one of the most popular ways pet parents exercise their dogs. It’s enjoyable for both humans and dogs and is suitable for almost all breeds.

Even if your dog has access to a backyard, taking him on a daily walk around the neighborhood will allow him to take in new exciting sights and smells. When walking for exercise, train your dog to keep a quick pace in order to reap the cardiovascular benefits. However, you should allow “sniff breaks” every so often to prevent frustration and let your dog do his dog thing.

Running With Your Dog

High-energy breeds like Viszlas and German Short-Haired Pointers tend to make great running companions. Running is a great way to prevent weight gain in dogs—plus, it will keep you fit too! Keep in mind that running is a high impact exercise so it may not be a good idea for dogs with osteoarthritis or other injuries.

Dog Swimming

In dogs that love the water, like Labrador Retrievers, swimming can be a very beneficial exercise. Swimming is a low impact activity so it is well suited for dogs with osteoarthritis or dogs recovering from orthopedic injuries. Not sure how to safely teach your dog how to swim? Don’t worry—here’s how to do it!

Agility Training

Agility is a sport in which a dog owner directs their dog through a timed obstacle course. Dogs in the herding group, including Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Australian Cattle Dogs, tend to dominate this sport, but many different types of dogs can enjoy agility. Agility is as much of a mental workout as it is a physical workout.

Indoor Playtime

For small breeds and those less suited for exercise, playing indoors can be a great form of exercise. It can be easy to wipe out a Yorkshire Terrier just by throwing his ball around the living room.

The great thing about exercising your dog indoors is that you can control the temperature. Brachycephalic breeds, those with shortened snouts like Bulldogs and Pugs, are at less risk of overheating when playing in a cool environment. Puzzle toys can provide a great mental workout for any dog and can keep their minds sharp, especially as they get older.

Can Dogs Get Too Much Exercise?

Too much of a good thing can definitely be bad when it comes to exercising your dog. Keeping a close eye on your dog’s body language during activity is crucial.

Signs your dog has had enough exercise include:

• Heavy panting
• Lying down
• Stopping exercise to sit or stand still

Never force your dog to exercise if he is telling you he’s had enough. If you’re worried that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise or think he needs more movement in order to lose weight, talk to your veterinarian to discuss the best options.

Dog Exercise Safety When Outdoors

When exercising outdoors, paying attention to the temperature is key. Dogs wear a constant fur coat and are less able to cool themselves off than humans. Overheating can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

In warmer months, avoid exercise during the middle of the day and opt for going outdoors with your pooch in the early morning or late evening when it has cooled off.

Due to their anatomy, brachycephalic dogs are very prone to heat stroke and can overheat even in relatively cool temperatures. Overweight dogs and those with thick coats, such as Huskies, are also at increased risk of heat stroke.

Warmer weather can also lead to foot-pad injuries from hot pavement or asphalt. If the ground feels too hot to keep the back of your hand in place for a few seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet and you should choose a different exercise location or wait until things cool down.

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Once a susceptible animal, including humans, becomes symptomatic for rabies it is almost always fatal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies kills more than 59,000 people worldwide every year, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia (1). 

Dog bites account for 99 percent of rabies infections in humans. In the United States, however, there are only between 1 to 3 human rabies cases annually. This low rate is mainly due to the widespread vaccination of dogs and cats in the country. 

What is the Rabies Vaccine? 

The rabies vaccine traces its origins to 1885, when Louis Pasteur, also known as the “father of microbiology,” injected an inactivated rabies virus into a young boy who had been bitten by a rabid dog. The vaccine prevented the boy from developing rabies symptoms and saved him from death (2). 

In the 1980s, the United States and many other countries began vaccinating dogs against rabies to protect humans against this deadly virus. Unlike in humans, to whom most rabies vaccinations are given after a potential exposure, rabies vaccines are given to healthy dogs in order to prevent rabies. 

Almost all veterinary clinics offer the rabies vaccine for dogs. The rabies vaccination is required by law in almost all states across the United States. In the states that do not specifically require rabies vaccination (such as Minnesota and Ohio), many local cities and municipalities within those states will require the vaccination. 

How Does It Work? 

Rabies vaccines contain inactivated pieces of the rabies virus, meaning the vaccine will not cause a dog to develop rabies. Once injected into the dog, the immune system reacts to the foreign rabies virus material by developing antibodies against the virus. 

The antibodies will continue to circulate for a period of time and allow the body to “remember” how to fight off future infections. If a vaccinated dog is exposed to rabies, the immune system will contain the necessary antibodies to fight off the infection before it can cause the dog to become ill. 

After a certain amount of time, the body may lose sufficient levels of the antibodies that help the body to battle a rabies infection. This is why it is necessary to re-vaccinate dogs against rabies every 1 to 3 years, depending on their age and the type of vaccine used. 

Since rabies is such a deadly disease, if a vaccinated dog is exposed to a potentially rabid animal via a bite, scratch or exposure to nervous system tissue, it is usually recommended for the dog to receive an additional vaccination against rabies. 

Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Dogs

Puppies can be vaccinated against rabies when they are as young as 12 weeks of age. Most states in the U.S. require that puppies receive their rabies vaccine by 4 to 6 months of age, depending on state or local laws. 

The next rabies vaccine must then be administered one year later. After the one-year booster vaccine, the rabies vaccine is typically boostered every 3 years but this can vary based on the vaccine manufacturer and state or local laws.

Rabies Vaccine Side Effects for Dogs

While the rabies vaccine can cause side effects, most are mild and resolve within a day or so. Normal side effects from a rabies shot include tiredness and soreness at the site of injection. 

Rarely, a rabies vaccine may cause more serious side effects, also known as a vaccine reaction. Symptoms of a rabies vaccine reaction include:  

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Facial swelling 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Collapse 
• Injection site swelling 

Most vaccine reactions will occur within a few hours of the vaccination. If your dog displays symptoms of a vaccine reaction, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately. Most dogs experiencing a vaccine reaction will recover quickly with prompt veterinary care. 

For dogs with a history of vaccine reactions, a veterinarian may recommend administering medications prior to future vaccines to prevent reactions. 

Some states or municipalities requiring rabies vaccinations may allow dog owners to request a rabies vaccination exemption if the dog’s veterinarian determines continuing to vaccinate poses a significant risk to the pet’s health. 

Based on current evidence, there is no difference in the risk of side effects from one licensed vaccine to another (3). 

Manufacturers of the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs

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The following rabies vaccines are licensed for use in dogs in the United States: 

The vaccines with the number one in the vaccine name means it provides immunity against rabies for one year. Those with the number three in the name provide protection for three years. 

The letters TF in the vaccine name indicate that the vaccine is free of thimerosal. Thimerosal is a mercury compound included in vaccines as a preservative to prevent bacterial growth in the product. Studies to date do not show that thimerosal is harmful to dogs when included in vaccines. 

Cost of the Rabies Vaccine for Dogs 

While the price varies based on your geographical region and the type of veterinary clinic where the vaccine is given, pet parents can generally expect to pay between $15 and $35 for a dog rabies vaccine. 

Does Your Dog Need to Be Vaccinated for Rabies? 

It is very important to vaccinate dogs against rabies. It is the law for dogs to receive the rabies vaccine every 1 to 3 years in most areas of the United States and you can be fined for not vaccinating your dog. Additionally, keeping your dog’s rabies vaccine up to date will help to ensure that she does not contract the fatal disease and risk spreading rabies to yourself or others. 

In the U.S., wildlife are reservoirs of the rabies virus. The animals most commonly infected with rabies are bats, coyotes, skunks, foxes and racoons. If an unvaccinated dog is bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, it may develop rabies, which can then be transmitted to a human. 

If your dog is bitten by a suspected rabid animal and she is not up to date on her rabies vaccine, law enforcement has the right to quarantine your dog for four to six months, or worse yet, to euthanize your dog. Euthanasia and then testing of the brain tissue is the only way to tell for sure if an animal is infected with rabies. Quarantines are also mandated when an unvaccinated dog bites a human. All animal bites should be reported immediately to a local animal control agency for guidance on the appropriate protocol. 

Vaccinating your dog against rabies is crucial to maintaining public safety and is part of being a responsible pet owner.

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Many things can significantly impact a cat’s longevity, ranging from feeding high-quality diets to spay and neuter procedures. In fact, Banfield’s State of Pet Health reported that spayed female cats live 39 percent longer than unspayed females and neutered males live a whopping 62 percent longer than unneutered males.

As cats live longer, pet parents need to adjust care routines to support a senior lifestyle. But how do you know that your cat is aging and approaching her golden years? Let’s look at defining senior age in cats and some subtle signs that your cat is getting older.

What is a Senior Age for Cats?

Cats are generally considered seniors at around 8 to 10 years of age. This can vary depending on a variety of factors including individual genetics, the presence of chronic diseases and the level of veterinary care the cat has received during her lifetime.

There are many 10-year-old cats that still act kitten-like without noticeable aging changes.

Signs of Aging in Cats

As pet parents, we spend every day with our feline friends, so the signs of aging in cats may be subtle or difficult to recognize. But these 10 signs may signal that your cat is approaching the senior life stage and could indicate that it’s time to reevaluate how you care for her.

Decreased Mobility

Many people attribute their cat’s slowing down to a normal part of the aging process. But a significant slow down is not normal and is often a sign of a painful condition. It is estimated that 90 percent of cats over the age of 12 have osteoarthritis (2), a chronic progressive degeneration of the cartilage and other components that make up joints. The joints most commonly affected are the hips, elbows, ankles and knees.

Since cats cannot tell us when they are in pain, it is important to watch out for the subtle signs of arthritis. If you notice that your cat is reluctant to go up or down the stairs or if your cat has to take breaks when using stairs, this is a good indicator of arthritis. Other symptoms of arthritis include difficulty jumping onto or off of furniture, difficulty chasing toys, or overall decreases in activity.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your cat to a veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend taking X-rays to help confirm the diagnosis of arthritis. Treatment options for arthritis in cats includes weight loss (if your cat is overweight), nutritional supplements, prescription diets, and prescription medications.

Weight Loss

If your cat appears thinner or bonier than usual, it may be due to weight loss. As cats age, they may lose muscle mass due to arthritis. Chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism are other conditions commonly diagnosed in senior cats which often lead to weight loss. If you notice that your cat is losing weight, a veterinary visit for an examination and blood and urine testing is needed to determine the cause.

Bad Breath

Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed disease among cats of all ages, affecting at least 70 percent of cats aged 3 or older, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society. If careful at home and professional dental care is not performed from an early age, many cats will have severe dental disease by the time they reach senior age.

Signs of dental disease include bad breath, red gums, tartar build up, and tooth loss. Most cat parents will not notice a change in eating habits until very severe dental disease is present. Having your cat examined at least annually by a veterinarian and performing daily home dental care will help to prevent dental disease and treat it before it becomes very painful.

Changes in Temperament

If your cat is acting grumpier than usual your cat may be getting older. Hyperthyroidism, a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland, is a common disease seen in older cats. This condition can cause previously docile cats to become aggressive or agitated. A blood test is needed to diagnose hyperthyroidism. Medication is available to treat the disease.

Increased Vocalization and Disorientation

Other behaviors to watch out for as cats get old are increased vocalization (meowing), especially at night time, and acting confused or disoriented. In geriatric cats these are common signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), a condition similar to dementia in humans.

While there is not yet a specific treatment for CDS in pets, certain diets, supplements, and prescription medications may help to reduce the symptoms. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.

Cloudy Eyes

Pet parents often notice that their cat’s eyes start looking hazy or cloudy with age. Most of the time this is not due to cataracts but due a condition called lenticular sclerosis. Lenticular sclerosis, unlike cataracts, does not significantly impair a cat’s vision. Almost all cats will have visible signs of lenticular sclerosis by 9 years of age and it often becomes more and more noticeable as the years go on. An eye examination is needed to distinguish between cataracts, a condition which may require medications or surgery, and lenticular sclerosis.

Vision Loss

Partial or complete vision loss may occur in elderly cats and may be a sign of serious disease. If you notice your cat suddenly starts to bump into objects, has dilated pupils, or has difficulty making her way around the house, take your cat to a veterinary clinic immediately.

Sudden blindness may be a result of retinal detachment caused by hypertension (high blood pressure) and prompt treatment is necessary to improve the chances that vision will return. Hypertension may occur by itself or may be seen with hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease so laboratory testing is essential.

Increased Thirst

Are you filling up your cat’s water bowl more frequently? Is she begging to drink from the sink or are you catching her drinking out of the toilet? If so, your cat may be getting older and developing a chronic disease.

Diabetes will cause increased thirst but is more commonly diagnosed in middle-aged cats. Two common diseases diagnosed in senior cats which cause increased thirst are hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease. These diseases are diagnosed using blood and urine tests and, if caught early, can be successfully managed for years.

Frequent Urination or House Soiling

If you are seeing your cat urinating more often or urinating outside of her litterbox, she may be getting old. Increased urination is common in old cats with chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and urinary tract infections, among other issues. It is important to let your veterinarian know about these issues so that a proper diagnosis can be made and treatment can be started as soon as possible.

Changes In Appetite

Any changes in appetite could mean that your cat is getting older. An increase in hunger together with weight loss is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism or cancer. In an overweight cat, these symptoms would be concerning for diabetes.

A decrease in appetite is commonly seen in chronic kidney disease. Decreased food intake may also be present in cats with dental disease or cancer. Appetite changes should always be taken seriously and are cause for a visit to your veterinary clinic.

How to Care for Cats as They Age

The single most important thing you can do to improve your senior cat’s health and quality of life is to take him to a veterinarian for regular check ups and routine lab work. It is best for senior cats to be examined every 6 months, as this will ensure that any issues that may not be apparent to cat parents are caught and addressed early.

Your veterinarian can make recommendations on a senior-specific diet, supplements, or pain medications which can significantly improve your cat’s vitality and longevity.

Additionally, you can consider making modifications to your home to help your aging cat feel more comfortable. Consider a litter box with low sides that make getting in and out easier. Try pet ramps to help your cat climb up stairs or furniture easier or pick her up and carry her up stairs if she’s comfortable being held.

And to keep your cat’s mind sharp as she ages, make sure to block out plenty of time for interactive play and food puzzles.

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